Chapter 40
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 40
The Adamantium sword and magic armor were undoubtedly treasures.
However, they were also somewhat ambiguous rewards to claim, considering the risk of jumping headfirst into the middle of a political dispute. This was especially true since a single misstep could potentially ruin one's entire future.
Seeing his sons' hesitation, the Grand Duke clicked his tongue.
"Your attitudes show exactly why the third son deserves those rewards. A burden that no one is willing to carry is a hundred times heavier than one that someone else is ready to shoulder."
The three brothers, unable to find a rebuttal to the Grand Duke’s sharp rebuke, all lowered their heads at once.
After that, no one breathed another word about the things Lucian had received.
Two days later, an official messenger finally arrived from the Imperial Family to request troops from the Grand Duke.
"To suppress the lawless rebels of Krepelt, we request reinforcements from Sigmund Valdek, the head of the House of Valdek."
"I shall uphold His Majesty’s command."
Since everything had already been arranged through secret letters, this was merely a formality for the sake of public appearance.
Lucian gathered the army, which had been prepared long ago, in front of the outer castle gates.
The total number of troops dispatched by the House of Valdek was one thousand.
It wasn't a massive number, but considering they were all elite soldiers from the standing army, it was a force that lacked for nothing.
Besides, when forming an allied force, sending more troops isn't always better.
The House of Valdek already commanded immense authority; what would happen if they sent a massive army on top of that?
Setting aside the logistical issues, their voice within the allied forces would become too powerful. From the Imperial Family's perspective, that would cross the line from being reassuring to being uncomfortable.
He had to send just enough so that the Imperial Family could still maintain control over the alliance.
I have to show strength befitting the family's status while keeping the numbers low. Politics is a headache.
Lucian wore a bitter smile, but he etched the Grand Duke’s teachings into his mind. If he intended to become a ruler one day, these political considerations were vital.
Once the preparations for departure were complete, a middle-aged knight approached Lucian and bowed.
"It is an honor to meet you, Third Young Master. I am Gerard Hexen. I have been assigned to serve as your staff officer for this campaign. If you have any questions regarding the military, please do not hesitate to ask."
"I'm sure I'll have much to learn from you. I look forward to working with you, Sir Gerard."
The conversation was cordial, but despite his polite tone, Gerard’s expression was quite grim.
Lucian, guessing the man's feelings, let out a short laugh.
He must feel like he’s sitting on pins and needles since I have full authority. He’s a 'staff officer' in name, but if I decide to ignore him and push forward, there’s nothing he can do.
In fact, being ignored would be the best-case scenario. Since the Grand Duke had personally granted Lucian full command, Lucian could even kick him out of the staff position if he felt like it.
Gerard was in a position where he couldn't even dream of controlling Lucian’s potential outbursts; instead, he had to worry about not getting on Lucian's bad side. It was no wonder he felt uneasy.
Well, I don't really intend to go out of my way to coddle his feelings.
If the Grand Duke had truly intended to provide a staff officer to guide him, he would have sent someone more prestigious. If the officer had a famous name, even Lucian wouldn't be able to act recklessly.
However, the man assigned was a knight with plenty of experience but no renown. The Grand Duke’s intention was clear: Listen to his advice for reference, but ultimately, act according to your own will.
It’s a pity he doesn't realize that himself.
Since knowing the truth wouldn't do him any favors, Lucian decided not to explain. He finished the introductions and kept Gerard by his side as his advisor. As long as their opinions didn't clash, there was no reason to ruin the relationship.
"By the way, I have no idea why you’re here again."
"Haha, it’s been a while, so why so cold? Aren't we comrades who fought shoulder-to-shoulder?"
"Don't wink at me. It’s creepy when a grown man does that."
At Lucian’s words, Raymond scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish.
"I’ll have you know I’m only thirty-five."
"Forget your age. What are you doing here this time?"
"To serve as the Third Young Master’s escort, of course."
"An escort? With all these troops?"
