Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 38.5
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 57.5
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Chapter 83
Chapter 84
Chapter 85
Chapter 86
Chapter 87
Chapter 87.5
Chapter 88
Chapter 89
Chapter 90
Chapter 91
Chapter 92
Chapter 93
Chapter 94
Chapter 95
Chapter 96
Chapter 97
Chapter 98
Chapter 99
Chapter 100
Chapter 101
Chapter 102
Chapter 103
Chapter 104
Chapter 105
Chapter 106
Chapter 107
Chapter 108
Chapter 108.5
Chapter 109
Chapter 110
Chapter 111
Chapter 112
Chapter 113
Chapter 114
Chapter 115
Chapter 116
Chapter 117
Chapter 118
Chapter 119
Chapter 120
Chapter 121
Chapter 122
Chapter 123
Chapter 124
Chapter 125
Chapter 126
Chapter 127
Chapter 128
Chapter 129
Chapter 130
Chapter 131
Chapter 132
Chapter 133
Chapter 134
Chapter 135
Chapter 136
Chapter 137
Chapter 138
Chapter 139
Chapter 139.5
Chapter 140
Chapter 141
Chapter 142
Chapter 143
Chapter 144
Chapter 145
Chapter 146
Chapter 147
Chapter 148
Chapter 149
Chapter 150
Chapter 151
Chapter 152
Chapter 153
Chapter 154
Chapter 155
Chapter 156
Chapter 157
Chapter 158
Chapter 159
Chapter 160
Chapter 161
Chapter 162
Chapter 163
Chapter 163.5
Chapter 164
Chapter 165
Chapter 166
Chapter 167
Chapter 168
Chapter 169
Chapter 170
Chapter 171
Chapter 172
Chapter 173
Chapter 174
Chapter 175
Chapter 176
Chapter 177
Chapter 178
Chapter 179
Chapter 180
Chapter 181
Chapter 182
Chapter 183
Chapter 184
Chapter 185
Chapter 186
Chapter 187
Chapter 188
Chapter 189
Chapter 190
Chapter 191
Chapter 192
Chapter 193
Chapter 194
Chapter 195
Chapter 196
Chapter 197
Chapter 198
Chapter 199
Chapter 200
Chapter 201
Chapter 202
Chapter 203
Chapter 204
Chapter 205
Chapter 206
Chapter 207
Chapter 208
Chapter 209
Chapter 210
Chapter 211
Chapter 212
Chapter 213
Chapter 214
Chapter 215
Chapter 215.5
Chapter 216
Chapter 217
Chapter 218
Chapter 219
Chapter 220
Chapter 221
Chapter 222
Chapter 223
Chapter 224
Chapter 225
Chapter 226
Chapter 227
Chapter 228
Chapter 229
Chapter 230
Chapter 231
Chapter 232
Chapter 233
Chapter 234
Chapter 235
Chapter 236
Chapter 237
Chapter 238
Chapter 239
Chapter 240
Chapter 241
Chapter 242
Chapter 243
Chapter 244
Chapter 245
Chapter 246
Chapter 247
Chapter 248
Chapter 249
Chapter 250
Chapter 251
Chapter 252
Chapter 253
Chapter 254
Chapter 255
Chapter 256
Chapter 256.5
Chapter 257
Chapter 258
Chapter 259
Chapter 260
Chapter 261
Chapter 262
Chapter 263
Chapter 264
Chapter 265
Chapter 266
Chapter 267
Chapter 268
Chapter 269
Chapter 270
Chapter 271
Chapter 272
Chapter 273
Chapter 274
Chapter 275
Chapter 276
Chapter 277
Chapter 278
Chapter 279
Chapter 280
Chapter 281
Chapter 282
Chapter 283
Chapter 284
Chapter 285
Chapter 286
Chapter 287
Chapter 288
Chapter 289
Chapter 290
Chapter 291
Chapter 292
Chapter 293
Chapter 294
Chapter 295
Chapter 296
Chapter 297
Chapter 298
Chapter 299
Chapter 300
Chapter 301
Chapter 302
Chapter 303
Chapter 304
Chapter 305
Chapter 306
Chapter 307
Chapter 308
Chapter 309
Chapter 310
Chapter 311
Chapter 312
Chapter 313
Chapter 314
Chapter 314.5
Chapter 315
Chapter 316
Chapter 317
Chapter 318
Chapter 319
Chapter 320
Chapter 321
Chapter 322
Chapter 323
Chapter 324
Chapter 325
