Episode 117 A New Cloud of War - The Saga of Lioncourt

One month later, summer had settled in. The festivities surrounding the founding of the kingdom had ended, and I was prepared to work tirelessly. However, to my surprise, being a king turned out to be relatively uneventful. Local governance was handled diligently by the deputies, and most petitions and legal disputes from various regions were adjudicated by my uncle, Rodrigue. Rodrigue held a position akin to my co-ruler in the past, with significant authority over domestic affairs. In essence, what I want to convey is this—regarding internal governance, once I communicate a broad policy to the deputies, there's little else for me to do. There is a fair share of corruption and misconduct, but perks and patronage are commonplace. If I were to crack down on everything, I'd end up with no retainers left, so I leave it be. Of course, for severe misdeeds, there are inspectors in place, but we don't storm in and administer justice like some unruly lords. It's all handled through arrest and trial by the guards... as it should be. ...Well, there's no phone, so we can't issue detailed instructions anyway... It's impossible to issue commands to each deputy and castellan personally. What I can do is find reliable individuals and entrust them with responsibilities. Before me, Rodrigue, a paragon of a reliable individual, was frowning as he held documents closer and then farther from his face. This must be due to presbyopia. Unfortunately, Amoros lacks reading glasses, which is a pity. "What’s on your mind, Varian?" Rodrigue looked up and asked. He probably thinks I appear idle. I quickly scribbled the date and name with a quill on the parchment I brought and handed him a certificate, reading, "In recognition of my uncle’s diligent service, I anticipate your continued efforts." Uncle, puzzled, accepted the certificate with a confused "Ah, ah," tilting his head. As I left my uncle’s office, I overheard his muttered, "What’s this all about?" for reference, the office is part of my mansion. In the hallway, Rolo and several members of the fellowship were waiting. They serve as my bodyguards. "Rolo, it didn’t go well." I vented my dissatisfaction to Rolo right out of the gate. This wasn’t a frivolous effort. It was a plan to motivate everyone working at the mansion by awarding recognITIONS, which would eventually turn into a form of reward if successful... However, the effect was underwhelming. Wandering around the mansion, I randomly awarded whoever was nearby with "diligence awards" and "effort awards," but... most, including Uncle Rodrigue, reacted with a puzzled "Oh? Uh-huh," and the only one who seemed joyous was my wife, Sumina. My beloved queen Sumina cheerfully responded with, "My, my, Your Majesty, I’m delighted." As for my lovely wife, hers was an "eternal gratitude award." As expected, Sumina gets it. "Well... it's just handing over parchment, so it can't be helped, right?" "...But the soldiers are delighted just by my words, you know?" Rolo nodded, "That's true," looking puzzled. ...I thought praise from the top of the realm would have a substantial impact... I find it curious, too. Rallying soldiers is my forte, yet winning hearts is no easy feat. "Well, Varian-sama’s handwriting is excellent. The certificates can at least serve as a model for practice," Rolo offered a subtle form of consolation. In this world, there exists a skill akin to calligraphy, and since I've received rigorous education in writing at the church, I’m considered quite adept. "It’s not that I’m particularly skilled; writing legibly for the reader is enough," I said. "It sounds easy, but it’s quite the challenge," Rolo replied As we leisurely chatted in the hall, Domier hurriedly entered, obviously seeking me. His expression relaxed slightly on spotting me, indicating he had business with me. As an accomplished knight now, Domier has stepped away from the fellowship and acts as a police chief-type figure managing the security and defense in and around the domain. Visiting the mansion must mean something significant has occurred. "Your Majesty, an urgent messenger from Baron Ge requests an audience," Domier said with a respectful bow, reflecting his liking for formalities, quite possibly because of his ambitions. More accurately, he takes pride in the protocol his position now necessitates. "If it’s an urgent messenger, there’s no need for formality. Send him in immediately." He responded to my order with an obedient "Yes, Your Majesty," promptly allowing the messenger to enter. The messenger made to kneel, but I halted him with a gesture and prompted, "Your message?" Bearing a tense expression, the messenger stated, "I bring news from my lord," and handed over a letter from Baron Ge, his master. Rolo received the letter and passed it on to me... frustrated at the cumbersome nature of it all, even when dealing with urgent matters, yet since