The Tale of the Nation That Banished the Saint - Chapter 11

Episode 11: Seizing the Initiative

I ride my horse towards the east of the kingdom.

Accompanying me is a cavalry unit of twenty.

I intended to go alone, but the Royal Guard insisted on joining me, saying they wouldn’t compromise speed. As long as it doesn’t slow us down, it’s not a problem, so I allowed their company.

Even so, for a prince’s military force going to war, it’s too few, but right now, speed is paramount above all else.

According to the information gathered before departure, most of the eastern nobles who hold territories in the kingdom haven’t clearly declared allegiance to either the king or Zopondort.

Zopondort, the major eastern noble, can muster up to twelve thousand troops. Due to financial difficulties and disruptions in distribution, they expect to gather at most ten thousand.

On the other hand, the king’s side has a mobilization capacity of twenty-five thousand troops. By urging the remaining three major nobles to join, they could gather up to thirty thousand troops, or at least twenty thousand.

However, the kingdom’s finances are tight, and with the added threat of monster appearances, burdening the vassals is difficult.

I want to resolve the situation without owing favors to other major nobles. Therefore, the king seems intent on confronting Zopondort with his own twenty-five thousand troops. Defending against ten thousand with twenty-five thousand—

Victory seems assured.

“But that would result in significant casualties. If we get invaded—”

The kingdom’s finances are worsening everywhere. I don’t want my territory to suffer losses.

“How about attacking Zopondort’s territory with our twenty-five thousand? It won’t be a walk in the park, but victory is highly likely.”

“Doing so would increase our losses. Besides, expeditions require a considerable amount of money. If the king reduces his forces, other major nobles might also rebel.”

Moreover, we’ve already been beaten to the punch. The enemy has already started moving.

It takes time to organize an army.

Even if we want to attack, it’s already too late.

“In that case, Count Alderan—”

During a break to rest the horses, I discuss our next steps with the captain of the Royal Guard, Christine.

I only mentioned heading east during the meeting. There wasn’t time for detailed explanations since I sent letters requesting political maneuvers to noble daughters in the capital and departed immediately.

Let’s take advantage of this break to talk it over.

In addition to Zopondort, the major noble in the east, there are also numerous smaller nobles scattered throughout the territory. Zopondort is demanding these nobles join his side and fight against the king.

At this point, there are clearly three regional lords siding with Zopondort, five with the king, and seven remaining undecided.

Our immediate goal is to firmly secure the nobles siding with the king and incorporate the undecided ones.

Count Alderan, who I’m heading to, is the largest noble on the king’s side who can mobilize significant forces.

I have a relationship with him through various endeavors like monster hunting and agricultural guidance, so our relationship is good.

However, since his territory is next to Zopondort’s and on the route to the capital, he’ll likely be targeted first. Count Alderan can muster a maximum of a thousand troops, which is not enough to counter Zopondort alone.

If it comes to that, there’s also the possibility of surrendering without a fight and joining the enemy.

We need to secure Count Alderan before Zopondort does.

That will be my first move in this battle.

“If, by chance, Count Alderan has already surrendered to Zopondort—”

“In that case, I’ll take down my father myself!!”

Interrupting our conversation, Count Alderan’s daughter, Louisa, interjects.

She’s a member of my Royal Guard.

Due to this connection, Count Alderan has sided with us, but—

“…If it comes to that, I’ll handle it.”

I don’t want to involve Louisa in patricide.

To avoid such a situation, I need to hurry to Count Alderan’s territory.

As our break comes to an end and we prepare to resume our journey, a messenger bird arrives from the east. We’ve requested the Information Guild to keep us updated on the situation.

Zopondort’s advance party has already entered Count Alderan’s territory and is pressuring him to join their camp.

Caught off guard, Count Alderan is currently holed up with a small force, unable to gather his troops in time.

“What will you do, Prince Ares—”

“There’s no change in our destination.”

I mount my horse and take the lead of the troops once again.