Chapter 45

Chapter 45
Chapter 45

“With that, the war council shall commence.”

On the following day, Lucian was once again called to appear before the First Prince.

The discussion from the previous day had concluded after only defining a broad course of action. Now that the primary objective was established, the time had come to formulate a specific tactical plan.

“Please direct your attention to the map. As you can observe, the route leading toward the primary stronghold is entirely unobstructed. For the time being, we will be able to proceed at a high pace without fearing any hostile interceptions,” Jurgen, the First Prince’s trusted confidant, remarked while indicating various points on the parchment.

True to his description, the path ahead was remarkably level. There were no broad waterways, no dense thickets ideal for hiding troops, and no grueling mountain passes to navigate. The region consisted only of scattered, small hamlets situated near the frontier.

“Historically, the fringes of Krepelt have consisted of open plains devoid of any strategic terrain, which is why not a single defensive structure was ever erected there. The territory is nearly impossible to hold, easily captured, and can be bypassed with minimal effort.”

“Essentially, it is a region they have abandoned in terms of defense.”

“That is correct. Any meaningful opposition will only start once we arrive at the first fortress, Bodium. Provided we maintain a brisk march, we should reach it in roughly five days.”

In stark contrast to the borderlands, Bodium was a bastion that could be described as a natural monument of defense. It stood on equal footing with Bornholm, the post where Lucian had previously served. Even with the support of multiple siege engines, seizing it would be a daunting task.

However, the Allied Forces possessed a clandestine asset provided by the Royal Family.

“When we commence the assault on the stronghold, Master Blasker, the Imperial Mage, will take the lead alongside his five apprentices. No matter how formidable the fortifications may be, they will crumble under the weight of Master Blasker’s sorcery.”

“Hmph. Doing so solitary would be a challenge, but with the aid of my pupils, it is well within our capabilities.”

The individual responding to Jurgen was an elderly sorcerer with a rigid, irritable disposition. The deep scarlet robes he donned and his sharply angled brows seemed to reflect his prickly temperament.

Lucian’s gaze sharpened as he observed the wizard upon the mention of the name Blasker.

‘Blasker Linveil. I never imagined I would encounter the renowned patriarch of the Flame School in person.’

He was a rare figure—the leader of one of the few schools recognized by the Empire who, despite his status as a magic user, held a deep and sincere devotion to the Imperial Family. He was the Archmage who, just prior to the collapse of the Imperial Capital, had given his life to incinerate nearly two thousand enemy combatants to facilitate the Emperor’s escape. Back when Lucian was earning his keep as a mercenary, the man was already revered as a mythic figure.

‘Certainly, if even a fraction of the tales are accurate, breaching a stone wall will be a simple matter. However, I am uncertain how many times he can manifest Great Magic of that magnitude.’

Lucian estimated that the sorcerer could likely only deploy such power once or twice before requiring an extensive period of recovery. If magic users were capable of unleashing such catastrophic forces without pause, they would have conquered the world long ago.

“Naturally, the ruined castle will no longer serve a defensive purpose, but since our mission is to crush the uprising, there is no practical reason to hold the position.”

In reality, it would be more strategic to demolish it entirely so the opposition could not reclaim it to obstruct their path home. Because there was only one primary road, becoming trapped there during a crisis could result in a fatal predicament.

“The path from Bodium toward the capital of Krepelt branches into three directions, but it would be wiser to select our route after gauging the climate once Bodium has fallen. We cannot yet predict how the rebels will respond.”

Having concluded his report, Jurgen scanned the gathered nobility as if inviting inquiries. When no one else moved to speak, Lucian, who had remained reserved, finally spoke up.

“I have one question. It appears there are no major rivers on the trek to Bodium. Are there specific locations where we can secure potable water?”

The most critical element of military logistics is the supply of drinking water. Humans cannot endure without it. Simultaneously, it is the most cumbersome resource to provide for.

