Chapter 96 – Toward the Imperial Territory

“Vilgard-sama…are you really, um…serious about this…?”

“Yeah. Just like I’ve been saying all along. This is something the Northern Empire must do in order to move to the next stage.”

He had been spending every day in meetings, training, and making children with Elfilia, but recently, he finally began to have a bit of breathing room. The training of the soldiers was going smoothly, too.

Especially by setting detailed rules even for things like meals and sleeping habits in daily life, he continued to forge them into disciplined soldiers. He even incorporated appropriate days off to prevent stress from building up.

The development of weapons and siege machines was also progressing. However, at this stage, they were still not ready to march on the imperial capital.

He didn’t want to give the Empire too much time, but on the other hand, there were still parts on his side that needed preparation.

“I already told Rhoban-san before…When our preparations are complete, the army will march from here, Clostova, toward the imperial capital. To prepare for that day, I need to see it with my own eyes, no matter what.”

If they were to prioritize the recapture of the imperial capital while putting off the western regions, he already had a certain strategy in mind.

First, the armies would advance from the Kamurakku and Alcarol territories. Also, if coordination could be achieved, he planned to have the Imperial State stir up some commotion as well.

Naturally, the Empire would be forced to respond to these three locations. Then, once attention in the capital was sufficiently drawn in three directions, the army would finally begin its march from Clostova toward the capital.

Of course, the enemy would realize it was a diversion. But even if they did, they couldn’t afford not to deal with it.

And on his side, none of the three armies needed to win completely. As long as they could draw the Empire’s attention, the operation would be considered a success.

However, if the Empire didn’t properly respond, the Northern Empire would take their territory. It would be like a larger-scale version of their usual multi-route invasions.

This bold move is only possible because I, personally, hold full control over the Northern Empire’s military—including the regional forces.

If the Empire tried to do the same, they’d likely run into complications coordinating with feudal lords and knight orders.

However, if the main force I lead fails to reach the imperial capital, everything ends right there. This military operation cannot afford even a single failure.

That’s why I absolutely had to see the terrain and the route to the capital with my own eyes.

“Certainly, the maps and intel gathered by the Muga tribe merchants are accurate and useful… but there are things you can only see when you go and confirm them yourself.”

For example, back when I fought the sixty-thousand-strong Imperial Army led by Barkdine—that was a perfect case.

It was precisely because I personally inspected the site that was to become the battlefield that I was able to take position at the most ideal spot to intercept such a massive force.

Even so, Rhoban-san’s worried expression hadn’t faded one bit.

“But still… Rina has finally gotten pregnant…”

“…Which is exactly why. I don’t want the child we’re bringing into this world to inherit the kind of hardships I had to bear. Besides… with everyone else risking their lives on the battlefield, I can’t be the one just sitting back in safety and barking orders, can I?”

Of course, once I step onto the battlefield, I’ll be putting my life on the line as well, swinging my sword on the frontlines.

But it’s exactly because I show that resolve even in times of peace that my soldiers entrust their lives to me. That’s why they follow me.

“I’ll be taking proper escorts. I also plan to bring along Karan-san to guide the way.”

And Shamia too, for that matter. Actually, I’ll be taking about ten people from the Utt tribe.

I’ll have them scout out in as many directions as possible in advance, minimizing the risk of my presence inside the Empire being discovered. I’ll also need to prepare an eye patch.

And I’d like to bring along two of the Ten Generals. Ideally, the ones who will be marching with me from Clostova to the capital.

“Of course, I don’t intend to be away for too long. In the meantime, keep that other matter progressing.”

“Ferlog and the Imperial State, yes. Understood.”

It’s been a while since I’ve taken a journey like this. As soon as preparations are complete, I’d like to depart swiftly. By the time I return to the regional capital, I expect we’ll have gathered plenty of intel.

At that point, we’ll finally be able to make a firm decision on our next invasion target… the capital, or the western region. Or perhaps, both at the same time.

■

Between the Empire, the Northern Empire and the western regions, there are only a limited number of locations along their borders where armies can pass through. Because of that, the placement of forts and other bases is more or less predetermined naturally.

On the other hand, when moving in a small group, it’s possible to cross the border by traveling through paths that don’t even qualify as roads.

That said, it’s not an easy feat. The further you stray from the highways, the harder it becomes to obtain water and food.

