Chapter 422: Circumstances in Various Locations
Editor: Tseirp
Jayclaire, capital of the Handal Union. The governors office.
Your Excellency, another village has been set on fire
Lamber, the governors aide, reported with a grim expression.
Is it Iwubara or around Carignano?
Its Iwubara Village
The Union Governor Lord Aubrey asked without changing his expression, and Lamber replied with a frowning face.
Lamber seemed to want to say something, but in the end, even Lord Aubrey knew he couldnt say anything.
Lamber, it goes without saying
I understand. The defense of this region is the responsibility of the Volturino Grand Duchy.
Yeah, Lamber also understood.
That there were areas where the Union government couldnt intervene.
If this were officially recognized as war, then Lord Aubrey, the Union governor, would have almost complete military authority within the Union territories.
But currently, it was just a local rebellion.
At most, it was large-scale armed activity.
This was something that each country forming the Union was supposed to handle.
The Handal Union, as the name suggests, is a united nation formed by many countries.
The Union government led by Lord Aubrey is merely a coordinator.
Of course, they can push various agendas, but its not something they can do recklessly.
At most, its the center of governance for each country.
Among them, the Ten-member Council, composed of ten countries, holds significant power within the Union.
The Volturino Grand Duchy also holds a seat in the Ten-member Council.
Of course, its the Grand Duke of Volturino himself who occupies that seat
This time, the red-armored men are causing havoc in parts of the former Inbury Duchy and parts of the Volturino Grand Duchy.
The areas once belonging to the Inbury Duchy are now ruled by ten countries collectively, but the areas near the Kingdoms borders were annexed by the Volturino Grand Duchy.
Originally, the Volturino Grand Duchy shared a border with Redpost, a city on the Kingdoms border, when the Inbury Duchy existed.
Hence, the western regions of the former Inbury Duchy were also annexed by the Grand Duchy.
The other nine countries didnt complain about that.
They left the border security near the Kingdom to the Grand Duchy, preferring to focus on other areas.
Because handling border security with a major power can be quite troublesome
As a result, ninety percent of the affected areas this time are under the control of the Volturino Grand Duchy
If only the Grand Duke of Volturino would request support from the Union government, we could also send troops
He probably wont. That man.
Aide Lamber said, and Lord Aubrey nodded slightly in response.
Thinking of the stubborn face of the Grand Duke of Volturino.
Generally, representatives of the ten countries forming the Ten-member Council dont oppose the policies of the Union government led by Lord Aubrey.
However, that doesnt mean Lord Aubrey can do as he pleases with everything.
Balancing these aspects is extremely difficult
It hasnt changed much since thirteen years ago.
Lord Aubrey doesnt act as freely as those around him might think.
The capital city of the former Inbury Duchy, Aberdeen, is under the direct control of the Union Government.
Furthermore, there is a direct route built from the Union Capital Jayclaire to Aberdeen, which was constructed during the invasion of the Inbury Duchy, allowing for smooth transportation of not only supplies but also military movements.
To put it bluntly, from a strategic point, holding this stretch from Jayclaire to Aberdeen would be as good as having established control over the current Union Southern Region almost entirely.
Thats why Lord Aubrey had decided to leave areas like the western border with the Kingdom to the ten nations.
However, with this much devastation, it inevitably starts to affect the sentiments of people in other regions.
Some say they fear that the Union Government might not protect them when something happens.
In that sense, as a responsible ruler, Lord Aubrey genuinely didnt want significant damage to occur.
I see, so Hafrena City was safely defended.
Upon receiving the report, King Abel let out a sigh and nodded.
Weve received reports that the attackers were high-ranking minions.
The one making the report was Marquis Heinlein, the Prime Minister.
He has his own intelligence network, so detailed information often reaches him.
How did they manage to repel such high-ranking minions? I heard the Silverdale Knights arrived just in time, but Hafrenas defense force is still weak, and the stationed Royal Knights are just two squads, right?
Thats right. As you are well aware, Your Majesty, its the squads led by Zack Cooler and Scotty Cobook.
Really? Theyre okay right?
Yes. Apparently Zack Cooler engaged in combat with the high-ranking minion.
Upon Abels slightly worried inquiry, Marquis Heinlein nodded in response.
Zack he really is dedicated to the path of the sword
As Abel knows the reason behind Zacks dedication, it puts him in a rather complex emotional state.
Knowing that Zacks love is unrequited.
Still its also distressing to dampen the spirits of a hard-working friend.
