Chapter 257: Decision as the Master |
In the early hours of August 13th, Newnelly City was still asleep. The darkness of dawn, quietly waiting for the day to begin, was so chilly that it’s hard to believe it’s summer.
My body started to tremble, but I kept my horse running, thinking only of moving forward. I could feel the heat of the horse that I’m riding on.
[Young Master has arrived!]
[Soldiers open the way!]
When we arrived at the Newnelly military base, there were already light balls of lighting magic floating around the base. The glaring intersection of lights is dazzling.
I entrusted my horse to the waiting military officer and hurried to the main building of the base. The building usually had a strict atmosphere, but the current situation and the dimness of the interior made it feel even more oppressive.
[Young Master.]
When I stepped into the headquarters, the executive-level military officers were waiting there. The number of people could be counted on one hand, and their expressions were all stern.
[Some have left to prepare for the battle.]
[No need to stand.]
They tried to stand up to say hello, but I stopped them with my palm, and sat down on a nearby chair. I suppressed the feeling of deflection and waited until everyone’s eyes were on me before I opened my mouth.
[It’s been quite hectic since before the sun rose. However, the situation is not the worst. Quordenze still has excellent military officers like you.]
First of all, I decided to praise the executives for their quick initial response. There were so many things I wanted to ask, but let’s start with a lighter topic. I must stand tall and show off my appearance as befits the next head of the family.
[I heard that my grandfather on the front lines suffered a crushing defeat.]
With those words, the atmosphere in the room became tense.
I was sleeping peacefully in my room at Newnelly Castle until recently, but I was woken up by the maid who was on duty at night and told me the bad news. It was the worst way to wake up since I was reincarnated on the Eruo continent.
However, I quickly realized that this was not an easy situation. It wasn’t because I heard that my grandfather had been defeated. Waking up a nobleman in the middle of the night and summoning him from the castle is something that would never happen under normal circumstances.
I was so shocked that I woke up instantly without even activating the awakening magic.
[Don’t worry, I’ve had enough shock back in the castle. Nothing will surprise me anymore.]
After making a light joke, I told the executives to start reporting.
To be honest, I would like to ask him a lot of questions, but it would be troublesome if people think I’m in a hurry. It will trigger their anxious, caring, or overprotective nature. If that happens, it will be difficult to get my opinion across.
That’s why I had to tell him that I was as calm as I could be. By intentionally handing over control of the conversation to them, you show that you have some leeway. This will lead to stronger speaking power and centripetal force later on.
[Affirmative. Well then, I’ll start the report.]
One of the executives stood up quietly.
[Around the evening the day before yesterday, a small battle broke out in Voistra Plain.]
A pointer was pointed at the map spread out on the desk. The location that he pointed to was the entrance to the Voistra Plain, an area where the Quordenze army was preparing for the decisive battle.
[The enemy general is Kindlor Spierzeig. However, the battle itself is not unusual.]
Kindlor, the previous Head of the Spierzeig family, has been constantly confronting the Quordenze army led by my grandfather. As a result, minor collisions during reconnaissance operations were relatively common.
In fact, I had heard that there have been skirmishes from time to time. It’s only natural as it is the front line of enemy territory.
[Since there is a Highlord on the enemy side, I guess it’s necessary for my grandfather to come forward.]
It’s not impossible for Lord-class soldiers to defend themselves, but the best way to get rid of the opposition is for the Highlord on our side to show their face. The executive nodded as if affirming my words.
[At this time too, the General immediately moved his troops. After a brief exchange of glances, it is normal for each other to withdraw their troops, but…]
It was exactly at that time that the incident occurred.
[….he failed to keep the enemy in check.]
By check, that is, a threat by releasing magic power with murderous intent.
It is said that some Nobles with little combat experience fail to activate it due to extreme stress, but this cannot be the case for my battle-hardened grandfather. Therefore, it was easy to imagine the cause.
When I shifted my gaze from the map to the senior military officer, he spoke in a grave tone the answer I most wanted to hear.
[Magic power malfunction.]
As a Highlord grows old, their magic power also gradually weakens. But that doesn’t mean the output also gradually decreases. Instead, it suddenly drops to zero. After a while, the magic power returns as if nothing had happened, but the frequency of the outbreaks gradually increases, and eventually the magic power completely dies out.
These symptoms were called magic power malfunction.
