SWNOVELXO Chapter 137
The first day of the ceasefire revealed both sides struggling to adapt.
Until now, they had fought at least once a day, sometimes even up to seven times.
Now, however, that action was prohibited for three days, except for minimal guarding; they were told to eat and drink comfortably.
“…”
Everyone merely glanced at each other, observing the mood, and simultaneously looked at their commanders.
Is it really okay to do this? Are we really not fighting today?
As the morning passed, then noon, and finally late afternoon came, both sides acknowledged that the agreement was indeed being upheld by their highest commanders.
Once they felt safe, the soldiers finally began to smile again.
The Empire did it their way, and the Dedorants did it theirs; each side began their own New Year’s celebration.
It had already been more than a month since the holiday passed, but still, a celebration should be had, right?
Of course, for the military, a holiday was nothing special. Just eating, drinking, laughing, and chatting.
Soldiers gathered together to share a few low-quality dirty jokes.
Then, lower-ranked commanders would sneak in and trade a few quips with them.
If there were no war, it would be a common scene one would expect to see in the military.
The real change came on the morning of the second day of the ceasefire.
“Commander! Urgent news from the front guard!”
The aides near Paelus became tense.
Could the Empire be trying something dumb while hiding their true intentions?
If they did, Leonite’s influence would grow out of control—
“The Empire has proposed a soccer match with us Dedorants.”
“…Soccer?”
“Yes. What response should we send?”
Have they truly lost their minds? It’s surprising enough they gave us supplies for the ceasefire, but now they want to suggest playing soccer right in the middle of the battlefield?
“They said there wouldn’t be any combat. Yet here they are, challenging us in this way.”
“Commander?”
“Just talking to myself. Relay this to the Empire: I gladly accept that challenge, so they should prepare thoroughly. After all, our soldiers have filled their bellies thanks to the rations you provided.”
“Yessir! I will relay that!”
Thus, a somewhat unexpected soccer match was arranged between both sides.
At first, the soldiers were bewildered, but soon they erupted into laughter and began to prepare for cheering.
The losing side would likely not show their face for a long time.
“Hey! Put your life on the line and kick! If we lose to those Dedorants, we won’t let it slide!”
“Let’s show those Empire bastards what for! We might lose a battle, but we can’t lose at soccer!”
Having heard the news, Leonite was aghast, wondering if everyone had lost their sanity.
However, it was nearly impossible to stop the soldiers who got swept up in the atmosphere.
For them, this was not a time of battle, but a holiday celebration.
“Hey! Run! Run!”
“Kick properly! You idiots!”
The first half, thirty minutes. The second half, thirty minutes. And even into extra time, the score remained 2:2.
Just as it seemed they might go to penalties, both sides agreed to end it in a draw.
The atmosphere was good enough that there was no need to spoil it.
“Hey! You Dedorant losers! You can actually kick the ball!”
“Hah! You Empire fools. I thought you were only good at fighting, but turns out you’ve got some skills!”
“Good job, Dedorants!”
“I’m from Atria!”
“I’m from DeGale!”
“Those idiots! They’re not even Dedorants, so why are they fighting with them?!”
“I don’t even know anymore!”
From different countries, and only recently having their swords pointed at each other.
But in looking back, they all were one father, husband, and son on the battlefield.
If a sense of kinship doesn’t arise, that would be even stranger.
As the soccer match wrapped up, the Empire loosened some supplies and shared drinks with both sides.
As night fell, both the Empire and Dedorants began to party with all their might.
The madness of the battlefield, which was once filled with death and destruction, spread in an odd direction.
After all, they would have to fight again the day after tomorrow. Some wouldn’t return.
So, let’s mingle, chatter, eat, and drink as if there was no fight.
They even held a drinking party at the midpoint between the two camps.
Those from the western Empire and those from the eastern Dedorant were the protagonists.
Each had brought armed companions for safety, but no issues arose.
They chatted like neighbors living close by.
In front of the barracks, by the main gate, the Magical Lantern stood, and she remained there, waiting for our reunion.
The Magical Lantern knows, your beautiful gait. Every evening the Magical Lantern is lit, but she has long forgotten me.
And if I were to feel pain, who would stand by the Magical Lantern?
With you, Lily Marlene, with you, Lily Marlene.
What started as a means to shake the Dedorants had turned into a shared moment of longing for lovers and wives.
They called each other invaders and monsters, but in the end, they realized they were all just people.
