Chapter 46
Chapter 46
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 046
Chapter Title: The Enemy Is Behind Us (3)
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A shout erupted from the command office.
"This makes no sense."
Benjamin slammed his fist on the table after reading the summons aloud. It was uncharacteristically rough behavior for him.
"Exactly. Summoning the commander on the front lines from the temple."
"Regardless of whether they acknowledge the Wave or not, this is incomprehensible."
"There has to be some conspiracy behind this. Otherwise..."
Nil and Ray couldn't hide their agitation, and even the usually reticent Pendersen joined in. Landiv, normally so quiet, raised his voice as well.
"I've never heard of the temple summoning a border lord. What the hell are the royals in the capital thinking?"
"......"
Arun, chin resting on his hand, tapped the table with his fingers.
Pendersen clutched his head, while Ray, still fuming, clenched his fists and let out harsh breaths repeatedly.
"Hoo, even if the world bends to the whims of the strong..."
"Hmph, Westguard is strong too."
"Agreed. Strong enough to withstand even the Wave."
The response came from Yains. He shrugged his shoulders.
"But comparing it to the Empire itself? That's absurd."
Being belittled like that implied just how elevated they were. Even the imperial army, often dismissed as a ragtag bunch, was untouchable with their vast numbers and overflowing supplies.
"Orcs aren't the only enemies. Traitors ready to stab us in the back are everywhere."
Nil huffed, trying to swallow his anger.
Arun, who had been silently tapping the table, finally broke the silence.
"Pendersen. Assemble the advisors—no, the entire fortress council."
"Yes, Master."
This was no longer just a matter for the command staff. Those leading the fortress residents needed to know as well.
"We have come at your summons."
"Greetings? I was overseeing construction, so I'm a bit disheveled. Please forgive..."
Soon, Westguard's key figures had gathered.
Baron Morton Mayer, who had once handled court ceremonies in the capital, read the summons aloud. Shock, outrage, and sighs followed, just as before.
The term "heresy inquisition" hit especially hard.
"How could such a thing happen in this world?"
"Lord God, please protect our liege."
Those who had lost loved ones to the orc invasion, endured the refugee trek, hunger, and cold before settling in the shelter of Westguard fell into despair.
Amid it all, Arun's gaze turned to Baron Morton.
"What do you make of it?"
"Well, the Church doesn't typically put the bishops' council front and center externally. The Church represents doctrine itself, so naming His Holiness on a summons feels off. And furthermore..."
He pointed to a few parts of the summons.
"Temple documents are usually florid and scholarly. Ending concisely with terms like issuer, subject, and date—that's straight out of standard administrative forms."
"You mean the cabinet might be involved?"
"It's a stretch to say the cabinet moves the temple, but it could be an individual's rogue action. If so, we'd have to see it as a political maneuver. But, ugh..."
For a moment, Baron Morton seemed confused and clutched his head.
His reasoning was astonishingly spot-on, but it was still just speculation.
"Tch. Doesn't change the meaning either way."
Ray Schumacher spat out his fury.
"Bastards. Feasting safe in their ivory towers."
"Heh heh heh."
Arun gave a wry smile.
"The strong and wicked always thrive, don't they? Why? Because God designed it that way?"
He shook his head.
"Humans designed it that way—the powerful ones. They call, so I have to go."
"Don't go, my lord."
Nil shot to his feet and cried out.
"We'll protect you."
"Without our lord, Westguard won't hold out long anyway. Better to..."
Landiv and Ray joined in.
"Exactly. We held off the Wave—what's this?"
"So you're going to hold off the Empire to protect me? Get a grip!"
Arun's sharp rebuke silenced everyone.
"Our goal was survival, wasn't it? Then everyone here is Westguard. Even without me, you can form a new center. Just like someone not here said."
The cold reality Arun reminded them of tore at their hearts.
"Besides, the temple is the issuer at the end of the day. We can't point swords at God's servants, so truth is my only shield."
"Ugh."
Groans followed one after another.
"Benjamin."
"Yes, my lord."
"You worked hard as a messenger last year. This time, accompany me. Anyone dissatisfied, draw your sword."
Some closed their eyes in silent prayer; others quietly made the sign of the cross.
"No one? Fetch Baron Bendel."
"I'm here."
"In my absence, you handle the fortress finances."
"Me?"
Baron Bendel Miramount looked incredulous. He'd thought he'd fallen out of favor after the recent battle reports.
"You're the only one here who's managed over 10,000 gold. Anyone object, step forward."
As expected, no one did.
"Baron Creep Yansel."
"Yes, my lord. I'm here."
"You'll handle military administration. No long explanations needed, I trust."
"I'll do my utmost, though I may fall short."
"Pendersen."
"Yes, Master."
"You take administration. Same as always—no issues, right?"
"Sniff. I'll uphold your will, Master."
"Nil Carpenter, Ray Schumacher."
"......"
"Knights of the battlefield, by my appointment. I can leave with peace of mind because of you two. Ignore all commands and keep doing your jobs."
"Understood."
"Landiv Erheim."
"Yes, my lord."
"Assemble the squire candidates for inspection. Apply your standards—no mercy for anything subpar."
"Knight Landiv accepts your command."
Arun assigned tasks matching each member's abilities, setting them to check each other.
He personally encouraged the command staff and then the resident representatives.
"Nothing's changed. Calm the people as per orders. This is a test—of whether you deserve peace."
"We'll remember."
"We'll uphold the lord's will."
His gaze sweeping the crowd paused on Yains Mine Caminity.
"You'll come with me."
