Volume 6 Chapter 8 Extermination Order
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
With the support of adults, he entered the kingdom’s military officer school, and after graduating at the top, he achieved multiple monster subjugations during his year of military service.
During the selection of the Southern Expeditionary Force, he was such a talent that there was uncertainty over whether to send Gertroud or Charl.
In the recent Black Dragon war, he demonstrated his military talent by leading a thousand-man unit in retreat, managing to hold back the pursuing Black Dragon infantry.
Although Charl is not from the Asura Clan, if he succeeds in subduing Gertroud this time, he intends to retire the incompetent generals who only have their titles and bring Charl into the higher echelons of the central army.
He was a young man with such high expectations placed upon him.
”Charl must carry the future of the kingdom’s army. It’s unfortunate that he isn’t from the Asura Clan, but we can choose a spouse from the prestigious Asura Clan for him.”
”It’s rare for Sir Gwain to have such high expectations.”
Sven has a look on his face as if to say that it’s unusual for me to place high expectations on my subordinates, but I am generally proactive in recruiting talent.
However, there have been extremely few individuals who could deliver results.
Many only exhibited abilities that fell short of the authority granted to them, and I’ve already dismissed quite a few of them.
Moreover, many officers from the Asura Clan were slain in the conflict with the Black Dragon, so many officer positions in the central army became vacant, ultimately allowing me to grant posts to anyone who aligns with my intentions, even if they are not from the Asura Clan.
Charl is one of those individuals.
”He should have the capability. Charl will conduct the subjugation of Gertroud’s forces in cooperation with the southern army. I’ll inform Arbalest to place Kent’s army under his command. Given Charl’s abilities, I’m sure he’ll skillfully crush Kent and Gertroud as per my wishes.”
”Understood. As Sir Gwain said, we should have Lord Rosenkreuz head south.”
”What about the Black Dragon? The aftermath of the battle isn’t resolved yet…”
”Let’s send a courtier who recently acted as a liaison with His Majesty to Black Dragon Dukedom. Lady Fabulanova won’t go against His Majesty’s decree. We’ll gather our forces and lead the western lords to invade.”
Sven had stated that Black Dragon Dukedom freedom without imposing restrictions.
It seemed he judged that provoking them could lead to battle again.
”I see… got it, let’s do that. I’ll have the black serpent give it their all. This time I’ll also set out as the Supreme Commander. The courtiers seem eager for Gertroud’s head, so I’ll take care of that! Once the True Demon Dukedom army and the kingdom forces advance and Kent and the black serpent are sufficiently exhausted, I’ll strike Gertroud!”
”Ha, I think that’s a good plan as well.”
”In this campaign, I’ll wipe out all of the Lord Noble houses that either supported or remained neutral towards Gertroud. I won’t fall without a fight. I’ll enforce the extermination order to tighten control over the kingdom. I plan to crush the disloyal Noble houses one by one.”
”Yes. Sir Gwain, that is indeed the quickest path to ensuring national stability.”
I plan to utilize this extermination order to sift through the movements of various Lord Noble houses.
Houses that have no intention of following me will be destroyed under the guise of the extermination order.
Of course, I intend to exhaust them using the Black Dragon and southern forces as spearheads.
”Now, let’s prepare for battle. Send proclamations to the lords across the land. From the south, we’ll have Charl’s separate troop and the southern army; from the north, I’ll lead the main forces of the kingdom army and True Demon army; in the center, the Black Dragon army and the western lords’ armies will invade. To synchronize the invasion speed, we’ll keep tight communication, so Sven, please manage the communication network.”
”Yes, understood.”
”Alright, let’s get ready.”
With those words, I decided to leave the office and head to the military command center.
* * *
*Fabulanova’s Perspective
”A decree has been issued… Gertroud, that would be General Gwain’s pet, wouldn’t it? Why must our Black Dragon Dukedom mobilize troops? And to deploy during this time when negotiations for compensation for the previous kingdom’s territorial invasion are at a standstill…”
Watching the white-haired old man responding during the audience, I sighed.
A warrant for the subjugation of Gertroud, who rebelled in the east, was issued as a decree from the Demon Lord; someone rushed into my castle with that document.
This old man had served me well by running around to obtain His Majesty’s permission when the kingdom’s army invaded our territory, and I had no intention of rejecting his offer this time.
”Lady Fabulanova, His Majesty is also very indignant about Gertroud’s actions. After all, the Demon Lord’s authority has been completely denied. Moreover, if we do not participate in the campaign, the Black Dragon Dukedom will be seen in the same light as Gertroud.”
