Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

56

Back at the mansion, I was eating the dish Eo had prepared, going over the intelligence on Crossing.

“The Chimera War… it was quite a massive conflict.”

In the game, it was portrayed as a tutorial war, so its scale didn’t resonate much, but in reality, it was a war of historical significance.

Svenner, Europe, Tunkai. The combined forces of the Chimera Alliance amassed a total of 420,000 troops.

Among them, Svenner alone gathered 240,000 troops, showcasing its status as a superpower.

On the other hand, Byuran mustered 190,000 troops, 50,000 less than Svenner, but Byuran’s strength lay in diplomatic warfare.

Ten years after clashing with Svenner, Byuran had established diplomatic channels to counter Svenner’s ambitions.

That was the Middle East Union.

Byuran sought support from Albad, Beccabia, Ballus in the central region, and Caliper, Crossing in the east, urging them to join forces.

Currently, the Middle East was embroiled in consecutive wars, making it challenging to unite; however, Byuran possessed enough diplomatic prowess to achieve it.

Above all, if the barrier called Byuran collapsed, Svenner’s ambitions would immediately shift towards other powers, making it strategically sound to aid Byuran.

Thus, each country began preparations to dispatch support troops.

The final force was expected to be around 400,000 troops on each side.

“Such a massive scale…”

An impending war of 820,000 troops from both sides.

A grand war involving all the continental powers seemed imminent.

As I delved into the intelligence reports, Eo, wearing an apron, appeared.

“Is the food to your liking?”

An inquiry filled with anticipation. I decided to meet that expectation.

“It’s delicious. Honestly, I feel like I can’t live without you anymore.”

“Really!?”

It wasn’t an empty statement. Even the dishes provided by the Helyan Duke didn’t suit my taste, so I couldn’t eat them properly. Gradually, my palate had become completely accustomed to Eo’s cooking.

From Noble mtl dot com

“But where’s Yumir?”

“I-I-I-I-I-I’m also…”

“Why are you suddenly stuttering? Like something’s malfunctioning.”

At that moment, Yumir showed up.

“Have you found him, my lord?”

“Ah, yes. I hope you can deliver this letter to Max.”

“If that’s the case, how about going to the mansion together? Lady would be delighted to know that the master has returned.”

“I have somewhere to go first today.”

It was the Rutger Mansion. There were things to discuss about the Chimera War, and above all, I wanted to show Estelle the completed novel.

If Estelle approved and signed it, I planned to add the pre-written love scene and pass it on to Beiolaf.

The Rutger ladies’ mansion was located in the bustling area of Rainfall.

Knock, knock! As I knocked on the mansion’s door, a middle-aged maid appeared. She seemed to be a newly hired slave from Kurrabel.

“May I ask who you are?”

“Oh, yes. I’ve come to meet Miss Estelle.”

“Oh my, you must be a friend of Miss Estelle. I’ve heard you were coming.”

She heard that I was coming. That’s odd. It’s hard to imagine that I’ve returned, considering how my teacher and Anton caught me in that embarrassing situation.

“Please come in. Miss is out with the master to buy snacks. Please wait in the parlor with the other friends.”

“Ah….”

It seemed like she had a separate appointment with friends today.

I thought of coming back another day if she had a prior engagement, but ended up entering the parlor awkwardly.

“….”

“….”

Four women staring at me with curious eyes as if asking who I was. They seemed to be students from Crossing High Academy.

“Excuse me.”

Since it had come to this, I decided to wait here for Lady Rutger to return, then give my seat to Estelle and deal with Rutger’s business first.

I tried to pass the time by reading another novel I had brought for reference, but someone from the other side seemed curious and approached me.

“You’re a friend of Estelle, right? If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask for your name?”

“I’m Alse Illine.”

Instantly, a burst of excitement erupted.

They seemed to vaguely remember me from Estelle and started gossiping.

Then, there was something I wanted to ask too.

