Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

62

As battles erupted simultaneously on eight fronts, chaos ensued among the top ranks of each country as they entered a full-scale war.

In the royal palace of Caliper, the king and the highest nobles gathered to discuss the current situation.

“Svenner is truly making a bold move!” sighed King Gareth.

“With the combined forces on the battlefield exceeding 800,000, a war on the brink of causing rivers of blood is about to unfold. Svenner will face severe consequences!”

Although Caliper had invaded Albad and Madon successively, their war had some justification.

On the other hand, Svenner’s invasion was driven solely by his ambition for continental conquest.

The other nobles were equally taken aback by Svenner’s sincere declaration of full-scale war.

Gilbert Salleon spoke as the discussion progressed.

“Viscount Helian, how is the situation with our army? Do you think our forces can defeat the enemy?”

“War is unpredictable. General Du-nan is undoubtedly the most skilled commander of our army. Who else can we trust if not him?”

“I don’t doubt Du-nan’s abilities. However, the notorious reputation of the enemy commander, Kraus Forkner, is a cause for concern.”

“Fear not. According to the intelligence we are receiving, he is effectively repelling attacks from the enemy’s cavalry.”

At that moment, a count belonging to Salleon’s faction interjected.

“If it’s the veteran warrior Altior Elder, wouldn’t he be more trustworthy than General Du-nan? Even though he retired, given the circumstances, he might consider returning if asked earnestly.”

Viscount Helian inwardly seethed.

“These cunning individuals…! Trying to regain power within the military at this late hour!

Of course, he did not show this sentiment outwardly.

“The military has already been reorganized under General Du-nan’s leadership. While there is no doubt about Viscount Altior’s abilities, a return at this moment would only disrupt the military command.”

“Indeed! If you doubt General Du-nan, who else can you trust?”

“If Altior Viscount is to return, let him come and speak directly!”

The Helian faction unanimously opposed, deciding to trust Du-nan for now.

However, shortly after, news arrived that left everyone speechless.

Reports came in that in the battle at Galarn Mountains, the Caliper army was defeated, and the commander-in-chief, Du-nan, had perished.

“Du-nan… is dead?”

Viscount Helian murmured in disbelief.

“What about the casualties? How many of our troops were lost?”

“Nearly 20,000 casualties. Fortunately, we managed to retreat in time, saving many soldiers. The difference in forces between us and the enemy is now minimal.”

The Caliper army numbered 48,000, while the Tonkai army had 52,000, the latter having depleted their cavalry in a prior ambush operation.

The king pondered Du-nan’s death.

“What should we do? Wasn’t Du-nan the cornerstone of our army?”

There were other generals like Second General Delbado, but Delbado, being essentially a royal-appointed general, had ambiguous authority to take charge, and the others were not as skilled as Du-nan.

With Du-nan gone, deploying them would not change the situation.

“Should Altior be summoned for this….”

At this, members of the Salleon faction hesitated, but Duke Helian paid no attention.

“Your Highness, please entrust that part to me, responsible for the military.”

“How do you plan to handle it?”

“…I will summon the mercenary Wade.”

“Oh! Are you referring to Girin’s Casper Milias?”

Surprisingly, the king thought Wade’s true identity was Casper. The Salleon faction’s charade and Helian’s counter-charade had been effective.

Helian couldn’t hide his bitterness.

‘His Majesty must be getting old.’

In the past, he would have seen through such a clumsy scheme.

However, King Gares was now an 83-year-old elder. He had already withdrawn from most frontline duties, focusing solely on the education of his heir.

Hence, he didn’t notice Casper’s masquerade.

Helian didn’t feel the need to correct this.

If the king knew Alt’s true identity, he might use the princess to cause chaos or elevate the noble Ilain to his side.

This would only complicate matters, and above all, Helian feared what Alt might do with that level of power.

“But Gilbert, didn’t you mention that Casper Milias would find it difficult to step forward for a while?”

“Yes, yes… that’s true.”

“But how is it that Regnant is calling for him?”

Gilbert, knowing that Helian intended to hire the real Wade, hesitated.

He tried to find a way to take advantage of the situation, but Helian saw through it.

“Gilbert, the nation is in a crisis now. Don’t try to use him for personal gain. If you attempt anything foolish this time as well, I have my own plans.”

It was a warning not to exploit this matter politically.

Gilbert had no choice but to yield.

“Alright… I understand. Your Highness, I will support Duke Helian wholeheartedly in this matter.”

“Is that so! Ah, if Casper steps forward, he is trustworthy! Even though he’s still young, he defeated Albard and conquered Madon as a commander.”

With the decision made, Duke Helian wasted no time.

He immediately set off towards the Galarn Mountains.

***

Due to the defeat, the atmosphere in the military camp was despondent.

It felt as if the world was on the brink of destruction.

The death of the chief commander leading the army was the cause.

Moreover, Tunkai kept sending carts of executed prisoners, further dampening the troops’ morale.

Among them were even cadets.

Traditionally, according to the Continental Treaty, releasing cadets as prisoners was a norm without conditions, but Krauss Forkner, as if to say, “I don’t give a damn about that,” promptly executed them.

As a result, the cadets’ morale hit rock bottom.

“Alt!”

Bannings approached me with a tired expression as if searching for me.

“You’re alive. Thank goodness.”

Bannings patted my shoulder as if to comfort me, then bowed deeply.

“…Grangem is dead. You know that, right? That guy who used to act recklessly at the Julia Academy.”

“I barely remember.”

“Well, you might be that way. You’ve hardly spoken with him. Me, I’m… I’m different. I’ve even been to that fellow’s mansion…!”

“Calm down and sit, Bannings.”

