The Zen God Race's assault on Chronos territory had begun, launched from the neighboring Magellan. Our forces had managed to repel the initial wave, leading to a temporary lull in the fighting.
The Magellan Democratic Federation was a minor nation, smaller in territory than Proone. While it boasted a fair number of planets and colonies, its agricultural output was barely enough to sustain its population. Most of its planets were covered in vast oceans. Thanks to economic support from Chronos, however, its people never went hungry.
As a result, the citizens were incredibly lackadaisical. The vast majority were unmotivated, living day-to-day with zero ambition. Their mindset was effectively: 'If we run out of food, we’ll just resort to robbery.'
Compared to them, even the constantly brawling citizens of the Ogre God Nation seemed sophisticated. If you hired a Magellan local at a factory, they’d likely stop showing up without a word, often forcing the entire operation to a standstill. This earned them the disdain of the Latarnians; after all, they were a people who rarely kept their word.
Naturally, the Latarnia Bank refused to expand there, and the country remained economically stagnant as a minor power. For Chronos, however, they were an essential buffer zone against the "Land of Asura"—the Delta Zone, where great powers constantly vied for dominance. They were strategically vital.
Of course, if the locusts hadn't existed, Chronos would have been a major power in its own right. Magellan was essentially a region meant to buy us time. During our reconstruction, the Galactic Empire had provided them with economic aid. In short: "We'll give you the money; just deal with things somehow."
And then, this happened.
I tried calling them through the diplomatic channel. No connection.
"Argh! Seriously?!"
I tried reaching out to a collaborator instead. When the link finally connected, the situation looked grim.
"Leo-sama... they’ve got us..."
The collaborator was a Magellan diplomat—not exactly a spy, but someone I exchanged information with through a back-channel. He was coughing up blood.
"What happened?!"
"The locusts... They attacked the capital where the barrier was installed using warships... Even though we predicted it... our plans to organize the military... didn't progress in time... and now it’s come to this. I’ve evacuated underground... but I don’t think I’m going to make it..."
"Rescue is on the way! Just hold on a little longer!"
"If that’s the case... prioritize the evacuation of the citizens first..."
His voice grew faint until the transmission cut out entirely.
Dammit.
"I’m convening an emergency meeting!" I barked, summoning the Chronos Parliament.
"Your Majesty! What is the status of the war?"
"Fairy, pull it up!"
"You got it!" Melissa chirped.
"The Zen God Race attacked Magellan with locusts first. Anywhere Tatiana’s barriers were active, they simply steamrolled through with warships. Now, they’ve ignored the collapsed remnants of Magellan and are bypassing them entirely to launch a direct assault on Chronos."
We had installed barriers in Magellan upon their request, but Chronos had always been the priority. We’d only managed to shield their capital and a few major metropolitan worlds.
"How reckless of them!"
And yet, it wasn't an impossible strategy. I’d seen it coming. I’d even been preparing countermeasures. But Magellan... they simply ran out of time. There was nothing Tatiana could have done alone. Time was the one thing we couldn't control.
Fortunately—if you could call it that—Chronos had been ready. Our pilots, who had suffered through the Galactic Empire’s "Impossible Game" simulators, fought tooth and nail. They had successfully repelled the first wave. It also helped immensely that Tatiana’s barriers had neutralized the locusts, which were notoriously difficult to handle with Humanoid Fighters.
"What are the losses for the Grand Duchy of Chronos Army?" I asked the Colonel.
"Minor, Your Majesty."
The lack of specific figures was unsettling. "You haven't given me a concrete count... is it really minor?"
"Truly minor, sire. We simply haven't finished aggregating the data yet."
Well, that was a relief. At least he wasn't trying to cook the books. My biggest fear was a breakdown in reporting where the real numbers never reached the top.
"I’m heading to the front. I’ll leave the administration to the rest of you."
"Your Majesty!"
"It’s a matter of putting the right person in the right place. Don’t go getting corrupt while I’m gone!"
"Your Majestyyyy!"
I made my way to the spaceport and boarded a newly constructed warship. I hadn't had time to get an exclusive machine built, but this ship bore the crest of the Kamishiro Main House. It was my vessel.
At long last, I was acting as a captain for the first time since (dubiously) remembering my previous life.
"Your Majesty! Crew roll call complete. No deserters to report."
"Roger that."
The crew was a mix of Ogre God Nation warriors and the Chronos Personal Guard, along with standard Chronos soldiers. Eddie, Isono, Nakajima, and the others were on Wifey’s ship. My ship carried Claire, Ren, Melissa, Tatiana, and One-oh-one. Shiyun was set to join us aboard a Taikyoku Nation warship.
"Battleship Kamishiro, move out!"
And so, completely ignoring the protests of the Parliament, I set sail. Since it would take some time to reach the combat zone, we held a strategy meeting in the dining hall. Why not the briefing room? Because the dining hall was the most relaxing place on the ship, obviously!
"I’m guessing their objective is to pin the Captain down at the front line for as long as possible," Melissa noted.
I nodded vigorously. "Exactly what I was thinking!"
"Leo, what about Magellan?" Claire asked.
"Latarnia and the Taikyoku Nation are sending reinforcements from a different route. We’ll have to wait for them."
As we talked, a group of young soldiers approached us.
"Galactic Empire Space Marine Branch School Student Unit! We have come to greet Major General Leo Kamishiro Chronos!"
They reminded me of how we were a few years ago. We’d established a branch school because of the vast distances involved. These kids were from Battle Dome member nations, the Ogre God Nation, and even Proone.
Among them was a single boy from Proone—the same one who had once shouted insults at me.
"Yo! Long time no see. You working hard?"
"I finally understand why Proone fell," he replied. "Now, I want to dedicate myself to rebuilding it."
"Do your best! I’m rooting for you."
I offered my fist, and we shared a fist bump. I couldn't tell if he truly wanted to rebuild his home or if he’d simply grown up enough to hide his true feelings. But as long as he was alive, that was enough. I felt like we’d reached some sort of understanding.
In the end, training soldiers really was the best path. If they eventually sought revenge against me, then so be it.
"Don’t you guys go getting hurt now. Safety first."
"Leo, are you really the one to be saying that?" Claire sighed, while Ren giggled beside her.
Whatever! I’m the commanding officer, I can say what I want!
I sent the students off with some food as souvenirs. Chronos gyoza for most, and for the Proone boy, fresh leafy greens and tomatoes.
"Keep this a secret from your officers."
"Actually, sir, our superior told us that Lord Kamishiro would probably give us food..."
Apparently, my habits had preceded me. I’d thought the story would wrap up once we settled in Chronos, but the outer space saga continues. Give me a break... Seriously, it’s about time for the "Married Life with Wifey" arc to start already!