Chapter 136
Chapter 136
"Failure...? Greyina Morgan may be slightly lacking for her rank, but combined with Morgan, their forces should be comparable to a viscount's military strength, shouldn't they?"
"They were completely annihilated. So the exact circumstances are still unclear... It seems the MacLaine bastards still had reserves left. My apologies."
"Hahaha. This is madness. Not only did they crush the border lords' armies twice, but even the remaining forces in their territory exceed a viscount's household... How could a mere barony's military power explode like this just half a year after swallowing a single county through schemes? Even considering those new weapons, does this make any sense?"
Juan Douglas let out a long sigh and muttered to himself as if talking to no one in particular.
Then he reached his own conclusion.
"They've been preparing for this long before. Ha... Not a bat, but a viper."
No matter how much of a mage one was, the idea of arming ordinary peasants with weapons capable of killing knights and even training them was something that would never have occurred to him.
That was his—no, the limitation of most nobles on the continent.
However, at the very least, he did not neglect efforts to break through the current stalemate.
"Expedite the production of repeating crossbows. Don't forget to increase their range, and deploy them on the fortress walls as soon as they're ready!"
"Yes, sir!"
"And what about the analysis results of those damned disposable artifacts?"
"Well, they've identified some of the components... but they say they need more time to figure out how they're combined."
"Time? That just means they can't do it. We'll need to secure large quantities of samples or find the creator. What about the spies infiltrating their ranks?"
"There's new information on that front. Before the battles we initiated, there was some commotion in the heart of their territory..."
"What?"
As Juan Douglas listened to his subordinate's report about the incident in MacLaine, his expression grew increasingly twisted.
"...So that's what happened. As a result, security has tightened to the point where it's difficult to even approach the area now."
"What kind of bastards—?! Who acted without reporting to me?! Which fool dared—?!"
"Well, regarding that, there's been some strange hearsay. From the Second Prince Faction..."
The duke's initially furious expression quickly settled as his adjutant continued speaking.
And then—
"...Hahaha, so this is how it turns out. Interesting. Very interesting. Fine, tell them to proceed as planned."
Meanwhile, within Harun Castle, where the First Prince Faction was holed up, subtle changes were also underway.
Dragging this out won't improve anything.
It's time to break the stagnant frontlines.
With that judgment in mind, Logan organized his thoughts to propose a new plan based on the grand scheme he had envisioned long ago.
Just as he was gauging the right moment to shift the tide, an unexpected argument erupted during the high command meeting.
"I've already conducted all the experiments! The manufacturing method MacLaine provided absolutely cannot produce those bombs! For the sake of our greater victory, I urge MacLaine to disclose the correct method and allow our faction to produce the weapons!"
Roger Vifros, his face flushed crimson, shouted with veins bulging in his neck.
To Logan, it was utterly absurd, but since he had indeed handed over a fake recipe for Liberatio, he couldn't just stay silent.
"You conducted experiments? In this situation? And Tamil powder and Temes sap aren't even available at this time of year—where did you procure them?"
The fake recipe had been deliberately crafted with that in mind from the start.
"Fortunately, I had personally stockpiled materials for experimentation. And the results were 'utterly' disastrous."
"Are you suggesting Count Vifros made a mistake?"
"Logan MacLaine, watch your tongue! I am a 5th-Circle Mage—"
Thud. Thud.
"Count. This is an official gathering—maintain at least basic decorum."
"...My apologies."
The red-faced 5th-Circle Mage sat back down, his displeasure clearly written across his expression.
But the bomb he had dropped was still live.
"Logan. Count Vifros's words may have been excessive, but he's not one to fabricate lies. Can you prove the validity of your manufacturing method?"
"...Excuse me?"
"Given that you've been supplying completed products, that implies you have the materials. So surely you can demonstrate the production process before our eyes. A few samples should suffice, no?"
Though MacLaine's standing had diminished compared to before, Roger Vifros remained a trusted confidant—enough to sway the duke's mind.
And Roger Vifros eagerly seized the opportunity.
"Exactly! If he cannot prove it, then he has deceived Your Excellency and our faction—MacLaine must be held accountable—"
"Roger! That's excessive. Didn't I just tell you to mind your manners?"
At the duke's rebuke, Roger Vifros's face grew even redder.
Yet even in that moment, his glare remained fixed on Logan, which puzzled him.
Why is he so confident?
If his claims were proven false after going this far, Roger Vifros would have no way to recover.
His already diminished standing would hit rock bottom, leaving him at the mercy of faction politics...
He must be that certain. But there's no way experimental equipment is available here, nor is there a separate space for testing. He couldn't have actually tested it. So how...?
