Our newly formed alliance’s objective was not to commit a terrorist attack on the empire. All we wanted was to find a way to sneak into the imperial capital safely. As such, I told Bazack and the others that we wouldn’t be traveling with them but instead using our airship to enter the capital from the sky. I didn’t want them to get in our way, no matter how they chose to act. I didn’t want to keep suspecting them of betraying us, so I convinced myself that, if the resistance could help us enter the capital more easily by causing a commotion, it would ultimately benefit our cause.
They seemed to have several infiltration routes of their own, so we decided to each do our thing so as not to get in each other’s way. Then, once we had all successfully made it into the capital, we’d regroup at their hideout, and they would help us sneak into the palace. I was surprised by how easy they’d made it sound, but apparently, the underground area of their hideout led directly into the castle. I’d ask Ketty and Lionel if there were any discrepancies in their information later.
The next important thing we needed was a way to escape the capital, whether or not our operation was a success. The resistance apparently had maps of the city in their hideout, and they said they’d give one to us once we made it there.
Bazack had explained the entire plan to us. That was great and all, but I wanted to know if Albert had the ability to lead the troops or if he was merely there as a figurehead.
“Regardless of how well our operation goes, the people of the capital will likely be confused and panicked. How do you plan to handle that, Albert?” I asked.
“What do you mean, handle it? If you’re asking whether I intend to let them be swept up in the chaos of battle, the answer is no.”
“I see. Even if that means putting yourself at risk?”
“I’m aware that this will be a dangerous operation. But if I don’t do it, the only fate awaiting Illumasia is destruction from within.”
There was no doubt that Albert valued his homeland and its citizens. I supposed it made sense that someone who had built an anti-imperialist faction would be so spirited. Then again, I had a feeling he wasn’t exactly aware that the resistance was an anti-imperialist faction... Either way, this little exchange proved that he was the kind of person to stick to his beliefs.
“I see,” I said. “I have another question. Those people who follow you—actually, I’m going to call them the resistance, as in the people who oppose the empire, from now on—how strong are they? I’d like to have an idea.”
“That’s difficult to quantify. Most of the people here in Ebiza are on our side, and we have allies in the empire who leak out information to us. But the number of skilled fighters in our ranks is quite limited.”
They’d turned the majority of the inhabitants of a foreign town into their allies? That showed just how charismatic they were. But unfortunately, the number of allies did not equate to fighting power.
“How many of them can hold their own against imperial soldiers?” I asked, a tad worried.
“Probably around fifty. Some of them were part of my personal guard, so they’re the cream of the crop of Illumasia’s soldiers,” Albert replied with a bright, innocent smile, and I couldn’t help but question his sanity. Especially since, just earlier that day, we’d uncovered some demonized spies hidden among his personal guard. Of course, he’d still been unconscious at that point, so perhaps he didn’t know.
Lionel had told me that the empire’s soldiers were all powerhouses, but I wondered exactly how strong they were. I hoped the ones on our side weren’t too bad. I wasn’t expecting them to be as powerful as, say, Ketty, but I hoped they could at least provide us some level of help without getting in our way, much like Nalia used to do.
“If your personal guard truly is the cream of the crop, then they must have an outstanding general. Someone as strong as Lionel.”
“Ah, um, no. None of my soldiers can compare with my master,” Albert replied, sulking a little as he shifted his gaze away from me and looked at Lionel. It was obvious from the look on his face that he wanted Lionel to join his personal army, but Lionel didn’t say anything in response to his words, his expression remaining unchanged.
At this point, I was truly beginning to wonder how the resistance intended to carry out their plan with such a lack of military power.
“I’m aware that what I’m about to ask might sound rude, but do you really think that you’ll be able to enter both the capital and the palace, and convince the emperor to listen to your demands with such limited military strength?” I asked.
“O-Of course,” Albert replied. “We have many allies in the capital, so infiltrating the city and the palace won’t be too difficult. Moreover, the citizens and soldiers alike are all exhausted due to the war with Luburk, despite the ceasefire. This is a great moment to strike.”
I agreed that direct combat wasn’t the only way to make war, and a well-planned surprise attack, even with limited manpower, could work just fine in certain contexts. If their goal was only to meet with the emperor, then it was a perfectly viable plan. But did the prince realize that there was another issue in his strategy?
“Have you ever sneaked into the capital before?” I asked.
“Once, with my allies’ help. But if you add it to the number of times the others have, we’re easily in the double digits...though it seems that every time we use a bypass to sneak into the empire, it gets plugged later.”
That must’ve been the work of the spies. I looked at Bazack, and he met my gaze but shook his head. I didn’t know what he meant by that. At any rate, with how little fighting power they had, it seemed unlikely that the prince’s wishes would be fulfilled as long as the emperor was alive. This must’ve been why Bazack and Melphina were so intent on joining forces with us. But would we really be able to accomplish both of our goals without getting the empire’s citizens involved in the chaos? It seemed I would have to remain cautious and consider the possibility of them betraying us after all.
“How much time do you need before leaving for the capital?” I asked.
“Bazack?” the prince said.
“We would appreciate a week to ten days to prepare, at the very least.”
If we waited for ten days, Illumasia might learn that we had an airship. They might already know it, but if we gave them ten more days, they’d most likely have detailed reports about it. I glanced at Lionel, and he shook his head.
“That won’t do. If you can’t be at the imperial capital in five days at most, we won’t help you,” he stated.
“Wha—?! Lion! Are you saying we need to hurry that much?” Bazack exclaimed.
“Absolutely. If you can’t manage that, then there’s no benefit to us in forming an alliance with you.”
“But...” Albert muttered, glancing at Lionel with a look of betrayal, as if he felt abandoned.
“You want us to be in the royal capital in five days...” Bazack murmured, turning toward the oracle. “Lady Melphina?” He was aware that we were already making concessions, so he turned to get her opinion, as she was the one who had the final word.
“Mister Lionel, we simply need to reach the capital in five days, is that right?” Melphina asked.
“Sir?” Lionel turned to me, leaving the decision in my hands.