Chapter 326
Chapter 327
Chapter 328
Chapter 329
Chapter 330
Chapter 331
Chapter 332
Chapter 333
Chapter 334
Chapter 335
Chapter 336
Chapter 337
Chapter 338
Chapter 339
Chapter 340
Chapter 341
Chapter 342
Chapter 343
Chapter 344
Chapter 345
Chapter 346
Chapter 347
Chapter 348
Chapter 349
Chapter 350
Chapter 351
Chapter 352
Chapter 353
Chapter 354
Chapter 355
Chapter 356
Chapter 357
Chapter 358
Chapter 359
Chapter 360
Chapter 361
Chapter 362
Chapter 363
Chapter 364
Chapter 365
Chapter 366
Chapter 367
Chapter 368
Chapter 369
Chapter 370
Chapter 371
Chapter 372
Chapter 373
Chapter 374
Chapter 375
Chapter 376
Chapter 377
Chapter 378
Chapter 379
Chapter 380
Chapter 381
Chapter 382
Chapter 383
Chapter 384
Chapter 385
Chapter 386
Chapter 387
Chapter 388
Chapter 389
Chapter 390
Chapter 391
Chapter 392
Chapter 393
Chapter 394
Chapter 395
Chapter 396
Chapter 397
Chapter 398
Chapter 399
Chapter 400
Chapter 401
Chapter 402
Chapter 403
Chapter 404
Chapter 405
Chapter 406
Chapter 407
Chapter 408
Chapter 409
Chapter 410
Chapter 411
Chapter 412
Chapter 413
Chapter 414
Chapter 415
Chapter 416
Chapter 417
Chapter 418
Chapter 419
Chapter 420
Chapter 421
Chapter 422
Chapter 423
Chapter 424
Chapter 425
Chapter 426
Chapter 427
Chapter 428
Chapter 429
Chapter 430 Part1
Chapter 430 Part2
Chapter 431
Chapter 432
Chapter 433
Chapter 434
Chapter 435
Chapter 436
Chapter 437
Chapter 438
Chapter 439
Chapter 440
Chapter 441
Chapter 442
Chapter 443
Chapter 444
Chapter 445
Chapter 446
Chapter 447
Chapter 448
Chapter 449
Chapter 450
Chapter 451
Chapter 452
Chapter 453
Chapter 454
Chapter 455
Chapter 456
Chapter 457
Chapter 458
Chapter 459
Chapter 460
Chapter 461
Chapter 462
Chapter 463
Chapter 464
Chapter 465
Chapter 466
Chapter 467
Chapter 468
Chapter 469
Chapter 470
Chapter 471
Chapter 472
Chapter 473
Chapter 474
Chapter 475
Chapter 476
Chapter 477
Chapter 478
Chapter 479
Chapter 480: Alteria Decisive Battle: Defeat The Famed General
Chapter 481
Chapter 482: Loveless Embrace
Chapter 483: Distressed Queen
Chapter 484: Those Who Are Squeezed Dry
Chapter 485: A Short Break
Chapter 486: The Banquet Continues
Chapter 487: Celestina’S Tears
Chapter 488: Unreasonable Demand
Chapter 489: Golden Sortie
Chapter 490: Unconditional Love And Respec
Chapter 491: Unclean Passage
Chapter 492
Chapter 493
Chapter 494
Chapter 495
Chapter 496
Chapter 497
Chapter 498
Chapter 499
Chapter 500
Chapter 501
Chapter 502
Chapter 503
Chapter 504: Mortal Combat In The Rain
Chapter 505: Nine Fortresses
Chapter 506: Grand Assembly
Chapter 507: Find The Hell
Chapter 508
Chapter 509
Chapter 510
Chapter 511
Chapter 512
Chapter 513
Chapter 514
Chapter 515: The Place Where It Ends
Chapter 516: My Name Is Wilhelmina
Chapter 517: I Am A Thinking 〇
Chapter 518: Unconventional Means
Chapter 519: An Elf Development Plan
Chapter 520: Fair Trade And Zwei Mothers
Chapter 521: Postwar Road
Chapter 522: Boring Domestic Affairs
Chapter 523: Three Individuals, Three Desires
Chapter 524: Wild Evening Party
Chapter 525: False Debauchery
Chapter 526: Slapstick Side Story 1 Pipi
Chapter 526-2: Slapstick Side Story 2 Pirate
Chapter 526-3: Slapstick Side Story 3 What About The Dual Crater?
Chapter 526-4: Slapstick Side Story 4 Strange Ecology
Chapter 526-5: Slapstick Side Story 5 Pregnant Party
Chapter 526-6: Slapstick Side Story 6 Merchants
Chapter 526-7: Slapstick Side Story 7 Non-Humans
Chapter 527: Should Overturn The Board
Chapter 528: Should Overturn The Board Ii
Chapter 529: A Landmine Larger Than You Can Imagine
Chapter 530: Think Of One’S Sister
Chapter 531: Worthless Trouble
Chapter 532: Disarm The Second Landmine
Chapter 533: The Two Who Me
Chapter 534: I Love My Sister
Chapter 535: A Resourceful General’S Misconduc
Chapter 536: Justice Power
Chapter 537: A Competent Worker
Chapter 538
Chapter 539
Chapter 540
Chapter 541
Chapter 542
Chapter 543
Chapter 544
Chapter 545
Chapter 546
Chapter 547
Chapter 548
Chapter 549
Chapter 550
Chapter 551
Chapter 552
Chapter 553
Chapter 554
Chapter 555
Chapter 555.2
Chapter 556
Chapter 557
Chapter 558
Chapter 559
Chapter 560.1
Chapter 560.2
Chapter 560.3
Chapter 561
Chapter 562
Chapter 563
Chapter 564
Chapter 565.1
Chapter 565.2
Chapter 565.3
Chapter 565.4
Chapter 566.1
Chapter 566.2
Chapter 566.3
Chapter 566.4
Chapter 566.5
Chapter 567
Chapter 568.1
Chapter 568.2
Chapter 569
Chapter 569.2
Chapter 569.3
Chapter 569.4
Chapter 569.5
Chapter 569.6
Chapter 570.1
Chapter 570.2
Chapter 570.3
Chapter 570.4
Chapter 570.5
Chapter 570.6
Chapter 570.7
Chapter 570.8
Chapter 570.9
Chapter 571
Chapter 572
Chapter 573
Chapter 574
Chapter 575
Chapter 576
Chapter 576.2
Chapter 577
Chapter 578
Chapter 579
Chapter 580
Chapter Ss1: Special Chapter: Pumpkin Festival
Chapter Ss2: Special Commemorative Story 2
Chapter Ss3
Chapter Ss1: Special : Pumpkin Festival
Categories Genre: Action, Adult, Adventure, All, Fantasy, Harem, Ongoing, Seinen Status: Ongoing Alternative names: Road of the Kingdom, Road to Kingdom, 王国へ続く道, ______
Total Chapters in book: 624
Estimated words: 3278060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 16390(@200wpm)___ 13112(@250wpm)___ 10927(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 3278060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 16390(@200wpm)___ 13112(@250wpm)___ 10927(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 624 Page No. 623 Page No. 622 Page No. 621 Page No. 620 Page No. 619 Page No. 618 Page No. 617 Page No. 616 Page No. 615 Page No. 614 Chapter 541
Chapter 541: Mozadier Incident
Translator: Nat
Military Commissioner Erich Radhalde Territory – Near Mozadier Village.
