Volume 6 Chapter 17 The Night Before The Northern Battle
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Sister, was the call from His Majesty about the war?”
Standing next to Clayd was his younger brother, Ugno.
Like Clayd, he was one of those who found joy in battle, and it seemed they got along well, often seen practicing Combat Training together.
…Are these battle-crazed idiots left with no choice but to fight…
Despite my exasperation with their way of thinking, I decided to inform them about the imperial command from His Majesty.
”Ah, I’ve received another command to eliminate Gertroud. We’ll set off immediately. We need to cut off Gertroud’s head and return to the royal capital in triumph. Gaining territory in the devastated eastern lands would only be a burden. Now’s the time to secure the western region until we reach the royal capital.”
”Is Sister planning to expand the Dukedom?”
Ugno was part of the pro-Kingdom faction, but during the Travers incident, he learned of Gwain’s true nature and disbanded the pro-faction, coming to apologize to me.
Since then, he has been assisting me in military matters as my right-hand man.
Though he has talent in military affairs, he’s quite clueless about politics.
”Watch your words. It might sound like I harbor treasonous intentions toward His Majesty!”
”…I-I’m sorry…”
”I’m only looking to increase the number of lords protected by the Dukedom. I just want to ensure the lords who provide our kingdom with essential resources are well-protected.”
Clayd let out a wry smile.
”Isn’t that just a way of saying territory expansion?”
”I use the term ‘protection’ to avoid saying that outright.”
Currently, I was leading the western lords in this war, most of whom had already chosen to sever ties with the Kingdom and pledge allegiance to the Dukedom.
Even while staying in the royal capital, I had been actively bringing in western lords.
”Well, this time we’re gaining more than just the war expenses. After we kill Gertroud, we’ll be planting the Dukedom’s influence firmly in the royal capital. Now, let’s get ready to march out.”
Both of them started to stretch excitedly at my instructions.
”Alright, let’s go wild.”
”Sister can just watch from behind; we’ll handle it!”
Considering the aftermath of the battle while leaving the fighting to the two muscle-headed warriors, I decided to focus on my plans.
* * *
*Kent’s perspective
”It’s about time. I’d like to take a break too… Next, I’m planning a relaxing trip to the hot springs in Lumy’s territory with the members who participated in the Ghost Clan extermination battle… If I take on this matter, it’ll be nothing but complaints from them…”
But then, I had been called into my father-in-law’s office.
Just to be clear, I wasn’t summoned because I did anything wrong.
A messenger from the royal capital rushed in with some troubling news.
”Well, don’t say that. It’s not all bad… but it does seem to involve my neck. It seems my brother has become quite senile… Does he really think that if I’m dismissed as the South District Margrave, Kent will no longer consider independence?”
”Gwain must be feeling the pressure too. I hear that in the royal capital, Fabulanova is systematically dismantling the Gwain faction. If the cold-hearted queen who so skillfully cut off Dee gets serious, Gwain’s foundation could become shaky as well. It seems Gwain has awakened a sleeping dragon with the Travers incident.”
I know that Fabulanova also views me as an enemy since I snatched Dee alongside Gwain.
The western border is peaceful, but if the situation changes, we can’t rule out the possibility of it becoming a battlefield.
”My brother would never have done something like this when he was younger… Has power driven him mad?”
My father-in-law was worried about Gwain’s decline.
”It can’t be helped… Although I hate to aid Gwain, given that it’s a royal summons, I’ll have no choice but to accept the matter of defending the capital. If my father-in-law resigns from being the South District Margrave, I won’t be able to act freely in the South District.”
”I’m sorry. Fortunately, Lady Fabulanova has nearly wiped out the Ghost Clan, so I hope you’ll think of it as sightseeing in the capital while accepting the royal command. Just make sure you don’t visit any bad places.”
My father-in-law warned me about going to shady places, but with my wife and several lovers around, I didn’t see any reason to go.
However, being told I shouldn’t go only sparked a slight curiosity; I thought it was a perfectly normal reaction for a man.
”…I get it. I probably won’t go.”
”Probably, huh…”
It seems my father-in-law understands he’s piqued my interest.
