Chapter 44: I’m Going This Far for You (2)
Chapter 44: I’m Going This Far for You (2)
“If that is what you wish, Father…”
“……”
“I will follow your lead.”
“Are you truly alright with that?”
“Of course.”
Patrick replied with a smirk.
Baron Schneider felt a surge of gratitude toward his son.
In truth, unlike himself, whose youthful fire had long since faded with age, wasn't Patrick at the peak of his prime?
Furthermore, unlike his father, Patrick had amassed an absurd level of martial prowess through his overwhelming talent. He had even elevated the surrounding soldiers, leading the entire Schneider Barony toward newfound strength.
For someone like Patrick, this expedition was a golden opportunity to spread his name and display his skills to the world. Yet, at a single command from his passive and lackluster father, he had agreed to suppress that burning spirit and obey.
Baron Schneider was truly thankful for such a son.
“I’m sorry. It’s because your father is so incompetent…”
“Well, you’re not wrong about that.”
“…Usually, at this point, aren’t you supposed to say that isn’t true?”
“Aieee, would saying that change anything?”
“……”
“Now that we’re on the subject, why are you actually so bad at everything, Father? You can’t use a sword, you can’t make money… Are you even handsome? Honestly, it’s only because Mother is the incarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva that she puts up with you. If it were me…”
The Baron’s gratitude vanished instantly.
*
Even if he didn't want Patrick to actively seek glory, he couldn't simply refuse to send troops to Count Parmas.
Count Parmas was a high-ranking noble representing the eastern region of the Atronia Kingdom. He even held the title of Margrave, which allowed him to forcibly conscript troops from neighboring territories if necessary.
The fact that he had sent a letter requesting troops rather than ordering a conscription was essentially a polite way of saying, “Cooperate while I’m being nice.”
And if they didn't cooperate?
Things would inevitably become extremely tiresome from then on. Therefore, the Schneider Barony had to send soldiers.
“Just send exactly half.”
“Will half be enough?”
“Well, honestly, I think thirty would be plenty. But…”
Patrick said with a smirk.
“If we want to keep our skills hidden while maintaining a minimum level of appearances, we should probably have at least 100.”
“Right. I understand. I’ll leave the preparation of the soldiers to you.”
“Understood. April.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Call Butler Lawrence. We need to discuss the equipment and supplies for the expeditionary force.”
“Yes, right away.”
Patrick proceeded with the preparations for the expedition with clockwork efficiency.
He selected the soldiers and appointed April as the person responsible for managing them while he was away. April protested, insisting she should stay by Patrick’s side, but Patrick was firm.
“It’s an order.”
“…Yes, sir.”
April conceded with a dejected expression, looking like a kicked puppy.
In truth, Patrick had no choice. The goal of this expedition was to stay as inconspicuous as possible, keep up appearances, and return home after simply filling a spot.
However, April’s very existence was eye-catching.
‘Taking you along would be more conspicuous than taking a squad of Orcs.’
At least with Orcs, people would just be curious and move on. At the very least, there wouldn't be any idiots in heat trying to hit on them.
Once all preparations were complete, Baron Schneider set out at the head of 100 soldiers.
“Then, I shall be off, dear.”
“Please, come back safely.”
“Do not worry about me. I am more worried about you. Please, while I am gone…”
“Can we just move out already? Move out! How is a single man supposed to live with all this mushiness?”
The Baron and his wife, who were practically dripping with honeyed affection, finally pulled apart only after Patrick spoke up.
“Ahem. All troops, move out!”
“Yes, sir!”
The 100 soldiers of the Schneider Barony.
It was the moment they made their first appearance to the world.
* * *
The eastern part of the Atronia Kingdom was a barren land.
There was little land suitable for farming, and the people struggled to survive while fending off the monsters pouring out of the Great Forest to the east. It was a harsh environment by nature.
However, because of this, the development of commerce was vital.