However, according to the reports, Zack Cooler alone couldnt handle the opponent.
What?
A merchant from the Gecko Trading Company saved him from danger.
The Gecko Trading Company? A merchant? I dont get it.
Abel tilted his head in response to Marquis Heinleins report.
But then a realization hit him.
Could it be they used water-attribute magic?
Exactly, Your Majesty.
Ah, I see. So they were Ryos disciples
Abel remembered seeing the scene back when he visited the Gecko Trading Company.
The scene of the boys practicing with and when he visited the Gecko Company.
At first, he was completely taken aback
The merchant Gecko had explained it, and Abel understood.
They are Ryos disciples.
Even his disciples can fight against a Djinns minions whats more, theyre merchants
Abels mutterings reached Marquis Heinleins ears.
Marquis Heinlein smiled slightly and replied.
Because their teacher is who he is.
Meanwhile, in Hafrena City.
Where is Luce-dono?
He seems to have pushed himself too hard hes asleep. He probably wont be able to move for a while.
In response to Zack Coolers inquiry, Chloe looked towards the mansion and answered.
Evans.
Luce, youve finally come to. Hey, dont move. Youre already weak, and yet you used a 5-layer package.
Couldnt help it, Evans was in danger.
With a wry smile, Luce spoke, and Evans frowned as he responded.
Yeah Thanks by the way.
Evans said that and bowed his head while sitting.
Did I do okay?
Huh? You saved my life, didnt you?
Thats true, but I wonder if Teacher would have praised me if he had seen me?
Of course. If it were Ryo-sensei, he would definitely say something like Luce, that was amazing!
You certainly sound like him.
Evans said, mimicking his tone, and Luce laughed.
But in the end, even the 5-layer package was torn apart, and he escaped
Yeah, I guess so. He seemed to be a follower of the Djinn, still, hes incredible.
I need to step up my practice.
First, lets get you fully recovered, okay?
A senior caring for a diligent junior
Its always tough, no matter the era.
Oranj, you dumbass! What a disgrace to be caught off guard by the Kingdom knights.
I apologize.
This is the annex of the Duke of Shrewsbury mansion in Wingston, in the office of the new lord.
Erwin Ortiz, who looked thirteen, was scolding a kneeling giant of a man.
However, the fact that youve destroyed many villages is a significant accomplishment. Ill praise you for that. Well done.
Aye, sir.
The Djinn Garwin with the appearance of Erwin, praised him, and the giant man, Oranj, expressed his gratitude.
But its far from enough. Vim Lowe is active in the Union territory, correct?
Yes, sir. They dont seem to have significant forces there. Everything is going very smoothly.
Isolde confirmed in response to Garwins inquiry.
After apologizing, Oranj sat on the sofa in front of Isolde.
Isolde could tell that Oranj was in a good mood.
Its rare to see you in such a good mood.
Huh? Nah, not really. Just the same ol me.
Oranj replied nonchalantly to Isoldes words.
But he was aware of it.
To be frank, he had fun.
The battle in Hafrena.
The knights well, they werent bad.
To wield a sword like that as a human is quite something.
But what was even better was
(The water magician. And there were two of them! Two of that caliber In contrast to my impression when I first awakened, I thought the level of the magicians in this generation had dropped, but boy was I wrong! Water magic has developed incredibly!)
There seems to be a misunderstanding.
(Id like to fight with other water magicians maybe I should ask Garwin-sama for another sortie? Ah, but I caused quite a few casualties in the physical soldiers so it might be difficult)
As he thought about that, one memory resurfaced.
(That water magician said something. His sensei is a million times stronger than himself whats a million times stronger than that? Well, even if its not that much, hes definitely stronger than him, right? Ahhhh, Id love to fight him!)
Watching Oranj like that, Isolde thought for a moment and then spoke up.
Garwin-sama.
What is it, Isolde?
I think its time to move to the next stage.
Next stage?
Garwin asked in return to Isoldes words.
Yes. Recently, Ive noticed movements in the city, like rats scurrying about.
Rats you mean spies? Where, and what have they discovered?
Im sure they are spies from both the Kingdom and the Union, but I cant say for sure what theyve discovered
Hmm. And what do we do about it?
The two of them delved into detailed discussions.
While Oranj seemed to be listening, in his mind, he was thinking about something else.
Yup, like if he were to seriously fight those water magicians, what kind of magic would they use and stuff like that
The expression of Prime Minister Alexis Heinlein, who entered Abels office, was noticeably cloudy.
