Nine Summers of Divine Punishment

Mios, Royal Palace.

A crumpled, lengthy scroll lay spread before the Queen. It was an urgent message from Nanling City. It detailed everything that had occurred on the front lines, no matter how small, and had been delivered to the palace immediately.

This message had been personally written by three mercenaries.

She read it in silence, her face revealing nothing, but the slight trembling of her fingers betrayed her anger.

“Nanling City, with its easily defensible terrain, is about to fall?” the Queen murmured.

According to their initial strategy, even with the Eagle Kingdom’s troops were full of morale, they had traveled far and were weary. Meanwhile, Naling City was well-supplied and had endured countless battles. The best strategy should have been to wait, to exhaust the enemy’s provisions until they were left with nothing.

Moreover, she had specifically dispatched mercenaries there, so how… how could this be?

It seemed she had underestimated the influence of the Saint.

The Queen instinctively wanted to summon Hua Yumu, but he, along with Lin Lin, were currently rushing around the kingdom with the ministers, trying to soothe the hearts of the people, and were not in the capital.

It appeared there was only one option left.

A hint of weariness crossed the Queen’s face, but she swiftly made her decision. “Someone come.”

A servant bowed respectfully.

“Go to the Crown Princess and request her presence, along with Lady Kitagawa,” she commanded. “And also…”

***

Crown Princess Tsukiyo was both intelligent and diligent. After a period of dedicated practice, she could now manage to draw a bow and shoot an arrow, though her accuracy still needed improvement.

“If only I could be as skilled as Master,” she said enviously.

“Actually, I’m not that skilled,” Wakako replied. “Among the mercenaries, I excel in all forms of weaponry – swords, spears, axes, hammers… I am always number one. But when it comes to archery, I’m only second.”

Tsukiyo didn’t quite understand and was completely astonished. “Master’s archery is so impressive, yet you’re only second?”

“Yes.”

A servant stepped forward to wipe the beads of sweat from Tsukiyo’s neck. She still couldn’t believe it and stared wide-eyed in disbelief. “Really?”

Tsukiyo had seen with her own eyes that within a hundred paces, Wakako’s arrows never missed their mark. If such skill wasn’t enough for first place, then what kind of expert held that position?

The two sat down for a brief rest.

Wakako suddenly recalled something and smiled. “There’s someone in our squad named Albert. He was truly remarkable. When he was young, he was a renowned sharpshooter.”

“So, Master Albert is number one in archery?”

“No,” Wakako shook her head. “After I joined the squad, Master Albert took me under his wing and taught me everything he knew. Eventually, I mastered it and became his equal.”

Only after speaking did she realize that her words sounded like boasting in front of the Crown Princess, and she felt a little embarrassed.

“Then who?” Tsukiyo’s curiosity deepened.

Just as Wakako was about to answer, a commotion arose from outside. A servant hurried in, bowing swiftly. “Your Highness, Lady Kitagawa, the Queen requests your presence.”

It seemed she would have to postpone telling the young Crown Princess the rest of the story.

…

The Queen valued frugality, and her study was modestly furnished. Even the fishbowl was made of stone, an unremarkable ornament even in an ordinary household.

When Wakako and Tsukiyo entered, the Queen was engrossed in watching a few pale-colored fish frolic in the water, teasing them with her finger.

“Lady Kitagawa,” the Queen spoke softly before either of them could offer their greetings. “The situation in Nanling is dire and requires immediate reinforcements. Please depart as soon as possible.”

Her words startled not only Wakako but also Crown Princess Tsukiyo, though she quickly masked her surprise.

Her mother had clearly harbored some suspicions towards Master Kitagawa. Just a few days ago, she had instructed Tsukiyo to use the opportunity of their martial arts training to observe Master Kitagawa closely. Why the sudden change of heart?

The Queen had spoken, and despite her surprise, Wakako had no choice but to obey.

“Yes,” she bowed in acceptance, without asking a single question. “I will depart tomorrow.”