Since half of the territories were unable to produce enough food through farming, most had to solve the problem by purchasing food from the outside. In other words, it was a place that would naturally wither away if merchants didn't constantly circulate goods between the various domains.
Therefore, Count Parmas, the Margrave of the East, needed to manage this eastern distribution network carefully.
He had to ensure that no noble was being greedy by charging excessive tolls, and that no merchant group was hoarding essential goods to manipulate prices.
But recently, a problem had arisen.
Bandits had taken up residence on Mount Pils in the east and begun attacking merchants.
Normally, this was a common occurrence and not a major issue if dealt with quickly. Count Parmas had issued a subjugation order to the lords near Mount Pils, telling them to resolve the matter swiftly.
Following the order, the neighboring lords formed a subjugation force of 500 men and moved to wipe out the bandits.
However, the result was unexpected.
An annihilation.
It wasn't just a defeat; the 500-man subjugation force was completely wiped out. Of the three lords who had led the expedition, two were killed in action, and only one barely escaped with his life.
A group of bandits with enough power to annihilate 500 regular soldiers had settled in his territory.
Infuriated by this fact, Count Jeyton Rud Magellan Parmas decided to personally lead the subjugation. To ensure absolute victory, he requested reinforcements from the lords of the neighboring territories.
As a result, nobles from all over the east were gathering in the Parmas County, leading their respective troops.
“My Lord, Viscount Antonia has joined us with 500 soldiers.”
“Hmm, good. What is the total size of the subjugation force now?”
“It has exceeded 5,000.”
“That should be sufficient.”
At the Count’s words, the butler gave a wry smile.
“In truth, it is overkill for a mere pack of bandits.”
“Hahaha. Perhaps. But isn't it better to have too much than too little?”
“That is true.”
“If we leave the bandits alone and their power grows, we might eventually need an even larger army. If we want to nip them in the bud, a bit of excess is perfectly fine.”
“I understand.”
“Make sure to treat the lords who have come to support us as honored guests. See that they lack for nothing.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
Entertaining the visiting lords and feeding and housing the soldiers they brought along—all of it cost a significant amount of money.
However, Count Parmas did not skimp on the expenses.
‘If I consider it the price for fostering unity across the entire East while wiping out the bandits, it’s actually quite cheap.’
This was Count Parmas’s other objective.
As a high-ranking noble holding the title of Margrave, he was the ruler of the East, but his influence had been gradually weakening over the past few years. This was a natural consequence of not having had a reason to summon the neighboring lords under the name of the Margrave for some time.
A blade that isn't drawn from its scabbard will eventually rust.
‘Sometimes, you have to draw the sword and swing it to show its worth.’
He intended to use this opportunity to remind the eastern lords exactly who ruled this land.
*
“Ooh, it’s packed.”
“Indeed. This is quite a spectacular sight.”
“Eh, I wouldn't go as far as 'spectacular'…”
Bringing all the troops gathered in the Parmas County into the inner city would cause issues. Therefore, Count Parmas had the soldiers set up barracks outside the castle walls, providing them with wine and meat instead.
As the various groups gathered and set up camp, a massive military encampment had formed outside the territory.
The attendant who had guided Baron Schneider this far spoke up.
“Baron Schneider, please have your soldiers rest here. You, My Lord, must proceed to the inner city to meet with the Count.”
“I understand. Patrick, will you come with me?”
“Me? No thanks. It’s not like he’s anyone special…”
“Watch your mouth… you brat. Please…”
A Count was definitely someone special. And Count Parmas wasn't just any Count; he was a man who held the title of Margrave and was essentially the King of the East.
Seeing his father pleading while glancing nervously at the nearby attendant, Patrick shrugged.
“Fine, fine. Anyway, go ahead. I’ll just stay here and rest with the soldiers.”
“Very well. But the Count might hold a banquet, so make sure to attend if that happens.”
