Vol. 2 Chapter 206
Levios Palace
Translated by Raizu
Its appearance slightly resembled the world heritage Mont Saint-Michel on Earth.
However, the buildings themselves are not similar at all. The terrain, which is slightly raised compared to its surroundings, and the sight and atmosphere of the towering buildings that seem to have been driven into it only make you think so.
Levios Palace.
This castle, which reigns imposingly in the center of the Royal Capital, was built about 90 years ago. Although the castle is a symbol of the kingdom, it actually existed before the founding of the country.
As we passed through the castle gates in the mood of a tourist, the servants of the Levios family waiting in an orderly manner greeted us when we got off the carriage.
My father and I entered the castle after being greeted by the knight who was entrusted with the role of the guide.
As we progressed through the wide and long corridor, I observed my surroundings in moderation.
The outer appearance of Levios Palace was quite literally, a palace, rather than the more commonly seen castle. And the interior also leaned towards that sentiment.
[It’s a beautiful palace.]
[Thank you for the gracious compliment.]
To my casual muttering, the Levios civil officer who was following me gave a small reaction.
He’ll be my attendant at today’s luncheon, though he’s more like a guide on the side.
[Has it looked like this since it was built?]
[Yes. We have repaired it several times, but we strive to maintain the original design.]
[That’s quite amazing.]
During the turbulent times, the Peruel region was in turmoil due to the fierce struggle for supremacy among the Priestly Nobles.
Even though the Levios family managed to come on top after a long struggle, the aftermath of the deadly battles were still smoldering in the neighborhood. I would imagine that they’d build a normal fortified castle since it can serve as a military base in those times of war.
But looking at this building right now, there’s no way that this place was built for war.
[The harmonies of the colors are really good.]
From the walls to the pillars, the stone used in the castle seems to be unified with marble. On the smooth, shining white floor was a carpet dyed in ultramarine blue.
Lapis lazuli seems to be used for the decorations on the candlesticks and windows. The lapis lazuli color cut into pebbles depicts flowers and geometric patterns like mosaic art.
There were rugged sculptures here and there that were probably carved out of the same marble that was used as the building material, but because of the white within the white, they blended seamlessly into the landscape. It may be that they are aiming for that kind of natural-looking gorgeousness here.
Blue and white, the theme colors of Levios Palace, were obvious.
When the color tone is so thoroughly unified, there is no choice but to be conscious of a resolute and prestigious beauty.
Different from the natural scenery, the charm of man-made beauty created by human hands is likely to make one groan unintentionally.
[…….Hmm…..]
I groaned.
I think that the Levios family possessed considerable power even before the declaration of the founding of the country, partly due to the control of the Corbovia Plain in the early days of the turmoil.
Surrounding Noble must have been awed by the fact that they could afford to build such a palace that emphasized beauty rather than the more multi-function castle. It may be the strategy of the first King Levios, who anticipated the future founding of the country and tried to show off his strength ahead of time.
Openly criticizing priests and applying ruthless oppression. Advocating the independence of the nobility, aiming for a peaceful era, commanding the surroundings. He subjugated the Peruel region, which had been plagued with quagmire of conflicts, and destroyed the oppositions, creating a new order. What such a powerful leader built was a Noble Palace that emphasized beauty…
If you were to hold a press conference at Levios Castle, others would probably think that their head of the family could not compare.
In fact, the small and medium-sized Nobles who were based in the Lushna region, a land further south than the Peruel region, followed suit after the Levios Palace was built.
As the initial members for the founding of the Kingdom, they now have a certain amount of influence.
[…I think I’ll be satisfied just by looking at this palace today.]
If I keep quiet, they might think I’m jealous of the Levios family.
I obediently spoke words of praise as I felt appropriate.
Good things are good. Rather than uselessly embellishing words, it will be better to convey emotions as they are.
It’s like the Levios are saying, “I put a lot of effort into this lunch, so I don’t want you to leave until you’ve eaten”.
With a vaguely proud expression on top.
My father and I were guided to a large room in Levios Palace.
An audience room with the King…or rather, a meeting room. Its size is not much different from that of the Quordenze family. It’s already been 13 years since I spent time on the Eruo continent, but even now, when I hear the word “King,” the first thing that comes to mind is an absolute monarchy.