After all, highways are built around flat lands and water sources where people can travel easily, and towns are built around those. The farther you are from signs of people, the more careful you have to be when it comes to even sleeping arrangements.

‘Well, the Utt tribe is an exception… But unless you’ve undergone special training, the number of people who can cross into enemy territory and gather intelligence is inevitably limited.’

In the end, I entered Imperial territory together with Karan-san, Shamia, Lizua of the Muria tribe, and Girei of the Ruto tribe.

Of course, we didn’t use the highway. We followed a route through an untouched forest, where no human hand had shaped the land.

Our guides were Karan-san and the Utt tribe. Karan-san would decide the general direction and the Utt tribe would scout ahead into the areas we were planning to pass through.

Once the safety of the path was confirmed, we advanced along these unmarked trails by relying on the signs left by the Utt tribe. The task of identifying those marks was left to Shamia.

Also, we were all dressed as traveling merchants. The gear we used actually belonged to the Muga tribe. We carried heavy loads on our backs and kept walking.

“We’ve walked pretty far, haven’t we…”

“Ruudo. Are you good on water?”

“Yeah. I still have some left.”

“There seems to be a watering spot ahead~ We should be able to restock a bit there.”

Ever since crossing the border, I had been using the alias『Ruudo』.

I do think it’s kind of a lazy name, but well… it’s unlikely anyone would associate it with『Vilgard』 anyway.

Also, I’m wearing an eyepatch over my left eye right now. It’s been a long time since I’ve operated using only my right eye.

There’s no helping it—under no circumstance can the mark engraved on my left eye be seen.

And so, after avoiding the highways while crossing the border, we eventually moved onto a road once we’d made enough progress. We were already deep in Imperial territory. If our direction is correct, the imperial capital should lie to the southwest.

“If we go a bit farther, there should be a small town. Let’s rent a room at the inn there for tonight.”

“…Karan-san, have you passed through this area before?”

“A few times near here, yes. But I’ve never gone all the way to the capital. My father has, though.”

“Ahh…”

I had him act as a messenger in the past as well. There was no one else nearby, but Karan-san still lowered his voice as he continued.

“The lord governing this area is supportive of the current Imperial regime. Even if we invaded with a large army, getting them to raise the white flag immediately… would be difficult, I think.”

“So in other words, this area has a high chance of becoming a battlefield. Lizua, Girei. Make sure you thoroughly understand the surrounding terrain.”

“Yes!”

“Understood.”

It’s probably because of this region’s proximity to the capital…

On the other hand, the lords near the Alcarol Territory might immediately surrender if we make a move.

‘…Come to think of it, from this location, the territory of the Imperial State would be considered a frontier as well…’

We had plenty of time, after all. I had collected detailed intel on the Imperial forces I fought back when I was a warrior of the Imperial State.

The Ironclad Knight Order led by a knight named Adrldon, and the territorial army led by a lord named Maibar. Those bastards carried out numerous raids within the Imperial State’s territory. They will pay dearly for that. Surrender won’t be accepted.

‘But the one who made the decision to dispatch the knight order to the Imperial State was Arloston…’

This was something I had somewhat mixed feelings about. Arloston was the younger brother I had a good relationship with back when we were still in the imperial court.

I had also gathered intelligence on what he had accomplished over the past ten years.

If Arloston hadn’t been the Knight Commander General, my army would probably have already reached the capital by now. That’s how competent he is when it comes to military reforms.

‘In terms of strengthening military preparedness, Arloston has outdone the Territorial Lords Alliance. He must have exceptional domestic and coordination abilities. However… he doesn’t seem to have any real battlefield experience.’

And the fact that he’s been able to produce results shows he’s not to be underestimated.

On the other hand, while the army itself may be strong, it seems there are few commanders capable of handling that power with true leadership and command ability.

Still, it’s also true that there are commanders like Adrldon and Bandred who must not be taken lightly. We’ll need to continue gathering intel while considering the possibility of clashing with the knight orders they lead.

“It’s coming into view now.”

“Waaah…”

“It really is quite small for something called a town.”

“It’s not a domain capital where the local lord resides, after all. But precisely because of that, the likelihood of stationed knight orders or military units being here is low.”

Five days after leaving the capital of Clostova Territory, we finally took our first rest in a town within Imperial territory.