Episode 341: The Invasion of Foreign Tribes
The forest stretched out to the north of the Aiwood Kingdom.
Several foreign tribes lived there, often threatening the kingdom.
The last invasion was before Rest was born. It had been twenty years since the foreign tribes had moved.
“Currently, we are holding off the foreign tribes at the fort on the northern border. Caryas Cattleya, commander of the northern division, is leading the defense. So far, we have managed to prevent them from entering, but we have received a request for reinforcements due to the large number of enemies.”
Aiwood Kingdom Royal Capital, at the Royal Palace.
Powerful lords were gathered for a war council to devise countermeasures against the foreign tribes.
Those seated at the Round Table were all nobles who supported the kingdom. They were all listening intently with difficult expressions.
“Lord Caryas is a hero who was trained by his father, the Knight Commander. I don’t think the border fort will be easily taken, but we must not be careless. We will send reinforcements immediately.”
Crown Prince Richard Aiwood was giving a passionate speech from the head of the Round Table.
Richard had also taken overall command during the rebellion of Third Prince Rodel and Marquis Aiger, and he would be in charge of this foreign tribe subjugation as well.
Next to Richard were Marquis Cattleya, the Knight Commander, and his son, the Vice Knight Commander. On the opposite side were Chancellor Duke Crocus and Court Mage Director Marquis Rosemary.
(…Why am I here?)
Amidst all this, Rest Clover was sweating nervously.
He was shrinking at the end of the Round Table, his expression stiff.
Marquis Rosemary had been summoned to the castle after receiving the report of the foreign tribe’s attack, and Rest had been ordered to come with him.
As a young, inexperienced Count, surrounded by the country’s leading figures, he couldn’t relax.
(Besides, this seat… I really can’t handle this. At least put me next to my father-in-law…!)
Rest was seated at the end of the Round Table.
Considering the order and age, it was natural… but at a circular table, the end seat was directly opposite the head seat.
In other words, he was directly facing the Crown Prince across the Round Table.
Their eyes had met several times, and it was unbearably awkward.
(It’s been a while… since I’ve felt so anxious I could throw up. In a way, this is more nerve-wracking than fighting Subnock or the Elder Worm…)
“There are several types of foreign tribes living in the north… but this time, the Ogre Clan is the main force. We have also seen Winged People, Lizardmen, and Insectoids. The number is at least ten thousand. There is still a good chance it will increase.”
“…………”
While sitting huddled, Rest concentrated on listening to Richard’s words.
“The soldiers defending the border fort number three thousand. The fort has been gradually reduced in size due to the lack of attacks for many years. If the enemy has taken this into account and launched an invasion, they are quite thorough. Thanks to the fort, we are able to defend it for now, but we must immediately form a subjugation force.”
Richard looked at Marquis Cattleya, who was next to him.
Marquis Cattleya stood up from his chair and continued the explanation.
“We are currently forming a subjugation force. However… it will take some time because not much time has passed since the rebellion of Marquis Aiger. Before sending the main force of the subjugation force, we will send reinforcements as an advance team.”
Marquis Cattleya glared at the dignitaries seated at the Round Table.
No objections were raised. Marquis Cattleya continued.
“We will appoint Vice Knight Commander Bareya Cattleya as the commander of the advance team. Also, Lord Kerbelt of the court magicians will accompany him as adjutant.”
“Understood.”
“Yes…”
The two people sitting at the head of the table nodded simultaneously.
Bareya Cattleya was the eldest son of the Cattleya Marquis Family. He was the Vice Knight Commander and the most promising candidate to be the next Knight Commander. And he was Yuri’s older brother.
Rest didn’t know the person named Kerbelt, but he knew someone with the same family name.
(Could it be… no, it must be a relative of Isis Carbelt-senpai…?)
“The advance team will be a small elite force of about a thousand, all of whom are elites from the Knights and court magicians. Lord Clover, who is over there, will also accompany them.”
“…………!”
Suddenly, his name came out of Marquis Cattleya’s mouth.
He barely managed to suppress the urge to shout, caught off guard.
“Lord Clover was active in the previous civil war. I believe he will achieve sufficient results this time as well.”
While saying that he believed in him, Marquis Cattleya’s eyes were sharp.
He knew that he doted on his daughter, but he didn’t want to be glared at with such hostile eyes.
“I see… so you will join the campaign, Count Clover?”
It was Richard who asked him that.
The gazes of the other dignitaries also pierced Rest.
(If I had the audacity to shake my head in this situation, I probably wouldn’t be a noble…)
“I humbly accept the order…”
Rest’s participation was decided.
A few days later, he would head to the fort on the northern border as a member of the advance team.