Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Prelude to War
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“It's the Phoenix Knight Order!”
As the knights returned from subjugating the orcs, the territory's residents came out beyond the castle walls to greet them.
“Who's that coming with Captain Skevin?”
“Probably Vice Captain Hellot.”
“No, the one next to him.”
“It's that total wastrel.”
“What?”
Everyone was startled by Canrak's words.
His appearance and aura had changed so drastically that no one recognized him at first.
But upon closer inspection, his face was the same as before, aside from the altered glint in his eyes.
“He's right.”
“The wastrel changed that much?”
“My god...”
The people couldn't hide their shock at Arthur's imposing figure as he led the knights.
A short while later.
Medlin and Aild came out to meet them.
“Arthur!”
She was utterly stunned at the sight of him.
Covered in monster blood, he evoked the image of a valiant warrior, radiating raw toughness.
On top of that, a terrifyingly fierce and chilling aura emanated from him.
“Is that... really Arthur...?”
Arthur halted his steps and stood before her. He then bowed politely at the waist.
“The subjugation is complete. We've returned.”
“No injuries... right?”
“I'm fine. But the knights have taken significant casualties. Please arrange for treatment immediately.”
“Oh, got it.”
“I'll come see you after tending to the knights.”
“Do that...”
Medlin scanned Arthur over with evident worry before nodding and stepping aside.
Arthur turned to Skevin.
“Once you're done with cleanup, come to my room with Millerph.”
“Understood.”
Skevin replied respectfully, then turned around and bellowed.
“Entire unit, attention!”
Snap!
The knights aligned themselves in precise unison.
Skevin swept his sharp gaze over them, then turned crisply on his heel.
He then saluted Arthur with his sword.
“Urah!”
The knights followed suit, raising their swords in salute and shouting in unison.
Urah—!
It hit like a thunderclap.
Everyone jumped in surprise, staring at the knights.
A chilling aura poured from them.
The friendly, neighborhood-uncle vibe from moments ago was gone.
This was not the knight order they knew.
Yet strangely, they didn't feel afraid.
If anything, knowing these knights protected them brought reassurance, easing their fears of war.
“They look really strong.”
“I was worried about the war just now, but seeing the knights makes me feel secure.”
“But how did they change so much?”
Everyone stared at the knights with faces full of questions.
Medlin was just as flustered by the knight order's drastic transformation.
Aild, meanwhile, watched Arthur enter the castle with a deepening gaze.
‘The cause of this change... is it because of you?’
***
“Hmm.”
Arthur stood by the window, reflecting on the battle with the orcs.
Though it had been one-sided, the knights' casualties were heavier than expected.
This fight had made it clear.
They desperately needed better tactics.
Mounted, the knights were swift and powerful, but dismounted, they were not.
With proper tactics, casualties could have been halved.
That's why he planned to refine tactics with Skevin and Millerph.
Tomorrow was the final day set by Count Yarve.
The knights were stronger now, but complacency was out of the question.
The biggest issue was resolved, so from now on, they needed to gather intel on the enemy and prepare countermeasures.
“Won't have time to sleep for a while.”
Knock knock.
Skevin entered at the knock.
Arthur tilted his head, noticing Millerph was absent.
“Why are you alone?”
“Millerph is still recovering, so I came ahead.”
“Worse than I thought.”
Arthur's face hardened as he walked to the table.
“Sit.”
“Yes.”
Skevin approached and sat across from him.
In the old days, his personality would never allow sitting face-to-face with his lord.
But having gauged Arthur's character, he followed without question.
Arthur eyed Skevin's white hair.
“You okay?”
“No issues so far.”
“If anything feels off, even a little, tell me straight. That's how you help me.”
“Understood.”
“How's the knight order?”
“Fifteen serious injuries, fifty-four minor... and eight dead.”
“Dead, huh.”
Arthur's face grew grim as he continued.
“The families of the dead will receive ample compensation.”
“Thank you.”
Knock knock.
“May I enter!”
A booming voice came from outside with the knock.
“Come in.”
“Yes, sir!”
Three similarly built men entered in response.
They were the Light Brothers, with their purple auras.
Skevin tilted his head at them and glanced at Arthur.
“I called them.”
Arthur beckoned the Light Brothers closer.
They approached with precise movements and stood before him.
Like with Dark, Arthur gave them nicknames.
Inspired by Earth's fastest cars, hoping they'd become just as swift: Porsche, Lambo, and Ferri.
The eldest, Porsche, asked Arthur.
“No injuries, sir?”
“I'm fine. You guys?”
“We have minor wounds, nothing serious. But Cassan won't be moving for a while.”
“I'll have to see him.”
Arthur turned to Skevin.
“The scouts can move right away, right?”
“Yes.”
“One-third on outpost duty starting today. Attach the rest to these guys.”
“...?”
Skevin understood outpost duty, but assigning scouts to them made no sense.
“We need intel first to fight Count Yarve, don't we?”
“True, but isn't it too late? And with empire territory wars, forces are fixed—won't help much.”
