108 [2-42] Tuna Thunderbolt (1/2)

The journey from El Taref, the capital of Count Keeley's domain, to Teirakainen would have taken about three days if it had been done normally.

However, if he tried to go the shortest distance, he would inevitably have to pass through the royal capital.

Since that would be too dangerous by any means, Oswald decided to take the northbound route. On the way, he stayed at the castle of the Marquis of Arawen and the Earl of Tudor, and exchanged opinions with them as he made his way to Teiracaine-a journey that took six days.

In addition to the two he would meet on the way, Oswald had contacted several of the lords beforehand. Each of them had their own ideas, but many of them were curious about Gislain's thoughts.

He met with Gislain, who was said to be running for the Crown Prince, to find out his true intentions.

Oswald is on his way to Teirakainen as a representative of the anti-Hilbert lords.

--Some people don't seem to think so,...... at all. It seems that the meeting has made you very unpopular.

Instead of sighing, Oswald stared at the ceiling of the inn.

This is Tarjo, an inn town in the Earldom of Hensley. We're renting out the finest of the several inns. I had hoped to meet the Earl of Hensley on the way, but he had refused.

The Earl of Hensley, like Oswald, was an anti-Hilbertite. However, he seemed to think that Oswald was a traitor for showing his support for Gislain.

Well, it didn't stop him from going through the territory.

--Is this really the right thing to do?

Many times, Oswald asked himself.

Emotionally, he could not cooperate with the Marquis Edfelt's push for Gislain. The shadow of Noa Curio flickered in the background. But Gislain is trying to become the crown prince and king through legitimate procedures. How can we stop him?

It would be fine to have another candidate for the Crown Prince, and to set up a majority in the Council of Lords to decide the Crown Prince. But whether that will be enough to stop Gislain and Marquis Edfelt is another story. The Marquis of Edfelt, who has the majority of the Noa Curio Kingdom and its lords on his side, is now the sole political power in Ciel-Teira. Therefore, Oswald is working with Gislain's accession in mind.

--...... What will be the consequences for this country?　What is our position?

No, there's not much we can do about that. Without the people there is no country, without the country there is no people. We must offer a new Ciel-Teira to the people who have lost their country!

At that moment, a discreet knock on the door brought Oswald back from the maze of his thoughts.

Excuse me, sir. You have received a message from the Marquis of Arawen.

”Come in.

One of his attendants came and handed him a sealed envelope from the communications office.

Oswald opened it immediately.

The message was simply encrypted so that it could not be read by the communications officer who was transcribing it.

It was not bad news, but it was enough to put Oswald's head in the sand.

It was not bad news, but it was enough to make Oswald think.

The Count and his family were gathered in front of the fireplace in the inn's dining room and common room.

Besides Oswald, there were Hadley, Steve, Priscilla, and Catherine.

Trevor, the eldest son, is taking Oswald's place at the estate.

The fireplace flickers with flames the color of sunshine on a spring day.

The dining room, lined with pretty picture plates, landscape paintings by an unknown artist, and soothing furnishings, would normally be a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, but the air is as tense as trampled snow.

”Noah Curio's army has been hit?

”Yes. We just received word.

The supply troops that were heading here from their home country were destroyed. And yesterday, the front line troops stationed in Teirakainen were ambushed and dozens of soldiers were killed or wounded. Their rations were burned to the ground.

”The Rose Princess of Hell.” ......

I'd like to say, ”Suck it up, Noah Curio. ...... What's going on?

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.

”The Rose of Hell” attacked Noah Curio's army. The way she used guerrilla tactics to force them to bleed to exhaustion showed that she was a military strategist of some kind. He was a greater threat than Oswald had anticipated. But that's not the main point.

The Noa Curio army has decided to withdraw most of its troops.

Also, the Marquis Berger has begun preparations to install the Crown Prince. There are also indications that he has already made a secret agreement to join forces with the Federation.

Oswald spoke the main points of the communication at once.

They were all taken aback, but it was Hadley who took in the situation the fastest.

”Father. Isn't this country ...... going to be split in half?

With a pale face and a trembling voice, Hadley said.

”Can you explain to me what ...... this means, little brother?

”Use your head a little, Steve. The Marquis of Berger is going to strike back at the Marquis of Edfelt for exactly what he did.

If the Noah's Curio army retreats, Gilesh Hattar will make up some excuse and pour in troops to replace them. To support the refugees, maintain security, and protect the people from demons. To seize Ciel-Teira militarily. And to gain the people's trust and back the new crown prince.

In the end, I plan to use it as a stepping stone to rebuild relations with Ciel-Teira by crowning a more federal king.

That's all very well then, isn't it?

But Marquis Edfelt and His Highness Prince Ghislain can't back down now!

Did you forget to mention that the Marquis of Edfelt is in contact with Diretta?

Noachurio won't give up on Gracelum either. Even if he retires from the army, he'll continue to support Marquis Edfelt.

It's a good thing that the balance is tipped. ...... It would be nice if that balance could be tipped. If it doesn't, it could be a toss-up!