“Although I got a message earlier, you are early.” (Breithilde)
Arriving at the grassland where Margrave Breithilde’s army is stationed, I descended from the ship in advance with the spell
Given that an Earl is an Earl, even if he’s a newcomer, I’m an existence they have to pay attention to.
“We suppressed the rebellion within one day. You have my gratitude for the assistance by Burkhart-san.” (Wendelin)
“He is your bodyguard after all. Please don’t worry about it and use him as you wish.” (Breithilde)
Since it might be a setback to the development of the Savage Lands if something happens to me in the worst case, Margrave Breithilde has placed his treasured Burkhart-san with me.
Apparently he has entrusted his own protection to several magicians he has employed in addition.
“And, they are the rebels, but…” (Wendelin)
I talk about the details of the rebellion and them who were captured afterwards and then entered my service after getting persuaded skilfully by Klaus.
“As expected, they were personnel to cause disturbance in the rear from Browig’s side, huh?” (Breithilde)
“No, rather than personnel, they were treated as sacrificial pawns.” (Wendelin)
“The economy over there is stagnating after all. The are even getting rid of excess personnel now, aren’t they…?” (Breithilde)
Since they have been blocked from moving money, items and people to the development of the Savage Lands, third sons and below of lower retainer households have needlessly lost their destination.
Given that there are people left over, they likely judged it as profit, if they can prevent me from making a move while also using and getting rid of the people.
“It’s not like everyone who has been driven out can make a living as adventurer either. This problem exists in my family as well. I’m grateful to you, Earl Baumeister.” (Breithilde)
Besides the Helmut Kingdom, there are currently no noble households that are short on people except us.
In the end that means that it creates many young people of retainer households who are unable to get employment.
“It looks like they are quite cornered economically.” (Breithilde)
As Erw’s group also got off the airship while the two of use were talking, we immediately moved to the troop headquarters and continued our conversation there.
“Currently our battle formation is close to the border line of the Eschago Grasslands which are extending over the eastern and southern domains. Our military forces are around 4.000 and are compromised by a mix of seven households. Additional reinforcements will come in one more week, but with that it will be around 6.000 troops, I guess.” (Breithilde)
I have a feeling as if the numbers are low, but it can’t be helped as money goes flying by only preparing and deploying military forces.
The salary of the soldiers and their provisions will become the burden of the noble household below Margrave Breithilde that dispatched their feudal army .
“So, how about Browig’s side?” (Wendelin)
“They have 5.000 troops. That’s why it’s a stand-off currently.” (Breithilde)
Both sides don’t wish for a decisive battle. The damage will become big if they do such a thing.
Therefore it has naturally turned into a stand-off like this.
“Also, there’s another battlefield.” (Breithilde)
Next Margrave Breithilde spreads a detailed map of the boundary line’s region on top of a desk.
“It’s around 300 km Northwest from here. At that place the vassal, Associate Baron Henckel, of Margrave Browig and my vassal, Associate Baron Lanzel, are facing off against each other over a copper mine.” (Breithilde)
How it began originates from a recurrence of a rights dispute over a boundary area like here.
“The copper mine, which is located at the borderline of both territories, is boasting a splendid yield. Naturally they competed over it in the past…” (Breithilde)
There were many conflicts in the past, but for now they are sharing it evenly.
“That’s sudden.” (Wendelin)
Deploying their military forces, the Associate Baron Henckel household of Margrave Browig’s side drove the mine director of Associate Baron Lanzel household’s side and his guards out off the copper mine.
And now the military forces of Associate Baron Henckel’s household, who are occupying the copper mine, and the Associate Baron Lanzel’s household, who deployed their army to recover it, kept glaring at each other.
“Fortunately there haven’t been any casualties though.” (Breithilde)
It’s a blessing that there aren’t any casualties albeit it being a dispute, because it will become difficult to control the dispute if casualties appear.
“Eternal monopoly is something troublesome as well.” (Breithilde)
While letting off steam by fighting each other once in a while, both sides reluctantly agree to an even division.
Those were the true colours of this time’s rights dispute.
“That’s why I ask you to please use training weapons.” (Breithilde)
All of the soldier participating in this dispute apparently use dulled blades in both armies.