An arrow slices through the air.
It seems like the arrow was in line to hit its target, but it grazes a pointed ear by a slim margin and lands on the ground.
「Kuh, I thought that was going to hit, how frustrating! This tiny fox is pretty tough.」
「Haha, even Lord Mottel who has killed ten enemies on the battlefield appears to be out of his element against a fox. Why don’t you let me……」
Another man circles around the scampering fox’s path and takes aim with his crossbow.
However, the fox wisely sprints in a zigzag pattern and doesn’t let him pull the trigger.
The little furball jumps into a thicket in the nick of time.
A groan and a dejected sigh follows the disappearance of the animal.
「Mmm, it ran away. There’s my bad habit of being too cautious. I can’t hit anything if I don’t shoot.」
「It’s impossible to find that thing once it gets in the bushes. Let’s wait for another one.」
「Well, I can’t exactly stick out my chest proudly knowing it took several grown men to catch a baby fox anyways. I hope something bigger comes next.」
The event being held in Erich’s territory is a hunting party, but its main purpose is not actually the hunting of game, it is an activity for people to socialize. Of course, the only ones invited were new nobles and their retinue.
Reading the intentions of their lord on horseback, the followers on foot poke at bushes and run through trees, searching for prey.
「Make lots of noise. With all these brave men here, I don’t mind if you attract something strange.」
「I’d prefer it if a giant bear showed up. We’re not soft like the nobles in the royal court.」
Even in the well-governed territory of Erich, a foray into the woods could draw out bears, wolves, goblins, and other monsters. But the new nobles, who had risen through the ranks of military service, had no fear.
Most of the members present have earned their positions by fighting in battle with swords and spears, and if they encountered a bear or an orc they would definitely be courageous enough to pull out their weapons before screaming.
The men waited with bated breath, but no matter how much of a ruckus the followers caused, nothing came out from the left or right.
That left them with free time to gossip.
「Ahem, let me deliberately ask something hard to ask. I heard Lord Mottel had a war of words with Hardlett-dono. Um……did you add your name to the list of traditional nobles……?」
「Umu. I’m not doubting Hardlett-dono’s military prowess, but what he did at Richemott was too selfish. I gave him honest but harsh advice――that not only is he harming the new nobles, he is harming Goldonia as a whole. Lord Radhalde then asked me about my relationship with the traditional nobles, but I made him understand that I have no other intentions and that I’m not backing down for the sake of the ruling structure!」
His loud commanding tone also prompted those around him to talk about Hardlett.
「Hardlett-dono’s military prowess is certainly unparalleled……but lately he is becoming a little……too arrogant.」
「The letter of recommendation that was shown to me when Malt passed through my territory was as intimidating as a debt collector’s. ……well, an apology gift was sent to say it was a mistake though.」
If it was Kenneth or the traditional nobles, they can bad-mouth with a voice that reaches the heavens, but the subject of their current gossip is different, thus they speak softer and with a slight reluctance.
「Onigmes-dono, I heard you invited Hardlett-dono to a martial arts tournament in your territory. You said that it’d be bad if his body dulled during the post-war peace, right? After all, there was a rumor that he lost to an inexperienced man in Richemott.」
「Ha, haha……that’s correct. It’s not like I was thinking, “Is it possible he’s not actually strong? If I defeat him in a tournament, will I suddenly gain favor with the Military Commissioner?” I was simply doing it for Hardlett-sono’s sake.」
The other person can’t read the clues given by Onigmes’ stammering and continues pressing.
「By the way Onigmes-dono, why are you not carrying a bow or riding a horse and just observing?」
「It’s not because I dislocated my shoulder and broke six ribs ten seconds after the match started, and am wrapped like a mummy under my clothes, I have a stomach ache.」
A few objecting individuals emerge among the whispering.
