Ch.571571. Back to the Count’s Estate (2)

Ainel Sianella spoke.

They had also begun various experiments to handle the Morning Star. Thanks to their many efforts, they had successfully redirected the attention of the religious order, which had cultivated a considerable influence within the county.

‘In addition to that, in our barony.’

Not only had that religion, which was crucial for handling the Morning Star, properly established itself as a precedent, but the religious order had also backed down and withdrawn regarding this matter.

“Our county has also begun experiments to handle the Morning Star. Thanks to Siabel’s efforts, we’ve managed to suppress the once-powerful authority of the religious order. I think now is the perfect time.”

It seemed the county was also trying to push forward using this opportunity.

‘After the territorial war.’

Our barony’s situation had also stabilized considerably.

…I worry that I might be assigning too many tasks to someone in their later years. But exceptional talent should continue to be utilized to its fullest. Along with Lord Benner, who was originally from our county’s intelligence department.

‘And the vassals who have spent half their lives here.’

Whether it was because they saw me cut off Archion Viscount’s head without a moment’s hesitation during the territorial war, or because they truly had an overflowing affection for the family.

Rather than pursuing their own selfish interests, they were pouring all their abilities solely for the glory and development of the territory. Even if Sione and I, who led the soldiers, were to leave the territory temporarily, the territory wouldn’t collapse.

‘If there’s anything concerning.’

At this point, not long after the end of the territorial war, bringing Magia into this would likely cause quite a backlash.

We selected personnel who would find combat experience in the Magia realm increasingly important, gave them a sweet vacation to soothe their minds and bodies, and only then could we finish preparing to head to the county.

“Teia, how are the shock troops responding?”

“As for shock troop training, it’s just jousting and close combat training after dismounting. From the beginning, training for our shock troops is practically like play.”

What tough play indeed.

To think that those nail-biting duels on narrow bridges with real swords are just considered play.

“In the midst of that, they all came back from a generous vacation, so they’re actually quite happy.”

Still, the shock troops had participated in the Magia realm cleanup operation last time. Unlike others, they didn’t seem to fear the Magia realm much. Rather, they seemed eager to earn bonus pay as hazard compensation. I thought this was actually a good thing.

I asked the other captains about the public opinion in their units as well.

“The knights have no issues either. From the beginning, the knights didn’t do much during the last territorial war except follow the lord.”

The knights are fine.

“Lady Trisha, how about the main magic corps?”

Dorothy’s reserve unit was literally a small emergency unit composed of small-scale combat mages.

Under the name of the royal direct territory, the true essence of the barony’s mages, formed through numerous investments and support, was in the main corps where Trisha served as captain.

“Everyone is delighted that the main corps, not Dorothy’s reserve unit, was chosen. Rather, perhaps because they couldn’t find their curiosity as explorers, everyone is singing about wanting to visit the Magia realm as soon as possible.”

Although it costs a lot of money to train them, the magic corps creates the greatest value afterward. The response from the magic main corps was also quite positive.

Thanks to this, our preparations for the Magia realm expedition proceeded smoothly without any hesitation. Moreover.

—Ah, there’s no need to hastily pack things. I’ll provide the necessary consumables and spare equipment from the county.

As expected of the head of the county, extraordinary from the start.

—Before being a baron, you are a hero who saved the county and my second daughter’s husband. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for someone who is also my son-in-law.

Thanks to her, both the time required for preparation and the money to be spent were reduced.

In the current kingdom, now that I’m benefiting again from the family that holds the greatest power under the royal family.

The knights, shock troops, and the magic main corps—all had completed their preparations and were lined up in front of the castle gate.

“Going to the county—”

Sione, wearing light armor with a bow slung over her back, whispered while looking up at the sky.

It seems she quite misses the county where she was born and raised.

“You miss home, don’t you?”

So I sympathetically added a word.

“Hmm… it’s hard to say I missed it that much.”

What kind of response is this?

“My home is by your side. I’ve been talking plenty with my family through letters… I just think it’s been a while since I’ve been to the county.”

I’m grateful she considers the barony her home, but what a cold response. Well, even if she said that at first.

