Ch.31Blade Wind War (4)
by fnovelpia
Ludmila appeared at the Northern Fortress.
It was like a bombshell dropping in these tense times when even rumors of a simple inspection would have been enough to cause anxiety.
Moreover, news spread that under the hands of the Supreme Sorceress, three fortresses had vanished in just a single day.
The shocking results spread throughout the world. The devastation—fortresses reduced to ruins without a single prisoner—was exaggerated further as rumors spread like wildfire.
Even when punishing disloyalty, it was customary to at least leave the heads of the offenders. This time, Durin had chosen a punishment that was closer to complete erasure from records.
It instilled fear even in those who were accustomed to cruelty, having been born with a savage nature.
“If you wish to live, send an envoy immediately. This is your last chance.”
In the midst of the terror consuming the world, Durin left just one thing: the oath of loyalty he had demanded before. His declaration to tighten the rights he had loosened over time once again pressured the lords.
The ultimatum given to those who had been complacent, thinking they were safe behind the wall that kept the angels at bay, sealed the cracks.
“We’re closer to the Central region than the North. Our fortress will abandon resistance.”
“Tell the Great Warrior we have no choice. We hope he understands our position. This time, the closer sword is the Regent’s blade…”
In the end, except for a few castles near the northern border, all of them sent white flags to Durin, changing their stance to accept his rule again.
They recognized the futility of resistance and chose submission. The Great Warrior’s cavalry would have to shed much blood to cross the wall, but the Central forces didn’t need to—a fact that rendered resistance meaningless the moment they realized it.
However, the northernmost fortresses that chose resistance, knowing their retreat was cut off, rebelled even more fiercely.
“Your Excellency. Here is the overview of the Great Warrior’s forces sent by our scout beasts.”
The parchment detailed a formidable formation consisting solely of beast cavalry. With the addition of troops from several supporting fortresses, their momentum grew stronger by the day.
These were soldiers trained for decades in the winter-swept lands. They needed to prepare thoroughly.
“Their numbers are similar to ours. The problem is that the elite regiment led by the Great Warrior himself has a large number of heavy cavalry.”
“If we clash, the casualties won’t be small. The losses will be significant.”
“Unavoidable sacrifices if we’re to face the Chief Chieftain’s army.”
“That’s for me to agonize over. You finish your duties.”
“I apologize, Your Excellency. I forgot my place.”
The soldier bowed and hastily backed away. It was from that moment that Durin began tapping the table, sinking into contemplation.
Ludmila and the Sorcery Corps.
Though few in number, their power was guaranteed. However, proper utilization required all conditions to be met. Accurate targeting against swift cavalry was extremely difficult.
They could only demonstrate their true power against stationary targets like fortresses.
Sorcery and cavalry.
A moment’s difference would determine victory or defeat. While the Demon King’s Castle held absolute advantage, the beast cavalry had the power to exploit variables and change fate.
When the two forces collided head-on, they would inflict heavy casualties on each other, disrupting the balance. That wasn’t the scenario Durin wanted. This war was a major step toward expanding his influence.
Unifying the Central region and forcibly gaining the North’s cooperation. If the Duke’s army and the Demon King’s Castle’s forces pressured simultaneously, even the North with its thousands of beast cavalry couldn’t withstand it.
The Great Warrior was the one in a hurry.
Having brought his forces all this way, he would lose authority among his subordinates if he couldn’t make a move. Yet he couldn’t enter a battlefield where the outcome was obvious.
Durin could simply observe their movements comfortably from this garrison with Ludmila.
“Your Excellency! How about entrusting this to me?”
If it had been anyone else but the owner of that voice, he would have done so.
*Flap!*
The one who pushed aside the tent flap entered with confidence overflowing. She wasn’t intimidated at all before Durin’s powerful presence. Having successfully expanded her influence during the two-week operation period, she seemed fearless.
Serphin Del Istria made a light bow and said:
“Please entrust this to our Eastern Corps. We’ll quickly repel those traitors.”
“That won’t be necessary. Exercise restraint, Serphin.”
