Chapter 153: Isn’t the Situation a Bit Uncomfortable? (2)
Claude picked at his ear with his pinky finger before asking again.
“War? You mean the kind where people grab swords and shields and clash against each other, right?”
“Yeah, that. It’s about time to start preparing for war. Oh, and we need to keep developing the territory too. As fast as possible. You know, we don’t have much time.”
Claude was left speechless, his mouth just opening and closing in disbelief.
This was nonsense. Preparing for war wasn’t a children’s game, and how could they possibly develop the territory while also preparing for war at the same time?
Still, he had to ask why Ghislaine was suddenly spouting such crazy ideas.
“Why are you suddenly talking about preparing for war? What’s this about not having time?”
Ghislaine sighed internally.
‘How am I supposed to explain this?’
If he said he knew the future, he’d definitely be labeled as insane.
So, he had to throw out topics one by one to draw in their interest.
Starting with the most immediate and clear danger.
“As everyone knows, Count Desmond is targeting us.”
At that, the retainers’ faces darkened.
Everyone here had a rough idea of what had happened during the war in Perdium.
Given the strained relations with the powerful Count Desmond, it was only natural to be concerned.
However, Claude, who joined the territory after the war, shook his head without any sign of worry.
“I did think about that, but the situation has changed a bit.”
“What situation?”
“We’re now part of the Crown Prince Faction. Even when we were at full strength, taking us on would have been risky. Would they really provoke us with half their forces? That’s just absurd.”
As Claude continued with his passionate explanation, the retainers’ expressions brightened.
They began to feel a flicker of hope that by trusting in the Crown Prince Faction, they could also strengthen themselves while Count Desmond was busy rebuilding his forces.
But Ghislaine chuckled and shook his head.
“What if Count Desmond disregards the Crown Prince Faction and decides to attack us with whatever forces are left right now? Can we stop him?”
Claude replied with a troubled expression.
“We… probably couldn’t stop him?”
They had only won because Ghislaine had previously set traps. There was no way the same trick would work twice, and if they fought again, they would definitely lose.
When it came to the difference in strength, it was essentially a fight between a child and an adult.
“Exactly, we can’t stop him. But what if he crazily charges in?”
Claude confidently responded.
“To charge in here, he’d need to gather all the remaining troops in the territory. In that case, the other great lord, Count Raybold, would definitely strike from behind. Count Desmond can’t be foolish enough not to realize that. So we have plenty of time to strengthen ourselves.”
Claude’s reasoning was logical.
If Count Desmond forced a war, the greedy Count Raybold wouldn’t just sit by.
But that was only the surface level. Claude still didn’t know how the real situation was unfolding.
Ghislaine crossed his arms and looked around at the retainers.
“Well, I have something to say about that too. Lowell, bring that here.”
The hesitant Lowell quickly brought over a pile of documents.
Ghislaine handed the papers to Claude and said, “Before leaving for the capital, I instructed Lowell to gather intel on Desmond’s movements. Check it out.”
Claude swiftly examined the documents.
It was still difficult to grasp the detailed situation with the information-gathering capability of Penris Territory.
The papers Lowell had brought mainly contained rumors from the merchant groups and common residents that went in and out of Desmond’s territory.
But even that was enough to grasp Desmond’s movements.
His actions were just too blatant.
“Mass recruitment and training… bulk purchases of herbs… bows and arrows… recruiting free knights…”
“Scale recruiting and training… Bulk purchasing herbs… Bows and arrows… Recruiting free knights…”
Desmond’s financial flow had several suspicious parts, but one stood out especially.
There was information that he was buying iron ore in bulk from Count Cabaldy’s Territory, located between Penris and Desmond.
“Buying this much iron ore?”
The iron ore from Count Cabaldy’s Territory is famous for its quality. It was treated as a strategic resource, making it difficult to obtain even with money.
Yet, such a precious resource was flowing massively toward Desmond.