「Regardless of a small argument here or there, if it wasn’t for Margrave Hardlett’s valor, us new nobles wouldn’t be where we are now――」
「He also played a big role in establishing the current hegemony of Goldonia――」
「Our debt would also have skyrocketed again if not for him!」
Monashi, Binbo, and Gokhin raise their voices in defense of Hardlett.
As new nobles in the vicinity, they were naturally invited too.
「O-obviously, I do not deny Lord Hardlett’s achievements. And his current standing is well-deserved, I just wish that he would be less rough around the edges. By the way Gokhin-dono, why have you removed only the back part of your armor?」
「U-umu. I am by no means trying to bring Lord Hardlett down. I simply want him to at least talk to us before making a decision. By the way Binbo-dono, has the poisonous water stopped leaking on your fields? I heard forty percent of your arable land has been ruined.」
「Pardon me for being rude Monashi-dono, but the date of your loan repayment is today. You’ve already deferred it three times. If you can’t pay, I will be taking the mansion you mortgaged.」
After the three of them spoke up, the criticism that had been going on in a reserved manner came to a halt and the topic of conversation shifted to the hardships they were facing in managing their respective territories and paying off their debts.
At that moment, a high-pitched scream can be heard from the woods.
「I guess they found something. Judging by the scream, it’s something big, maybe even a monster.」
「I don’t know whose follower he is, but screaming in the face of a beast is rather pathetic. He needs to be scolded.」
Bushes rustle as the thing moves in the depths of the woods, and the men on horseback wait with their eyes sparkling in anticipation and their bows at the ready.
「This sound, it doesn’t sound like one or two.」
「I wonder if they ran into a pack of wolves or a bunch of goblins. Interesting, it gets boring shooting at creatures that don’t attack back.」
The sound of something squirming stops when it reaches the thicket separating the forest with the plains.
「……it stopped. What are the followers doing? Can’t they drive out the prey already?」
「Stopping barely before being in our view, this reminds me of the time we were ambushed in the battle with South Yuguria――」
A dry twang shook the air.
It was the sound of dozens of bowstrings being released simultaneously.
At the exact same time, a volley of crossbow bolts shot out and pierced the nobles on horseback and the followers beside them.
「G-gahh!」
「It can’t be……」
The accuracy of a crossbow aimed at close range is extremely high, and they easily penetrate the lightweight leather armor used for hunting.
Those hit in the chest or head by the bolts drop off their horses like flies and the followers join their lords on the ground before they can help.
「Outsiders!!」
「Crossbows! Lots of them!」
「Mottel-dono and Onigmes-dono are like porcupines!!」
The yells resound, causing the horses to rear.
Those expecting wolves or goblins were hit by a furious barrage and a significant number of them fell.
If the hunting party consisted of traditional nobles, their first instinct would be to scatter.
「If you’re injured, dismount and fall back!」
「If you aren’t hurt, draw your swords and line up! Don’t dawdle!」
However, the new nobles who have ridden through countless battles and gained fame in war were different.
Once they saw the attack was by crossbows, the uninjured nobles arranged their horses in a line and ran into the bushes.
「Crossbows are slow to reload. If we rush in quickly, they can’t shoot a second volley!」
If they pull back and wait for reinforcements, the ones wounded by the first volley will be killed.
Then the best move is to charge in; if the distance is closed, it should be easy to rout the crossbowmen while they are reloading.
「「「Charge――!!」」」
The new nobles leave their followers behind and run forward.
If it was wartime and this was the battlefield, this choice would not be made.
That’s because it is too dangerous to charge at the enemy without full knowledge of their forces.
But war has since ended and this is Erich’s territory, which has maintained a long period of stability.
It was natural to assume that these outsiders, who somehow got hold of information on the hunting party, hid in the bush for a spur-of-the-moment surprise attack.
That assumption was wrong.
「Anti-cavalry. Intercept.」
Another group emerges from the bushes holding black spears.