I comforted Bannings slowly.

“Phew! Thanks, Alss.”

“Feeling a bit calmer now?”

“Yeah. And I can’t afford to be like this. Especially because Dorothy is sad. I’m thinking of going to see Dorothy now, what do you think?”

“Let’s go together.”

Luckily, Tuncai’s army wasn’t attacking us immediately.

They had to contain the fire they had started.

If they attacked us without putting out the fire, and we managed to defend ourselves, chaos would ensue on their end. The flames would be chasing them from behind.

That’s why Krauss had decisively put out the fire, secured the rear, and was reorganizing the troops.

That time was three days.

Within these three days, our army needed to establish a new command structure.

Naturally, all eyes turned to Casper.

While on our way to meet Dorothy with Bannings, we found Casper.

“Casper, no, Mercenary Wade. It’s time for you to step up.”

“Please. Seek vengeance for General Dunan. Avenge Granem and Peter!”

Not only the officers but also the regular officers were pleading with Casper.

Please lead the army.

Destroy those hateful guys as if you were drowning Princess Beccabia, and Marshal Julian Craig of Madon.

“I, I…”

Casper turned pale and couldn’t say a word.

Finally, when Dorothy appeared in tears, he started trembling as if he had seen a ghost.

“Your father must have thought you would take command of the army and sacrificed himself to guard the rear. So, Casper… Please, I beg you. Lead the army.”

“Ugh…”

A crumbling sandcastle.

Casper, cornered, made the worst choice.

He disappeared without a trace before the next morning came.

“Is this for real…”

Deserting.

Yet, the cadets believed that Casper was preparing to appear as Wade and were holding a happiness ceremony.

“There’s no way out of this. It’s better to retreat.”

With some remaining forces, leading them towards the left to the Elone Plain, joining the Albad & Beccabia Allied Forces was the best option.

Losing one front was unfortunate, but luckily, the Gallarn Plateau was situated on the edge of 8 fronts.

Even if we lose the Gallarn Plateau, by merging with the neighboring Elone Plain, we could somehow maintain the situation.

Moreover, knowing that the strategist Kaien is in command there gives some trust.

“Sir Alss.”

Eoga spoke.

“Since it has come to this, wouldn’t it be better for Alst to take command?”

“Not really.”

Dunant asked me to lead the troops, but I had no intention of simply obeying.

Asking me to lead the troops was just a polite way of asking me to clean up the mess. There wasn’t much in return.

Moreover, if he had listened to me even a little bit, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

I didn’t feel responsible for this defeat. I had given clear advice on the strategy. Don’t fall into the enemy’s trap.

Dunant ignored that.

“Someone from the upper ranks will come soon anyway. They will make the decision no matter what.”

At that moment, I had a certain expectation.

That the Helian Duke would come.

Late at night in the military camp.

The Helian Duke sat discreetly in my tent.

It was clear what he wanted to say, so I spoke first.

“If you had read the pre- and post-reports, you wouldn’t have shamelessly appeared before me.”

“I know that Dunant didn’t heed your advice. But that’s not Dunant’s fault, it’s mine. I should have prevented him from taking too much control of the military. There needed to be someone to restrain him.”

If Chief of Staff Gaits had supported my opinion or if other officers had raised their hands in agreement, the situation could have been different.

But they all hesitated and let Dunant decide the strategy. They were just scarecrows.

“Or perhaps, instead of Dunant, you should have been appointed as the commander from the beginning.”

“I wonder about that. If I had been the commander from the start, there would have been opposition from various quarters. Unlike the previous war with Madon, the country is not in a crisis this time, and above all, the main force of this army consists of noble militia. There would have been many who were uncomfortable with my command. So, wasn’t it that they didn’t propose it to me in the first place?”

“It was because the conditions you would demand would be burdensome. Either way, it’s clearly my fault.”

“Hmm… Is that so? You didn’t come here to admit your failure, did you?”

“Yes, Alst. I wish you could salvage the military.”

“It would be faster to go down to Elron Plain and join the Albard army.”

“In that case, diplomatic issues may arise. Even if we set aside Beccabia, joining Albard is still challenging.”

“So, are you asking me to take charge?”

“I will give you full authority. I have already spoken directly to prevent the officers from objecting.”

“….”

In that case, the conversation would change slightly.

One of the reasons why I didn’t want to take command as Wade was also because I didn’t want to get into conflicts with Dunant’s close associates or Alrek.

If the Helian Duke could resolve that, leading the troops would be much easier.

“…And the price?”

In that case, I could attempt a deal.

He responds.

“80 million silan.”

“Not very appealing. I no longer need to be swayed by money.”

“In that case, tell me something you desire besides money.”

He seemed willing to entertain any conditions. However, nothing came to my mind.

“It’s difficult because I have nothing in particular I want.”

I didn’t need money, nor did I need territories.

As I pondered, something suddenly came to mind.

“Then, would it be acceptable for me to take some prisoners with me?”

“Prisoners? What do you plan to do with them?”

“There’s someone I want to bring over to my side.”

“If you personally capture them as prisoners, I’ll allow it. However, you can’t have prisoners taken by the armies of other nations.”

“That’s fine. And as a bonus, please arrange for around 20 million silans. I want to give a reward to the soldiers of my unit who suffered in the last battle.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll take care of it.”

“Really now. Do you think I would embezzle?”

“There’s no law against it, is there?”

In any case, it was annoying.

“Alright then, let’s settle it like that and grant me command immediately. It’s urgent.”

“…Understood.”

The rights acquired in exchange for taking command of the prisoners.

I intended to use this to put a wedge in Bayolaf’s recruitment.