That was unusual.
Despite always handling intense workloads, accumulating fatigue should have been common, but it never showed on his face.
Also, even when major problems arose, they never reflected in his expression when reporting.
However, the moment he entered, Abel glanced at him and could tell that his expression was noticeably clouded.
Whats wrong?
Yes, Your Majesty. Its not confirmed yet I mean, its true, but why its happening is unclear
Marquis Heinleins hesitation was probably his first as Prime Minister.
How unusual. I can tell something pretty bad has happened. What is it?
Yes. The Shrewsbury Duchy may have ties to the Djinn.
What?
Abel frowned.
Of course, Marquis Heinlein wouldnt report something like that without any basis.
He probably scrutinized the information several times.
Abel understood that this was a report based on a thorough investigation.
However, even though he understood it was still an unwelcome report.
The current Duke of Shrewsbury is thirteen-year-old Erwin Ortiz.
Although his ducal authority is suspended, he returned to the eastern territory to learn about managing estates at his request, and he is currently in the ducal capital of Wingston.
Explain in detail.
Yes. Regarding the Duke of Shrewsburys residence in Wingston, there is a place called the Annex, where not only the servants but also important figures like the Knight Captain are not allowed to approach. It seems that such an arrangement was made since Erwin-dono returned
Hmm?
Red-armored individuals are seen coming and going there.
What?
Abel was speechless at Marquis Heinleins report.
Red-armored refers to those who have been wreaking havoc on the eastern borders of the Kingdom and the western borders of the Union.
It is almost certain that they are the minions of the sealed Djinn to the east.
The fact that such individuals are coming and going is certainly unusual.
Since their numbers are not large, their main base is probably elsewhere. However, weve confirmed sighting of someone believed to be a high-ranking follower, who clashed with the Royal Knight Company Commander Zack Cooler
Hmm
Abel literally buried his head in his hands.
Needless to say, the Shrewsbury Duchy is the cornerstone of the eastern part of the Kingdom.
The first trigger of the war three years ago also began with the death of the Shrewsbury Duke at the time.
For such a crucial duchy?
Its important to know whether Erwin Ortiz himself is involved.
Exactly. Therefore, Your Majesty, I have a suggestion.
Abel asked for confirmation, to which Marquis Heinlein said he had a proposal.
First, I suggest we dispatch Zack Cooler, who is stationed in the city of Hafrena, to Wingston to confirm the presence of the aforementioned high-ranking follower.
I see
Of course, since the opponent is a Djinns follower, its a dangerous mission
Its dangerous, but that confirmation is crucial.
Abel deliberately voiced the importance of that confirmation, understanding Marquis Heinleins words.
Depending on the circumstances, it could lead to another division and conflict within the country.
Moreover, one side would be an alliance between the Shrewsbury Duchy and the followers of the Djinn.
Abel couldnt help but say aloud.
I hope its a mistake
Marquis Heinlein also nodded. But his expression was grim.
He knew better than anyone else the accuracy of the information he had gathered.
Still, he hoped it was a mistake
(Theres no doubt there is a connection. The question is, how involved is Erwin-dono?)
Marquis Alexis Heinlein whom has established a spy network not only in the Central Countries but also in the Corridor Nations.
Naturally, has infiltrators within the Shrewsbury Duchy as well.
These are exceptionally skilled individuals
However, even they have been unable to gather information about the situation inside the Dukes Annex.
Whether there is a connection between the current Duke Erwin and the Djinn, the fact that they cannot gather information about such a heavily guarded place is certainly abnormal.
There must be something absolutely crucial being hidden.
A ducal household cannot exist completely disconnected from national politics.
They are inevitably intertwined.
And within that, there will naturally be things they wouldnt want central figures of the state like the Prime Minister, to know about.
Thats only natural.
However, the abnormality of the Dukes Annex is too glaring.
Apparently, Erwin himself moves back and forth between the main office in the mansion and the new office in the annex.
Despite being an annex, its quite spacious.
And yet, no one, not even the servants, can approach it?
How is it cleaned?
Does Erwin clean it himself?
Thats ridiculous.
The more you think about it, the more unnatural it seems.
(While Zack Cooler would confirm the presence of the high-ranking follower perhaps further confirmation about Erwin Ortiz himself is necessary. Come to think of it, I believe they are nearby? I should have them investigate.)
With a small nod in his mind, Marquis Heinlein left the Kings office and immediately began drafting orders.
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