Chapter 138
“We have received word.”
“Excellent. Prepare to march!”
In an otherwise quiet-looking barony, the sight of the troops gathering below the lord’s manor told a different story. This was no ordinary rural domain.
Though not uniform, about 200 knights clad in full plate armor, symbolizing their knight order, stood assembled.
Additionally, 1,300 mounted soldiers, all equipped in various armor, were ready. In total, 1,500 cavalry gathered in the plaza, a formidable force.
Outside the castle walls, at least ten temporary barracks were set up across the plains, housing at least 5,000 soldiers.
This barony was just a two-day ride from Conford Castle, the capital of the Count’s domain.
Under normal circumstances, such an assembly of unidentified troops would be a blatant violation of military norms. However, those gathered here were indifferent to such concerns, even conducting training outside the castle.
The sound of the war horn echoed, and the troops began to move. The gates opened, and 1,500 cavalry orderly marched towards Conford Castle, led by Viscount Jaden de Ashton.
“Where are the enemies now?”
“Acting Count Dylan, the Golden Bear Knights, and their forces have just returned from the dungeon. Without the portal, it will take them at least a week to return.”
Baron Tate, the advisor, spread a map of the county on a table inside a large carriage, placing a golden bear flag on the northeasternmost point of the county.
“The central force of 10,000, including the Chief Commander, part of the Golden Bear Knights, and the Iron Bear Knights, began their urgent recall from Kierne Fortress on the western border. Even with just the cavalry and knights, it will take them five days to return.”
A steel bear flag was placed in the western part of the county.
“Our current location is the eastern Barony of Bennett. If we move with just the cavalry, we can reach Conford Castle in two days.”
A black bear flag was placed to the east of Conford Castle. Clearly, they were much closer than the other two forces.
“Good, it’s certain we will arrive first. What’s the current strength at Conford Castle?”
“Given the castle’s size, its forces are still considerable. The Count’s direct central army of 1,000 is stationed in the inner and first outer barracks. The Conford garrison, responsible for security and regular patrols, has 5,000 soldiers. The knights include 15 Golden Bear Knights, 50 Silver Bear Knights, and about 100 Chain Knights.”
Their forces comprised 200 knights and 1,300 cavalry. The 5,000 infantry remained on standby, to be mobilized once Conford Castle was under control.
Thus, their actual combat force was 1,500. Despite being elite, conquering a castle defended by 6,000 soldiers and 150 knights seemed nearly impossible.
Nevertheless, there wasn’t a hint of tension on their faces. Why was that?
“Even if something unexpected happens, the hostages we hold will be advantageous. Securing key hostages before attempting to seize Conford Castle was a brilliant move. I must commend your capabilities, Viscount.”
While the idea was proposed by Baron Tate, its execution was entirely Jaden Viscount’s doing. Given that they had collaborators capable of securing important figures right from the Count’s inner courtyard, they were confident of success.
“It wasn’t too difficult. The one who unrightfully claims the Count’s seat was bound to breed discontent. A rigid fool like him should never have inherited the title. In just fifteen years, he has tarnished the Count’s family name! How absurd that citizens of the capital are unaware of our illustrious lineage, which has been renowned since the kingdom’s founding. That fool thought slaying monsters in the borderlands would somehow uplift our family’s prestige.”
It was true that recent accomplishments by Raul had brought the family’s name back into prominence across the kingdom, but Jaden dismissed these as temporary illusions.
Emphasizing his point, Jaden slammed his hand down on the map.
“The Count’s family needs change. Chaos is approaching, and we can’t afford to be stuck in the countryside wrestling with monsters. Once we seize control of the knight orders, we must expand our influence in the central region. Power must be utilized, right?”
“Absolutely. The current Count is too conservative. Now is the perfect time to expand our territory and reward our vassals with lands.”
“Exactly. And then there’s Raul, that idiot. Buying land with money? We could have just asserted our claim with force, yet his foolish sense of justice made him soft, resulting in our current predicament.”
Baron Tate nodded in agreement, a meaningful smile on his face.
“It certainly made our task easier. The current Count and his children are far too naive. Now is the time for your decisive leadership and initiative, Viscount Jaden, to steer the Count’s family towards greatness.”
Thus, a significant threat was marching towards Conford Castle with designs on the Count’s family.
***
Thud, thud.
Over a thousand cavalry rode madly along the open main road, kicking up clouds of dust. Curious animals and some monsters peeked out from the forest, startled by the colossal rumble, only to scurry back in fright.
At the forefront of the cavalry were knights clad in black armor adorned with golden bears—the Golden Bear Knights. Among them, one figure stood out distinctly: a burly man in snug, thin armor riding a horse noticeably larger than the others. It was Dylan.
Gone was his usual carefree and hearty demeanor; his scowling face now emanated a faint aura of menace and formidable pressure. This intimidating aura seemed to spread to the knights behind him, forming an invisible wave that split the wind.
After an hour of this wild charge, the ride finally tapered off, and the horses, panting heavily, slowed to a brisk trot.
“Feeling any better now?”
An old man with snow-white hair and beard rode up beside Dylan and asked.