I never thought they would be that thorough for the sake of avoiding casualties.
“Eh? Training weapons?” (Wendelin)
“It’s alright. They are loaded on Henrik-dono’s ship.” (Moritz)
Moritz, who’s at my side, informed me that that a number matching the people had been loaded on Henrik’s ship.
I’m told that Thorsten made a smart move and stored them there.
“Since Thorsten-sama is Minister Edgar’s esteemed son, he is well-informed about such matters, too.” (Moritz)
“That saves us, but we don’t have the share for those guys.” (Wendelin)
“If it’s the share of around 20 soldiers, I will sell you my spares.” (Breithilde)
“Thank you very much.” (Wendelin)
Because I was able to secure weapons for our new subordinate unit too, Margrave Breithilde continues the talks again.
“Of course, even if you dull the blades, they are similar to blunt weapons. There will be deaths if people are hit at the wrong spots. Their number will be considerably low though.” (Breithilde)
Decreasing the number by capturing the opponents, they will afterwards have negotiations and settle it with money.
It was apparently normal for there to not be more than one casualty in both armies although they fought if it was the battlefield of medieval knights and mercenaries as the core. (T/N: Not sure if the author means medieval Europe here or this world. In case it’s former, that’s bullshit, in case it’s latter is contradicting the earlier statement…)
Even the kingdom’s side recommends behind closed doors to battle while avoiding casualties as much as possible.
“With such feelings, the noble households, who are engaging in the quarrel in the boundary area, on both sides exceed more than 80 households. This time the noble households of Margrave Browig’s camp suddenly dispatched their troops and occupied and plundered the concession of the noble households under my control. As we must take those back, our allies have gathered their troops and now the stand-off continues. Although it’s the mobilization of such numbers, there are dozens to several hundred smaller battlefields, but there are also around 40 places for them.” (Breithilde)
Certainly, a great number of memos was written on the map which had been spread out by Margrave Breithilde.
After the nobles of the Breithilde household's side were beaten one-sidedly due to the majority of the Browig household’s side’s surprise attack being beyond expectations, they are itching for an opportunity to retake their shares of concessions after gathering their troops.
“Are there any noble households who have clashed with their opponents?” (Wendelin)
“No, not yet.” (Breithilde)
This is the troublesome part of the disputes here.
I didn’t grasp it from the copper mine at the beginning, but since those were disputes to extend the territory a bit or over how much water to pull from the river source, a genuine clash will exceed the budget if the casualties increase.
“On the other side, if we don’t dispatch soldiers to those places, the other side’s control over the concessions will be approved. Not dispatching soldiers is an impossible choice. We have to consider the nobles’ honour.” (Breithilde)
I can understand that since there were countless territory disputes between fellow countries in my previous life as well.
I see, nobility seems to cost quite a bit of money.
“If it’s like that, aren’t they a bit clumsy?”
“Which household? Although the occupation could be prevented by sensing it ahead of time, it will be our complete defeat afterwards. If it comes to the arbitration, we will have an one-sided disadvantage.” (Breithilde)
Browig’s side, which suddenly advanced their troops, is evil, but the concessions and territories, they are competing over, will practically end up being ruled by Browig’s camp.
You could say that this would naturally become a one-sided disadvantage in the arbitration as well.
“Do you want to take it back to some extent?” (Wendelin)
“Yes, but that’s also difficult.” (Breithilde)
The feudal army of Margrave Browig, who’s the person at the heart of the matter, is waiting in the rear of the Browig’s camp.
Since you can expect him to dispatch his military forces in response, if Margrave Breithilde sends out his feudal army, which is likewise kept in the rear, as reinforcement, he can’t currently do anything but confronting them like this.
“How troublesome… As it is now, it will turn into a disadvantage if it comes to the arbitration…” (Breithilde)
“Is that their aim?” (Wendelin)
“Yes, it is.” (Breithilde)
Because dissatisfaction has appeared due to missing out on our development rights, he is likely restraining the complaints of his followers with such measures.
I didn’t know of the possibility of this kind of a public works-like aspect.
“Then I will get them back.” (Wendelin)
“Can I leave it to you?” (Breithilde)
Flying to the dispute areas in turns with the small airship we have chartered, we will defeat the troops of the nobles from Browig’s side and capture them.