[Did the people around him not notice?]
[The General has never had a magic power malfunction before. If he has had it several times in the past, it would be possible to predict the cycle, but…]
Without exception, people with magic powers develop magic power malfunctions when they reach old age, but it is not known when this will happen. Some people develop the disease in their 60s, while others never develop it until they are well over 100 years old. It’s a disease with huge individual differences. No, if anything, it’s more like a functional disorder that accompanies the aging process.
My grandfather is already in his mid-80s, so it wouldn’t have been surprising for him to develop symptoms at any time.
[I guess that’s what it is. However, now that I think about it, there were signs.]
[Wh-what does Young Master mean?]
The other day, my grandfather came back to Newnelly City and was talking about how difficult it was to cross the river in Nambonan City. At that time, my grandfather went out of his way to look at me and give me instructions to improve. Now that I think about it, it’s just a little strange.
When my grandfather faced this problem in Nambonan City, he must have complained to local civil officers about the coming and going of ships. Civil officers must have taken this point seriously and immediately provided guidance to city hall for improvement. This matter is now closed. There’s no point in me raising it up again.
If there is a second time, the merchant ship will be mercilessly sunk just to show off. Both my father and grandfather were strict in that respect, as they are Nobles. The Highlords do not have too high expectations for the growth of the serfs. That’s why they don’t think about giving the same warning over and over again to poor civilians.
[I feel like they’ve become a little kinder to commoners.]
Even if I say that, it is extremely small. Also, if the ship was stuck in Nambonan City, my grandfather would have sunk everything immediately. In the end, it was just the kindness of a single glance, but now I’m concerned about the subtle changes.
[I also heard that when you develop a magic power malfunction, you may feel compassion for serfs.]
[Yeah, that’s it.]
A body without magic is no different from a serf. By being thrown down on the same stage as those who had been looked down upon as weak, he is made to realize, even if he doesn’t like it, that “commoners were able to live with such fragile bodies”.
What each person feels during this so-called serf experience period varies from person to person. Some people show compassion for commoners, others show more contempt for them, and some people don’t really change anything. There’re like ten different symptoms
[Maybe this isn’t the first time my grandfather has developed the disease?]
[No, that’s impossible.]
The executives immediately denied my doubts. It is said that there are always Lord-class subordinates around my grandfather, so there is absolutely no way he can hide it. Like me, he’s not in a position to be left alone without an escort.
Also, because my grandfather is old, we are always on guard against the onset of magic power malfunction. We had received regular reports on his health, but nothing of particular note had been reported.
[However, I cannot deny the possibility that he felt some sort of omen…a sense of discomfort that only the General himself could understand.]
Either way, it’s still speculation no matter how far you go. The impression that he had become kinder to commoners is an afterthought, and it may just be my own imagination.
[…There’s no point in discussing more about this. My grandfather developed a magic power malfunction. That’s the reality.]
It’s a reality that I didn’t want to admit, but there’s no point in saying it now. We should move on.
[So, what happened after that?]
[Since the onset of the disease was sudden, the unit was greatly confused. The adjutants prioritized the protection of the General and decided to immediately retreat from the battlefield.]
[…..is my grandfather alright?]
I heard about this in the first report from the castle. However, I wanted to confirm it directly from the executives.
[Affirmative. To date, there have been no reports of the General being injured.]
I unconsciously let out a sigh and felt my body relax. Apparently, I was much more nervous than I thought.
[That’s a blessing in disguise.]
Although they had to retreat, I’m really glad that grandfather didn’t end up with injuries all over his body from the enemy’s attack magic… However, the executives’ report didn’t end there.
[However, the Spierzeig army took advantage of this and began an onslaught.]
[They’re quick to make judgments, aren’t they? Didn’t they ever consider that it might be my grandfather’s trap by pretending to be unwell?]
[We can only say that it was unlucky. According to reports, the General developed the disease at the exact moment when the troops were confronting each other and exchanging checks. We can’t pretend this is the case.]
If the magical power of the Highlord who was supposed to be right in front of me suddenly disappeared, there was certainly nothing I could do. If detection magic was used, it would be easily exposed, so it’s difficult to hide it.
[The enemy understands the General’s age. They must have noticed the onset of magic power malfunction right away. They must have seen it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.]
The executive used a pointer to tap the front line area several times.