More than ten spears unwaveringly and neatly line up without any gaps.
「What!?」
The first rider leading the charge is impaled along with his horse, and the ones trailing are stopped in their tracks by the protruding tips.
A cavalry’s speed and mass can easily send even a heavy infantry flying.
But if a disciplined and well-trained spear line is formed, half-naked infantry can fend off the cavalry.
「Push out.」
The spearmen march in lockstep in compliance with the muffled command.
Seeing the approaching sharp spearheads, the horses step backward on their own.
「N-not good! Stopping is――」
There was no time to shout the entire sentence.
Crossbows, which have finished reloading, are fired at close range.
More people fell this time compared to the first attack, and almost all of them died instantly.
「Move――! Distance yourselves――!!」
Those who could still move at this point retreat.
「Impossible……anti-cavalry formation with crossbows and long spears!? Is this a battlefield!?」
「Not even flinching at the sight of charging cavalry means that they’re no ordinary outsiders. They must be an army of some kind……」
Fleeing nobles shout in panic.
「W-who the hell are you――gyaaaaa!!」
「You’ll pay for underestimating Goldon――hiiii!」
「Stop, not there……aoooo!!」
Nobody wanted to listen to the sounds of those unable to move being finished off.
At the same time, smoke starts to rise from various places in the woods.
It was clear the outsiders had set fire to the plants.
The poor trio also fell down after their horses were killed.
Their bodies were struck so hard that it didn’t look like they could fight back or escape.
An assailant with a crossbow appeared in front of them.
Shrouded from head to waist in all-black attire, the person’s face could not be seen and neither could the person’s physique or gender be distinguished.
「Guh, is this the end?」
「Sorry. My 19 children……」
「At least I can take solace from knowing I have insurance on my life. Now……half my debt can be paid.」
But the assailants confirm the faces of the trio, mumble something and then disappear into the bushes without shooting an arrow.
As the smoke billows from the burning trees, the three crawl away.
「「「W-we narrowly escaped death……」」」
The three of them lean their backs against each other and sink to the ground in exhaustion.
In response to the urgent news, guards and knights of the territory rushed to the scene, but by then the fire was so intense and the smoke so thick that they could find only the wounded who survived, not the attackers.
「It’s perfect.」
「Huh!?」
The words of a certain man cause an irritated person to react harshly.
「Launching an ambush from the thicket, then holding off our counterattack with spears and attacking once more at close range, and lastly retreating while setting the place on fire to prevent pursuit. Have you ever seen a more perfect ambush?」
「Well, a professional attack was executed in the territory of the Military Commissioner during peace times――」
「I’m saying it’s the perfect tactic which even anticipates our decisions!」
The man yells and strikes the ground with his sword.
Radhalde Territory – Mansion.
「That concludes the list of casualties. The conflagration is yet to be suppressed. An evacuation order has been issued to the pioneer villages at risk for the fire to potentially spread to.」
Erich listens and tries to digest the report by the trembling pale-faced governor.
He is usually in the capital and leaves the management of the territory to the governor.
Meeting up for the hunt was scheduled to be in the afternoon and the bad news came when he was preparing.
「Is there any information on the attackers?」
「Unfortunately, not a single one could be brought down, and the fire has erased any traces of their whereabouts……so there is nothing.」
Erich doesn’t look at the governor, whose face is turning from pale blue to a darker black, and lightly kicks his chair.
「The main casualties were Lord Mottel and Lord Onigmes――Captain of the second division Lord Dontress was also severely wounded?」
「Dontress-sama led of the counterattack and suffered the brunt of the enemy’s focus.」
Erich sighs deeply and kicks his chair.
「Hopeful of his talent in government affairs, I granted him the abundant former Libatis territory. Damnit Mottel, you’re not lucky at all.」
Survivors of the disaster came running in.
All of them have humiliation and anger written over their faces.
Erich first bows his head to all of them.
The governor finally fainted at this point.
