Chapter 67

Third POV, or doppelgänger hiding in the wall

Noble: …Marquis Raeven, didn’t mention earlier that you had conscripted some retired adventurers into your forces? Something about… formerly orichalcum-tanked? Why is that allowed?

Raeven: That’s fine. They’re no longer bound by the rules of the Adventurer’s Guild once they retire and are no longer members. That’s why I hired them.

Noble: …How shall I say this, I hear it, but I still can’t bring myself to accept it.

Soft laughter and sounds of approval came from the noble contingent.

Raeven: Still, that only applies up to adventurers ranked up to orichalcum. Adamantite-ranked adventurers are a different matter entirely. Of the two adamantite-ranked adventurer parties in the Kingdom…

There was nobody here who did not know of the daring exploits of Blue Rose during the rebellion

Raeven: Before they took center stage, there was another group of adamantite-ranked adventurers. Although they’ve all retired, they haven’t been hired since then…Right, Warrior-Captain-dono?

Gazef: That’s correct. There are four of them. One opened an exclusive sword school for pupils he chose himself. Two more went on a journey. The last one was the granny who once belonged to Blue Rose before vanishing.

Gazef counted the familiar faces on his fingers as he recalled them. While he was strolling through the capital, he had been dragged into a training hall by his future teacher, and he had been subjected to hellish days of sword training and lectures. Because of that encounter, the Gazef who should have only been a mercenary had ended up serving the King, but even if that was the case― No, come to think of it, those were good memories too.

Noble: I see. But could we not ask Blue Rose to involve themselves with this war? They have always stood by Princess Renner. Perhaps they will be willing to fight for us?

While that was fundamentally a good idea, the Adventurer’s Guild would never allow it. Several nobles began loudly cursing the Guild.

Nobles: they’re nothing more than peasants!

Nobles: who do they think pays them?!

Nobles: If they’re citizens of the Kingdom, they should be working for the Kingdom!

It was only natural that those in power would be displeased by the Adventurer’s Guild, which refused to submit to that power. However, it was also a fact that they were the only ones who could deal with monsters.

If the Adventurer’s Guild left the Kingdom, they would have no way of beating back powerful monsters. As a result, the Kingdom would be slowly destroyed, and not even Gazef’s presence would change that.

Monsters had many special abilities, and defeating them would require an equally diverse repertoire of attacks, defenses and healing methods. Because of this, adventurers were indispensable. It would be a different matter if they could incorporate magic casters and rangers into their forces, like the Empire had.

Baron: Ah, as expected of your Highness! I feel that this is a marvelous idea!

The one who spoke was a baron. He was too lowly-ranked to be taking part in this meeting, which meant he was someone’s vassal.

Baron: As a magic caster, Evileye might have some insights into this situation. It might be good just to listen to what she has to say. Maybe we should send an emissary over, just in case.

The idea met with a small amount of approval. Most of the ones who agreed were low-ranking nobles, and given the way they were praising Barbro, they were probably running dogs from the Noble faction.

They did not seem to have noticed the faces which the more keen-eyed people were making

Ramposa III: Then go. Evileye is an adamantite-ranked adventurer. You are not to offend her under any circumstances!”

Baron: Understood! This Cheneko will carry out the royal decree to the letter!

Ramposa III: Is that so. Well, then take care not to offend her.

The king waved him off again after repeating his orders. The noble in question left the chamber, brimming with pride. He did not seem to have realized that he would be heartlessly cast aside if anything went wrong.

Raeven: I see. Then, as the Empire has already agreed on the choice of battlefield, I trust we can all begin moving our armies out toward the Katze Plains?

Marquis Raeven’s line of sight swept through the room, and one by one the nobles answered in the affirmative. When he reached Marquis Bowlorobe at last, the man’s reply was loud and clear.

Bowlorobe: There will be no problems, Marquis Raeven. My troops are ready to move out at any time. Then, your Majesty, might I make a suggestion? I wish to entrust something to the Prince…

There were 2 princes present, but everyone knew who Bowlorobe was implying. Everyone’s eyes turned to Barbro.

Bowlorobe: It seems that this Emperor…should I call her the White Sovereign? of the Arcanian Empire have once appeared to save a settlement called Carne Village. If it was purely out of altruism, that would be well and good. However, she might have had a strategic motive in mind. I feel it would be best if we mobilized some troops and tried to question the villagers on the details. I would like to entrust the command of that unit to the Prince.

