“Now, considering the recent situation, here is our policy…”
As my father began to speak, everyone listened with serious expressions.
“We will refrain from military action and consolidate our position.”
“…The neighboring noble families are forming a siege network. Shouldn’t we strike them individually before it’s too late?”
This suggestion came from one of the viscounts among the younger nobles.
My father nodded, indicating he somewhat agreed with the statement.
“That is certainly true. However, even if we expand further, we lack the personnel to govern effectively.”
The shortage of personnel was a major concern for the count family. They had destroyed most of the opposing houses and managed to replace them with younger nobles and leaders like myself, but we had already reached our limits.
Although the Duchy of Baltia had ceded some territories, around 80% remained, and bringing in me and my retinue was also due to the lack of personnel.
If there were enough personnel, we could have ceded more of the duchy and governed it, but that was not possible.
Everyone felt the lack of personnel and was muttering “Hmm…” but personnel cannot just be harvested from the fields.
“First, since we have been in a continuous state of war, we must soothe the people’s hearts and increase their loyalty. We cannot go into battle with an unsteady foundation. However, that does not mean we will do nothing.”
“What do you mean by that?”
When my brother Lumer asked this, my father smiled a cunning smile.
“We will spread several rumors. First, that we have no further ambitions and do not intend to expand, and second, that we are sending our daughters to the neighboring noble families to form marriage alliances. We have already begun spreading these rumors through our agents.”
The members of the faction nodded in understanding.
The second rumor about marriage alliances would likely be unpleasant for the noble families trying to form a siege network. It could create a situation where there might be traitors among them.
My father is not only skilled but also able to think strategically, which is why he is strong. If it were just martial prowess, the count family might not have grown this large.
“This will hinder their movements. Alongside that, I intend to continue recruiting flowing knights.”
“But wouldn’t that allow enemies to infiltrate our ranks? Even promoting some squire knights to full knights could…”
My father fixed a stern gaze on the knight who suggested this.
While his concerns were valid, it seemed his greater worry was that the flowing knights could become rivals. My father was particularly strict about such matters.
“Of course, we will promote squire knights, but more importantly, we lack manpower. If we aim for further expansion, we must actively recruit knights from the fallen noble families.”
My father’s statement seemed directed not just at the knight but as a reminder to everyone.
“I do not intend to stop here. To achieve further leaps, we must solidify our foundation, increase our knights, and prepare accordingly. Everyone, keep my thoughts in mind.”
Everyone bowed and replied, “Yes!” in unison.
My father nodded as he observed this.
“Then the meeting is adjourned. In a little while, preparations for the banquet will be complete. Until then, please rest in your rooms.”
With that, my father stood up, whispered to Lumer, and headed to another room.
The other faction members also got up, engaging in various conversations or returning to their rooms. I was thinking of going back to my room, but…
“Father is calling for you, Ainzich.”
I was led away by my brother Lumer.
I hadn’t said anything, but is it too much to ask to go back to my room since I’m tired? Oh, it’s not allowed? I see…
I followed Lumer’s back.