The Queen pondered for a moment. “There’s no time to delay. Tonight.”

Had the situation become so dire? Wakako’s heart sank. “Your Majesty, has there been news from Nanling?”

The Queen unfurled the letter in front of the two of them.

“Tsukiyo, you should take a look as well,” she said, rubbing her furrowed brow. “These are matters you will need to learn in the future.”

The handwriting was familiar to Wakako. It belonged to Liu Siruo, Albert, and Carol.

Wakako shared the Queen’s initial assessment. The winter was harsh, making it difficult to supply the troops with provisions. Furthermore, Nanling City’s walls were thick and tall, constructed with special materials that even catapults could barely damage.

It was a place easily defended and difficult to attack. The Eagle Kingdom’s chances of victory were slim.

However, the Eagle Kingdom’s forces had never intended to launch a direct assault on the city. They had set up camp outside, avoiding direct confrontation, only engaging in occasional long-range harassment.

To the west of Nanling lay a vast expanse of dense forests and mountains, home to numerous large animals. The terrain was rugged and steep, a place the Eagle Kingdom’s forces were least likely to target.

Yet, they had found their breakthrough there.

The Eagle Kingdom had launched several flaming arrows into the forest using ballistae, igniting a massive fire. The fire sent many animals fleeing downhill, including a herd of wild elephants.

They were in the middle of their mating season, making them extremely aggressive. Hundreds of elephants charged down the mountain, ramming into the walls of Nanling City, creating a gaping hole in the western section.

Repairing the wall would take time. Seizing the opportunity while Nanling City was in disarray, the Eagle Kingdom’s forces launched a fierce attack on the eastern side. During the clash, they managed to capture a Mios general alive.

The Queen rarely displayed her emotions, but now her face was grim, her voice laced with displeasure. “I’ve heard that the Eagle Kingdom’s commanding officer this time is Saionji Saburo.”

“Him?” The illegitimate, unfavored Omega son of the Saionji clan, the traitor who had defected to the enemy five years ago?

The Queen let out a cold laugh, her disdain evident. “I’m sure you’ve heard rumors of his lineage… Such a vile scheme, it’s no surprise it came from him.”

Her tone dripped with contempt.

Although the two kingdoms were locked in constant warfare, they had always maintained a subtle understanding – to avoid harming plants, trees, and animals unnecessarily.

All living things possessed spirits and were considered children of God. Harming them was akin to defying the will of God, an act of great disrespect.

Now, the Eagle Kingdom had set fire to the mountains, injuring countless animals and leaving them homeless… Their sins were grave and unforgivable!

And to make matters worse, one of her own generals had been captured by such a person. It was enough to set her blood boiling.

“In five days, both sides will engage in negotiations outside the city,” the Queen said, her fingers tapping coldly on the wooden table. “But that is not your concern.”

She leaned forward slightly, her demeanor sincere, even dropping the hoMikifics. “Wakako, the Saionji clan is long gone. You are the only one who has seen Saionji Saburo’s face. I only ask one thing of you – bring me that bastard’s head and hang it on the city banner, to appease the suffering souls of Nanling.”

“Wakako accepts your command.”

“And one more thing… take Tsukiyo with you.”

***

Crown Princess Tsukiyo was only ten years old. This was her first time participating in a real battle, and she was understandably excited, staying up all night, unable to sleep.

Initially, Wakako felt that Tsukiyo was still a child and that it was too early for her to be involved in warfare. However, upon further reflection, she realized that the Queen, having lost both her parents at a young age and having ascended the throne at the tender age of ten, naturally wished for her child to mature quickly, just as she had.

They reached Nanling City on the Mios border in just three days, moving at the fastest possible pace.

The situation within the city was far from optimistic. With the western wall beyond repair, their forces were stretched thin, as constant patrols were necessary.

The Eagle Kingdom was well aware of the chaos within the city, and their harassment had become increasingly frequent.

Unverified rumors began to circulate within Nanling City.