"Even so, you need at least one personal guard for emergencies. Actually, I wanted to bring my colleagues along this time too, but I was told that would be excessive, so I came alone. Aren't you glad to see me after all this time?"
"Pfft!"
Lucian, who had been interrogating Raymond, finally burst into laughter at the man's cheeky response. He had wondered if Raymond was there to keep an eye on him, but it seemed he had volunteered out of pure goodwill.
"Well, it’s not a bad thing to have a skilled knight by my side. By the way, are you still just 'Raymond' here?"
"As long as it’s not some shady business, I’m always Raymond."
"That’s good. I was worried I’d get confused if your title changed."
A knight who simply follows orders is different from a knight you can trust with your back. While Raymond wasn't quite at that level yet, he was more reliable for important tasks than the other knights.
Finally, Lucian sought out Hugo, whom he had appointed as a squad leader.
"How is the squad leader position? Manageable?"
"I’ve somehow managed to get those bastards to recognize me as their leader. Dammit, I thought taking a squad leader spot would be easy, but they’ve all got a hell of a bite."
"That’s because they’re veterans who have participated in multiple subjugation campaigns. To elite soldiers who have crossed the line between life and death, you probably look like a greenhorn."
"That’s exactly how they treated me. Even when I suppressed them with my swordsmanship, their resentment didn't fade. It was driving me crazy. I only managed to get them to settle down after I told them about my experience at Bornholm."
Hugo shuddered. He said that if it hadn't been for that experience, he might have been kicked out of the position Lucian had given him.
"Now that I’ve got the reins, all that’s left is to show them what I can do."
"They’ll probably keep grumbling for a while. Should I say a word to them? They’ll follow you obediently then."
"No."
The answer came instantly. At the same time, sparks flew in Hugo’s eyes.
"If I can't even handle ten common soldiers on my own, I can't call myself a knight. I will make them submit through my own strength alone."
"Good answer."
Lucian had tested him to see if he would succumb to temptation, but his resolve seemed firm.
Having completed all preparations, Lucian mounted his horse and looked down at the army of one thousand. The farewells were over, and he had received the Grand Duke’s blessing. All that remained was Lucian’s command.
Taking a deep breath, Lucian shouted at the top of his lungs.
"All units, move out!"
At Lucian’s command, the army of one thousand began its march.
Since the route and estimated time had already been determined, the plan was to continue marching for the time being. However, it wasn't long before Gerard, the staff officer, offered a different opinion.
"We should maintain the route but increase our speed. To be precise, we should move at about double our current pace."
"Isn't that too much of a forced march? The soldiers will tire quickly."
"If they were a rabble gathered through conscription, perhaps, but these are veterans from the standing army. They can easily handle this much."
"Before that, let me hear the reason why we need to increase our speed."
"Because of politics."
They hadn't even arrived yet, and already it was about politics?
As Lucian tilted his head in confusion, Gerard explained calmly.
"Allied forces like this are prone to conflict. No matter how great the commander-in-chief’s authority is, minor friction is inevitable."
"I suppose so."
"The problem is that sometimes that friction creates larger cracks than expected. In severe cases, they can even split into factions."
And such conflicts often had a significant impact on military operations—from whether or not to share scarce supplies to the speed of reinforcements in critical moments. If relations soured completely, the tension between allies could be more dangerous than the enemy.
"However, if we arrive late, it’s highly likely that something will have already happened. We would lose the chance to intervene."
"So we’d be forced to choose one of the already established factions to side with?"
"Yes. It’s a headache. To prevent that, it’s best to arrive as early as possible. We can prevent conflicts before they start, or even if we can't, we can at least see how the board is being played."
"Hmm."
Lucian nodded at the logical argument. In his past life, similar things often happened when multiple mercenary groups were called for a large-scale battle. Of course, if no conflict arose, it would just be unnecessary worrying, but it wasn't a bad idea to have an insurance policy.
"Then we shall increase the marching speed slightly. However, keep in mind that if the soldiers collapse from exhaustion, it defeats the whole purpose."
"Yes, sir!"