[The Spierzeig army’s offensive was extremely swift and precise. While we were taking the time to get the General to leave the front, the fortifications we had set up were breached and destroyed one after another. The Knights who took temporary command judged that it would be difficult to continue the fight at the front-line base, and decided to withdraw all troops.]
After several explanations regarding the retreat, the pointer moved northwest toward Reisleaf Castle.
[…..and currently, Reisleaf Castle is undergoing a siege.]
[The enemy’s invasion is fast.]
When I expressed my honest opinion, the executive first said that it was just speculation.
[It appears that Spierzeig was expecting the General to develop a magic power malfunction and was prepared to respond immediately.]
[Are you saying they predicted the onset of the sickness?]
[No, it must be just an expectation. They must have envisioned in advance how the military should move in the event of an incident and shared it within the military.]
With Reisleaf Castle taken away and the entrance to the plains now forced open, there are only a few options available. The fewer methods you can choose from, the more in-depth consideration you can give to a single idea. Spierzeig’s forces were probably running simulations in case they had an unexpected stroke of good fortune, a senior officer said.
[…But, is that really the only way to move effectively? Even in my army, I’m sure they were only thinking about what to do in case my grandfather became unwell.]
Even if you do evacuation drills, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can move accurately. This is because you never know when a disaster will strike. It’s probably similar when it comes to magic power malfunction.
Even though the timing was bad, it doesn’t make sense that only Spierzeig’s army was able to respond appropriately.
[This is just my imagination, but… Spierzeig felt a change in my grandfather’s physical condition, a sign that his magic power was failing. Isn’t that possible?]
If you were told that an earthquake was coming in the next few months, you would be able to evacuate much more efficiently than if you were not informed at all. If you have a rough guideline, you will be more aware of how to prepare for it.
However, the senior military officers reacted skeptically to this prediction. I had no intention of sticking to this either.
[Well, there’s no point in thinking about this right now. Voistra Plain is like the Spierzeig family’s garden, so it might be reasonable for them to move quickly. After all, the enemy army is now approaching Reisleaf Castle. We should consider the current situation first.]
After saying that, I pictured the scene in the Reisleaf area in my mind. I stayed there for several months at the start of this year, so I could still remember it vividly. I took the opportunity to add an image of the Spierzeig army attacking.
[…………is Reisleaf Castle doing alright?]
The bad premonition turned out to be true, and all the executives had bitter expressions on their faces.
[Reisleaf Castle is a castle designed and built in preparation for an invasion from the north. Therefore, it is weak against attacks from the south.]
Since it is a shield that protects the Voistra Plain, it was decided that it would be structured so that it would be easy to recapture even if it were to be taken by the enemy. In fact, when I was defending Reisleaf Castle, I also thought that it was an unreliable castle.
[Since Young Master’s conquest, we have strengthened the defenses on the south side. However, as of now, I cannot say that it’s to a satisfactory result.]
Construction was still underway when I was at Reisleaf Castle, but it is still a problem that cannot be solved overnight.
[It may be possible to hold out for a while, but…]
They must withstand the attacks of a Highlord in an incomplete castle. Moreover, the geographical advantage is on Spierzeig’s side. It’s only been about eight months since the beginning of this year that the Quordenze army controlled the area around Reisleaf.
Of course, the Spierzeig army won’t miss this golden opportunity to fight. It was clear that it would be a fierce battle.
[And what about my grandfather?]
[According to the most recent messenger, he has not recovered yet.]
It seems that they have contacted us several times since the first news of the defeat, but apparently my grandfather is still holding on without any magic power. …can they hang on?
[Wait a minute. Is my grandfather still in Reisleaf Castle?]
[Affirmative.]
[What is he doing? He’s in the frontline.]
I was speechless. Whatever it is, it’s absurd.
[There’s a reason. First of all, magic power malfunction will recover in half a day at the earliest.]
Magic power malfunction is when the magic power output goes from 100% to 0%. Therefore, if he recovers, he will be able to output the same amount of magic power as before, and the Quordenze army led by my grandfather will be able to regain its breath.
It was decided that it would be better to wait for him to revive than to run away half-heartedly.
[For the second reason, the commoners are upset because the front line has been breached. If the General withdraws in this situation, they will fall into a state of panic. Especially since there was a Highlord on the enemy’s side.]
