Chapter 133
Regressor of the Fallen Family Chapter 133
The Harun Fortress, boasting a population second only to the capital in the kingdom, was also the largest producer of grain, with food harvested from the Grandia Plains stacked like mountains within its walls.
The faction supporting the First Prince aimed for a major counterattack starting at Harun Fortress, but after suffering significant damage in yet another major battle, they were now focused solely on defense, unshaken by any provocations.
A strong fortress, a formidable military forceit was clear that occupation would come at a great cost, one none wished to incur lightly.
And the leading nobles of the Second Princes faction, the border lords, none of them wanted to bear such sacrifice.
After all, should someone else capture Duke Juan Douglas and the First Prince and earn the credit, they would be left in a hapless state.
Duke Yordan also had no wish to embark on a foolhardy venture in the current favorable circumstances.
A cornered rat might well bite the cat.
Why would they rush when victory seemed assured just by waiting for food supplies within the isolated fortress to run out?
Thus, the frontlines became stagnant again, and the war began to drag.
This waiting game was particularly torturous for the Second Princes forces, maintaining formation outside Harun Fortress and maintaining a semi-siege.
Why dont we just leave Harun Fortress and go hold the coronation in Grandia instead? If we clean up every fortress around it and leave Harun alone, what can the bastards do about it!
Such arguments were not surprising under the circumstances.
Certainly, the idea had its merits, but considering the potential dangers of an ambush during a retreat and the fluidity of the frontlines, it was nothing more than an empty hope.
During this period of silence from both faction leaders, the tide of war began to shift from an entirely unexpected, yet perhaps inevitable, place.
* * *
A supply unit disguised as Philips merchant company has safely arrived at the frontlines, reported a soldier.
Already?
The Second Princes side provided the food supplies. Since we dont need to transport food separately, the unit could move much faster with reduced size.
Even if its just ammunition and Liberatio, the quantity must be substantial?
Philip said he knew a shortcut. Its a trading route developed by one of the top three merchant associations in the country, the soldier explained.
Hmm. The talents the your brother has drawn in are indeed different, commented Dwayne with a wry smile.
As a vassal, it wasnt a problem to see his lords children getting along well, but the behavior of the younger brother was excessive to the point of seemingly worshipping the brother for every positive event in their territory.
Dwayne, filled with curiosity, couldnt help but tease a little.
Philip is competent, but its not all thanks to the eldest prince, is it?
The gaze of the Ronian became sharply focused.
It was you, Sir Dwayne, who said the territorys management became much easier thanks to the steward, Damian Nadal, also brought in by my brother.
Selecting talents is a mix of hits and misses. Its less about your brothers abilities and more about luck
Are you questioning my brothers capabilities, Sir Dwayne?
An icy threat seemed to emanate from the princes red eyes.
Dwayne quickly changed the subject, feeling a shiver run down his spine.
Of course not! I mean to say your brother has an exceptional eye for people. Yes, thats it.
My brother simply has high standards.
Dwayne suppressed his thoughts that luck played a role as well and redirected the conversation.
Also, lastly, the market inside the town is growing. With more outsiders coming, we should probably allocate more security forces there than to other cities.
The new recruits are still in training, right?
Yes. And even after they complete training, it will take time for them to perform their duties properly.
Sigh. Well, the regular soldiers are already at their limits, so use the town militias for alternating patrols there. Make sure they get a proper stipend.
That will be done.
The Ronian was meticulous indeed.
Such clever brothershow very fortunate this territory was.
Dwayne nodded with a pleased smile. As he was about to leave, having stamped the last document, Ronian stood up from his desk before him.
Going to Hammer again?
Of course. My brother specifically asked me to check on him.
Theres no need to go every day, though.
The achievements of our territory on the frontlines are all thanks to the repeating crossbows and Liberatio. Hammer is key to their production; how could I not take care of that? Its essential to keep an eye out for any discomfort or issues.
Truly admirable.
Its merely my duty.
* * *
Cough. Cough.
Im gonna drop from exhaustion. Will the Ronian come again today, Hammer?
That relentless one. Even more than his brother. Everyday supervision Dont slack off and keep the lines running smoothly! If he resemble his brother that closely, who knows what you might do the moment something goes wrong.
Hammer and Tamer, the dwarves standing by his side, shivered at the thought. The tale of Hammer getting caught out once and then getting put to vacation work, fabricating weapons named Dwarfs Romance for six months, was already legendary among the dwarves.
