Chapter 128: The Crown Prince and the Knight Commander

Time rewinds slightly at the Kingdom’s main camp.

The Crown Prince, Richard Iwood, and the Knight Commander, Count Catreya, were having a conversation.

“It’s quite… more rebels than we imagined.”

“Indeed… as expected, the Geisel Empire is likely scheming behind the scenes.”

In response to Richard’s words, Count Catreya replied with a rock-solid expression.

On the opposite hill, rebels led by Marquis Eiger had lined up their troops.

The enemy camp gradually grew restless, indicating their preparation to attack.

According to prior intelligence, the enemy’s total number shouldn’t have exceeded sixty thousand.

However, the soldiers lining up on the hill were more than expected, likely reaching seventy thousand when including those in the rear.

“Even if they conscripted militia and hired mercenaries, it’s too many. Probably, the Empire is secretly backing them.”

The Geisel Empire is a neighboring country to the east of the Iwood Kingdom and has been an ally for many years.

However, in recent years, the internal situation of the Empire has become suspicious, leading to increased diplomatic tension.

The nominal leader of the rebels, Rodel’s mother, is from the Empire, and they likely sent troops secretly.

While the Kingdom’s military strength surpasses that of the rebels, that’s not the issue.

Simply winning isn’t that difficult a battle. Despite receiving Empire’s support, Marquis Eiger is just a local lord.

While dealing with conspiracies in the background is troublesome, if hehas openly rebelled, he can be defeated.

The problem is winning quickly with minimal casualties.

(If the Empire is acting behind the scenes, we need to finish this quickly. If the civil war drags on and becomes a quagmire, it’s as good as defeat. We can’t afford to leave openings for other countries to exploit.)

At present, the Empire hasn’t shown its fangs.

They’re merely secretly supporting Marquis Eiger.

However… if the Iwood Kingdom weakens due to this civil war, factions within the Empire advocating for external expansion might gain momentum.

In the worst-case scenario, they might even invade the Iwood Kingdom.

Moreover, it’s not just the Empire they need to be wary of.

The barbarians in the north often raid for plunder.

While there hasn’t been much activity in recent years, that’s what makes it even scarier.

There were concerns they might accumulate forces and launch a sudden attack.

(What we need is a decisive victory. A victory so overwhelming that it demonstrates there are no weaklings in the Iwood Kingdom…!)

“Your Highness! Knight Commander! The enemy has begun to move!”

“I see… so they’re attacking at this timing.”

It was expected that the enemy would move first.

The Kingdom’s army and the rebel army faced each other across the valley, each camped on a hilltop.

In other words… whoever moves first and descends the hill will be at a geographical disadvantage.

Still, the rebels have no choice but to move. The longer they wait, the more the Kingdom’s army will recover from the fatigue of their expedition and become fully prepared.

“Prepare the first strike for Viscount Clover. Let’s see the blow that defeated Sabnock.”

Marquis Catreya said with a slight curl of his lips.

It was Marquis Catreya who proposed entrusting Viscount Rest Clover with the first strike.

“But… was it really a good idea, Knight Commander? Allowing a student like him to lead the first strike.”

Richard expressed doubt.

While the young Crown Prince was by no means incompetent, he prioritized Marquis Catreya’s opinion on matters of the battlefield.

“I don’t doubt the story that he defeated the monster Sabnok. However, it was concluded in the palace discussions that Sabnok was weakened from battles with other monsters. Is his magic really that crucial?”

The palace acknowledged that Rest had defeated Sabnok, but they didn’t entirely accept it.

Presumably, it was thought that Sabnok had been weakened from conflicts with other monster.

Rather than a lack of trust in Rest, it was because Sabnok, the monster, was so feared.

“Even if it was weakened, we should commend him for defeating the monster lord. By glorifying Viscount Clover as a hero, we need to divert the people’s attention from the anxieties of the civil war.”

That was also why they entrusted Viscount Clover with the first strike.

It’s not necessarily about whether it would change the course of the battle.

What’s important is establishing the fact that a young hero like Rest Clover participated in the battle and performed heroically.

“…I feel sorry for him. He’ll be the one to bear the burden of the royal family’s failures.”

Richard’s expression darkened with regret.

Behind the exaggerated emphasis on Rest’s achievements lay the fact that Prince Rodel, a member of the royal family, was involved in the rebellion.

Although it hadn’t been officially announced that Rodel was the standard-bearer, the story would eventually spread among the people.

In order to cover up the scandal of the royal family, they were trying to elevate the heroism of Rest to an excessive degree.

“I wonder if that young man can bear such a heavy responsibility…”

“Well, I think he’ll be fine… he’s the man chosen by Albert as his son-in-law, after all.”

Compared to Richard, Marquis Catreya is optimistic.

Although his expression is as solid as a rock, there is a sense that he is enjoying the situation.

“Albert has given away two daughters. He must endure such pressure.”

“…You have high expectations for Viscount Clover.”

“Yes, the rise of talented young people is a pleasure for the elderly. It’s always refreshing.”

“Hmm, in that case…”

Mischievously, Richard makes a suggestion.

“If you have such high hopes for him, why not make your daughter his fiancée? I believe they are of the same age…”

“What!? Are you serious!?”

“Oh!?”

Marquis Catreya suddenly shouts out.

Richard is surprised and leans back.

“Cough… My apologies. It’s just my chronic ailment acting up…”

“…”

It seems that the topic of his daughter is a taboo for Marquis Catreya.

“Well then, let’s go see the gallant figure of Viscount Clover… Regardless of the outcome of his magic, it will signal the start of our movement.”

“Yes. We will surely emerge victorious in this battle…!”

Marquis Catreya and Richard nod to each other and move forward to take command at the forefront of the camp.

Afterwards, they will witness a sight they had never imagined.

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