"Naturally. Who else would defend you?"
Yains spread his arms with a grin.
Judging it couldn't be delayed, Arun hosted a farewell banquet with wine that evening.
The next day, he set off for the capital.
The road from the command post to the south gate was cleared, lined with soldiers.
Residents filled the streets to see him off—among them, some unexpected faces.
"My lord, I'll follow you. I'll testify to His Holiness of your innocence."
"Heh heh heh. Priest—no, Bishop of Westguard Diocese now. You have work here."
The summons had come with Priest Jean Mare's bishop appointment. An enclosed letter mentioned dispatching more priests, whom he was to train.
Suddenly, the bishop threw off his robes.
"Ugh, sob... Westguard Diocese stems from your grace—this bishopric is nothing..."
"Whoa, enough."
Arun dismounted to stop him.
"Royals bear their own burdens; apostles answer only to God."
"As with all creation, do your duty."
They shared a scripture verse and smiled faintly. Onlookers quietly made the sign of the cross.
After calming the bishop and remounting, Yains sidled up.
"Winning over the priest like that—impressive. What's the secret?"
"My purity?"
"......"
Next to block the way was young Schmidt Miramount.
"What's this, Schmidt?"
"I'm your squire, so I'll follow."
"You're not ready yet. Focus on Sir Landiv's lessons until I return."
"No matter how hard I try, I doubt it'll satisfy you. Let me learn at your side."
"No skill and no manners. I must have misjudged you."
"Then punish me here."
The boy knelt in the middle of the road. Arun's solution was to summon his parents.
'Not that I'd humiliate the chief administrator.'
"Fine. Get your father's permission—and punishment for your rudeness."
"Yes, my lord."
Mistaking it for half-approval, the boy sprang up, saluted, and dashed off.
Arun sighed briefly and spurred his horse, but he couldn't be cold to the well-wishers. The sun was overhead, yet the south gate seemed far off.
Clop, clop.
Yains sidled up again, as if waiting.
"Man, how'd that kid get charmed too?"
"Watch your words—'charmed'."
"Tch, this might make surviving the heresy trial tough."
Yains shook his head.
"Be honest. What demon did you contract with? Your counsel will keep it secret."
Arun's eye twitched as he nodded to residents meeting his gaze. Benjamin let out a quiet sigh of relief.
'The lord's expression softened. Friends, huh.'
As they neared the south gate, well-wishers blocked the path entirely.
Benjamin spurred forward.
"Enough—stand aside. You mean to hinder the lord's journey?"
"Move back. You'll get hurt."
"The lord is innocent; he'll return after proving it."
Soldiers tried herding residents to the sides, but control slipped.
Yains winked and stepped forward.
"I, Yains Mine Caminity, as your neighboring lord and old friend, will defend your lord and bring him back. Rest easy."
"Ooh. Please do."
"Prove his innocence, we beg."
Being the center of attention was exhausting proportional to the crowd. As eyes shifted to Yains, Arun caught his breath.
By then, the south gate plaza came into view.
The command staff lined up at its end, concluding the farewells.
Exiting the south gate revealed fresh greenery.
Knee-high grass rippled beside the cart path.
"No worries for horse feed. How long to the capital?"
"Checkpoints usually delay things, but flashing the summons should clear it. At most, under a month."
"Two months round trip, then."
Yains snorted.
"You think so? Think they'll say, 'Welcome, elder. Let's start right away'?"
"Don't jinx it. The capital's powers tormenting me is enough."
"First, figure their intent."
"Got connections in the capital?"
"Of course. Don't forget where you and I hail from."
"That again? Tiresome."
"Hey. The capital academy is the spiritual home of royals. Shared memories create stronger bonds than you think..."
Hoofbeats cut Yains's chatter short.
Clop-clop, clop-clop.
Neigh!
"Whoa, whoa. Huff huff. I have Father's permission."
"Permission?"
Arun scratched his chin beard and asked.
"What'd he say?"
"Do as you wish."
Arun crossed his arms, eyeing the boy squintingly.
"Don't skip details when relaying."
"Right. Hard to be a good adjutant otherwise."
Benjamin chimed in, stifling a laugh.
The word "adjutant" widened Schmidt Miramount's eyes.
"Ah, actually..."
Fidgeting, Schmidt squeezed his eyes shut and yelled.
"What late permission? Am I even your father? Do whatever you want!"
"Hahaha."
"Heh heh heh. Congratulations on manhood, Schmidt."
Arun laughed heartily; Benjamin clapped the boy's back.
"Out from Father's wing—now become a man."
"What's a man like?"
"A man..."
Clop, clop.
Benjamin, entrusting himself to his steed, shared what he knew.
"A man shoulders responsibility. Protecting family and followers—simple, but hard."
"Shouldering responsibility."
Schmidt Miramount's eyes followed Arun.
"Hyah."
Clop, clop.
He spurred up close behind Arun.
"Whoa, whoa. Kid's got spirit."
"I'll stand behind my lord."
"Hm?"
"Good people surround my lord ahead. I'll guard the rear—no one stabs your back."
'What'd I tell the kid?'
As Arun shot a glance, flinching Benjamin spread his hands.
"Tch, protect me? Get strong first."
"I'll train hard."
"Benjamin, include him in morning drills starting tomorrow."
"Even on the journey?"
"Of course. No skipping with me."
"Got it."
Schmidt's eyes sparkled at "drills." Benjamin shook his head pityingly.
"Tch, hyah."
Clop-clop, clop-clop.
The group, ambling slowly, gradually picked up speed.