Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

66

This war brought little benefit to Swenna or Brulang unless one emerged victorious.

Unlike other nations that deployed forces mainly composed of noble mercenaries, the conscription of common citizens had an impact on agriculture.

From their perspective, a quick end to the war was desirable, but with both sides boasting a stalemate, the conflict was evolving into a prolonged war.

Even in the battles between Brulang and Swenna, where many casualties occurred, neither side gained a clear advantage.

If there was any one-sided victory, it was perhaps Krauss Forkner’s assassination of Dugan Grimwood in the divided mountainside.

Though this was old news, the Western immigrants, hindered by distance in receiving information, were just catching up.

“Is he referring to that traitor, Krauss Forkner?”

As an old man spoke, a young man responded.

“Yes. He killed his superior, deserted the army, and turned into a bandit. Perhaps you were his student? Tetora Anestri.”

The woman known as Tetora smiled enigmatically.

“Well, I don’t recall raising such an ugly lump.”

“From the point of calling him an ugly lump, you must know him.”

“He just called himself my student without my ever teaching him anything.”

“Are you saying he learned by watching you? That’s even more impressive. It means you have a great military leader. It might be wise to pardon and recruit him when conquering the continent.”

Two men and a woman.

They were the three leaders supporting the Western ethnic groups.

While they chatted leisurely, their aides behind them were on high alert, eyeing each other with stern expressions.

Tetora adjusts her makeup and speaks.

“You mentioned Grandis and Lexite being there, right? Surely that pig must’ve oinked for help.”

The old man shook his head in response.

“Grandis doesn’t resort to such noisy ambush tactics. This, Tetora, is a ploy suitable for you to employ.”

“Hmph, seems like they’re trying to associate that fatty with me somehow. Let them. I don’t care.”

They were optimistic about the situation, especially regarding the Galrun Mountains where Grandis and Lexite were dispatched, believing defeat was out of the question.

So, when news came in a week later, their relaxed expressions stiffened.

“C-Can you repeat that?”

The young man, in disbelief, questioned the soldier reporting to him.

“What! General Tuncai’s defeat in the battle at Galrun Mountains! Out of 50,000 troops, 40,000 either died or surrendered, Grandis was captured, and Lexite fell in battle!”

A deadly silence filled the conference room.

“General Lexite… is dead?”

“Is that truly a fact?”

“Impossible, isn’t it?”

Different reactions from the three leaders.

Tetora speaks up.

“It was said that it was the mercenary Wade who killed Lexite, right?”

“Yes!”

“Isn’t it amusing! We thought only we could kill the General, but it seems there was quite a capable individual among the continent’s elites? hahahahaha!”

Tetora burst into laughter.

“Alright, I will deal with that guy. I’ll make him kneel before me as a slave and lick my feet.”

Although Klaus denied being Alz’s disciple, he acknowledged using a similar style of strategy.

Seeing Klaus suffer a crushing defeat unknowingly sparked a sense of triumph in him.

When Tetora showed interest in Alz, the other two couldn’t stop her, shaking their heads.

“Wade is truly something. To fall for that crazy woman.”

“I agree.”

Both sincerely expressed their condolences for Alz.

From Noble mtl dot com

* * *

Such information was not only spread among Western immigrants but also to various nations.

“Father? What are you reading?”

Erina, in awe, asked Gilbert, who was engrossed in reading a battlefield report.

Gilbert, with eyes full of excitement, replied.

“You’ve come at the right time, Erina. Take a look at this.”

Erina, after examining the report, widened her eyes.

“Overcoming most of the enemy forces and fully occupying the Galrun Mountains…!”

“Incredible. Truly remarkable. Mercenary Wade!”

Gilbert affirmed.

“He has proven through this war that he has the potential to be a Decurion. If a vacancy arises, he will be the next Decurion!”

“Decurion…! Wade as a Decurion….”

It was definitely time for one of the 20 subordinates to become a hero.

With Du’nan’s death creating a vacancy, it was only natural that Wade would be the next hero.

“We must somehow get that guy away from Helian. To do that, we need to know his true identity as soon as possible… It’s frustrating not knowing if he’s from Crossing or Calipha! Daughter, don’t you have any clue? Joanna said she had met him before in Gransel.”

“Well…”

While it could have been advantageous to involve Alse in the Salleon faction, allowing for open discussions and immediate engagement in negotiations, she did not only consider the immediate gains.

“If that happens, he will never want to see me again.”

He could dismiss it with his usual carefree attitude, but Erina ultimately chose to remain silent.