“Ah, commander. I wish I could say yes, but the frustration remains. I should have been more cautious…”
The old man was none other than Viscount Trevor de Hesse, the Commander of the Golden Bear Knights. Despite having just heard the news about the incidents at the Count’s estate and the lord’s castle, Viscount Trevor’s expression remained composed.
Unlike Dylan, who was openly displaying his emotions, trevor showed the restraint that comes with experience.
“This isn’t your fault, my lord. No matter who was in charge, this was destined to happen. It’s been ages since we were so thoroughly deceived. Haha.”
Reports of a peculiar dungeon, missing soldiers and knights. Given the official procedures and verification, Dylan, as the Acting Count, and the First Knights had no choice but to investigate.
The reports even suggested traces related to ‘demons’. However, after thoroughly investigating the dungeon, they found nothing. No traces of the beasts nor the demons. They had been completely hoodwinked.
Crunch.
Dylan’s grip crushed the reins in his hands.
“Once this situation is resolved, we must also audit the reporting system and local troops. To be deceived so thoroughly…”
“Indeed. There will be a mountain of issues to address. This old man will lend a hand.”
At that moment, a soldier from the rear approached holding the reins of a horse.
“Here’s your replacement mount.”
To maintain their rapid pace, half of the cavalry had been left behind with the spare horses. After switching to fresh horses, they planned to take off at full speed once more. As the soldier walked away, Viscount Trevor asked, “So, where are we headed now?”
A short distance ahead, the main road would split into two. One path led to Conford Castle, the other in a different direction. Upon exiting the dungeon, Dylan had been able to receive updates from Raul through the guild communication network.
In an emergency meeting conducted via magic image orb, Raul had proposed two strategies. One was to return to Conford Castle as quickly as possible to regroup and plan their next move. The other was…
“What do you think of Raul?”
Dylan asked.
“Hm. Before the Lord entered his retreat, he spoke to me about young master Raul. He confessed to feeling regret over not recognizing Raul’s true potential sooner.”
“What did he say?”
Dylan inquired, eyes glinting with interest.
“He said he had always thought Raul was a child who needed constant care, but he realized too late that Raul was far too extraordinary for the confines of the Count’s family. The Lord wished he could keep him close a bit longer but knew he couldn’t.”
Dylan chuckled softly.
“So, what’s your opinion, commander?”
“If he were only moderately exceptional, I would advise you to be cautious of him, even as your brother. However, I agree with the Lord’s assessment. Raul is not someone who would covet the Count’s position. It may sound dangerous, but I believe he has the potential to lead an entire nation. He will not bring harm to the Count’s family.”
‘Raul, when did you manage to win over the Commander as well?’
Dylan recalled hearing that Raul had been to the training grounds with Trevor recently. That must have been when it happened, he guessed. In any case, it didn’t matter. Dylan had never had any intention of doubting his youngest brother.
“Then let’s move quickly. We must make the traitors understand the gravity of their betrayal against the Count’s family.”
Viscount Trevor, as if expecting this, turned and shouted, “Move out! Anyone falling behind will be left. Stay sharp and follow closely!”
With that, they steered their horses towards the path leading away from Conford Castle.
***
A passageway with small magical lights strung along the earthen walls. Walking briskly through this corridor were Number Six and his subordinates.
Creaking.
An iron door at the end of the passage opened to reveal a spacious terrace-like area.
Wooosh.
Cold wind whistled along the large, dark chamber beneath the terrace. Compared to the vast underground headquarters at Viscount Plank’s estate, this subterranean chamber was only a fifth of the size, but still impressively large.
Grrr.
In the plaza below, mechanical soldiers, hailed as masterpieces of the Empire, moved under the supervision of their handlers. There seemed to be at least a few hundred of them.
Gazing down at the plaza, number Six asked a subordinate, “How many didn’t return from the operation the other day?”
“Out of 200, 150 did not make it back.”
Creak.
Number 6’s hand gripped the terrace railing tightly, his mouth twisting in frustration.
‘The losses were greater than I expected.’
Although they had secured their target, the cost had been high. Unlike the mechanical soldiers, human agents were hard to replace and took time to train.
‘If only I had used the mechanical soldiers…’
But he shook his head immediately. Those units were not yet meant to be revealed. The asinine Ashton household would weaken themselves through infighting, and at the moment of their final victory, these mechanical soldiers would strike the killing blow.
‘Will Viscount Jaden’s plan succeed?’
He had been confident of success until two days ago, but now he was having second thoughts. Raul seemed to be a far greater obstacle than anticipated.
‘Not that it matters. The outcome remains the same, regardless of who survives.’
Once the battle at Conford Castle commenced, his agents would disable the castle’s magical defenses. Then, reinforcements, including knights from the Empire, would arrive through portals set up in the subterranean chamber, sealing the fate of the Count’s family.
But he was oblivious to the fact that Raul’s hidden dagger was already poised at his throat.
Thud, thud, thud.
“Captain, there’s a serious problem! The prisoners have escaped!”
“What? What were the guards doing? Those fools couldn’t even watch over a bunch of brats!”
“Sorry to disappoint you, but we’re not just brats.”
Swoosh.
The front of Number Six’s uniform was sliced open.
(To be continued)