Chapter 113
Chapter 113 – Road to the East
[The domestic areas seem to have stabilized . Isn’t it about time to enter stage two already?]
What George said changed the expressions of everyone else who’s present .
Yes, the time had finally come .
As soon as the Istrea diplomat returned to his country, Ares issued an urgent order for the important figures of Schwarzer Frontier Territory to gather up .
The round table was used once again . On Ares’ both sides were the two Schwarzer’s brains, Shion and George .
On the right side of the table, sat the military leaders; Sigurd, Darius, Eckhart, Loran, and the consultant Gale .
On the left side were the domestic officials such as Elan, Rodman, Tobias, Natalie, Francesca, and Oliver .
And not only those living at Grants, Redgear’s Wilfred, Trevoir’s Louis, Brittany’s Gray as well as deputy leaders like Arnold and even Shadow and Lilith were present .
[The other day… a diplomat from an eastern country Istrea came as a messenger . Apparently the situation in the east has become tense… thus we can’t afford to take it easy anymore . First of all, within a year, we have to pacify the northern riders, then the dwarves and the aryan, therefore removing our remaining worries within our own territory . ]
Ares’ words brought calmness to the attendees .
Shion then took over .
[This time, we have formed a secret alliance with Istrea . Once we’re dealt with our internal problems… . . we’ll march to conquer the eastern countries… while keeping it secret from the empire . ]
[That is… . . what do you mean?]
The young Loran raised his hand out of curiosity . The others seemed to have the same question as they looked at Shion expectantly .
[Some time ago, Balzac brought us news from the capital . Apparently, the royal capital is currently considering attacking the Western Thracia empire . Therefore, now they will lessen their focus on the east . ]
Shion then spread out the map on the table and continued .
[His Majesty the Emperor is currently amassing power for the campaign . But Thracia is no pushover either so the campaign will most likely last for quite a long time . Worst case… it’ll last for 2, 3 or even several years . We can afford to decline participating under the guise of defending against barbarians . We’ll use that couple of years window to swallow the east . ]
[The eastern countries…?]
Many were surprised by Shion’s explanation .
Taking over from Shion, Ares was the one to speak next .
[A major change will happen in Arcadia within 2 or 3 years . At that time… in order to contend against other major powers… we have to already amass more power than the others . ]
He then pointed to eastern countries on the map .
[Now the eastern countries are in a state of war . It’ll be so much quicker to conquer them . Also… it’ll make it easier for us to gain the trust of the people . ]
It’ll be difficult to gain the trust of the people if we take over a land with a good master . On the other hand, if we ‘liberate’ the land from a tyrant, we’ll become heroes in the eyes of the people, and they will welcome us with open arms instead . That’s what Ares implied .
Shion added .
[With the frontier already stabilizing, we’re now ready to attack . First, we pacify the barbarians and secure our foothold . After that, we march out and conquer the eastern countries . Those are our plans for the future . Any questions?]
[H- hold your horses there!]
Raising his voice was the earl of Trevoir, Louis .
[I can understand pacifying the barbarians… but, why does it seem to me that Your Excellency is very sure that something will happen to the empire within that couple of years!?]
Now everyone’s gazes were pointed at Ares . Ares then opened his mouth with a slightly troubled look on his face .
[I’m sorry… Regarding that… I can’t tell you all right now . But believe me . The empire will fall into turmoil in a few years . ]
Everyone seemed to accept that answer for now . So Shion continued .
[Now, is there any need to doubt our Lord…? However, Milord will certainly tell us the reason one day, correct?]
[Yes… certainly . ]
[If that is the case… then very well . ]
Shion then turned back to everyone .
[Then, first of all… pacifying the barbarians… I have already prepared our battle plan . ]
That said, Shion marked spots on the map .
[First, the eastern mountain dwarves and the Aryans . Milord himself and Darius will be the one who will handle these two matters respectively . ]
[Wait! Why does it have to be Darius!?]
It was Sigurd who complained .
[It’s because Darius is more familiar with the terrain . Is that a good enough reason?]
Sigurd could only back down hearing that, while Darius laughed in satisfaction .
[So, marching there, huh… the land is steep and narrow . Bringing a large number of troops is impossible… if it’s me, I’ll only bring several elites with me . ]
[When it comes to that…]
Ares was the one who answered Sigurd’s question .
[Yeah, we’ll bring the White Legion . ]
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Again, there was no denying Ares’ words .
For he’s about to unleash the strongest among his 『Broken Legions』, the 『White Legion』 .
Despite so, this particular legion was never used in any battle before . And yet Ares said that he would field them now .
[If it’s them, then we should be able to keep up with the Aryans which is said that any one of them is a match for a thousand . ]
Ares chuckled after saying so .
[First, Milord and Darius should go visit the dwarf first . After that, pacify the Aryans . ]
Shion explained whilst moving his war fan around .
[How Milord will do it, it’ll be all up to you . I leave everything to you . ]
[The military advisor makes it sounds like it’ll be a piece of cake…]
Ares grumbled inwardly .
Ignoring that altogether, Shion and simply resumed his explanation as he pointed at the north of the map .
[Sigurd and I… as well as Lauren will head north . There is information regarding barbarians appearing recently . They’ve attacked some villages but fortunately, no casualties so far . We will go to the northern fortress and gather more information . ]
Then Shion once again turned to Ares .