“I have one question, is it true that Juras Pamilion, a master from Crossing Academy, has taken on a teaching role there?”

“You mean Professor Pamilion.”

They brightened up at the mention of Juras.

“He’s very witty and gentlemanly. We always look forward to his classes.”

Listening closely, they said he didn’t teach military science. His classes were in general studies and dance.

‘Whatever mischief he’s up to, it seems intentional….’

On the other hand, it might have been a meaningless act done just for fun. That was the eerie aspect of Juras’s character – his unpredictability was so competent that it became frightening to think about what he might do next.

“By the way, Illine? Are you engaged to Estelle?”

“Oh no, we’re just friends.”

“Oh my.”

I felt a shift in the air. For some reason, the distance between us seemed to diminish.

“What kind of classes do you have at Caliper Academy? With so many nobles, do you have parties every day?”

“I doubt that. Besides, I’m a cadet, so I’m not well-versed in those social circles.”

“Officer trainee! How magnificent!”

That’s how the conversation was going.

Suddenly, a chill ran down their spines.

“…What are you doing?”

Estelle, exuding an overpowering aura while holding a bag of snacks. Next to her, Rudger was taken aback, seeing his daughter in such a state for the first time.

“Everyone, step back from Countess Alscott.”

As if receiving an imperial decree, the girls quickly returned to their seats, pretending innocence as they sipped their tea.

Estelle glanced in that direction, then turned her gaze towards me.

“When did you return?”

“This morning.”

“Then you should have informed me beforehand.”

“I came back immediately without delay.”

“Today, you have duties, I presume?”

“That seems to be the case. Despite having prior arrangements, I will wait. Since waiting alone is dull, I don’t mind sharing a conversation.”

“No, you may not.”

With that, she turned to Rudger.

“Father, I entrust the guest’s hospitality to you. Please treat Countess Alscott with utmost courtesy so she does not feel uncomfortable.”

“Y-yes.”

Rudger knew well how to handle men approaching him and firmly nailed his position.

Following the plan, Rudger and I were left alone to discuss the war, but Rudger seemed absent-minded, neither listening nor responding.

“Sigh…”

“Why are you sighing? Take a deep breath.”

“It seems Estelle is becoming more like her mother…”

“Isn’t that a good sign?”

“It might be, but… Well, it’s your responsibility to handle it, so I don’t need to worry.”

Rudger seemed resigned, wearing a detached expression.

Estelle’s reception ended as the sun began to set.

When Estelle appeared with a complicated expression, she apologized, “I couldn’t control my emotions for a moment. Count Alscott was just trying to be polite and engage in conversation.”

“No, I also enjoyed the conversation.”

“You… enjoyed it?”

“Well, you could see how you were doing at the academy.”

“I-I see. I see.”

Placing the remaining snacks on the table, Estelle, eager to discuss academy life, but time being what it is, quickly got to the point.

Even as she pouted, she started reading what I had written.

After a moment, she spoke coldly, “What’s this about? This blonde woman who seems foolish.”

“She’s a new heroine. A device to deepen the plot.”

“Calling a character who only has her lineage to boast of a new heroine? And her name is Irina Paleon… Don’t tell me, Count Alscott, did you seek advice from Eriana Salleon?”

“There’s no one else I can consult about this.”

Estelle looked as though she found it distasteful, but she started reading the rest as if understanding it.

“The content has improved a lot, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, but…”

It was hard to deny, so Estelle nodded.

“However, the ending is not. It’s unacceptable. It doesn’t make sense. Why does he end up with this woman?”

“It’s a shocking twist.”

“But even a twist needs to be believable. At times like this…”

Estelle began pointing out improvement points. The content was also shocking.

“A third heroine?”

“Yes, a girl who has always been by the protagonist’s side, competent in reading and writing with her chestnut-colored hair. Moreover, her father is a remarkable general. …Yes! Let’s make that father the protagonist’s superior. The girl’s name is Ertel D’ionte. It turns out that Irina Palion was actually a villain, and in the end, she ends up with Ertel.”

