Thomas: The Reincarnated Person Who Became the Adopted Child of a Knightly Noble Family
▼▼▼ Side: Rob Ashud Rocksfall, Baron ▼▼▼
The River Ryber, which flows through the Ashud territory, splits into two at Ulm Port in the Jadoth territory, ruled by Baron Rittenheim. Heading toward Axel territory, it remains the Ryber River, but toward Bald territory, it becomes the Kenzie River.
The Kenzie River stretches eastward, and beyond it lies the Holy Kingdom of Catriais .
I entered Bald territory by ship to join the campaign against the Holy Kingdom of Catriais . This land is ruled by my overly accomplished son, Toma.
The entrance to Bald territory, Gerander Port, was bustling with people. It was hard to believe that a war was on the horizon.
Past Gerander Port, Bereng Port came into view—a military harbor within Bald territory. As expected of a marquis household with one of the kingdom’s strongest military forces, the security was impeccable. Several massive warships were visible, along with numerous medium-sized and countless smaller warships.
“Father!”
“Toma!”
As I disembarked at Bereng Port, my son Toma came to greet me. Come on, is it really appropriate for a marquis and an apostle to be here? Behind him were his usual four temple knight guards. Ben and Sharmee weren’t here today, likely busy with their high-ranking duties under Toma.
“Hey, what are you doing here?”
“I came to welcome you, Father.”
“Come on, a marquis greeting a mere baron? That’s unheard of.”
“A son welcoming his father is not unnatural.”
Honestly, this son of mine…
I pulled Toma into a hug and ruffled his hair.
“Father, please! This is too much!”
“I’m just ruffling my son’s hair. Don’t worry about it.”
“Good grief…”
He muttered complaints, but I didn’t care. What’s wrong with doting on my proud son?
I spent the night at Toma’s mansion. This place once housed the estate of the Marquis of Lightstar. It had since been rebuilt, leaving no trace of its former structure.
The separate house, however, remained unchanged. I sometimes recall the day I first met Toma here. Back then, and even now, he was devoted to Arusha .
“You don’t have to go all out welcoming me, you know.”
“It has been a while since we last met. I wish to show my hospitality as much as possible.”
We enjoyed a lavish meal and a pleasant conversation. Despite heading to war, there was no sense of grim resolve. No doubt, this was deliberate.
“By the way, how are things with Lady Lene?”
“We’re fine. Ever since I entered Bald territory, we’ve been exchanging letters.”
“Write frequently, and visit whenever you have time. If you neglect her, she’ll leave you.”
“R-Really?”
“To keep a woman’s heart, you must make time for her. And don’t forget gifts.”
“So that’s how it works… That’s insightful.”
Being able to have this conversation was thanks to my remarriage to Arusha . Having such a wonderful son truly makes me happy.
We departed from Bald territory and sailed down the Kenzie River. Before reaching the Holy Kingdom of Catriais , we disembarked at Jura Port.
I had remained neutral in the royal succession dispute, but since I volunteered for the front lines, I was assigned under Prince Reinhardt’s command.
“Father, please don’t overdo it. You’re not young anymore.”
“Hold on! I’m still young!”
“You’re already thirty-nine, aren’t you? That’s middle-aged.”
“Who are you calling middle-aged?! I’m forever young!”
“Daniel, please take care of my father. If he tries anything reckless, stop him—even if you have to knock him out.”
“Yes, sir! Leave it to me, Lord Toma! Lady Arusha has also instructed me to keep him in check.”
That traitor!
Daniel Kertz, the commander of my territorial army, has known me since birth. He’s pushing sixty now but still serves actively in the military. We’ve been stuck together for ages.
“Daniel, let’s go!”
“Yes, yes. Lord Toma, we take our leave.”
“Alright. Stay safe. Father, take care of yourself.”
“Yeah, yeah, I got it.”
Leading my troops, I advanced toward Arendite, where Prince Reinhardt had stationed his forces. Arendite was a border town between the Kingdom of Kurdia and the Holy Kingdom of Catriais . Beyond it lay enemy territory.
We reached Arendite in two days. I immediately requested an audience with Prince Reinhardt.
“I appreciate your arrival, Lord Rocksfall. Having you under my command strengthens us greatly.”
“I will do my utmost, however modest my abilities may be.”
Since he was a close friend of Toma, I had met Prince Reinhardt several times. He was an amiable prince without arrogance or pretension.
Under his command were 20,000 kingdom troops, 50,000 noble soldiers, and 40,000 refugee warriors from the Holy Kingdom of Catriais , making a total force of 110,000.
The number of noble troops was higher than expected. Many nobles had joined, not just to support Prince Reinhardt, but also to gain military achievements in this war.
Meanwhile, the forces of the First Prince Ehrenfried and the Fourth Princess Ellis were as estimated.
The large number of nobles gathering under Prince Reinhardt’s banner was likely due to Toma’s influence. Toma, a close friend of the prince, was arguably the most influential noble in the kingdom—with the backing of the temples. Not only the Temple of Deuro but also the Ashdent faction supported him, making him a formidable force.
Additionally, the refugee army was substantial, no doubt due to Toma as well. It was the Temple of Deuro and Toma who had been aiding the refugees.
“The full army will assemble in two days. Until then, please rest.”
“Understood. I take my leave.”
