Chapter 52 – Vilgard advance into the Northern Territory

“Then… let’s go!”

“Oooooooooh!!!!”

After making various adjustments, I ultimately decided to advance with an army of 20,000 into the territory controlled by the Lords’ Alliance. Of these, 5,000 are imperial soldiers that Garshin and his men evaluated as [useful enough].

As for the grassland people, more than 20,000 of them are left here as a precaution.

However, according to my estimation, the forces left here will join us in the northern land within a few months.

Even just by continuing the march, more lords will gather under my banner. We should be able to recruit more troops locally as well. Once a reasonable number of soldiers are assembled, they will replace the grassland  people left here.

However, the number 20,000 is purely the calculated combat strength. There is also the logistics unit, mainly composed of the Kyamura tribe, which includes Rina, Mayo, and the soldiers’ families. In other words, it’s a large mobile supply base.

Additionally, there are scouts from the Utt tribe, messengers from the Dorga tribe, and numerous workers from the Para tribe. Combined, there are about 30,000 people.

Leading such a massive force, we head straight north. The first territory we enter is Lailag territory. I recall the information gathered by the Muga tribe.

‘Rylag territory belongs to one of the four major lords, Katzbarie. Since it borders Alcarol territory, it received soldiers from Katzbarie.’

Katzbalier territory is west of Rylag territory. Since Rylag territory is not very large, it probably relied on Katzbalier for military support.

However, since I took control of Alcarol, those troops seem to have returned to Katzbalier.

From the situation, I am not an enemy of the Lords’ Alliance. They probably thought there was no need to station soldiers here… but their foresight is lacking.

Firstly, I have no intention whatsoever of negotiating with the Lords’ Alliance for a long period to bring them under my control. If they try to engage in petty negotiations, I plan to quickly subjugate them by force.

In other words, for the Lords’ Alliance, I am not necessarily an ally. From my perspective, they are no different from a rebel army defying the royal family. Why should I hesitate? …That’s how it is.

Regarding this march, I have not notified the lords at all. I will only send advance notice when we get close to the capital.

And then I will ask them: Will you submit to me or not? What is your answer?…

I plan to rendezvous with Roban-san ahead, but I doubt the Lords’ Alliance has reached a consensus yet. With dozens of lords, there are bound to be those who act independently without coordinating with everyone.

But I intend to observe the reactions of the lords, including these situations. Who is supportive and who is opposed? What are the reasons for their opposition? Is it quicker to resolve this through discussion or by applying military pressure?

From now on, we will need to respond flexibly and continuously.

“Vilgard-sama! A response from the lord of Rylag territory! They pledge their loyalty to you as the next emperor and will also accept the supply of the army!”

“Alright. Let’s go greet the lord. Lombard, Shamia! Come with me!”

“Yes!”

“Understood.”

Lombard, like Garshin, is a warrior of the Ruto tribe. Though younger than Garshin, he is a man expected to eventually become a central figure in the army.

Thus, starting from Rylag territory, I advanced my army into the regions controlled by the Lords’ Alliance.

■

“Father, I have verified the contents of the letter sent by Sister Riglaise. Vilgard is…the real deal. He is undoubtedly Riguraize-Nee-san’s son.”

“I see…”

One of the four major lords effectively uniting the Lords’ Alliance, Wolk Linzent, was having tea with his son, Ondyle, at their mansion.

Of course, this wasn’t merely a moment of parent-child bonding. They had to deliberate on how to act as lords in response to the sudden change in circumstances.

Ondyle, Riguraize’s younger brother and thus Vilgard’s uncle, had meticulously examined the letters Riguraize had sent during her lifetime, confirming the mark on Vilgard’s left eye.

As a result, it was clear that Vilgard, whose name now resounded throughout the entire empire, was a genuine member of the royal family.

“I thought both my daughter and her child had fallen victim to the emperor’s purge…”

“Someone must have helped them escape from the capital. The reason they didn’t flee to the Linzent territory was probably because…”

“Hmph. Whoever it was, they were astute. Normally, one would expect them to bring the child straight here for a reward…”

In the past few years, the empire had calmed down but at the onset of the internal conflict, there were more wars than now. Skirmishes and large-scale battles occurred throughout the land.

What would have happened if the Lords’ Alliance had protected a surviving member of the royal family—especially one connected to the Linzent territory—during such times?

Naturally, the empire would have done anything to kill that prince. The existence of such a person could determine whether the Lords’ Alliance was merely a gathering of rebels or whether they had a legitimate cause to raise an army.

Wolk moved his large, well-built body and carefully picked up his teacup. He drank the tea as if it were liquor, contemplating the gravity of the situation.

