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Border area of the Lamaron Empire. If you cross the Irbezi River below you and cross the mountains on the east side, you are in Heedata territory, and if you follow the river through the mountains on the west side, you are in Agartha. Looking down at the mountains, Zizeu, the commander-in-chief of the Agartha dispatch army, sighed.
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The dreadful memory of a month ago comes back to his mind. He had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Heedata because of his foolish subordinates, and his own face had been smeared with mud. Despite my strict orders not to move, some of my troops crossed the river on their own and fell prey to bows and arrows and magic. I was about to give the order to retreat when Almond, a repulsive commoner, interrupted me. I could not leave any more stains on my illustrious military career.
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But not this time. I have mobilized most of the troops under my command. This time we will return triumphant with a complete victory. With this renewed determination, he gives orders to his men.
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"We will now head north along the Irbezi River. Do not stop at all in the forest until we pass through the territory of Agartha. Run at once! We're heading for Saracenia! Don't worry. My herald has already entered Agartha and told us to hasten the harvest. As soon as we get there, we'll feed you! Nihihihihihi."
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Commander-in-Chief Zizeu galloped down the mountain and rode his horse down to the Irbezi River. On the other side of the river, a mountain fortress on the eastern side of the river was filled with soldiers of the Hereditary Empire, who would be aware of their advance. It would be four days at the earliest before the army of the Hydatians pushed out to the border. They must be back by then. Time was now Zizeu's greatest enemy.
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Ramalon has attacked again. They never learn, do they?
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I heard the report from the faerie dragons in charge of scouting in a room at the former headquarters of the Kingdom's army in the capital of Agartha.
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"Knogen, how many soldiers can you mobilize now?"
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"A little more than 2,000 people, I think. Are you sure you don't want to go help them?
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No, first we'll see how they move. Their strategy will be very different depending on whether they come through the forest and hit our capital in the north, head for the lands of the nobles in the west, or head for the lands of those who follow us in the east. First, have the entire army ready to march at any moment."
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"Awe."
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Knogen bowed and left the room. I order the faerie dragons to keep an eye on the Lamarons' movements. Just then I see something falling from outside the window.
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"...Rain. It's the rainy season, and the weather never seems to get any better.
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I deploy the map and observe the movements of Lamaron's army near the border.
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The Lamarong army, which had rushed through the vast forest near the border of Agartha in only half a day, took a pause and divided its forces into seven groups and headed west. The army 3000 led by Zizeu finally entered Saracenia at sunset and arrived at the Count's mansion.
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"This is Zizeu, commander-in-chief of the forces dispatched by the Lamaronic Empire and Agartha.
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I am Saracenia, Count of the Kingdom of Juka. Welcome to our remote lands.
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"Yes. Of all the houses that have sided with the Crown, this is the most westerly, so it took us a little longer than expected. I have heard your name. You've made a good decision. I will be sure to mention you to His Majesty the Emperor when I deliver this tribute to the capital.
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I'm sorry, sir.
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By the way, how is the harvest going?
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Already, it is safe and sound.
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"That's Count Saracenia for you. Thank you for your help. By the way, it's almost night. We will receive the tribute tomorrow. I am sorry, but I would like you to serve dinner to the soldiers.
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"Dinner... with this many people?
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"Yes, we are hungry. We are hungry. If there is no food, we can serve it from what we have harvested today. The sooner the better. My men are hungry, and if they reach their limits they will do anything. They might kill the whole family and plunder the food supply like the other families?"
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Count Saracenia, trembling, ordered his subjects to inform the territory of the food offerings.
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Count Saracenia felt ashamed of what he had done, but he told himself that his calculations were correct. If he continued to follow Lamaron, he would be able to keep his title as a count. And if he succeeded, the army in front of him might move like his own hands and feet. If this were to happen, his territory would expand even further. Moreover, he was the first of the Jukan kingdoms to cooperate with the Lamarons. Even the Lamarons would not treat him roughly. Such thoughts were in the Count's mind.
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The Counts of Saracenia were one of the most prestigious families in the Kingdom of Juka, with a long history and prestige. It was unthinkable that such a prestigious family, even the king, would bend the knee to a former slave. Certainly, he could be credited with the power that had buried the elite 3000 of Ramallon. The years of warfare were not in vain, even for himself, and he recognized the military prowess of the man who had become king. But maintaining the country is a different story. The king, a former slave, would not understand the feelings of a nobleman who is burdened with tradition and prestige.
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The Count believed that the country would soon be in a state of civil war again. For that time, he concluded that it would be more advantageous to join hands with Lamarckon, which had military power and a long tradition, in order to preserve their position and expand their territory. They could not afford to upset the Lamarons here.
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In the end, Count Saracenia did not sleep at all that night. The Lamarons ate the food of the Saracenians to their heart's content, drank alcohol, and some of the soldiers broke into the houses of the Saracenians. The soldiers were seized, and the situation was brought to a standstill, but they managed to settle the situation, and the next thing they knew, morning had arrived. The people complained, but he managed to convince them that they would return home as soon as possible after paying the tribute.
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As soon as the sun rose, Giseu, with his army ready, demanded that the tribute be handed over to him.
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"Well, Count, I will accept the tribute. I trust there will be no injustice, but please understand that this is also the law of the kingdom. First of all, I want you to give me the whole harvest. Then, set aside the 20 percent that is your share."
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The harvested wheat and vegetables are gathered and stacked in the square.
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The portion that is divided here is the 20 percent that is the annual tribute. We gave you food yesterday, so we have deducted that from the amount here.
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It was the best resistance the Count of Saracenia could muster. The commander-in-chief, Zizeu, was expected to be angry, but surprisingly he gave a good-humored laugh.
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"Hee hee hee, Count, you are a very disciplined man," said Zizeu. You don't have to go that far.... Well... Then load them up!
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The Lamarone soldiers who received Zizeu's order loaded the tribute into the back of the wagons.
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"...Please wait! That's our share! Here is the tribute we pay to you!"
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Count Saracenia, with his mercenaries, halts Lamarron's army.
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"What are you doing, Count? Interfering with the collection of tribute is a crime punishable by death!
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"What are you talking about? That's our share! We agreed that the annual tribute would be 20% of the harvest!"
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"Yes, it is. Twenty percent is your share.
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"Then!"
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"You are a big fool! When I say 20%, I mean your share.
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"...what do you mean!"
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"You are a big fool! We said this.
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"...what nonsense!"
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"You're the one who's stupid. That's what happens when you interpret things the way you want to. We will collect the tribute according to our agreement. Those who resist or get in the way will be killed without mercy. If you do not like it, stop them by force. I don't think you'll be able to stop us with that force... Even if you can stop them, 100,000 troops from the Empire will come afterwards and kill everyone in your lands. You will see the same sight as the lands we have just overrun. Go ahead, do it!"
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The Lamaron soldiers turned their swords and spears on the people at once, and the sorcerer began chanting. The Counts of Saracenia could do nothing but watch, their faces shaking with anger.
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