“A banquet, huh? Yeah, alright. I’ll go to that.”
To Patrick, the equation was simple: Banquet = Alcohol. He nodded willingly.
‘Why do I feel so uneasy?’
Baron Schneider felt incredibly anxious about leaving Patrick alone, but he had no choice.
“Let us go.”
“Yes. Please follow me this way.”
Once the Baron had left, Patrick spoke.
“Sanson.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Set up the barracks nearby and let everyone rest comfortably.”
“Understood. You heard him! Set up the barracks first!”
“Yes, Captain!”
The soldiers busily set up the tents and prepared for camp. As for Patrick…
“Kaaa, being born a noble is great at times like this. Long live the class system.”
Having lived a life of poverty in his previous existence, Patrick deeply realized how convenient a high social status was at times like this. Even though the soldiers were working hard, no one said a word if he lay down lazily and sipped from a bottle of wine.
He thought to himself, ‘This must be why people want to succeed in life.’
“Thinking back, things were really miserable in the past. I couldn't do anything I wanted and had to constantly walk on eggshells around others…”
Who walked on eggshells?
Who? Eggshells? Miserable?
And he couldn't do what he wanted?
If the enemies and allies who had dealt with the Radiant Dragon Hero Jincheon in his past life heard this, they would have coughed up blood and collapsed at such nonsense.
*
Baron Schneider calmed his racing heart and bowed politely.
“Baron Jacob Schneider greets Count Parmas. It has been a long time.”
“Hmm, it is good to see you, Baron Schneider.”
The two men exchanged greetings, but their demeanors were starkly different. Compared to the overly tense Baron Schneider, Count Parmas was perfectly composed.
In fact, the difference in their perspectives was clear even in their greetings.
Baron Schneider mentioned it had been a long time because he remembered visiting the Margrave as a young man shortly after inheriting his title.
However, Count Parmas had completely forgotten about that. It had been nearly twenty years, after all; it would have been stranger if he did remember. To Count Parmas, the Lord of Schneider was just one of many minor eastern lords.
“How many troops did you bring?”
“Our family’s circumstances are difficult, so I am ashamed to say I could not bring many.”
“……”
‘Indeed,’ Count Parmas thought.
According to the attendant’s report, Baron Schneider had only brought 100 soldiers. Not a single knight, just 100 men. This was the weakest force among all the lords gathered. However…
‘It can’t be helped. A poor family must have done their best.’
Though the numbers were small, there were signs that they had put in genuine effort rather than just trying to save face. The soldiers’ equipment was reportedly decent, and most importantly, the Baron had brought his only son.
In Count Parmas’s eyes, this looked like…
‘Even though our strength is lacking, we are doing our absolute best to follow your orders, My Lord Margrave. Please take note of our loyalty.’
It looked like a desperate plea for favor.
Thus, Count Parmas spoke with a gentle smile.
“Rest comfortably. The subjugation of the bandits will begin in two days.”
“Understood.”
“I will be holding a small banquet this evening to welcome the lords. You and your son should attend.”
“It is an honor, My Lord.”
“Go and rest.”
Just as the pleasantries were concluding…
An attendant rushed in and spoke urgently.
“My Lord, excuse me.”
“What is it?”
“A fight has broken out in the soldiers’ encampment. It seems we need to deploy knights to intervene.”
“Ugh…”
The one who let out a groan wasn't the Count.
“What is the matter, Baron?”
“Ah, well… my son and my soldiers are currently there. That is, well…”
“Hmm, do not worry. It is likely just a minor scuffle. Even if hot-blooded soldiers cause trouble, surely they wouldn't dare attack the son of a Baron?”
“……”
‘Hot-blooded soldiers? Sure. But…’
‘Will my son actually hold back?’
No, there was no need to even wonder. He knew instinctively.
The moment he heard that a commotion had broken out among the soldiers summoned by the Margrave, the culprit was already confirmed in the Baron’s mind.