[Our goal is not to defeat them . If we want to occupy an area, then any of us will do . But barbarians have no fixed base and are nomads . The most important thing here is to 『win their hearts』, so that they won’t attack us anymore . That’s why we’ll need Milord for that . ]
All eyes focused on Ares . Everyone in this room knew that he’s a vessel that carries the memories of many heroes .
[After pacifying the Aryans, Milord must join us at the northern fortress . Only then will we finally make our move . ]
[…so you’re asking me to be some sort of an envoy?]
[Does Milord have any problem with that? After all… it’s something that only you, Milord could do . ]
Ares once again grumbled inwardly after hearing Shion say that .
[No matter how much time we have, we’ll never be able to fully conquer the barbarians . Therefore this 1 year… is very important . It will decide the fate of our 『Arestia』 . So we must proceed carefully .
Many nodded in agreement to Shion’s words .
Excited and anxious, each one of them showed a different expression . But all of them had the same thought in their mind . The change of era had begun .
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After the explanation was over, George finally spoke .
[I have one question . ]
[What is it?]
[When will Milord hold your wedding?]
[!? Dang it… I forgot about such an important thing…]
Shion said nothing while Ares raised his voice in a panic .
[Ermm… I don’t think there is a need to rush it, right?]
[What do you mean? Milord . Your fiancees, including Sharon-dono, have already left the royal capital . Also… Her Highness Princess will also leave the capital next week, yes?]
[Haa? Why no one told me!?]
[Isn’t that exactly why I’m telling this to Milord now??]
George said it as if it’s nothing . He promptly continued before Ares could say anything .
[There was an advance notice from the capital, so we’ve already made preparations to welcome Milord’s fiancees . The only thing that is still left undecided… is the date of the wedding . ]
[Wait a minute… when did the notice come…?]
[Well, thinking about the future, the sooner the better . Maybe we should hold it as soon as they’ve arrived?]
Darius also spoke up . He was clearly amused if judging from his expression .
[Wait… . . can you at least listen to me…]
[However… it’ll be difficult if it’s soon . Especially since one of them is the royalty of the Arcadia Empire . We should make it like something that only happens once in a lifetime . ]
Ramires also tagged in . Bergan nodded as well .
[Oii . The one who is going to marry is me…]
[No, we don’t have to invite any extra people, since it’ll only inconvenience us . More than anything… we need to keep the development of this city a secret from those mangy aristocrats, especially regarding the fact that demihumans and demonkins can live freely in here]
[That means… direct relatives to the soon to be wives and Archduke Schwarzer’s family… am I correct?]
[But, can it really be that simple? It’s the marriage between someone of the Archduke clan and the Royal clan . We must at least make it as grand as possible…]
Sigurd and Elan also joined in the discussion . But Ares soon voiced out his objection rather loudly .
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[I don’t need that kind of thing . ]
That voice of his attracted the attention of everyone in the room .
[Ah, you guys finally listened… As I said, I don’t need that kind of thing . The Royal clan or Archduke clan doesn’t matter . I want to celebrate my marriage with people close to me . And it’s not like I enjoy receiving congratulations or greetings from a stranger . ]
Everyone went silent after hearing what Ares said . Then, starting with Shion’s chuckling, everyone began to laugh merrily .
[Well, this is the frontier after all . We can afford to make some changes to the established wedding ceremony . Since the lord himself has spoken, it must be held as soon as possible]
Many nodded in agreement to what Shion said .
[Then, Milord . I have one question left . ]
The discussion seemed to be concluded already… but George raised another topic .
[What is it this time? I feel like this can’t be good]
[How will you treat Liliandono and Lilith-dono?]
The air seemed like it’s frozen right then . Ares’ face stiffened and so did Lilith’s . Until Liliana’s brother, Wilfred stood up from his seat .
[Your Excellency… I would like to hear the clarification directly as well . That girl… it’s true that she’s been longing for Your Excellency . Also, the other day I heard from her about a certain promise . As a brother… I feel complicated to say this… but if she can be with Your Excellency, there is no greater fortune than that . ]
[……… . . ]
Ares of course remembered . That time, at the bed . He did promise Liliana something .
Subsequently, Lilith also spoke up .
[I’m really particular about my status . As long as Master loves me, I don’t mind being a concubine or even sex slave . ]
[That is something I need to think about as well…]
After muttering that, Ares turned to Wilfred .
[For the time being, let’s put this meeting into an end for now . But we’ll talk about this matter slowly after this . Lilith too . Even if you don’t care, we still need to talk about it…]
And thus, the meeting was over .
The next day, the news that the lord Ares Schwarzer would hold his wedding shortly was announced throughout the frontier . Along with that was the announcement about Ares’ engagement with Liliana Redgear .
There was no announcement made regarding Lilith . It’s because she’s a demonkin . The mass was not yet ready for such news after all . For the time being, she’ll have to act as Ares’ mistress .
Exactly a month later, Ares’ wedding was held .
A grand wedding ceremony in the newly built church in Heinz . The festive celebration was not only limited to Heinz as the celebratory bell also rang in the entire region of Schwarzer Frontier . With all the chaos around the continent, the sound of the bell also served as a beginning of a new hope .