Much like Night Raid, the members of the Jaegers, aware that the final battle was imminent, harbored equally complicated feelings.
Kurome couldn't help but glance toward Bols. She remembered his family was still in the Imperial Capital.
Truth be told, deep down she held little hope for their fate.
The Capital had surely learned of the Jaegers' betrayal by now.
A man like Bols, with family ties, would inevitably have his loved ones targeted by the wrathful nobles seeking vengeance.
She had never brought it up, not wanting to stir his sorrow.
Unexpectedly, Bols's expression showed no ripple of distress... well, with that mask on, you couldn't really see an expression anyway.
Her judgment that his emotions were steady came mainly from the fact that his breathing remained utterly calm and unruffled.
Noticing Kurome's gaze, Bols explained, "Actually, from the very beginning, Lady Eblana arranged for Revolutionary Army agents within the Capital to protect my wife and daughter."
"Once the initial heat died down recently, we were even able to exchange letters."
Eblana naturally hadn't forgotten the tragic fate that befell Bols's family in the original story.
Now that Bols was one of her own, if she could prevent that outcome, there was no reason for her to stand idly by.
"I see..."
Hearing this, Kurome's heart eased considerably.
These past few days spent with her sister were perhaps the happiest of her life.
Yet, each time she returned and saw Bols lost in thought over that photograph, a complex mix of feelings would well up within her. Now, knowing his family was safe, that worry was lifted.
"What a pity, it seems I won't be of much help this time~" Dr. Stylish spread his hands in a shrug.
Eblana had forbidden him from using modified humans and made it clear she wouldn't tolerate experiments or modifications performed without the subject's consent.
He didn't possess conventional morals or principles—or rather, his were exceptionally flexible.
All he needed was a venue to continue his experiments and research.
Said experiments didn't necessarily require forcing subjects; it was just the simplest, most convenient method. The Empire hadn't just allowed it, they'd supported him, so he'd gone along with it.
Now that his new mistress disapproved, well, time to adapt.
With no proper lab and his casual experimentation banned, Dr. Stylish's combat effectiveness had plummeted. For this final battle, he truly had little room to contribute.
"What about Wave and the Captain?" Kurome, who had just parted from her sister, asked.
"Ah, they're on a mission right now," explained Run. "They should be back before long, definitely in time for the battle. As for the Teigu, they will be returned to everyone shortly."
Hearing this, the group fell silent again.
Time ticked by, minute by minute, and soon three days had passed.
Not only was Eblana's side making final preparations, the Empire was also mobilizing for all-out war.
Two days prior, Budo, from some unknown source, had obtained intel about Eblana's planned offensive and immediately reported it to the Emperor.
Upon learning this, the Emperor promptly convened an emergency meeting with Minister Honest, dragging him in overnight, and swiftly mustered every available force.
Though Honest was somewhat surprised by where Budo had gotten his information, since the enemy was making a move, it was only natural for their side to brace themselves.
Even though Honest was confident that with the Ultimate Teigu plus General Budo, victory over Eblana's forces was a given, he still understood the difference between a crushing victory, a decisive win, and a pyrrhic one. Preparations were always wise.
Sweating profusely from the flurry of activity, Honest overlooked the question of Budo's source.
Or perhaps he never even considered that Budo might be compromised. Meanwhile, Budo himself was staring distractedly at a letter in his hand.
It was penned by Eblana herself. Budo didn't need to verify its authenticity; the fact it had reached him was proof enough of its significance.
The message, however, was quite simple in essence.
'I'm about to march on the Capital. You know who I am. Since your loyalty is to the royal family, what difference does it make who you serve? When the fighting starts, don't stick your neck out looking for death.'
Eblana's letter plainly laid out the various proofs of the Empire's decay and offered a bloody critique.
It even rebuked him, a Great General, for his inaction, urging him to cease his stubborn delusion.
'What difference does it make who you serve?'
If both sides were members of the royal family, that would indeed be true. And Eblana was indeed of imperial blood—he had seen her as a child.
But... the current Eblana flew the banner of overthrowing the Empire to become a founding Emperor.
Did that still count as the royal family he was sworn to protect?
Budo thought probably not. Yet, Eblana was ultimately of imperial lineage.
Just because she declared herself a founding Emperor, should he deny that blood connection?
Moreover... he was well aware of the Empire's current state. Eblana's words, tearing away the veil of decency, were carved into his heart.
He truly only protected the royal family. But to say he didn't wish for the people's prosperity and the Empire's return to greatness would be a lie.
Lost in these thoughts, Budo had wrestled with the dilemma for two full days. Now, he had finally reached a decision.
He would still fight. His position and family traditions dictated he must do his duty. But Eblana was right; the rebels were his true enemy.
There was no need to fight this imperial princess to the bitter end.
Just as he had turned a blind eye to the young Emperor's purges of other royal bloodlines under Honest's guidance, Budo decided he would also not involve himself in the conflict between Eblana and the young Emperor.
Better to focus on the trouble stirred by the Revolution Army.
With this resolution, Budo's mind finally found clarity.
On the other side, Honest had, in the shortest time possible, mobilized all available mid-level and lower-level forces.
His plan was for these troops to stall Night Raid, the Jaegers, Eblana, and the Revolution Army's forces.
Once the Ultimate Teigu and General Budo were deployed to eliminate Esdeath and Eblana, everything would be set right.
Unaware that Budo had already decided to go through the motions without real commitment, Honest was busy pondering the safest place to hide when the time came.
Upon learning Eblana was launching a full-scale assault on the Empire, the Revolution Army immediately jumped back into the fray, pledging loyalty.
They handed over the majority of their troops to Eblana without asking for any concessions or benefits—a pure gift, complete with rations and logistical support for the 40,000 soldiers, all in the hope of proving their unwavering devotion.
Eblana, naturally, accepted it all without hesitation, stating she would remember her 'friendly allies,' the Revolutionary Army.
This attitude sent a chill through the Revolutionary Army's ranks.
They even began to vaguely grasp why Eblana had consistently refused to fully incorporate them, yet they chose to ignore this possibility, continuing their sycophantic efforts instead.
When Esdeath and Wave returned from their mission outside, the final campaign against the Empire officially began.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.