Chapter 68 – The Changing Situation

The lord of Clostova, Godrick, was also present in the third wave and during the battle, Garshin took him down. This served as a turning point, leading the remaining forces to surrender one after another.

With a large number of prisoners in tow, our army headed back towards the capital. And as we finally caught sight of the capital, the captured lords gazed wide-eyed in astonishment.

“Indeed, it’s quite swift.”

There, my separate unit had been deployed. They were nomadic tribesmen from Alcarol, brought in as reinforcements.

As a precaution, I had them take a northern detour through Clostova territory. After all, the enemy forces were not stationed at the Tereshim River, making it easy for a large army to cross. While the enemy was distracted by our continuous retreat, I intended for the separate unit to seize the capital.

With a massive army of 80,000 deployed on the plains, the capital gates were left unguarded. Even if they hadn’t pursued us for seven days, the capital could still be occupied during that time. Then we could shift our focus again, this time enabling a pincer attack.

“I initially pondered how to strip Godrick of his armour… but the result is more than satisfactory.”

“Satisfactory doesn’t begin to describe it…”

The defeat stemmed from the inability to effectively command the large gathering of lords and the continued psychological advantage of having a large army. Godrick seemed to have taken hostages among the lords and there might have been other reasons for his defeat that I couldn’t see.

Entering the capital through the main gate, we headed straight for the lord’s mansion.

As rumoured, it’s quite a sizable city. Clostova’s scale rivals that of a small country. It should suffice as my temporary residence… and as a temporary stronghold.

‘There’s vast open plains around…we can conduct military exercises here. It’s time to prepare for the Empire…’

It was unavoidable to reorganize the Katzbarie and Clostova territories for a while.

A decree was issued to the populace, stating that if they chose to follow me as their prince, they wouldn’t be punished, especially if they helped take down the rebellious lord, Godrick.

However, the lords who fought alongside Godrick couldn’t simply be left alone.

“Choose whether to live as a commoner with your family, continue fighting as a prisoner soldier for a chance to regain your noble status or wish for freedom as a noble”

For those who chose the path of a soldier, they would be deployed to the toughest fronts in the upcoming battles. However, if they survived, I would formally employ them as loyal nobles who had demonstrated their allegiance to me. Depending on their wishes, I would also consider appointing them as lords again.

Upon hearing this, most of the captured lords opted to fight as prisoner soldiers. They desired to reclaim their status as Imperial nobles and rise under the new regime. Their motivations were varied.

“We also need to reorganize the military”

I issued a decree to the representatives of the forces deployed to the south. While they were part of Godrick’s army, they hadn’t been involved in the recent battle against me. It seemed they had decided not to abandon their defences here.

‘From now on, it will take about a year to consolidate our position. There’s a lot to be done. We also need to gather information about the Empire and the West.’

Additionally, I needed to issue a decree to the lord of Diltrack. The territories that had once been part of the Lords Alliance were now under my control and they wouldn’t dare defy me at this point.

“The next lord of Clostova will be Theodolf”

“Me!? Are you serious!?”

“Yes, you. You were the first to inform me of Godrick’s betrayal and your actions and loyalty have been unwavering. Let the children of the fallen nobles join you in reorganising the vacant estates and appoint them as lords”

“………!! Thank you!”

I needed to consult with my grandfather in Katzbarie. 

Now…after hearing back from Diltrack, I’ll proceed with the declaration of the new state. From here on, it would be a three-way struggle between the Northern Empire, the Southern Empire and the western bandits.

“Of course, the next target is the Imperial Capital. Without taking that place, I cannot officially proclaim myself as Emperor. But how should I attack from which territory? And where will Arloston deploy their knightly orders? I also need to gather information about the current situation in the Amatsuki Empire…”

Sending an army from the grasslands through the forests and mountains into the Empire was clearly impossible. However, a small force could be dispatched.

