Chapter 546
Thanks to the noblemen in the border area surrendering, the Imperial Army entered the Leon Kingdom without so much as a scratch. With a Margrave, a Marquis, and two Counts joining the ranks, I mean, can we even call that a border? It’s like a fancy automatic door that just vanished.
“Armein has also breached the border.”
“Same speed, huh? No need to rush.”
While the Imperial Army held a meeting at the territory of Margrave Dalihaten, Armein leisurely stepped into the Leon Kingdom.
‘Impressive.’
It’s amazing how borders have no power whatsoever in this miraculous situation. They say as all countries’ borders weaken and unite, that’s globalization; isn’t the Leon Kingdom a living proof of globalization?
Of course, we’re not in the mood to open borders. Why would we invite ruin upon ourselves?
“Still, we can’t be slower than Armein. Let’s move in three hours.”
“And where shall we head?”
“Rizanshtat.”
The staff nodded in agreement to the 6th Corps Commander’s directive.
Rizanshtat, a key location in western Leon near the Imperial border, was once the only duchy in Leon.
But now, it’s a bizarre place without a rightful owner, a city collective known by the name of ‘Royal Direct Territory.’
‘Just capturing that place would be half the battle done.’
Honestly, even if the new Leon royal family leans towards anti-Empire pro-Armein sentiment, if Rizanshtat falls under the Empire’s influence, then the Empire’s mainland wouldn’t be exposed to Leon’s threats. In fact, the Leon Kingdom would be the one gasping for air with the loss of their only duchy.
‘I need to find a decent candidate.’
The Duke’s seal in my pocket felt especially heavy. It took a lot of effort to find a suited nomad for a Marquis, let alone for a Duke. The thought of that stresses me out more than I’d like.
I’d love to just assign it as per the order of their surrender or toss it to the highest-ranking one, but doing that for a Duke might invite a storm of backlash. I could just imagine my father-in-law blowing a gasket if I wasted something he trusted me with.
“Since you’ve fought directly with Leon, you know their nobles, right? If there’s anyone decent, recommend them…”
“The ones I know are all dead, so I can’t recommend anyone. No way I’d let a future enemy live.”
“……”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Oh, nothing.”
To be honest, it feels a bit unfair that my father-in-law has wiped out Leon’s talent pool. He should have toned it down a bit so that I could work smoothly!
But grievances aside, it’s ultimately a good thing. Because of my father-in-law ruthlessly stomping on Leon, the Eastern border has been peaceful for 30 years.
“Um, Your Grace.”
“What is it?”
Right when I was about to feel the pain of Zhuge Liang watching the fallen Shu Kingdom, one of my staff fidgeting with the transmission device hurriedly spoke up.
“Margrave Dalihaten has requested to join the expedition.”
“Join?”
The unexpected report made the 6th Corps Commander furrow his brow slightly.
“Not bad. Allow it.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
But the response came promptly. The general deemed it more beneficial for the Margrave to join the expedition rather than stay behind, so the 6th Corps Commander approved his involvement.
In reality, having the expeditionary force made up of not only pure Imperial troops but also Leon’s army fits more with the justification of ‘installing a new royal family.’ Plus, it’s a bit concerning to leave the Margrave, who is in charge of the border, behind. If he goes rogue and shuts the border, it would put us in a sticky situation.
Thus, the 6th Corps Commander praised the Margrave’s noble choice and allowed him to enter the meeting room,
“It’s an honor to contribute to this great journey.”
The Margrave displayed a humble demeanor, easing the concerns of the higher-ups.
However, one thing caught my attention,
‘His eyes are darting around.’
I could sense he had been glancing sideways for a while now. It wasn’t just my imagination; those were intense stares.
‘Is he trying to gauge who’s in charge here?’
After a brief moment of contemplation, a plausible hypothesis emerged.
From the perspective of a surrendering noble, knowing the hierarchy of the expeditionary force is crucial. If he’s putting everything on the line to appeal to the Commander only to discover I’m above him, it would make him look foolish.
“Margrave joining the expedition is indeed understanding the Emperor’s will, but it’s also thanks to the Commander excellently fulfilling His Majesty the Emperor’s wishes. You seem to understand why His Majesty entrusted you with important tasks.”
As I spoke, I laid it on thick for the 6th Corps Commander. It’s likely that in the future, more surrendering nobles like the Margrave will join, and if they’re constantly looking for the hierarchy, it’ll just be a hassle. Since the authority of the expedition belongs to the 6th Corps Commander, it’s best for them to bow their heads now.
“Flattering words, I’m just doing what I should as the Emperor’s servant.”
The sudden praise startled the 6th Corps Commander, but he quickly regained his composure and broke into a smile.
After all, even a rough military man like him, at least smarts enough to understand the basics of perception. The 6th Corps Commander likely played along because he recognized the Margrave’s cautiousness.
‘Good.’
While it was a ridiculous play, it solidified the hierarchy.
*
Listening to the conversation between the 6th Corps Commander and the inspector, Count Tailglehen, I became certain.
‘The Count is the one in charge.’
This expedition’s true power rests with the Count. Until now, I was in doubt, but now I can’t trust any denial from the Count.
You see, while other officers and high-ranking commanders were standing at attention reporting to the 6th Corps Commander, only the Count was lounging back in his seat, arms crossed. A bureaucrat from the Empire, known for its strict hierarchy, wouldn’t be caught in such a position.
