Chapter 84: Triumph Ceremony (1)
After capturing King Rohalak, nothing much changed. We swiftly advanced to Rohalak without any resistance.
Whether it was due to the spread of the story of the surviving Western Army or not, no one stopped us, and the castle gates were open.
The advancing West was eerily silent, almost to the point of discomfort. There was no vitality wherever we went.
In a way, it was inevitable. Internal conflicts during the unification process of the West and even involving the Empire.
With consecutive wars, there would be a shortage of supplies and resources, especially due to the strict control of looting by Rudehrn.
It seemed like the Empire wasnt causing trouble just to conquer the West. Maybe it was for future control.
In this situation, looting would only lead the Western people to blame everything on the Empire.
By managing the image while attributing the current hardship to King Rohalak, were deflecting the blame.
Following the Emperors orders, we captured anyone with the name Rohalak, regardless of age or gender.
There werent many.
The name of the Rohalak nation changed as well. An aide next to Rudehrn received the title of Duchess and took that position.
It became a kind of vassal state and an Imperial forward base.
While rebuilding the Hrit Castle swept by the flood, it seemed they were preparing to conquer the West in the future.
Not immediately. The issue of succession was a problem, and the current West was not beneficial even to the Empire.
Due to consecutive wars, every part of the West had become desolate.
Rather than rushing to conquer it while in chaos, theyll probably start once things return to some normalcy.
The staff officer who received the Duchess title might also be drawing a plan to absorb other kingdoms from within.
The situation was flowing quite differently from my memory.
The relationship between the West and the Empire in the game wasnt this one-sided.
It was clear that something changed when I intervened.
The actual Empire was also in a precarious situation, and well, it was a good thing, but I also had concerns in another direction.
Could Rodri dominate the West again as he did in the past?
Still, the major future events dont seem to change.
From the latest news, I heard that Rodri was heading toward the Western forces.
Rather than avoiding internal conflicts and seeking refuge, it meant he intended to build strength in another direction.
It was a similar move to the game.
With Rodris skills, it shouldnt be too difficult. I wonder if he was in contact with Haisen.
I thought I might hear the story when I returned to the Empire.
When we conquered Rohalak and started to march back to the Imperial capital, a system message popped up.
[You gained Stratagem experience. Reaching Stratagem level 9. Acquiring the Ideal Actor trait.]
Honestly, I was a bit surprised.
In reality, I didnt have high expectations for this war. Stratagem in Valhll wasnt related to war tactics; it was related to Combat values.
Stratagem itself should only be raised through espionage actions. But this time, it seemed to be applied a bit differently.
The acquired trait provided the answer.
In this war, I played the role of a knight, but I was a spy acting as that knight.
It probably means I perfectly fulfilled my duties as the escort knight.
There was nothing as satisfying as unexpected income. Since we were still marching, I made an effort to hide my smile.
The newly acquired trait had the effect of immersing me more in the character when I acted. Others suspicions also decreased a bit.
Well, I didnt feel an immediate difference. Maybe because I already revealed the truth to Erendil?
Actually, the latter was the more important factor. It would still be a big help even if I wasnt consciously aware of it.
You look happy.
Suddenly, Duchess Lyurik approached me.
Wasnt the war successful?
Indeed. Do you have some time left?
Yes. Moving around is my job.
Lets move together then.
It was a sudden proposal. Was there something to talk about separately?
If I may ask, is there any particular reason for this?
Its nothing special. I just wanted to see how you move when you set up reconnaissance.
I roughly understood what she meant.
If you find it uncomfortable, feel free to refuse. Its not a big deal.
No. I dont know if it will be of much help as there is nothing special, but Ill go.
Thank you.
As she finished speaking, she stepped aside, but I felt someones gaze.
Turning my head, Erendil was looking at me. A strange gaze. I slightly bowed and greeted her.
Erendil looked at me for a moment, then nodded slightly before looking straight ahead again.
In truth, Im not sure if it will be a great help to you, Duchess.
What do you mean?
I dont have any special methods. Im like any other scout.
The Duchess furrowed her brow at Carlyns words. It was hard to understand what he meant.
If he said he was like any other scout, it didnt make sense because the images he had shown so far were extraordinary.
However, Im just more perceptive than others.
Carlyn pointed west with his finger as he spoke. It was an area beyond the plains where there was a forest.
From that direction, a deer will soon appear.
Not even 10 seconds after Carlyn finished speaking, the deer emerged through the trees.
The Duchesss eyes widened. There was quite a distance, and she couldnt believe that Carlyn had noticed an unseen deer.
How did you know?
