**Chapter 128: The Crown Prince and the Knight Commander**
Time rewinds slightly, back to the main camp of the kingdom’s army. The Crown Prince, Richard Aiwood, and the Knight Commander, Marquis Cattleya, were deep in conversation.
“Still… the number of the rebel forces is greater than I imagined.”
“Indeed… As expected, the Geisel Empire is likely pulling strings behind the scenes,” replied Marquis Cattleya, his expression as solid as rock. On the opposing hill, the rebel forces, led by Marquis Aiger, were lining up their troops. It was clear that the enemy camp was becoming increasingly agitated, preparing to launch an assault. According to prior intelligence, the total number of enemy troops should not exceed sixty thousand. However, the soldiers arrayed on the hill appeared to number far more, likely reaching seventy thousand when including those stationed in the rear.
“Even if they have conscripted militia and hired mercenaries, it’s still too many. They are probably receiving covert support from the Empire.”
The Geisel Empire was a neighboring nation to the east of the Aiwood Kingdom and had been a long-time ally. However, in recent years, the internal situation within the Empire had become precarious, leading to heightened diplomatic tensions. The nominal leader of the rebels, Prince Rodel, had a mother from the Empire, suggesting that troops had been secretly sent to bolster their ranks.
While the kingdom’s forces were superior in numbers, that was not the crux of the issue. Simply winning the battle was not particularly difficult. Even with the Empire’s support, Marquis Aiger was merely a local lord. Though the scheming behind the scenes was troublesome, if they openly rebelled, it would be possible to suppress them. The real challenge lay in achieving victory swiftly and with minimal casualties.
(If the Empire is indeed maneuvering behind the scenes, we must end this quickly. If the civil strife drags on and becomes a quagmire, it would be no different from defeat. We cannot afford to leave any openings for other nations to exploit.)
At present, the Empire was not showing its fangs. They were merely providing covert support to Marquis Aiger. However, if the Aiwood Kingdom were to weaken due to this civil war, factions within the Empire advocating for external campaigns would gain momentum. In the worst-case scenario, they might even invade the Aiwood Kingdom.
Moreover, the threat was not limited to the Empire. The northern barbarians had frequently attacked with the intent to plunder. Although there had been no significant movements in recent years, that very silence was alarming. There were concerns that they were amassing strength to launch a sudden assault.
(What we seek is a resounding victory. A crushing defeat of the rebels that demonstrates to both our nation and others that the Aiwood Kingdom has no weaklings…!)
“Your Highness! Knight Commander! The enemy forces are on the move!”
“I see… As expected, they are attacking at this timing.”
It was anticipated that the enemy would move first. The kingdom’s army and the rebel forces faced each other across a basin, each having established their main camps on hills. Thus, the side that moved first would find themselves at a geographical disadvantage, descending the hill. Yet, the rebels had no choice but to act. The longer they delayed, the more the kingdom’s forces would recover from their expedition fatigue and be ready for battle.
“Prepare for the first strike with Viscount Clover. Let us see the blow that defeated the Subnock!”
Marquis Cattleya said, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was he who had suggested entrusting the first strike to Rest Clover.
“Still… is it truly wise, Knight Commander, to assign the first strike to a student like him?”
Richard expressed his doubts. The young Crown Prince was certainly not incompetent, but he had been prioritizing the Knight Commander’s assertions regarding the battlefield.
“I do not doubt that he defeated the magical beast Subnock. However, during discussions at the palace, it was concluded that Subnock had been weakened from fighting other magical creatures. Is his magic truly that significant?”
While the palace acknowledged Rest’s victory over Subnock, they did not take everything at face value. It was believed that Subnock had been weakened from conflicts with other magical beasts in the Magic Territory. It was not that Rest lacked credibility; rather, the fear surrounding the beast Subnock was substantial.
“Even if it was weakened, defeating the Lord of the Demon Territory should be commended. We must elevate Viscount Clover as a hero to divert the people’s attention from the unrest of the civil war.”
That was the reason for entrusting the first strike to Rest. Whether or not it would change the tide of battle was not the main concern. What was needed was the established fact that the young hero, Rest Clover, had participated in the fight and made a significant contribution.
“…I feel sorry for him. He will have to stand at the forefront to cover for the royal family’s blunders.”
Richard’s expression darkened with regret. The need to emphasize Rest’s achievements stemmed from the fact that Prince Rodel, a member of the royal family, was involved in the rebellion. Although it had not been publicly announced that Rodel was the standard-bearer, it was only a matter of time before the news spread among the populace. To obscure the royal family’s scandal, they were preparing to overstate the heroism of Rest.
“Will the young man be able to bear such a heavy responsibility…?”
“Well, I believe he will manage… After all, he is the man chosen by Albert as a son-in-law.”
Compared to Richard, Marquis Cattleya was optimistic. Though his face was as stern as stone, he seemed to be enjoying the situation.
“Considering that Albert has married off two daughters, he should be able to withstand this level of pressure.”
“…You have high expectations for him, then. For Viscount Clover.”
“Indeed, the rise of a talented young man is a joy for the old. It is always exhilarating.”
“Oh? If that is the case…”
Richard mischievously suggested, “If you have such high hopes for him, why not betroth your daughter to him? I believe they are of similar age…”
“Wh-What are you saying!?”
“Whoa!?”
Marquis Cattleya suddenly let out an odd cry. Richard recoiled in surprise.
“Ahem… I apologize. My chronic cough…”
“…………”
It seemed that the topic of his daughter was a taboo subject for Marquis Cattleya.
“Then, let us go witness the valor of Viscount Clover… Regardless of the outcome of his magic, it will signal the movement of our forces.”
“Yes. We will surely achieve victory in this battle…!”
Marquis Cattleya and Richard nodded to each other and advanced to the front lines to take command. Little did they know, they were about to witness a scene beyond their imagination.