Chapter 45
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 45
“Then, we shall begin the military council.”
The following day, Lucian was once again summoned by the First Prince.
The previous day’s meeting had ended after merely establishing a general course of action. Now that the policy was set, it was time to devise a concrete strategy.
“Please look at the map. As you can see, there is nothing on the path to the first fortress. For a while, we will be able to advance rapidly without worrying about enemy attacks,” Jurgen, the First Prince’s close aide, said while pointing at the map.
Just as he said, the path ahead was exceptionally flat. There were no wide rivers, no forests suitable for ambushes, and not even any difficult mountainous terrain. There were only sparse rural villages located in the border region.
“Since long ago, the outskirts of Krepelt have been plains with no geographical advantages, so not a single fortress has been built there. The land is difficult to defend, easily taken, and can be bypassed without much trouble.”
“So, it’s essentially land they’ve given up on defending.”
“Precisely. Substantial resistance will only begin once we reach the first fortress, Bodium. If we move quickly, it should take about five days.”
Unlike the border regions, Bodium was a castle that could be called a natural fortress. It was on par with Bornholm, where Lucian had been stationed previously. Even with several siege weapons, capturing it would not be easy.
However, the Allied Forces happened to have a secret weapon brought from the Royal Family.
“When we attack the fortress, Master Blasker, the Imperial Mage, will step forward with his five disciples. No matter how much of an iron fortress it may be, it won't be able to withstand Master Blasker’s magic.”
“Hmm. It would be difficult for me alone, but with my disciples, it is well within the realm of possibility.”
The one who answered Jurgen was an old mage with a stern, cranky impression. The crimson robe he wore and his upturned eyebrows seemed to speak volumes about his personality.
Lucian’s eyes gleamed as he stared at the mage upon hearing the name Blasker.
‘Blasker Linveil. To think I’d see the famous head of the Flame School with my own eyes.’
He was a rarity—the head of one of the few Imperial-sanctioned schools who, despite being a mage, possessed a genuine sense of loyalty to the Imperial Family. He was the Archmage who, just before the fall of the Imperial Capital, had sacrificed his life to turn nearly two thousand enemy troops into ash and save the Emperor. Back when Lucian was active as a mercenary on the battlefield, the man was already considered something of a legend.
‘Certainly, if even half the rumors are true, breaking down a castle wall won't be difficult. Though I don’t know how many times or how often he can use Great Magic of that scale.’
Lucian surmised that the mage could probably only use it once or twice before needing a long rest. If mages could fire off magic of such devastating power incessantly, they would have already ruled the world.
“Of course, the destroyed castle will lose its defensive function, but since our goal is to suppress the rebellion, there’s no real need to occupy it.”
In fact, it would be better to thoroughly demolish it so the enemy couldn't reoccupy it and block their retreat. Since there was only one main path, getting blocked there in an emergency could lead to a worst-case scenario.
“The route from Bodium to the capital of Krepelt splits into three, but it would be better to decide on that after assessing the situation once Bodium is taken. We don’t yet know how the enemy will react.”
Having finished his briefing, Jurgen looked around at the lords as if asking if there were any questions. When no other voices emerged, Lucian, who had been staying quiet, spoke up.
“Let me ask one thing. It seems there are no rivers on the way to Bodium. Are there other places where we can obtain drinking water?”
*
The most important thing in logistics is drinking water. Humans cannot survive without it. Yet, at the same time, it was the most difficult resource to supply.
‘Water takes up a lot of volume relative to its consumption, and it’s incredibly heavy. It’s also difficult to store for long periods.’
For these reasons, it was nearly impossible to transport and supply an entire army’s worth of drinking water manually. The only reason the water issue didn't often surface was that humans naturally lived near water sources. Whether capturing a fortress or a village, wherever people lived, there was bound to be water. As long as no one maliciously sabotaged the water source, finding it wasn't difficult.
‘Right. As long as they don’t intentionally sabotage it.’
If it were a river, there would be no such worry. Unless a nation-scale effort was made over several years, it was nearly impossible to destroy or contaminate one. However, it was a different story for wells or small streams.
Jurgen answered Lucian’s question with a hint of hesitation.
“According to the map, there are three villages along the way. They all have wells, and there is a small stream near the second village. It shouldn't be difficult to obtain water.”
“Hmm.”
Lucian frowned at the worst possible answer. Those were places that could be rendered useless in an instant if someone put their mind to it.
However, Marquis Bernhardt snorted at Lucian’s grimace.
“Contaminating drinking water is a violation of the Grand Accord.”
“It seems you still believe Krepelt will uphold the Grand Accord.”
“And you clearly believe the opposite. Unfortunately, your opinion has been rejected. There is no need to discuss matters based on a rejected premise.”
“Well said.”
The First Prince added his agreement to the Marquis’s words. He then turned a cold gaze toward Lucian.
“The premise of the policy decided yesterday is that the enemy will not violate the Grand Accord. I would appreciate it if you stopped insisting on an argument that has already been dismissed.”
“My apologies.”
Lucian backed down obediently. Since they had ignored his final warning, whatever happened next was their own responsibility. They wouldn't be able to blame him even if problems arose later.
When no further opinions were voiced, the First Prince stood up and shouted to the lords.
“If there are no other opinions, we shall conclude the military council here. Let us advance to Bodium as quickly as possible and take the castle!”
