Chapter 95: The Collaborator
Lestall Royal Castle, Military Council Chamber.
There, one could see the figures of the various lords, stirred by the news of war after a long time.
Regardless of their official posts, all nobles of Count family rank and above, known as high-ranking aristocrats, had been assembled.
Amidst this, the King took his seat at the head of the room, and a battle beneath the surface, disguised as a Military Council, began.
“Thank you all for gathering. I wrote it in the notice, but I shall announce it once more.
It has been decided that we will capture the former Mildrad territories of Lease, Gerard, and Bent.
You understand why we are to capture Lease, do you not?”
Several individuals nodded gravely, but many lords showed expressions of dissatisfaction at the final question.
The two leading figures of the faction likely opposing this mobilization stood up.
They were Marquis Hestia and Count Listol.
“Your Majesty! To pick a fight with the Empire now is the height of folly! Do you intend to destroy our kingdom?!”
“Indeed! All of you are far too ignorant of the Empire’s terror! Now that Belfast is getting pummeled for getting carried away, we should not provoke the Empire!”
Many voices of agreement were heard for the two who stood and spoke passionately, but there were also those who showed intense displeasure.
That man was Marquis Randall, hailed as the strongest in the Lestall army.
With a youthful and slender physique that belied his title, he remained seated as he glared at the two dissenters and raised his voice.
“Then I ask Marquis Hestia and Count Listol. When do you believe we should fight?
Surely, you do not think Lestall alone will not be attacked.”
Though he appeared to be only in his mid-twenties, he was actually over forty.
When such a man spoke harshly to the elderly Marquis Hestia, the latter’s eyes narrowed.
“It’s the opposite, the opposite! Why do you assume we will be attacked, Marquis Randall!
Was it not Your Majesty’s wise decision to abandon Razbel and avoid war just recently?!”
Marquis Randall snorted with a “Hmph” at Marquis Hestia’s angry shout, casting him a disdainful look.
Just as Marquis Hestia, his face flushed crimson, was about to open his mouth, the Prime Minister of Lestall, MacDowell, shouted, “That’s enough!” and directed a sharp gaze at the three standing men, compelling them to sit.
“It is clear from their actions that the Empire aims for world domination.
Therefore, it is the duty of the kingdom to prepare for it.
Thus, we have reached the conclusion to form an alliance with Belfast and to narrow and seal the border at two points: Lease and Adrald.
I can understand your opposition if you are unaware of the fact that Belfast fought and won.
However, considering the long-term national defense and the significant expansion of our territory, His Majesty has decided on this war.”
At those words, the lords exchanged surprised glances, murmuring, “Belfast fought and won, you say?”
It was a war in a neighboring country. They too had been gathering information. Thus, they had heard that Mildrad had apparently amassed a force of nearly twenty thousand.
Since an imperial edict had forbidden their participation, they also knew the Empire was behind it.
It should have been an unwinnable battle, yet Belfast still stood.
However, the consensus among the lords present was that this was due to some backroom deal or internal strife.
Some of the more outspoken ones even retorted with sneers, “Even if you offer such nonsense as a reason…”
At that voice, Marquis Randall slammed the table, openly showing his irritation.
“There is no falsehood in Prime Minister MacDowell’s words!
My own forces have observed the battle and confirmed it!
It is an undeniable fact that they annihilated twenty thousand soldiers and completely wiped out the Daltone Army!
To merely question it is one thing, but to make such a remark after His Excellency the Prime Minister has stated he confirmed the facts is outrageous!”
“Shame on you! You imbecile!” Marquis Randall rebuked the noble who had sneered.
His words, coming from a man who never neglected to be vigilant of his surroundings, carried high credibility. Though voices saying “Unbelievable” could still be heard, their tone had changed.
As the lords stirred restlessly, the King’s voice boomed, “Silence!” and the semblance of a council was restored.
“Mm. Of course, I have had it confirmed by my own hand as well.
That aside… are you all not letting your hearts waver too much?
I thought I had only brave and daring vassals, but is Lestall truly so weak?”
He stroked his beard, looking around at the lords as if to provoke them.
“I have restrained myself from becoming too hot-blooded and have taken passive measures, but I never imagined that the proud nobles of Lestall would be cowering before the Empire.
Can a kingdom be protected in such a state… I’ve become a little worried.”
“Your Majesty! You jest too much. That cannot be true,” the Prime Minister interjected, and the other lords followed suit.
“Is that so, is that so. You will stand up for me, then. I am relieved it was but a groundless fear.
For even if we do not seal the borders, a battle with the Empire is inevitable.
Now then, as for whom to entrust the defense of Lease…”
At those words, almost all of the Count families averted their gaze.
They didn’t want to be burdened with such a territory.
The only ones who returned his gaze directly were Marquis Randall, Marquis Hestia, and Count Listol.
Two other Marquises also watched the situation with grim faces.
Amidst this, Count Listol was the one who raised his voice, “Your Majesty, please leave it to me!”