“Why on earth so much…?”
Claude’s mind grew complicated.
The most vital supplies for war preparation are food and weaponry. Iron ore is an essential resource for creating and repairing weaponry.
This amount was way too excessive for merely replenishing their diminishing power.
Other measures were equally excessive. Pouring funds and manpower like this would make proper territory management difficult.
“Really… are they planning to go to war?”
It was clear they were preparing for war. Although the exact target was unknown, they couldn’t afford to be complacent.
Having already established enmity with Desmond, the chances of this place being the target were very high.
Noticing Claude’s increasingly hardened expression, Ghislaine asked, “How’s it going? Feeling a bit uncomfortable?”
Claude nodded readily.
Even though Ghislaine had joined the Crown Prince Faction, it would be hard to expect reinforcements as soon as war broke out.
They couldn’t rely solely on the Crown Prince Faction’s support. If they recklessly swept through here and later attempted negotiations, the Crown Prince Faction would find it hard to intervene.
“Indeed. There’s a real possibility of war breaking out.”
At those words, the faces of others darkened.
Every day, this damn territory faced unfortunate events.
“Oh boy, maybe it’d be more comfortable if it just went to ruin. If only it would collapse, we wouldn’t have to deal with this mess!”
Seeing the gloomy people, Ghislaine secretly clicked her tongue. At this rate, they were going to lose even before the war began.
Yet, amidst the gloomy atmosphere, only Claude persevered and voiced his opinion.
“Immigrants will be arriving soon, so we need to stabilize the territory as much as possible before that. Attempting to prepare for war alongside limited funds and personnel will inevitably delay development.”
Though currently bound to Penris because of the grace received from Ghislaine and a slave contract, Claude was originally someone who studied at the Academy.
Whether he became a scholar or a politician, missing the opportunity to establish fame and achievements wasn’t something an Academy graduate would do.
To Claude, the Penris Territory was a place where he would live his entire life, and also a means to achieve his own ambitions.
“If I turn this territory, which started with nothing, into a great territory… I could leave my name in history.”
Hence, Claude genuinely pondered over methods that would benefit the Penris Territory.
“What about stationing the soldiers from the House of Marquis Branford here? The number isn’t critical. The important thing is to present it as the territory of the Marquis Branford. That way, Count Desmond wouldn’t easily attack this place.”
The retainers nodded in admiration at Claude’s clever suggestion.
If soldiers from the House of Marquis Branford were stationed here, it could greatly help deter war.
Attacking a place where his soldiers were stationed would be akin to directly attacking Marquis Branford himself.
Claude continued, “Stationing troops from other lords in the territory would be humiliating, but the Marquis Branford is an exception. He is the Lord’s guardian, so there’s sufficient justification without making it seem too shabby for his honor.”
Others also nodded in agreement.
Indeed, it sounded like the best plan possible.
They could ensure safety without great loss and fully dedicate their efforts to developing the territory.
Even Belinda and Kaor, who usually opposed just for the sake of opposing, seemed to agree this time and kept their mouths shut.
Ghislaine surveyed everyone while wearing a wry smile.
“If other lords were in the same situation as me, they would likely follow Claude’s advice.”
It was the most sensible approach, with minimal burden and maximum safety.
The problem was that behind Desmond stood the kingdom’s mightiest, Duke Delphine.
“They can’t stay hidden forever.”
She had hidden her unnecessary anxieties until now, but that couldn’t continue.
From now on, they needed to unite and run toward a greater goal. Even if they didn’t trust each other, at least a sense of crisis and doubt had to be instilled.
Having organized her thoughts, Ghislaine opened her mouth with a serious expression.
Ghislaine, with a serious expression, opened her mouth.
“Count Desmond is not alone.”
“Oh, yes. I heard he’s married. They say his wife is a beauty. Truly, power does attract people.”