“If you’re worried about the beast cavalry, don’t be. The warriors of the northeastern front are demons who have always lived against the cutting winds. They know them better than anyone.”
“They certainly do. But you don’t.”
Durin raised his head to look at Serphin. His calm gaze held no expectations.
“Stop talking nonsense and focus on consolidating your power. Seeing that you’ve come this far, it seems you’ve finished organizing the Central region well, so prepare for the upcoming Demon King selection.”
“Power alone isn’t enough.”
The Duke’s daughter refuted without backing down. She even stepped forward.
“Merit. I thought it would be nice to have an achievement that would solidify my power.”
“Is the Duke’s backing not enough?”
“The throne is mine, not my father’s. It’s not a position I should ascend to by borrowing someone else’s authority.”
“So you want to enter the battlefield.”
“It’s enough to be a match against the Great Warrior’s army. They’re already cornered by our Central region’s encirclement. They’ll have to bite.”
“After disrupting the border regions, they’ll face our response forces rather than the Eastern forces holed up in fortresses, so a major clash is imminent.”
“Then, I’ll lead the army.”
Her determination was evident. There was passion to become a greater vessel. Although her strength relied not on her own power but on the tens of thousands of troops following her, she showed courage in her own way.
“Give me just one chance. I’ll prove myself and return.”
A scale appeared in his mind.
The troops and time that would be consumed if Serphin went to battle.
The uncertain achievements if the throne’s heir led the battle to victory.
But Durin didn’t hesitate between the two.
“Would five thousand be enough?”
“What?”
“I’ll give you five thousand Duran guards, excluding the defensive forces protecting the Central formation. That should be enough to protect the flanks from surprise attacks by beast cavalry.”
“F-five thousand given to me…”
Her trembling voice betrayed her elation. In her mind, the scale must be tipping heavily in one direction.
Adding troops that had faced angels to the relatively poorly armed Eastern army?
In Serphin’s mind, this created a battlefield she couldn’t lose.
“I’ll show you victory. I, Serphin, daughter of the East… no, as the throne’s heir, I’ll prove my worth.”
“I certainly hope so. If you need anything, go see Verdia. I’ll give him advance notice.”
“Thank you!”
With those words, the young demon rushed out of the tent. She was in such a hurry that she left without even the customary bow. Seeing this, Duran couldn’t hide his displeasure. Had Durin not raised his hand to stop him, he wouldn’t have remained still.
This wasn’t limited to just the soldier in the tent.
“What’s with her? Why is she so excited?”
No sooner had the conversation with Serphin ended than Ludmila visited the tent. She glared at the fluttering tent entrance.
“She was gathering troops earlier. What did you make her do now?”
“The Duke’s daughter will face the Great Warrior. If she wants to become the Demon King, she should have battlefield experience, so this is a good opportunity.”
“Hmm… the situation is very favorable for us, but I wonder if it’s necessary?”
Ludmila said as she sat across from Durin.
“With the Duke’s army participating too, it would be quite a spectacle… what do you think?”
“Whether her father will send troops is uncertain. The Duke won’t be crazy enough to think of facing cavalry with just infantry on the field.”
“Yet his daughter is thinking exactly that.”
“This will be a good opportunity to confirm her qualifications as a ruler.”
Using the power of the Eastern faction to subdue the North while preserving the Central army’s main force intact.
Even with some losses, it wasn’t a bad exchange, so Durin nodded.
Having reached a conclusion, he could rise from his seat.
“We should see how she handles a powerful enemy. Rescue comes after that.”
“What if things go wrong and Serphin dies?”
“That won’t happen.”
As the Regent moved, Duran followed. Before leaving the tent, Durin answered Ludmila’s question.
“However, if she can feel death, it would be a very good experience.”
His intention, left with a smile. The qualification to watch over growth as a patron after putting someone else on the throne.
“…When I think about it, you might be the most mischievous demon in the castle, Durin.”
Ludmila clicked her tongue at his behavior, prioritizing benefits while also satisfying his own desires.
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