Still, there’s some leeway here. Since the Count is a minister of the Empire, he would outrank the Commander once the expedition is over. Given the unusual situation of the expedition, he might resent being treated as equal or lesser than the Commander, leading to some silent protest.
“Margrave joining the expedition is due to understanding His Majesty’s will, but it’s also because the Commander is executing His Majesty’s wishes admirably. I think we see why His Majesty entrusted such a heavy burden to you.”
“Flattery there. I merely did what I should as the Emperor’s servant.”
Thanks to that conversation, the slim possibility of the Count’s rebellion faded in an instant.
The calm remark of the previously silent Count and the respectful reply from the Commander spoke volumes. No one could mistake who was beneath whom. Even the other meetings attendees didn’t bat an eye at the Count’s demeanor.
If that statement came from someone of equal rank or lower, it would be shocking. It would imply that the Empire’s bureaucratic system is falling apart.
‘As long as I don’t upset the Count.’
Those in precarious positions like the surrendering nobles are a different story. No one fully trusts those who’ve shifted from foe to friend; it’s more likely that someone who’s betrayed their country once might do it again. Because of that, I will continue to face scrutinizing and wary gazes.
To overcome that gaze, I requested to join the expedition. I declared that I had no intentions of pulling any tricks from behind the scenes; I’d be wearing the label of the Empire’s lackey right in front of the Leon nobles.
By self-identifying as a lackey, I ensured I would remain in the eyes of the real power and safeguard my territory and people. Even if one day the Empire withdraws and Margrave Dalihaten is met with the hatred and resentment of the homeland, I can shoulder it alone, claiming it was my own unilateral decision.
‘…I hope this choice isn’t wrong.’
Thinking about how each choice comes with the lives of many, the weight of it drives me insane.
*
No one gets to choose their nationality. If there are such people, they must be grand dreamers or treacherous traitors with twisted consciences, right?
I’m no exception. I was simply born to the Kingdom of Quoros, and when I opened my eyes, I found myself with parents from Quoros. It was just a random consequence of Enen spreading new life across the continent. That’s how I view the Kingdom of Quoros.
But I had no complaints. Being born as a noble, my nationality didn’t matter much, and the Kingdom of Quoros wasn’t some impoverished or weak nation. Though my life might not be one of abundance, it’s certainly not lacking. That’s enough for me.
So I lived as an ordinary noble child, somehow ended up joining the military, found that it suited me, and inadvertently succeeded. Becoming the youngest corps commander in the Kingdom of Quoros and earning praise from my grandfather is something I accomplished in my military career.
In that sense, it feels like I’m being punished for all the happiness I’ve enjoyed.
“This is ridiculous.”
I couldn’t stop my laughter. The self-proclaimed veteran who confidently claimed he’d quickly fold the weak Leon Kingdom proved just how weak he truly was.
“Damn it.”
“Your Grace, please maintain your dignity.”
“What a dummy with flour instead of a brain.”
As I let loose a thoroughly specific insult, one of my aides pointed it out.
I can’t believe it. Underestimating your enemy is one of the stupidest things to do, yet right in front of me, a fortress barely counts as a fortress exists, just lying there. Seriously, it’s embarrassing to even call it a fortress; if the army marches in, it could crumble to dust with just the sound of their boots.
Yet, somehow, this measly fortress couldn’t be overtaken by a single corps. At first, I thought it was a terrible joke.
“Aide.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Is it better to die fighting than to die mutinous?”
“At least if we die fighting, our families would get compensation.”
That was a remarkably convincing answer that made me sigh.
Yeah, a soldier must take orders. If death is our fate, better to die with honor than shot during a mutiny.
‘What kind of war am I fighting with this army?’
But behind closed doors, cursing the king wouldn’t be out of place. It’s all too reasonable to vent the absurd orders given by the military headquarters.
‘Since when did we become a strong army?’
Another sigh escaped me. Since when has our Kingdom of Quoros been considered a strong military, and when did a lightly tapped Leon Kingdom become a fragile one? If anything, it’s the opposite; we’re weaker than ever!
Sadly, the higher-ups in the army and administration these days are seriously overestimating the kingdom’s capabilities. Surely, there are folks here who have a more detailed understanding of the kingdom’s strength than a simple corps commander like me; what are they even thinking?
Of course, I can understand why we’re intervening in Leon. If the royal family gets replaced, all the painstaking assimilation work could lead to the occupied territory turning back into conflict zones, so our intervention isn’t even a matter of debate—it’s a given.
But that intervention shouldn’t be clumsily barging in with the army; that’s just… well, what the hell?
“Old men are just pushing the youth into peril.”
“Your Grace.”
“What? I didn’t name anyone.”
If someone dared to report me, I could simply say, “I was talking about the old men of Leon, okay?” Would they really dismiss me over one little remark?
“The border’s blocked, and how are we supposed to deal with the Empire and Armein?”
My unintended sigh left my aide in silence.
I have no idea. No matter how hard I think, I can’t grasp what’s on the high-ranking officials’ minds.
“…I guess we have to break through first before we can think about it?”
“I’ll take the lead.”
“Well, suit yourself.”
Exactly 30 minutes later, the fortress that had held up one corps fell.
And these fools somehow thought this would be an easy endeavor…
A Margrave facing disgrace for meeting a nation gone awry.
A corps commander rolling around on-site because he met a lousy nation.
Wow! What a chaotic show!
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