Chapter 91 – Imperial capital or west?

“Seazack’s own strength…?”

“Yeah. Probably, Seazack’s personal strength is top-class. He could probably crush a family all by himself.”

In a land where rough characters gather, absolute violence speaks volumes. Seazack seems to use it straightforwardly.

There have been several occasions where Seazack has actually fought a family single-handedly.

“I think Seazack’s mark probably has abilities other than just enhancing physical abilities. I heard rumours… that when Seazack gets serious, he wraps himself in white armour all over his body.”

Shamia’s words drew everyone’s attention to me.

My mark technique covers my entire body in black armour. Everyone must have imagined that ability of mine.

“…Maybe he’s the same type as me, huh?”

“There’s no confirmation though.”

Certainly, my mark technique is powerful. It can significantly increase both defence and attack power, and I can even fight multiple opponents alone in a short time.

Against rough characters like those we hear about in the stories, I could also rampage alone.

But among those who manifest marks, awakening abilities other than enhanced physical abilities is rare. And most of those individuals have particularly strong Gnochein blood… limited to some nobles.

Of course, there may be exceptions… but is Seazack one of them?

“What about the rumours… about the princess of the Brenark Kingdom being held hostage?”

“Oh… yeah. That was true too… But a hostage? Uh, it might actually be different?”

“Hmm?”

Apparently, Seazack had indeed abducted the princess of the Brenark Kingdom.

However, according to Shamia’s investigation, the princess had willingly sided with Seazack.

“Um… at that time, Seazack was quite well-known. He was even seen as a hero, it seems.”

“Thanks to the Empire, there was never a shortage of conflicts. It was an era where gaining fame was easier if you excelled on the battlefield.”

“Yeah. From there, I heard various rumours and made my guesses… about how it might have been…”

Seazack, who had become renowned as a hero in the Brenark Kingdom, had opportunities to converse with the king and his daughter at the time.

Observing the king’s doting on his daughter, Seazack began to approach the princess.

“Well, he probably moved to make her fall for him. And this princess…seems her head was somewhat peaceful. I think she probably heard Seazack’s plan at this point.”

Despite the king’s doting, it seems the princess wasn’t very fond of him.

Then, Seazack and his knights invaded the imperial territory, and the princess was brought to the imperial territory under Seazack’s command.

“We don’t know how Seazack persuaded the princess. But he did indeed acquire a hostage for the Brenark Kingdom.”

“She might not have been kidnapped, but willingly went to Seazack… possibly.”

There might have been some circumstances on her side as well.

If this speculation turns out to be true, it would be akin to being a traitor to the country in the eyes of the nation.

“…Is the princess still alive?”

“Hmm… Probably? There were rumours that she also had children with Seazack… but nothing definitive about her life or death.”

Well, she’s a trump card against the Brenark Kingdom, so they wouldn’t easily reveal her status, even if she were dead. Whether she took the risk of having children remains unknown.

Afterward, Shamia reported approximate geography and information about the western region. It felt like some parts that hadn’t been clear before were starting to become visible.

“Vilgard-sama. How will you proceed with the west?”

“It’s not something to overlook…!”

“But for now, our priority should be dealing with the Empire.”

“So, you’re just going to abandon them?”

“No one is saying that! It’s a matter of priorities!”

After hearing Shamia’s report, some were eager to immediately liberate the west.

However, others strongly advocated focusing on the Empire first, foreseeing the future.

Well, I can understand both arguments. In the long run, it makes sense to steer towards dealing with the Empire, but… I also have a strong desire not to leave the west unattended.

Certainly, the main reason is Elfilia. I’ve promised her to reclaim her homeland. Sooner is better.

“Your Highness, I believe we should first reclaim the Imperial Capital”

Ondyle quietly spoke, the next lord of the Linzent territory and also my uncle.

“…And why is that?”

“While it’s true we can’t overlook the west, whether it’s the Imperial Capital or the western lands, unification is inevitable. If we were to start with the west now, the road to unification would be much longer.”

Despite receiving disapproving glances from some nobles, Ondyle continued to explain his reasoning.

