Chapter 53 - Northeastern Guard Camp 2 (1/2)

Although his rank was lower than that of the army’s commander, he must have great ability to have been selected as the lieutenant.

As he examined Tenon, he thought back to the past.

‘They were quite the thorn in my side back then.’

When he had invaded the Rhine Kingdom in the past, he had come through the Corcas Mountains, and faced off against the Northeastern Guard.

Of course he didn’t recall if Tenon had been there or not, but their fierce resistance had left a deep impression on him. He had always wanted to meet their commander and lieutenants.

Of course at that time he had been too busy marching on to the capital, and there hadn’t been any opportunity to do so.

“Commander Aiden, they are here delivering the supplies from merchant Erica.”

As they stepped into a large tent, Tenon informed the middle aged man who was busy examining some paperwork.

He portrayed the image of a seasoned veteran perfectly, even having a few scars on his face.

“Why is it that you guys came instead of Kaliss? How unusual.”

“That….”

The official leading Erica’s caravan briefly explained what had recently occurred in Landium.

The riot of sailors as well as Sebastian’s death.

Aiden simply nodded, after all it was a common occurrence in these free cities.

“Thank you for sticking to the scheduled delivery date despite your internal conflicts.”

Due to the punitive expedition, the Northeast Guard camp was quite crowded.

Countless strapping young men were drafted as new recruits, not to mention that they had to prepare to welcome the kingdom’s official army.

Had Erica’s shipment of supplies been delayed, it would have brought about many difficulties for them.

“These are mercenaries from Landium, they come highly recommended.”

Tenon said, as some soldiers were sent to examine the condition and quality of the merchandise.

Aiden took the recommendation letter he had been handed, as he glanced over at Woohyuk’s party.

“Women without armor, are they mages?”

“Yes, they can prove useful in battle.”

Although they hadn’t received any formal training at an academy, Yoo Kayoung and Song Anna’s magic mastery surpassed that of an Apprentice.

All the while Aris and Irene stayed hidden in Woohyuk’s shadow, not wanting to draw any attention to themselves.

Likewise Undine had temporarily returned to the Spirit Realm.

“She is too young. She’s at an age where all she can do is help out with some house chores.”

Aiden seemed unconvinced by Song Anna’s addition to the party. From a soldier’s point of view, women and children required protection.

She also had the ability to heal, but not the Priest class. Still, the ability to heal small wounds was better than nothing.

Hearing Woohyuk’s explanation, Aiden reluctantly agreed.

“I don’t care too much so long as she doesn’t interfere during battle. Also her name seems to be on the recommendation list....”

He was the one that was in command of the Guards and mercenaries, so whenever he wanted he could choose to change them to the reserve force if their performance wasn’t up to par.

While he was thinking of his young daughter back home, Tenen spoke.

“There isn’t anything wrong with the supplies.”

“Good, then have them sorted and shipped to the warehouse.”

They had to clearly log everything in order to avoid any trouble with the kingdom's soldiers.

Those guys would always manage to pull some shady stunt in order to enrich themselves.

“Yes sir.”

Aiden took a closer look at Woohyuk while Tenon was busy ordering the men to have the goods moved.

‘He’s the real deal.’

A sharp gaze and the aura of a veteran. His curiosity was piqued and he wanted to know more about this man.

“What is your name?”

“Chun Woohyuk.”

“Are you trying to achieve merit in the army?”

“Yes.”

“It won’t be easy. It is up to the Commander to judge the contribution of the soldiers.”

Even if Aiden were to accurately report Woohyuk’s achievements, the Commander of the kingdom’s forces, which had been appointed to lead the punitive expedition, could simply ignore the report.

The only other way was to somehow be personally noticed by Marquis Nelson who was in charge of all the borders.

‘That’s unlikely since Nelson is busy with the Dane’s kingdom.’

Kallenoa, the southern province of Marquis Nelson’s territory, was essentially the most important place within the Rhine kingdom from the military’s point of view. This was because it was the only border province that didn't have the Corcas Mountains as a natural barrier, and was instead a plain directly connecting to the Dane kingdom

Naturally Rhine couldn’t lose control of that area, so Marquis Nelson wouldn’t be leaving Doria castle any time soon.

Due to this, Sirien, which was located to the north, as well as Trevis in the center, were the other two border provinces, and each had their own Guard Camps, operated somewhat autonomously.

“... I’m prepared to do my best.”

“Although I’m not sure about your ability, I wish you luck.”

Few people ever returned from a punitive expedition to the Corcas Mountains. Even the Guards who were experienced in fighting these monsters every year, also suffered casualties.

Aiden picked up a new file, as he gave one last glance at Woohyuk’s party that was heading to their lodgings.

* * *

The Kingdom’s military and the Northeastern Guard didn’t get along well.

This was due to the command structure which separated power between these two branches, often leading to conflict. However, even if the kingdom’s army commander and Aiden didn’t always see eye to eye, at least things never got out of hand.

Aiden was also a military officer appointed directly by Marquis Nelson.

‘So the commander that time was that guy.’

Marquis Nelson had finally surrendered, but the Northeast Guard Camp’s commander had fought until the very last man, choosing to die on the battlefield.

He had resisted until the end in order to protect his hometown.

As the sun fell and they were in the barracks dedicated to mercenaries, Woohyuk’s mind drifted to the past.

‘Definitely better than your average Commander.’

He had known few Commanders that had managed to stick to their belief regardless of the adversity.

In the future, when he would seize control of the Rhine kingdom, he would put Aiden in a more prominent position.

“Boss, is Aiden our leader during the punitive expedition.?”

“Kind of.”

.

Although it was true that for mercenary squads, some level of autonomy was given, the Guard’s Commander was still their direct superior.

Refusing his orders would lead to a world of trouble.

Upon hearing his explanation, Jung Sanghoon asked another question.

“What is the status of our Guard Commander ?”

“He’s ranked fifth among the officers under Marquis Nelson.”

The Northeast Guard Camp was the second most important base after Doria Castle which was on the frontlines, not just anyone would be put in charge of it.

There would always be a minimum of 1,200 troops stationed here at all times. Now that the departure date for the punitive expedition drew ever closer, that number had doubled due to the large number of conscripts.

“He’s got a lot of influence then.”

“He’s a powerhouse in the northern military. ”

As a trusted Commander serving under Marquis Nelson, even a Count wouldn’t be able to disregard him. However in truth they didn’t rate him too highly, because he only ever faced off against monsters.

As Woohyuk was busy conversing with his party, Tenon walked in.