When people receive the violent threats of a Highlord, they become frightened, tremble, and unable to move. It takes a strong willpower to overcome this without another Highlord on your side.
If the General’s magic power is restored, everything will be fine, and if the General is with them, they won’t lose… It seems that the lower-rank soldiers are somehow holding on with that as their only hope.
[And third reason, in order to send the General safely to the rear, we will need many escorts. However, right now, we are in a situation where we need as many soldiers as possible to defend Reisleaf Castle.]
My grandfather, who temporarily lost his magic powers, is physically no different from an old man working in the fields in a rural village. A simple blow to the head with a stick would kill him.
[It is quite possible that Spierzeig soldiers will give chase despite having to enter foreign lands. As I am sure Young Master is well aware, there is precedent for them crossing the mountains from the northern part of the Voistra Plain.]
In a major counter offensive by the Spierzeig army at the beginning of the year, Verret Spierzeig launched an assault on Nambonan City via a mountain pass. There is a non-zero possibility that a similar route could be used to send in soldiers for assassination.
Considering that, I would like to have a strong escort for my grandfather. If he gets even one shot of magic, he will instantly transcend to nirvana.
[Fourth reason. General’s withdrawal from Reisleaf will mean a decisive defeat for Quordenze. Spierzeig’s military name will rise, and Quordenze will fall on the contrary. If that happens, how will the other Noble houses behave?]
The tip of the pointer went further north of Reisleaf Castle and stopped at a certain point. This is the frontline base that I visited last year after conquering Nambonan City. Since it is no longer a front-line facility, it would be more accurate to call it a former front-line base.
[The Imperial Nobles, huh…?]
This former frontline base was built for the purpose of deterring the Imperial Nobles from attacking from the side while we’re capturing Reisleaf Castle.
Although its original purpose was lost due to the fall of Reisleaf Castle during Operation Serpent’s Fang, its role as border guard still remains. Imperial territory is expanding to the west of the base.
[I don’t think they will move easily, but depending on the situation, we cannot rule out the possibility that they will break their silence and invade us. The name of the General was too great. Inevitably, the consequences if that name is shaken will also be big.]
It’s hard to imagine that something will happen today or tomorrow, but we certainly need to be careful. There’s no way the Spierzeig family wouldn’t chime in. After all, they had a big card in his hands: Galfis Quordenze can no longer work as usual.
[Five, and the last one.]
With a bang, the pointer was once again applied to Reisleaf Castle.
[The General has made an unyielding determination. If we lose Reisleaf this time, I wonder how much time and soldiers it will take to take it down again…]
It’s going to be quite difficult. I don’t know if there will be a chance to recapture it while my grandfather is still alive. I can understand my grandfather’s reluctance to withdraw.
It seemed that the explanation was over, and the executive placed the pointer on the edge of the desk. After confirming this, I decided to ask a question.
[First of all, just to confirm, even if you recover from your magic power malfunction, will you be able to fight right away? Your magical power may return, but I doubt that it’ll be in a perfect state.]
Since he’s recovering from illness, even if his magic power is 100%, his performance won’t be 100%.
[No, I don’t think there’s much to worry about. It won’t be that difficult to rebuild after General’s recovery.]
It seems that once the premise that there is a Highlord is restored, all that is left to do is for the military officers to act appropriately. Even if my grandfather’s performance is a bit questionable, it doesn’t seem to be a particular problem.
[…Rather, the problem is now. The battlefield, where the strong malice of the enemy Highlord is flying around, is extremely draining. You can imagine the great stress it places on the mind and body of a general without the protection of magic power. If it leads to a poor prognosis…]
Although the executive did not say so directly that it would significantly shorten his lifespan, he ended his words with something similar.
The waves of murderous intent may be like a breeze to my grandfather if he’s in a normal state of being, when he has an armor of magic power. Considering that the vector of the murderous intent would most likely be directed towards my grandfather, he must be under a lot of pressure.
[…I understand the situation for the time being. We’re one step away from the worst situation.]
It’s bad for Quordenze family, and it’s bad for me too. I wanted to let out a sigh, but I couldn’t do that in front of the executives.
If things continue like this, my original plan to take advantage of my grandfather and take him all the way to Othelloria City will collapse. No, the Spierzeig invasion itself is already quite suspicious. I feel like once the surrounding Noble families find out about my grandfather’s magic power malfunction, things will collapse.
