Chapter 67: The War Begins
TL: Etude
Hansel asked, I have a question for you. After entering Aldas territory, I felt the atmosphere was strangely tense. Along the way, I even saw militias training in the villages. Are the pirates attacking again?
Bang! Paul pointed eastward with his right hand mimicking a pistol and said, Thats exactly what I wanted to tell you. Alda is about to go to war with its neighbor to the east!
Hansel was taken aback: Baylding? Isnt the lord there on good terms with the Grayman family?
Hehe! You seem to know quite a lot.
Uh Didnt I tell you? I spent some time in Butuya earlier and heard a lot about the Ganard family.
Paul cut to the chase: Didnt you mention to me before that there was something fishy about old Ganards death?
Hansel nodded.
Paul continued, Its now confirmed that he was murdered by his vassals. His sonthe new lord of Baylding, Malron Ganard, has sent me a distress message. The traitors not only plotted against his father but are also targeting him.
Hansel understood: So, youre planning to assist Count Ganard?
Paul said meaningfully, On one hand, Malron is my blood-sworn brother, and I cannot abandon him. On the other hand, there are highly productive coal and iron mines within Bayldings territory He then trailed off.
Hansel nodded, recalling the industrial plans Paul had shared with him before his return to the capital. It wasnt hard to guess what the lord before him was scheming. Suppressing the treacherous vassals of a lordthis was indeed an excellent excuse for intervention.
So, Count Ganard
Malron is already safe and sound in Lakeheart Town. Now, we just need to focus on dealing with those traitors.
Hansel was relieved. If Count Ganard was still in the hands of his vassals, things would have been more complicated, as they could easily claim that Paul was slandering them.
As for whether they could win the war, Hansel wasnt too worried. Before leaving for the capital, he had seen Aldas army parade in Lakeheart Town. He swore that even in the capital, he had never seen such a uniform and disciplined unit. The soldiers spirit and vigor could rival the ceremonial guards in the royal palace, and they even exuded a subtle aura of menace.
Even with his limited knowledge of military affairs, Hansel knew that such an army was not something minor nobles like viscounts or barons could contend with. No wonder Count Grayman was reluctant to send his soldiers to quell the rebellion in the south.
Paul looked at Hansel and said, Can you do me a small favor? I need a brilliantly written declaration of war. Ive heard you did exceptionally well at the Royal Crystal Shine Academy, so writing shouldnt be a problem for you, right?
Exceptional is an overstatement, but if you truly wish for me to write it, I would be honored! Hansel suddenly became humble, catching Paul somewhat off guard.
Alright then, Ill leave it to you. Later, Ill introduce you to Malron, and we can discuss Bayldings situation together.
Time passed day by day. During this period, envoys from Baylding repeatedly came to request Malron Ganards return, all of which were flatly refused. Paul assembled a group of highly experienced individuals to form an organization named The Meteorological Bureau. Their daily task was to observe and record the weather, using their accumulated experience to predict the weather changes for the coming days.
By September 1st, with the arrival of autumn, the Meteorological Bureau predicted that it was highly unlikely to rain in the next few days. Paul also felt that his army was well-prepared. The time to show his hand had arrived.
A proclamation was distributed to the northwestern territories, including Baylding. It began with Count Malron Ganard vehemently condemning the four known conspiring vassals of Baylding. The proclamation revealed their heinous acts of murdering their liege, usurping his authority, and plotting against his heir. The document then proceeded to rigorously denounce their treasonous behavior, painting Angelo and his accomplices as utterly reprehensible, earning the wrath of both heaven and men.
Simultaneously, the proclamation served as an ultimatum, demanding that Angelo and his cohorts surrender themselves to Lakeheart Town within two days of receiving the notice. Otherwise, Count Grayman of Alda, as Malrons sworn blood brother, would march his troops to seek justice.
Upon reading the proclamation, the four vassals of Baylding realized that Malron was fully aware of their crimes and conspiracy. All but Angelo were thrown into chaos and fear, worried that the neighboring lords would join forces against them. Aibut was particularly agitated and began accusing Angelo.
Idiots! Angelo cursed inwardly.
Calm and composed, he said, Do you think Im as unprepared as you, fretting at the last moment? Let me assure you, I have already secured the neutrality of Duke Flaur of the Northwest and Count Kent of Emden. Without these two most powerful lords of the Northwest leading the charge, do you think the others will bother meddling in our affairs?
One of the barons still worried, Even alone, Paul Grayman is a count with considerable military strength. Didnt he recently annihilate two pirate bands?
Angelo, with a look of disdain, retorted, I have already found out that the great pirate Edward and his main forces disappeared months ago. What was left was just small fry. Even then, the Grayman family lost their old master. Despite being a count, his estate was relegated here by the royal family. There arent even proper knights, let alone vassals. What can a bunch of conscripted farmers do? Once we charge with all our knights, they will be so scared that theyll fall to the ground, begging for mercy.
The other three finally calmed down, with the two barons flatteringly praising Angelo for his foresight.
Angelo stroked his mustache in satisfaction.
An unwelcome voice chimed in, Hehe! Bribing those lords must have cost a fortune, right? So, did our esteemed steward empty the lords treasury?
Angelo was furious inside, Still worrying about the treasury at a time like this?
However, outwardly he just scoffed and arrogantly said, I am the rightful Steward of Baylding. During the lords captivity, I am in charge of the treasury. Until the lord returns, or
Angelo paused, glancing around before continuing, Or until a new Count of Baylding is chosen from among us four.
Aibut coldly added, Just dont forget that!
A counter-proclamation was also issued by Baylding to the northwestern territories, directly opposing Aldas claims. Angelo and his associates had initially planned to strike Alda in September but were preempted by Paul.
The proclamation accused Paul Grayman of coveting Bayldings mineral resources, luring his blood-sworn brother, Malron Ganard, to Lakeheart Town under the guise of a banquet and then imprisoning him. After failing to extort their demands, they slandered the loyal vassals as traitors, plotting to invade Baylding and annex it. To uphold the dignity of the Ganard family and protect their territory, they had no choice but to defend themselves.
Thus, the war began
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