Chapter 149: Advance

The Orline Empire had incorporated into its territory the area surrounding the Suzha Canal, the vital waterway linking Africa and the Middle East.

Adjoining that African territory was a colony of the Friez Kingdom.

The Orline Imperial Army was now launching an all-out assault on the colony and steadily expanding the land under its control. A week had passed since the declaration of war.

By blocking the Suzha Canal and advancing across Africa, the Orline Empire was unquestionably inflicting real damage on the Friez Kingdom.

“…The tank is done for. We can’t take it with us.”

A vast desert covered northern Africa.

Moving tanks through it was extremely difficult. Following the example of Lunoa’s western and eastern fronts, where tanks had played a major role, the Orline army had brought tanks of its own. Here, however, they had become a burden.

“…It’s so hot.”

The desert sun was punishing even in winter.

Squinting against its glare, the Orline soldiers stood helplessly around the immobilized tank.

“We can’t exactly leave it here, can we?”

“Isn’t it simply broken down? Sand must have gotten inside and made a complete mess of it.”

“…Let’s ask command for instructions. We may as well rest here for now.”

“All right, break time.”

One unit of the Orline Imperial Army paused its advance through Africa because its tank had become stranded.

“This is hell… We finish the hellish fight to take a Friez fortress, and now we have to march through an endless desert. What a miserable job.”

It was impossible to build many large cities in the desert.

The Friez colony had constructed a fortress along its border with the Orline Empire, but the next city lay a considerable distance beyond it.

The Orline forces faced many hardships as they trudged onward through the sand.

“I suppose this is what war is. Can I have some water?”

“…Enough already. Hold out a little longer. Water is precious too.”

“Seriously?”

“It didn’t end after the bloodshed, did it…?”

This was war.

It was war. Beneath the fierce sun, men who should never have been there stood alone in the desert and sighed.

■■■■■

A formidable fortress had once stood on the border between the Orline Empire and the Friez Kingdom.

Now it was already half destroyed.

“As expected, operating armored units in the desert is difficult.”

Emma had established a temporary headquarters for the Orline Imperial Army in an office that had survived in relatively good condition.

“Your Highness, the Second Princess Emma, our forces are advancing steadily through the desert. Some units have been delayed by tank malfunctions, but there are no other problems. Everything is proceeding almost according to plan.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“Still, is it truly wise to continue advancing so far? The Friez Kingdom may attempt an amphibious landing near the Suzha Canal. Should we not have left troops behind in case they succeed?”

“Oh, there’s no need to worry about that. Noah is at sea. We have nothing to fear.”

It was absolute trust.

Without the slightest doubt in her eyes, Emma looked through the window at the beautiful, cloudless sky, certain that he must be gazing upon that same blue expanse.