And there is no doubt that the Spierzeig family will loudly announce about my grandfather’s health. If that happens, the Quordenze family’s major policy will probably have to be changed from “invading Spierzeig” to “maintaining the border”. It is a pattern that leaves the overthrowing of Spierzeig to future generations. I don’t want to be entrusted with it. Please end this with my father and grandfather.
[So, what do we do now?]
[Our first priority will be reinforcements to Reisleaf Castle. We are currently gathering troops from Newnelly.]
[I gather it won’t be everyone from the city?]
[Affirmative. We’ll be heading out while collecting more soldiers along the way. We’ve already sent messengers to each city along the route.]
As expected it will not be the entire military force present in Newnelly city. If we do that, this place will be completely undefended. The idea was to meet up with several Knight armies in the cities along the way before eventually leading the combined army toward Reisleaf.
[….this reminded me of Operation Snake’s Fang.]
My grandfather was in a pinch during Operation Snake’s Fang, and he is in a pinch again this time. Considering that my grandfather, who I depend on, is suffering, I wonder if it’s still better than last time.
[Can’t we just run through it with a small group of elite people like we did back then? We should be able to get there from here to Reisleaf in a full day.]
An elite force entirely consisted of Lord-class military officers well-versed in horse riding. If I cast body strengthening magic on these elite troops, they would be able to move at super high speeds. The current main problem is that there are no Highlord who can fight in Reisleaf Castle, so I felt it would be better to try to solve that problem first.
[We have considered it.]
[Then, why don’t you adopt the same plan?]
[Young Master said that the situation reminded you of Operation Snake’s Fang, and I’m sure the enemy is the same way. I guess it was to be expected that Young Master would come rushing in.]
That’s certainly true. I don’t think they’ll ever forget the strategy that killed his eldest son.
[If that’s the case, there is a possibility that they have sent ambush troops overseas and are waiting. As long as they are moving in the shortest distance, identifying the route is not difficult. And this is worth the effort to force the shadow houses out.]
The shadows are the members of the shadow houses, some of which are Highlords.
The naive and young Wilk Quordenze is far more valuable to kill than the old Galfis Quordenze who has developed a magic power malfunction. The executive said that they won’t forcefully attack my grandfather as he retreats, but if I’m rushing to deliver reinforcements, I’m sure he’d want to assassinate me even if it’s a bit unreasonable.
[I’ll take that as a praise.]
[Young Master has also carried out the same strategy back at the Royal Capital. Thus anyone would think that you won’t do it again. And while speed is a strength, it’s also a major weakness.]
It seems that people think that I’m a reckless person.
Furthermore, governance in foreign areas is unstable compared to inland areas. The executives probably don’t want to force their way forward too much. Even in Operation Snake’s Fang, more than 90% of the progress was made from the inland side with a very small number of people.
[But won’t the Reisleaf fall? I think the number of days it will take to arrive will be completely different.]
[If you look at the number of soldiers, we are overwhelmingly superior. It will not be easy to hold out until the arrival of reinforcements, but it is not impossible. Therefore, we will not force it…. We have made that decision.]
[Are you really sure about this?]
[………affirmative. I would like Young Master to wait for a while until the army is ready.]
I’m not saying that I agree with that policy. There was something I wanted to think about a little more.
After exchanging a few more questions, I got up from my seat.
[I’m going to get some air from outside the room. If you need anything, call me right away.]
[Understood.]
When I left the headquarters, I felt a little better. That room was so stuffed, so it’s not a good place to think.
There were some balls of light floating in the hallway, but because there were so few, it was so dark that it was impossible to see clearly to the other side. I approached the window and decided to look out from there.
[Looks like it’s still going to take a while.]
From the window, I could see the shadows of soldiers moving back and forth in the training field. The large number of light balls flying around seemed to indicate how busy they were, and it seemed like they still needed some time before going into battle.
[…Call someone to go outside. There’s someone I want to call.]
[Understood.]
I gave instructions to one of the guards and decided to lean against the window frame and think.
To put it bluntly, I cannot approve of the policy that the executives have considered and drawn up.
I understand what they’re saying. If it is possible to send me safely to Reisleaf Castle, I guess I have no choice but to use the lives of my vassal soldiers to buy time. For them, their first priority is their Highlord, not their Lord-class soldiers.