As the old man said, it would be problematic to be seen as an ally of Gertroud if we do not participate in this subjugation.
As for me, I have a strong sense of loyalty as a subject of the kingdom, and as a subject of the current Demon Lord, His Majesty Shifa, I intend to actively participate in the subjugation of the traitors. However, having to act according to the instructions of the great traitor Gwain is frustrating.
”I have no intention of refusing to participate. However, I would like to be excused from fighting under Gwain’s command. I merely wish for His Majesty to recognize our independent command authority.”
”Rest assured on that point. His Majesty has appointed Lady Fabulanova as the overall commander of the army that will attack from the west, separate from the central forces. You have independent command authority from Mr. Lord of Gwain.”
The old courtier spoke cheerfully.
He was a man who served as His Majesty’s eyes and ears, opposing Gwain.
”Gwain has acknowledged it well. Does that mean his influence is waning?”
”Yes, Lord Gwain’s influence is declining due to the crushing defeat against Lady Fabulanova and Gertroud’s betrayal. In fact, His Majesty’s trust is also waning, but he has managed to maintain that trust by elevating the 3 concubines at his side to His Majesty’s harem. He must have judged that failure in this expedition would leave him with no options. He is showing considerable concessions regarding command.”
Gwain had continued to experience failures, and his power base was beginning to crumble.
This time, the betrayal by Gertroud is rumored to stem from the failed southern expedition that Gwain pushed, leading to Gertroud feeling cornered and exploding in rebellion.
Moreover, discontenting voices were starting to leak from the steadfast supporters──the royal army of dearu.
”Gwain is probably desperate to recover his influence. That determination is evident in the proclamation for this expedition. It states that those who do not participate will be regarded as supporters of Gertroud, so the lords will have no choice but to join the expedition even without money. This will further drive the lords’ hearts away from Gwain.”
”Well, it all depends on Lady Fabulanova’s skills. If she sees this incident as an opportunity to extend her influence among the western lords, then the cost of joining the expedition will seem trivial.”
The old courtier had implicitly suggested that I should unite the western lords.
Eventually, to settle matters with Gwain, I should work to weaken his allied lords, but I am worried about the movements of Arbalest and Kent in the south, as they are completely unreadable.
They are incorporating my daughter and niece, building a new town for the Black Dragon tribe in the south, and residents are still continuing to flee from the Dukedom.
Unable to discern the movements in the south, we couldn’t bring it to an all-out conflict with Gwain, and for now, it’s a cold war status with the south.
Dee’s father, Clayd, and Ludmila’s father, Ugno, seem to hate Kent and are maintaining an anti-south stance.
As for me, I have a strong grudge against him for involving my daughter, niece, and my trusted subordinates whom I’ve nurtured. I think I can’t coexist with Kent’s group, but when it comes to defeating our greatest enemy, Gwain, we might have to form an alliance.
According to Clayd, there are many anti-Gwain subordinates and concubines around Kent, and they are potentially hostile.
”Certainly, it’s a perfect opportunity to lend money to the western lords. With the road to resource development in the south closed, we have no choice but to receive supplies from the western lords. Let’s fully embrace this imperial order and incorporate the western lords.”
”As expected of Lady Fabulanova. Even His Majesty relies on Lady Fabulanova, so please make sure to prepare your strength here.”
The old courtier deeply bowed his head.
”Understood. I will make preparations to join the battle. After visiting the royal capital once to pay my respects to His Majesty, I shall set out.”
”Ha, then I shall be waiting for you in the royal capital.”
The old courtier made his farewell and hurriedly left the audience chamber.
…
…
”Alright, Ugno, Clayd, let’s prepare for battle.”
”Yeah, elder sister. Let’s show them our strength.”
”Leave it to me, I’ll blow away their army.”
I’ll leave the battle to the men and focus on incorporating the lords.
* * *
*Kent’s Perspective
”Father-in-law, what is the purpose of this summoning?”
I was working in Estfort when an urgent call from my father-in-law came through, and I hurriedly had the carriage brought to Abyss Vena’s castle.
My father-in-law had healed the wounds he received from Gertroud’s soldiers and had returned to his duties.
”Oh, Kent, you’ve come. A troublesome matter has come up.”
”Huh!? I thought you were going to say that I need to become a gambling piece again, but it’s different, right…?”
My father-in-law answered my words with a wry smile.
”That’s all well and good. However, this time is different. A decree has been issued to Gertroud by His Majesty. Moreover, it states that those who do not join the expedition will be considered Gertroud’s sympathizers. Those who do not participate will be treated as rebels.”
