Episode 39: Elmia is a Worrywart ①
A little earlier, inside Ortenatris Castle,
In the innermost meeting chamber.
This is where the heads and future heads of the four great noble families of the Ortenos region gather to discuss various issues.
“The Ortenos territory has seen an increase in various specialty products, and tax revenues are on the rise. Taking this opportunity…”
“Our immediate challenge is the issue of exiles and refugees, but do we have any leads?…”
“We must respond firmly to the northern kidnappers, even from Ortenos…”
“What are you thinking, sending those two to the academy? Ignoring the Imperial Family’s wishes…”
Marquis Radnock of Ortenos, as chairman and ruler of Ortenos, managed the heated discussions of the heads and future heads.
In the midst of this, a military official hurriedly entered the meeting.
The official’s expression was grim, suggesting that something unexpected had occurred.
“What is it?”
“…The eastern gate has been breached.”
“What?! Which side moved?”
“House Hoshiros.”
“Hoshiros, you say…!”
Radnock frowned at the official’s report.
The “eastern gate” refers to the two Houses of the Kingdom of Naia that border Ortenos: House Hoshiros and House Painley.
Since Ulgool is stationed at Fort Ronchant on the Hoshiros side, it was unexpected for Hoshiros to make a move.
Following this, a Lanecki military official entered the room and whispered something to a rugged, red-haired middle-aged man.
The red-haired middle-aged man also frowned upon hearing the official’s report.
From this, Radnock surmised that some information had also reached the Lanecki side.
“Everyone, I apologize, but we must end this meeting here. It seems the fools in the west have started causing trouble, taking advantage of our absence.”
Earl Lanecki, the red-haired middle-aged man, glared at Dinoren, who was sitting alone at the end of the table, with a stern look.
“Oh my, please refrain from such menacing glares. I don’t know what has happened, but I hope it can be resolved peacefully.”
In response, Dinoren spread his hands, indicating that he had no intention of resisting.
“Tch, what a hypocrite… Let’s go.”
Earl Lanecki clicked his tongue in annoyance and left the room with his two sons.
“Father, what on earth has happened?”
Elmia asked her father, Radnock, who was sitting next to her.
“It’s an emergency. Naia may have mobilized its army.”
“!”
Elmia’s face stiffened at the ominous news from her father.
“We must organize the situation… Everyone, I apologize, but we must end this meeting here.”
Radnock informed the nobles gathered at the meeting that it would be adjourned.
◇◇◇◇
Elmia and Radnock moved to the office with several military officials.
They spread out a map on a large table and discussed various points, finally gaining a clear picture of the situation.
“Hoshiros’s target is Father…”
“The previous, current, and next heads of Hoshiros are all gathered at Fort Ronchant? That’s almost like…”
It was unusual for the main family to be gathered in such force.
The situation, which suggested a battle for the survival of the House, reminded Elmia of the all-out war six years ago.
“Yes, we must prepare to send reinforcements immediately.”
“Can’t we rely on the Nevilim?”
“It would be difficult to rely on other Houses in this situation. The game is likely already in motion. Dalboni’s movements in the west may have been intended to draw Lanecki’s attention.”
Until now, several Stella-Class individuals had been stationed in Ortenatris, borrowed from Lanecki, to protect the east.
However, due to the troubles in the west, they had all been withdrawn to Texcola’s western capital, Elsagold.
Radnock regretted that they had probably started moving from that point on.
“Could it be that Hoshiros has also been plotting with Imperial nobles?”
“Yes, that’s highly likely. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Nevilim were unable to move due to some scheme.”
From the perspective of the western Empire, Ortenos was a former enemy.
Therefore, there was little sense of camaraderie between them, and it would not be strange if Dalboni was in league with Naia.
As everyone wore grim expressions, more information came in.
The information was brought by a military official belonging to Sharka’s unit.
“Reporting! Twenty thousand Naia troops, including Stella-Class Barbat von Naia, have departed from Bangwall Fort and are currently facing off against Lord Sharka’s five thousand Ortenos troops near Pekion Village!”
Everyone in the office turned even paler.
Sharka was unaware, but Barbat had also participated in the all-out war six years ago and was feared as one of the most militant members of House Naia, having slain the main members of the martial Lanecki family.
“Brother…!”
Elmia desperately held back a scream.
She was filled with impatience and tried desperately to think.
Her half-brother was a bit quick-tempered; if Barbat provoked him, he might get hot-headed and attack.
If that happened, the advantage would lie with Barbat, who had more combat experience.
—Her brother, tragically pierced by Barbat’s deadly blade.
Such a worst-case scenario flashed through Elmia’s mind.