In the end, Austin chose a final battle for the capital rather than surrender.
Perhaps the fact that I had successfully delayed the enemy without sustaining much damage played a role in that decision.
Since the other side was also afflicted by the pandemic, the situation is even.
The government seemed to believe they could buy enough time through delaying tactics.
…I don't intend to comment on whether this decision was correct or not.
If you know what happens next in history, you could call it a "brilliant decision," but to me, it just looked like they were consumed by the madness of war.
"I'll report the battle results. In last night's battle, while our allies bravely defeated and diverted the enemy, it appears that the Leidelt Division has been annihilated."
"Oh… Major Leidelt…"
In reality, three more delaying battles were fought afterward, and close to 10,000 Austin soldiers were sacrificed.
The miracle of being able to charge into the enemy and return unscathed didn't continue indefinitely.
The division that went out after ours was reportedly wiped out after a week of fierce fighting.
"The Sabbatian Army has arrived."
However, despite exhausting the lives of our comrades, Austin managed to buy about a month of time.
The total number of troops has finally fallen below 20,000, and they are only just managing to maintain the appearance of a military force by mobilizing women and children.
The food shortage remained unresolved.
Citizens were given reduced rations, and the streets became filled with people starving to death.
With hearts heavy with sorrow, preparations for the final battle were made.
"It's the Workers' Council Army."
"It's the expeditionary force from Sabbath."
After about a month of great sacrifices, the long-awaited Sabbatian Workers' Council Army finally reached Fort Muson, the gateway to Winn.
"Are they really here to help us?"
"You can't trust the people of the Sabbath."
"They might betray us at any moment. Be careful."
However, the Austin people were not in a particularly welcoming mood.
The families of soldiers who died in the recent East-West War found it difficult to accept the situation.
Even though an alliance had been formed, the grudges between the two countries remained deeply rooted.
"… Do we really have to rely on them to win?"
"Damn it, damn them all."
Some Austin soldiers even planned to point their guns at the Sabbatian Army.
Even though they understood it rationally, they were still searching for a reason to kill Sabbatian soldiers.
Hatred and resentment are not things that can be easily set aside.
***
"Marshal Turk of the Sabbath Federation Army has arrived at Fort Muson."
"…Prepare to receive him at once."
It was for this moment that I was chosen as Chief of Staff.
Bern Valou foresaw the conflict that would ensue if Austin and Sabbath joined forces.
It's no easy task for two armies that are still holding fresh grudges to cooperate.
"Line up the soldiers at Winn's outer gate and greet them with a salute."
"Understood."
"Make sure no one is carrying a gun. Conduct thorough checks to ensure no weapons are brought in."
We can't afford to let something as foolish as internal strife lead to our destruction.
That's why Bern made me, a symbol of the Austin Army and someone on the pro-Sabbath faction, the Chief of Staff.
He probably decided that there was no one better than myself as the person to bridge the gap between the Sabbath and Austin.
"…Shouldn't we carry guns, just in case?"
"There's meaning in not carrying guns. Not even handguns are allowed."
"Yes."
"Conduct a final body check on everyone before lining up. Any unit found with hidden weapons will face severe punishment."
We have no chance of winning if we cannot cooperate with the Sabbatian Army.
Considering the state of the Austin forces, the real players on this battlefield are the Sabbatian soldiers.
"Understood."
"Oh, and please place the flags of Flamel and Aerys at the reception site as well."
"What?"
It is the final legacy left by my brother Bern, who had moved Remi Ulyakov.
We must provide a complete, perfect welcome.
***
"The Sabbath Federation Army has arrived. Everyone, salute."
Once, the Sabbatian Army broke through Fort Muson to trample on the land of Winn.
Now, they march forward through the fortress that Platoon Leader Garback gave his life to defend as if they owned the place.
"…Hey, are they really on our side?"
"Of course."
"They're not going to betray us the moment they reach Winn and start looting, right? Are we really supposed to welcome them?!"
"Absolutely."
Many Austin soldiers were visibly shaken at the sight of the approaching Sabbatian Army.
Perhaps it reminded them of when the Sabbatian forces invaded right up to the gates of Winn during the Sylph Offensive.
…They simply couldn't believe it. That these people would lend a hand to Austin.