*
An allied force, no matter how elite the individual units, is bound to struggle with coordination. Because they belong to different factions and are trained under different systems, they become a disorganized mess the moment they are mixed together. Therefore, it was necessary to designate positions before setting out.
“Count Rakmo and Viscount Montel will take the left wing; Viscount Bran and Count Saibon will take the right wing; and the rest of you will...”
Before the full-scale march, Jurgen announced the positions assigned to each army. It was an arrangement that took into account the individual strength of the lords, their political prestige, and the complex relationships between families.
“Lord Lucian, please take charge of the left and right flanks of the vanguard along with His Excellency the Marquis. His Highness the First Prince will lead the personal guard behind you two.”
“Understood.”
Lucian nodded lightly. The vanguard is the first to face the enemy, but it is also the position where it is easiest to earn merit. Since it was a position everyone coveted, there were no better candidates than the Marquis and Lucian.
Just as Lucian was about to lead his troops to their assigned location...
“If you wish, Lord Lucian, I can place you in the rear. Since you seem so worried that Krepelt might break the Grand Accord.”
“...!”
Everyone froze at the First Prince’s blatant sarcasm from behind. He was essentially saying, ‘If you’re scared, just stay in the back and watch.’
Even Marquis Bernhardt couldn't bring himself to smile this time. To insult his strongest ally right before heading into battle!
Everyone watched Lucian with bated breath, but Lucian actually let out a small chuckle.
“It’s quite alright. I am merely cautious, not lacking in courage. In fact, the people of the House of Valdek are often too brave for their own good. I worry we might end up startling Your Highness later.”
“...Is that so? We shall see just how brave you are later.”
When Lucian boldly brushed off the insult, the First Prince turned away as if he had lost interest.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Jurgen, who had been at the very front, bowed repeatedly to Lucian with a look of deep gratitude for his handling of the situation.
“Lord Lucian, I sincerely thank you! I don’t know how to repay you...”
“I did nothing to deserve thanks. The departure is approaching, so I will go to position my troops.”
“Hoo.”
As Lucian turned away with a smile, an exclamation of admiration escaped Jurgen’s lips. If it had been a green youth, he would have been fuming, and even a seasoned noble would have shown his displeasure at such an insult.
‘When I first heard the rumors, I thought there was some exaggeration, but seeing him now, I wonder if they were actually understated.’
A man with that much poise would not end up as a mere nobody. Jurgen intended to inform the Emperor of Lucian’s importance once they returned from suppressing the rebellion.
‘Damn it. To think that lion cub is already sharpening his claws.’
While Jurgen was lost in pure admiration, Marquis Bernhardt’s face contorted. He had thought Lucian was just a smooth-talking brat with a bit of presence, but at his age, his mental fortitude was already formidable. It was clear that if he continued to grow like this, he would become a massive wall blocking the future of the House of Roglan.
‘Sigmund, that fellow is blessed with children. While I have to choose from a bunch of mediocre ones.’
Actually, they weren't exactly mediocre. While there were some failures, the ones considered strong candidates for the head of the family were quite promising. However, after seeing Lucian, even the children he usually thought well of didn't seem to measure up. No matter how he looked at it, if Lucian became the Grand Duke, none of them would be able to face him properly.
“I fear for the future of the Marquis’s house.”
Marquis Bernhardt muttered to himself and headed toward his designated position. He wondered if he should set some trials for his children to spur their growth once this rebellion was over.
*
Two days after beginning the march, the Allied Forces arrived at their destination: the first village.
Perhaps because it was close to the border and the government’s control was loose, the village was quite large. As soon as the army appeared, the Village Chief came out with the residents and hurriedly bowed his head.
“W-Welcome! Just tell us what you want, and we will give you everything! So please, just spare us from the soldiers’ looting...!”
Looting was not covered by the Grand Accord, so it often occurred during wars. Since nobles had little interest in the lives of commoners and supply through looting was sometimes a necessity rather than a choice, the villagers had no choice but to tremble upon hearing that an army was stationed there.
“We won't touch anything, so do not worry. Besides, what could there possibly be to take from such a small village?”
The First Prince snorted at the chief and the residents. Maybe mercenaries or a rabble would, but why would the elites of each Great Family steal from a village like this? The supplies they brought were far superior to any loot, and even if they did steal, it wouldn't amount to a fraction of their wages.
“That’s enough, just make sure the soldiers are treated properly. If you do not commit any rudeness, we will stay for only one night and leave immediately.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
The Village Chief shed tears of gratitude. He then hurriedly began ordering the villagers to do various tasks. They cleared houses to provide lodging, drew water for drinking, and gathered the presentable women in one place.
Satisfied with the chief’s efficiency, the lords were about to let their soldiers rest when...
“Hey, Chief. Let me ask you something.”
Lucian called out to the chief with a subtle expression. The busy chief was startled and immediately dropped to his knees.
“Y-Yes! What is it you wish to know, milord?”
“I don’t see any children in this village. What happened? It seems everyone I see is an adult.”
“Ch-Children, you say? We sent them away to safety when we heard news that war had broken out.”
“To safety. Where?”
“We sent them to Bodium. Since it is the safest place...”
At the chief’s answer, Lucian gave a cold smile.
“You’re a terrible liar.”