Firstly, to access the west from the Northern Empire, one must pass through the mountains of the Diltrack territory. Alternatively, one could establish control over the Imperial territories to the south of Diltrack and send troops from there…but either way, crossing the mountains is necessary.

Leading a military force over the mountains is no easy feat. Guides and preparations would be necessary. 

Moreover, once you’ve crossed to the other side, it’s not easy to return. Supplies would have to be sourced locally along the way.

In short, the cost of marching is high. And it’s uncertain how long it will take to unify the western regions.

“However, once the Imperial Capital is recaptured, the situation changes. By that point, some of the nobles and lords who currently support the Emperor may turn to support Prince Vilgard. Then, we can prepare our forces and resources and confidently send troops westward.”

Well, it’s essentially what I had in mind originally, and Ondyle’s argument is quite reasonable.

‘But there are also good reasons to turn our attention to the west at this point…’

As I ponder whether to voice this thought, another man raises his hand. 

“May I speak?”

“Ah, please share your thoughts, Altark.”

He’s a knight we captured at Katzbarie. He’s survived on the front lines and often provides fairly accurate opinions.

I’m considering entrusting him with defence forces that will be aimed at the Empire in the Katzbarie region.

“The Brenark Kingdom has been mentioned several times. Is there a possibility that the Empire might join forces with his country and together liberate the western region?”

“What…?”

“The Empire… teaming up with a foreign country?”

Surprising…It’s exactly what I’ve been concerned about.

Currently, there are several troublesome options if we provoke the Empire and this is one of them.

At present, it’s difficult for us to make contact with the Brenark Kingdom. However, the Empire is adjacent to them, so they can send envoys.

“No, no, Altark-Tono. Is that possible?”

“Indeed. The relationship between the Empire and Brenark is by no means good. It’s unlikely that Brenark would lend a hand in reclaiming the western region.”

“Yes. There’s no benefit for Brenark in doing so.”

The result the Empire seeks is the liberation of the western region. That’s certainly in the Empire’s interest.

There’s no reason for Brenark to assist with that. However…

“What if the Empire could offer some benefits in exchange for cooperation?”

“…?”

“For example, conceding some of the western region… It’s worth noting that those lands belonged to Brenark in ancient times.”

I didn’t know that…Well, the Empire has always pursued expansionist policies.

“If such cooperation were to occur, the Empire would inevitably be in a position to make demands. I doubt the current Emperor would be capable of negotiating such terms.”

Theodolf speaks up here, as a major lord, blending his opinion with criticism of the Emperor.

“Indeed, I understand Altark-tono’s concerns… But is it wise to determine the military policy of the Northern Empire based on such a low probability event? Furthermore, the issue of how to advance troops to the western region has yet to be resolved.”

“………….”

It seems that the consensus is leaning towards prioritising the capture of the Imperial capital, with a ratio of 7 to 3.

While the ultimate decision lies with me, it’s good to hear everyone’s thoughts. Amidst the gathered gazes, I nod in agreement.

“The primary objective is the capture of the Imperial capital, as articulated by Ondyle-tono. However, I share Altark-tono’s concerns. While we currently have no intention of mobilising troops against either the Empire or the western region, we will continue to devise strategies here. I ask that each of you remain prepared for battle.”

“Ha!”

The response may lack enthusiasm but it’s understandable. I myself haven’t reached a conclusive decision yet.

In fact, I’m currently in communication with the inhabitants of the mountainous regions through Lantis, the Lord of Diltrack. The purpose is to determine if there are individuals who can guide our troops across the mountains to the west.

First, we need to ascertain if it’s feasible and if so, how long it would take to traverse the mountains. We must proceed with these verifications.

The final decision will depend on confirming this information and the subsequent actions of the Empire.

‘Regarding the Empire, I’m also considering collaborating with the rebellious elements in the Imperial territories, the warriors. Furthermore, our information on the vicinity of the Imperial capital is still incomplete.’

Indeed…It’s about time I personally went to the Imperial capital to directly confirm the terrain and other information. Stealthily. Without being discovered.

The outcome of the battle will be determined by how well-prepared we are before it begins. While information on the Muga tribe is important, when it comes to facing the Empire, we’ll inevitably have to deal with the Imperial Knights.

To aim for a more certain victory, I want to see it with my own eyes.