Chapter: 367
With Dorgon’s appearance, the Sarei front fell back, causing alarms to ring throughout every front.
“Pasos and Tarke fronts are under attack!”
It was a devastating report, but the Vice-Captain moved the pieces on the map in silence. Unfortunately, the high command had gotten used to such grim news by now.
Confirming the retreat of the Sarei front beyond the river, Dorgon began to roam the northern region as if it were his backyard. The Empire’s withdrawal from the front lines clearly indicated a shift to defense rather than a counteroffensive, which allowed Dorgon to unilaterally dictate the battlefield. There’s no way he would give up the opportunity to force the enemy into unfavorable terrain.
Dorgon imposed battles in locations that, unlike the Sarei front, lacked natural defenses.
‘The Sarei were lucky.’
It’s a sad truth that not all fronts have natural defenses like the Sarei. If we drew back to the stronger defensive positions of rivers or mountains, the chaos created would be even greater. So, we now endure with tears—but, more accurately, with blood.
‘Damn it.’
Just like during the Sarei incident, Dorgon unleashed a full-scale offensive, dividing his forces to launch simultaneous raids. Amidst this chaotic hit-and-run, the Empire managed to hold the line thanks to the continuous sacrifice of soldiers.
Normally, simultaneous attacks shouldn’t even be possible. With a total force of around 10,000, splitting that number would lead to easy defeats.
However, having enjoyed his success at the Sarei front, Dorgon aimed not at reclaiming territory but at creating chaos. His forces disappeared before we could even react, leaving us without a strategy.
‘With thousands involved, we can’t just wipe them out the moment they appear.’
If the attacking numbers were merely hundreds or over a thousand, we could deal with them swiftly, but Dorgon wasn’t foolish enough to manage his troops so recklessly. Such hopes are futile.
“Also, the Notan tribe and Ikilan tribe are stationed at the Pasos front, and the Biroang tribe is at the Tarke front.”
“Send the Gorming tribe to the Tarke front.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
At least there’s a silver lining in this hellish war of attrition: the Empire’s cavalry forces had made significant improvements.
Compared to other tribes, those latecomers who had recently joined the Empire needed to prove their worth. Just recently, at a banquet with the Vice-Captain, they pledged to provide military support. Naturally, without hesitating, the Vice-Captain assigned these tribes to various fronts, helping mitigate losses for the Empire.
But Dorgon’s amassed tribes were stronger than them, so it felt like a lost cause. While it’s good we’ve reduced losses, it’s still frustrating.
“Your Excellency.”
“What is it?”
Just as the Vice-Captain was about to get up, another officer spoke up.
“The Barandi have requested a meeting with the Marquis.”
At those words, a flicker of surprise crossed the Vice-Captain’s eyes.
Barandi Marquis, the last remaining priest in the north, was a key player essential for the Empire’s conquest in the region.
Due to his immense importance, the high command treated Barandi with utmost respect, treating the tribal leaders with a focus on elevating the Marquis. The same courtesy extended to others, but naturally, the Marquis was held in higher regard than a count.
Whether he was aware of this or not, Barandi usually kept a low profile, avoiding unnecessary attention.
“He wishes to meet with Your Excellency along with other tribal leaders. He’s sorry he couldn’t pay proper respects to you, who is fulfilling the noble duty of punishing evil in place of the Emperor—”
Yet, unexpectedly, Barandi took the initiative to request a meeting, and not just a one-on-one, but a group meeting.
‘What the hell?’
This was an unusual situation. Although Barandi awaited the title of Marquis, it was a diplomatic courtesy rather than a transactional exchange. He had no need to contact the Vice-Captain.
On the flip side, Barandi had no ambitions to assert his claim using the title of Marquis. If he was that ambitious, he would’ve made moves before wanting a meeting with me.
‘Is there a reason to meet?’
None. No matter how I thought about it, I couldn’t think of any motivation for Barandi to break his silence.
‘This is troubling.’
Negative scenarios flooded my mind. The powerful tribal leaders in the north, still not formally recognized as nobles of the Empire, were beginning to act collectively around Barandi.
Of course, the Empire decided to respect the northern culture, so coordinated actions among local leaders are acceptable. Nobles are embodiments of politics, so it’s not unusual for like-minded kin to act together. However, it would be a bit worrisome if political activities sparked before they even pledged loyalty to the Emperor.
Not for me, but for the Emperor. That guy’s suspicion issues are the real mystery.
“…Since they are embracing the Empire, it wouldn’t hurt to meet.”
After some deliberation, the Vice-Captain nodded in agreement to the meeting.
Whether he sensed Barandi’s intentions or not is uncertain, but either way, declining the invitation would be an awkward situation. If the titled nobles start worrying about being thrown under the bus after a refusal, it could turn into a disaster.
A spot was set up in the garrison for the meeting. Since not just Barandi but other counts and tribal leaders would be present, attention to detail was crucial.
“Oh, Count Weridia! It’s been a while.”
“Good to see you, Count Kaitana. How have you been?”
“Haha, I’ve been well, thanks to you.”
While acting as a guide for the various noble candidates and tribal leaders, Count Kaitana was among the first to appear. It must’ve taken a decent trek to arrive at the garrison before anyone else. Truly a great lieutenant.