The martial individuals of the Empire must be aware of Princess Mayo’s marriage to the prince and the uprising in the Empire. I would prefer to coordinate with them if possible.

Furthermore, in anticipation of the battle with the Imperial Knights, I wanted to personally confirm the likely battlegrounds and the route to the Imperial Capital.

Once things settle down, I would like to infiltrate the Imperial territories myself…

“Well, for now, let’s focus on what’s in front of me”

■

The Diltrack territory, despite being adjacent to the mercenary demon lord Seazak and the Imperial territory, has managed to fend off their invasions for years and there are reasons for that.

The main reason is that the Diltrack territory itself is originally abundant in mountains, forests, and rivers, making it unsuitable for military operations.

Historically, this land has been inhabited by many mountain dwellers. They have raised hardy livestock accustomed to the cold and have lived resiliently, undeterred by rugged mountain paths.

When the Zeltreich Empire pursued expansionist policies, this land was incorporated into the empire,but the empire at that time did not treat them lightly.

With many highlands and a significant number of robust individuals, they were not to be underestimated. Although the region had fewer mark bearers, they preferred peaceful integration into the empire rather than fighting and annexation.

After all, their ability to traverse the mountains was truly exceptional. If the empire continued its expansionist policies, their skills would be highly desirable.

So, the empire and they struck a deal. The empire offered individuals with excellent marks—a princess from the royal family.

With each generation, the number of mark bearers among them would likely increase. This would lead to a more stable life even in harsh environments.

In return, they would lend their strength as members of the empire. That was the deal.

And indeed, they proved to be strategically valuable to the empire. They acted as surprise attack units crossing the mountains, and sometimes scouted locations where the army could cross the mountain range, showing great strength in mountainous terrain.

However, over time, a rift began to form between them and the central authority. This became definitive when Creyval ascended to the throne.

Since then, they have become a major territory entrusted with overseeing the westernmost lands of the Lords Alliance.

“Such is the flow of time, isn’t it?”

The current lord of Diltrack is named Lantis. At the age of 40, he is still in his prime as a lord.

Although his territory is filled with villages in the highlands, the capital city is located on a plain amidst the mountains. This attracts a considerable number of guests from other territories.

And just recently, a messenger arrived under Lantis’s command, bearing a letter. The sender was Wolk, the lord of Linzent territory.

‘There’s a lot written here, but… in essence, it’s a call to follow Prince Vilgard.’

This isn’t a problem in itself. After all, Lantis originally intended to comply when Vilgard first demanded allegiance from the Lords Alliance.

‘While other major lords planned to negotiate or submit to the prince, I intended to submit unconditionally from the start. Without a leader like the prince, we would soon fall apart.’

So, Lantis wanted to quickly send a reply to Vilgard.

However, contacting the Lords Alliance’s eastern regions is difficult now. The reason is that the neighbouring Kamurakku territory to the east has been invaded by the Imperial Knights and is almost entirely occupied.

They narrowly avoided being cut off, but now, if they don’t go through Kamurakku territory, they have to take a significant detour north to maintain communication.

Even so, it’s not impossible. After all, Linzent managed to send a message like this.

‘However… to be praised so highly by Wolk-Tono… Is Prince Vilgard truly such a remarkable figure?’

Lantis knows Wolk well. He’s not the kind of person to give unwarranted praise just because of a familial connection.

Furthermore, the letter detailed how Vilgard had managed to sway the Lords Alliance to his side.

‘To boldly rebuke Wolk-Tono in front of so many lords… Indeed, that’s no small feat.’

In Wolk’s letter, there was a strong sense of kingly demeanour at this moment.

With a force of 20,000 troops departing from Linzent territory to subdue two major territories, the letter suggests this will be accomplished in less than six months.

‘Though I doubt that just 20,000 troops can conquer two major territories in half a year…’

However, about three months later, after conquering the two major territories, Vilgard sent an envoy once again, urging allegiance to him.