However, I am dissatisfied with their conclusion. I don’t think assassination is that easy, and it’s just a guess that there’s an ambush lurking in the first place. When I actually tried rushing there, I was able to reach there without any problems…I think that’s the more likely outcome.
If I had a choice between a slow move with a large army and a swift express plan with a small number of people, I would choose the latter.
The executives rejected the express plan based on their own logic, but they did not go so far as to reject it. They must not have been happy with the adoption of a slow plan that would have destroyed many of our Lord-class soldiers in the frontline. I felt like if I supported the express plan, the policy could be changed.
However, is there any meaning in choosing that?
My grandfather probably won’t reach the end of his life in the next year or two, but he won’t be able to fight like he used to. If that’s the case, even if Reisleaf Castle can be maintained, there is no bright future in sight. Unable to move forward, each day begins with endless battles against Spierzeig’s army at the castle.
And I’m probably the one in charge of that. I have to start working alone with no end in sight. It’s pretty much the worst situation.
The worst thing is that it has to do with sexual desire. Since I will mostly be on the front lines, it’ll be difficult to bring in mistresses. And it has already been investigated that there are no notable beautiful women in the Reisleaf region. That place is the birthplace of uglies. I definitely don’t want to stay there full time.
In the end, both the slow plan and the express plan are still about defending Reisleaf Castle. As soon as we choose that option, the fall of Othelloria City and the destruction of the Spierzeig family become far away.
…In other words, what I need to do is come up with a strategy that goes beyond those two options.
[Young Master, did you call for me?]
Perhaps because I was deep in thought, I was momentarily surprised when the man suddenly called out to me.
[….Raylight? That was quick.]
The other day, the wandering son of the Gatoren family came back from the Mist Village, also known as Weldburg, and arrived here. Rather, I asked the bodyguard to call him.
[Nambonan soldiers will also be heading to the front, are the preparations done already?]
I didn’t call him to ask about that, but since he arrived so early, I couldn’t help but notice.
[Yessir. I’ve been training them for the past month or so. They won’t be panicking from sudden orders. They’re already set to go.]
Due to Raylight’s absence, the Nambonan soldiers were unable to return home and were stuck at this base for over a month. Thanks to that, they were able to spend many days training intensively.
When I looked closely outside the window, I noticed that there was a group of troops lined up tightly in one corner of the training ground. Those were the Nanbonan soldiers. It’s great to see that their level of training has improved.
[Is something bothering you, Young Master?]
[This situation is bound to cause trouble.]
When I replied to Raylight with such a lighthearted tone, he continued in a serious tone.
[So, are you wondering about something?]
Worrying and being confused may seem similar, but they are different.
And it would be more accurate to describe my current state of mind as confused. I feel like Raylight’s words are immediately coming to mind.
Yes. I was confused.
[…Why did you think that?]
[A hunch.]
It’s kind of strange and funny to see a sloppy answer coming from such a serious attitude. I feel like if it were a gag manga, I’d be disappointed. That makes my heart feel a little lighter.
[That’s right. As you said, I’m confused.]
Thanks to that, I was able to admit it honestly.
I actually had already come up with a strategy that goes beyond the two options. I was at a loss as to whether or not I should say it.
It’s a bold challenge, and it also carries proportionally great risks. However, I also thought that the only way to have a bright future for Quordenze… or rather, Wilk Quordenze, was to do this.
[Are you at loss?]
[…………..yeah.]
It was essential to consult with Raylight about the pros and cons of this strategy. That’s why I summoned him like this, but the plan wouldn’t leave the tip of my tongue. This is because I feel like once I say something, things will start happening all at once.
I’m not a brave hero like my grandfather. The feeling of wanting to run away to the safe, secure, and passable large-scale military slow plan that the executives had set up for me has been tugging at my heart ever since.
[…I wonder if my grandfather has any doubts about staying at Reisleaf Castle?]
Perhaps to postpone the discussion, I unconsciously brought up another topic.
As I was saying, I thought that if it were me, I would have had a lot of trouble deciding whether to stay or run away. Then, Raylight answered with confidence.
[General will never doubt it.]
[How can you say that?]
[As we can see, General chose to remain in Reisleaf.]
This answer sounded like a tautology. When I asked for additional explanation, Raylight began speaking in a polite manner befitting a member of the Gatoren family.