becoming a king, things always seem to go this way. ...Well, precautions against assassination are necessary... I tore open the wax seal on Baron Ge’s letter and examined the contents. The letter was a plea for aid. Baron Cocteau had initiated an attack on Baron Ge's domain, which falls under the jurisdiction of Lioncourt. ...As expected, this was bound to happen... I stifled a sigh. Ge, along with Baron Cocteau, had fought against Lioncourt. However, unknown to Cocteau, Ge surrendered to me and reaped the rewards of Lioncourt's founding, receiving a title in the process. Certainly, this betrayal didn’t sit well with Cocteau; he must have deemed it an act of treachery. One month after the founding ceremony... factoring in travel time, it appears Ge got right into a skirmish upon returning to his territory. ...Ge, that impetuous fellow... He could have at least consulted or come with Baron Cocteau instead of making such a hasty move... Though it seems ludicrous, abandoning Ge, now my subordinate, isn’t an option. It’s a boss’s duty to clean up their underling’s mess. A sovereign has the obligation to protect subordinates; failing to do so negates one's lordship. While the circumstances leading to this conflict are understood, it is unacceptable to leave Baron Cocteau unchecked while he attacks my subject, Ge. I stood decisively and informed the messenger, "Understood." "Return swiftly and relay to the baron! Lioncourt Kingdom shall crush Baron Cocteau with an army of 80,000 troops!!" Since war is inevitable, it ought to be leveraged to our advantage. Incidentally, the 80,000 troops is an exaggerated rallying cry. Even if we turned the Lioncourt basin upside down, we wouldn’t have that number. In any case, Baron Cocteau will become a warning as Lioncourt makes its debut on the battlefield. It’ll serve as a good opportunity to caution the surroundings against interfering with my subjects. This is a battle where winning is a given. The focus will be on the manner of victory rather than the outcome. I reminded myself to be vigilant and steady. "How fortunate, I shall convey this to my lord..." As the messenger continued to express gratitude, I barked, "This is urgent! Stop dawdling!" making him dash out of the room as if spurred on. "What an extreme fellow... But never mind. Domier, I have a task for you." When I conveyed my instructions, Domier replied eagerly with a "Yes, sire!" His reaction was notably different from the mansion staff. What could possibly be the difference? ... I can't quite figure it out... oh well... "Lioncourt, Bachelard, issue a mobilization order to the lords of the northeast. Also, draft a letter to Count Dalmont... Rolo, do you have pen and ink? I need to seal it as well." I moved to the table and set to work with a quill on the parchment I had been using for the awards, though this time, I needed a blank sheet. "To Count Dalmont: Mobilize forces to subdue Baron Cocteau. After this is settled, I'll head to your domain with reinforcements. Smoke out any rebellious forces. From Varian." That's the gist of it. Being a secret message, there's no need for formal rhetoric. After all, mobilizing forces repeatedly is costly and burdensome for our people. It'd be economical to complete the mobilization in one go. If Count Dalmont successfully coordinates with us, all the better. In that case, as per our clandestine arrangement, we shall support him in purging rebellious factions, thereby welcoming the Dalmont family into the Lioncourt Kingdom fold. Even if the count is unprepared to receive us, we can sweep into the count’s territory amid the chaos and occupy it. If it comes to that, we can simply assert that we had an agreement to station troops and do as we please. ...Once it’s occupied, it’ll be too late for any objections. One way or another, the count’s territory will be under our command... Stifling a laugh, I handed the secret message to Domier. "Domier, ensure this letter reaches Count Dalmont without fail. Remember, the outcome of this battle hinges on your performance." With these words, I handed him a leftover "Diligence Award" certificate I had prepared alongside the secret letter. "In recognition of your daily dedication, I hereby commend Domier. I expect great things from you." "Thank you, it is my honor! I shall most certainly meet Your Majesty's expectations!" Domier lifted the certificate proudly, displaying a look of gratitude. "I'm counting on you." "Yes, sir!!" With a smug expression, he exited the hall. Left alone, Rolo and I exchanged a chuckle. "See? He’s pleased." "It’s true... I wonder what the difference is." We pondered this question for a while, but found no answer. Thus, the peace in Lioncourt was soon to be disrupted, with new clouds of war already looming on the horizon. Although not a battle of our choosing, it would be the first conflict for the Lioncourt Kingdom. A battle we could not afford to lose was about to commence.