“By the way, Count, it’s quite an honor to have you personally greet us.”
“This is a precious guest, so an appropriate person should welcome them.”
“That’s quite extravagant of you.”
Starting with Count Kaitana, other tribal leaders began to show up one by one. They all seemed moved to see me personally guiding them. The atmosphere for the meeting looked promising.
“Count.”
Before long, the main player—the one who requested the meeting—arrived.
“Ah, Marquis Barandi.”
“Just call me Marquis.”
Bowing my head in greeting, Baron Barandi waved his hand, showing a hint of discomfort.
I understood his sentiment, but what can I do? A mere count treating a Marquis casually is akin to treason. What would others think if the one who bestowed the Marquis seal on him didn’t even respect the title? It could be disastrous.
“You are one of the thirteen Marquises of the Empire. If I treat you too casually, His Majesty won’t allow it.”
In summary, I was saying he should adjust. It’s ruthless but an unchallengeable truth, so Barandi had to nod, albeit awkwardly.
“Well, there’s no helping it, I suppose. But I can still treat Count with respect, can’t I?”
“That’s at your own discretion.”
I replied with a smile, and finally, Barandi seemed to relax and returned a natural smile.
“Thank goodness. It would’ve been awkward for a priest like me to show disrespect to someone with divine artifacts.”
Then he glanced at the sword hanging from my waist, and opened his mouth—
– That bastard.
‘Geez.’
Suddenly, the Eternal Azure slammed into my thoughts, causing me to bite my lip. I almost laughed out loud in front of the Marquis.
– What’s so awkward when you don’t even know it’s a divine artifact… you bastard…
Yet, the wet murmurs of the Eternal Azure were triggering my laughter reflex.
I can’t help it. Even if it’s not a funny situation, for some reason, I found myself laughing.
“I’m merely holding on to it for now, and it will return to its rightful place when the time comes.”
Barely managing to suppress my laughter, I felt a surge of pride for maintaining my composure.
– Returning it? It’s yours! Just keep it!
‘I get it, so stop shouting in my head…’
Seems like I’ll need to deal with Dorgon before discussing the transfer of that divine artifact.
With everyone gathered at the meeting place, the Vice-Captain arrived and took his seat of honor.
“It’s truly a shame it took this long for us to see each other, despite being so close.”
His tone was formal, but everyone appeared genuinely pleased. The Duke of the Empire showing respect meant that he acknowledged them as something more than mere partners; he recognized them as part of the Empire.
“We should be the ones greeting Your Excellency first, but we feared disturbing your time, which was our fault.”
“There’s no need to call it a fault regarding this matter. Do not dwell on it.”
As Barandi spoke for everyone, the Vice-Captain shook his head in response. While on the surface the conversations flowed warmly, the Vice-Captain’s eyes were deeply focused, possibly still pondering why Barandi requested the meeting.
“Today is a joyous day. Though vile evildoers defy heaven and disrupt the world’s order, we have gathered here with brave souls standing against them—how can this not be a joyous occasion?”
As he raised his glass before him, the other attendees lifted their glasses in unison.
“So let us now put aside what we wish to say and drink together.”
It was a subtle pressure to eat well and then share their demands later. Despite this pressure, the titled nobles and regular tribal leaders displayed no signs of unrest.
Fortunately, it didn’t seem to be anything too strange.
*
Munching on lamb while subtly gauging the atmosphere, I noticed that while the Duke didn’t exude hostility, his gaze was as sharp as a blade. Anyone would be suspicious if everyone who had been quiet suddenly called for a meeting. A reasonable reaction.
‘Dragging it out will only increase the suspicion.’
Moreover, wasting the time of the Supreme Commander would be troublesome. With the atmosphere ripe due to the banquet, now was the moment for action.
As I turned and locked eyes with Count Kaitana across the table, he nodded, as if sharing my thoughts.
‘Alright.’
Emptying my glass, I stood up. That simple action served as a signal for the other chieftains to pause their merriment.
“Marquis Barandi, what’s on your mind?”
As I rose solo, the Duke spoke softly. But there was an undeniable chill mixed in his tone—detectable even by a child.
So I quickly knelt, throwing my hands to the ground and shouted.
“Your Excellency! Right now, as a priest of the steppe, not as the Emperor’s Marquis, I wish to speak!”
“Speak.”
At the short reply, I hurried to continue.
“Though the evildoers defy heaven and disrupt the peace and order of the plains, we, with no power, could only bow our heads! But how can we not be thankful for His Majesty, who seeks to embrace even the desolate steppes with his boundless mercy and tolerance?”
At my words, I could hear the other leaders kneel.
“I, Barandi Gurt Batal, as a priest serving the heavens, humbly appeal!”
With that spoken, I swallowed hard. Anything further would imply an eternal hierarchy between the Empire and the nomads.
However, I couldn’t hesitate now. I had already steeled myself.
“I beseech His Majesty to take on the mantle of the Khan for the humble shepherds of the remote lands!”
“””We, the humble shepherds of the remote lands, beseech His Majesty! Take on the mantle of Khan!”””
This was the will of the north, seeking to survive and share in glory.
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