Chapter 63 - Prelude to War 2 (1/2)

“I can’t go against the King’s orders, Count Huntington. Even if there is indeed a rebellion as you say.”

“What if it isn’t the King’s direct orders that you are receiving, but instead those that have been tampered with by the rebels? Could you go against them then?”

“I have sent a messenger to the King, perhaps it will arrive before the rebels take up arms.”

Commander Maximus wouldn’t listen to reason. The Count could only sigh helplessly, as he watched him lead his entire army back to the East Guard Camp.

“That’s quite unfortunate, we really needed Maximus in order to fight off the rebel army.”

“There’s nothing to worry about, we have the nobles from Arpen and Ashton that have already pledged themselves to our cause.

It was a war where both sides had a similar sized army. The only problem would be the decline in morale upon learning of King John’s death by poisoning which was what occurred back then.

They would have to prepare for this moment in advance, so that they don’t collapse once the figurehead of the loyalist faction is gone.

“At least he wasn’t sent too far away. The Eastern Guard camp is the closest of Marquis Nelson’s bases to here in Hayswick.”

Currently, there was no other place to ask for reinforcements other than the kingdom’s army.

Marquis Nelson’s stance was that he stayed out of politics, only focusing on defending the border. Even if he were to learn of the latest ongoing rebellion, he would not carelessly mobilize his troops.

The Ionia province can be defended, so what are your next plans?”

“I’ll leave the minimum amount of troops behind, and head to the Aden river, in central Cerendia.”

The loyalist Nobles would then lead their own forces to meet up in the middle of the Aden river. The location was just to the right of the capital city of Heidelberg.

Considering that the rebel army would most likely have the same agenda, it was quite likely that the battle would take place on the plains just south of Heidelberg.

“Who will you leave behind in charge of Hayswick?”

“There is no one I trust enough other than my son. Gilbert will have to join us as the vanguard.”

Viscount Aljass, Woohyuk had met him a few times. A young man who was the Count’s spitting image, and had a very prudent approach to everything.

He wasn’t as imposing as his father, but at least he wasn’t likely to carelessly open the gates to an enemy.

‘He should be able to hold for at least three months.’

As it housed the largest granary in all of the Rhine kingdom, there was more than enough food stockpiled within the city.

At worst Maximus should be able to come to their aid with his legion before their food stores run low.

She would play a key role in the war.

“Are you insane?”

“Ugh…”

Han Jangmi stared at Woohyuk with a blank look.

She was tied to a torture chair, and her body was covered in wounds.

Although the Hwarang clan had decided to cooperate with them, he still held her as a hostage. It was imperative to keep a tight grip on the clan’s leader so that the rest of their members fell in line.

“Your clan will help fight against the rebels, and if we win, you can also get your own share of rewards in the form of military merit.”

“Just kill me already! I don’t want to go on like this anymore! Convince the other clan members yourself!”

Han Jangmi who had just regained consciousness shouted back.

As she struggled to accept her fate, her dispirited face could be glimpsed past her ruffled hair.

“You have to stay alive until this war is over with. If after that you truly wish to die, I can always return and do it myself.”

Woohyuk had no love for the Hwarang clan.

Although they can say that they were just trying to survive, it was hard to justify their acts of burning villages and killing innocent civilians.

Had it not been for the ongoing war, he would have killed them all except Han Jangmi who was their most valuable member.

“Are you trying to take control of the Rhine Kingdom? Too bad it won’t work! They have prepared for any eventuality!”

Even if their plan had to be scrapped, the momentum they had built couldn’t be overcome. At least that is what Han Jangmi thought, she didn’t worry about spilling the beans since she expected to be executed in the near future.

Her lack of faith in the loyalist faction’s strength, was due to the fact that she had lost consciousness upon being captured as a hostage, and hadn’t had the opportunity to witness Woohyuk’s strength.

‘She seems to have misunderstood the situation.’

The Hwarang clan had all voluntarily surrendered upon seeing him raise the dead. They quickly realized that Woohyuk was extremely strong.

Of course having a superior Demon like Loengreen on his side had helped as well, also the fact that their plan had been discovered played a large role in their decision.

It is common sense to want to be on the winning side of a war. Because of this, other clan members actually wanted Han Jangmi dead or at least for her to abdicate her position as clan leader.

Basically, Woohyuk would always protect her from being killed.

“Do you know how a queen bee dies?”

“....”

If the queen bee can’t lay any more eggs or becomes sick, the worker bees raise a new one, and then proceed to kill the old queen.”

Power was but a momentary illusion.

Pursuing it was like walking on a tightrope filled with danger. Any little mistake and it would result in your death.

“I’ll be killed by my own clan members?”

“They are preparing sneakily, maybe it’s even that guy who was your second in command.”

“...Gwak Seyoung?”

Han Jangmi had an awkward expression. Gwak Seyoung had had a crush on her ever since their university days.

After being summoned to this world, they had always worked together as he assumed the position of vice-leader in the clan.

“There are many others as well. For them, you’re nothing but a burden.”

“Shit...”

“Not to worry however, If you just do as I tell you to, you can maintain your position as the clan leader.”

“Will I continue to be a puppet leader like this? Like a slave?”

“Your conditions will improve to the point that you won’t have any complaints, that at least I can assure.”

Being able to control a Clan leader with a 10th tier Gold Crown held many advantages. That was because there were many things one could gain through the clan system.

After listening Woohyuk’s proposal, her expression changed slightly.

She felt that his olive branch was hard to refuse considering her situation.