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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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Chapter 236: Karl's Honor
"Reinholdt, Commander of the Valkenhain Royal Guard, greets the Black Serpent Duke, master of Grunewald."
Before he could even fully recover from the journey's fatigue, Reinholdt had a private meeting with Duke Georg.
"Thank you for making time."
"Think nothing of it."
This private conversation had been arranged long ago.
"As His Grace the Duke of Valkenhain's representative, I have been granted virtually full authority."
"Meaning your will is the Duke's will."
The Duke nodded.
If so, the gravity of this meeting was by no means light.
"Very well, I'm curious. What is it you wish to discuss?"
"...I wish to discuss the reclamation of the Webern County."
"The reclamation of the Webern County?"
Duke Georg Grunewald's dignified voice pressed heavily on the air.
"Valkenhain seems to have a keen interest in them as well."
"Yes."
Reinholdt replied with a firm expression.
"As Your Grace already knows."
"Hmm."
At that moment, the butler, Aiden, receiving a glance from Duke Georg, conspicuously pulled out a pocket watch.
"Your Grace, you need to rise in 30 minutes."
The Duke looked intently at Commander Reinholdt.
"So it seems."
"..."
It was a light pressure, implying: don't ramble, get straight to the point.
"Then I will speak directly."
Reinholdt took out a map from his pocket and unfolded it.
"As you know better than anyone, at the mid-section of the Lindela River that spans the peninsula, and at the center of various converging trade routes, lies the March of Belorok."
That city was once called by a different name.
"...It was once a place that enjoyed immense glory under the reign of Countess Ellicella Webern."
And the culprit who, out of jealousy for that prosperity, rallied opposing nobles and stripped the Webern clan of everything, was none other than the March of Belorok.
"As vast quantities of goods flow inland from Grunewald Port, they reap considerable profits. For quite a long time."
A crucial midway point and inland port where all kinds of trade ships gathered.
That golden piece of land was nothing short of a golden well, enriching its owner.
"If it weren't for the interference of the Marquis of Belorok, the trade routes of both our clans could be directly connected."
That was also bothersome to the Valkenhain Ducal Clan, which used the Lindela River as its primary trade route.
"If the owner of that land could be made into a friendly force, or a vassal, Grunewald's profits would truly be immense."
"So."
The Duke asked coldly.
"You mean to lend a hand and take a share of the spoils?"
"To be frank, yes."
"What is your reason for making us such an offer at this point?"
Reinholdt paused for a moment before replying.
"Kailan Webern, that man has contacted us as well."
"Is that so?"
It was the moment Venion's conjecture proved true.
"To reach out to two Dukes. Annoyingly clever."
However, Georg showed no such expression.
"He knows well to whom he can 'sell his revenge' for the highest price."
"It means the County of Pergrin has taken in a truly formidable hero as a son-in-law."
Given that the most vital thing for Grunewald was influence over the March of Belorok, the card of 'revenge for ancestors' held by Kailan Webern was an incredibly powerful justification for attacking them.
And Kailan utilized his value better than anyone.
"So? Why are you tipping us off about the young fox's calculations?"
"As you know, Belorok's recent military buildup is unusual."
Under the reign of the current head, Marquis Marcel Belorok, they had achieved a prosperity ranked among the top five in the kingdom.
And they had recently poured a significant portion of that wealth into recruiting martial artists and hiring mercenary groups.
"The Marquis of Belorok is by no means an easy opponent. Given his position, he's likely collecting all sorts of rumors across the continent. ...He must be preparing for Kailan Webern and the County of Pergrin's war of revenge."
"Yes. We should assume they are preparing for war."
It wasn't just the underworld where the clouds of war were gathering.
"If Webern loses, it's not good for Valkenhain either."
Reinholdt asserted.
"A stronger Marquis of Belorok would try to exert even more influence."
Valkenhain had no intention of tolerating that.
"Therefore, we intend to assist Webern and Pergrin in their victory."
"Your liege has also made a great decision. To align with Grunewald, of all clans."
Considering the history and animosity between the two clans, it was by no means an easy decision.
"But you know, don't you? Neither we nor Valkenhain can 'spoon-feed' Webern's victory."
"Yes."
The royal family would never tolerate a massive war involving two Duchies, one March, and one County.
"This can only take the form of a proxy war."
"So, if I may ask."
Reinholdt cautiously inquired.
"What kind of support has Grunewald promised?"
"Well, we are using various methods that I cannot detail."
Material supply, diplomatic support, deployment of intelligence operatives.
Nevertheless,
"The military strength of the County of Pergrin is by no means comparable to that of the March of Belorok."
"That is an undeniable fact."
"Furthermore, I heard that Kailan Webern is more of a strategist or counselor than a fierce general."
On the other hand, the Marquis of Belorok had retainers boasting martial prowess ranked among the best in the kingdom.
"Perhaps what Kailan needs most right now is a field commander with both formidable military might and excellent leadership to turn the tide of the war."
"It turns out you harbored the same thoughts as I."
"...Yes."
Reinholdt spoke honestly.
"We wish to make this war Young Lady Siena's debut."
