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Vol 03 Chapter 97: Rapid Advance I

June.

Around the time the truce between King Rosais’ Country and King Domorgal’s Country expired.

A significant change occurred in King Domorgal’s Country. King Domorgal passed away due to a heart disease at the young age of forty-five.

King Domorgal died without naming his successor. The first to act was Aldo Domorgal.

Prince Aldo assassinated the patricians hostile to him and his own brother, Pax Domorgal, in the capital, thus taking control of it. Simultaneously, the patricians aligned with Aldo began military actions against the Pax and Carlo factions.

That was fine. However, Aldo Domorgal made one critical mistake. He let Prince Carlo escape.

The Carlo faction protected Prince Carlo, crowning him as the legitimate king. In response, Prince Aldo also declared himself king.

Half of the Pax faction joined Aldo, who controlled the capital. The other half joined the Carlo faction to avenge their master.

Thus, two kings were born in King Domorgal’s Country, splitting the country in half.

The Aldo faction, holding the capital and the king’s directly controlled territories, was dominant. To counter the Aldo faction, the Carlo faction, sought reinforcements from King Rosais’ Country…

◇

「The Patrician Council is now in session.」

I gathered the patricians from across the country and declared the start of the council. Some have yet to arrive, but given the urgency, I’ll have to ask for their understanding.

「I believe you are already aware of the issue at hand. A civil war has broken out in King Domorgal’s Country. Prince Carlo has sought our aid. We must decide whether to intervene or remain observers. I would like to hear your opinions.」

The first to raise his hand was Raymond.

「My king, I believe we should remain observers this time. If our country engages in military action, it could provoke the surrounding countries. Our country is already viewed with hostility by the neighboring countries. Currently, we are engaged in multiple projects, such as flood control and the construction of the new capital. Considering our country’s current strength, we can mobilize a maximum of fifteen thousand men. Of those, three thousand are occupied with construction work, leaving us effectively twelve thousand. Among these, one thousand are needed for the palace’s defense, leaving eleven thousand for a potential campaign. Considering the need to remain vigilant against King Evile’s Country and King Belvedire’s Country, we can spare about eight thousand men. This number seems insufficient to confront the mighty King Domorgal’s Country.」

The numbers are clear and Raymond’s position is understandable. Indeed, based on my policy until now, Raymond is correct. We will be in a difficult situation if we get encircled.

However…

「My king, I believe this is an opportunity.」

Bartolo, the lord who would likely be one charged with leading the troops if we intervened in this conflict, interjected.

「Currently, the Aldo Domorgal army numbers twenty thousand, while the Carlo Domorgal army has ten thousand. If we add our eight thousand to the mix, the difference is merely two thousand.」

「Just two thousand, huh?」

You say like a difference of two thousand soldiers is nothing.

「Do you have confidence, Bartolo? I doubt we will be able to ensure coordination with our allies.」

「The enemy faces the same issue, my king. The civil war is occurring throughout King Domorgal’s Country. We simply need to defeat them in detail. Moreover, we are the only ones with a consolidated force.」

I am aware of Bartolo’s exceptional military capabilities. If he says it can be done, it likely can. But still…

「Isn’t there still a risk of King Evile’s Country and King Belvedire’s Country attacking us?」

「My king, please give us a chance to redeem our honor!」

The one who shouted was a patrician formerly aligned with the Dibel faction. It seems that the other patricians are also brimming with enthusiasm. It appears that only Raymond and I are somewhat hesitant.

「We won’t be going alone. The Equus Tribe will join us. With their mobility and our heavy infantry, victory should be within our reach.」

Bartolo declared confidently.

If we can destabilize King Domorgal’s Country, nothing could be better. One strategy is to refrain from military action to avoid isolation, but another is to break out of the encirclement before it forms. This approach requires considerable strength and carries a high risk of failure, but…

Since my accession to the throne a year ago, our country has become significantly stronger. Most of our weapons have been upgraded to iron. We are fully capable of combat.

Perhaps riding the wave of momentum is a viable strategy? If I don’t seize this opportunity, I could be branded a weak king, which would be a political cancer.

I’m being called the son of the war god Mares… I must act boldly. I cannot afford to tarnish the image I have right now.