As we entered the room, my father greeted King Levios, who was sitting on a throne. Since he had already made a greeting for his visit to the Royal Capital the day before yesterday, this greeting was done in a simple manner.
I noticed from the way they talk, my father and King Levios are talking as equal Nobles. Even if one of them makes a mistake, it’s not a relationship that would incite a playful “Hehe!” marks.
Father’s greetings were about to end. Once again, I was made aware of my position.
What is between me and King Levios is the hierarchy between the next head of the family and the current head of the family, not the hierarchy as a Noble. Although there is respect for the leader who maintains the framework of the kingdom, it never indicates the top and bottom of the house….. All right.
[Wilk.]
[Yes.]
My name was called.
While my father briefly introduced me, I confirmed the existence of the person sitting on the throne once more.
Logan Levios.
He is the current head of the Levios family and the fifth King of the Levios Kingdom.
He should be the same age as my father, but he looks older than his age because he has silver hair and a beard.
His reputation as a King is high, as rumors that connect him with misgovernment are unheard of. Is it just that the occurrence and response of the demon beast Yersinia has become an oversized minus?
The eyes that look at me are sharp, and I even feel like he can see through to the inside of my heart. As I’ve heard, he’s not someone I can trifle with.
I first introduced my position and name and thanked him for the welcome I received at the Royal Palace.
The Nobles who desperately practice every day perform their gratitude with 30% more spirit. Even if I say so myself, I think I was able to move quite brilliantly.
[…Thank you for welcoming us this time. I was looking forward to meeting King Levios.]
Perhaps because the Levios Kingdom is based on equality among Nobles, special titles such as His Majesty or His Highness are not used.
King Levios is called King Levios within the Kingdom, and Marquis Quordenze is Marquis Quordenze. Is it something like a position in the organization called Levios Kingdom? I will not call the president His Majesty and the Vice President His Highness after all.
[This is something that makes me happy….. I was also looking forward to meeting Wilk-dono.]
At that moment, I felt the tension in the room loosen… No, that’s not the right word. [Ah, until just now, this place was shrouded in a tense air, wasn’t it?]. I was able to recognize that for the first time when the tense atmosphere relaxed.
It seems that King Levios was wary of me. Even when I entered the room and when my eyes met, I didn’t feel that kind of atmosphere at all.
He must have acted so that he wouldn’t be found out, so he’s not letting his guard down. Is this the king, the man who oversees the Nobles of the Thousands of mountains and seas?
That old-fashioned gesture made my heart sweat.
[…..That is good to hear. Thank you for setting aside some time today]
Arranging some safe words as answer, I mentally wiped away the sweat that ran through my liver.
Since the other side forgave me for the time being, I should interpret it favorably.
Besides, I kinda attract the attention of the whole Royal Capital, so it may be natural that King Levios was wary. I don’t think it would be too strange if the bad image of Quordenze Wilk, which had been reported by Levios until then, was overwritten.
It was after the greetings that the air relaxed.
Positively thinking, he must have judged that I was a well-educated and communicative Noble after seeing my splendid etiquette.
On the other hand, maybe he tried to tell me that he intentionally let his guard down in anticipation that I would interpret it favorably.
…..I wonder if I’m thinking too much, I can’t help but feel like it’s the latter.
I calmed myself down while exchanging empty words.
[Since this is an urgent matter, it has become a form of summoning. I have to apologize for this, Wilk-dono.]
It’s gradually becoming more like a trial for me.
However, the question with an easy-to-understand answer calmed me down.
[It’s only natural for the next generation of Quordenze to accompany my father’s visit, so there’s no need to worry about it.]
I didn’t obey King Levios’ summons, I was just accompanying my father on his visit…that was the message implied in my reply.
I’m not talking about picking up one thing and what will happen, but we should draw a clear line about where we stand. This is the best answer.
King Levios accepted my words as they were and proceeded to have a light chat.
Most of the talk focused on life in Newnelly, recent days, and the part from Callahanasso to entering the Royal Capital. It’s a safe choice of topics.
At a first-time meeting like this, people who can’t read the atmosphere would start talking about the war with the Spierzeig family, Orshian’s attack the other day, or my amount of magic that can compete with a Progenitor.
He asked me some risqué questions, but they weren’t mean, and I was able to answer them without any particular problems.
