Chapter 118 (1/2)

That was a problem, since the war was now happening in Wolfgang’s territory. While the Black Bandits were beyond their capabilities, exterminating the ordinary bandits consisting of deserters were not.

But no matter how timely these bandits were exterminated, damages were inevitable. The burdens of civilian damages were entirely on the Count to deal with. Although his subjects from his home territory back when he was but a Baron still pledged unwavering loyalty, more and more subjects from the newly acquired lands emigrated to escape the war.

The situation was like a bog, and he was waist deep in it. How did things come to this? It was obviously because of that mysterious organisation, the Black Bandits.

“Just what are they? Those things that hide behind that abhorrent name ‘Black Bandits.’”

Wolfgang muttered, and one of the combat knights replied.

“It must be one of the Marquis’s schemes!”

Wolfgang shook his head in response.

“I thought so too at first. But look at what they’ve been able to do. Reinrant, Alkendo, and even Skoland were defeated. Is there a reason for the Marquis to command a unit with such combat prowess in secret, especially when it utilizes tactics that risk Central’s involvement?”

n.o.body had anything to say. Each person Wolfgang named was a close friend and compatriot who had come together for the same goal.

“According to the rumours, the Black Bandits are suspected to be an organisation of warlocks.”

“Warlocks?”

“Yes. From the words I hear, Central is simply maintaining close surveillance and a.n.a.lysing data rather than intervening, since this is the first time warlocks – who are usually solitary creatures – have formed an organisation and act together.”

The rumour had a point. Central’s main concern would be the safety of their own agents, not the personnel of the Count nor the Marquis.

Then it would make sense how the proud and capable forces of the Count were utterly crushed. But so what? They couldn’t just complain to Central on the basis of a mere rumour.

Suddenly, a man entered the Count’s meeting room. It was Wolfgang’s friend Dallas, who was in charge of internal affairs.

“How did it go?”

Wolfgang’s gaze flickered with desperation, but Dallas shook his head weakly.

“The Seven Grand Merchant Guilds said that any more investment would be unlikely.”

Everyone in the meeting room groaned in despair. War was like a bottomless pit when it came to money.

Paying his soldiers, compensation for the dead and civilian damages, and requisition of military supplies. There were mountain loads for money to be spent, but there wasn’t anything that could bring about said needed money.

Emigration of his subjects led to reduction in tax income. The only reason why the Count could support his army up until now was thanks to the Seven Grand Merchant Guilds’ investment and the New Port City’s war gambling, the pot of which had grown larger in scale thanks to his consecutive victories.

But that was only for a moment. At first, many bet on the Count since victory was practically a.s.sured, raking in huge sums. But because victory was so guaranteed, the return rate dropped accordingly. The amount of gambling had dwindled as the battles went on, and the money they received was minimal.

“So this is what Sir Isaac meant.”

Dallas reminisced bitterly. Isaac had visited when the war of attrition was just starting. He advised that they lose a few battles on occasion.

It wasn’t just Wolfgang and his combat knights, who had been religiously studying the sword, that had been enraged. Even Dallas himself, who was in charge of the treasury, joined in the fray, and they unanimously kicked Isaac out of the building while hurling derogatory insults at him.

“Is there really no other method?”

Dallas shook his head again at Wolfgang’s question.

“It’s difficult enough to even pay the soldiers right now.”

“If I empty my private funds…”

“And that’s how we’ve managed to last until now. All that’s left is the rights to your territory, but no one will pay for the rights to land that can evaporate if we lose the war.”

“What if we hold out for as long as we can? The Marquis must be in a similar situation to us.”

“… Their scale is beyond ours to compare.”

Unlike Wolfgang, the Marquis was a prestigious family boasting a long history of power. The funds they could bring were different in magnitudes.

“So we win the battles, but lose the war because of money…”

Wolfgang muttered emptily, when a messenger entered the room.

“What is it?”

“Sir Isaac from New Port City wishes to see you.”

“Sir Isaac?”

Wolfgang frowned at this untimely visit. He couldn’t envision Isaac’s intentions, but Dallas insisted.

“Meet him for now. Sir Isaac is the only person that could get us funds in our current situation.”

“Do you really think that money-obsessed wastrel will give us a loan?”

“We will have to make it happen. That’s the only way we’ll be able to survive.”

“It’s been a while, Lord Wolfgang.”

“… Yes, it has.”

“You dare!”

Wolfgang suppressed his anger when Isaac remained seated on the couch. It was them who were in need, and Isaac likely visited them knowing that to be the case. He held his infuriated va.s.sals back and greeted Rivelia with a momentary glance, but she looked so gloomy that Wolfgang dared not to speak to her.