「This is my territory. Fault lies with me.」
Nobody blames Erich, at least on the surface.
「We were the ones who made a wrong decision, and we would be the ones to blame on a battlefield. It’s unacceptable that we couldn’t take out one soldier.」
「We even lost the captain……this is an utter failure.」
「What’s important is the enemy’s identity. Not to be sore losers, but they were not any ordinary outsiders.」
One of them mutters in a subdued voice.
「If only Lord Hardlett was here……」
An unpleasant silence envelops the room.
「……that reminds me, why is Lord Hardlett absent? His territory is directly adjacent.」
「He suddenly got a stomach ache.」
A few of them awkwardly clear their throats.
「Lord Mottel and Lord Onigmes were deliberately targeted on the first attack……」
「Aside from the captain leading the counterattack……most of the casualties are nobles of the south with new territory……geho geho.」
To clear the unsettling air, Erich promised to secure the positions and give compensation to those whose family heads were killed or severely injured, then he dismissed all of them.
Cedric, who arrived and was also scheduled to participate, comes in next.
Erich, while staring intently out the window, spoke in a monotonous tone.
「Cedric. Contact Hardlett immediately. Don’t ask about his health.」
One Week Later. Capital – Royal Palace.
I am kneeling in front of the king.
Erich and Kenneth are also next to me.
With these members, normally Kenneth and Erich would struggle to be in the center, and I would be near the outer part on Erich’s side, but right now I’m in the middle between the other two who are a fixed distance away.
Massive attacks on the capital and Erich’s territory dealt major damage to both camps.
On Kenneth’s side, he says that the sons and daughters of high-ranking bureaucrats, marquess families and margrave families, and even ministers are beyond recovery.
Gretel turned white as a sheet when she heard her father was caught in the attack, but collapsed in relief when she later found out he was unscathed.
Erich’s side also suffered a big blow.
Many familiar names of hopefuls were either sent to the afterlife or the hospital bed, and even a commander of the royal army died.
I thought it was unlucky that the poor trio were entangled in the mess, but a second report followed to say that they just lost a horse.
Erich and I make eye contact for a split second.
He sent me a scary letter after the incident, telling me to come right away, only for a summons from the king to arrive a day later.
Nonna was terribly frightened when the king’s letter was delivered.
She sobbed loudly in front of the children and clinged onto me tightly, saying that I would die if I went out again.
She wouldn’t listen no matter how much I reassured her and it wasn’t until Mel and Carla helped me comfort her at night before she finally calmed down.
Despite departing a little late, Schwartz can reach the capital a day earlier.
In the midst of reminiscing, the king first showed his appreciation toward us and then proceeded to talk about the main issue.
「South Yuguria or Magrado. It might also be a pocket of resistance. We’ve been led around by the nose.」
The king smiles cynically and rests an elbow on his throne.
“Yeah, they got us. I’ll be careful next time.”
Obviously that isn’t going to work here.
「All things considered……it wasn’t too large or outstanding…… Surely you are not trying to kill each other.」
The king stares at Kenneth and Erich.
「「Certainly not. I swear the only thing I’m responsible for is the ease at which this attack happened.」」
Well, they wouldn’t admit it even if they were actually behind the attacks.
They’re not going to go back and forth……creating doubt around one another, right?
Otherwise I wouldn’t be called.
The king’s stern gaze stays on Erich and Kenneth for a few seconds each before moving to me and staying for twice as long.
「I suppose you’re right. I am aware of the strife between you two, and I don’t believe you would kill a minister or commander appointed by me or do something as outrageous as set fire to the capital. That would mean it is the work of an outside party.」
His gaze is painful.
「I see many who have died disputed with you, Hardlett.」
Here it comes.
「……Yes Your Majesty. It appears so.」
I can’t deny the truth.
Saying I didn’t argue with them would be lying.
「Do you know anything?」
「No, I don’t.」
I’m like a kid giving an excuse, but can’t say anything else if I don’t know anything.
