Dragon’s Bloodline Chapter 72

The Invasion Begins

Ria bestowed an army to the nobles that used the be the lords of their lands, aiming to split Cordova’s territory.

The old lords that had become her staff officers were enthusiastic about it. That was probably called for, for one to regain their ancestral lands, it would be strange if they weren’t in high spirits about it.

It was primarily comprised of the allied forces between Manesh and the other feudal lords, so even if they failed, the expected damage would be minimized.

As a result, although there were territories this was effective on, there were also territories they failed on recovering as well.

Well, it was probably natural. The territories that had had an effective government beforehand welcomed their former lords with open arms. As for the lords that had foolishly imposed themselves even more strongly than Cordova, their fiefs’ populations supported Cordova’s army.

At this late hour, mankind didn’t have the flexibility to treat nobles with extravagance.

“It looks like Cordova’s government was even more unappealing than expected.”

Particularly the countries that had been annexed in the previous several decades, they immediately rebelled with the outside pressure on Cordova.

Ria placed her hand against her forehead? Mou, are you dumb? Do you want to die? It had that kind of feeling.

Although it seemed that their governing body was considerably intelligent, to think that they could continue with that same strategy forever was Cordova’s failing.

Ria believed that something like a country that could last in perpetuity didn’t exist.

There were five kingdoms, Casalia included, with a thousand years of history, but royal families that had great power—Casalia, Lemdria, Istria, Labra and the like—were on the brink of collapse.

Being able to overcome that was mankind’s strength.

And for that, a prominent individual’s power was needed.

As for what seemed the best to her, it was a saint dictatorship. [2]

By having a ruler with few failings, it was an absolute despotism. When a talented person could fill its highest seat, it would be the most efficient. [3]

Of course in truth, it was nothing but empty theory.

However, right now, to destroy Cordova and to fight against the demon king, it seemed that Ria must stand at the top.

Although she truly wanted to be pardoned from the role, when it came to authority, pedigree, personal military might, and charisma, at least in the northwest part of the continent, there was no one more fit for the post than Ria.

“It’s about time to start our plans from Cordova’s interior as well, huh?”

Ogress would recognize the nobles that were supported by the people. In other words, they planned on recognizing their territorial rules.

“Perform the formalities at once.”

Ria left the actual work to her staff officers. She would think about the general situation.

Although there were various minor things to consider, it was still necessary to crush the enemy’s main forces in the end.

No, rather, they could recognize and support royalty that were popular with the public as the legitimate Cordovan earls.

That sort of strategy was something considerably interesting so long as it was left to her thoughts. But whether or not it could succeed is another thing entirely.

Conversely, she also thought about her opponent’s stratagems.

What were their stratagems thus far? Snatching away their opponents’ strength through things such as pressure, conciliation, segmentation, and in the end: annexation.

Of course, there were very likely plots instigated to break this Ogress alliance apart.

Unlike Cordova, Ria had not demanded anything unreasonable of the countries that she gained. For now, at least.

In fact, Shashmeer and the like continued as half-independent city-states.

Ria’s purpose was to solidify a national strategy.

Ria would abdicate, turn the young prince into a puppet, and leave the regency to Guinevere to administer national politics.

Be it the Great Collapse or the god dragon’s successor, she’d think about them when the time came.

They were things a long ways off. Probably.

And so once again, Ria would leave on a journey.

She’d take Carla. She’s somehow persuade her with flattery, no matter what it took, she’d take her along.

What about Fio? She herself would probably want to. But was it alright to kidnap a noble daughter so often?

Maal would probably come. Gig also wouldn’t be a problem.

Surprisingly, Serge probably wouldn’t come. For him to realize his harem, he had to raise his nobility.

(Ah, but I’ll have to find a mare bride for Matsukaze soon.)

Drawing a map of her future in her mind while having such wild delusions, Ria prepared to approach the fight right in front of her.

The Ogress army began its invasion.

Villages and towns that existed on the map were all suppressed like carpet bombing the land.

This stance of Ogress’ army not practicing oppression was more or less popular with the masses.

For those, they would unfortunately be removed.

In order to limit the victims, they would make sure there were the minimal required sacrifices.

On an occasions they passed through towns like that, Ria was targeted by assassins.

“Well done!”

“It isn’t serious. The blood of a dragon flows through me. I won’t die from poison.”

It was true, there were no dragons in history ever killed by poison.

There was poison occasionally mixed into her meals as well, but that wasn’t a problem either.

It was the same with Carla, but although she was an important person who could replenish their forces, she also had the same all resistance as Ria.

Their supplies were handled by his space-time magic, there was no one that could substitute in for him.

“That’s why you can’t attract attention. At least until the fighting is over.”

Their supplies being handled by Serge’s magic would be the ultimate winning factor of this war.

Ria’s ability to manufacture arms and armor and Serge’s transportation ability.

“War is about numbers, aniki.” [5]

Towards the staff officers that made puzzled faces, Ria said she was talking to her elder brother that had died long ago… at least, that’s the story that was made up.

Among the staff officers that consented one way or another, Serge was the only one to laugh.

As a matter of fact… this old joke would also add to Ria’s mystique.

As there must have been some reason for it, her staff officers that had served long years in the military reviewed strategy books and military classics. Although they were trying to spontaneously improve themselves, if Ria knew about it, she might have fainted from the despair-driven agony.

Two weeks into Ogress’ invasion into Cordova’s territory.

As for Cordova’s lack of resistance, that was simply because it took time to prepare.

Organize a large army and defeat them in battle. That was the response the Cordovan leaders went with.

However, that took a longer amount of time than expected.

They may have thought them to be a rebel army and not an enemy, but when they arrived at a village that should have become a cornerstone for war supplies, they were attacked by a small group of people. However, as they recognized them to be beastkin, there was no mistaking it.

Unlike Ogress’ regular forces, they were group.

Throwing corpses and excrement into the water wells, they limited Cordova’s means of procuring water.

And to defend it, they conscripted even more troops.

Even so, the Cordovan army was somehow able to mobilize with twenty army corps. A large army of 240,000.

The place they would confront one another? A place the Ogress army had set up at ahead of time, Maza Plains.

The war that would be referred to as the Maza Plains Battle in the future was just about to begin.