My father-in-law furrowed his brows in thought.
”A decree against Gertroud… From my perspective, I’d rather not get involved with that person.”
Knowing that the true identity of Gertroud was the first Demon Lord, I wanted to find a way to comply with this decree without sending out troops.
Considering the damage caused during the coup, it was clear that a direct battle with his forces would lead to many casualties.
Furthermore, since it was known that he was targeting my body, it was assumed he would come to kill me with no regard for the battlefield.
Just imagining that scene sends a chill down my spine.
”As for me, I’ve been wounded by his soldiers, so I hold a deep grudge. Additionally, many of my troops have been killed by Gertroud’s forces. Because of this decree, I feel the urge to personally take Gertroud’s head.”
My father-in-law felt a deep shame for being ambushed by Gertroud during the New Year preparations and being injured inside the castle.
”Father-in-law, I think it would be better not to engage with Gertroud. Perhaps we should just bury this in a light conflict on the border with the East, in Nolans territory, or even up to Roland’s territory… It is said to be His Majesty’s command, but it originated with Gwain, correct?”
”While it is true that the proposal came from my brother, it seems that this time the matter of Gertroud has reached Your Majesty’s ears. It appears the decree was personally entrusted to my brother by His Majesty.”
I had been told by my father-in-law that the current Demon Lord, Shifa, was merely a puppet of Gwain and held no real power, but it seems he decided on the eradication of Gertroud out of his own desire this time.
”Oh? Has His Majesty shown Gwain that he is not just a decorative figure?”
”It seems so. My brother’s blunders have piled up, and his influence is waning. Someone among the court advisers must have informed His Majesty. My brother seems to have taken action, raising the daughter he kept close to become YHis Majesty’s concubine.”
I heard that Gwain has 4 daughters besides Milly, but it looks like he intends for the sisters to occupy the Demon Lord’s harem from main wife to concubine.
As a result, it seems he has succeeded in tightening His Majesty’s reins.
”All 3 of them…? With this, His Majesty is once again under Gwain’s influence.”
”Well, that’s how it will likely be. However, if the expedition fails, my brother won’t escape responsibility. In fact, he has transferred command of the forces advancing from the south to me. He even said he’d assign a separate force of 5 thousand from the kingdom’s army. That brother of mine, who is usually so stingy.”
I thought it was impossible for Gwain to give up command of the army, but according to my father-in-law, it seems that Gwain will be on the front lines as the commander of the forces attacking from the north.
”Who is the General dispatched from the kingdom’s army?”
”A young General named Charl Rosenkreuz. I’ve heard he’s a 17-year-old from the Dream Demon Clan. He’ll serve under me as a deputy commander but will likely be Kent’s superior.”
I hold the title of deputy commander of the southern forces, and I suppose I am normally of equal rank to Charl Rosenkreuz, but it seems Gwain has intentionally positioned that General above me.
”You don’t recognize the name? Plus, isn’t he an officer from the Asura Clan?”
”Yeah, it seems my brother has appointed him. The Asura Clan has lost many officers in the battle against the Black Dragon. They probably need to hire officers from other races to fill the positions.”
While one might suspect Gwain is struggling with a shortage of talent by sending a newly appointed General to the south, I find myself intrigued by this young man who has become a General.
I’ll have Milly investigate, and if he’s not firmly in the Gwain camp, I might plan to recruit him as a guest commander for the southern forces.
”Deploying the enigmatic Lord Rosenkreuz as the vanguard is rather risky, isn’t it? In that case, should I lead my own troops into battle? I’d rather focus on developing my territory if possible…”
”For now, if the Southern Army doesn’t send troops, we’ll be giving my brother a legitimate reason to crush us. To avoid that, we must join the punitive force. If you really don’t want to fight against Gertroud, then Kent should join as a reserve. That way, even if we advance into the Nolans Territory, it will only be as far as the Roland Territory.”
My father-in-law has pushed me to take a reserve role, seeing as I’m not keen on the Gertroud campaign.
”A reserve role, I understand. The Blackdagger household will provide the necessary supplies, so please, father-in-law, aim to increase your military achievements.”
”I’ll lead about 2 thousand as the vanguard. The center will be the unknown quantity, Lord Rosenkreuz. And Kent will handle the rear support as a reserve. I’ll have them send about 2 thousand troops as well.”
”Yes, thank you for your consideration. We will ensure that supplies are fully prepared, so please rest assured.”
”I’m counting on you.”
I decided to pay my respects to my father-in-law and bid him farewell before returning to Estfort to begin preparing for battle.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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