We mobilized various personnel and created a large number of maps, and I requested their distribution from the Golden Sheep Trading Company.
As for me, I was leading new recruits and stationed at the border of the territory.
The soldiers I brought this time number about 800, and I appointed Kurt as my deputy. On the other side of the plain, about 1,000 soldiers from an enemy noble family are stationed. The atmosphere here is one of subtle tension, but there are no signs of an imminent attack.
This scene is not unique to this location; similar situations are likely unfolding at other borders as well.
Other units are being led by figures like Herbert, Erich, and Werner.
“Lord, are we not going to attack?”
“Ah, we’re fine at this distance.”
This time, we’ve mobilized our forces and set up camp, but we don’t intend to launch an attack.
One of our goals is to exert pressure so that they don’t attack the royalist noble families.
This instruction applies not only to my unit, but also to the units of Herbert, Erich, and others, all of whom have been ordered not to attack.
“Well, we have new recruits, so we’ll take it easy.”
“As you command, my lord.”
In fact, I’ve brought the new recruits along for training and to help with the numbers.
While I don’t expect us to lose if a battle occurs, I don’t want to suffer unnecessary casualties.
Perhaps frustrated by our inactivity, two individuals suddenly emerge from the enemy camp.
One is dressed like a noble, while the other is clad in armor and appears to be a knight.
“Duke of Baltia! Why are you doing this?”
The nobleman shouts loudly, his voice filled with both anger and anxiety.
I would’ve liked to take it easy, but this is becoming a hassle.
“My lord, shall we take action?”
Kurt asks with a steely look in his eyes. Is that really his character…?
I shake my head in denial.
“We can’t strike first. Let’s go out.”
If we attacked, it would be bad for us politically.
After all, the recent fort defense battle was a defensive action, and we did not strike first.
Rumors have been spread that the Count of Weiwar has no further territorial ambitions.
We could claim self-defense if we attacked, but I think it would be unwise to further provoke their sense of danger.
I step forward from our formation, accompanied by Kurt.
“What’s the matter? I was just out for a little stroll.”
Upon hearing that, the nobleman’s face turns even redder.
“Don’t talk nonsense! Tell me the real reason!”
The real reason? Well, to put it simply, it’s just to irritate them, but there’s no need to say that bluntly.
“The purpose? I’m here to help our allies.”
“Just as I thought! Those traitors…”
Hmm… Is it really okay to believe me so easily? I’m starting to worry about how naïve they are.
Well, at least it makes them easier to deal with as enemies.
“By the way, have you heard a rumor?”
“What are you talking about?”
“The Count of Castalen is trying to destroy both the royalist nobles and the nobles who attack them, so he can benefit from the aftermath.”
“Wha!?”
The Count of Castalen is the commander of the enemy forces from the recent fort defense battle.
He is cowardly and malicious, and it was he who shifted the blame onto the royalist nobles and pushed for the attack.
“You must have heard of it, right?”
I ask, but the nobleman remains silent.
His face, which had been red earlier, is now pale.
It’s clear that they understand the true terror of Count Castalen. He’s the center of the besieging nobility, both militarily and economically, so they can’t really confront him.
“If you stop attacking the royalist nobles, we’ll pull back our forces as well.”
They are definitely not united in their intentions.
“…Understood.”
I’m surprised at how easily he believes me, but since the goal is to pressure them into stopping the attack, it’s fine.
“By the way, I’ve heard there are a lot of rats around lately.”
“…I know!”
The nobleman seems a bit irritated, his face shifting colors again. He’s going red, then pale, and then red again—this guy is really all over the place.
By “rats,” I mean spies, subtly reminding them that we’re watching them to ensure they keep their word.
Once I confirm the nobleman has returned to his own camp, I make my way back to mine as well.
Before long, the enemy forces begin to retreat, so we pull back in kind.
I’m just glad we avoided a battle.