‘Water is extremely bulky compared to how much is needed, and it is remarkably heavy. It is also difficult to preserve for extended durations.’

For these reasons, manually transporting and distributing enough water for an entire military host was nearly an impossibility. The only reason the issue of hydration rarely became a crisis was that human settlements naturally gravitated toward water sources. Whether seizing a fort or a small hamlet, wherever people resided, water was guaranteed to be present. As long as no one deliberately ruined the supply, locating it was straightforward.

‘Indeed. As long as they do not sabotage it on purpose.’

If they were dealing with a river, such concerns would be moot. Short of a massive, multi-year national engineering project, it was almost impossible to divert or poison a river. However, the situation was entirely different for wells or minor creeks.

Jurgen responded to Lucian’s inquiry with a visible touch of uncertainty.

“Based on our charts, there are three hamlets along our route. Each possesses wells, and a minor stream flows near the second village. Securing water should pose no challenge.”

“I see.”

Lucian knit his brows at the least favorable response. Those were exactly the kinds of spots that could be made useless in a heartbeat if someone were motivated enough.

However, Marquis Bernhardt let out a derisive snort at Lucian’s visible concern.

“Tainting a water source is a direct breach of the Grand Accord.”

“It appears you still maintain the belief that Krepelt will honor the Grand Accord.”

“And you clearly hold the opposite conviction. Regrettably, your perspective was already dismissed. There is no point in debating scenarios rooted in a discarded premise.”

“Well put.”

The First Prince voiced his concurrence with the Marquis’s statement. He then directed a frigid look toward Lucian.

“The foundation of the strategy we settled on yesterday is that the opposition will not defy the Grand Accord. I would be grateful if you ceased pushing a point that has already been overruled.”

“My apologies.”

Lucian retreated with outward compliance. Since they had disregarded his final caution, whatever consequences followed would be their own burden to carry. They would have no grounds to hold him accountable even if disaster struck later.

When no other points were raised, the First Prince rose to his feet and called out to the lords.

“If there is nothing more to discuss, we shall end the council here. Let us proceed to Bodium with all haste and seize the fortress!”

A coalition force, regardless of the quality of its individual components, always struggles with synchronization. Because they hail from different factions and are drilled under varying doctrines, they turn into a chaotic jumble the moment they are merged. Consequently, it was vital to assign specific roles before beginning the march.

“Count Rakmo and Viscount Montel will command the left wing; Viscount Bran and Count Saibon will manage the right wing; and the remainder of you shall…”

Prior to the full departure, Jurgen detailed the assignments for each contingent. It was a layout that accounted for the martial prowess of the lords, their political standing, and the intricate rivalries between the various houses.

“Lord Lucian, you are to oversee the left and right flanks of the lead element alongside His Excellency the Marquis. His Highness the First Prince shall command the personal retinue directly behind your positions.”

“I understand.”

Lucian gave a brief nod. The vanguard is the first to engage the foe, but it is also the prime spot for accumulating glory. Since it was a role everyone desired, there were no candidates more suitable than the Marquis and Lucian.

Just as Lucian prepared to direct his company to their post…

“If you prefer, Lord Lucian, I can relocate you to the rear guard. Since you seem so terrified that Krepelt might ignore the Grand Accord.”

“…!”

The surrounding crowd went still at the First Prince’s sharp mockery from behind. He was essentially telling him, ‘If you are a coward, stay in the back and stay out of the way.’

Even Marquis Bernhardt could not find it in him to smirk this time. To disparage his most powerful partner right as they marched into conflict!

Every eye was on Lucian as they waited for a reaction, but Lucian actually produced a light laugh.

“There is no need. I am simply being prudent, not deficient in bravery. To the contrary, the members of the House of Valdek are often far too bold for their own safety. I am concerned we might inadvertently shock Your Highness later on.”

“…Is that the case? We shall witness exactly how much courage you possess in due time.”

