Merchant Noble is out (1/4 chapters for today)
Kali’s Court
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In stark contrast to the advancing Tyr and his forces, a funeral-like atmosphere enveloped the vassals of the Kali Kingdom, who were under siege.
“King Rudolf. Ever since our 20,000 elite troops suffered a great defeat along the border, our army has faced continuous losses.” (Vassal)
“Our army is weak.” (Rudolf)
Despite the gloomy demeanor of his vassals, Rudolf acted as if he were particularly unconcerned. He seemed to be genuinely carefree rather than merely putting on an act to avoid unsettling his vassals.
“Is it not because the king purged the nobles?” (Vassal)
“I see. That’s my fault then. I shouldn’t have annulled the engagement.” (Rudolf)
Rudolf responded jokingly to the chancellor’s analysis.
Despite already having been invaded deep into their territory, Rudolf did not seem to be seriously addressing the issue. The atmosphere of despair among the vassals only intensified as they observed their king’s demeanor.
“The nobles responsible for military affairs have also been purged, and there is a severe shortage of commanders on the ground! We should release the captured nobles who have military expertise and make them atone for their crimes through military service.” (Chancellor)
“That won’t do. They’d just defect anyway.” (Rudolf)
The chancellor proposed a solution, but Rudolf immediately rejected it. Even if he granted pardons to the captured nobles, their resentment towards Rudolf would not change. It was far too dangerous to release them.
Then, he requested a report from Talis on the current situation.
“How far has the enemy advanced?” (Rudolf)
“In one week, they have captured one castle, three forts, and more than ten towns and villages combined.” (Talis)
“Hmm. That’s about two towns lost per day.” (Rudolf)
There were no longer any personnel capable of responding to Tyr’s rapid advance in Kali. They could do nothing but watch as the legions continued to suffer defeats.
“If this continues, we will simply calculate that the entire territory will be occupied within three months.” (Talis)
“In other words, it means I have three months left to live.” (Rudolf)
“This is not the time for jokes!” (Chancellor)
Even after hearing the current report from Talis, Rudolf remained relaxed, prompting the increasingly impatient chancellor to admonish him in a strong tone.
“General Tyr has prohibited looting by soldiers and mercenaries in the towns and cities they occupy, and those who violate this are executed immediately. Additionally, he is implementing good governance, starting with tax exemptions.” (Chancellor)
“Wow. What a commendable general.” (Rudolf)
“Do you understand what this means?” (Chancellor)
“What do you mean?” (Rudolf)
The chancellor explained to Rudolf, who was not quite grasping the situation.
“Laplacian troops are treating the towns not as ‘occupied territories’ but as ‘colonies’! They are beginning to ‘govern’ as if it were their own land!” (Chancellor)
Rudolf, while lacking knowledge on many matters, had a good understanding ability. Upon hearing the chancellor’s explanation, he quickly grasped Tyr’s intentions.
“That’s troubling. Even if we make peace, there’s a possibility that those towns won’t come back.” (Rudolf)
“Yes. Therefore, I believe we should make peace before the number of occupied towns increases.” (Chancellor)
The chancellor’s proposal for peace was met with nods of agreement from the other ministers.
A continuously losing army, and yet a carefree king. There was not a single minister who thought they could stop this invasion. The chancellor continued to desperately persuade Rudolf, who maintained his optimistic stance.
“The king has just recently seized power through a coup. The opposing nobles are lurking in the provinces. If we don’t silence Laplace Kingdom quickly, the remnants of the nobility will join forces with Laplace Kingdom…” (Chancellor)
“Ah, that reminds me.” (Rudolf)
Rudolf abruptly cut off the chancellor’s desperate proposal for peace.
The ministers, who looked uncomfortable, and the chancellor, whose face was flushed with anger.
“I’m advising you for your sake!!” (Chancellor)
Finally, the chancellor became enraged and stormed out.
“Does that minister really think he’s doing this for my benefit? However, for me, who has resolved to fight to the bitter end, his opinions are nothing but an annoyance.” (Rudolf)
Rudolf cast a brief glance at the door that the chancellor had slammed shut.
His opinions were not without merit. However, nothing would change with peace. He could not protect this country. Then, as if to switch gears, he slapped his own cheek and asked the remaining ministers with a serious expression.
“I’d like to ask about the composition of the Laplace army this time. Is there anyone who knows?” (Rudolf)
One of the ministers answered.
“Your Majesty. I was engaged in adventurer activities in Laplace right up until just before the invasion began.” (Minister)
“Great! Please answer as far as you know.” (Rudolf)
“Yes. The total enemy force is approximately 15,000. Of those, about 5,000 are mercenaries hired along the border.” (Minister)
“Then, the regular army is about 10,000. Do you know their affiliations?” (Rudolf)
“…What do you mean?” (Minister)
The minister asked back, not understanding the intent of the question.
Rudolf had a certain prediction. His assumption was that the “Laplace Kingdom army” was not actually the “Laplace Kingdom army”. In other words…
“Queen Casablanca is only lending her name, but in reality, it’s actually Tyr’s army, isn’t it?” (Rudolf)
“Ah! Yes, exactly!” (Minister)
When explained plainly, the minister nodded in agreement with Rudolf’s prediction.
“The royal capital of Laplace seemed just as usual right before the invasion, and there were rumors that the Warden Trading Company was preparing supplies for the soldiers.” (Minister)
“I see…” (Rudolf)
Rudolf concluded.
“This invasion is a solo action by Tyr Warden. That war-loving Casablanca is not enthusiastic about it.” (Rudolf)
Rudolf’s intellect was sharp. Once he grasped the enemy’s situation to some extent, his mind began rapidly calculating strategies for Kali’s victory. And the policy was decided.
Rudolf quickly issued instructions to his ministers.
“Interrogator! Are the merchants from the Warden Trading Company we captured still alive?” (Rudolf)
“Yes. There are still two alive.” (Interrogator)
“Have the two wait in separate rooms. I will personally interrogate them.” (Rudolf)
“Yes.” (Interrogator)
“Talis!” (Rudolf)
“Yes.” (Talis)
“I am delegating my military authority to you from now on.” (Rudolf)
“…What?” (Talis)
Talis asked back, unable to believe Rudolf’s words.
“Immediately head to the front lines and lead the entire army.” (Rudolf)
“…Yes?” (Talis)
Even when repeated, Talis still looked dazed.
Certainly, it would be troubling to suddenly be granted military authority while the army was collapsing. However, what he needed Talis to do was not to win. It was to buy time.
“You don’t need to win. No matter what happens, even if the heavens turn upside down, you must never engage the enemy army. Secure the fortress tightly and prepare for a siege.” (Rudolf)
“Suddenly saying that…” (Talis)
“I will disappear for about two weeks. So, during those two weeks, make sure to stay firmly in the fortress and not allow the enemy to advance a single step.” (Rudolf)
“Two weeks!? Where will the king be going?” (Talis)
“I’m sorry, but it’s a secret from everyone. I don’t know where the spies from Laplace might be lurking.” (Rudolf)
After saying this, Rudolf stood up and walked briskly to the exit of the room while donning his cloak.
“Listen! You must never fall for the enemy’s provocations. You must never fight!” (Rudolf)
He reiterated this warning before the door.
Then, he left behind the ministers who were unable to keep up with the situation, disappearing with a flourish.
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