If we can charge a high ransom by capturing them, Margrave Browig will regret having meddled with us, too.
“Thank you very much then.” (Breithilde)
Receiving the map from Margrave Breithilde, we quickly hurried to the locations where the nobles’ military forces faced off against each other with the small magic airship.
◆◇◆◇◆
“Doushi isn’t participating this time after all.” (Erwin)
“As it is a dispute between the South and East, it will become a problem if the Royal Head Magician comes to support the South.” (Henrik)
“I do understand that as well, but in the case of doushi it seems also possible that he would participate by saying something like 『It looks interesting』.” (Erwin)
“No way!” (Henrik)
“No… Since it’s that father, it’s possible…” (Henrik)
It’s been a half day on board the ship while Erw and Henrik have such chats.
As it was explained by Margrave Breithilde in the beginning, the copper mine, they are competing over, is close to the border between the Associate Baron Henckel household and the the territory of Associate Baron Lanzel’s household.
If you properly look at the copper mine, the side of Associate Baron Henckel’s household soldiers had stationed sentries in several places.
“Welcome! Please come in.”
Both armies were surprised by the magic airship suddenly visiting at first, but once I sent Erw as messenger to the troop headquarters of Associate Baron Lanzel’s feudal army, the person himself came right away to greet us.
Associate Baron Lanzel was an ordinary, around 40-years-old ojii-san.
“Reinforcements from Margrave Breithilde-dono, is it?” (Lanzel)
“Yes. Let’s recapture the copper mine right away.” (Wendelin)
“Eh? Will it be alright?” (Lanzel)
Although he approves of the recapture of the copper mine, he wants to be spared from having too many victims, too.
Once I looked at Associate Baron Lanzel’s face, I was able to grasp that he is thinking like that right away.
“In short, there won’t be any problem if both sides have zero casualties, right?” (Wendelin)
“Yes. That would be the optimal solution.” (Lanzel)
If that’s the case, it’s simple.
We shouldn’t suffer an unexpected defeat either, if they can’t detect us.
“Well, then first comes the execution of the agreement. Brier-dono.” (Lanzel)
“Ah, yes. I was ordered by Margrave Breithilde-sama to accompany Earl Baumeister-sama. I work in military administration.” (Brier)
On a certain battlefield a certain problem with assisting the noble in leading the army occurred.
There were quite a few nobles who tried to steal the achievements of a noble, who came as reinforcement, once the war ended despite being the ones rescued after them having come to assist. That was the cause of many troubles springing forth.
The military administrator who was dispatched this time by Margrave Breithilde is called Brier-shi. He was a serious looking fifty-years old man.
Also there’s an agreement regarding the share of military gains.
There was something like a sharing percentage for stuff like the ransom of the prisoners themselves.
“Everyone, since they will become paralysed and will be unable to move, please help with their arrest.” (Wendelin)
“As expected of the Dragon Slaying Hero-dono…” (Lanzel)
It will become a Area Stun with a vast range contrary to the one at the rebellion suppression, but as there were no parts of selecting the range and targets, it was a job that entered the category of being rather easy from my point of view.
Even if it’s me by myself, I should be able to cope with it plentifully.
“I leave the help with the capture of the paralysed soldiers of Associate Baron Henckel’s side, the care of the captured prisoners and the defence of the retaken copper mine to you.” (Wendelin)
“Of course.” (Lanzel)
First off, it will take time to do that with just our members and second, since the costs for sheltering the prisoners is included in the ransom, there won’t be any problems if they can receive a payback afterwards.
If all of them become prisoners, the defence of the copper mine shouldn’t be that difficult.
“Won’t you do something like occupying the territory of Associate Baron Henckel at this chance?” (Wendelin)
“No, it’s an unwritten law since the old days. It’s assumed to be an act close to a taboo.” (Lanzel)
At the time when Associate Baron Henckel’s side came invading in the beginning, they would have been able to occupy the rest of Associate Baron Lanzel’s territory as well, if they felt like it, but the other side didn’t do that.
No, it seems they weren’t able to do it.