Gerard answered vigorously and moved to the rear to relay the command. His face looked brighter than before, likely because his advice had been accepted.
Fortunately, even as the marching speed increased, the soldiers followed silently without showing any signs of exhaustion. Not a single soldier complained or uttered a word of discontent.
Even Lucian, who had seen many armies, was slightly surprised by the strict discipline.
So this is the power of an army maintained by a Great Family.
Even with the same numbers, a force of this quality could easily defeat most armies. It was a worthy goal to keep in mind for when he eventually raised his own army.
A few days later, Lucian arrived at the rendezvous point much earlier than scheduled.
"They really don't look tired at all. I thought they’d show at least a little fatigue."
"If they are soldiers of Valdek, this much is only natural."
Gerard spoke with a smile at Lucian’s admiration. He radiated confidence that they would never be shamed in front of the other lords.
Nodding, Lucian turned his gaze toward the rendezvous point.
"That’s a relief then. It seems everyone else gathered much earlier than I expected."
Numerous flags were already visible near the Horsen River, which led into Krepelt. The flags were filled with the emblems of various noble houses. Despite their haste, it seemed more than half had already arrived.
"I’m glad I listened to you. If I hadn't, we really would have been late."
"The others likely hurried with the same thought as I did. They probably haven't been here long either. At most, a difference of three or four days."
"Well, considering the distances between territories, that sounds about right. I see the Imperial emblem as well. Has the First Prince already arrived?"
The emblem of the Red Dragon, which only members of the Imperial Family could use. The image emblazoned on the flag, which hung higher than all others, was clearly visible even from a distance.
"I thought it was an unspoken rule for the commander-in-chief to arrive late in these situations. If you’re later than the commander, the rest are treated like sinners."
"It depends on the situation. Sometimes they arrive first to settle the conflicts I mentioned beforehand."
"Settling conflicts, huh?"
Lucian shook his head with a smirk. He doubted the First Prince had the ability to do such a thing. He had never met the man personally, but he had never heard a single good rumor about him.
Whatever the case, now that I’ve arrived, I should pay my respects.
As Lucian led his troops toward the rendezvous point near the Horsen River, he felt the surrounding area stir. Once he identified himself as being from the House of Valdek, knights bearing the Red Dragon emblem immediately rushed out.
A young knight, who appeared to be their leader, stepped forward and bowed.
"Our thanks for the unwavering loyalty of the House of Valdek. I am Jurgen Wald, Captain of the Black Scale Knights. I greet the proxy of His Grace the Grand Duke."
"We only seek to repay the steadfast trust of the Imperial Family. I am Lucian Valdek, here to participate as the proxy for Grand Duke Sigmund."
"So you are Lord Lucian. I have heard much about you. Even His Majesty the Emperor was impressed by your exploits at Bornholm. He said you are surely a talent who will carry the Empire on your shoulders."
"That is far too much praise. I simply did what needed to be done."
Along with the brief greeting, Jurgen continued to heap praise upon Lucian. As the representative of the Empire’s only Grand Ducal house and a loyal subject, such treatment was expected.
However, even when it was time for the formalities to end, Jurgen’s praise did not stop.
"You are humble as well. I heard your skill in handling mercenaries back then was extraordinary."
"It was merely a bit of smooth talking. By the way, His Highness is..."
"It wasn't just smooth talking. Didn't you personally lead the mercenaries and command the battlefield afterward? It was hard to believe it was your first battle."
"I truly appreciate the compliments, but I believe it is time for me to see His Highness the First Prince."
Unable to take it any longer, Lucian spoke bluntly. All the other houses were gathered here; what was the point of this display outside? Once one arrived, the first priority was to report to and greet the commander-in-chief.
"I don't mind standing here. However, continuing to delay the report like this is disrespectful to His Highness. I will first pay my respects to His Highness, the commander-in-chief. We can continue our conversation after that."
"Yes... well... that is certainly true... but right now..."
At Lucian’s words, Jurgen began to stutter, breaking into a cold sweat.
Lucian’s eyes narrowed at the suspicious behavior.