[…..Well, as expected of the eldest son of the Quordenze family, you are really splendid.]
King Levios lets out a small sigh. It’s a signal to end the conversation after self-introduction.
In response to the words of praise, I showed a calming attitude in an easy-to-understand manner and smiled.
[I’m honored to receive your praise… Thanks to that, I think I’ll be able to enjoy the tour around the palace without hesitation.]
In order to soften the atmosphere, I tried speaking in a lighter tone in the second half.
I didn’t want to continue the tense greetings for too long.
[Hahaha, umu! That’s a good thing! By all means, please enjoy yourself.]
King Levios laughed, but somehow his eyes didn’t seem to smile. I feel like he’s actually saying, [You’re a child with clever movements].
If that’s the case, I should return it with a smiling face. Let’s give him the impression that Wilk Quordenze is a person who can talk as a Noble.
The exchange of fearless smiles was fleeting, and the room was immediately enveloped in a calm atmosphere.
[Oh, my memory must be ailing. I have not introduced my son yet.]
Then the topic turned to the Prince who was standing next to King Levios.
What is the name of the next head of the Levios family, who will eventually become the sixth King of the Levios Kingdom?
[Welcome to the city of Levios. I am Dunkel Levios, the heir to the blue land of Levios.]
It was a light and elegant gesture. Showing that he is accustomed to that movement.
I observed his behavior while replying to his introduction.
Originally, he was not in a position to succeed to the family headship, but he was still a Prince, albeit the son of a concubine.
It seems that he was a boy who was planned to be sent to the shadow family before the Yersinia calamity struck. However, his behavior was dignified, and it seemed that there were no flaws as the next head of the family.
It made me wonder if even those in the Levios family’s shadow houses are able to complete their education properly. Also, I felt that his amount of magic power was the same as that of an ordinary Noble.
Even so, his appearance does not disappoint the expectations.
His body is solid, his face is deeply sculpted, and his eyes have strong power. However, his silver hair, which is thought to have come from his father, was silky smooth, and I felt a friendly smile towards him.
A mysterious appearance that sways between wild and mild.
The impression I got was that of a well-behaved wolf.
According to the Quordenze family’s intelligence agency, the Worm Hand, the relationship with his father, King Levios, is not very good.
[I have heard rumors about you from my father for a long time, but I was looking forward to meeting Wilk-dono today.]
……it’s not very good alright.
Prince Dunkel naturally made eye contact with his father, King Levios, perhaps thinking that the information was false. It is hard to believe that there is a parent-child feud there.
Surely they’re not that foolish to have their family feud be apparent in front of the great Royal Noble, right? His dignified and graceful movements are truly worthy of being called a Prince.
[I was also looking forward to meeting Prince Dunkel. I will be in your care in the afternoon.]
Naturally, I couldn’t just directly ask him about the long running rumor of [aren’t you on good terms with your father?].
We, the children, should not keep King Levios and Marquis Quordenze waiting just because of idle talk.
After confirming that the greetings had been completed, my father and I were guided out of the room by Levios’ civil officer.
The meals of the Nobles of the Eruo continent are blessed.
It’s highly unlikely that a Highlord would die from food poisoning. If there’s a chance of that happening, that person must’ve eaten a large amount of food mixed with corrupted ground.
Therefore, there’s no need for a taster. I can eat hot food while it’s hot, and there’s very little restriction on the use of specific ingredients.
Being able to eat whatever you want is something that inevitably makes you aware of the ups and downs of living. It can be said that having and enjoying a rich food culture is the reason why a Ruler is a Ruler.
At the very least, there weren’t that many dishes that I, who only cooked for myself in my previous life, could come up with.
Because I ate breakfast early today, I was pretty hungry even though it was before noon.
While paying attention to my manners, I enjoyed a variety of luxurious dishes.
It seems that the theme of this luncheon is seafood. There were many seafood dishes cooked so that even my father could eat them.
With this kind of spread, if the King and Prince weren’t there, I would be able to eat somewhat differently, but I decided to put up with that as the cost of the meal.
[…..Umu, but Wilk-dono is certainly well educated. Yours is how a nobleman should act.]
When the waiter lowered the salad plate, King Levios, who was sitting diagonally across from me, spoke earnestly.
I accepted the evaluation while being careful not to inadvertently use words of humility.