“To the bitter end we are only fighting over the interest of the copper mine. Otherwise there would be no end to the dispute.” (Lanzel)
If they entered each other’s territories, killed their residents, raped the women, devastated the fields and burned the houses, then there wouldn’t be an end to the resentments.
It’s apparently the same for their fellow noble households who are fighting over other interests, too.
“If the dispute becomes too violent, intervention by the royal family has to be expected as well.” (Lanzel)
In that case they can’t expect a advantageous arbitration.
“The copper mine, which is the source of the dispute, will be confiscated by the kingdom or such. Back in the old days such arbitrations weren’t rare, it seems…” (Lanzel)
They are only competing over the interests with both households.
Their patron and someone who governs the region like Margrave Breithilde provide help to the nobles in the same area. The nobles, who received assistance, help out with the stability of the area in return.
It’s been such kind of relationship since long ago, it seems.
“Well, then it’s the conclusion of the agreement.” (Lanzel)
In the end the Earl Baumeister household won’t be related to the rights of the copper mine at all.
Afterwards the Associate Baron Lanzel household will charge our side for the money it took to take care of the prisoners they were entrusted with.
Paper was already spread among the common people in this world, but there were many situations where they even now use parchments for things like such important contract documents.
“Well then, let’s get to it right away.” (Wendelin)
There are many places which have a similar state of affairs as this place here. In order to resolve it as quickly as possible, we decide to start the operation immediately.
“Are there any magicians?” (Wendelin)
“Yes. At the time they attacked the copper mine, there was a parson releasing fire arrows. But I think that it’s probably a temporarily hired adventurer, however…” (Lanzel)
It seems that if it’s the rank of an Associate Baron, they very rarely employ a single magician of elementary level.
According to Associate Baron Lanzel, there’s still no such news that a magician was made a retainer by Associate Baron Henckel. “It’s no more than one who was temporarily employed in addition to this time’s dispatch of troops”, he said.
“It’s meaningless since he will become paralysed alongside them though.” (Wendelin)
If it was a magician at Katharina’s level, it would be possible for them to resist the Area Stun and counter-attack us.
However, going by the evidences, it doesn’t seem to be necessary to worry about that.
“Are the preparations alright?” (Lanzel)
“Yes.” (Wendelin)
Once the feudal army led by Associate Baron Lanzel and the Earl Baumeister feudal army led by Thomas and Moritz make an appearance in front of the copper mine, the soldiers of the defending Associate Baron Henckel’s camp get tense.
“(Let’s go!)” (Wendelin)
However, that tension ended up getting interrupted by the Area Stun following right after.
Paralysing everyone who’s in the mine, they lost the ability to move from the spot.
“Storm in!”
Passing the order to both armies, the perfect occupation of the copper mine and the arrest of the paralysed Associate Baron Henckel’s feudal army begins.
“Well then. Can I leave the rest to you?” (Wendelin)
“Yes…” (Lanzel)
My turn has already ended. There’s no necessity for Associate Baron Lanzel to act as head of the army either.
Accordingly, taking out a table and chairs from my magic bag, I invited him and his close aides to tea.
By the way, Erw, Ina and Luise accompanied Moritz’ group as observers.
Also, Burkhart-san and Katharina sat down on a chair and drank tea as well.
That’s because the tea parties between fellow nobles are quite troublesome.
Given that Wilma is Minister Edgar’s adopted daughter, she remained behind and helped Elise. It isn’t necessary to talk about Elise as she is my future first wife.
Klaus is casually partaking in the tea party as well.
Although Klaus was merely employed by me personally, it was also true that he looks retainer-like if he’s next to me.
“I’m sorry Earl Baumeister-dono’s lady has to pour the tea herself.” (Lanzel)
“You don’t have to mind since she’s still my fiancée.” (Wendelin)
Once we put out stuff like the sweets and chocolates we got from Artur-san next, they ate them while looking very interested.
“I heard the rumours, but those are indeed delicious sweets. Is it alright if I also bring back some for the children?” (Lanzel)
“Please feel free.” (Wendelin)
Once we pass a somewhat larger quantity as present, Associate Baron Lanzel passed it to a subordinate soldier boy who is looking delightful.
