Little Tyrant Doesn't Want to Meet with a Bad End Chapter 664.1: Inseparable (1)

Humans were capable of achieving monumental feats in a short period if they truly set their minds to it.

The day before the war's commencement arrived.

Soldiers were observed in a state of hurried activity within the fortresses and strongholds, engaged in the ceaseless transport of logistical supplies.

All military provisions, encompassing weaponry, arrows, magic tools, armor, and steeds, were made available to every soldier without any restrictions. Burly knights eagerly tested out new sets of armor, while staff-wielding mages meticulously arranged their newly acquired magic tools with evident smiles.

A palpable sense of excitement permeated the soldiers, despite the impending march to war. Never before had they experienced such a richly provisioned campaign.

While the quality of equipment significantly impacts a soldier's survival rate, ensuring adequate provisions for the entire three million troops stationed at the eastern border presented a considerable challenge, not to mention the perpetual need for maintenance and replacements.

Even the acquisition of newer armor typically involved a two-tiered approval process and was only issued to those most in need. Such an unrestrained distribution of military supplies was an unheard-of event in the annals of the eastern border's history.

It was hardly surprising that the soldiers were filled with such elation.

From the fortress ramparts, Roel observed the scene with a light chuckle. He then turned to the individual accountable for this unprecedented abundance, the logistical chief of the united army, and inquired, “Are you certain the Sorofya House can sustain such an expenditure?”

“It’s perfectly fine. We had established stringent controls over the distribution of military supplies to guarantee long-term resource viability on the battlefield, but those measures are no longer necessary,” Charlotte responded, her gaze fixed on the soldiers gleefully selecting their armaments.

“Humankind faces extinction if we falter in the upcoming battle. No amount of resources or wealth can salvage us from such a fate. It is far more prudent to commit our entire fortune to this cause.”

“That may hold true, but the sheer scale of this undertaking still appears somewhat excessive…” Roel remarked, recalling the sight of endless carriage processions delivering weapons to the fortresses.

“Indeed, the Sorofyas have completely exhausted our fortune on this endeavor.” Charlotte delivered a stunning revelation.

“Ah?!” Roel was visibly taken aback by this news. “Does that imply that…”

“Precisely, the Sorofyas are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Our treasury was already approaching its nadir, so we pledged everything to this one throw.”

“…A gamble, then?”

“Indeed. Should we emerge victorious, we shall vanquish a grave threat to humanity. The Sorofyas will undoubtedly reap substantial rewards for this colossal investment. Conversely, should we falter, all will be reduced to ashes. Such is the nature of this bet.” Charlotte turned towards Roel, her emerald eyes gleaming with intensity. “This approach doesn’t quite align with my usual methods, does it?”

“I must admit, it doesn’t feel like your typical modus operandi… yet, I can comprehend the reasoning.”

“Oh? And what leads you to that conclusion?”

“You are a scion of the Sorofya lineage, a house renowned for its naval exploration. Perhaps such audacious risks are ingrained in your very blood. It might explain your compatibility with Isabella,” Roel mused, a flicker of remembrance crossing his mind as he thought of the Golden Fleet from centuries past.

Though the Sorofyas had transitioned from intrepid naval explorers to become the wealthiest house on the Sia Continent over successive generations, the audacious spirit of adventurers remained deeply embedded within their core.

Charlotte, lost in her own reminiscence, murmured, “Isabella? Perhaps, but it wouldn’t mean my complete ruin even if the Sorofyas were to face bankruptcy.”

“You possess a hidden contingency?”

“Naturally. Should I face financial ruin, ought not my debtor assume responsibility for my well-being, Mister Roel?”

“Pfft. Is that your fallback plan?” Roel chuckled audically.

Charlotte seized the moment to press her point. “3,114,500 gold coins, and that figure doesn't even account for accrued interest—you stand as the Sorofyas’ most significant private creditor. I would be compelled to live on the streets if you refuse to accept this responsibility.”

“I shall accept the responsibility, but let’s be clear: my debt should be absolved once the Sorofya Merchant Association ceases to exist, correct?”

“Are you attempting to renege on your debt? Mister Roel, since when did you embrace such ignoble behavior?”

“I have no intention of evading my debt. Rather, I prefer to extend my assistance in my capacity as your fiancé,” Roel declared, extending his hand to gently grasp Charlotte’s.

Charlotte responded with a slight pout of dissatisfaction. “Darling, you are quite the schemer.”

“Haha! I shall graciously accept that as a compliment. After all, I lack the financial means to compensate such a substantial sum.”

“Would you not consider selling yourself to me? I assure you, I would offer a generous price.”

“Why would one purchase that which already belongs to them?”

Roel tenderly embraced Charlotte, seizing the opportune moment to exhale a warm breath into her ear, causing her to visibly squirm with delicate embarrassment. He promptly withdrew after this successful playful maneuver, and Charlotte turned her flushed face away.

“Cease these pleasantries. It is nearly time,” Charlotte stated with a touch of gravity.

“You are about to achieve a breakthrough?” Roel inquired.

“Mmhm,” Charlotte confirmed with a gentle nod.

Roel lowered his gaze, his mind drifting into a profound state of contemplation.

While his thoughts were occupied with Nora, Roel recognized her inherent resilience, believing she had a strong likelihood of overcoming this trial and achieving Origin Level 1.

Charlotte's situation, however, presented a different concern.

He had not frequently engaged in combat alongside Charlotte. Their last joint operation was during their academy days. As the Sorofya heir, her natural domain was that of galas and social events, not the grim reality of the battlefield.