Apparently, the incident the day before yesterday caused the perception of me to suddenly shift from being a Noble to being a thug. During my stay in Callahanasso City, Levios’ civil officer would have reported various things about me.
I see, my father must have wanted a face-to-face meeting. Conveying emotions through magic can greatly distort the first impression, or rather the zero impression.
[The bread will be here soon.]
The waiter of the Levios family appeared silently next to me and placed a plate.
It’s a white plate. It is a non-painted dinner plate with a glossy sheen.
From the fact that he specifically said he would use it for bread, it can be inferred that it was an old-baked plate, a porcelain plate once made on St. Navenpos.
I could sense that the waiter who served the plate was standing behind me. The distance is much closer than before the dish was served.
[I like the brightness of the white.]
I said the classic line when praising an old pottery.
Most of the existing white porcelain was made in St. Navempos before the turbulent times. Simply put, it is an antique made over 200 years ago.
As expected, it would be embarrassing to put soup on top of this, or any other food that uses a lot of oil. Basically, it is only used to put dry items such as bread on it.
The waiter didn’t return to his normal position in order to make sure I didn’t accidentally put something like soup on the plate.
The reason I said the promise was to claim that I knew how to handle the white vessel. That intention was easily conveyed to the waiter, and the presence I felt on my back went down behind me.
I feel like I’m being tested.
If it was Orshian, not me, who is here, I bet King Levios would never serve this dish. The plate would end up very dirty.
[…..With such a promising next generation, Marquis Quordenze must feel relieved.]
[Umu. But unfortunately, parents tend to find new things to worry about when it comes to their children.]
[Hoho, there is no such thing as a child without worries. That’s a really interesting idea.]
I glanced at my father and King Levios laughing at each other, and before I knew it, I tore off the bread on the plate.
By chance, the timing coincided with Prince Dunkel, who was sitting across from me, and our gazes met unintentionally.
[…..Do you know of the Blue Land Institute?]
Although it is the official name of the academy that was operated in the Royal Capital, it is currently closed due to the aftermath of Yersinia calamity.
It’s best not to touch that area here.
[Yes, I heard that the children of the Kingdom were attending. I personally thought it was an interesting idea.]
Honestly though, I’m particularly interested in the Princesses that study there.
[As a graduate, I am happy to hear that… My father once said that Marquis Quordenze intended to send Wilk-dono to study abroad.]
My father asked King Levios to send me to study abroad for security reasons.
The Quordenze family, which continued to fight against the former Voistra faction, could not turn against the Kingdom of Levios. One of the diplomatic cards that came out was my studying abroad in the Royal Capital.
If the eldest son of a Noble like the Quordenze family attends the Blue Land Institute, the authority of the academy will rise at once. Long live the Levios family.
My father was very distressed about sending his son far away and seemed to come to the conclusion that he would vomit blood. Meanwhile, I had no problem at all.
As the eldest son of the Quordenze family, I must have made a big face in the Royal Capital, and the Princesses of the branch family should have opened their crotch and approached me, aiming for the prestiges. It’s really a pity.
However, he didn’t get to play that card due to the Yersinia calamity. I could imagine my father smiling widely because of that.
[I used to study hard when I was attending Blue Land Institute.]
I’ve heard that at the academy, interaction between Nobles is the main thing, and they don’t study that much. In fact, I’ve already learned what I would’ve learned at the Blue Land Institute. I don’t think there’s anything else to learn so desperately.
I put some embellishing words to the questions that came to my mind so as not to be rude.
[It’s true that the main thing is interaction, but… after all, when people of similar age get together, the feeling that they don’t want to lose will be born somewhere. Besides, the learning environment was in place, so it was up to the individual’s motivation to work hard. There were those who were striving to become closer to their ideal person, there were those who were simply engrossed in competing with their schoolmates, and there were those who were greedily trying to acquire knowledge while thinking about the future of their territory. It can be said that there were as many forms of Blue Land institute as there were people.]
I don’t think the Prince who smiles about his memories is lying. But, I also felt that there was something involved.
Then, Prince Dunkel looked at me. This time it’s his turn to ask me a question.
[Wilk-dono seems to have learned a lot. How did you maintain your motivation? Could you tell me?]