Suddenly, fragments of a conversation exchanged with his brother through the communication orb surfaced in Logan's mind.
-And, Brother. It's not confirmed, but according to the knight's report...
Two uncertain pieces of circumstantial evidence merged in Logan's mind, solidifying into conviction.
So it was you.
Not the First Prince Faction—Vifros.
If the kidnapped dwarves had compared the materials they mentioned with the fake recipe Logan had provided, this reaction made sense.
Even without actual testing.
Fresh anger boiled within him, but losing his temper here would be foolish.
Moreover, the fact that Roger Vifros had gone this far—risking outright exposure—meant he was already backed into a corner.
Once a desperate gamble succeeds, it's only natural to push further—second, third attempts.
Human greed can sometimes completely cloud reason.
In that case...
...I can use this.
Logan soon conceived an idea to repay this tenfold, then smiled faintly and nodded to the duke.
"It's not a difficult task. I'll arrange a demonstration soon."
A simple lie.
That alone swiftly dispelled the suspicion lingering in the duke's gaze, while Roger Vifros's face contorted in proportion.
"But rather than doubting the weapon recipe I provided out of goodwill, shouldn't we prioritize breaking this frustrating stalemate? Even now, we have no idea what schemes the enemy inside that castle is preparing. As you know, our territory was recently attacked by regional forces of the First Prince Faction."
As he spoke, Logan glanced around, but none of the border lords, marquises, or counts showed any surprise.
As expected—they all knew.
Logan gritted his teeth inwardly.
At the very least, Count Esren of the Second Prince Faction, who had been clashing with the forces that attacked MacLaine, must have received word first.
Yet he hadn't informed Logan.
What kind of alliance is this?
They want to defeat the enemy but minimize their own losses.
Meanwhile, they'd prefer their allies to suffer as much damage as possible.
This selfish mentality was glaringly obvious in this patchwork coalition.
He was beginning to understand another reason why this farcical alliance had collapsed in his past life—but of course, he didn't foolishly reveal his thoughts.
"Fortunately, we managed to repel them, but who knows what other schemes those inside the castle are plotting? There's no guarantee this will only happen to our territory, so shouldn't we hasten the subjugation?"
Even as he spoke, Logan laughed inwardly.
MacLaine's current standing in the civil war and the uniqueness of their new weapons were why their territory had been attacked—there was no immediate reason for other faction territories to be targeted.
Even if they captured the border lords' territories on the opposite side of the faction's main stronghold, the only immediate impact would be on supplies.
Though the civil war had dragged on for half a year, no one yet believed it would extend beyond this year into multiple years. Barring special cases like MacLaine, territories wouldn't be attacked.
The duke cleared his throat and gently redirected the conversation.
"Hmm. It's fortunate you repelled them. And I appreciate your concern for other territories. But maintaining the current situation isn't unfavorable for us. Once the enemy's food runs out, they'll either make a desperate last stand or retreat further—and by then, we'll be in an even stronger position. There's no need to incur unnecessary losses now."
The answer was exactly as Logan had anticipated—and so was his next proposal.
"In that case, I have a suggestion."
"Oh?"
"We will bear those 'unnecessary losses.'"
"...What?"
At the duke's startled voice, all eyes in the room turned to Logan.
They must be wondering why I'm doing this.
Especially since the Second Prince Faction currently held the advantage thanks to MacLaine's participation.
In my past life, the real chaos only began after this winter.
Though the circumstances were different now, the moment an unspoken consensus formed that the war would drag on, its nature would change.
From a war of assassinations targeting leaders and clashes between core forces, it would shift into a total war—maintaining the stalemate while squeezing out every last resource to devastate enemy territories, mobilizing mercenaries and conscripts to the limit.
Naturally, next year's harvests would be ruined, leading to forced requisitions—which would create refugees, who would then become slash-and-burn farmers or bandits, causing nationwide chaos.
The entire kingdom would become a battleground, spawning endless tragedies.
That's why we must end the civil war before then.
The reason Logan was stepping forward now was to lay the groundwork for an operation to achieve that.
"MacLaine will take the most dangerous position and spearhead the assault on Harun Castle."
The duke's gaze sharpened at this bold declaration.
"...Elaborate."
"We will circumvent the enemy's line of sight by detouring through the southern mountain range to approach the eastern walls. It will take several days, but with proper diversion from your main forces, we can strike the First Prince's army where they're vulnerable. If your main force launches a full assault timed with our attack on the eastern gate, we can pressure them while cutting off their retreat."
"Hoh...?"