“However, it seems he possesses considerable military talent. Whether I can truly call him my grandson remains to be seen.”

“Indeed. It’s unclear whether there’s a capable strategist behind him or if it’s truly Vilgard’s own genius.”

They had already heard that Vilgard had defeated the elite Imperial Knights head-on. The Lords’ Alliance had reached out to gather information from various sources, confirming that the battle had indeed taken place.

Vilgard had raised an army on the grassland and, despite being outnumbered, had decimated a large force. Wolk was pleased by this…but he couldn’t yet determine if it was due to Vilgard’s own abilities.

There could be someone behind him, using Vilgard to seize control of the empire.

However, recent events suggested otherwise. Vilgard had demanded the Lords’ Alliance submit to him.

Initially, many lords thought this was presumptuous. Wolk was among them. They believed Vilgard wanted the military strength of the Lords’ Alliance to protect himself from the empire.

But Vilgard held significant value for the Lords’ Alliance. By accepting him, they could gain the leader they had long awaited. Vilgard seemed to understand this, using it to his advantage.

Total submission was unappealing but his accomplishments were undeniable. Discussions within the Lords’ Alliance had continued for several days.

Some had rashly provoked Vilgard, which provided an opportunity to observe his reaction.

They were considering negotiating with Vilgard under the principle of mutual compromise rather than complete submission…when an unexpected event occurred.

Vilgard led his army himself, boldly advancing into the territory of the Lords’ Alliance.

This development caused panic among the lords along his route. Many of them, especially those not near the imperial lands or the borders, had minimal military forces. Now, a formidable army that had defeated the elite Imperial Knights was marching towards them.

What would happen if they said, [No, we will not submit to you]?

Vilgard continued to advance, subjugating the lords along the way. He had divided his army into four groups, subjugating lords in various regions simultaneously.

Any lord who attempted to negotiate was swiftly attacked by the combined forces of all four armies.

Vilgard made it terrifyingly clear that [Lords who defy the royal family are rebels. There will be no negotiations with rebels.] Now, most of the eastern part of the territory controlled by the Lords’ Alliance had submitted to Vilgard.

It became evident that there was no one behind Vilgard. He was pursuing the unification of the empire of his own volition.

Moreover, it seemed impossible for someone who wasn’t of royal blood to so ruthlessly integrate the Lords’ Alliance. Wolk realised he had misunderstood Vilgard’s intentions from the beginning.

Vilgard never intended to engage in prolonged negotiations with the Lords’ Alliance. His demand was simple: submit to him or face the consequences.

He fundamentally regarded the lords of the Lords’ Alliance as rebels, not as potential allies. He never intended to rely on their military strength. If they did not submit, he would subjugate them by force.

Some nobles were angered by Vilgard’s attitude, but many more trembled and submitted to him.

The 『prince』 title was exceedingly appealing to the Lords’ Alliance. Moreover, Vilgard had both achievements and charisma.

Many lords desired to be under his protection, safeguarded by the formidable force that had defeated the Imperial Knights. Some would submit out of fear, but the allure of his power and status was undeniable.

“So, Father, you’re really going?”

“Of course. I must see for myself what kind of man Vilgard is…I cannot simply submit without my own eyes confirming it.”

Vilgard, having brought the entire eastern region under his control, had sent notifications to the neighbouring lords, demanding they come to his current capital by a set deadline.

He declared that those who came would be comrades in the fight for the unification of the empire and those who didn’t should prepare to cross swords with him as rebels.

Despite having many lords under his command, Vilgard’s military strength had not yet reached that of a major lord. This was natural, as he had only brought under control lords who initially had minimal military power.

However, by sending notifications to the neighbouring lords at this juncture…

“If I don’t show up, he’ll likely launch an invasion immediately.”

“If it comes to a direct confrontation with our territory, Vilgard will have to respond. He wants to make our stance clear—whether we will fight or not.”

Although he had notified neighbouring lords, they were secondary. The real target was undoubtedly the Linzent territory.

Ignoring the notification would likely lead to a full-scale military invasion.

Unlike other territories, the Linzent territory was well-equipped with a standing army. Hence, Vilgard wanted to force a decision—whether to fight or submit.

“Arrogant without even attempting to negotiate…But if he aims to become the next emperor, such arrogance is fitting in a way.”

For Wolk, Vilgard’s rise evoked both joy and frustration.

He wanted to support Vilgard, the last remnant of his daughter and given the current position of the Lords’ Alliance. However, being unilaterally pressured from above was irritating.

Moreover, Vilgard surely coveted the wealth and military power of a major territory. Here, Wolk intended to break Vilgard’s imposed rules and establish his own advantage.

“I will go and meet him. But whether or not we submit will be decided after I speak with him directly.”