[When our Master is in doubt, we who serve Quordenze will show him a safer path. The nearby military officers must have shown General the plan to retreat to Reisleaf. The castle may fall, but above all, they must think that General’s life took priority.]
[I heard it’s safer to stay…]
When I verbally laid out the rationale for remaining in Reisleaf Castle that the executives had listed, Raylight affirmed it and continued to explain further.
[While it is true that there are many benefits, it is inconceivable that military officers would actively present a plan to remain that would continue to put the general’s safety at risk.]
Well, military officers are basically anxious people, so I understand his point. If presented with my magicless grandfather, I would feel like their overprotective switch would be fully opened and they would overheat.
[In other words, the fifth reason for staying was that it’s my grandfather’s will all along.]
[Affirmative. When the Master shows us the path with a firm will without hesitation in his heart, we will support that decision…our Master’s decision with all our might.]
Maybe those were words of encouragement for me, who was feeling lost right now.
[Of course, if you choose the wrong path, we will firmly oppose it. However, although it may be dangerous to remain in Reisleaf Castle, it cannot be called a mistake. If General’s determination is certain, The military officers will be prepared to die in this path.]
Does that mean that since my grandfather remains in Reisleaf Castle, the military officers over there had determined that there is no hesitation in my grandfather’s mind?
In short, in order to truly obey a subject, the Master must be prepared accordingly. In order to reject both the slow and fast plans and advocate a new strategy that involves numerous risks, it is necessary to demonstrate a firm will. If I remain in doubt, I will not be able to make “the Master’s decision” like my grandfather did.
Well, what to do…?
[Onii-sama.]
At that moment, I heard a voice like a bell ringing from the other side of the hallway.
It was my beloved sister who appeared with a large number of light balls and a large number of bodyguards.
[Does the noise wake Fanny too?]
[Yes. Just now.]
Although she wasn’t in her nightgown, she was wearing a simpler dress than usual. Apparently Fanny was also woken up by the maids.
Fanny slowly walked down the hallway and approached me, stopping just a step away from my reach.
[Onii-sama. Please leave Newnelly to me.]
[Fanny…]
Unlike during Operation Snake’s Fang, my father is not in Newnelly City this time. If I go to war, Fanny will be the nominal chief executive. It’s natural for her to show up at the base like this.
[Father has already arrived at the capital.]
[Yes.]
[Due to the distance, no message regarding this matter has yet to arrive. Therefore, even after I leave here, I don’t think we’ll hear from Father anytime soon. ….Are you alright with that?]
It would probably take a few more days for my father to return to Quordenze territory. Until then, Fanny needs to do her best, but it’s different from staying at home for the Royal Capital’s socials in May. I, as her older brother, were worried about that.
Then, Fanny put one hand on her chest with a calm expression on her face.
[I am aware of the responsibility that resides in my blood. Please give me good luck.]
Fanny Quordenze, the daughter of a Noble family, was standing there before me. I could even sense the beauty in her dignified appearance.
Her roots lie in the nobility, therefore she’s expected to be able to act in such a situation too.
So, I took a step closer and put my hand on Fanny’s right shoulder.
If she was a normal girl, she would just jump right into my chest, but she didn’t make the slightest movement. I guess she’s trying to put on a brave face so as not to worry me as I’m leaving.
When I saw her in such good health, something warmed up in my heart. I spread my arms out, hugged Fanny, and stroked her hair.
[I’m sorry, Fanny. I’ll leave Newnelly in your care. …So, leave the matter of our grandfather to me.]
[Yes. I believe in you, Onii-sama.]
That’s right, I can’t stay silent while the Spierzeig family is doing what they want. If things continue like this, the Quordenze family’s position will be shaken, and Fanny might be taken away by some hunk in marriage diplomacy.
I won’t give up this warm, soft, nice-smelling, cute girl to anyone. I have to fight for that too.
Besides, it would be uncool for the older brother to stop even though the younger sister was already prepared.
I would move on. The confusion in my heart had been dispelled.
[Raylight, listen to me.]
=====================
It was soon after that that Wilk returned to the headquarters.
As he was away only for a short while, the executive officers were still there.
The executives looked at Raylight suspiciously as he entered the room with Wilk, but no one pointed it out. They were confused by Wilk’s appearance, whose expression had completely changed from before.
The executives could feel the unique atmosphere that only those with determination could have.
