The capital city, Kajeif.
Crowds started gathering in the central square early in the morning.
It was only natural.
Along with the official return schedule of the landing force command that brought the first complete victory to the Okhraine Duchy, a parade of the main force units was planned.
The children held small Okhraine national flags in their hands,
while the elderly waited eagerly for the heroes of the turnaround, hugging yellow chrysanthemums symbolizing Okhraine.
A loud voice echoed at that moment.
“Look up at the sky!”
At those words, the crowd turned their heads in unison. Something white floated on the seemingly endless blue sky, celebrating the victory together.
“It’s from Wilson Times! It’s something called Enok Revendale’s airship!”
“It’s here! It’s really here!!”
Citizens of Kajeif cheered and waved their hands as they saw the giant aerial battleship, which they had only seen in printed pictures in newspapers.
The third ship, Enok.
Originally, the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit had intended to mobilize the first ship, Chepelin, but due to the aftermath of the second ship, Revandovsky, being completely destroyed, they had to take care of logistics supplies.
Due to its relatively smaller capacity, Enok was deployed for the parade.
As the aerial battleship passed overhead, shadows fell over the citizens’ heads.
People exclaimed praises, awed by the massive presence that even blocked out the sunlight.
Boom! Clap clap clap~! Clap clap clap~
As grand music began playing, soldiers in uniform appeared on the streets. However, not everyone was in uniform.
Those at the forefront wore pitch-black attire, unlike the black uniforms of the National Militia controlling the scene.
They soon realized these black-clad individuals were members of the legendary “8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit.”
Of course,
the citizens recognized Enok Revendale’s unit not just by their attire.
“There he is!”
“Enok Revendale!!!”
“Whooosh–!”
A young officer waved to the crowd with a confident expression, his blonde hair fluttering.
The one who had been so talked about in Wilson Times,
was Major Enok Revendale.
“Honor to our homeland! Praise to the heroes!!”
“Woahhh!!”
“Truly great, Professor!!”
The soldiers of the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit felt a rising emotion deep within them, stirred by the citizens’ warm praise.
Whether they were conscripted soldiers,
those who joined the army out of desperation,
or those who initially joined with purpose but later felt disillusioned,
this experience was unprecedented.
Had they ever received such a welcome as soldiers? In fact, the treatment and evaluation of soldiers within Okhraine had generally been quite poor.
Most people thought of them as merely a group wasting public funds unless they were mages.
In reality, before joining the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit, the soldiers themselves shared similar views.
Why did the defense force of Maniopol fail to mount a proper counterattack and collapse?
Why did those who joined the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit struggle so terribly during their initial training?
There was only one reason:
they lacked the spirit of a soldier.
Combat skills? Even shooting practice occurred only twice a year, making combat sense virtually nonexistent.
Without inspection officers or evaluators from higher ranks, they didn’t even wear uniforms properly, let alone handle weapons.
Except for the strict military discipline in the south and north, most infantry units were managed this way.
But after becoming part of the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit and experiencing the Quernen War,
they deeply realized how weak and inept they had been.
“…Rosel, that guy would definitely want to see this scene too.”
“Elberta said Kajeif was her hometown. It would have been nice if she could have come along.”
Muttering the names of comrades they could no longer talk to or see,
the soldiers of the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit marched silently through the streets.
News of Okhraine’s victory spread like wildfire, not just in the capital city, Kajeif.
Okhraine Duchy was strategically surrounded by various nations.
Even though they seemed indifferent, everyone was keenly watching Okhraine’s movements.
“Let me say this.”
“The strategy of the Azoff People’s Liberation Front was not good. Moreover, they lacked equipment to effectively counter our airships.”
Emperor Peter Konstantin of the Soviev Empire groaned deeply.
He had expected to devastate the grain-rich southern region, but the invasion was thwarted by capturing just two port cities.
“I cannot say anything.”
A man with red eyes knelt before the emperor. Yegor Ivanov, the empire’s executioner and Peter’s most trusted officer.
Although he was still a junior officer now, he was considered a potential knife for a ‘bloody purge’ to clean up the corrupt military someday.
“Those barbarians dismissed everything our military advisor said.”
“Nur Ezenner, who led the expeditionary force, was an anti-imperialist.”
“We should have appointed someone else. But since the situation has already unfolded, there’s nothing we can do about it now.”
The emperor felt parched.
The invasion of Okhraine by the Azoff Islands was practically sponsored by the Soviev Empire.
Though still powerful, the Soviev Empire was wary of the rapidly rising Rhinehardt Empire.
Even though they were bound by the Empire Alliance,
alliances were not as heavy as they seemed. If there was any friction, excuses were made to stab each other in the back.
For now, they maintained a moderate relationship with Rhinehardt,
but the future was uncertain.
“Anyway, they’re just rebels. We provided weapons from Adalia and Rhinehardt. No single country can be pinpointed.”
“Hmm.”
“Besides, there are many opportunities left to crush Okhraine. The reckless push of the crown prince’s plan has caused significant backlash within the cabinet. If we use this well, we can shake the nation far more seriously than the rebels’ stirrings.”
Yegor Ivanov’s lips curled slightly. For decades, the empire had slowly planted its influence within Okhraine.
Now, as the harvest season approaches,
it’s time to finally reap the fruits.
“This is your last chance, Major Yegor Ivanov. Remember this.”
“If I can’t bring you victory, I will cut my own life without hesitation.”
“That won’t be enough.”
The emperor’s cold voice dropped.
If it were anyone else, they would beg for mercy trembling. But Yegor Ivanov had no such intention.
‘Interesting results came out… Major Enok Revendale.’
Rather,
he was delighted to have another opportunity to face the only officer he highly valued again.
In the capital of Rhinehardt, Proit,
“Okhraine provided us with live combat data for the 57mm Grizzly Howitzer.”
“In that case… we can’t help but cooperate willingly.”
Captain Johannes von Weissenberg, deeply involved in the development of the Moldoke armored train, and Dr. Mercedes Musk clinked their beer glasses.
Rhinehardt Empire was also in an uproar over the news that Okhraine Duchy had reclaimed the Azoff Islands.
Especially for Captain Johannes, it was surprising.
He had spoken extensively with Lieutenant Colonel Enok Revendale, the main combatant, at the Count Petrinant’s military exhibition just months ago.
Though he was still a captain, Enok Revendale had risen to the rank of colonel through promotions.
Even if it was a wartime rank,
considering his achievements, it was clear that the military wouldn’t demote him now that the war was over.
At most, he might be promoted to major.
Or, they might advance him one rank to lieutenant colonel as a commendation.
“Let’s accelerate the Moldoke armored train development schedule.”
“Provide the blueprint and send relevant personnel to Okhraine to scout factory sites.”
Enok Revendale must have become an instant star within Okhraine because of this war.
While Sony Chepelin gained fame due to his title as a Great Mage,
Mercedes Musk couldn’t even begin to predict the storm Enok Revendale, without such titles, would bring.
“What do you think about including him in Count Petrinant’s new test project?”
“…That information has already been sent to Sony Chepelin’s side.”
Dr. Halberstadt.
Unlike Mercedes Musk, who specialized in railways and ground power systems, he was one of the eight scientists with overwhelming talent in aviation power.
He had contributed significantly to the development of Count Petrinant’s airships and immediately embarked on a new project after completing them.
Something odd-looking with propellers attached.
Mercedes Musk didn’t care whether it had propellers or engines attached.
“Anyway, we need to accelerate the improvement of the Moldoke trains. Okhraine… seems to be a country with sufficient value.”
The doctor said offhandedly.
This was also something Captain Johannes agreed with entirely.