Barbro: ―Marquis!

Barbro glared at Marquis Bowlorobe.

Ramposa III: Be quiet son! That is not a bad idea. My son, I command you ― go to Carne Village and learn what you can from the villagers.

Gazef tried his best not to furrow his brows. If they went to Carne Village now, they would not be likely to learn useful information about her. In addition, splitting their forces was hardly a wise move, even if it was a comparatively small amount.

Barbro: …The King orders and I obey. However, I wish to express that this posting is not of my will.

Seeing that the king had no intention of withdrawing his orders, Barbro lowered his head without bothering to hide the unhappy expression on his face.

Bowlorobe: I will lend you some of my elite troops to accompany you to the village. I will also send noblemen to accompany the prince. The total strength of your unit will be around five thousand men.

Raeven: I see. You’re on guard against a flanking force from the Empire. I expected nothing less of your insights, Marquis Bowlorobe.

Gazef could see the logic in Raeven’s words. However, he still had his doubts that the Imperial Army would use such underhanded methods (flanking troops) even after agreeing on the location of the battlefield. While this was a basic combat tactic, conducting a sneak attack like this after the agreement would only disgrace themselves. The Empire would be shooting itself in the foot after all its efforts to paint themselves in a wonderful light.

Barbro: Although I don’t feel I need so many soldiers, since the Marquis has graciously proposed the idea, I am left with little choice but to accept it.

Raeven: Wait! Your majesty…would you please allow my troops and myself to follow Prince Barbro to the Village?

Bowlorobe raised his eyebrows while the other nobles looked at him in confusion. Surely such a man must be trying to evade certain death as he would if he had been in the war. The King would not allow such cowardice.

Ramposa III: Raeven, one of my most trusted advisors…is there a reason why you must leave the battlefield?

Raeven: That is…um…I do not think I will be of much help on the field. After all, I am no expect in the arts of war.

That was a blatant lie. Many a victory against the former Baharuth Empire was won by the devious traps saids out by none other than Marquis Raeven. By this point, all the Greater Nobles and even Gazef noticed there must be another reason of why he twas trying to get away from the battlefield. Suspicions rose but Gazef nor the King pointed it out. Any more diversions in the Kingdom and it might fall to civil war before the war with the Empire.

Ramposa III: I am afraid not Marquis. I need you to represent and lead the Royal Army against the Arcanian Empire’s forces.

While the would be a great honor to anyone, the face of the Marquis crumpled as he realized he was to be part of this war no matter what. In the end, he nodded his head before stepping back into his place, his spirit already seemingly broken.

Ramposa III: s there anything else?

The King waited for a while, but nobody replied.

Ramposa III: …Then let us begin the preparations to move out. We shall leave tomorrow. It will take us two days to reach the battlefield, so do not grow lax in your preparations. Then, you are dismissed. Marquis Raeven, carry on.

Raeven: I understand, your Majesty.

The nobles steadily filed out of the room to begin their marching preparations, leaving only the King and Gazef. Ramposa III slowly turned his head. A cracking sound reached Gazef’s ear. He must have been very stiff. After stretching, an expression of relief bloomed on the King’s face.

Gazef: Thank you for your hard work, your Majesty.

Ramposa III: Ahhh, it was hard work indeed. I’m tired.

Gazef smiled wryly to his king. “Tiring” was an understatement of managing the Royal and the Noble factions. However, there were still people who were more fatigued than Ranpossa III.

Ramposa III: It’s about time―

Just as Ramposa III was about to continue, several knocks came from the door. Then the door slowly opened, and the waiting guest entered.

He was a plain-looking, plump bulldog of a man who seemed otherwise unremarkable. His scalp reflected the light, his hair was sparse to the point of nonexistence, and what little remained was snowy white. His body was round, his belly was fat, and his chin and jowls were flabby. Yet, despite his plain appearance, the light of intelligence sparkled within his eyes. Ramposa III smiled amiably to him.

Ramposa III: I’m glad you came, Panasolei.”

Panasolei: Your Majesty

The Mayor of E-Rantel said as he bowed to his liege lord. Then, he shifted his gaze.

Panasolei: It’s been a while, Stronoff-dono. I heard we’re done for, am I right?

Gazef: I am afraid so.

Panasolei: Then why do you fight?

Gazef stood there for some time before he raised his head again and told the major.

Gazef: For Pride and Country