“Hmm. Count Listol, I believe you were opposed to this war…?”
“I have no intention of objecting to what has already been decided. Precisely because I know the threat, I am suited for its defense.”
Almost everyone present sent him a suspicious look at his words.
Only the King and Marquis Hestia maintained their composure.
Even Marquis Randall, a proponent of the war, showed a look of disapproval.
“However, the strength of a Count alone is insufficient. We may need to request reinforcements for Lease.”
Marquis Hestia stood up, cutting off Marquis Randall who was about to speak up regarding the request for reinforcements.
“In that case, I shall support Count Listol!”
“Oh? Marquis Hestia will also stand? That is most reassuring.”
King Lestall nodded, looking at the two, but his expression soon changed. “Well then, shall we proceed to the formation of the kingdom’s army?” he said, shifting his gaze and continuing.
“My apologies, Marquis Randall, but I would like to entrust you with the position of commander-in-chief for this campaign.
It is a very difficult responsibility, but I will consider your労いもしかと考える. Can I count on you?”
“Of course, Your Majesty. It is an unparalleled honor.
I gratefully accept your words and this appointment!”
He curled the corner of his lip as if to say, ‘So that’s how it is.’
“As always, you are reliable despite your appearance,” King Lestall laughed, but someone voiced an objection.
“W-Wait a moment! Should not the defender of Lease serve as the overall commander?!”
“Indeed! This will disrupt the chain of command.
If you say our strength is insufficient, then at least entrust it to me, who will be sending reinforcements!”
To be appointed commander-in-chief was a sign of being recognized as the face of the nation. In such situations, the weight of one’s words changed significantly.
However, that was only if the war ended in victory. If Lease were to fall, they could even be held responsible for the defeat.
These two had been clamoring that they felt threatened by the Empire and shouldn’t fight.
This was immediately after they had gone as far as to say he intended to destroy Lestall. It was inevitable that their desire for the commander-in-chief position looked suspicious.
The lords’ gazes towards them turned skeptical.
Marquis Randall, who had been appointed commander-in-chief, looked at the two with a cold gaze and spoke.
“What are you saying? It’s not certain that Lease will become the battlefield.
If Adrald becomes the battlefield, we cannot move your forces, which have been entrusted with the defense of Lease.
It is only natural that a general who can move freely should take overall command. Even a child can understand that logic.”
At Marquis Randall’s words, exasperated voices saying “That’s true” were heard, and the two sat down, gritting their teeth.
“Well, first is the border blockade. Details of the army’s formation will be sent out later.
Those Marquises who are free, please remain. I have individual matters I wish to request of you.”
With that, the Military Council ended, and the King stood up and left the room.
The two Marquises in charge of the eastern and southeastern regions, who had been summoned, also briskly followed him.
Marquis Hestia and Count Listol remained seated, glaring at Marquis Randall. Marquis Randall, showing a mocking demeanor, said, “Ah, as commander-in-chief, there were things I had to ask. How troublesome, how troublesome,” and followed the King out of the room.
The other lords also exited, overtly avoiding the two due to their blatant suspiciousness.
The two, left alone in the council chamber, exchanged hushed words before leaving with bitter expressions.
“Hahaha, Your Majesty’s skill is as sharp as ever.”
“Indeed, I was completely fooled.
I felt a chill when you decided to entrust Lease to the likes of Listol-dono.”
“As for me, I couldn’t grasp your true intentions until you assigned overall command to Marquis Randall-sama.”
King Lestall faced the three with a triumphant look.
Prime Minister MacDowell, sitting beside him, explained the true intentions behind this council.
“It was to quickly inform the lords of the collaborators as soon as we had confirmation, but even I was surprised to see them take the bait so readily.”
“Umu. Even I was surprised enough for it to show on my face. I thought they might try to smooth things over a bit more skillfully, but perhaps matters have progressed to the point where there’s no need to hide it.”
“Even so, their foolishness remains unchanged,” the King said, his face contorted as if he’d bitten into a bitter bug.
“I now deeply understand why Your Majesty said it was unavoidable. The battle beneath the surface has already begun, hasn’t it…” muttered Marquis Wilseau, one of the Marquises, bitterly.
“If that’s the case, then this current plan is indeed the best. But can an alliance with Belfast truly be formed at this late stage?”
It was Marquis Edwards, one of the Marquises who had also attended the meeting with Belfast, who responded to Marquis Randall’s doubtful question.
“The alliance has already been concluded. It was an offer from their side. Thanks to His Majesty secretly lending a hand behind the scenes, we aren’t particularly resented. They also clearly stated that, looking to the future, a joint struggle is their only option.”
“Goodness…” said Marquis Wilseau, his eyes sparkling.
King Lestall waved his hand dismissively at that gaze, as if annoyed. “Stop that. Even I thought we couldn’t win.”
“Their prince is an incredibly interesting fellow, you see. I just naturally felt like lending him a hand. Marquis Randall, you must know of him. Louis von Belfast.”