“By the way, was it a sudden occupation?” (Wendelin)
“Yes. Back in the old days there was regularly strife over the concession rates of that mine, but…” (Lanzel)
Naturally the claim of both sides is 『That mine is ours!』.
However, since that was realistically impossible, they decided that the Associate Baron Henckel’s camp gets the northern side and Associate Baron Lanzel’s camp the southern.
“And yet there still dispute over it?” (Wendelin)
“Let’s call it a kind of venting…” (Lanzel)
When there’s something like a succession of lordship, the new feudal lord dispatches his soldiers and confronts the other party with the reasoning of showing his strength.
“Still, they properly announced it.” (Lanzel)
『This mine is ours! Wait and wash your necks as we will send our soldiers any day soon now!』
Half of it seems to be something like a beauty of style.
The winning side is allowed to mine at more profitable spots until the next troop dispatch.
“There’s a chance to get exquisite ore at the border line. We are able to obtain the right to mine there.” (Lanzel)
“It’s completely a scrimmage.” (Wendelin)
“It seems that there were more than 100 casualties on both sides when it became a bloody battlefield in the past. Therefore we obtain it with a contest without valuable retainers and young residents dying. What formed this kind of system is probably the wisdom of our predecessors.” (Lanzel)
It might be a smart choice since there’s no point if the miners die even if they get to dig at the valuable spots in the mine.
Though it seems there were many places with the same rules among the other fellow nobles as well, all of them were violated. Everyone was bewildered.
“It’s the Margrave Browig household after all?” (Wendelin)
“It looks like it.” (Lanzel)
Two hours later Erw’s group returned and reported the successful capture of everyone who was in the mine.
Also, stuff like the water and food, prepared for a long confrontation, the weapons, living-ware, the rewarded gems and the money; apparently a large amount of goods was successfully seized.
“Lord Lanzel. The Junior Commader Fricks-dono has joined the mine’s defences.” (Erwin)
“Got it.” (Lanzel)
Associate Baron Lanzel coolly nodded like a noble to the report of Erw.
“The defence is alright. Associate Baron Henckel’s military forces are…” (Erwin)
“Yes. Since it was reduced by more than 80%.” (Lanzel)
As 300 guards were forced to surrender in the cage-like mine, it must be futile for him to do anything with the remaining war potential of several dozens of soldiers.
At the present time it was natural for the Associate Baron Henckel household to have lost.
“Moreover, we captured Associate Baron Henckel.” (Erwin)
“He was at that place!?” (Lanzel)
According to Associate Baron Lanzel’s information, Associate Baron Henckel wasn’t in the mine as he was taking command in the rear.
Therefore he is surprised to hear of Associate Baron Henckel himself getting captured.
“Did he come for an inspection?” (Wendelin)
“That’s probably it. I think it’s fortunate for Earl Baumeister-dono as the ransom will increase.” (Lanzel)
For the time being it was successful, but the road ahead is still long.
Also, there’s also the possibility that Margrave Browig will send his main army as reinforcement.
If that happened, it would be necessary for us to oppose those military forces as well.
“Associate Baron Lanzel-dono, we will head to the next battlefield. Is the defence side alright with this?” (Wendelin)
“Yes. Even if Margrave Browig’s army planned to re-take the mine by sending reinforcements, it will be difficult unless it’s more than 1.000 soldiers.” (Lanzel)
The law that the attacking camp needs more than 3 times that of the defending camp seems to exist in this word as well.
And, even for the side of Margrave Browig’s army it’s pointless to suffer heavy casualties just to take this mine.
“Even for Associate Baron Henckel, if he considers the remaining forces, the best he can do is probably to maintain the public order. There seems to be a son who will succeed him, but he is likely very busy with ruling the territory.” (Lanzel)
Apparently among the ones captured in the mine there were the retainers who support the ruling of the Associate Baron Henckel territory.
Also, the majority of the common soldiers were recruited from the farmers of the territory.
It’s definitely “misfortunes never come singly.”
“As it is, we will defend the mine to the last until the arbitration.” (Lanzel)
“Then I shall leave the care-taking of the prisoners to you.” (Wendelin)
“Please leave it to me.” (Lanzel)
Once I leave the care of the prisoners to Associate Baron Lanzel, we start to move to the next dispute site.