Editing Tytania:Volume 5 Chapter 3 (section)

=== III ===
Having fully demonstrated its deranged firepower, the ''Black Prince'' continued its arrogant advance. Inspired by its magnificent silhouette, the forces of Uraniborg began their charge, like rabid hounds following after their master.

Though the movements were quite chaotic, the momentum of the two armies was in the process of completely reversing. This reached its climax when the ''Black Prince'' suddenly surged forward at its maximum combat speed.

“It’s going to ram us… Aaaaargh!”

A scream flooded the hearing range of everyone present.

A first-class battleship had been rammed from behind by the ''Black Prince''. It was a clearly intentional collision; the first-class battleship was crushed under a mass more than thirty times its own. Its image, spinning helplessly before shattering into a fireball that scattered in all directions, was captured on the screens of the ''Austra''.

“He does not love ships. Neither his own nor his enemies’.”

Captain Edna Fredericks spoke with fierce resentment.

“Otherwise, he would never commit such an act, destroying both himself and his opponent with such a meaningless attack… Unforgivable.”

Before the eyes of the captain, who bit her lip, a second ship fell victim to the great beast. This time, it was a heavy cruiser. It was torn apart, exploding into a fireball. Fan Hyulick watched the tyranny of the black magical beast in stunned silence, until he was suddenly nudged at the shoulder. A soldier, wearing a helmet and clutching an electromagnetic rifle, looked at him intently and whispered.

“Hey, you. You’re Fan Hyulick, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Then do something! Are you really just going to let us lose like this? Especially after you managed to beat Duke Ariabert.”

“Don’t make impossible demands.”

Hyulick sighed and ran his hand through his carrot-coloured hair.

“To be honest, I don’t even quite know why I’m even here right now.”

Because Doctor Lee presented the terms so naturally and brought the negotiations to a successful conclusion, the members of the Blaze Flag Army ended up agreeing to Hyulick being handed over to Duke Jouslain Tytania in exchange for Baronet Zelpha. Hyulick himself was now tilting his head in confusion, wondering, “Why me?” But from Doctor Lee’s perspective, he had secured safety by taking a Tytanian scion as a hostage while simultaneously being able to send Hyulick into the heart of Tytania to begin his operations. The negotiations had been so utterly nonsensical that no one realised that Doctor Lee was the only one who stood to gain.

“Don’t panic! Five o’clock! Full speed in reverse!”

Captain Fredericks’ voice rang out with heroic clarity. An electromagnetic missile had been pursuing them at high speed from the six o’clock position, leaving no time for a reversal manoeuvre. The captain’s piloting had proved successful. The missile passed diagonally just fifty metres ahead of the nose of ''Austra''.

“We-we’re saved…” gasped someone.

Jouslain offered praise.

“Splendid work, Captain Fredericks.”

“You are too kind.”

Since Ariabert’s death, Captain Edna Fredericks’ expression had seemed as though it were turning towards that of the deceased, but for the first time, the corner of her mouth twitched upward, and a spark of fighting spirit flickered in her eyes.

“We are receiving a transmission from the enemy vessel.”

“Put it through.”

Jouslain commanded the communications officer, only to be struck with astonishment when the young, fierce face appeared on the communication screen.

“Radmoth!”

''“Hey, Jouslain, you traitor. What’s the matter? You don’t look too well.”''

“Why are you on the bridge of the ''Black Prince''!?”

''“Why? Are you an idiot? I’m here because I am the commander-in-chief. I’d love to hear what other reasons you think I might have.”''

“What happened to Idris?”

A predatory laugh was the only response.

''“That man who is unworthy of being my brother is likely cowering in some safe corner of Uraniborg. He’s probably shrinking back, terrified that his position will be usurped while he watches me obtain glorious feats of arms. Small-minded wretch! Being one of the Four Dukes is of no interest to me.”''

So Idris had not been killed by Radmoth—at least, not yet. For some reason, Jouslain felt relieved. If his opponent was Idris, negotiation was still possible. It was a matter of comparison, though.

''“Well? Have you small-minded traitors learnt your place yet?”''

Radmoth let out a boisterous laugh. Beside Jouslain, Balamy leaned forward, glaring at the communication screen.

“You’re the one who will learn his lesson. Someone like you could never serve as commander-in-chief.”

''“If you lot are truly human, you ought to know the meaning of ‘reflection’ and ‘regret’. Your crimes are heavy, but His Clanner Highness is as merciful as a god. If you repent and prostrate yourselves, I might even let you clean my latrines.”''

“You lowlife!”

Hyulick, who had remained silent until then, suddenly whispered:

“Duke Jouslain.”

“What is it?”

“That spoilt brat’s attitude… he’s incredibly full of himself, isn’t he?”

“Indeed… It is almost as if he has been appointed the Clanner’s heir.”

“Eh!?”

“I’m merely speculating.”

It was merely an absurd, unfounded speculation. There was no way the Clanner would hold such a crude and tyrannical youth in high regard. No matter how hard he strove, he was meant to be nothing more than a crude imitation of Zarlisch.

“… But has the Clanner’s eye for talent changed so drastically? If that were the case, what would become of Idris? Would he be forced to serve his younger brother with a bowed head? No, though Clanner Ajman and Balamy’s father were brothers…”

Radmoth’s voice rang out through the communication screen:

''“I know the meaning of pity. Therefore, I shall teach you all something useful. If you carry out what I instruct, all your crimes shall be pardoned, and furthermore, I shall ensure you receive immense rewards.”''

Wearing the grin of a predator, Radmoth pressed thick fingers against his own throat and mimicked a violent slicing motion.

''“Bring me the head of Jouslain, the leader of the rebels! Bring it before me. If you do, I shall not only grant you a full pardon, but I shall also promote you by two ranks and bestow upon you bounty, a medal, and special leave!”''

Hyulick and Balamy both turned their gazes towards Jouslain from either side at once. What a devious scheme. Taking advantage of the favourable battle conditions, he was attempting to incite treason among the enemy troops. If it succeeded, of course, that would be fine. Even if it failed, it would not affect them in the slightest. Given everything that had transpired thus far, Balamy held his opponent, who was one year his junior, in extremely low regard. Therefore, he could only conclude that Radmoth must have been possessed by something.

“You have certainly become quite magnanimous, Radmoth.”

As Jouslain responded, one side of his form gleamed white. Once again, several of his allies had been destroyed in quick succession at close range.