Georg nodded, as if understanding his meaning.
"If you win the competition, you intend to concede the leading role to Siena, is that it?"
"Conversely, if we lose, we will hand over the leading role to the Grunewald side."
"Is that an 'additional condition'?"
"That's right."
"Interesting. I accept."
The Duke smiled faintly.
"Actually, I too was thinking of entrusting that reclamation war to either Allen or Verdzig."
"!"
Victory meant an accomplishment.
Perhaps because of this, there was a surprisingly similar aspect in the hearts of patriarchs who wanted to foster their successors by bestowing upon them the medal of accomplishment.
"As you know, to lead that complex and subtle territorial war to victory and to navigate politically without incident, not only military force but also considerable cunning is required."
However, that cunning should not only be directed at the Marquis of Belorok.
'One might be swallowed by Kailan and return having only done good for others.'
Wasn't he a man who, as an adopted son-in-law, gained his current standing by securing all investments from his in-laws?
"With all due respect, I believe the Young Lady possesses sufficient qualifications."
"Is that so?"
The Duke wore a faint, inscrutable smile.
"Then it's regrettable. The Webern County won't be the battlefield where the Young Lady spreads her wings."
It was a reply that demonstrated how firm the Duke's faith in Allenvert was.
"One only knows the length of a rope by measuring it."
"Hahahaha."
It was a rather audacious reply, but the Duke did not admonish the competitive spirit of this man, who was an envoy of the Duchy, grand commander of the Royal Guard, and possessed renowned martial prowess.
"Well, some differences are obvious at first glance."
Who was right would be known in two days.
"And Your Grace."
Reinholdt lowered his voice.
"Actually, I am ashamed to say there is one more thing I need to tell you-"
In fact, this was the main point of today's meeting.
***
At a time when everyone in the castle was adding their two cents about Siena Valkenhain's martial prowess, Jillian's talent, and the outcome of the competition.
Eldest Young Master Karl was alone in the quiet training ground, practicing the mid-section of the Solar Flare Sword Style as the sun set.
"...Hoo."
Just as the setting sun, burning the sky, slowly sank into the sea, Karl's heart was slowly fading.
'A fiercely burning fire quickly extinguishes.'
The path of cultivation inevitably requires long and painful endurance. One cannot last long on that path by merely pushing ahead with ambition.
Recently, Karl's heart had been subtly, yet steadily burning amidst the demonic influences of greed, delusion, inferiority, and despair.
"Thanks to that, I crossed a layer of the wall."
But at that moment, Karl realized.
'While I was doing that, Ulbhild had somehow reached the very late stage of the 6th tier.'
As soon as he caught up by one step, she moved two steps further away again.
'And Verdzig had already crossed the wall of the 7th tier.'
How many more years of training would he need to reach the 7th tier?
10 years? 15 years?
Perhaps only after 20 years, when his physical prime was over, would he barely be able to set foot in its initial stages.
For the 7th tier was a realm permitted only to superhumans.
'From the start, I couldn't contend with Verdzig in terms of martial power.'
There was no reason to be disheartened by that fact now.
However, today, from a distance, he had witnessed the levels of two people significantly younger than him, who had already caught up to him.
'If I had participated in the competition, could I have guaranteed victory against Young Lady Siena?'
He felt no certainty. Siena was probably hiding her strength.
"...Is this my fate?"
Karl rose from his seat and looked at the knights running in the distant training field.
For a soldier, running is the most basic training, and one that cannot be skipped a single day.
...And if you run, you'll realize. No matter how consistently you eat, sleep, and train every day, you cannot surpass naturally gifted speed and a strong heart.
"Just like you."
Karl looked at a young knight in his unit.
'No matter how hard he runs, he can't catch up to the seasoned veterans, the gap with his peers widens, and eventually, he's caught up to little by little each day by arrogant rookies.'
What was impressive was...
Yet, that man had not stopped running for a single day.
'Even after dinner, you run alone every night, swing your sword, and cultivate.'
That ordinary knight would never know.
That his commander, and the man with the most noble lineage in this castle, was finding salvation in his quiet daily routine.
It wasn't just that knight either.
In fact, Karl could recite from memory the dispositions, martial prowess, training attitudes, and reputations of all 100 members of his unit, even with his eyes closed.
That was a matter of principle and honor for Karl as a commander.
"Then, should I too believe in even a faint possibility and continue to strive?"
And so, even if it means becoming pathetic at times, will I struggle, clash, and interfere?
"Nicholas."
"Yes."
Karl turned to his adjutant, Nicholas Winterbourne, who had quietly stood by his side.
"In any case, we have attained the power we aimed for."
"That's right, Young Master."
"Now, let's do something ourselves."
Even if it ends in failure.
"Verdzig is certainly a fearsome fellow, but Allenvert proved it. That he cannot manipulate and toy with everything according to his will."
Then Nicholas rendered a military salute.
"Winterbourne and I will follow Your Young Master's will."
"Good, Nicholas."
In short, just sitting by and letting one's position be taken away is...
"Not honorable at all."
Karl looked up at the sky.
'Allenvert, I haven't given up yet.'
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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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