— If it weren’t for God’s favor, how would the Eagle Kingdom dare to set fire to the mountains?

— Is the city really about to fall?

— Should we flee?

This couldn’t continue. Wakako knew the burden she carried. She had to execute the Queen’s orders swiftly. Even if she couldn’t kill Saionji Saburo, she needed to make significant progress.

As the sun began to set, its rays cast long shadows across the city walls, casting a warm glow on their faces.

Liu Siruo was carefully inspecting Wakako’s disguise, ensuring it was flawless – particularly the two dimples that became prominent when she smiled. Such a distinctive feature couldn’t be revealed to the enemy.

“Good luck, Junior Sister,” she said with an impassive expression. “We can’t be of assistance this time.”

Carol, who had been injured a few days prior, shot Liu Siruo a reproachful glance. “Siruo…” Then, she gently patted Wakako’s shoulder. “Stay alert and retreat immediately if anything feels wrong.”

Albert remained silent, merely raising his bow to signal that he would always have her back.

Time slipped by, and the last rays of sunlight slowly disappeared, leaving nothing but the endless, impenetrable darkness of the night.

Crown Princess Tsukiyo stared intently towards the north with wide eyes. She was too short to see much, so Carol had to lift her up for her to get a better view.

A single flaming arrow pierced through the icy wind, cutting through the air with force before landing precisely within the Eagle Kingdom’s encampment.

The dry winter air ignited instantly, the flames spreading rapidly along the dry grass. Even if the arrow had slightly missed its mark, the fire soon spread to where the enemy’s provisions were stored.

“Fire!”

“Be careful!”

Shouts erupted from all directions.

Wakako silently dropped her bow, her face concealed by a black veil as she moved swiftly. Her figure melded with the night, making her nearly impossible to distinguish from the shadows.

The communication stone in her pocket transmitted Liu Siruo’s voice lazily into her ear. “I’ve scouted the terrain three times. There’s no mistake. You memorized the map I gave you, right? Head directly towards the commander’s location…”

In the northeast, there was a tent indistinguishable from the others—that was where the commander was located.

For Wakako, killing had become a routine task. She wished she could stain her hands with less enemy blood, but some things were beyond her control. As long as the two Kingdoms remained at odds, the bloodshed would continue.

She moved stealthily, ensuring her presence remained undetected. Enemies who sensed her presence were swiftly silenced with a single, precise strike to the throat before collapsing silently to the ground.

The commotion caused by the fire masked her movements.

However, since the Rose War, the Eagle Kingdom had been on high alert, fearing a repeat of such an incident. This time, it wouldn’t be as easy.

Moreover, the fire was no accident. The Eagle Kingdom was aware that the enemy would seize this opportunity to strike, so their defenses were tight. While some rushed to extinguish the flames and salvage their provisions, others converged towards the commander’s tent.

This time, Wakako sustained an injury – a minor flesh wound, almost negligible. If it weren’t for the sticky sensation on her shoulder, she wouldn’t have even noticed.

Blood soaked into her clothes, the red quickly blending with the black fabric.

Wakako gently massaged her arm, the one she had swung her blade countless times, to prevent it from suddenly giving way without her realizing it.

This blade had been with her for years. Its color was so dark that it couldn’t be washed clean, yet it remained sharp.

Someone had discovered the trail she left behind and was pursuing her. However, due to the chaotic situation and the distance between them, they couldn’t pinpoint her exact location, only able to warn their comrades of an intruder.

“Be on guard—”

The sheepskin war drum boomed, alerting everyone.

But it no longer mattered. Wakako had reached the location marked on Liu Siruo’s map.

The target was a frail Omega. This brief window of opportunity was enough for her to slash open the tent flap and eliminate…

Wakako’s movements abruptly ceased.

Seated within the tent was a beauty in white, someone who shouldn’t have been there. She gazed at Wakako with calm, unblinking eyes.

“Little Waka.”

She let out a sigh, almost imperceptible.