There were many points she wanted to nitpick.

“Still, if there are three heroines, the story might become chaotic.”

“Not at all. Here, like this.”

With that, Estelle began plotting. The content was a sensational drama that even I found intriguing.

A novel taking shape and nearing completion.

Except for changing the ending slightly, where the protagonist, torn between Ertel and Irina, decides to leave on a journey with the main heroine, Gyessa, after inserting a love scene, the writing of the sensual novel for Beiolaf was finished.

Now, all that was left was to deliver it, but due to the imminent outbreak of the Chimera War causing the closure of most land borders, I couldn’t go myself. Thus, I decided to pass the goods through the upper ocean route via Bechabia into Europe.

***

The continent where the clouds of war were beginning to gather in earnest.

This could be keenly felt even at the Academy.

Calipher Kingdom had organized a 70,000-strong army primarily composed of nobles’ militias for deployment, with cadets also expected to join the battlefield.

Regarding this, a military official explained. General Dugnan seemed busy, so General Ironheart appeared in his place.

“There’s no need to worry too much. The higher-ups predict that there won’t actually be any combat.”

This Swenner’s march seemed to be more of a political show of force.

“Given the timing of the war. Armies that march in March are usually not meant for prolonged fighting.”

It was entering the busy farming season. Since more than half of Swenner and Blang’s armies were conscripts, their presence on the battlefield could lead to a failed harvest.

“It’ll probably last only about a month. Each of you can enlist from your respective families with the mindset of learning.”

Upon hearing this, the high-ranking cadets from noble families raised their heads proudly.

“Hmph, I must commend your lack of fear. The official mobilization will start in a week. Until then, there will be no Academy classes, so return home, organize the military gear provided, and conduct personal maintenance.”

As Ironheart left, the classroom buzzed.

“I can’t believe I’m going to participate in such a major war…”

“Isn’t it dangerous?”

Some were scared, but most were excited about participating in a major war. Some seemed to have grand dreams of advancing their careers, defeating enemy generals, and so forth.

“Going to the battlefield with such vanity.”

Such vanity often turns into a greater fear in the face of the horrors of war.

“Hey, Alss. Did you hear?”

It was a comment from a classmate, Banings.

“At Crossing, Juras Pamelion is taking command!”

“So what?”

“So that’s how it is! Svenner’s evil brain, Jemuto, and Crossing’s unbeatable Jurass! It’s the first time these two are facing off! I want to raise Jemuto’s hand. No matter how skilled Jurass is, wouldn’t he feel intimidated by the undefeated reputation of the mastermind of evil?”

“He’d probably be pleased.”

He would definitely be smirking, suggesting to test their skills.

“And on top of that, Albad’s chief commander, Kaien, will also be making an appearance. It’s become a huge deal.”

It was practically an all-star match.

Apart from the three mentioned, there was a high chance of ten more participants, and out of the 20 military leaders, eight had already confirmed their participation.

With that in mind, it was natural for Wade to also attract attention.

Regarding whether the mercenary Wade, who appeared like a deity, would show up on the battlefield.

“Hey, Casper. Are you also participating as a commander?”

The officers surrounded Casper.

“If you set your mind to it, you could even secure a position as a general alongside General Dunan.”

“Still, there’s a hierarchy. Maybe you’ll take on the role of chief of staff assisting General Dunan?”

Everyone was already talking about Casper as Wade.

When it came to Casper, there was no hesitation.

He firmly believed that no matter what happened, Gilbert would handle the aftermath.

“I received an offer but declined. Right now, I’m just an officer.”

“Hah, as expected! But if things don’t go well, I’ll be counting on you, Casper… no, Wade!”

“Sure. Leave it to me.”

The sandcastle was bound to collapse. It would be best for Wade not to act.

Despite my advice, Casper made the foolish decision to reign from a sandcastle.

If that was his thinking, there was nothing more for me to say.