”Don’t go to any cheap places. You might catch something. High-end establishments take proper precautions, so you’ll be fine there. But make sure to bring protection.”
”Ahem, ahem. Isn’t that assuming I’m planning to go?”
”Aren’t you? Would you like me to recommend a place I used for entertaining while I was stationed in the capital as a Margrave?”
”Father-in-law!? You’re definitely assuming I’m going!”
”It’s a place where the lovely girls of the Garuda Clan serve and entertain in revealing outfits. Are you sure you don’t want me to recommend it?”
”I’ll definitely go! Please, give me the recommendation letter!”
”…You really are honest about your desires…”
I received the recommendation letter from my slightly exasperated father-in-law, then returned to the castle to select the expeditionary force to take to the capital.
”So, my House Blackdagger has been directly appointed by His Majesty for the defense of the capital. I would prefer to stay in the South District and focus on developing the territory, but it seems that won’t be possible.”
The people gathered in the conference room included concubines, military personnel, the head of the Hunting Group, and representatives from the bureaucracy.
”So, the General has been specifically named by His Majesty… you’ve risen in rank, haven’t you? You’re about to take on the role of Supreme Commander of the Southern District Army… Since you’re going to the capital anyway, please make sure to advocate for an increase in the Southern District’s forces. Right now, we’re only at a standard of 5 thousand men. It would be a huge help if you could secure a budget for at least another 5 thousand. After all, almost all of the troops led by Lord Rosenkreuz want to relocate to the Southern District.”
Garvey brought up a tough issue for me.
”I’m sorry. If we exclude the troops directly from the Rosenkreuz family, those around the capital are mostly unemployed. They’re joining the military out of desperation, and many of them have already made their homes within the army. They have nowhere else to go…”
Charlotte wore a sullen expression.
The Kingdom army she commanded was comprised of the thousand-strong unit Charlotte had originally led, along with recruits she gathered when she became a general.
As a result, the army’s funding came from the Kingdom, but since Charlotte was to be killed in battle, they officially listed her soldiers as having died as well.
That’s why the Blackdagger family had been covering their pay.
Garvey’s request was to somehow get the 5 thousand soldiers’ pay from the Kingdom.
”In that case, it shouldn’t be a problem. As a reward for defending the capital this time, I’ll ask His Majesty. The lord will surely persuade His Majesty to provide it. I’ll fill out the military roster with a suitable name, so I’m looking forward to the results.”
Akebus was already confident of success and instructed the nearby clerk on creating the military roster.
”Yes. Mr. Kent, be sure to ask His Majesty. If you don’t, Lord Blackdagger will be suspected of having ulterior motives. Since boosting your own army’s size and lining your own pockets is common practice for generals, you should hide behind it. If it’s money that will just go to waste when given to other generals, Mr. Kent should receive it and use it effectively.”
Even my mother-in-law, the Chancellor, is urging me to line my own pockets.
Of course, if the money collected as taxes from the people could be returned to the South District through me, I suppose I should be willing to act like a corrupt general.
I think my mother-in-law is suggesting that I enrich myself as a way to return the taxes collected from the nation to the people of my territory.
”…Understood. I’ll ask His Majesty when I meet them. I’ll use that money to support Charlotte’s soldiers.”
”I apologize for the inconvenience… If my Rosenkreuz family is successful in developing our territory in the South District, I’ll make sure to reimburse the expenses.”
Charlotte bowed her head, looking somewhat embarrassed.
”So, Kent. Who are you planning to take to the royal capital?”
Lina asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
”…I think the military should include Charlotte and a cavalry unit of 2 hundred, along with 3 teams from the Hunting Group: ‘Crimson Bride,’ ‘Black Bullet,’ and a hundred from ‘Black Wing.’ As for the bureaucrats, Est, Seema, Reina, and a few others should be enough.”
The announced members were all wearing cheerful smiles.
”The ones staying behind, Garvey will be on standby at Estfort for emergencies, Kondrad will continue stationed at Nolans, Akebus will handle the defense of Westferm, and Fristoph will be in charge of Estfort’s fortifications.”
”””Understood.”””