As I mentioned, my senses are exceptional. I can see farther than others, hear sounds from a distance, and even catch faint smells.
Thats an amazing story. Still, I dont understand how you could detect something unseen.
Combining keen senses like hearing, sight, and smell, sometimes I can sense things intuitively that cannot be precisely identified. I have a relatively high accuracy.
The Duchess nodded in understanding.
I get it now. Its like the intuition that comes during combat, predicting how the opponents sword might move or sensing if there might be an ambush.
Something like that.
Well, I understand, but even if you tell me, its not like I can follow suit.
In response to the Duchesss words, Carlyn smiled faintly.
Before we continue, theres something I want to mention. I apologize if I led you on a pointless detour.
No, its better than walking quietly in the boredom.
The Duchess gazed at the horizon for a moment, then turned his attention to Carlyn.
Do you have a family?
I was an orphan. There were people who were like family to me. They all became unfortunate guests, though.
Considering the Duchesss position, she probably knew about Carlyns past, so why ask? Carlyn hid his puzzlement.
Soon, the reason came to mind.
Given the rumor that he might be a noble bastard, the Duchess might be trying to confirm it.
Although it may be impolite, there have been talks of you being a nobles illegitimate child.
As expected. Carlyn raised an eyebrow slightly. It wasnt unpleasant, but he needed to show that. The Duchesss words were indeed quite impolite, just as she mentioned. Their relationship hadnt reached that level yet.
Its just baseless gossip. Due to the lack of memories, I dont know whether its true or not, but I highly doubt it.
Well, among commoners, talented individuals occasionally emerge, but seeing someone outstanding in every aspect raises the possibility.
Frankly, although its an unwarranted comment, it feels a bit uncomfortable. I wonder why you suddenly say such things
The Duchess looked into Carlyns eyes.
Dont you ever think of finding your parents?
Why is she suddenly doing this? Carlyn couldnt really discern the Duchesss intentions.
I have contacts in the Imperial intelligence network. I might be able to help you find them.
Theres no reason for that.
No. If noble blood flows in your veins, considering your reputation and credibility, you could even take over that household, despite being an illegitimate child.
I have no desire for that.
Consider other possibilities. You might not be an illegitimate child. If your parents, noble or not, tragically lost their lives, and you were the only one who survived
Carlyn hadnt considered this aspect. The mention of being a nobles illegitimate child originally stemmed from King Haisens rude remarks.
Moreover, he knew about Carlyns identity and still made such comments.
Could you seek revenge for your parents?
Although the beginning was impolite, in the end, there was a hint of goodwill underlying the Duchesss words. However, it wasnt necessary.
For the manipulated character Carl Schurtafen, there was no way to find such a thing.
I appreciate your words, but Ill decline.
May I know the reason?
Since childhood, Ive been alone in my life. I have no memories of my parents. Whether its noble or not doesnt matter.
Even if the Imperial intelligence agency had already investigated, it was something Carlyn should avoid, especially when additional personnel might be added because of the Duke.
Even if Duchesss assumptions about my background were true, I dont feel the need for revenge. And if I were to seek revenge, how far should it go?
Moreover, I am currently the Princesss bodyguard, and I need to focus entirely on the duties assigned to me.
Silence lingered between them. Carlyn read a slight regret in the Duchesss eyes. Perhaps it was empathy for the youth who didnt even have feelings for their parents. The Duchess finally spoke.
Alright. I apologize for my rudeness. Im sorry.
Its okay.
What are your plans for the future?
What future are you talking about
I mean after the Princess ascends to the Emperors throne.
Isnt it too early for that?
The Duchess chuckled at Carlyns response.
Well, who knows. It might be quite likely, though. Youve made it happen in this war. Its likely to continue in the future.
Im not suggesting you rush. Im just curious.
Why is she asking this? It puzzled Carlyn as it was the first time they had engaged in such a lengthy conversation since their first meeting.
I will probably still stay by the Princesss side. By then, shell be the monarch. As long as Her Highness doesnt cast me aside, I will guard my position.
With your performance, you could take Dukes position.
Isnt Sir Rudehrn also by Her Majestys side?
To be honest, its quite surprising. It hasnt been long since you became the Princesss bodyguard.
Carlyn thought the Duchess was suspecting him. It was a rational thought. It was unexpected for a knight from Haisen to suddenly show such dedication.
Time is not crucial in serving ones lord. Im just fulfilling my duties as a knight.
True. Its the right attitude. There arent many like you, and thats a problem.
The Duchess gazed at the distant sky for a moment.
In that case, how about becoming my husband?
Yes?
After a short silence, the Duchesss unexpected proposal left Carlyn quite bewildered.
Author's Thoughts
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