Chapter 77 – To the Territory of Diltrack

In any case, the sooner we act, the better. I quickly gathered my group and left the capital…but,

“Wait, all my guards are of commander class, aren’t they?”

“Prince Vilgard, since there won’t be any battles for a while, there are plenty of people who can manage the army.”

“That’s right! Your Majesty, please allow us to accompany you!”

The guards Laris selected for me were the elite among the people of the plains. I recognized each one as someone who could be entrusted with leading an army.

First, there was Darba from the Para tribe, who had excelled as an engineer in the recent battle. He was the oldest among us but still in his prime in his thirties.

From the Muria tribe, known for their skilled archers, we had Kud, Laris, Rapas, and Rizua. Laris and Rizua were women, adept at rapid shooting. Rapas had a strong mark and could handle a powerful bow.

From the Ruto tribe, known for their robust warriors, we had Garshin, Lombard, Magua and Girei. Magua was Lombard’s younger brother and Girei, the youngest among us, was still an apprentice commander but I was confident he would be a key figure in the military’s future.

Lastly, we had Harudo, a young man from the Gagaru tribe, who primarily tended livestock. He was particularly skilled with horses and had a sharp eye for details, making him a promising candidate for command. Currently, he was under Garshin’s tutelage.

I intended for these ten individuals to lead elite units as commanders in the future. During our campaigns against the Lords Alliance, I had them lead units to gain experience, and the results were promising.

Along with these ten promising individuals, we were joined by Karan-san and Shamia, making a total of thirteen as we left the capital.

“Karan-dono! How far is it from here to the capital of Diltrack?”

“For just us, it would be a day or two. With the guidance of the territorial army, it will take at most five days.”

“Eh~!? Wouldn’t it be faster for us to go alone?”

“Shamia, the lord needs to send his own people as guides to maintain appearances. If we suddenly show up alone, it might cause inconvenience.”

I had heard that Lantis, the lord of Diltrack, had expressed his intention to submit to me from the start.

Well, since it’s our first meeting, it would be better to go with guides rather than barging in unannounced. They would need time to prepare, after all.

As we rode, Rizua came up close to me.

“Your Majesty, how are things with your wives?”

“W-what do you mean?”

“Oh come on, don’t make me say it! I mean in *that* way, of course!”

“Rizua!? W-what are you saying to Prince Vilgard!?”

With no major battles on the horizon, the atmosphere felt more relaxed than usual. Even Karan-san showed interest in the topic.

“I’m curious as well. After all, it concerns my sister, Rina, and when she might give birth. As her brother… and as an uncle-to-be, it’s a matter of interest.”

“Isn’t it? Just as expected from Karan-dono!”

Ugh… Even Karan-san…

“So, how’s it going? Are things progressing well?”

“W-well, things are going as they should, I suppose. Given my position, it’s also a duty of mine…”

“Ooooh~!”

Garshin looked like he was thinking about stepping in to stop this conversation but he ultimately kept quiet. Kud was listening with amusement.

“Your wives have been waiting for your return in the capital of Clostova all this time. You must be eager to see them and hold them again, right?”

“…That’s right! It’s been days of continuous fighting… Once I return to the capital, I plan to spend some time being pampered by both of them!”

I half-shouted, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

It’s a fact that I value my two wives dearly and there’s no need to hide it from the grassland people.

“This means the heir’s birth will come soon, doesn’t it…?”

“What are Rina and Mayo like at night?”

“Hey, Rizua…! We have Karan-dono here, what are you asking!?”

Thankfully, Garshin intervened. It’s definitely not the place to discuss this…

“Good grief…Let’s change the subject. You guys will be the core of the elite army that will support the country in the future… I want to talk about the name for that.”

“Ah… You mentioned that before.”

Right. I want a nice name for these ten. Just calling them commanders seems plain.

“Back in the day, it seems our ancestor were called the Flashing Eight Horses along with Gnochein when they roamed the continent…”

If we’re referring to tribes, that name isn’t bad.

“How about Five Flashes Five Gleams?”

“Oh, that’s good.”

“Whaaat!? Shouldn’t it be something like the Ten Generals? …Isn’t that better?”

Opinions split among the ten. Hm…I should think about it before the North Empire’s declaration of foundation.