“I want to see my room again after so long. Ah, I wonder if Nanny Herel is still in the county.”

She was showing her own excitement about returning to the county, as if she really did miss it.

With her behind me, I called out to our family’s main forces who had completed their preparations to move.

“The western land of the county was once a place we could never set foot in, but that Magia realm has fallen to the offensive of the county and our family! What is there to fear about a land that is now merely a new frontier of the kingdom!”

There might be quite a few who haven’t entered the Magia realm yet, but there’s not much to be afraid of.

“We will clear out the monsters of the frontier together with the county and strengthen our relationship as blood allies! Everyone must instill confidence in them with fearless and brave appearances!”

And if we’re going to work together anyway, wouldn’t it be better to show a steadfast and excellent image?

“Remember! We are the strong army that has triumphantly overcome the Winter War and this territorial war!”

Their enthusiasm visibly surged at the words praising their achievements.

“Remember! Two Masters and the new era’s Saint are with us!”

Moreover, when I uttered words that might seem a bit excessive and cringeworthy.

The expressions that became even more determined were truly impressive.

“Open the gates!”

The castle gates opened.

The dignity and strength within the imposing presence of our barony’s forces heading west through the city of the territory.

‘The momentum is really something.’

To borrow the expression of that religious order.

It was enough to not be pushed back even against the forces of a god who knows no defeat.

* * *

“Captain of the Beastkin Special Operations Unit, Sharenne. What happened with what I mentioned before?”

“Our special operations unit is fine with additional support beyond the purification priests I mentioned earlier.”

“Hmm……”

“Rather, isn’t it a good thing? The religious order has already deployed its main forces, including holy knights, to the Magia realm. It would be unwise to send forces elsewhere, as it might hinder existing exploration. The county has been considerate.”

After quietly looking at Sharenne for a moment, Kali, the head of the county branch of the religious order, gave a calm eye-smile and a hollow laugh.

“I suppose that’s true. We are truly grateful to the county.”

“Yes. It seems the saying is true that the people here are brave and know loyalty.”

The head of the order, still with an eye-smile, continued.

“It seems Captain Sharenne also likes the people of the barony and county. You praise them quite a bit.”

“Isn’t it natural? The people I’ve seen directly meet our alliance’s standards and also conform to what the religious order calls the line.”

“Of course. Both families have made great contributions to slaying demons… and Sion of the county was once nominated as a candidate for sainthood. Although regrettably, he declined.”

As the conversation continued, a subtle atmosphere began to permeate.

After a brief silence between them.

Sharenne rose from her seat first, concluding this conversation.

“Then, I apologize to the bishop, but I’ll take my leave first. It’s soon time to inspect the equipment with everyone in the special operations unit.”

“How can the care of swords wielded for justice and armor to protect sacred bodies be taken lightly? I look forward to having time to talk again.”

With that, Sharenne, the captain of the Beastkin Special Operations Unit, left first, and after confirming with her sharp senses that her presence had completely disappeared.

She locked the door to her room and threw herself into a plush leather chair.

“Haah……”

A heavy, deep sigh.

“It’s concerning enough that a new saint and god have appeared. And now that saint is coming to the county. Interesting, very interesting. Both the county and barony are doing such interesting things.”

Kali’s suspicion had long since turned into certainty.

“Whether it’s a good god or an evil god. I heard they had debates about this. The bishop of the barony was utterly soft. As rumored, uselessly so.”

Kali was irritated.

“An entity trying to divide the interests of our religious order, the authority held by the Celestial God. Why couldn’t they simply say that such an entity is an evil god to us?”

The new faith they had embraced.

“This is why those lacking in faith……”

For her, who had been a heresy inquisitor, it was a new wind that she could never forgive.

“A saint— I should go down to the county from the Magia realm for a while.”

And so, with a distorted smile of displeasure, she was mocking the current situation.

Meanwhile, at that time, Sharenne.

“No matter when I see her—”

With a contorted expression.

She could only mutter in a suppressed voice, as if holding back nausea.

“She’s a human with a revolting and vile smell of blood.”

Kali, the bishop here, was a woman who would obviously be far from goodness.