When Lucian confidently dismissed the slight, the First Prince turned away as if the conversation was no longer worth his time.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the group. Jurgen, standing at the front, bowed repeatedly toward Lucian with an expression of immense relief for the way he defused the tension.

“Lord Lucian, I am truly in your debt! I have no idea how to compensate you…”

“I did nothing that requires repayment. Our departure is near, so I will go and organize my men.”

“Incredible.”

As Lucian walked away with a calm expression, a murmur of respect left Jurgen’s lips. A hotheaded youth would have been fuming, and even a practiced aristocrat would have let his irritation show at such a public jab.

‘When I first encountered the rumors, I assumed there was some hyperbole involved, but seeing him today, I suspect they were actually downplayed.’

A man with that degree of composure would never remain a minor player. Jurgen resolved to emphasize Lucian’s value to the Emperor once the campaign against the rebels was over.

‘Confound it. That young predator is already honing his teeth.’

While Jurgen was preoccupied with admiration, Marquis Bernhardt’s features twisted. He had previously dismissed Lucian as a clever child with a bit of presence, but at his current age, his psychological strength was already daunting. It was evident that if he continued on this trajectory, he would become a massive obstacle for the House of Roglan.

‘Sigmund, that man is truly fortunate with his offspring. Meanwhile, I am forced to choose among a collection of uninspired heirs.’

In truth, they weren’t exactly uninspired. While there were some disappointments, those regarded as top contenders for the family leadership were quite capable. However, after witnessing Lucian, even the children he typically held in high regard seemed lacking. No matter how he evaluated the situation, if Lucian ascended to the rank of Grand Duke, none of them would be able to stand against him.

“I am concerned for the legacy of the Marquis’s house.”

Marquis Bernhardt whispered to himself before heading to his assigned post. He contemplated whether he should impose some hardships on his children to accelerate their development once this conflict reached its end.

Two days after the march commenced, the Allied Forces reached their first objective: the initial village.

Likely due to its proximity to the border and the government’s weak influence, the settlement was fairly substantial. The moment the military appeared, the Village Chief emerged with the locals and bowed low in haste.

“W-Welcome! Simply tell us your requirements, and we will provide whatever you need! We only ask that you protect us from the soldiers’ plundering…!”

Looting was not prohibited by the Grand Accord, so it was a frequent occurrence during military campaigns. Since the nobility took little interest in the well-being of the peasantry and taking supplies was sometimes a tactical necessity, the locals could only shake with fear at the sight of an army camping on their doorstep.

“We shall not seize anything, so put your mind at ease. Furthermore, what could we possibly find worth taking from a place such as this?”

The First Prince scoffed at the leader and the residents. Perhaps mercenaries or a common rabble would stoop to that, but why would the elite soldiers of the Great Families rob a village like this? The provisions they carried were far superior to anything they could find here, and even if they did steal, it wouldn’t equal even a fraction of their pay.

“That will suffice; just ensure the men are treated with respect. If you remain polite, we will stay only for a single night and depart in the morning.”

“We thank you! We thank you deeply!”

The Village Chief wept with relief. He immediately began barking orders at the locals. They emptied buildings to provide shelter, pumped water for the soldiers, and brought the presentable women together in one area.

Pleased by the chief’s speed, the lords were about to allow their units to break for rest when…

“Excuse me, Chief. Allow me to ask you something.”

Lucian spoke to the leader with a complicated expression. The frantic chief jumped and immediately fell to his knees.

“Y-Yes! What is it you wish to know, my lord?”

“I do not see a single child in this village. What is the reason for that? It seems everyone I see is a grown adult.”

“Ch-Children, you say? We sent them away to a safe place when the rumors of war began to spread.”

“To a safe place. Where?”

“We sent them to Bodium. Since it is the most secure location…”

At the chief’s response, Lucian wore a freezing smile.

“You are a truly incompetent liar.”