Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 124: We Depart for War
The king declared the subjugation of Marquis Berlio Aiger, the traitor. Thus, Marquis Aiger was officially recognized as a national enemy and became a target for elimination. According to reports, nobles from the Queen Dowager’s faction had already gathered in Marquis Aiger’s territory, along with their soldiers.
The enemy forces currently numbered 50,000, and their numbers were still growing. In contrast, the royal army under Crown Prince Richard’s command consisted of approximately 100,000 soldiers. This conflict was set to be the largest civil war since the founding of the kingdom.
“Isn’t it too late now, but wouldn’t it have been better to attack and defeat them before they gathered their soldiers?”
Just before their departure, Rest wondered aloud while returning to the townhouse of Marquis Rosemary in the royal capital for final preparations. Rarely seen in armor, Rest wore a cape emblazoned with two family crests: that of Marquis Rosemary and the four-leaf clover emblem of the newly ennobled Viscount Clover.
“Perhaps His Majesty intends to use this opportunity to completely purge the nobles of the Queen Dowager’s faction.”
Primula, who was watching Rest in his armor with concern replied.
“In a country beset by internal and external troubles, the worst outcome would be a prolonged and bogged-down civil war. This time, the Queen Dowager’s faction must be utterly eradicated.”
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The Kingdom of Aiwood had been plagued for years by the clandestine activities of the Queen Dowager’s faction, which had hampered political progress. To end this turmoil, the king’s faction aimed to completely eliminate their adversaries and centralize power once again. Centralization, although it risks creating tyrants like the previous king, is not a bad option considering the current tense international situation. It enables the kingdom to consolidate its power in times of crisis.
“But if we lose here, everything will be for nothing. If we lose, it’s all over.”
Viola said anxiously, handing Rest his sheathed sword. Rest attached the sword to his belt and nodded in agreement.
“A short, decisive battle is good, but we must win. This means… we absolutely have to achieve victory.”
Rest clenched his fist. A short, decisive battle—a single all-out war. If they won, they could sweep away the rebels. If they lost, the king’s faction would collapse, endangering the lives of the king and the crown prince, and risking the kingdom’s destruction.
“Now that I think about it… His Majesty didn’t mention Rodel’s name at all…”
Although Marquis Aiger was announced as the leader of the rebellion, the name of the third prince, Rodel, who was the figurehead, was not mentioned. Whether this was out of mercy from his father, the king, or because the king recognized that Rodel was merely a puppet being used by Marquis Aiger, it was unclear. Alternatively, the king might have wanted to avoid publicly acknowledging that a member of the royal family was involved in the rebellion.
“In any case… we must win. I finally became a noble and received land; I can’t let it end here.”
Rest didn’t particularly desire the title or the land. Being the son-in-law of the Marquis Rosemary family was enough; he didn’t seek more. However, seeing the hard-earned results of his deadly battle against Sabnock vanish like bubbles would be too frustrating. Moreover, if the royal army lost this battle, the Queen Dowager’s faction would take control of the Aiwood Kingdom. Their first act would likely be to eradicate the opposing faction, and Marquis Rosemary’s family, at the center of the king’s faction, would be their primary target.
(If that happens, Viola and Primula too… I won’t let it come to that. We will win. We will win and come back here…!)
Rest now had people waiting for his return. He had to achieve victory and come back to reunite with them.
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“Rest… do your best.”
“Rest-sama, please come back safely.”
“Yeah, I’ll be back!”
Rest responded.
Leaving Viola and Primula behind, Rest departed from the mansion of Marquis Rosemary. Though his name had changed to Rest Clover due to his ennoblement, he was effectively the representative of Marquis Rosemary. As Rest stepped out of the mansion, he was followed by Dible and the other mages belonging to Marquis Rosemary’s household.
Thus, the curtain rose on Rest’s first war against other humans.