Chapter 46: The Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army

The Revolutionary Army operated along the southern borders of the Empire.

The Empire, being the most vast and powerful nation in this world's history, sprawled over an immense territory. Even riding on a top-class danger beast capable of flight, it would take several days of non-stop travel to reach their destination.

However, among all the spirit girls, Yoshino—whose speed was only second to the Yamai sisters—managed to reach the place in less than half a day with her swift flight.

Just before approaching a border city, Najenda signaled for Yoshino, who was carrying her, to descend, and soon, the two of them stepped onto solid ground.

"Is that the Revolutionary Army's base ahead?" Yoshino asked with a puzzled tone, surveying the city from the sky. "I heard the Revolutionary Army has around 200,000 soldiers, but a small city like this couldn't even fit 100,000, right?"

"200,000 is just an approximate number. Most of them work the fields during times of no major conflict," Najenda explained. "Because of the Empire's pervasive surveillance, the Revolutionary Army spread out its forces to many locations. That way, even if they're discovered, the damage is minimized."

"So this is one of the larger bases?"

"Actually, it's one of the smaller ones," Najenda replied. "But it's the most important."

After that brief explanation, Najenda led Yoshino toward the city gate.

This was a small border town.

Its city walls were nowhere near as tall as those in the Imperial Capital, nor were they built with sturdy special-grade bricks. They looked as though they could be toppled by a few hundred people pushing together.

The soldiers on the walls standing guard—whether in terms of physique or equipment—were nothing compared to the soldiers of the Capital. A quick glance revealed many of them looking malnourished, barely serving as a deterrent. If a real enemy or high-level danger beast attacked, they'd likely be overwhelmed.

But this was exactly what one would expect from a small town far from the center of the Empire.

Ordinary and unremarkable, with nothing special on the surface.

If Najenda hadn't said this was a base of the Revolutionary Army—one of the most important at that—it was likely even Esdeath wouldn't have suspected a thing.

"Once we enter, don't reveal your identity. Let me handle things first."

Just before entering the city, Najenda gave Yoshino a reminder. "The Revolutionary Army is a mixed bag of people. If your identity is exposed, someone might target you, causing unnecessary trouble. Understood?"

After receiving Yoshino promise, the two entered the town.

Although their clothing stood out in this rural town, it didn't seem to attract any attention.

Most of the townsfolk appeared to know Najenda. They only glanced at her, gave Yoshino a quick look, then returned to their work without much thought.

They walked toward the center of the city, and before long, they arrived at their destination—the lord's mansion.

Just as Najenda was about to alert the guards at the entrance, the worn and peeling doors slowly creaked open.

From within the mansion emerged two figures cloaked in hoods, clearly trying to conceal their identities.

A light breeze lifted a corner of their cloaks, revealing dark brown skin and strange markings.

They walked past Najenda and Yoshino without greeting them, clearly uninterested in small talk.

Mountain Folk.

They lived in the unbroken mountain ranges in the southern Empire, divided into tribes, known for their skill in guerrilla warfare and poisonous arts. A human race, nonetheless.

Seeing them come out of the mansion, Najenda brow furrowed slightly.

But she didn't say anything. Instead, she told Yoshino to wait outside before entering the lord's mansion alone.

Though this was a small city, and the mansion far from the grandeur of noble estates in the Imperial Capital, it was well-equipped and functional in its own modest way.

Familiar with the place, Najenda made her way to the reception room, pushed open the door, and saw a man in official robes organizing papers.

He was utterly unremarkable—average looks, average height, average build.

Even in the Empire's official attire, he exuded no authority at all—the type who could vanish in a crowd without a trace.

"Commander."

Najenda knocked lightly, leaning on the doorframe. "Just finished up?"

The man, referred to as Commander, looked up and raised an eyebrow upon seeing her.

"What day is today, that such honored guests arrive one after another?"

Putting down the documents in his hand, a slight smile appeared on his face as he gestured for her to sit. "You're not the type to come without a reason. Last time you took Susanoo and Chelsea. What are you here to take this time?"

"Well, I am here to retrieve an Imperial Arm this time," Najenda replied with a slight eye roll. "But could you not make me sound like someone who only ever takes things? I mainly came back to report something—a very important matter."

"Oh? I'm all ears."

Hearing this, the Commander looked intrigued.

He knew Najenda personality well.

If she said it was important, it surely was.

However, instead of getting straight to the point about Yoshino, Najenda asked, "The two you just met with—were they mountain folk from the southwestern border?"

"Yes, the vice-chief and Champan of the Lagu tribe," the Commander nodded. "They brought some important news too."

"They've decided to mobilize?" Najenda brows furrowed further. "So all the mountain tribes have finally united?"

"It's not quite unity—more of a temporary alliance forged by massive benefits," the Commander grinned. "Eighteen tribes, large and small, are now prepared to march with the Revolutionary Army toward the Imperial Capital at any time."

"So... the Revolutionary Army still intends to hand this land over to the mountain folk?" Najenda sighed. "Are you really not going to reconsider? They're demanding three provinces—including this very city where you were born. It'll all become their territory."

"In fact, I've promised them five provinces once the new empire is founded," the Commander said casually. "But in return, they've agreed to provide 20,000 more troops—bringing a total of 100,000 mountain warriors. So we're not exactly losing out."

"Five provinces?"

Najenda was stunned, about to speak, but was interrupted by the Commander.

"The pact is sealed. Nothing you say now can change it."

He waved his sleeve with finality.

"Let's put the land deal aside for now, General Najenda. Why don't you tell me about the important matter you mentioned?"