[…Well, referring to Prince Dunkel’s story, I guess it was one of those? Striving to compete with someone. All in all, it is for the sake of the Quordenze’s future.]
Prince Dunkel muttered with a gesture of admiration.
[You said you were competing with someone. Is it someone close to you?]
[Yes.]
[I see, I understand that feeling well. I used to study hard to be as good as my father.]
Used to.
Does it just mean that it’s an old story from when he was studying at the Blue Land Institute, or does it mean that he’s no longer aiming for that now because they’re at odds with each other…? It’s dangerous to set foot there. I will stay away from minefields.
[Who is Wilk-dono aiming for? Marquis Quordenze’s excellent political skills are widely known in the Royal Capital, and the previous Duke Galfis is a warrior who is known to everyone on the continent… I think both are lofty goals.]
His tone sounded like it was a secret, but if I said it here, everyone would naturally hear it. Of course, this isn’t a story to hide. It’s probably one of the many tricks I use to make it easier for me to talk.
I also want to try a little to see what would happen if I mentioned the name of the highest priest of the Zeth High Priest here. I wonder if it will be like [Oh, are you really close to them?].
[It’s my father.]
Of course, I wouldn’t play such a dangerous game. I am a safety-first guy after all.
[…Is it surprising?]
[Wow, it is, indeed, surprising. Afterall, having heard the rumors about Operation Serpent’s Fang and Great Shield Breaker, anyone would think that you are aspiring to be a warrior.]
He didn’t put it into words, but the battle of murder intent the day before yesterday must have had an effect.
I didn’t wear the orb of the matured demon beast I defeated today, but this may have been the correct answer to what my father said.
…..The orb is a set with the formal dress I’m planning to wear at tomorrow’s social event, but I wonder if it’s okay. I feel like I’m going to be warned out of order.
[Of course, I also respect my grandfather.]
With this flow of the story, I think I’ll be able to handle the assignment that my father gave me this morning.
[After the war, you’ll be working hard to manage the territory and destroy the remnants, right? This is the only chance I have to get to know my grandfather on the battlefield, so I can’t waste anything. I’m desperate to catch up every day.]
Wilk Quordenze recognizes that destroying the Spierzeig family is a matter of course. And I don’t think about further territory expansion or military expansion.
To express this out of my mouth, that was the main task of the day. I think I handled it well.
[I’m really envious of that. To be able to learn about the battles of Duke Galfis nearby.]
[Blue Land Institute also seems like an interesting place. As I listened to the story, it certainly intrigued me.]
We exchanged words of praise with each other and dismissed the nasty topic.
Then, King Levios turned his gaze towards me.
[Somehow, you remind me of Duchess Cassia, the previous generation head of the Quordenze family.]
King Levios spoke as if it were a matter of course, but this was probably a performance to advance the topic. I didn’t dare to ask him back, and I tried to make a face that said, [Oh, did this person have something to do with my grandmother?].
[It may have been 20 years ago, but a letter from Duchess Cassia reached my predecessor…]
Considering the time, it was right after my uncle was assassinated by the Spierzeig family. Grandmother must have intended to avenge her son, even if it meant joining the Kingdom.
In the end, my father left the Empire and entered the Kingdom, but it seems that the negotiation route itself had already been established during my grandmother’s generation.
[In the letter, she said she was interested in the Blue Land Institute, and when she visited the Royal Capital, she also wanted to take a tour of it. Perhaps she wanted to know about the educational environment of other territories thinking about his grandchildren who would be born someday.]
Prince Dunkel nodded at King Levios’ words.
[Duke Cassia, Marquis Quordenze, and Wilk-dono. The Quordenze family is lucky to have advanced ideas for three generations. I would like to emulate them.]
I felt that it would be silly to give any response now.
In the future, when I get married and have a child, it would be difficult for me to say no if I was asked to [consider letting your child study abroad in the Royal Capital]. Even so, my father has a history of discarding cards once.
It’s not that I want to confine my child to the Quordenze territory, but I didn’t want them to have a fixed future in the Royal Capital because it would narrow my options.
Perhaps as a prelude to future proposals, the King and Prince begin to talk about the charm of Blue Land Institute while helping each other. Are they really on bad terms?
[It is very good to have the opportunity to have a relationship with the Nobles of other territories. The Quordenze family is in a position to be said to be a Great Noble in the Kingdom, so I think the connections gained will be a great strength.]
