**Chapter 124: The March to War**
The King declared a campaign against the traitor, Marquis Berlio Aiger. With this proclamation, Marquis Aiger was officially recognized as a national criminal and marked as a target for extermination. According to reports, nobles from the Queen Dowager Faction had already gathered in Aiger’s territory, and soldiers were amassing as well. Currently, the enemy forces were confirmed to number around fifty thousand, and they were still increasing.
The Royal Army, commanded by Crown Prince Richard, boasted approximately one hundred thousand troops. This was poised to become the largest internal conflict since the founding of the kingdom.
“Though it may be a bit late to say this… wouldn’t it be better to strike before the enemy soldiers gather?”
Just before the deployment, Rest Clover returned to the townhouse of the House of Marquis Rosemary in the Royal Capital for final preparations. He spoke with a hint of curiosity, clad in armor for the rare occasion, a cloak draped over his shoulders, adorned with two family crests: one of the House of Marquis Rosemary and the other of the Clover Viscountcy, a newly ennobled family.
“Perhaps His Majesty the King intends to eradicate the nobles of the Queen Dowager Faction during this opportunity,” replied Primula, who looked at Rest with concern.
“In a nation burdened by internal strife and external threats, the most critical thing to avoid is a prolonged civil war that could descend into chaos. This opportunity must be seized to completely sever the Queen Dowager Faction’s influence.”
The Aiwood Kingdom had long been hampered by the machinations of the Queen Dowager Faction. To put an end to such turmoil, the Royal Faction aimed to eliminate its adversaries and reestablish centralization of power. Centralization—while it could lead to the rise of a tyrant like the previous king—was not a poor choice given the current precarious international situation with neighboring countries.
“But… if we lose here, it would all be for nothing. If we lose, everything ends,” Viola said anxiously, handing Rest a sheathed sword.
Rest fastened the sword to his belt and nodded in agreement. “You’re right. While a quick resolution is ideal, if we fail, it would all be in vain. In other words… we absolutely must secure victory here.”
He clenched his fists. A decisive battle—a one-time total war. If they emerged victorious, they could eradicate the rebellious elements, but defeat would spell disaster for the Royal Faction. The lives of the King and Crown Prince would be at stake, and the kingdom itself would face annihilation.
“Speaking of which… His Majesty never mentioned Rodel’s name until the very end…”
Although Marquis Aiger’s name was announced as the leader of the rebellion, the name of the standard-bearer, Third Prince Rodel, was conspicuously absent. Was it out of mercy from the King, or had he discerned that Rodel was merely a puppet being used by Aiger? Or perhaps he simply did not want to publicly acknowledge that a member of the royal family was involved in the rebellion.
“Regardless of the reason… we must win. I’ve only just become a noble and received my territory; I won’t let it end here.”
Rest had not sought the title and land for personal gain. Becoming the husband of the House of Marquis Rosemary was enough for him; he had no further ambitions. Yet, the thought of the life-and-death struggle against the Subnock yielding results that could vanish like smoke was intolerable. Moreover, if the Royal Army were to lose this battle, the Queen Dowager Faction would seize control of the Aiwood Kingdom. Their first act would likely be to eradicate the opposing faction, and the House of Marquis Rosemary, being at the heart of the Royal Faction, would surely be obliterated.
(If that happens, Viola and Primula too… I won’t let that happen. I will absolutely win. I will win and return here…!)
Rest had people waiting for him to come back. He would achieve victory and ensure their reunion.
“Rest… do your best.”
“Rest-sama, please return safely.”
“Yeah, I’m off!”
Leaving Viola and Primula behind, Rest departed from the House of Marquis Rosemary. Though his name had changed to Rest Clover upon being ennobled, he was effectively the representative of the House of Marquis Rosemary. Following him out of the mansion were Diable and other mages affiliated with the House of Marquis Rosemary.
Thus began Rest’s first war against humans.