“…That’s not it. Behind Desmond is Duke Delphine. Desmond’s will is essentially the will of the Duke’s faction.”
Claude, who had been rambling, and the retainers next to him turned pale.
Duke Delphine, a name that strikes fear into the hearts of many, the cruelest and most powerful person in the kingdom.
If Ghislaine’s words were true, this territory was practically doomed.
The retainers exclaimed in shock.
“Come on! What would a great lord from the North want to bow down to a Southern duke?”
“Do you have any evidence to support such a thought?”
Just as Ghislaine was pondering how to persuade them, Claude, with a dazed expression, muttered something as if he had realized something.
“Um… Well, the lord’s words might have some truth. If Count Desmond is pretending to be a neutral noble as a pawn for the Duke’s faction…”
Ghislaine brightened and quickly chimed in.
“Right, you’re making some sense! That’s the trap the Duke’s faction has been setting for a long time. Wow, I was wondering how to explain this, but you really are well-learned.”
Claude suddenly got chills and went through the documents again.
Count Cabaldy belonged to the Duke’s faction.
No matter how Desmond claimed neutrality, it didn’t make sense for him to sell iron ore in bulk to a territory that wasn’t even in the same faction.
Moreover, this amount… If bought at full price, it would be beyond the capacity of even the wealthiest territory.
‘Does this really mean the Duke’s faction is backing Desmond from behind?’
If Count Desmond truly had the backing of the Duke’s faction, stationing Marquis Branford’s troops wouldn’t help at all.
If the Duke’s faction intervenes later, offering a suitable justification and reward, the Crown Prince faction would have no choice but to accept.
This location is not yet crucial enough for the Crown Prince faction to risk a war with the Duke’s faction.
“It’s hard to believe… but if it’s true, we might have to defend ourselves for now.”
It’s not certain. It’s hard to believe. But they couldn’t rule out such a danger.
At Claude’s words, the retainers’ faces went even paler.
To lighten the mood, Ghislaine cheerfully stated,
“Now, whether the Duke’s faction is involved is not the priority right now. The issue is that we must fight Desmond soon. We all understand that war is unavoidable, right? So let’s think of a way to block him.”
No one had anything to say. How could the territory of Penris, which barely had any knights or soldiers, block Desmond?
Claude asked on behalf of everyone.
“When do you anticipate this will happen, my lord?”
“Count Desmond won’t move for at least another six months. After all, it’s true that he got thoroughly beaten by me in Perdium. He’ll need some time to regroup.”
It was not just a problem of losing troops; given what happened in Perdium, Amelia’s rebellion would also need more attention.
And as Ghislaine knew, there would be a very troublesome matter arising in a few months, so it wouldn’t be easy for him to move right away in six months.
However, there was no need to mention this to ease the tension.
Upon hearing the word “six months,” Claude suddenly timidly glanced at Ghislaine and said,
“If we only prepare for half a year, we won’t win the war. We probably won’t even finish training the new recruits.”
“So?”
“If Count Desmond disregards the Crown Prince faction and starts a war… we should run away.”
“What?”
Before Ghislaine could respond, Belinda, who had been silent, stepped in.
“I agree that it’s good to run away if a war breaks out. But there’s no need to do so right now.”
Everyone looked at her in confusion.
Hadn’t the lord and chief officer both just said that a war was imminent? So why was there no need to flee?
With all eyes on her, Belinda haughtily raised her nose and said,
“Isn’t it just a matter of taking the heads of Count Desmond or Count Almond? I’m good at that sort of thing. I’ll be back in no time.”
Ghislaine felt a bit sorry for her, knowing the intent behind her words.
If the target were an ordinary noble, it would be no problem for her to succeed in the assassination. She was quite skilled in that regard.
But Count Desmond, the great lord, was different.
Finding him in a castle heavily guarded was no easy task.
Finding him in the well-equipped Lord’s Castle is no easy feat.
