Battle of the Trias Domain

The Battle of the Trias Domain (トリアス領の戦い) was a minor but significant engagement that took place in 42 years before the arrival of Natsuki Subaru, during the Demi-Human War. The battle marked the turning point of the war as the Sword Saint finally arrived on the battle lines,^[1] leading to the war's conclusion two years later.^[2]

Background

During the Invasion of the Royal Castle, the leaders of the Demi-Human Alliance all faced defeat at the hands of the Zergev Squadron, with Valga Cromwell being defeated by one of the most famous and powerful figures of the war, the Sword Demon Wilhelm Trias. With the Alliance leadership seemingly wiped out, it was expected that the war would soon come to an end. Unfortunately, as Valga had claimed, the loss of their leaders instead became more fevered.^[3] Contrary to human strategical views, the momentum of the demi-human effort not only failed to decrease, but strengthened and became ever more erratic as the revolutionaries began to lash out in reaction to the martyrdom of their leaders.

For his efforts during the war, Wilhelm was not only given the title of knight, but he was also recognized as the new vice commander of the Zergev Squadron, and his name was known throughout the land. Because of this, however, Roswaal J. Mathers had come to warn Wilhelm one day that, likely as revenge for the defeats of their leaders, demi-humans were likely planning an attack on his homeland, the Trias Domain.^[4] However, having only just been given a status befitting his role, Wilhelm could not go so easily to their aid. Later that day, he met with Theresia, who he had been meeting with regularly. After a conversation with her, he was inspired to do what it took to save his home. After separating from her that day, he left behind his knighthood and a written apology, and he left to save his home.

Sometime after he left, his note was found in his room. With Bordeaux Zergev aware of where he was heading, he began to mobilize to come to his aid. Meanwhile, Carol Remendis, who had also learned of his disappearance, left to tell Theresia. Despite her fear of wielding the blade and taking a life, having been inspired by Wilhelm herself and obtaining the will to fight for his sake, she, for the first time, picked up her sword, and she left with the Zergev Squadron and Carol, intent on saving Wilhelm.

Battle

Arrival of the Sword Demon

By the time Wilhelm had arrived at the Trias Domain, rebel forces had long since infiltrated and sacked the region. Lacking strength in numbers, ability, and in mind, House Trias and its vassals immediately fell to the demi-human onslaught, and from the distance, Wilhelm could see the area and estate burning. Alone and without support, Wilhelm charged at his enemies. In a matter of minutes, Wilhelm racked up as many as three hundred kills. However, he was eventually surrounded by the many demi-humans, and he was finally brought down.

Arrival of the Sword Saint

Just as Wilhelm was about to face death by the demi-humans' hands, Theresia arrived and killed all the demi-humans nearby, and without facing Wilhelm, she began taking down the opposing army at a fast pace. Soon after, the Zergev Squadron arrived as well, and they quickly recovered Wilhelm, who was stunned by Theresia's swordsmanship and strength. Eventually, the battle came to an end after Theresia racked up more than a thousand kills, and the enemy was completely wiped out.

Aftermath

Due to this attack, the Trias family would cease to exist, with Wilhelm Trias being the sole surviving member.^[5] Wilhelm, though regretful of not being able to save his family, was even more conflicted after seeing Theresia's power, and he ultimately confronted her about it, where she swiftly and easily dealt with his strength. During the conversation they had, she claimed that she learned the reason for why she should wield the sword. Wilhelm, who loved her and did not want to see her wield a sword, as he could clearly see through her emotions, decided to take away the reason for her to wield a sword. After this, Theresia joined the war alongside the Zergev Squadron while Wilhelm disappeared entirely for two years, strengthening himself through training and speaking only with Roswaal in that time, who informed him regularly of Theresia's exploits and the Demi-Human War's current state.

With her stellar performance on the battlefield, the Sword Saint had dispelled every doubt or rumor concerning her abilities. Though over three hundred troops had been killed by Wilhelm, only the nearly one thousand slain by Theresia would be remembered.^[6] Her first defeat earlier in the war was erased from memory and forgotten, and the Battle of the Trias Domain would forever be remembered as her only debut in battle. And thus, the Sword Saint would from then on lead Lugunica's war effort, breaking down the demi-humans' will to fight through sheer power and brutality, while the tales of the Sword Demon were slowly but certainly forgotten. Two years later, King Gionis Lugunica would meet with the demi-human representative, Cragrell Dawson, for peace talks.^[7] The Demi-Human War came to an end after nine years.

On the day she was to be awarded for her efforts, Wilhelm, who had been told of her achievements and the awarding ceremony, decided to intrude on the ceremony with help from Roswaal, who had also provided Theresia with a sword. In the main hall, Wilhelm and Theresia fought in a sword dance so fast and powerful that everyone in the room was stunned. In the end, Wilhelm won, took away her reason to wield the sword, and decided to take her place, replacing the Sword Saint with the Sword Demon, and ultimately, the two became lovers.

References