Tamer, scratching his arm with his hooked hand, nodded.
Yes. Ill keep a watchful eye
Im just here to lend moral support, came a voice, taking them by surprise.
Ah! Young lord!
The two dwarves practically jumped out of their boots.
The unexpected arrival of the red-haired noble.
Hammers heart still bore branding from that someone, a softer image than the current visitor, but at this moment, no one could be more terrifying.
Were just gearing ourselves up to work hard, right Tamer?
Yeah, y-young lord. Just our resolve to contribute to the territorys prosperity, nothing more.
Awkward silence followed.
Ronian then gently patted Hammers shoulder and offered a surprise that the dwarves couldnt believe.
I hear the war is dragging, so Im giving you some time off. It seems weve been pushing work onto you too much.
Th-thank
Thump!
Ugh. Why?
Hahaha. No, no, Ronian. This is a critical time for the territoryhow could we take a break?! Were fine!
Flustered by the backhand slap hed received, Tamer struggled to comprehend the nonsense spilling from Hammers mouth.
If we take this break, itll turn into hell. These red-eyed sorts are devils, dont fall for it!
The younger devil was watching with wide eyes, and all Hammer could do was desperately pour his silent sincerity into his gaze.
Alas, his earnest telepathy failed to reach Tamer.
Why would you refuse a break offered so kindly
Sigh. Such a dense one.
Annoyed and clutching his chest as Tamer obliviously continued on.
Take a few days off. The markets got a lot of new sights and food, go look around.
Really?
Yes, relax. The first supply deliverys successful, and we have enough time before the second one since Philips return.
Really, truly?
Yes, really. Did you spend your life getting duped?
Uh. Like by your brother.
But Hammer wouldnt let the truth stuck in his throat come out.
Instead:
Thank you so much! Tamer, bow with me!
Ive beenugh.
Humbled and overwhelmed, all they did was bow repeatedly.
Ah. But you have to stick with either me or one of the knights. Hammer, youre too important to our territory not to be careful.
The Ronians words sounded so sweet.
At this moment, Hammer started seeing the younger prince as an angel rather than a devil.
* * *
However, Hammer didnt exactly throw himself into relaxation on the first day.
It could be a trap, after all, from that devils brother.
A lingering wariness tempered his behavior.
But the instant the variety of food items for sale in the newly established market and the beer, harder to acquire back in McLaine, hit his palate, his guard began to drop.
By the third day:
Ronian! Theres a new skewer stand that pairs perfectly with beer. Lets start there today!
Hammer, now a fervent disciple of the markets food, had pulled Ronian towards the stalls once more, with a homemade orc barrel strapped to his back like a knapsack.
Attached to the enormous barrel was a straw long enough to reach his mouth, an item Hammer proudly referred to as his straw and used religiously.
Rather than show admiration for this unnecessarily ingenious creation, Ronian extricated himself with a hesitant expression.
Hmm. Isnt it a bit early for that?
Nonsense! When better to hit the market than in the morning!
Not entirely wrong, but he was referring to the vendors setting up shop.
Ronians expression soured, but Hammer was undeterred, munching down another skewer as he steered them to less crowded outskirts of the market.
Suddenly, Ronian sensed something amiss.
A Force user?
A man who seemed to be subtly concealing his Force passed by them.
Ronian wasnt as transcendentally perceptive as Logan, but as a Force Core trainee, he was sensitive to unusual energies, as the Force Core, a pure energy conglomerate, responded keenly to anything foreign.
If the passerby had been an ordinary Force user, he might not have caught Ronians attention.
A disguised Force user posing as a peddler
As his usual lax nerves tensed, Ronian began to notice more oddities he hadnt before.
One in front. Two behind.
And these men exuding that strange feeling werent alone.
Wow, this meat is really tastywhat is it? Rat? You mean, eeew, an actual rat?
The cheek! Eat now, pay later!
As Ronian moved closer to Hammer, who was arguing with a vendor, he discreetly sent an alert signal that had been prepared for such scenarios.
Signals for the stationed soldiers and knights throughout the town.
Outskirts tend to have lots of new sellers. Good call, Ronian.
Fortunately, Hammer, turned devout follower of the markets food, seemed blissfully unaware of anything odd, busy slurping down another skewer.
The dwarfs face, refreshingly flush from drinking beer through his straw, was already turning a rosy red.
And as the jovial smile had hardly faded from Hammers face, they made their move.
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