"At least! Even if we are going to welcome them, shouldn't we prepare for the worst and carry our guns—"
"No."
Even among my own men in Gavel Company, there was hostility toward the Sabbatian soldiers.
Just three years ago, we were killing each other as sworn enemies.
I suppose that feeling is probably natural.
"…"
To be honest, I too had an uneasy suspicion that the Sabbatian soldiers would betray us and attack Winn.
I knew how cruel and sadistic Sabbatian soldiers could be.
I couldn't help but wonder if inviting them here was a mistake, and that hell would soon break out.
I would be lying if I said I didn't have such fears.
"Marshal Truk is approaching."
"…I'll go and greet them alone."
But if that were to happen, there would have been no hope for this alliance from the start.
There is no future for Austin if we don't trust the Sabbatian Army.
That's why I must greet them with complete trust.
Marshal Truk stepped out of his vehicle when he saw me.
After gesturing for the surrounding Sabbath soldiers to stop, he approached alone.
"…It's an honor to finally meet you, Marshal Truk. I am Iris Valou."
"Yes."
Marshal Truk was a man with piercing blue eyes.
He appeared to be in his fifties. His face bore wrinkles, and he had the look of a seasoned and cunning officer.
"I've heard much about you, Chief of Staff Iris."
"It's an honor."
I had never met him personally before.
However, I do recall fighting him indirectly—while serving under Sylph.
That defensive specialist had made Sylph Nova turn pale and complain that she had no ways to attack.
"No… should I say, I know you better as Touri Lowe, who once sided with the former Sabbatian government."
He glared at me and continued walking without expression.
"You even know about that?"
"Yes. Your brother Bern proudly shared the story."
Then, Marshal Truk casually reached into his coat.
Slowly, he pulled out a Sabbath-made handgun.
"I heard you've caused me some unpleasant trouble, Miss Iris."
Without hesitation, he pressed the gun's muzzle to my forehead.
***
The Austin forces were visibly shaken when a gun was pointed at me.
Lieutenant Gavel and the others rushed toward me in a panic, but I held them back with my hand.
"It's an honor, Marshal Truk. That someone like you would find my accomplishments displeasing."
"Hahaha."
Marshal Truk laughed heartily at my response.
Then, he casually flipped the gun around and offered me the grip.
As planned, I took the handgun from him.
"Of course it's displeasing, Miss Iris. I bet every commander who has fought against you sees you as someone they despise."
"Is that so?"
"Absolutely. You have a way of completely ruining the meticulously crafted plans of strategists with your spontaneous actions."
Without hesitation, I pressed the handgun against Marshal Truk's forehead.
"It's only natural to be upset."
"I see. Now that I'm the Chief of Staff, I think I understand how you feel."
"Right?"
This time, a murmur of unrest spread among the Sabbatian soldiers.
It was understandable, given that their leader had a gun pointed at him.
"Is this enough now?"
"Yes, it is."
After holding the gun for about ten seconds, I lowered it from Marshal Truk's head.
I then shot the prepared Flamer flag, breaking it in two.
"Nice shot."
"I've had firearms training, after all."
"Well, I guess I can't afford to be complacent then."
I handed the gun back to Marshal Truk.
Almost without looking, he fired and broke the Aerys flag.
…He's better with a gun than I am. He's surprisingly quite the fighter.
"How's that?"
"Impressive."
Anyway, pointing the gun at each other earlier was a demonstration that had been discussed in advance.
"Listen up, everyone! I have now aimed my gun at Austin's Chief of Staff, Iris Valou!"
There are many obstacles to overcome for Austin and the Sabbath to join forces.
Among the biggest is the suspicion of betrayal, which could lead to infighting.
It would be disgraceful if we were to lose a battle because of friendly fire after the Sabbath sent reinforcements.
"This is a real gun with live ammunition! You can see that by the fact that the flag was broken earlier!"
Propaganda is essential to sway the hearts of the soldiers.
And I am the most famous soldier among the Austin forces.
With elements like "The Miracle of Argalia" and "The Younger Sister of Bern" tied to me, my fame has risen to the top.
────There is significance in not killing someone like me when given the chance.
"We should not be aiming our guns at the Aust! We should be aiming our guns at the Flamers, the people of Aerys, and that woman Slyph Nova, who burned down Josegrad!"
