Chapter 189 - An Expeditionary Force of Vagabonds?
"Here's the current situation," Balgar Clad said, his face smug as he surveyed the gathered group. "If we wait, the enemy will attack us. Lying in wait is one option, but don’t you think making Brenark a battlefield is a bad idea?"
Well, that’s true. Brenark has plenty of towns besides the Royal Capital and Exembra, but we don’t have the manpower to defend them all. If any of them fall, they could be turned into frontline bases, and it’s easy to imagine harsh occupation policies being implemented. Just as order was returning to these once-chaotic regions, it would be ruined.
Moreover, from a national perspective, reclaiming lost territories would require immense effort, and in some places, resource issues would arise. If the enemy penetrates deep into our territory, we’d need to prepare for the disruption of trade routes.
If the enemy builds a major stronghold using our infrastructure, it could lead to an irreversible situation. We certainly can’t start a war with the intention of scorched earth tactics.
To put it bluntly, there’s nothing good about letting them invade.
Balgar Clad waits for our reaction, but I think he’s really waiting for our Kikyo Society’s response. Given the events so far, the Clad Family and Rosmerta seem to be on the same page, and they’ve likely reached a secret agreement with the Anastasia Union.
I glance at Josephine, who sits next to me, and she responds as if reading my mind.
"From what I understand, a confrontation with the Medek-Legisamo Empire is inevitable. The Royal Capital must form a counter-military force, and the Clad Family wants to repay their debt from the previous conflict. The Anastasia Union likely shares similar sentiments. Instead of turning Brenark into a battlefield, we should take the initiative. So, the purpose of this gathering today is to discuss sending forces to preempt the empire, correct?"
Josephine’s confirmation is met with a significant silence, which speaks volumes. She continues with a grim expression.
"I understand the Royal Capital’s inability to send a large army. Preparations for dealing with the fluid situation in Retnark and maintaining domestic stability are necessary. Relying on Exembra’s forces makes sense. However, the Kikyo Society is small. We’ve already taken down the McDallian Family and are still dealing with the aftermath. Given our current challenges, it’s difficult to contribute forces, and we don’t see a clear benefit or a strong connection to the empire. While it may go against your expectations, the Kikyo Society’s involvement seems unnecessary."
She hit the nail on the head. Exactly.
Objectively, the Kikyo Society has little direct conflict with the Legisamo Cartel. Even if the bomb’s origin was the empire or the cartel, the revenge is already done. As Josephine said, we don’t have the resources, and those who want to fight can do so on their own. If the situation gets too hot, we’ll join in, but that’s a different story.
"But that’s true. While the Kikyo Society’s enemies were primarily the McDallian Family, guided by the Legisamo Cartel, your direct ties to the cartel or the empire are indeed thin. However, there are benefits," Balgar Clad said, glancing at Siegrune and Josephine. The elderly man continued, "If we can drive back the empire, Brenark will be free from external threats for a while, allowing us to focus on internal affairs. The Royal Capital, Exembra, and other towns and villages will benefit. Especially Exembra, which has seen significant changes, will gain the most."
"The Anastasia Union plans to absorb the Snake Head Society’s territory. We’re already receiving reinforcements from other branches, so we’ll have enough people ready to go soon."
The Anastasia Union seems well-prepared. Large organizations operate differently.
"Our Clad Family will take over the Gandrault Gang’s territory, and the Kikyo Society can claim the McDallian Family’s territory. These are established plans, but we won’t act alone. We have the Royal Capital’s approval."
"... What does that mean, exactly?"
I glance at Rosmerta, but I hadn’t expected such approval to be necessary. Balgar Clad continues, smugly.
"It means we won’t change Exembra’s governance from the aristocratic side. Expanding the security forces could lead to jurisdictional disputes with the administrative districts, which would disrupt the city’s peace. From the perspective of Exembra’s upper echelons, they’ll be relieved of the obligation to expand the security forces and can reallocate the budget. The Royal Capital and the Royal Palace will tacitly accept this arrangement."
