Chapter 341: The Invasion of the Northern Tribes

In the great forests stretching across the northern reaches of the Kingdom of Iwood,
several different tribes lived—tribes that from time to time had threatened the kingdom.

The last invasion had been before Rest was even born.
Now, after twenty years, the tribes were on the move once again.

“At present, the northern tribes are being held back at the border fortress. Leading the defense is Karyas Catreya, commander of the northern forces. For now, they’ve somehow managed to repel incursions, but due to the enemy’s overwhelming numbers, they’ve sent a request for reinforcements.”

In the royal palace of Iwood’s capital,
a war council was convened, bringing together the most powerful lords of the kingdom to plan countermeasures against the tribes.

Everyone seated around the round table were pillars of the kingdom’s nobility, each wearing a grim expression as they listened.

“Lord Karyas is a hero trained under his father, the Knight Commander. I do not believe the border fortress will fall so easily. But overconfidence is dangerous—we must dispatch reinforcements at once.”

The one speaking passionately from the head of the table was the crown prince, Richard Iwood.

Richard had commanded the suppression of Marquis Eiger and Prince Rodel’s rebellion,
and now he would take command again in the subjugation of the tribes.

At his side sat Marquis Catreya, Knight Commander, and his son, the Vice-Commander.
On the other side were Duke Crocus, the Chancellor, and Marquis Rosemary, head of the Court Magicians.

(…Why am I even here?)

Among them, sweating nervously down his back, sat Rest Clover.

He was hunched at the farthest seat, face stiff with tension.

When Marquis Rosemary received the report of the tribes’ attack and headed to the palace, Rest had been ordered to accompany him.

A newly minted young Count, surrounded by the kingdom’s most powerful figures—
there was no way he could sit there calmly.

(And of all places, this seat… spare me! At least let me sit next to Father-in-law…!)

Rest’s place was at the end of the round table.
Naturally, by order of rank and age.

But at a round table, the “lowest” seat is the one directly across from the “highest.”

Meaning Rest was sitting squarely across from the crown prince.

Their eyes kept meeting, over and over, and it was unbearably awkward.

(It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this… so anxious I could puke. In some ways, this is more nerve-racking than when I fought Sabnock or the Elder Wyrm…)

“Among the northern tribes, there are several races. This time, their main force is once again the Oni-kin. Other sightings include Winged Folk, Lizardmen, and Insectmen. Their numbers are at least ten thousand, with the possibility of more joining.”

“….”

Hunched low, Rest focused his ears so as not to miss a single word of Richard’s briefing.

“The border fortress has three thousand soldiers. Over the years of peace, the garrison had been gradually reduced. If the enemy took that into account before invading, they were well prepared. Thanks to the fortress, we’re holding for now—but a subjugation force must be raised immediately.”

Richard turned to Marquis Catreya, who stood from his seat to continue.

“We are currently assembling the subjugation army. However… with so little time since Marquis Eiger’s rebellion, this will take some time. Before the main army is ready, a vanguard will be dispatched as reinforcements.”

He swept his sharp gaze over the gathered nobles.
None raised objections, so he went on.

“The vanguard’s commander will be Vice-Commander Valeya Catreya. As his adjutant, Court Magician Lord Carbelt will accompany him.”

“Understood.”

“Yes, sir.”

Both men at the head of the table gave a simultaneous nod.

Valeya Cattleya was the Knight Commander’s eldest son, Vice-Commander of the knights, and strongest candidate for the next commander—and the older brother of Yuri.

Rest didn’t know the man named Carbelt, but he did know someone with the same surname.

(Could it be… no, without a doubt, he must be related to Senior Isis Carbelt…)

“The vanguard will number about a thousand—few in quantity, but all elite knights and court magicians. And Lord Clover here will accompany them.”

“…!”

Rest’s name was suddenly spoken.

He nearly yelped in shock, but somehow swallowed it down.

“Lord Clover proved his worth in the recent rebellion. I trust he will achieve great results again this time.”

Despite his words of “trust,” Marquis Catreya’s eyes were sharp and piercing.

Rest knew well the man doted on his daughter, but he’d rather not be stared at like an enemy.

“I see… will you take the field, Count Clover?”

This time, it was Richard asking.

The eyes of all the great lords now turned to Rest.

(If I had the guts to shake my head here, I probably would never have become a noble in the first place…)

“…I humbly accept the command.”

Thus, Rest’s participation was decided.

A few days later, as part of the vanguard,
he would set out for the northern border fortress.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter