Kays Translations

Chapter 203: The Frontier Lords

As Nicolette and Benedict advanced with their scheme, the frontier lords who shared their faction also began to act.  

The first to move was Margrave Lubinda Balsham, who kept a close watch on Zun. The connection with the Guardians’ Village in Avalushi ran through Balsham, which allowed accurate and swift access to information.  

Although Lubinda had once sent troops in response to a rescue request from Plazzo, Avalushi’s immediate retreat left the army without a proper battle, lowering morale. However, since confirming that Zun was the enemy, the troops’ spirits were running high, and Lubinda himself almost charged into Zun, but was stopped by Hamad his steward.  

“We’ll start by gathering troops at the border to block them, but what do we do next?”  

“According to Liliene-san’s report, a massive magic giant golem is leading the enemy ahead of the main force to seize control of Kapolfi again. The first step is to stop it.”  

“If Kapolfi is seized, it’ll be harder to send reinforcements to the royal capital.”  

In the city of Diryak, located in the southwestern part of the Balsham territory, Margrave Lubinda and Margrave Nazario Innocenti met at the Balsham family’s second residence.  

“Still, we can’t send a large army now that the rescue request has been withdrawn.”   

“Exactly. That’s why I’m thinking of using magic vehicles. How many do you have ready?”  

Even though they belonged to the same faction, the method of manufacturing magic vehicles was kept secret. However, after the Avalushi incident, strengthening their forces and border defenses became crucial. So, a few months ago, the Isamu faction began producing magic vehicles through a semi-knockdown process, purchasing core parts from Klaufeldt territory. Though production was limited, the ability to create vehicles three times faster than carriages was invaluable.  

“We’ve just started making them, so we don’t have even ten yet.” 

Nazario said.

“Same here. Can you spare some cargo types? Each one can carry about five soldiers.”  

“They can carry soldiers, but where will you station them? Zun must have scouts out there.”  

Nazario crossed his arms at Lubinda’s question.  

“I plan to use the Zambrotta Trading Company.”  

“The one with an exclusive contract with Isamu? I see, they have a big branch in Kapolfi.”  

“Indeed. They’ve already agreed to cooperate, especially since their rival, the Gattuso Trading Company, is aiding Zun. They’ve been waiting for a chance to strike back.”

“Disguising the magic-powered vehicles as part of the Zambrotta Trading Company’s caravan, we can transport the soldiers to Plazzo. Once there, we can have the soldiers hide at the Zambrotta Company’s facilities and change into merchant disguises before scattering to various inns around the city. That should help them avoid detection.”

“That seems feasible. We’re not sending all of our magic-powered vehicles, so we have about ten available for this mission?”

“That’s about right. From the border town to Kapolfi, it takes about a day and a half each way with a magic-powered vehicle. We should be able to make around seven trips, which means we can transport over 300 soldiers.”

“The enemy consists of 50 magic giant golems and 200 cavalry, right? Since this will be a defensive battle, where we’ll likely hold the gates and wait for reinforcements from the main force at the border, there’s a chance we can manage it.”

“We just need to hold out for three days. It all depends on how powerful those magic giant golems are.”

“Haha, sounds like you’re talking about something interesting! Mind if I join in?”

Just as they were about to finalize the details, a woman’s voice suddenly cut into the conversation between the two margraves.

“Hmm?”

“What?”

Both of them instinctively reached for their weapons, half-rising to face the intruder.

“Sorry about that, I asked Hamad to let me in.” 

The woman said, unperturbed by the menacing stares directed her way. It was none other than Eleonora Ericksen, known as the ‘Mercenary Count.’

“Come on now, at least knock, Commander.” 

Gascoigne, the captain of the Ericksen family mercenary knights said, standing next to her, looking pale under the oppressive aura emanating from the two margraves.

“Ah, it’s you, Eleonora. Don’t go scaring old men like that.”

“Exactly. Spare a thought for poor Gascoigne here.” 

They said with a sigh, settling back into their seats.

“Haha! I don’t want to hear that from you old-timers!” 

Eleonora laughed, taking an empty seat. Meanwhile, Gascoigne sighed heavily as he stood behind her.

“So, what brings you here? Though I have a pretty good idea…”

“You’re quick on the uptake. You’re planning to send troops to Plazzo, right? How about taking some of mine with you?”

“I’ve already brought 30 soldiers in magic-powered vehicles. Another 70 will be arriving later by carriage.” 

Gascoigne added, explaining the situation.

“You’ve mobilized 100 mercenary knights… What do you think, Lubinda?”

“Let’s borrow half the magic-powered vehicles and about 30 of the mercenaries.” 

Lubinda said after thinking for a moment.

“What about the rest?” 

Nazario asked.

“I’d like them to head north.”

“North?”

“Yes. Isamu and his group will be entering Plazzo from the north, and I’m sure Zval will make his move, too.

“But Yaderud territory is nearby, so they can’t mobilize too many troops. I’d like you to assist them.”

“Understood. I’ll head north as well.”

Eleonora nodded in agreement with the two margraves.

“Wait, you’re going to take action yourself?” 

“You’re both going out there, aren’t you? We can’t just sit around after all that’s happened.”

“Well, that’s true, but… Just don’t cause any trouble in the Felker territory on the way.” 

Nazario said with a wry smile, looking at Eleonora’s mischievous grin.

“Haha, I’ll do my best. Well, Redbeard is more on our side anyway, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Indeed. Oh, by the way, if you’re heading north, why not take this Lightning Magic Stone and the upgraded Lightning Orb that Isamuu made?”

“An upgrade?”

“Yes. It seems that these magic giants, the golems, are weak against lightning-based magic. But they apparently have magic tools embedded in their armor to counteract that weakness.”

“But those tools won’t last forever. The goal is to use the Lightning Orb to drain the opponent’s magic stone’s power.”

“I see. Lightning magic is rare, so having magic tools to help is really useful.”

“That’s right. However, the upgraded Lightning Orb is still quite power-hungry. It’s a lot better than the original, but it still drains the magic stone quickly.”

“The normal Lightning Orb is practically disposable.”

“Exactly, which is why I reached out to Marquis Skirachi and secured a large supply of lightning magic stones.”

The Skirachi family, a powerful noble house in the southern kingdom, owns vast lands near the Meatle River, a key trade route. In addition to their expansive farmlands, they possess large magic stone mines that produce lightning magic stones. Though they remain unaffiliated with any political faction, like the Inocenti family, they share close ties due to their proximity. Thanks to Inocenti’s control of the border with enemy Kempbach, Skirachi’s lands have flourished without facing the threat of war.

Although the northern Yaderud family, a rival, seems to be involved in the current turmoil, Skirachi wisely refrained from openly opposing them and instead consulted with the Inocenti family.

“We’ve managed to secure a priority supply of magic stones while significantly reducing the flow of goods to the north. Since they were the ones who first reduced their fire magic stone shipments, they can’t complain.”

“Haha, I see! If they’re allied with Yaderud, they might try to monopolize the magic stones needed to fight the golems.”

“Exactly. So, we acted before they could.”

“With plenty of magic stones at our disposal, feel free to use them liberally. Though we don’t have that many magic tools.”

“Haha, that’s more than enough! Now that we know their weakness, all that’s left is to wreak havoc!”

“Don’t overdo it, though. If we destroy too many of their magic giant golems, Isamu might get mad.”

“For Isamu, those golems are nothing more than research material or toys. Of course, he’d be upset if they were destroyed.”

“Yes, yes, you’re right. Angering him is the last thing we want. I’ll be careful.”

The three exchanged glances and shrugged their shoulders.

Soon after, Lubinda’s expression became serious as he addressed the other two.

“Now, even though Isamu is strong, it’s still an overwhelming number of enemies. We can’t afford to let him die here, can we?”

“Agreed. I’d rather not face Anne’s wrath for the rest of my life.”

“Besides, war doesn’t really suit Isamu.”

“Exactly. Once the first battle with the magic giant golem is over, let’s have Isamu sit back and watch from the rear. Don’t slip up, okay?”

“That’s a silly question.”

“Who do you think you’re talking to?”

“Good. The energy’s high. Oh, right! This is the perfect time for our slogan. Let’s stay safe out there!”

“Stay safe!”

And so, in the southern kingdom, their strong allies steadily prepared for the counterattack.

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