If Nora was perceived as a valiant warrior dedicated to eradicating global evil and injustice, Charlotte was akin to a shrewd business magnate orchestrating world finances from the comfort of her opulent office. Consequently, Roel found it difficult to suppress his deep worry for Charlotte.

Certainly, he acknowledged Charlotte's prior frontline experience and her significant advancements in strength since then. Nevertheless, a persistent unease lingered, akin to dispatching his cherished wife into the fray of war.

“Are the arrangements for your advancement in place?”

“Indeed, Rosa has ensured meticulous preparations. I have also consulted The Arbiter to determine the most opportune moment. Rest assured, I will be safeguright.”

“Frankly speaking, I would prefer you not undertake this perilous endeavor.”

“That cannot be. I wish to remain by my darling’s side, and Rosa requires an Origin Level 1 transcendent as well,” Charlotte responded with unwavering sincerity.

With a sigh, Roel took a step closer, gently pressing his lips against Charlotte’s.

Charlotte, caught off guard by his affectionate gesture, did not resist. Their lips met, and a surge of potent energy flowed into her being.

“Darling, what is this?”

“My blood. It carries Sia’s essence and should facilitate your breakthrough.”

“My gratitude, darling.”

“You may express your thanks upon your safe return.”

“Very well,” Charlotte agreed, before reluctantly bidding Roel farewell.

Not long after their parting, the fortress issued a directive for the temporary deactivation of all magical instruments. The two princesses were poised to commence their critical breakthroughs.

…

The ascensions of Nora and Charlotte held immense significance for humanity. The combined military might of two Origin Level 1 transcendents was a force that could not be underestimated, even in ages past.

Roel's anxiety regarding their situation was profound, making it difficult to shake off his disquiet. However, the sheer volume of pressing matters consumed his attention, leaving little room for prolonged contemplation.

Their immediate paramount concern was the formulation of their war strategy and the judicious allocation of forces.

This colossal engagement would involve the entirety of the three million human soldiers stationed at the eastern frontier, with a singular objective: to escort Roel into the Abyss. Once there, he would wield Sia’s Scepter to absorb the Savior’s mana and achieve victory over him.

Based on the recent engagements between human forces and the Fallen, the unified command had ascertained that the Fallen's martial capabilities far exceeded those of the deviants. The million Fallen warriors garrisoned within the imperial capital were demonstrably superior to the three million human soldiers holding the eastern border.

Given humanity's slim prospects of overwhelming the imperial capital directly, Roel was tasked with infiltrating it with a select contingent of elite warriors, while the unified army executed a diversionary assault to engage the Fallen.

Following extensive deliberation, the decision was made to limit the infiltration team to a mere thousand individuals.

A thousand souls represented a negligible fraction within the vast expanse of the imperial capital. However, subsequent experiments conducted in the preceding days had led specialists to conclude that an increased team size beyond this threshold would significantly elevate the risk of detection by the Fallen.

To ensure Roel’s successful passage to the Abyss, the selection of each team member was critical. The foremost candidate, naturally, was Wilhelmina.

Roel regarded the armored woman seated opposite him with a grim expression. After a brief, heavy silence, he finally spoke, “Mina, your place is with the unified army. They require your leadership.”

“Perhaps, but that is not where I belong. I am your knight, and I shall remain by your side.”

“…What if I were to order you to remain behind?”

“I would first engage on the frontlines, and then pursue you alone.” Wilhelmina’s resolve remained unyielding.

Recognizing the futility of dissuading Wilhelmina, Roel shifted the topic, inquiring about another matter. “Mina, is your heart… still faring well?”

“Mmhm. The Knight Kingdom has performed numerous thorough examinations since my return. The results indicate not only that I am well but that my condition has improved.”

“That is a considerable relief.” Roel exhaled, his tension easing.

The Indestructible Body bestowed by him was an exceptionally potent boon; even a fragment severed from him could dramatically bolster Wilhelmina’s physical constitution. Roel was genuinely pleased with this outcome.

“Mina, you may accompany my team, but you must pledge to me that you will not engage in any dangerous actions.”

“I give you my word.”

“By ‘dangerous’, I mean you absolutely cannot take any attacks in my stead. No harm must befall you, not even if it's for my benefit.”

“…” Wilhelmina’s gaze held a clear reluctance to Riel’s directive.

However, Riel was not open to any negotiation on this matter. The memory of Wilhelmina sustaining grievous injuries and almost perishing while shielding him was something he could never put into words. In that moment, life itself felt devoid of purpose.

That crushing emptiness and profound sorrow was an experience he would carry forever.

“I refuse to endure that a second time. Mina, promise me, won’t you?”

“…Very well. Truthfully, I was thinking along the same lines.”

“You were?”

“I have no desire to meet my end either. I’ve only just confessed my feelings, and our relationship is still in its infancy. There’s no way I’d allow it to conclude so abruptly.” Wilhelmina lifted her chin, meeting Riel’s gaze with her amber eyes, which blazed with an unquenchable warmth.

Riel felt a stir of surprise, but his expression soon softened. He acknowledged her words with a nod, his resolve hardening anew.

Whether for Wilhelmina, his cherished friends and family, or the soldiers who would soon march into the fray by his side, he **had** to vanquish the Savior. This was not merely his personal desire but the ancient, enduring aspiration of the Ascart lineage.

A growing awareness settled upon him regarding the immense weight he now carried.

Consequently, Riel had no alternative but to accept her into the fold. “We both bear the hopes and dreams of those who came before us. Let us forge a future for humankind together.”

Riel gently clasped Wilhelmina’s hands, their eyes locking in a firm exchange, and a shared smile bloomed between them.

…