As we discussed, we met with the troops of Diltrack’s territory. From there, we relied on their guidance, heading straight for the capital.

With their numbers being few, we were able to advance through the territory without much slowdown.

And three days earlier than planned, we finally arrived at the capital of Diltrack’s territory.

■

The capital was situated on a flat land amid the mountains, and being a major territory, it was a sizable city.

I hate to admit it but among the major territories of the Lords Alliance, I always thought Diltrack’s capital would be the smallest.

In terms of population, it’s the smallest among the four major territories and considering Diltrack’s terrain with many mountains and rugged terrain, I assumed there wouldn’t be many people in the capital.

As we headed towards the lord’s mansion, I mentioned this impression to Karan-san. He chuckled in response.

“Haha. Indeed, one would be surprised by the size of this city, considering the population. There’s a reason why the capital has expanded to this extent.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Originally, most of the inhabitants here were concentrated in the capital. Some of the subjects lived in the traditional areas… the mountainous regions. But in recent years, many young people are born there and come to the capital in search of work.”

I see…I heard that people around here originally lived by raising livestock in the mountainous areas.

Representatives were welcomed into the ranks of the imperial nobility, making it easier for the capital to interact with the imperial capital, so the capital was built here.

Naturally, many people and goods gather in the capital from the imperial capital. As time passed, more and more people moved down from the mountainous regions to live here.

“Another reason is that this place has developed as a resting place for those who crossed the mountains… or those who came over them.”

Except to the east, there are mountain ranges. If coming from the Kamurakku direction, one only needs to cross gentle hills to arrive but to go elsewhere from here, one needs to traverse mountain passes.

Those about to cross the mountains would prepare here before embarking on their journey and conversely, those who came from the other side of the mountains would rest here.

As the number of such people increased, there was a rise in demand for lodgings, eateries, clothing and daily necessities. As demand increased, merchants from the imperial capital also began to frequent the city more often.

“And yet, with the ongoing civil strife, it seems there are fewer people visiting the capital…”

“Yes. Lantis-dono has lamented about it before. He mentioned that tax revenue has been decreasing year by year.”

Crossing the mountains requires vigilance and there are no travellers heading to the imperial territories to the west or south after crossing from here. Merchants from the capital do not visit either.

With this setup, doing business here would be difficult.

“I see. The building directly in front is the lord’s mansion. It seems Lantis-dono is also waiting outside the gate to greet us.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Compared to the grand mansions of the major lords I’ve seen before, the lord’s mansion appeared very simple.

The capital itself doesn’t feel particularly flashy and perhaps the residents here value simplicity and modesty as virtues.

“Oh…! Karan-tono, it’s been a while! And…”

A figure who seems to be Lantis gazes up at me as I ride my horse. He’s quite young. I believe he’s around forty years old.

While he doesn’t seem to have a particularly muscular physique, there is an intelligent gleam in his eyes. Lantis kneels down on one knee.

“It is an honour to meet you for the first time. I am Lord Lantis, entrusted with the land of Diltrack. I am truly honoured to welcome Prince Vilgard in this manner.”

Standing beside Lantis, a woman with light green hair places her sword down and also kneels before me.

This woman…seems quite capable. She kneels with the same respect as Lantis but exudes a more dignified air than him.

Perhaps she has a fearless personality…or maybe she has experienced significant battles. She is likely Lantis’s knight.

“Lantis-dono, I apologise for this sudden visit. While I came as far as Kamurakku, I felt it would be a waste to return to Clostova immediately. Let me reintroduce myself, I am Vilgard Zeltreich. Please lend me your strength to unify the empire and stabilise the continent’s situation.”

“I…! I wish to pledge my loyalty to Prince Vilgard! Please, tell me whatever I can do with my power!”

“Thank you… Haha, there’s no need to be so formal. You’ve held out well against two forces until today. If you’re willing, could you share your story with me?”

At this, Lantis and the woman stand up. The tension fades from their expressions.

“Yes. Please, come inside. I apologise for not being able to offer much hospitality…”

“I believe I understand the importance of this place and Lantis-dono’s role. As long as there’s a place to rest, hospitality is unnecessary. Please don’t worry.”

Following Lantis’s guidance, we enter the mansion. Watching the woman walk, I became convinced that she was no ordinary person.