The benefit, then, is that the current state of the underworld’s control over the city will be officially acknowledged. Not just informally, but with the backing of one of the kingdom’s most powerful figures.
That’s a significant advantage. As long as it benefits the kingdom and Rosmerta, the current system can be maintained.
If we can repel the Medek-Legisamo Empire, Brenark will be free from external threats, and internal affairs will flourish. While threats may still exist, none will be significant.
Logically, Exembra, with its ample budget, should expand its security forces. With the collapse of the Five Great Families, this would be the perfect opportunity for the administrative districts to assert control. Choosing not to do so is a huge relief for us. We don’t want to engage in pointless conflicts with the administration.
Given the bait, we’ll have no choice but to participate, even if it means pushing our limits. The Kikyo Society, too, will have to bite the bullet. The benefits are too significant to ignore.
But sending just me from the Kikyo Society seems unbalanced. Honestly, the only available member is the idle president. Hmm, I need to think about this, but for now, I need to announce my participation.
Also, this will be a favor to Rosmerta. A big one. She specifically asked for me, and it’s for national defense.
"Fine. If it’s what Rosmerta wants, I’ll go. Siegrune, you’re in charge while I’m away."
"That’s good, but sending Yukarinowe alone is concerning. I’d go in your place, but the expected firepower is yours, and I can’t replace that."
"I agree. For leading a large force, Siegrune would be better, but for individual firepower, I’m the only one who can go."
Siegrune’s combat skills are exceptional, but in terms of sheer destructive power in a group setting, I’m more efficient. Siegrune’s strength lies in his leadership, and his abilities are less useful in solo or small-group combat.
Rosmerta’s pleased response suggests she’s counting on my strength. Well, it’s only right to meet a friend’s expectations.
"Thank you, Yukarinowe. We’ll prepare the expedition force immediately. The Crimson Knights will depart from the Royal Capital in ten days. They’ll lead the way, but we should coordinate our future plans."
"I believe the Lady understands, but the southern route is likely to be very difficult. We need to discuss it properly."
"Yes, that’s a valid concern."
The central Romariel Mountains are the dividing line. The northern side is the most developed, followed by the eastern and western regions. The continent thrives on trade centered in the north. In contrast, the southern region is unique.
South of Brenark and Retnark, in the southeastern part of the continent, there are small subhuman states that haven’t developed much culturally. The southernmost region is a rocky coastline with cliffs, lacking beaches or harbors, making sea travel impossible.
There’s a port further east, but it’s a long detour and there’s no guarantee it’s usable.
There are also nations in the southwestern part of the continent, but they won’t allow foreign armies to land. The worst-case scenario is being sunk at sea, and even if we could land, breaking through the Oceanic Forest would be challenging.
This leaves us with the land route, which has its own problems.
The route follows the Abandoned Road along the Romariel Mountains. Given the almost complete isolation between the eastern and western regions, the road is in poor condition. It was well-used in ancient times, but now it’s being reclaimed by the forest.
There are no significant settlements in the central southern region, only a vast forest stretching from the mountains to the southern end. This forest is home to powerful beasts, dangerous plant colonies, and ancient ruins. It’s a perilous place, where only the most daring adventurers dare to venture and often disappear.
Ideally, we could travel the Abandoned Road without issues, but that’s unlikely. With a large group, the challenges will be even greater.
If we had a large enough force, we could send an engineering unit to repair the road, but we don’t have that capability. We might have to take detours or explore the surrounding area if the road is impassable. Encountering a beast’s den could be catastrophic.
We need to plan for the unknown.
Basic plans are likely already in place between Rosmerta and the Crimson Knights, but since we’re working together, even symbolic participation is necessary. The Clad Family might have unique information, too.
Listening to the discussion, it’s clear that the Crimson Knights will be the main force.
Originally Rosmerta’s private army, they are now recognized as a legitimate military unit. Unlike us vagabonds, they’ve received military training and have personnel skilled in reconnaissance and scouting. They’re also better suited for negotiating with local residents.
Our task is to follow and assist them in reaching the western part of the continent. What a hassle.
