Chapter 147Declaration of war
As tens of thousands of people filled the streets, Drachenreich's sacred flag waved. Hundreds of flags were raised, and thanks to the thousands chanting the Empress' sanctity, a magnificent rally atmosphere prevailed.
As slogans were shouted and the armored convoy approached the rally, people cheered. When Morrigan stepped out of the armored carriage, the crowd fell silent with her arrival.
"Holy Aryan people!" Morrigan proclaimed harshly. "On this beautiful day, in front of these beautiful people, I no longer hide my feelings within!"
"Today, we will save our sacred race from the pressure of the barbaric Aurelion!" As Morrigan spoke, the slogans grew even louder. Morrigan waited for the crowd to quiet down before continuing.
"For a long time, for many years, we have been undermined by foreign forces! The standard of living of our children had fallen below the global standard! Our army was corrupted! Our shipyards were shut down, and our sacred land was invaded by inferior races!"
"The road to greatness has been blocked! Blocked by Wilhelm, who calls himself King, and the puppet masters who control him! They tried to separate us, to destroy us by pulling us away from the love of Creation, our true religion!"
Holding up the Genesis Holy Bible for everyone to see, Morrigan continued harshly. "Our main religion is Creation! It is He who created us and defends our rights! He who has gifted us the promised land!"
"We have returned to the merciful embrace of Creation! Our army is stronger than ever! Our prosperity has become something that others envy! Yet, the problems are not over!"
Morrigan kissed the Genesis Bible lightly and placed it on the podium. As chants of War rose, Morrigan felt her throat dry for a moment, but she did not care.
"Now, it is my responsibility and yours to protect the future of our children! We will send the Aurelions, who have invaded and occupied our promised lands, away, and we will rise again!"
Morrigan paused, closed her eyes, and calmed her emotions. Then, after a moment, she opened her eyes, which gleamed with the glow of Mana. She declared loudly, "Are you with me? Loyal allies! Together, we will rise again!"
"We are ready!!"
"Are you afraid?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
"No!"
"Brave Holy Aryan people! Power is the golden wine that flows in our veins! The blood that runs within us! It is the blood of the unique Fairies that live with holiness! We are not barbaric nor inferior like the others! We are the collar around the throat of the Goddess of Light! On this earth, we are the shadow of Creation!"
As the crowd cheered, the collective enthusiasm of the people exhilarated Morrigan. This excitement was pride. Morrigan continued.
"Our army consists of great men tasked with destroying the enemy! Our knowledge is unique enough to carry us for another thousand years! Our culture is the greatest factor that sets us apart from them! Now, I promise you this!"
"We will drive out the parasites that have invaded our land! We will destroy the traitors who tried to disable our barracks and drive the Aurelions from our land!"
"Know that we all carry within us a sacred blood that even the Gods cannot reach! The Goddess of Light is but a simple obstacle before us! Now, I declare here that we will declare war on the Aurelion Republic! Their blood will become our new lakes, and our future will now be in our hands! I swear on all my honor that I will not stop until all our enemies are gone!"
As Morrigan finished her speech, the rising screams and chants shook the City. Hundreds of Imperial supporters chanted in the streets, and the celebrations spread from the cities to the countryside of Drachenreich.
While the celebration engulfed all of Drachenreich, Morrigan and her cabinet were preparing for a meeting. Bernard stepped forward to report to Morrigan.
"Your Majesty, as you requested, the plan is ready." Bernard said seriously, then began explaining the details of the war plan. He pointed to a map on the table, showing the most heavily defended section of the Aurelion Republic.
"There are dense forests and heavy defensive magic here. Normally, sending soldiers there would be certain death, but as you said, it's a good place to eliminate the Imperial-opposing and rebellious soldiers among our ranks." Bernard then pointed to the regions above and below the forested area. "These regions are significantly fortified as well. However, unlike the front line, there are elderly and disabled people here."
"The Aurelion army, as we expected, is not as strong as before."
"Exactly," Bernard smiled and glanced at Wilfried. "They still think the Magnus line is impenetrable, but they don't know our cavalry can outmaneuver them."
Bernard's assessment was approved by both Morrigan and Wilfried. Meanwhile, Thomas looked at Morrigan nervously. "Perhaps, Lady, I should go and you can watch as I destroy them."
"No. You are our secret weapon. If we reveal you, they will know about your power," Morrigan rejected. Thomas sighed but said nothing further.