Thus, it became the last day of the ceasefire.
Even the most relaxed soldiers began to sense the end approaching and started to organize their things.
They greeted each other and returned to their respective camps.
They couldn’t wish luck upon one another; after all, their luck would mean misfortune for themselves.
“…”
Watching the scene, Paelus silently returned to the command post.
Inside, since the previous day, the voices of Leonite and the hardline commanders had been relentless.
“Tomorrow, we must attack first! If the Empire strikes again, our weakened forces will collapse!”
“Doubt among the soldiers is becoming thick. This isn’t okay! The fighting spirit of the Deo ethnicity is about to snuff out!”
“Accepting the ceasefire was a trap from the Empire!”
How ironic; the ones who enjoyed the ceasefire and shared drinks are the loudest now.
Words surged to Paelus’s lips, but he managed to hold them back.
Instead, he responded with consistent disregard towards them.
But what happened next was something even Paelus couldn’t ignore.
[ Our command firmly criticizes Commander Paelus. How can you accept a ceasefire? Hand over all command to General Leonite for the loss of morale among our troops. ]
Here, having used these soldiers as scapegoats to escape the siege, they’ve now decided that hope for survival shouldn’t even be entertained?
Paelus struggled to contain his blazing fury and spoke.
“My command was entrusted to me by His Highness the Third Prince. If it were to be handed over to General Leonite, it must be a direct command from His Highness.”
[ His Highness is currently busy. Commander. ]
“Are you saying a direct order cannot be given to transfer command of 40,000 troops to the current commander?”
[ Indeed. ]
The moment Georg lost his confidence.
After breaking through the siege, he even fasted and secluded himself.
Those facts, the command was deliberately hiding from Paelus.
[ This is a command from the higher-ups. Commander Paelus. If you wish to retain your position, launch an offensive immediately. ]
“Impossible.”
[ You should have rested well for three days. Who knows what could happen if you attack the Empire with that momentum? ]
“….”
[ The Deo ethnicity is excellent. Surely a way will be found. ]
Things had changed. No, it hadn’t changed, it was always like this.
Where did the mighty command of the Dedorants suddenly disappear to?
Did they once cry out for the glory of the Deo ethnicity, only to now lose their rationality?
Where is His Highness? What is he doing?
If he has pushed us this far, he must take responsibility until the end.
When it was advantageous, he acted like a king, and now, when it’s unfavorable, he runs away?
[ What can be done, Commander Paelus. ]
It goes without saying that, once command passes to Leonite, chaos will ensue.
First, some of the skeptical soldiers will likely be executed.
Then the lower commanders will be crushed with power and fear solely to restore military discipline.
“…I will take command.”
[ Good luck, Commander. ]
Finally, the promised three days came to an end.
The ceasefire was over. From now on, it was back to killing and being killed again.
The Dedorant soldiers gripped their weapons tightly with tension.
Yet, strangely, the Empire did not resume its attacks.
No small skirmishes typical before a major battle. No scouting for weaknesses.
Silence reigned without any occurrence at all.
In front of the barracks, by the main gate, the Magical Lantern stood, and she remained there, waiting for our reunion.
Now, however, a song that had become all too familiar rang out.
The Magical Lantern knows, your beautiful gait. Every evening the Magical Lantern is lit, but she has long forgotten me.
And if I were to feel pain, who would stand by the Magical Lantern?
With you, Lily Marlene, with you, Lily Marlene.
Starting from the soldiers, through the lower commanders, even Paelus himself began to hum along.
The sound was unidentifiable whether it belonged to the Empire or the Dedorants.
“Who just sang that? Find them!”
“Kill them! Hang them! They are sapping the fighting spirit of the Deo ethnicity!”
Some, still caught in madness, committed brutal acts.
Highly irrational, absurd behaviors, but possible only on the battlefield.
A place where a person can cease to be human. Where one sinks to the lowest depths of degradation.
“Commander.”
“…”
“Commander?”
“I hear you, aide.”
“General Leonite is inquiring when the attack order will be issued.”
At those words, Paelus momentarily turned to look at the soldiers.
Torment. Conflict. Such feelings lingered in his gaze before vanishing.
“…They said to fight and die for the Dedorants.”
“Commander?”
Yet, my Dedorants are right here.
They are my Dedorants.
*
“Chief of Staff, Dedorant Commander Paelus is requesting formal surrender.”