Logan's proposal was the simplest yet clearest solution.
The war had stagnated because no one was willing to sacrifice themselves—so if someone stepped forward to bear that sacrifice, change would come easily.
"...I don't mean to underestimate MacLaine's strength, but wouldn't that put you in grave danger? If the cornered enemy forces attempt a desperate breakout, they'll surge toward the east."
If everything went perfectly, MacLaine would have to endure the First Prince's last, frenzied stand.
If that final desperate charge was concentrated in one direction, even a ducal or marquis household might face annihilation—let alone a border lord.
It was an outcome everyone could foresee, yet the level of risk involved was something no one could predict.
"We are prepared to accept all such risks."
"Hoh?"
For Jordan Waltermein, this was a welcome proposition.
Though their new weapons played a part, if MacLaine—whose achievements rivaled those of two or three border lord households combined—was willing to go this far, there was no reason to prolong the siege.
Yet that very fact also bred suspicion.
"Why?"
Why would you? Why sacrifice yourself?
With the achievements you've already secured, the title of top contributor is practically guaranteed.
Jordan's brief question carried layers of meaning.
And Logan knew the magic word that could dispel all those doubts.
"In exchange, if this operation successfully concludes the war, I would like additional compensation beyond what was previously promised."
Compensation.
The word that erases a greedy man's suspicions.
Jordan's eyes changed once more.
"Compensation? What do you want?"
"I want MacLaine's elevation to marquisate and the entirety of the Calria Marquisate."
"...Madness."
Roger Vifros's involuntary curse was met with nods all around—it was an absurd demand.
But Logan didn't stop there.
"If Your Excellency and His Highness the Prince put this in writing as a formal pledge, I and my household will stake everything to see it through."
The moment additional conditions were attached, the duke's expression stiffened.
"...Hah... Hahaha. Excessive. Truly excessive. A written pledge? Do you not trust my word?"
"Of course not. But I, too, need tangible proof to justify demanding sacrifices from my household. Your understanding would be greatly appreciated."
Excessive compensation and unreasonable demands.
Logan believed this would quell the duke's suspicions, but the duke's greed and wariness exceeded his expectations.
"...Very well. However, before the operation begins, you will leave behind three wagonloads of those magic bombs. If your household withdraws, our main force's siege firepower will diminish—I'm concerned about that."
After a long deliberation, the duke made his terms.
Logan's pupils trembled imperceptibly upon hearing them.
If he refused now, the day to execute his plan would be pushed even further away.
So he's still keeping Vifros's words in mind? Hah. Even so...
No matter how many original samples they have, they won't be able to deduce the manufacturing method.
Just as the Empire had failed in his past life.
And by then, MacLaine would no longer be here.
So Logan could nod easily.
"...Understood."
Only then did the duke finally smile and nod.
"Good. A most admirable decision. On the day our great cause is achieved, everything you've asked for shall become reality. I will gladly leave the documents."
"Thank you, Your Excellency."
Logan also smiled and bowed again—when an unexpected proposal followed.
"The Vifros household will also independently assault Harun Castle's southern gate."
Roger Vifros, his face stiff, abruptly interjected.
What?
Logan stared at him in disbelief, and the gazes of others in the room mirrored similar sentiments.
The current MacLaine household was treated as a force comparable to two or three border lords combined—or a marquis household.
The gap between them and Vifros, who had lost their home territory, only widened with each passing day.
In other words, claiming that Vifros could accomplish what MacLaine could was nonsensical.
Roger Vifros's proposal might as well have been a suicide declaration.
"Roger, aren't you overreaching?"
"Absolutely not! Entrust this to me! I seek no excessive rewards—only to sacrifice myself for our great cause out of loyalty."
Oh-ho. You?
That's impossible.
If he's not insane, he must have another scheme.
No—he definitely does.
As a knowing smile curled Logan's lips—
Duke Jordan chuckled and nodded.
"Hah, hahaha. Well, if you insist, so be it. We'll draft the operation based on your proposals. Let us end this civil war here."
"Agreed!"
No further objections arose, and the other border lords praised MacLaine and Vifros's voluntary sacrifices as the meeting concluded.
And in the aftermath—
"Do your best. Though, in the end, the outcome is obvious. I look forward to seeing how our relationship will unfold after the war, Count."
Logan's whispered provocation, laced with a mocking smile, was deliberately meant to goad him into action.
"Of course. Friendly competition between allies in a shared cause is always welcome."
Roger Vifros responded with a forced smile, unable to hide his stiff expression.
But that was enough for Logan to be certain.
That this man would undoubtedly try something.