Ch.541541. Declaration of Territory War (2)

The Barony of Karpel has declared a territorial war against the Viscounty of Akion!

This news quickly spread throughout the western region. Those who had joined the First Princess’s faction and maintained good relations with the County sided with the Barony or remained neutral.

Seven houses snorted at the Barony’s bold declaration of territorial war and began gathering their troops. Though the Winter War had barely ended, the west was already shrouded in the thick clouds of war.

The reactions in the Viscounty of Akion and the Barony of Karpel were completely different.

“The Barony of Karpel declaring war against our Viscounty… I’m wondering if I should leave with my family for a while.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. Six houses have allied with our Viscount. Their troops will help protect us.”

“But the County is on the Barony’s side.”

“They’re busy dealing with the demon realm. There’s no way seven houses combined could break through to here. Instead of worrying about useless things, worry about taxes.”

“Sigh… I suppose if war breaks out, they’ll extract even more money from us claiming they’re short on funds.”

The Viscounty of Akion, with seven allied houses handling both defense and offense.

The territory’s residents were busy worrying about the fatigue of war and its aftermath.

Meanwhile, in the Barony of Karpel—

“Those damn Akion Viscounty bastards…”

“Be careful, what if someone hears you? You know how serious the crime of insulting nobility is.”

“What are you talking about? It’s just you and me here. We were living well, and they started this trouble first. They insulted our lord, calling him a blind man blinded by greed for power. Should we just sit back and take it?”

“…You never cared about noble affairs before, but now you’re more concerned about our lord than taxes. Anyone would think you’re a noble of the Barony yourself.”

“Things have been different since the head of the family changed. You can get odd jobs at the mercenary guild. You can receive cheap medical treatment. The slums have been cleaned up and public safety has improved. They’ve made our lives more comfortable without even raising tax rates.”

They clearly recognized that all this was to uphold the honor of the Barony of Karpel where they lived.

“But they’re the ones who provoked our lord who was minding his own business. I heard they interfered with something the King had approved? Then of course we should fight. The problem is… if they spend a lot of money on war, there’ll be less for us…”

“That’s definitely a big concern.”

“Those damn bastards. Since it’s come to this, I hope the County helps our lord generously.”

“So it ends faster?”

“Of course. That way it’ll cost less.”

Due to the victory ceremony, welfare for soldiers, and clear communication to the residents about how greatly the soldiers had contributed during the Winter War, the Barony’s soldiers were seen as heroic warriors who could demonstrate their skills in a just fight.

Victory was considered inevitable, and the declaration of territorial war was seen as natural. Most people nodded in agreement.

“You must have had a difficult journey coming here from the County. I’m sure you know what needs to be done from now on.”

“Of course. A territorial war needs the solid support of residents and merchants to minimize damage both during and after the war.”

It was important to convince the residents that this was a just war.

And to plant the idea among merchants that this was an opportunity to bet on a winning battle rather than abandoning the territory due to war.

For this purpose, Benner had spread skilled agitators throughout the territory.

“It’s also important to create internal chaos in the Viscounty. I’ll share my plans with you, so prepare to shake up the Viscounty in a manner befitting the County’s intelligence department.”

“With Lord Benner’s reputation and the County’s blood alliance, we will do our best for the Barony.”

Seeds of discord were spread in the Viscounty.

Thanks to the thorough preparation for the territorial war and deployment—

“Branch Manager, why the long face again? It’s not like you have anything to do.”

“…What do you mean I have nothing to do! If mercenary hire requests come in from the Barony because of the territorial war, I’ll be working until I pull all my hair out!”

Antael, the branch manager of the mercenary guild in the Barony.

“It seems like they’re preparing for war…”

Except for Antael, who was facing overwork just before retirement, everyone else pushed forward with their plans flexibly rather than voicing complaints.

After all the soldiers completed their battle preparations, they were arranged in rows and columns on the Barony’s spacious training ground.

Sione and I wore our Barony military uniforms for the first time in a while.

“It’s my first time wearing a uniform other than the County’s… I like the Barony’s too.”

“With its navy blue and clean look, it would be hard not to look good in it.”

“…That’s not why I like it.”

Sione approached me slowly with her lips pursed.

She raised her hand and began pressing her index finger against my chest.

The family crest of the Barony was embedded on her fingertip.

“Being in the same family. I like feeling like I completely belong to you.”

Saying that, Sione stood on her tiptoes and cupped my cheeks with both hands.

Smooch.

After a brief kiss, she gave a modest smile.

“Sione?”

“You have to give a speech in front of the soldiers soon, right? I gave you something special so you won’t be nervous.”

As if she thought it was the best line ever, she giggled mischievously.

“Special? You cling to me every night.”

“…Shut up. At times like this, you’re just supposed to say thank you.”

After a brief game of tag with Sione who rushed at me to give me a smack, we headed toward the training ground where all preparations were nearly complete.

“Commander Hanelrn, how is the morale of the soldiers?”

“Excellent. Many have received benefits from the welfare you’ve provided for the soldiers, and they know we have legitimate cause. They are willing to wield their swords for the family.”

“That’s good.”

After briefly hearing about the soldiers’ morale from Hanelrn whom we met on the way, Sione and I climbed onto the platform.

‘All the commanders are here.’

Behind the platform stood Hanelrn, Dorothy, Teia, and Trisha from the magic corps.

Representatives from the archers, swordsmen, spearmen, and other units were lined up behind the commanders.

As I took my position at the front with Sione standing one step behind me at my side—

“Salute!”

──!

The sound of the soldiers’ salute shook the earth.

‘Their morale is indeed high.’

Whether thanks to Hanelrn’s words or the help from the intelligence department that had visited our family, I could confirm the discipline of this strong army from their salute alone.

I began to instill in them a firm reason to fight against people rather than monsters and demons as they had in the Winter War.

“I believe you already know better than anyone the attitude that the Viscounty of Akion and six houses have shown toward our Barony of Karpel. Their words and actions distrusting His Majesty the King are already well-known, so I would like to tell you what I want to convey to you this time.”

I started simply.

“They have taken us lightly, us who have lived more honorably than anyone else, and they have slandered you who know justice, saying you would oppress innocent houses.”

“They demanded that we dismiss 40% of you standing here—veterans who survived the Winter War through dedication to our house and cause—and cast you out as unemployed.”

“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t comply with their demands.”

I continued, trying to touch their hearts.

“Our house stands firm only because warriors like you have steadfastly held your positions.”

“Our family, including myself as the head, will never forget your hard work and efforts.”

“In that sense, how could I tolerate such words and actions from the Viscounty of Akion and their alliance?”

Throughout my speech, the training ground remained silent except for my voice.

In this place where not even the sound of insects could be heard, having the gaze of so many people focused solely on me was quite burdensome.

Nevertheless, I continued with my prepared speech, maintaining a stoic expression.

“They have looked down upon us who live more honorably than any other house.”

“They have underestimated the compassion of our security forces who care for the poor from the lowest places, the bravery of our assault teams who threw themselves into the demon realm to help conquer it, and your faith and dedication to our house that makes such things possible.”

“Since they have underestimated us and drawn in seven houses to try to control us, shouldn’t we show them our revenge for their interference?”

I projected my voice from deep in my diaphragm.

At times like this, it’s better to be a bit over-dramatic and make sure your voice hits their ears clearly.

“Show the iron hammer of revenge to those who have insulted our house, Her Majesty the Queen, and you! Our goal is to restore honor! The righteousness of this territorial war will always shine upon us!”

Following my next cry—

“March forth against the Viscounty of Akion!”

──!

A roar erupted from the soldiers who had been deathly silent until now.