Book 17: Chapter 49


    I really wanted to be able to return to Troy City the next day; however, behind me was an organised army. Two armies were marching ahead of me. One army transported siege weaponry andrge cannons along with their march. Mommy Elizabeth and I didnt travel in a horse carriage. Instead, we rode with the cavalry. It was the first time I saw the red uniform army in full battle mode. Every soldier wore neutral expressions. They didnt express anything in rtion to the life and death battlefield. Every single soldiers uniforms buttons were scrubbed shiny. The march that shook the Earth was in unison. Aside from the messenger who ran back and forth between units to delivermands, nobody uttered a word.


    <em>That</em> was Mommy Elizabeths most formidable weapon she used to conquer this world. <em>That</em> was the invincible red uniform army. They were the strongest from numbers to equipment. Every soldier present was determined to fight to the very end and never retreat. Although I heard of their dominant exploits before, when I was amongst them, they intimidated me.


    The army I led to the North wasnt theplete red uniform army. The majority of the soldiers who apanied me to the North were mainly support soldiers. They were locals at Karanas ce. Though they underwent the empires training regime, they still werent on the level of the most traditional red uniform army. Frankly, I thought one field operation army was adequate.


    Nier rode alongside us. The Valkyries in their white robes and on their white horses rode around the horse carriage with the g representing the royal family. Inside of the carriage were maids and my daughter, Daisy. The Valkyries most important task was to ensure Daisys safety. Nier shouldve also protected her daughter, but she argued that I needed more protection.


    When I remembered the things she said to me, I felt her primary goal was actually to supervise me. Daisy should be the safest. Troy City didnt have an army. Even if the new church distributed weapons to their followers, their untrained rioters couldnt possibly take on an army.


    If we maintain this pace, we should arrive at the perimeter of Troy City in two days time. Son, you didnt send anybody to speak with the new churchs pope? Do you really want to just attack Troy City? It may now be under the new churchs control; its your city, nevertheless. The city is named after you. Dont you think that destroying it would be a pity?


    I already sent someone, but he never replied. I dont know what the new churchs pope is nning, but they wont even release my people. That only makes me worry more for Ling Yue and Liu Yue.


    Of course, I mightve just been extra hasty. It had only been a day. He probably hadnte back.


    I was worried sick about Ling Yue and Liu Yue, though. I prayed Tanya had escorted them back to the North.


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    Current time at Troy City.


    What are you doing?! What exactly are you doing?! Why are so many people fighting to get out of the city?! Troy will be back very soon! King Troy will be back very soon! yelled Ling Yue.


    Ling Yue stood atop the city wall. Behind the closed doors were themoners trying to squeeze their way out. Horse carriages were also gathered at the doors. Behind them was a group of people who were so eager to leave Troy City that they were willing to walk if that was what it took. There were mothers holding their children in addition to men protecting their family and carrying their pitiful luggage. They looked up at Ling Yue, feeling as though they stood at the precipice of despair.


    We dont want to resist anymore. How are we supposed to resist against Ling Yue? We cant break through the doors or walls of Troy City no matter what we do, thought the citizens


    The citizens had lost the courage and will to resist. Freya once believed the people were mere beasts who didnt need attention. The people were finally the equivalent of sheep that could be ughtered however one pleased.


    Everyone, everyone, you dont need to run. You dont need to run! King Troy, your lord, will soon be back. Why do you have to run? Troy ising back to save you. He wille back to protect you. Why do you want to run?


    The people below didnt respond, but they continued to charge toward the doors. They looked at Ling Yue with pitiful and hopeless gazes. Their gazes left Ling Yue feeling hurt and hopeless. She didnt understand why the people flocked to the doors when she returned. She didnt understand why they wanted to flee.


    They were oppressed and bullied. Troy wasing back to save them. The city was never called the city of freedom when it was under Troys jurisdiction, but that sort of situation never urred. Nobody could push others around with their weight. Nobody could rob and run rampant because they had a gang backing them up. Women didnt have to feel scared all the time. Men didnt have to worry about returning home to see their house burnt or worried that their wife and children were dead.


    The city of freedom meant freedom for others. So-called freedom was forever a privilege exclusive to the powerful and influential. The purpose ofw wasnt just to rule but to protect those without power. How was everybody able to lead normal lives under Troys rule? It was because Troys power was everyones power. Thus, everyone could enjoy the same freedom.


    Why? Why? Why do these people want to flee? Why? Do they not want normal lives? Why do they want to flee when Troy, the man who can save them, ising back? Why do they want to run? Everybody should be eager for the Kings return. Why is everybody running? What exactly happened? questioned Ling Yue.


    Ling Yue wanted to prove how just and noble her husband was to the doubtful people. Ling Yue yelled at the top of her lungs. She gave her firstmand sinceing to Troy City: I wont allow anyone to leave Troy City. You should be my husbands citizens; not his enemies. You should wait here for my husband to return. I guarantee. On the name of my tribes honour, I guarantee that you are the people my husband needs to protect. Even if a war does erupt this time, my husband wont possibly harm you. Wait here. Wait here. Dont leave this ce. Its dangerous <em>if </em>you leave this ce. Dont be afraid of those people behind you. I am Troys wife. I will protect you! Troy will release you!


    Theres no need for them to fear my husband; he would never harm them, Ling Yue told herself.