[FMMIKA] Chapter 251: Gathering Intelligence

From Domremy to Orleans, the straight-line distance wasn't particularly long. After all, by the standards of world-class superpowers like Rome, Persia, or China, France was merely a province, covering just a few hundred thousand square kilometers.

But considering the transportation of that era and the fact that the group consisted of what could generously be called delicate young ladies, it would still take a good ten days at least to get there.

During this time, the group of Chaldea had ample opportunity to strategize and gather intelligence. They set up communication links with the base of Chaldea deep within the nearby forest, securing resources and even having a brawl with a certain Robin Hood they encountered there.

"Okay, okay, no need to keep hitting me. I'm not an enemy of Chaldea."

Dragged out of the forest by Ritsuka, a man with a green cloak yelled while wearing a sheepish grin. He looked like a raccoon caught by the FBI.

"You should have done this earlier, little brother. Everyone could have had an easier time." Ritsuka cheerfully patted Robin Hood's face, seemingly completely unaware of how inappropriate her actions might be.

Robin Hood saw himself as a legendary, world-renowned thief, an ally to countless struggling poor people and the master of Sherwood Forest.

But when he saw the people in Ritsuka's group, there was a Queen, a Saint, and a Knight of the Round Table. Compared to them, the legendary thief was probably no different from some random petty thief you'd find on the street.

"But really, guys, I—Uh, I mean, after getting a beating from the amazing, superior, and supreme Master of Chaldea, I saw the light and decided to change sides!"

Upon sensing that Ritsuka was about to continue bullying him, Robin Hood quickly surrendered.

Of course, everyone, except maybe Ritsuka, knew that he had been summoned here for some puzzling reason, like all the other Servants.

Naturally, if Chaldea were a bit more clever, had better intel, or had a wilder guess, they'd have figured it out long ago.

These rogue Servants showing up were part of the Counter Force, summoned to protect the human order, neither by chance nor coincidence.

However, the group of Chaldea which was just fresh off a trial run in the trouble-ridden town of Fuyuki, had overwhelmingly limited experience and was unaware of this.

As for the current situation in France and the intelligence they'd gathered, most of it came from Robin Hood.

Despite being beaten up and treated unfairly, the legendary thief who was a beloved friend of the poor didn't resent his circumstances. He seemed just as magnanimous as he had back when he took a punch from Little John and accepted him as his comrade and best friend.

Of course, whether Ritsuka could truly show gratitude like Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest was another matter.

"That king has recently enacted many decrees that benefit the nation and its people."

Robin Hood explained, sounding quite impressed.

"Establishing maximum and minimum grain prices, creating food reserves, orphanages, public schools, implementing a policy to provide work for the needy, and so on; truly impressive. Among all the kings I've known, none have been as impressive as him..."

"Ah, of course, My King Richard the Lionheart isn't too shabby either. But, how can I say this? He likes to handle things directly rather than through decrees. Not that I believe he has the power to enforce them, though."

When he mentioned this, Robin Hood's enthusiasm seemed to pick up.

"Of course, there are achievements in military and political matters too. The king seems to be planning to establish a standing army, called the Gendarmerie, and he's looking to reform the tax system to ease the burden on commoners. He's also sending judges to various regions and cities to rebuild circuit courts..."

"That's a bit strange..." Romani pointed out.

"Are you saying that the mediocre king ruled the country so well that he must be a fake?" Ritsuka asked.

"Well, actually, not quite." Romani sounded a bit troubled. "Despite the tarnished reputation due to his betrayal of Jeanne, from a fair and objective perspective, Charles VII was an above-average king."

"Let's not mention that he ended the Hundred Years' War and led France to its ultimate victory. Just in terms of governing the country, he made significant contributions."

"Really?"

Listening to Romani's explanation, Ritsuka widened her eyes in disbelief.

"You can't seriously believe that the guy who betrayed the savior of the nation, Jeanne d'Arc, is a good king, can you? No way, right?"

"Assessing political figures is different from evaluating ordinary people, Ritsuka-chan." Da Vinci said gently. "I have a friend who once said that monarchs should have the majesty of lions and the cunning of foxes. They shouldn't be constrained by ordinary moral standards."

"Is that friend of yours yourself?"

"No, it's Machiavelli."

"Ahh, the guy who wrote books all his life, boasting without ever winning a battle on the battlefield. Just use his writings as toilet paper."

"If you say that, he might just cry you know."

After hearing a leisurely conversation between Da Vinci and Ritsuka, Jeanne, who had been somewhat hesitant, raised her hand.

Although she had joined the group for unexplainable reasons, unlike the others, Jeanne was a key player in this Singularity.

"If it's about His Majesty, he's actually... how should I put it..."

"Jeanne, you're not trying to say something nice about that guy, are you?" Ritsuka narrowed her eyes.

Although Jeanne was hesitant and thoughtful, everyone present was no fools. Just from what she had said so far, they understood what she meant.

"That guy did betray you, after all." Ritsuka continued.

"But precisely because of that, he won over the people of Burgundy." Jeanne said calmly and her expression became resolute as she continued:

"It was with the support of the Burgundians that His Majesty easily reclaimed Paris."

"No need for military battles, no need for sacrifices, it all went so smoothly it's almost suspicious. The only sacrifice required was me."

"The war ended, the English were defeated. It wasn't because of a so-called saint and miracles but through strategy and wisdom, that's the reality."

"The one who truly saved France in the end was not me, but His Majesty Charles VII."