「One concern remains, the Rozel Kingdom. What if they intervene? If we clash with that great power, our defeat is certain. And that country bordering our territory would be problematic.」

「Currently, the Rozel Kingdom is engaged in subduing other Gallian tribes. As for the border, we could use King Domorgal’s Country controlled by Carlo as a buffer zone.」

Indeed, I had received such information. The Rozel Kingdom is currently mobilizing an army of thirty thousand.

I heard that the general called Kuryuu, who is touted as the strongest of Gallia, was sent northward to unify Gallia under the Rozel Kingdom.

The Rozel Kingdom, capable of deploying thirty thousand troops, is a formidable power, but so are the Gallian tribes if they cannot be subdued by such a force. The continent is a fearsome place.

「Very well. I am in favor of sending an expedition. Let’s take a vote now. Those in favor of the expedition, raise your hands.」

Every hand was raised.

◇

「It’s been a while, King Rosais. I am Lettis Blouse, the head of the Blouse family.」

「It has been a while, Lettis-dono. Since the peace negotiations, I believe.」

His father died partly because of me… I wonder if he holds any grudge? Being resented for the outcome of a war would only be troublesome.

Sensing my thoughts, Lettis began to speak.

「My father’s death was the result of him taking responsibility for last year’s defeat… However, that was his own decision. General Tonino is an irreplaceable person, necessary for Prince Carlo and our country. Therefore, my father took all the blame for the defeat upon himself and was executed. His sacrifice saved many lives. While we are saddened, we hold no grudges.」

Hmm… So there was such a backstory to General Tonino’s survival and the death of the head of the Blouse family. Indeed, that general was competent. His way of assaulting our fortress was quite problematic for us.

We only won thanks to the Romalia forest, after all.

But General Tonino… If I was in his shoes, I would be forever grateful to the Blouse Family.

「Now, Lettis-dono, let’s hear what you have to say.」

It’s not that I’ve forgotten why we are here. But being too eager from the start won’t lead to a favorable treaty.

I need to convey a somewhat reluctant attitude, indicating that I might consider the proposal depending on the terms. It’s all part of the groundwork.

「The matter is as stated in Carlo-sama’s letter. We seek your assistance in suppressing the rebels.」

「Rebels… Indeed, who can be considered the rebels? It’s hard for us to judge.」

「It’s Prince Aldo. He has usurped the throne and caused the division of the country.」

「Is Prince Aldo a rebel? I hear he has taken control of the capital and sits on the throne.」

From our perspective, both are princes. So, I deliberately refrained from calling either of them king.

「Aldo has seized the capital and the throne through cowardly means, such as assassination and night attacks. The legitimate king is Carlo-sama.」

「I see. I understand your argument that Prince Aldo is not the legitimate king. But what proof is there that Prince Carlo is the rightful king?」

When I posed this question, Lettis first corrected me, 「Not Prince Carlo, but King Carlo,」 and then answered.

「Carlo-sama is the eldest son. In the absence of the previous king’s designation, it is natural for the elder to ascend to the throne.」

「Is that so? I wonder. Consideration for merit is also crucial. In this case, one holds the capital and the throne, while the other seeks assistance from foreign countries. It’s obvious who holds the upper hand in terms of strength.」

My deliberately provocative comment made Lettis falter. In this exchange, the one who outmaneuvers the other verbally tends to win, regardless of the logic’s soundness.

I pressed on, not wanting to waste my advantage.

「If we are to assist, it makes sense to side with the stronger party. It would minimize our losses. The patricians allied with Prince Aldo are in the north, while those with Prince Carlo are in the south. Strategically, a pincer attack from north and south seems far more advantageous.」

I’m merely stating the facts. I haven’t said a word about receiving a plea for help from Prince Aldo. I’m just reaffirming an obvious fact that this approach would be easier.

…But I doubt I can fool him. Prince Aldo is in a dominant position. There’s no need for him to seek military support from another country. In fact, inviting foreign forces during a civil war is a last resort, a strategy to be employed when all other options have been exhausted.

This implies that Carlo’s faction is in a dire situation. It’s my opportunity to get as many concessions as possible from him.

「Supporting Prince Carlo carries high risks. Could you present benefits that justify these risks? I’d like to see Prince Carlo’s sincerity toward me.」

Lettis grimaced at my words, responding in a tone as if he had chewed a hundred bitter bugs.

「…How about the territory south of the Harison River (a quarter of King Domorgal’s Country)?」

Hmm, that’s quite generous. I was expecting at most a fifth. Are the patricians within that quarter of the territory agreeable to this?

Perhaps they are planning to carve out territories from the patricians allied with Prince Aldo.

「Make it south of the Romus River (a third of King Domorgal’s Country), and I’ll send the troops.」

「What!! We cannot agree to such terms!」

I thought so. Even the territory south of the Harison River is quite a stretch.

「Let’s do this then. Our country will acquire the territory south of the Harrison River from yours. In return, your country will form an alliance with ours, and we will fight the Gallians together. I, King Rosais, will crown Prince Carlo at his official coronation, and Prince Carlo’s eldest child will study in our country.」

I don’t want to share a border with the Rozel Kingdom. The Gallians are very bellicose. I want to use King Domorgal’s Country as a buffer zone.

For that, King Domorgal’s Country mustn’t be too weak. Taking a third would make them too weak.

「…Are you asking our country to become your vassal?」

「Not a vassal, but an ally, a friend. Isn’t it natural to become friends if we are to fight alongside each other?」

Now, let’s see how he responds. For me, even less than a quarter of the territory is fine. The crucial thing is for King Domorgal’s Country to become an ally. That way, we won’t have to worry about being encircled.

Lettis fell silent for a while, deep in thought. He seems to be struggling with the decision.

「…I have made considerable concessions to your country. The appropriate reward would be the territory south of the Romus River. If this is unacceptable…」

「Understood. However, I do not have the authority to decide this. I would like to contact the king once.」

「Very well. I’ll wait seven days for a response. However, I believe it would be wise to reply sooner, especially before the situation deteriorates further.」

Whether my advice was heeded or the situation was truly urgent, the response arrived in three days.

The terms stated that if we include the clause ‘King Rosais will recognize Carlo Domorgal as the king of King Domorgal’s Country, both domestically and internationally,’ the rest of the conditions would remain as agreed.

This is a sufficient diplomatic victory for now. Some patricians may be discontent, hoping for more territory, but in diplomacy, one must not win too much. Any more victory would be problematic.

「Now, for the appointment… Bartolo, I grant you Imperium1 and command of eight thousand troops.」

「As my king commands! I shall bring victory to our country and to King Domorgal.」

Imperium, in this context, is essentially a carte blanche during wartime. It means you can do whatever it takes to win. It’s an authority that includes the power to negotiate peace and manage post-war affairs.

I must stay vigilant against King Evile’s Country and King Belvedire’s Country, so I cannot go to the battlefield myself. Someone else must be sent, and this is no ordinary war—it’s a civil conflict.

The outcomes are unpredictable, and it’s impractical to wait for instructions from me for every decision. That’s why I’ve decided to grant Baartolo full authority.

「I’m counting on you.」

「You shall have your expectations met. Please, prepare some wine to celebrate our impending victory, my king.」

With a sly smile and his red cloak billowing, Bartolo left.

◇

A letter from King Rosais arrived at the Equus tribe. The message was straightforward: they wanted to hire cavalry.

「Hmm… This isn’t a defensive war, but… well, that’s fine.」

The Equus tribe doesn’t seek a just cause for war. If you lose, it’s your fault. That’s all there is to it.

This time, the number of cavalry requested by King Rosais’ Country was four hundred, a hundred more than in last year’s war. And the wheat offered as payment was three times what it was last year.

It was a good deal.

「Now, who to send… Mutzio is an excellent commander, but…」

The overall commander this time was a patrician. It wasn’t proper to place one’s prince under the command of just any patrician. The Equus Tribe and King Rosais’ Country were in an equal alliance.

Moreover, Mutzio had just married. It would be somewhat cruel to tear him away now, without even having a child yet.

After much consideration, the Chief of the Equus Tribe decided to send one of his generals. A man in his prime as a general, mature and fully seasoned. He should be more than capable.

Thus, a combined force of eight thousand Rosais troops and four hundred from the Equus tribe, totaling eight thousand four hundred, was dispatched to King Domorgal’s Country.

And so, as if mocking the last year of peace, the war began. This war was the first in which Emperor Almus—then King Almus—mobilized his forces with the intent of invading another country. Therefore, all subsequent conflicts on the Adernian (Romalia) Peninsula would come to be collectively known as the ‘Adernian (Romalia) Peninsula Unification Wars.’

TN1: Imperium was the supreme executive power given to consuls and praetors, especially in times of war. This imperium allowed the bearer power over the army, judicial authority, and administrative control. The imperium granted the bearer great power but it usually had a fixed term and was subject to several checks and limitations.