Chapter 48 – The Empire or the Lord’s Alliance?

Roban-san has not yet returned, but Karan-san, who completed negotiations in the capital, has returned to the Alcarol territory.

I commended him for his negotiations with the Empire and listened to various things he had to say.

“On the way to the capital, I sent secret messengers to the lords who seemed dissatisfied with the emperor. While I didn’t experience any inconvenience in the capital, I was mostly confined to my quarters. They seemed wary of me bringing back information.”

“It turned out to be for the best. If we had gotten involved too deeply, they might not have let us leave.”

In the end, Karan-san returned without even meeting with any prominent nobles. Well, results were achieved, so there shouldn’t be any problems.

“According to reports from those who infiltrated the capital, the central government is gathering large amounts of weapons and food. Probably…”

“They’re likely preparing to move the Knight Order as a deterrent against us. But that major defeat has traumatised the Knight Order. Also, Barkdine and Loglaine, who have returned to the capital, will probably spread stories of what happened back then.”

In essence, the Imperial Knight Order cannot send enough troops to annihilate us right now. Moreover, if they suffer another defeat, it could potentially lead to the collapse of the empire.

At best, they can station around 20,000 troops in the vicinity of our territory to monitor us and prevent us from leaving…or to act as a deterrent.

However, if the empire settles its affairs in other regions, there’s a possibility they’ll launch an attack on our territory. I must also prepare to prevent that from happening.

“Karan-san, I will lead 15,000 steppe people and 5,000 newly organised soldiers, totaling 20,000, into the territories of the Lord’s Alliance.”

“Over half of our forces will remain here!?”

“Yes.”

Roban-san should be returning soon, and it’s about time for some action from the Lord’s Alliance.

However, separately from that, I intend to lead the army into the territories of the Lord’s Alliance.

“Are you not unnecessarily provoking them?”

“I might be. However, I don’t intend to unify those lands through talks or negotiations over a long period.”

“Then…”

“Yes. Based on the information gathered by you and others, I’ve decided. We’ll start by unifying the northern part of the empire… the lands controlled by the Lord’s Alliance.”

Whether to prioritise the Lord’s Alliance or not. Initially, I intended to do so, but depending on the movements of the empire’s territories, I considered postponing it. However, it’s not the time to engage with the empire now. Besides, we’ve already dealt them a significant defeat, so we’ve bought ourselves some time.

As planned, we’ll continue absorbing the Lord’s Alliance through the northern route.

“Most likely, about half of the lords will join us without a fight. However, I’m not certain about the lords who hold significant military forces…especially the four major lords.”

And I don’t want to unnecessarily fear them, which could delay our actions. We need to keep taking the initiative and limit their options.

“I’ve already extended offers for them to follow me, but there’s no need to negotiate or wait for their response. We’ll ride in and make our intentions clear.”

“I see…Rumors about Vilgard-sama have already spread to their lands. It should prove helpful.”

“I appreciate it.”

While more than half of our forces will remain, the rest…I intend to bring along most of the Dorga, Utt, Para and Kyamura tribes.

The total number will be close to 30,000. Depending on the number of soldiers we absorb, there’s also the consideration of swapping out troops left in this region.

For lords who don’t show their allegiance clearly, we’ll launch military invasions promptly. From our perspective, they’re rebels opposing the imperial family. Interestingly, on this point, the empire and I are in agreement.

The time has come for the Lords Alliance to choose whether to side with the emperor, with me or to continue fighting as rebels.

“…I’m actually unsure whether to bring Rina and Mayo with me on this expedition. Do you have any thoughts on this, Karan-san?”

This expedition from here will likely take quite some time, with a considerable distance to travel. Considering the possibility of pregnancy along the way, I’m hesitating about whether to bring them.

But if no child has been conceived from our previous activities, it could be a long time before one is born. Honestly, for my own sake of calming my spirit before battle, I want to bring both wives with me.

If it’s just about fulfilling sexual desires, there are other means. But it would be… difficult to face my wives if I were to impregnate another woman before them. It’s somewhat… uncomfortable to think about.

“Why not ask them directly?…Although I suspect they’ll both say they want to come.”

“…You’re right.”

■

After finishing my conversation with Karan, I stepped outside the building. In the distance, I could see a group of armed individuals returning.

It was Garshin, Crudo and their companions. They had been training in coordination with the newly added soldiers. Barkat was impressed by the rigorous training they underwent every day.

For the next expedition, they would also be brought along as the main force. I mentally pictured the map of the territories controlled by the Lords Alliance.

‘…We’ll likely need to divide our forces for military operations. Various preparations will be necessary to avoid being picked off one by one… But they should gain valuable experience leading troops.’

Already, a route for our advance had formed in my mind. The Lords Alliance had established substantial defensive measures in the south as preparation against the empire.

However, I intended to boldly infiltrate their territories from the southeast and advance the invasion from within.

It would indeed be a military operation impossible in the empire.

‘The potential hotspots for conflict seem to be Katzbarie and Clostova.’

Both are major territories within the Lords Alliance, possessing significant military strength. If they align themselves with me, excellent. If not, they’ll serve as training partners to improve the readiness of our troops.

On the other hand, there are two major lords that I can’t quite read. Linzent and Diltrack.

Linzent is from my maternal family but whether they’ll accept me is uncertain. Also, Linzent’s territory is positioned on the northern side of the Lords Alliance and doesn’t directly border the empire.

However, it faces foreign territories to the north, so they have stationed troops in that direction.

Then there’s Diltrack. It’s the westernmost territory of the Lords Alliance and borders the lawless western regions of the empire where bandits roam. Additionally, it shares a border with the empire, so they likely have ample military forces.

Even if they were to become my vassals, they probably wouldn’t be able to divert their forces to support us.

‘Many lords will likely submit to me eventually, but ultimately, it will depend on whether I can defeat the major lords with their significant populations and military strength.’

Lost in such thoughts, I spotted Rina and Mayo enjoying a conversation in the courtyard.

Standing nearby were their guardians, Shizuku and their mentor. As they noticed me, they smiled.

“Welcome back, Vyril!”

“Welcome home, dear.”

“I’m back.”

“Guess what, Vyril! Just a moment ago…”

The two of us enjoyed a pleasant time together. It seemed that since becoming my wife, Rina had increased the time she spent not moving her body, so she mentioned wanting to go hunting again.

Well, perhaps I should make some time for that.

“Oh, if that’s the case, I’d like to join as well”

“Mayo?”

“Yes, I’d love to. I can’t use a bow, but I can use my inscription technique to slice through beasts”

Ah…

Mayo’s engraving technique was a special power unique to those with strong blood ties to the Gnokain.

Despite her elegant appearance, it possessed incredibly high offensive power. I just hoped there wouldn’t be any need to use it in actual combat.

“Well then, shall we head back to the room for dinner? There’s something I’d like to discuss with both of you”

“With us?”

“Yes, of course. It won’t take long. Come, let’s go.”