My eyes looking back at the king don’t have any guilt in them.
However the king doesn’t turn away from me.
「I don’t suspect you of committing this plot. Still, for all the people who inconvenienced you to die and for those with close ties with you to survive…… I guess such coincidences happen.」
Can I be dismissed now?
「Yet――my heart that has decided not to suspect you is being stirred by your actions. In these few months……your army has continued to grow after the war ended. Among the other feudal lords all across the land who have reduced their army sizes and knights, you stand out.」
Leopolt is expanding the army so much……that I can’t explain it with reasons like maintaining order or displaying dignity to neighboring lords.
I never rejected that plan.
「I am the king. I am the one who rules over the feudal lords and governs the nation. Thus I ask you, Hardlett. Why are you continuing to expand your military?」
I wonder why. I don’t know.
I don’t know, so I can’t answer.
Seeing my slight hesitation, the king slaps his leg once.
「There is no concrete evidence regarding this incident. Each of you may have your own motives, but you have not violated the law or angered me. Therefore, I will judge that this is a crime committed by thugs hostile to Goldonia. Further――」
It’s not over?
「――if I were to write a vulgar story, I would make Hardlett the culprit. The other two are too flawed to play the part. It would also be hard believe they conspired at the same time.」
He totally thinks it’s me.
「It’s a joke. It would be boring if the culprits were thugs in a story after all. So you are not the culprit. Besides, it’s uncertain. There is nothing illegal about the expansion of your military or your authority as lord. Yes……it’s uncertain.」
The king rises and walks over to me.
「I will not forget that it was my paranoia during the war that dragged this country and its loyal subjects down. And I will not forget that it was you who woke me up to that fact. Thus I want to clear my suspicions even if they are as small as my finger nail.」
The king returns to his throne and continues.
「Inspect Hardlett’s territory! I give the authority by royal decree to examine every town, village, military facility, and mansion in the land! When all is exposed to the light of day, it will become clear that Hardlett is without a shred of doubt my loyal retainer!」
It won’t.
A bunch of shady things will be revealed.
「In order to remain fair, 30% of the inspection team will be recommended by the Domestic Affairs Commissioner, 30% will be recommended by the Military Commissioner and 40% will be neutral. I appoint my trusted aide Marquess Bulga Fitton, the Minister of National Affairs, to be in charge! 」
The king mentions one last thing in parting, almost like the thought never crossed his mind.
「Oh how could I forget. The feudal lord has complete authority over the land he was given, so even I can’t do as I please. Your consent is an absolute requirement. What do you say, Hardlett?」
I mean, what else can I say but “I agree”?
I have to tell Leopolt and Adolph about this right away.
If the search is done without bounds, secrets on the level of a labyrinth’s treasure will be uncovered.
I want to consult with Erich too, but I haven’t been able to speak a word with him since coming to the capital.
What should I do?
Appears:
Erich (silent), Monashi (miracle survival), Binbo (his horse died), Gokhin (in debt)
Territory Population
Total: 375 000
Rafen: 49 000 (+2000) growing, Lintbloom: 7 500 (+500) increasing again.
Richemott (former Libatis): 40 000 (+3000) influx to neighborhood, Zwei Elfie: 4500 (+800)
Army Personnel:
Infantry: 1200 (+400), Archers: 400 (+200), Cavalry: 1000 (+400), Escort: 30
105th Corps: 3500, Bow Cavalry Training Squad: 3000
Cannons: 35 (+5), Large Cannons: 18 (+3), Dwarven Cannons: 15, Field Artillery: 15 (+5), Chariots: 40 (+10)
Sexual Partners: 831
Children who have been born: 71 + 567 (++)
Current Location: Rafen
Total Chapters in book: 624
Estimated words: 3278060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 16390(@200wpm)___ 13112(@250wpm)___ 10927(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 3278060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 16390(@200wpm)___ 13112(@250wpm)___ 10927(@300wpm)
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