If you’re going to hammer a nail, it would be around here.
[Indeed, as the successor to Quordenze, I don’t think I can underestimate that power… Come to think of it, the fiancée of the next head of the Adellahan family used to study at Blue Land Institute. There will also be connections that can be obtained in the Royal Capital, and it seems necessary to think carefully about its influence.」
I dared to mention Adellahan’s name.
A few years ago, the Adellahan territory was struck by a great famine, which apparently made them indebted to Levios family in many ways.
And in order to repay the favor, the Adellahan family had no choice but to send reinforcements to the battle between the Levios family and Princess Orshian. It’s a very profitable request for repayment.
The commander-in-chief of this reinforcement was a male Noble from a collateral family who used to attend Blue Land Institute. In short, a person with experience in the Levios territory was forced to do the dirty work.
A relationship is not just a convenient string that pulls profits. It’s a tug-of-war rope where both sides would pull for profits.
You know that studying in the Royal Capital isn’t all about good things. I implicitly insisted on that, and conveyed my intention not to take a promise to study in the Royal capital.
[…Come to think of it, how old is Wilk-dono?]
There’s no way King Levios doesn’t know my age.
[13.]
[When Blue Land Institute reopens, I would love to adopt the education of the prestigious Quordenze. Right, Dunkel?]
[Certainly, father.]
It seems that my claim that I will positively consider it has been accepted.
King Levios and his son laughed together, and my father and I laughed in unison.
After finishing the meal, it was time for the post-meal tea to be poured.
[Well, it was a fun lunch today.]
My father, Prince Dunkel, and I nodded at King Levios’ words.
Then, King Levios lowered the tone of his voice a little and continued in a nonchalant tone.
[…..Just like how the invasion of Spierzeig is also at its climax.]
Tension ran through the room as the most serious topic for the Quordenze family suddenly popped up. I put the teacup down without making any noise.
After King Levios waited for my hand to leave the cup, he continued.
[With the shield broken, the Spierzeig family will be desperate. At this point, the great decisive battle may begin at the entrance to the plain, no, the Othelloria City.]
In the war between Nobles, there is the climax battle. The final battle where the Nobles and knights put their all together. The big decisive battle.
In most cases, the stage is set near the base of the Noble who are being attacked. This is because when the loss is unavoidable, there will be no room left and you will have no choice but to stand on the front line.
In other words, it will be held when the defeat is so intense that even the Nobles who avoid fighting between Nobles are forced to open themselves up.
The great decisive battle is truly an all-out battle.
If the master’s family were defeated, the knights who served him would have nowhere to go. In that case, there is no point in being stingy in this battle.
The Noble family head on the inferior side would summon all the knights, military officers, the Highlords of the shadow family, the militia, and even the commoner mercenaries hired with little money they have, to be fielded in the attempt to crush the attacking enemy army. Naturally, the invading side is required to have more fighting power than that.
The great decisive battle is an important attack chance for both sides.
From the attacking side, defeating a large number of enemies here will make domestic affairs easier after the war. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wipe out the knights who will be doing guerilla activities as centipede legs.
On the other hand, from the standpoint of the defending side, by setting up a one-on-one match here, it might be possible to make a big comeback by destroying the enemy forces in one fell swoop. There are many uncertainties in the battle between the Highlords, and the defiant Nobles can be very tough.
The reason why it’s easy for Nobles who are strong in war to gain popularity is probably because of this easy-to-understand highlight.
Until then, the army of commoner militias and Lord-class soldiers had been fighting steadily, but it suddenly entered a climax, the chief general and almost all the knights and military officers faced each other for the survival of the family. It is a decisive battle where all the bets are off. It is a culture that future generations of historical entertainment creators are likely to cry and be thankful for.
Even now, it is a showcase of skill for playwrights and performers. [Red Demon and Princess of Five Domains] is a play that mixes love and war, but the most exciting part of the war is the decisive battle to capture the Arpeo region.
[The Voistra Plain is vast. If it becomes a field battle, it will be a battle of considerable scale.]
[But Father, I don’t think Duke Galfis will fall behind the corpse of Spierzeig’s army any longer.]
The King and the Prince were talking between themselves out loud.
…..To tell the truth, the Spierzeig army isn’t even on the brink of death.