“I don’t know. We did meet, but his face was covered…”

“Right. Hmm! It would be great if we had some clue.”

Due to Helian’s thorough blockade of information, Gilbert couldn’t even find a single lead.

Meanwhile, Jo’zett Millias from the Salleon faction, who knew Alse’s true identity, was currently undergoing indefinite penance for his responsibility in the previous war.

“Father, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to stop impersonating Wade before figuring that out?”

“In that case, we’ll just shift everything to Casper. It doesn’t matter. I hope we get caught soon.”

That way, they could corner the trapped Marquess Millias.

“Father…”

Erina felt sorry for Gilbert’s dilemma. He was undoubtedly more capable in politics, but Alse seemed unlikely to keep such a person close.

This news also reached Ludger in Rainfall.

“It’s hard to believe.”

Ludger, reading reports, was genuinely impressed by Alse’s elaborate scheme. Above all, he was amazed by the deception involving bending trees.

“Even the country… No, even Master Kaien would have been completely deceived.”

Of course, the subsequent actions would have been vastly different from those of Tu’kai, but understanding the full extent of the scheme would have been challenging.

“Father? What are you reading?”

Estelle, who was preparing well, visited Ludger’s study in her nightclothes.

“It’s nothing.”

“It must be something. Is it a report on the war?”

“It is, but you don’t have to worry about it.”

Estelle narrowed her eyes and said, “It must be about Calipha. Show it to me.”

Estelle visited Illine Manor every day to learn about Alse’s whereabouts.

When she heard that Tu’kai had killed Calipha’s commander in the first battle, she couldn’t sleep properly due to the shock.

So, hearing about new information regarding Calipha, she was eager to see it.

Ludger sighed and handed her the report. Estelle eagerly scanned through it.

“Wade taking command of the army and defeating Tu’kai… Father, does that mean there’s a high chance Alse will be safe?”

“Most likely. He won so overwhelmingly. By now, he might be planning the next operations with a smug face.”

“Father, really. Alse is just a junior officer. How can he plan operations?”

“Well, that’s actually…”

“What do you mean?”

“…No, it’s better if you hear it from him. But before that, return it after reading. You must also inform Illya N’Fei.”

“Yes, I’m here. Even so, the mercenary Wade… He was such a remarkable commander. I thought he was impressive when he secured victory in the war with Madon, but I never imagined he would achieve such a triumph.”

“Yes, he possesses skills on par with Shigul and Eokkil. Apart from lacking experience, there’s hardly any flaw in him.”

“Shigul! If Father speaks of him in such a manner, then it must be true.”

Estelle’s expression darkened.

“He is currently working with Calipher, but he could turn his back on them at any moment and become their enemy. What if he ends up opposing Calipher’s army and… Lord Als? What should I do?”

For her, Wade was a benefactor, someone who had devoted loyalty to the Rutger family.

She couldn’t betray him, not even for the sake of her father’s honor or to repay the favor of curing her illness.

Yet, she couldn’t just let Als kill Wade either.

“In that case, eventually Lord Als and Father will become enemies. What should I do…”

Estelle felt like she was becoming the tragic heroine.

Soon, an idea flashed in her mind.

“Yes! Then we should bring Lord Als to our side.”

With great determination, Estelle spoke up.

“Father, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

“Ask? Go ahead, speak.”

“Please introduce Lord Als to Wade.”

“…Huh?”

That was Rutger’s only possible reaction.

“Lord Als is still young but incredibly talented. From elementary academy to high academy, he has never missed being at the top. If Lord Als joins us, he will undoubtedly be a great help to Wade.”

“Just a moment. How do you know such specific details? Did he tell you himself?”

“No, Lord Als doesn’t usually talk about such things… I asked his mother and sister.”

“I see.”

Rutger was convinced that what was asked wasn’t just about academic performance.

“But the thing is… it might be awkward.”

“Why is that?”

“It could be said that bringing them together is theoretically impossible. Or rather, there’s no need for it in the first place. Anyway, I’m sorry.”

“It can’t be! Then please personally command it! If Lord Als becomes your aide, it will be like gaining a thousand troops!”

“I mean… it’s just not possible.”

“Ah…!”

Could a kind father who listened to everything really refuse her request? Estelle was taken aback.

Since it had come to this, there was no other choice.

“In that case, I will talk to him myself. If Wade hears of Lord Als’s excellence, he will surely be interested.”

“Rather, he might find it absurd and laugh. I almost burst into laughter myself without thinking.”

“Father! Please stop with such talk and at least show support!”

Estelle stood as if she had received a major mission. Rutger only shook his head.