“Even in empire territory wars, fighting blind is foolish. We need at least basic intel to plan countermeasures.”
“Understood.”
Skevin turned to Porsche.
“Go to Hellot, say I sent you—he'll assign scouts.”
Porsche bowed deeply, then asked Arthur.
“What do we check?”
“Knight numbers and mercenaries. Latest by dawn tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir!”
As the Light Brothers turned to leave, Skevin added.
“Don't go near their command. Sword Masters will spot you instantly.”
“No worries. We're confident in escaping.”
The youngest, Ferri, replied confidently, making Skevin frown.
“You don't know your place.”
“...?”
“Don't delude yourselves. No matter how fast you are, you're rats to a Sword Master. Remember that if you don't want to die pointlessly.”
His sharp aura froze them.
He added one more line.
“Can't even handle this much, and you think you can face a Sword Master?”
“S-sorry.”
Ferri bowed his head.
They stood frozen, watching Skevin.
“How long you gonna stand there? Move.”
At Arthur's words, Porsche bowed quickly and left with his brothers.
Arthur eyed the door as they exited.
“Sudden power can breed arrogance, clouding judgment.”
“True.”
“Anyway, worried about Millerph.”
As Arthur spoke, the door burst open and Millerph entered.
“You're hopeless.”
Arthur grinned, looking him over.
His complexion was better, but his aura was weaker than usual.
Not fully healed.
Millerph approached and bowed.
“Sorry for being late.”
“Still recovering?”
“...!”
Millerph was inwardly shocked.
He wasn't fully recovered, as Arthur said.
Likely due to the life force he'd tapped, causing issues.
But only he should know—yet Arthur noticed.
“How did you know?”
“Your aura feels weaker. Just asked.”
Millerph turned to Skevin.
“Did you sense it?”
“No abnormalities.”
“I see.”
Millerph knew Arthur's senses were sharp. He'd pinpointed him during the illusion magic approach.
Plus, with Teheran's mana training, they'd be exceptional.
It made sense, but the sharpness was unsettling.
“Don't just stand—sit.”
“Yes.”
As Millerph sat, Arthur alternated glances between them.
“You both did well.”
“We're the ones who made you suffer, Young Master.”
“With territory war looming, we'll end it here. Once resolved, you, the knights—proper rewards.”
“...!”
They hadn't even considered it.
And he spoke as if the unwon war was already victory.
Eyes wide, they stared at Arthur.
“Merit earns reward. And stop looking at me like that.”
“But the territory war hasn't...”
Skevin began, but Arthur cut in firmly.
“Defeat isn't in my dictionary.”
***
At that moment.
Count Yarve's Rose Knight Order and mercenaries entered Aslan Territory, bordering Grada.
Dark shadows fell over the faces of those who spotted them.
“What now?”
“If war breaks out, it won't hit us too, right?”
“Might.”
“But messing with Julius Count Family? They were called the Empire's Spear.”
“Spear? Rusted and broken—who fears that?”
“Yeah, their heir died subjugating goblins recently.”
“Died to goblins? Says it all.”
People were convinced Count Yarve would win.
Rose Knight Order Captain Bagrann smiled at the murmurs.
“They all know we'll win.”
“Indeed.”
Vice Captain Hans smirked beside him.
“We gave them until today to reply?”
“Yes.”
“Hope they don't surrender. Came far—sucks to sheathe swords unused.”
“True. But even if they surrender, Count said kill all knights?”
“That's why we're marching.”
As Bagrann smirked, Hans glanced back cautiously.
“Isn't the Count overdoing it?”
“Hiring a Sword Master is excessive.”
“And recruiting his whole crew? Shows less faith in us.”
“You still don't get the Count.”
“Huh?”
“Hiring them means he's not just eyeing Grada.”
“No way?”
Hans's eyes widened.
Starting with Grada, aiming to extend influence to neighboring states.
“As expected of the Count.”
“Enough idle thoughts. Plan how to handle Julius Count Family. Phoenix Knights won't die easy.”
“Why bother? We have those big shots behind.”
“Right, we just secure Countess Medlin safely.”
Bagrann smirked viciously.
Trailing the Rose Knights was a group.
Under a hundred, but every eye gleamed with life, fierce auras flowing.
Leading them: two men in red armor.
One was Berro, who delivered Yarve's ultimatum two days ago.
The other: Yakim, freshly entered Sword Master realm.
Hunter mercenaries paid for success, they never failed.
Thus, quite infamous.
Hired by Yarve to avenge Baron Sibar.
To erase Julius Count Family from the world.
Regardless of Julius's intent, force the territory war.
“They've been quiet, so no surrender intent.”
Yakim nodded at Berro's words.
“Good. Wanted to face their guardian deity.”
“Should I test him first? See if he's worthy of your blade.”
“Do what you want.”
“Will do.”
Berro smirked.
Espanya Maximus, who led Phoenix Knights as Empire's Spear!
His heir, Skevin Maximus!
Chance to rise in fame.
‘Wait. I'll devour you.’