[What is the purpose of this military action?]
Wilk’s voice echoed deeply in the silent command center.
[We will be defending Reisleaf Castle.]
As if to shake off the heavy atmosphere, one of the executives answered briefly.
[That means we’ll be retreating.]
The army had advanced to the entrance to the Voistra Plain. Therefore, making defense of Reisleaf Castle the ultimate goal also means accepting retreat.
The executives found it difficult to respond to Wilk’s straightforward expression, but after seeing Wilk’s attitude, they probably felt that it would be disrespectful to try to mislead him, so they slowly agreed.
[Let me tell you one thing. Snakes can only move forward.]
A creature called a snake cannot back up due to the structure of its body. Even when going back the way it came, it simply changes direction and moves forward.
There’s no way Wilk would suddenly talk about the ecology of snakes here. The executives could easily guess that this was a pretext of dissatisfaction with the current policy.
[Does that mean we will change our policy…… to move fast with a small number of elite personnel?]
[Not that either. Since the goal is to defend Reisleaf Castle, what I’m saying is that no matter which of the two options we choose, it will only be a setback.]
That’s an undeniable fact.
The Quordenze family was cornered and in a predicament. But Wilk dared to smile. Like a snake finding its prey and raising its neck.
[What’s the point of obsessing after maintaining Reisleaf? Can we move forward with that?]
It won’t be possible, Wilk declared, blocking any objections.
[Think about what will happen after the defense is successful. My life will end as the lord of Reisleaf Castle.]
At that, Wilk exhaled deliberately.
[No, is that still a good thing? You guys should know the answer.]
It would be possible to maintain Reisleaf Castle for a few years. However, after 5 or 10 years, Galfis’s magic power malfunction will become serious, and in some cases, he may reach the end of his lifespan.
And if signs of the decline of the Quordenze family are revealed, there is no doubt that the diplomatic situation will become difficult. The public opinion would be completely different if Quordenze were to stop the invasion while still in the upper hand. “All’s well that ends well”, and although that phrase itself does not exist on the Eruo continent, the executives understand what it means.
[Forgive me to say something harsh. I don’t think I can rely on my grandfather anymore.]
There’s also the question whether Reisleaf Castle will be able to maintain itself after Galfis passes away. At least the Quordenze won’t be able to move forward. Also, it can be said that it is a problem that will keep Wilk, the next head of the family, forever away from his home base of Newnelly City for a long period of time.
[Those who retreat are not snakes; they are like rotten ropes.]
Upon hearing those words, all the executives had painful expressions on their faces.
It was a difficult decision for them to make the defense of Reisleaf Castle their final goal. Naturally, they understand that this will lead to a shift from offense to defense.
[Attack the Spierzeig. That is the only way for Quordenze to proceed.]
The executives must have thought of a completely new policy, and their eyes naturally turned to Raylight, who had entered the room with Wilk.
[Raylight! What did you say to Young Master…?]
[Silence.]
One of the executives tried to blame Raylight, but was unable to continue the second sentence after receiving a scolding voice.
[I made this decision myself. As the guardian of Quordenze.]
The current Wilk, who was entrusted with Newnelly by Luxus Quordenze, has more authority than just the next head of the family. And the current Wilk was showing an attitude that was appropriate for that.
We can’t say things like admonishing a child of a Noble, we need to approach this discussion with the intention of facing our Master… The executives realized this at the same time, and exchanged glances with each other to align their consciousness.
[A snake that travels up a large river and heads for a mountain is always moving forward. While going against the strong flow of water…]
He had finally created a foundation that would allow them to listen to him. When Wilk made that decision, he encouraged himself and spoke with more fervor than ever before.
[I have to make a decision. Do I take the safe route and retreat, or do I overcome hardship and move forward?]
All the executives were listening to Wilk’s story with serious expressions on their faces.
[This moment is a watershed moment for Quordenze.]
Wilk pulls out the sword from his waist. It was the water snake’s treasured sword.
[Will it become a decaying rope that sinks to the bottom of the water?]
The treasured sword reflected the light from the lightballs and shone brightly.
[Will it become a serpent that reaches the mountain?]
The tip was pointing far away.
[I am the Serpent of Quordenze.]
There was no one there who had not heard that phrase before.
[I’ll tell you my strategy here.]
Now, the snake moves again.