“I am indeed aware that the prince of that country has achieved great military exploits, but…”
The Prime Minister looked surprised at Marquis Randall, who tilted her head. “What? Even you hadn’t noticed, Marquis?”
He brought up the incident in Oldam where the fourth son of the Listol family tried to kill a young lady of the Marquis Randall Family and was killed in return.
“Wha-! You can’t mean that the boy who brought the Elixir was the prince…?”
“At the time, Belfast didn’t exist, so he was a commoner. He’s an interesting fellow. He calls the King of Belfast ‘Pops’ and adores me as ‘Your Majesty,’ you know.”
He chuckled, and the Prime Minister added with a laugh, “His reaction when he bowed his head was also quite amusing, wasn’t it?”
While mixing in such amusing anecdotes, the discussion progressed and finally returned to the initial topic.
“Now then, as for how to neutralize those who are likely traitors…”
“We can’t exactly crush them openly just because they’re suspicious, can we?”
If they were to abolish their houses without a clear reason, suspicion and distrust would spread among the other lords. While the recent incident might somewhat suppress this, as eyes of suspicion are already on them, it wouldn’t be the case for the lower nobility.
If their houses were to be abolished, the two would undoubtedly raise the banner of rebellion.
Some lower nobles would likely get caught up in it as well.
Count Listol alone might be manageable, but having Marquis Hestia’s forces turn against them would be a significant blow.
“You say that, but it’s truly problematic to have enemies at our back.”
Marquis Randall, entrusted as commander-in-chief, grimaced, her cheek twitching. If the battle started with them caught between enemies from the outset, even a winnable fight would become impossible.
“I understand. However, that would be the same even if they weren’t stationed in Lease. Therefore, we have no choice but to send them to the vanguard. If they refuse, we can hold them accountable and diminish their power. If they go, they’ll likely reveal their true colors.”
“But if they turn their fangs on us the moment the war begins…”
The Marquis pursed her lips, realizing that in the end, Marquis Randall’s army would be caught in a pincer and suffer heavy losses.
“We’ll have Prince Rui handle that. They have a score to settle, don’t they?”
“W-What? Surely that’s impossible…?”
He’s the prince of a nation, isn’t he? Marquis Randall, for once, looked dubiously at the King, but even the Prime Minister added, “If His Majesty orders it, he seems like the type who would do it.”
“Forgive me. That was, of course, a jest. However, this time, if war breaks out, it will undoubtedly be a battle for all of Lestall’s forces. For this occasion, we will be conscripting soldiers. Their armies won’t pose a major threat. That is, unless Belfast betrays us, but that’s highly unlikely.”
Hearing “all of Lestall’s forces,” Marquis Randall’s shoulders tensed, and a smile naturally spread across her face.
“All forces… Hahaha, indeed. We just need to crush them with our entire army. I understand. I shall steel my resolve.”
“Umu. Well said. I, too, shall show my true strength. I will appoint Riley as a general of the regular army and have him assist you, Marquis.”
“Huh?” she uttered, her thoughts seeming to freeze as she stopped moving.
Prince Riley is the eldest child of the next king. The one who will later become king. There’s no way they should send someone like that into such an unpredictable battle from the very beginning.
“Absolutely not! What will you do if something happens to His Highness!”
“No, this is already decided. Riley, of course, as well as Will and I, are all in agreement. Even if something happens, no blame will be assigned. That child will surely be of some help.”
“And,” the King continued.
“We are conscripting the entire army. If the Royal Family doesn’t participate, our seriousness won’t be conveyed, will it?”
I see. The three Marquises showed their understanding.
Normally, his participation would be unthinkable, but in a war involving the entire nation’s army, having him participate would solidify future governance.
Marquis Randall, who usually went into battle herself, understood this particularly well.
“Now, about the matter of the two Marquises I spoke to… I want to ensure that the yoriko of Marquis Wilseau and Marquis Edwards, who are their most trusted retainers, participate in the war. I will send official letters from here as well, but they are key figures, on par with Marquis Randall. We must ensure they are perfectly prepared. If they have any lingering concerns, you all should lend them a hand and dispel their anxieties. The three are Count Silence, Baron Owen, and Viscount Shinzou. Understood?”
“Yes, Your Majesty!!”
These were the ones who held the title of Holy Knight in the Kingdom of Lestall.
King Lestall emphasized that their presence or absence would make a world of difference.
“Well, before that, we must first take Mildrad’s territory, mustn’t we?”
And so, the conversation shifted to the immediate matter of the military advance, but that discussion was settled in an instant.
“For something of that level, my army alone is sufficient. I will show you it can be finished in a few days.”
It was decided that Marquis Randall’s army alone would advance north from Vent, take Lease, and then prepare for war.
When the discussions that had continued since the Military Council finally ended, not only Marquis Randall but also Marquis Wilseau and Marquis Edwards, feeling they couldn’t just sit around, hastily sped off to their own domains in Beast-Drawn Carts.
Each of them showed faces filled with determination, resolved to make preparations that would guarantee victory.