Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 23: The Battle for the Royal Capital's Recovery 1

Chapter 23: The Battle for the Royal Capital's Recovery 1

TL: Etude

Crystal Shine Fortress is the capital of the Kingdom of Ordo. It's named after the gigantic crystals found in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

The earlier monarchs of the Rodney Dynasty had moved the capital several times. It was during the reign of the fifth king that the capital was finally established here, gradually becoming the political and economic center of the entire kingdom. After meticulous development by eleven subsequent generations of kings, the capital had grown to a population of over 100,000, making it one of the largest cities in the known world.

In the spring of the year 1990 of the Holy Calendar, the eastern territories of the kingdom were harassed by the Highland Barbarians. Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine personally led the troops to suppress them. After the princess's army had all reached the eastern highlands, the Grand Duke Jars, whose lands were in the south, raised a rebel flag and began to advance rapidly northward.

But worse was to follow. Sir Hals, the commander of the city guard left in the capital, betrayed the royal family and also initiated a rebellion in response to Jars in the south.

It was now midday, and the fields along the King's Road leading to the capital were still bustling with activity.

The farmers did not want to rest. The recent rebellion by the city guards had thrown the vicinity of the capital into chaos, making people afraid to leave their homes and delaying much farm work. Now that things had calmed down a bit, many were working from dawn to dusk to not miss the planting season.

"Chirp chirp chirp..."

Many birds, flustered, flew in from the north. People looked up and saw an army appearing at the end of the road.

There was initial tension until the fluttering banner within the troops was recognized, bringing relief.

As one unit after another passed, the road was shrouded in dust. A vast number of soldiers and countless banners merged into a colorful river, winding and surging towards the capital.

"Giddy-up!" A group of riders, dressed as knights, galloped past the marching soldiers towards the front of the column. Leading them was a female knight, her bright golden hair shining in the sunlight, dancing like flames in the air.

As they neared the front of the column, the knights noticed someone riding towards them at speed. They pulled on their reins, slowing their horses.

The rider reached them quickly, facing the leading lady and bowing his head with his right hand on his chest: "Your Highness."

Princess Catherine waved her hand, signaling him to dispense with the formalities, and asked, "What's the situation ahead?"

"The vanguard has already joined the loyalist army at Olen Town. The temporary command post is set up, waiting for you to arrive."

"Alright, let's hurry over," she said.

"Yes!" The others acknowledged her command, spurring their horses to follow Princess Catherine as she raced ahead.

About half an hour later, Catherine and her party arrived at the Olen Town Hall, serving as the temporary command post. As she dismounted, a female commander appeared at the entrance. She walked down the steps and kneeled on one knee, "Your Highness."

The female commander had black hair and eyes and wore black armor, creating a stark contrast with the princess's white armor.

Princess Catherine immediately extended her hands to lift her up and then hugged her tightly, saying with relief, "Ofina, thank the Lord of Light for arranging you to be by my side in such dire times."