For me, it’s a matter of following along, but I’ll have to contribute in combat.
"So far, this is what we can expect. We’ll need to be flexible on the ground. Flannel, is that clear?"
"I understand."
"Bernard, can you handle it? The Crimson Knights will handle the tedious tasks, so it’ll be easier for you."
"I have no interest in getting along. We’ll travel west and cut down the enemy. That’s all."
I have no intention of getting along either. Let the Crimson Knights handle the tedious tasks, and I’ll follow. The challenge is how long it will take to navigate the forested road.
"I’ll go, but how long will it take to return? It’s over three thousand kilometers one way. Even on good roads, it will take a considerable amount of time."
Regular vehicles have a top speed of about thirty kilometers per hour. Even if we travel ten hours a day, that’s only three hundred kilometers. The Abandoned Road won’t be smooth, so we need to prepare for a long journey.
"We don’t need to maintain a normal speed on the Abandoned Road. There’s little risk of being detected. Removing the speed limiter will save a lot of time. According to our information, the road is passable by vehicles for about five hundred kilometers from the entrance."
"Yes. I think we should maintain a slower speed within Brenark, but faster travel will be possible after that. The central part of the Abandoned Road is unknown, and we’ll have to proceed cautiously."
No one can make specific predictions. We’ll need to adapt as we go. We can’t afford to send extra personnel.
"If such a force goes, reaching the empire shouldn’t be a problem, but coordinating with the Anastasia Union might be difficult."
"That’s on my brother. The Anastasia Union will scout the southern empire and apply pressure from the north while waiting for the right moment."
I see. If they can coordinate, we don’t need to worry. This seems to be a prearranged plan.
"I understand. If the Crimson Knights are ready in ten days, I can follow a few days later. They’ll handle the reconnaissance, so it should be easier to catch up."
"Exactly. We’ll clear the Abandoned Road as we go, making it easier for those who follow. Yukarinowe, it’s best to leave a few days after the initial force."
"In that case, the Clad Family will do the same."
No one objects, and the information is complete.
In ten days, the Crimson Knights will leave the Royal Capital and head for the Medek-Legisamo Empire. A few days later, the Clad Family’s battalion and I will follow. I might leave a bit later.
The Crimson Knights will lead the way, clearing the path, and we’ll follow. The journey will be unpredictable, with many dangers, but with such skilled individuals, optimism is justified.
After navigating the long Abandoned Road, we’ll reach the empire. What happens next will depend on the knights’ strategy. As a pawn, I can earn favor. Captain Flannel won’t make unreasonable demands.
We’ll coordinate with the Anastasia Union’s northern assault, causing significant damage, and then return. The return trip should be easier.
"I’ll take a few days to see if I can gather more forces. I’m not going to fall short in terms of results."
"That’s the spirit, my dear friend. I’m counting on you."
The strongest swordsman snorted, and the blue-haired captain of the knights smiled smugly. Yes, with this lineup, the expectations for success are high.
The Crimson Knights, as the main force, have their reputation to uphold, and Rosmerta’s trust cannot be betrayed. They’ll commit fully to the mission.
For the Clad Family and the Anastasia Union, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to settle old scores. There’s no room for anything less than their best.
And I, once I decide to act, will do my part. I’m confident in my abilities. As the president of the Kikyo Society, I can’t show a weaker performance than others.
Every faction is fully committed and capable. There’s no room for doubt.
"So, that’s it for today. If anything comes up, we’ll stay in touch. Rosmerta, what about you? If you’re staying, I can arrange a room."
Even a fully booked hotel has a spare room for a kingdom’s dignitary.
"I’d like to, but it seems impossible," Rosmerta said, her secretary warning her of a tight schedule. No stay at Epic Junebel, then.
The group began to disperse, engaging in casual conversation before leaving. I watched them depart.
In a final conversation unrelated to the empire, Rosmerta mentioned Caroline. She’s preparing to come to the Royal Capital and will arrive soon once her business is done.
It’s a rare piece of good news amidst recent complications. I’ll look forward to our reunion. I hope I can meet her before I leave on the expedition.