Chapter 711: Chapter 711

Realizing he had been trapped within a barrier, the Emperor immediately contacted the Adventurers' Guild branch that was based within the empire.

"Gather the forces from all regions to the imperial capital. As we cannot expect reinforcements, use our current strength to quickly retake the capital."

The Emperor's orders were swiftly communicated to all his other children that were spread out across the land. And the one assigned to lead the whole operation was Leo.

Emperor Johannes stared at a piece of paper without speaking and Leo, who had been summoned, also remained silent. They were currently in the mansion of Duke Kleinert which had become the headquarters of the allied forces.

He merely looked at the paper in his hand.

"...While I was unable to return, the Empress could do little to stabilize the Empire. Even so... she tried to ensure the Empire did not fall entirely to the enemy. She hoped that when we returned, there would still be a chance for a counterattack."

"She scattered edicts across the land. While she couldn't know how effective they would be, these were nevertheless entrusted to us for future use by the Empress, in order to give us even a slight advantage."

While speaking, Johannes placed the paper on a nearby table. It was an edict sent by the Empress across the empire, providing them with a justification for the rebellion.

"Prince Leonard Lakes Adler, step forward."

Johannes drew the imperial sword from its scabbard.

"How long I've waited for this moment. And many of our family who were supposed to be here are no longer with us anymore... but even so! I want you to prove that this ceremony is meaningful through your actions."

"By the decree of Emperor Johannes Lakes Adler and Empress Brunhilde Lakes Adler, I hereby appoint Prince Leonard Lakes Adler as the Crown Prince."

Johannes handed the imperial sword to Leo who received it with both hands. It was a remarkably simple ceremony, but as they were currently under wartime conditions, it couldn't be helped.

The act of passing the sword itself carried a lot of meaning. So even with only two participants, the appointment was significant.

"I wish I could lead as the supreme commander myself… but in my current state, it would only lower our troops' morale. Thus I entrust you with the command of the entire rebel army. Defeat the fake Wilhelm who currently occupies the capital."

"When we return to the capital, we will conduct the formal ceremony. Let’s make sure no one else is lost."

Thus, Leo was officially appointed as the Crown Prince and began his march on the capital with the Western nobles and the rest of the allied forces. Simultaneously, armies from other regions also commenced their advance towards the capital.

The battle to reclaim the capital had just begun.

"From the north, we have the provincial (TL: formerly Cornix Dominion) and northern nobles' coalition. From the east, there are the eastern border defense force and the eastern nobles' coalition. From the south, the southern nobles' coalition. From the west, the western nobles' coalition and the multinational coalition that are being personally led by Crown Prince Leonard. They have all begun advancing and have started engaging our selected troops."

After hearing the report, Wilhelm smirked.

Their march was quicker than expected as not much time had passed since they were trapped in the barrier. Yet the regional forces had swiftly prepared and marched on the capital.

It was an impressive decision by the Adlers since even after knowing that they were trapped, they still decided to attack with the forces they had inside.

It was a difficult decision to make under normal circumstances, as it meant no reinforcements. However, they likely would have already tried to break the barrier.

"You made the wrong move by activating the barrier, Emperor Johannes," Wilhelm said while looking up at the sky over the capital.

There, a massive black hole appeared.

By using the magical power of the Imperial Sword Castle, creating a gate to the demon world was easy. It hadn’t been done immediately in order to avoid an attack from humanity's greatest forces.

As opening it back then was possible; stabilizing it was all that remained. The rebels might be able to reach the capital in time.

Now they wouldn’t be able to make it.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones who wouldn’t be able to make it.

"Everything is going well. What about Burkhard and Erik?"

"They haven't been responding to our summons to the castle. Now their faction members are starting to gather under Prince Erik."

"Probably because they know they'd be assassinated."

With the gate completed, Erik was now a threat to Wilhelm. He had initially promised to kill Wepar, so to avoid being forced to fulfill that promise, Wilhelm decided to act first.

"Send in the troops. They can't leave the capital anyway."

They had been using each other. But with the gate open, Erik was too dangerous to keep close to him. Since his actions were unpredictable, Wilhelm decided to eliminate him here.

After all, they were still Adlers.

Erik was currently in his private residence where Leah was laid beside him in bed.

Leah called Erik’s name weakly.

Her body was emaciated and devoid of vitality.

Her end was near. Yet Erik remained as usual.

"What's wrong, Leah?"

He asked gently while holding her hand.

"...It's noisy outside..."

"It will soon calm down."

"...It seems... time is running out for me... I want to apologize for that..."

"You have nothing to apologize for."

Erik’s voice trembled.

But he did not cry. The rightful source is novel~fire~net

Leah smiled faintly at him.

"The happiest moment of my life... was the day you proposed to me... From that day on, you were my husband..."

"Yes... I'm sorry it took so long though..."

"It took you over a year to do so... I thought you were such a coward... But I also thought that it was just like you to prepare everything perfectly..."

Erik and Leah's marriage had been set and though there were no significant obstacles… Yet it took Erik a year to propose to her.

He waited for the right day while being mindful of the empire's situation and Leah’s condition. Everyone was exasperated, but Erik was sincere in wanting to make it the perfect day to propose to her.

"I only wanted to make you happy."

"I know... That's why I was happy... My time as your wife wasn’t long... but..."

"It was enough. Being your husband made me happy… As marrying the one I always loved... had always been more than enough for me."

Leah thanked him and with great effort, touched Erik’s cheek.

"Leah... I wasn't a good husband... I wasn't worthy of you."

"That's not true... I’m glad you were my husband... My life was bright only because of the time I spent with you. And that's the truth..."

While wiping away a tear, Leah spoke to him as he held her hand.

"If you say so... I'm honored."

"I wanted us to grow old together... But that’s impossible... So please, grant me one last wish."

"I’ll grant anything..."

"In our next life... Will you be my partner again...? This life may have been short... But in the next one, I want it to be longer..."

"I promise. In the next life, I'll be with you... and only you. I’ll come for you again."

Looking Satisfied, Leah smiled as her strength faded. But she mustered all her will to stay conscious.

Even with no strength left in her hands, she was able to say it.

"I bound you as my husband... Now you can return... to becoming a kind elder brother..."

"Leah... I love you."

"I love you too... Please take care of our family... My prince..."

Her eyes slowly closed.

Erik thought about those words but did not say it as holding her back here would only cause her more pain.

And so he quietly watched her pass on.

Erik continued to hold Leah’s hand in silence and after some time had passed, a messenger arrived.

"Your Highness... we managed to repel the first wave..."

"The second wave will arrive soon. Duke Altenburg also took up his sword while saying that he will buy you time until the end..."

Erik's assassin, Xiaomei, stood there with a blood-stained side.

She wouldn't last long if she kept fighting here.

"Xiaomei... will you stay with me until the end?"

"We all intend to... Your Highness."

"Summon Conrad and Carlos."

There were no more tears in Erik's eyes as there were no more tears to shed.

He had no more regrets and he could only move forward.

"Now, we need to commence with the 'Summoning Ritual'."

Man, I'm depressed now.