"... run! The orcs are coming!"
"The western region has completely fallen! Even Wind's Rest City has been slaughtered, and all the people in the city have been killed! Run!"
…
The sound of various shouts mixed with the sound of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of the town.
Black plumes of smoke rose into the sky with the burning flames, and the air was filled with the smell of scorched ears of rice.
On a hill outside the town, Queen Midella stood beside the carriage, looking at the chaotic town and the fields engulfed in flames, and asked Marquis Garcia beside her:
"Is this what you arranged?"
Marquis Garcia nodded without denying:
"Yes. Before I evacuated the Tianduan Mountains, I had already sent people to spread rumors in the western region, trying to get the civilians in the western region to evacuate early, but unfortunately... the effect was not very good."
Queen Midella smiled and said, "The effect of the Crimson Flame Collar is much better now."
Marquis Garcia nodded: "Yes, after all, the news of the disastrous defeat in the battle of Tianduan Mountains has already come, and the tragic situation after the fall of the Western Territory..."
Queen Midara pointed to the field that was engulfed in flames, and asked:
"Then why did you send people to burn the crops? Don't leave food for the orc army?"
"That's right. To deal with an army like the orcs who have no logistics and transportation and rely entirely on looting to eat and drink, the best strategy is actually to retreat strategically and clear the land with a strong wall. In this way, the orcs will not get enough food, and they will start to mess up first." Marquis Garcia sighed, "Unfortunately, there are always some idiots trying to keep the orcs out of their territory..."
Queen Midella smiled, and said: "Of course you said it so easily, after all, this is not your territory."
Marquis Garcia frowned, but did not refute.
As far as his eyes could see, a man who fell down on the edge of the field was crying loudly while looking at the burning ears of rice. The fire almost set his clothes on fire, but he still refused to leave.
People passing by tried to pull him, but he beat the ground and screamed with disheveled hair:
"I'm not going anywhere! This is my home, my everything! You kill me! You kill me..."
"This is the price that must be paid..." Marquis Garcia said softly.
I don't know whether I am convincing Queen Midella or myself.
The westerly wind whizzed past, pushing away the fire on the field, as if it had become a red carpet, spreading out rapidly in front of our eyes.
The rising smoke covered Marquis Garcia's sight, but the mournful howling was still heard clearly in his ears.
"Let's go." Queen Midella urged.
The two got into the carriage, and the team went down the hill and continued westward.
Marquis Garcia opened the curtain, and saw a chaotic and desolate scene outside.
On the not-so-wide road, it was crowded with civilians fleeing to the east, young people who were bent over by huge burdens, women who kept crying with their children in their arms, and old people who stumbled...
Crying, shouting, cursing... Weaving into a prelude before the end of the world.
Queen Midella pulled down the curtain to block the sight of Marquis Garcia, and said:
"stop looking."
Marquis Garcia didn't resist either, and sat silently in the car, staring blankly at the void in front of him, not knowing what he was thinking.
Seeing this, Queen Midella felt a little uncomfortable. Just as she was about to say a few words of comfort, she heard the guards come to the window and report in a low voice:
"Your Highness, the front is the team of the St. Grian family..."
Queen Midella was taken aback, but before she could react, she saw that Marquis Garcia had already got up and walked out.
"Don't go out!" Queen Midella reached out to grab Marquis Garcia, but he avoided it.
The curtain of the car was opened, and Marquis Garcia had already jumped out of the car.
As soon as he stood firmly, he saw the team of the St. Gerian family approaching.
They obviously recognized the royal family's car and were about to come over to salute and greet.
The leader is the Consul of the Western Territory, Crete St. Grian.
It's only been a few months since I've seen him. This old man, who used to be physically fit and energetic, has become very old. He needs someone to support him when he walks. His rickety waist seems to be broken by a gust of wind.
"Your Highness the Queen..." The Consul of Crete was just about to salute when he saw Marquis Garcia jumping out of the carriage, and his expression changed instantly.
"Garcia St. Hilde!" The cold words squeezed out from between the teeth of the Cretan consul, filled with endless hatred.
Hearing this name, there was a commotion in the fleeing team of the St. Gerian family.
If it weren't for the presence of the royal guards, the St. Grians would all rush forward and tear Marquis Garcia to pieces.
"Consul of Crete." The Marquis of Garcia greeted calmly, and at the same time glanced at the ranks of the St. Grian's family, and then asked, "Has the Duke of St. Grian withdrew?"
The identity of Cretan Consul was trembling because of anger. He stared at Marquis Garcia with his scarlet eyes, gritted his teeth and said:
"The knights of the St. Gerian family will not abandon the western region!"
Marquis Garcia was silent for a while.
He also noticed that the fleeing team in front of him was full of old and weak women and children. It seems that the knights of the St. Gerian family are probably still in the western region, but I don't know how many of them are still alive...
Seeing that the atmosphere was getting more and more tense, Queen Midella could only take a few steps forward, standing in front of Marquis Garcia, showing a gentle smile, and comfortingly said:
"Consul of Crete, I can understand your feelings, but please rest assured that the dedication and sacrifice of the St. Grian family will always be remembered by the people of the empire.
Moreover, His Majesty has reassembled the army in the Storm Fortress, and is about to launch a counterattack against the orcs.
Please believe me, the Western Territory will be restored.
You too will be able to return to your homeland. "
The Consul of Crete was obviously not moved by such beautiful words, his burning eyes were still fixed on the figure behind Queen Midella, and he asked in a strong tone:
"Your Highness, I want to know what kind of punishment will be given to the traitor behind you?"
"Your Majesty will give everyone an explanation for right and wrong. But now, we have to rush to Storm Fortress, please forgive me." After Queen Midella finished speaking, she turned around and pulled Marquis Garcia back. In the carriage.
Then urge the convoy to leave immediately.
Just now the name of Marquis Garcia has been spread, and more and more refugees gathered on the road after hearing the news.
Back then, the fact that Marquis Garcia led his army to withdraw from the Tianduan Mountains had already spread throughout the Glorious Empire. In addition, Emperor Reinhard personally identified him as a traitor. Now Marquis Garcia is notorious in the empire.
Especially those who are forced to leave their hometowns, they can't wait to eat their flesh and blood.
Empress Midella was afraid that staying here any longer might have unimaginable consequences, so she had to leave in a hurry.
(end of this chapter)