”I’d like you to manage my duties along with Helga, my mother-in-law. I’m delegating everything to her except in emergencies, so I appreciate your help. If I can come back to a lighter workload, my motivation will be through the roof. Well, I don’t think it’ll be too long before I’m back.”
”Got it! Leave it to me while you’re gone. But when you return, make sure to give me some extra service!”
”You got it!”
I gave a cheerful salute to my mother-in-law.
With her in charge, I figured things would run smoothly.
”K-Kent! Please count me in for this royal capital expedition!”
”My god. I also want to join alongside Annabella!”
Carly and Annabella both requested to participate in the expedition.
”Who’s going to take care of Berge and Rivière?”
”Ulrika said she would look after them. Plus, my in-laws are willing to help out as well.”
Annabella’s in-laws, dear old Kramer and Sally.
Technically, they were her late husband’s parents, but they treat Annabella like their own daughter and were overjoyed when they learned she was expecting my child.
They’ve been living with Annabella in Estfort, working as staff in the castle.
Grand Berge and the childless Carly lovingly raised their daughter, Rivière, with an abundance of affection.
It was to the point where they couldn’t bear the thought of her being out of sight.
”Ulrika and the Kramer couple will be taking care of her… But, is it alright for me to be away from the child for a while?”
”Yes. I will manage.”
”I, too, will leave my child behind if it is what my god desires.”
Carly, realizing that her son wouldn’t respond to my Handsome Guy Skill, poured her passion into having another child, and recently returned to work.
Because of this, Ulrika took on Rivière’s childcare.
Ulrika, who had lost a child previously, was overjoyed by the sudden arrival of Rivière and, along with Annabella and the Kramer couple, was completely engrossed in raising her.
She was even said to have started producing breast milk from her intense focus.
”…I see, if Ulrika and the others are taking care of her, then I’ll allow it. I’m sorry to ask this of you, but please help me.”
”Yes sir!”
And so, with the expeditionary force assembled, we departed for the capital that very afternoon.
New Character
Nokin
- Clan: Garuda (Wolf-kin)
- Age: 32
- Rank: Lieutenant, discovered by Gertroud
- Formerly a reckless captain, focused on martial prowess.
- After meeting his lover, Alonsa, his tactical command drastically improved.
- He successfully subdued and forced the surrender of many eastern lords.
- Nokin doesn’t understand half of Alonsa’s strategic theories, but he trusts her expertise in warfare.
- Though lacking in intellectual depth, he follows Alonsa’s instructions loyally, which led to his rise in rank.
- He idolizes Alonsa and agrees to anything she asks.
- Nokin supports her hobbies, like touring historical sites and engaging in mental battle simulations, building her trust.
—
Alonsa
- Clan: DoryGaruda (Fox-kin)
- Age: 21
- Relation: Relative of the Gobelgs, distant kin of Talia
- Currently: Mistress and military strategist of the Demon God Emperor nation’s Nokin
- Profession: Historian
- Specialization: Magical warfare, the Human-Demon Wars, the Crack of Time and Space blockade campaign, and the ‘Another World Monster’ extermination campaign.
- A self-proclaimed history enthusiast who taught herself strategy and tactics, developing her own theories.
- Earned the title “Killing Strategist” from the Eastern Lords after proving her abilities to Nokin, not Gertroud.
- Though not physically striking, she was given to Nokin as a reward for his territorial conquest, not Gertroud’s preference.
—
Krema
- Clan: Majin
- Age: 55
- Annabella’s foster father
- Father of Annabella’s ex-husband, who took in Annabella when she was destitute.
- Celebrated when Annabella became pregnant, welcoming Kent into his family with joy.
- Dotes on his granddaughter Rivière, spoiling her when he can.
- Currently serves as the exclusive gardener at the Estfort mansion.
—
Sarie
- Clan: Majin
- Age: 50
- Annabella’s foster mother
- Wife of Clemar
- Supported Carly, like Annabella, during her pregnancy and difficult times.
- Known to be assertive; even Carly has trouble defying Sarie.
- Famously scolded Carly for neglecting her parenting, made her apologize, and entrusted Rivière’s care to Ulrika.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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