"Our fast cavalry will encircle the Magnus line from two sides, while our light artillery cavalry will attempt to breach the exhausted Magnus line. At the same time, with a coordinated attack from the remaining elite infantry, we will surround the enemy soldiers at the front."
Bernard then continued seriously. "Afterward, our two corps will move through the path opened by the elite infantry, quickly executing a pincer attack to isolate the enemy. In this way, we will gradually destroy the Aurelion army."
Morrigan evaluated the plan thoughtfully and furrowed her brows. "But what if there's artillery fire? Our soldiers will die. If possible, let's minimize casualties."
"Do not worry, Your Majesty. Contrary to what you might think, the Aurelion Republic has fallen behind in military technology," Bernard said confidently. "The artillery units they have are Veloren-class cannons with a 200-meter range. These cannons are 50 years old."
"General is right, Your Majesty," Wilfried said, offering his support. "Our artillery unit has a Draco-class cannon that can fire up to 700 meters. With the help of our expert gunners, we can deal significant damage to the artillery on the Magnus front."
"Good, then I trust you," Morringan said, then looked at Verona. "How is the Zeppelin project going? Any progress?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The project is going well. The Zeppelin is ready, but unfortunately, our Rak crystal mines are almost depleted. We can't find enough fuel for the Zeppelin," Veronica said with disappointment. Morringan shook her head and then spoke her thoughts. "The Aurelions must have Rak crystals. We can take advantage of them."
Veronica nodded, and then Wilfried came forward to report. "Our police force is solid and sufficient. We have no equipment shortages, and the young socialists are quiet. It seems our pressure has frightened them."
"I want them dug up to the root," Morringan said firmly. Wilfried nodded in agreement. "Yes, but if the war doesn't end as we expect, the consequences will be heavy for us, Your Majesty."
"I am not afraid of them," Morringan said stubbornly. Wilfried moved on to the next subject without prolonging it. "There are no other reports, Your Majesty."
Then Bernard placed the documents in front of Morringan. The operation was named Fallen Eagle. After Morringan signed the documents, the war officially began.
"With your permission, Your Majesty."
As the cabinet members left, Morringan and Thomas were left alone. Morringan turned to Thomas with a cold look. "How is Jülgen? Is he causing trouble?"
"No, even though that succubus is lazy, he is still suitable for Intelligence. In short, we are working flawlessly," Thomas explained calmly. Morringan then continued cautiously, "You told me you captured the spies from Thornfield last time. What happened?"
Thomas mocked and belittled Thornfield. "I caught those fools while they were leaking information. They tried to infiltrate the palace but failed miserably."
Morringan grimaced. "Were there any eliminations?"
"Yes, we eliminated some high-ranking bureaucrats and government officials. Their families were sent to concentration camps," Thomas said coldly. Morringan remained silent for a moment without saying anything else.
Her thoughtful eyes turned to Thomas's eyes. "Good, start investigating the whole government. I don't want any traitors or bribers. You can deal with them as you see fit."
"I was expecting this," Thomas said coldly as he adjusted his glasses. A smile formed on his lips. "Then I'm off, My Lady."
Morringan said nothing more and nodded. As Thomas disappeared from view, Morringan examined the reports in her hands.
The report contained information about the Devil Cult operating in Drachenreich. The more Morringan read the report, the more her brow furrowed. Until Lucifer arrived.
"Good speech, Morringan."
"Thank you, my Lord." Morringan simply nodded. Seeing Lucifer look at the report, Morringan furrowed her brow in curiosity. "Do you know anything about a group called the Devil Cult? It seems they have settled here."
"Devil Cult, huh..." As a name came to Lucifer's mind, his lips curled. "It must be Andras's cult."
"Do you know him?"
"Yes, he is one of the 72 Devil Gods," Lucifer said with a grimace. Morringan became even more interested as Lucifer satisfied her curiosity. "In the past, I killed Andras's followers. He holds a grudge against me."
"What did you do?" Morringan asked, intrigued. Lucifer then said seriously, "While trying to save dozens of women, including Urien's sister, who had been abused, I fought Andras for a while. The cult leader was killed, and Andras returned."
"Why would he come here?"
"I don't know. Maybe he wants revenge?" Lucifer said with amusement. Morringan furrowed her brows. "I hope nothing comes up that will hinder our efforts."
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them. They will die at the most opportune moment," Lucifer reassured her calmly. Morringan, not wanting to think too much, returned to her work.
"I'll take care of it. Focus on the war. Achieving good results as quickly as possible will be beneficial for us." Morringan nodded seriously as she heard Lucifer. As Lucifer left, Morringan returned to her tasks.