Even if you’re lucky enough to find him and succeed in killing him, escaping from the castle is even harder.
Even someone as skilled as Belinda would have no choice but to fall.
“Sometimes assassination is the most effective and quickest method, but… it’s way too risky, we can’t do that.”
“Oh come on, it might be tough for me alone. But if Kaor and the mercenaries come with me, we can succeed.”
Kaor, who had been yawning as if it were someone else’s business, was taken aback and gave a bewildered look.
“What? Me? Why me?”
“You and a few mercenaries create a ruckus out in front of the Lord’s Castle. While all eyes are on you, I’ll cleanly take off the Count’s head.”
“Are you crazy? You’re saying we should just go there and die!”
“If you can prevent a war with your lives, that’s a noble sacrifice! You love fighting anyway!”
“I don’t want to die that kind of pointless death!”
“All fights are basically the same! What are you nitpicking about!”
“Ah! You go instead!”
While the two were bickering, this time Gillian stepped forward with a serious face.
“Lord, if we can’t avoid war, please let me take the mercenaries for a while. I will do my best to delay the timing of the war. In the meantime, prepare to bolster our strength and request assistance from the Crown Prince Faction.”
“How are you planning to do that?”
“I will raid the merchant groups supplying war resources. Initially, the supply will be cut off, so preparations will also be delayed, and if they pull personnel to catch me, preparations will be further delayed. Just leave it to me.”
At those words, Ghislaine smiled broadly.
She used to do the same in her past life. It was no surprise to see someone with a mercenary background thinking like that.
“That plan isn’t bad, but… if that happens, Gillian will get treated like a bandit. I don’t want such a reputation attached to someone who serves me.”
Ghislaine shrugged her shoulders and continued.
“I understand that both of you care about the territory… but let’s keep our feelings just for now.”
Different reasons aside, both Belinda and Gillian were willing to risk their lives for the territory, which was commendable.
Looking at Kaor, who seemed completely unfazed compared to the others, Ghislaine asked.
“Kaor, do you have any other opinion?”
“If they just attack, don’t we just fight back? I’ll be at the front. But you need to pay me more for that.”
“Oh dear, what a reliable guy.”
Ghislaine shook her head with a chuckle at his bold and simple attitude.
Seeing the four who didn’t seem to have any intention of avoiding a fight, Claude asked again.
“Are you really not considering running away?”
“Not really.”
“Sigh, guess that’s my fate. Then I think it’s best to mobilize all our resources to prepare for fortifications.”
“Fortifications… are we talking about a defensive battle?”
“Yes. Our territory’s greatest advantage is the massive food production. If we build a castle to the level of a fortress and hold out until reinforcements from the Crown Prince Faction arrive, we’ll last long enough.”
Gillian squinted and asked.
“Even if we build a castle, we still need some combat personnel, don’t we? Aren’t we short on troops?”
“We can request more soldiers and knights from Perdium immediately. We can also enlist some more conscripts. If everyone wants to live, they’ll have to find a way.”
All the retainers nodded in agreement. It was the safest and most realistic plan suggested so far.
Ghislaine also nodded and said.
“Alright, let’s do that for now. We need to stockpile supplies so we can respond to an enemy attack at any time.”
On the surface, it seemed like she accepted Claude’s suggestion, but her inner thoughts were quite different.
‘Everyone seems to have built some tension. I’ll have to maintain this atmosphere for a while.’
Claude’s suggestion was the most realistic and certain response given the current situation.
But it wouldn’t be enough to face the Duke Faction.
She needed to find a way to act that would surpass the enemy’s expectations, something they could never predict.
No matter what method was used, failing would ultimately lead to death. Thus, the only way to survive was to increase the chances of success, even if just a little.
‘This time, I’ll make the first move.’
Ghislaine had no intention of waiting patiently for the enemy.
A good opportunity would soon arise. She was planning to catch Count Desmond off guard and deal him a significant blow.
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