Originally, by the time we reached the Voistra plains, the military power of the Spierzeig family should have been drastically reduced. However, the Spierzeig army ended up still having some strength left because I cracked down on Reisleaf Castle too early.
The plan had to be changed to destroying them one by one during the invasion of the Voistra plains. It was supposed to be a much easier task than scraping while bleeding at Reisleaf Castle.
However, since my father and I left for the Royal Capital’s social gatherings, Spierzeig’s army seems to be preparing for a large-scale field battle at the entrance to the Voistra plains.
Apparently, Duke Spierzeig had decided that it would be too late to start a decisive battle if they let us reach their home base in Othelloria City. Thus, he chose to brace himself.
As a result, the residents of the Spierzeig territory are forced to work and be conscripted into the military, and are said to be suffering from even heavier taxes.
It seems that this great decisive battle system cannot be maintained for a long time, but my grandfather believes that we will have to prepare for a considerable amount of blood in order to attack now.
The reason why the Quordenze army, or rather, my grandfather, is strong in war is that he has been trained in a hundred battles. But, the biggest reason is the mobility of the “Fighter Highlord” who could appear and disappear through the battlefield.
Therefore, it will be difficult for them to display their true potential if they are preparing for a big decisive battle, particularly on a key point like Reisleaf Castle.
When it comes to a large-scale field battle where even the shadows are mobilized, luck will play a major role. In terms of winning percentage, the Quordenze side has an advantage, but there are still gambling elements to the extent that they cannot be ignored.
My father had a disgusted look on his face when he saw the letters from his grandfather that started arriving after he left Newnelly.
The Levios family probably sent spies to the Voistra Plain as well. It’s better to think that they’ve got accurate information, just to bring it up on purpose.
[Certainly, a warrior like Duke Galfis would definitely be able to break through. Rather, it might be more difficult after that. If a Great Noble like the Spierzeig family was crushed, there would be many centipede legs. We, Levios, also had to deal with that after crushing the priest once. Do you know that, Wilk-dono?]
I didn’t quite understand what they wanted to say.
However, there’s no point in staying silent, so I decided to answer the question.
[I have heard of the mopping-up unit owned by the Levios army.]
The priesthood and guerrilla warfare are very compatible. Guerrilla countermeasures are one of the most important issues for the Levios family, who believe in annihilating the priests.
The kill team devised and into practical use by the first King Levios can be said to be one answer that was born from the attempt to solve that problem. After driving out the remnants of the priestly forces in the Levios territory, this unit was dispatched to another family’s territory.
The reason why the first King Levios is still called the worst in history when it comes to oppressing priests is largely due to the activities of this kill team.
King Levios nodded at my words and said with a deep smile.
[You’ve certainly been studying hard. But, since you’ve come all the way to the Royal Capital, why don’t you take a tour first? I’ll talk to your father first.]
[…..Indeed, it will be an interesting conversation for sure.]
The voice was directed at me, but for some reason my father and King Levios were having a conversation.
I decided to give an ambiguous answer, neither denying nor affirming King Levios’ words. From my father’s attitude, I can see that it wasn’t such a bad story. It would be more convenient for my father to move without me getting in the way.
My father had previously said that the Levios family would undoubtedly take a policy of obstructing the Quordenze family’s invasion of Spierzeig, but today’s meeting was amicable from beginning to end.
Maybe that policy was blown away by the incident the day before yesterday. I also hear that the current King Levios has the ability to respond flexibly according to the situation.
[Dunkel. Please show him around the Royal Mausoleum first in the afternoon… Wilk-dono, do you mind?]
First of all, I can’t say I want to see something different.
Besides, I wanted to see the Royal Mausoleum. Since time is limited, the most efficient way is to start with what you want to see.
[Yes. Thank you very much, Prince Dunkel.]
After saying that, I carefully observed the prince’s movements as he showed his approval.
When King Levios spoke his instructions, Prince Dunkel’s internal magic seemed to shake slightly. It’s not a magic release, it’s a subtle trembling of magical power that you feel when your mind is violently disturbed by intense emotions.
It’s too delicate and ephemeral. If it wasn’t a magic release, it wouldn’t even be possible to grasp what kind of emotion he was trembling with.
The relationship between this father and son may not be good after all.