"We have pledged our solidarity against our common enemy. Recall the terrible power of the Sabbatian soldiers; that power is now being wielded as our comrades."
Instead of shooting at each other, they shoot at Flamer and Aerys' flags.
We planned to use this easy-to-understand performance to ease the friction between us.
Afterward, Marshal Truk and I shook hands and embraced in front of both armies.
Marshal Truk smelled a bit like tobacco, but I kept that to myself.
"Everyone, please salute and welcome the Sabbatian Army."
"Enter with pride! Let's engrave our bravery in the eyes of Austin."
I did think that it might be a bit of an exaggeration, though…
But it seemed to have meaning. The soldiers who had been grumbling earlier now saluted in silence.
They must have understood the significance of what I had done.
"Marshal Truk. We've arranged a modest dinner for tonight."
"I look forward to it."
As we passed by each other, I whispered in Marshal Truk's ear.
There are many things we need to discuss.
***
"Hahaha, that was quite an interesting performance."
"I think our thoughts have been conveyed to the soldiers."
That evening, we invited Marshal Truk to the General Staff dining hall for a meeting.
"I apologize for not being able to provide a finer meal."
"Don't worry. Any food can become a feast with a little Vok."
As a greeting, Marshal Truk opened a bottle of Vok and gulped it down.
He's a model Sabbatian.
"I've heard stories about you, Miss Iris, but you're truly small and adorable."
"Thank you, I'm honored."
"It's hard to believe you were once called 'The Gun Princess of the Battlefield.'"
Marshal Truk said with a grin.
…He looked a bit scary at first glance, but maybe he's actually a surprisingly friendly person.
"I have a message for you from Remi-sama."
"From Remi Ulyakov?"
"Yes."
With a flushed face and alcohol on his breath, he handed me a letter.
"It's quite enviable to receive a personal letter from Remi-sama. Make sure you treasure it."
"Thank you."
I took the letter and read its contents.
"To my dear little brave one, Iris Valou."
What was written there was a bit of a grudge.
***
────Your brother is a very bad man.
Many of my people have been killed by Austin soldiers.
Several villages have been burned by the Austinites.
But I also know that Sabbatian soldiers killed countless Austinites.
We too have burned many villages.
There's no way friendship can bloom between us.
But we cannot survive without friendship.
If Austin falls, the Sabbath is next.
The Allied forces will invade and cut off the Sabbath's homeland.
That is why Bern-sama told me to use Austin to protect the Sabbath.
He was told to turn Austin, which should be his homeland, into a battlefield and defend the Sabbath.
…Ah, he really is a bad person.
He knew how I felt.
That's why he knew I would follow his advice.
Truly, such an audacious man.
However, there is someone even worse than Bern.
It is the person who instilled these ideals in me.
The person who burdened me with the destiny to fight.
The person who showed me the path I must walk.
It was you.
The day I heard your ideals, I resolved to change the Sabbath.
Without knowing how bloody and cruel that path would be.
I can no longer stop. I have taken the lives of all the people of the Sabbath on my shoulders.
I cannot show weakness. I must remain as a symbol of those ideals to paint that ideal world.
Thank you, Touri.
To you, who showed me the way, I offer my highest affection and resentment.
Thanks to you and Bern-sama, the Sabbath will surely flourish.
And I will uphold everlasting friendship with Austin.
I will be used, made a figurehead, and forced to protect the Sabbath for Austin's sake.
Bern-sama once told me I am the most beautiful and lovely woman in the world.
So surely…
I, Remi Ulyakov, am the most vile human being in existence.
***
That was the end of the letter.
"What did Remi-sama write to you?"
"…She sent me her affection."
"Is that so? How enviable."
How did Remi feel when she wrote this letter to me?
How much agony did Remi hide beneath her bright and charismatic exterior?
"Oh, that distinguished-looking man over there. Is that Colonel Renvel?"
"Yes. Would you like me to introduce you?"
"Thank you, Miss Iris. I'd appreciate that."
After tucking Remi's letter into my inner pocket, I introduced Marshal Truk to Renvel, and we all had a pleasant conversation.
…Everyone harbors various emotions within them.
Thus, the party welcoming the Sabbatian officers concluded without incident.