Episode 124 The Count Appears - The Saga of Lioncourt

The conflict between Baron Cocteau and Baron Ge reached a resolution. We immediately turned our army around and headed north. Our destination was Bachelard Castle, and beyond that, the territory of Count Darmont. ...Though, it's quite leisurely... I looked around and smiled wryly. As expected, the march of nearly 6,000 troops was slow. If I were to put a sound effect to it, it would be "plod, plod." Bored by the pace, I decided to gather the lords and hold a meeting as we marched. The return route was safe without any hostile forces, so even if the commanders left, it should be fine. A meeting on horseback seemed suitably military-like and wasn't too bad. I issued commands from atop my horse and ordered the lords to gather. ... "...Thus, Count Darmont has requested reinforcements, and we will now invade his territory. Prepare yourselves accordingly." As I informed the lords, they all gaped at me, their mouths hanging open—it was somewhat amusing. "Wait a minute. Attacking is fine, but does the Count have the capacity to welcome us? Going as reinforcements and then being attacked or stranded would be a drag." Jean voiced his doubts, but frankly, it was a silly question. First, the priority is getting the army in. Once we're on the territory, we can requisition food, and if anyone reacts poorly, we can attack them. Their intentions are secondary. "I don't know." "What do you mean you don't know! I've got to feed my men!" As Jean and I bickered, Viscount Arbeau interjected with a polite "If I may," stepping in between us. The competent viscount seemed accustomed to the exchanges between Jean and me. "I'd like to hear more details... What kind of hostile force is Count Darmont so keen to fight that he's requested reinforcements from another territory?" "Oh, well... It seems Count Darmont isn't very powerful and is in danger of being replaced as the head by his brother and supporters (refer to episode 99). In return for our help, he's promised to join under the Lioncourt." Viscount Arbeau nodded at my explanation, "His own brother and influential officials conspired... I see." "We, the lords of the northeast, were aligned with Count Darmont during the royal dispute over Amoros's throne a few years ago. There's no reason to refuse assistance if he's in a bind." "Indeed, and passing through Count Darmont's territory would make our return easier," added Count Dreine. During the Amoros strife, Count Darmont was on the same side as us. The lords of the northeast who participated in the main battle fought side by side, forming a deep camaraderie. Moreover, as Count Dreine mentioned, the geographical proximity of Count Darmont's territory to the northeast makes the march easier than using the treacherous Bride's Road from Lioncourt. ...I see, Count Darmont’s land is perfect as a base of operations for facing the west... I was impressed by Count Dreine's insight. His knowledge was indeed remarkable. Interestingly, Viscount Arbeau spoke of helping out of 'humanity,' while Count Dreine focused on 'practicality.' I found their perspectives quite intriguing. Depending on the situation, I had planned to rampage through and occupy the count’s territory with our giant army, but if it were to be used as a forward base, the conversation changes. Instead of ignoring the Count's wishes and bringing in troops, it would be wiser to first send an envoy to coordinate. "Jean is right. Let's dispatch envoys as well and coordinate closely with Count Darmont." "Oh? You're pretty agreeable today. You're not going to strip this time?" Jean was poking fun at me, as he always did... typical of him. I don't mind being naked in front of others, actually... I’d rather show off my muscular body. I often practice the basic eight bodybuilding poses just for fun and show them to my wives. Kiara seems to like it, often hanging from my arms joyfully, and surprisingly, Belle is into muscles too; I know she sneaks glances at me. Her favorite pose is the side triceps; she seems to like the upper arm muscles. "Oh, that wouldn't be bad either. I'd love to catch the Count's brother's wife or daughter and then bare it all." "Haha! That's a great idea!" As Jean laughed heartily, everyone caught on and started smiling. The only ones not cheering up were Albert-kun and Ge. "Albert-kun, Baron Ge, I offer you a chance to redeem your honor. A gloomy face before a battle is a bad omen." When I called out, Albert-kun nodded silently, while Ge expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your consideration." While Ge seemed somewhat alright, Albert-kun appeared quite troubled. I didn't think initial mistakes in battle were all bad, but I suppose for him, it wasn't quite the same. "Don't get too serious, failures are lessons for the future. On our first sorties, Jean and I failed miserably in the initial battle, didn't we?" "That's right! The first mission was disastrous—we were outnumbered more than twice. Roro and Andre were left bloodied, Jiro's father died, and in the end, we had to carry Varian back after he collapsed." Jean picked up on my cue and joined in the tale. Ultimately, our first campaign ended in victory, but there was no need to mention that. "Invincible Majesty, you say? I can hardly believe it." Albert-kun was wide-eyed in disbelief upon hearing I had lost. Apparently, to him, I was a peerless hero. ...Well, that’s flattering, after all... I continued, scratching my nose in embarrassment as I spoke. "Yeah, that’s how battles are—gaining experience through wins and losses. Albert-kun, you're alive after your first campaign, and that’s what matters." I encouraged Albert-kun and whispered to him in a low voice, "Simon was in tears, thinking he didn't accomplish anything," which also seemed to shock him. "Lord Cast took it hard too..." It seemed Albert-kun was deeply moved by this revelation, gripping his reins tighter. ...Simon wasn't crying, but some exaggeration is forgivable... I enjoyed the interaction with the son-in-law-to-be and advanced cheerfully towards Bachelard Castle. Somehow, Simon caught wind of the conversation and vehemently protested, "I wasn't crying!" but that's a story for another time. Adorable son. ... Back at Bachelard Castle, Jose, left to guard the place, greeted us with a bewildered expression. He quickly informed me, "There's something I'd like to discuss," and led me away—it seemed an issue he didn't want overheard. "You have guests," "Alright, I’ll meet them. Have the army take a break." I forgot to ask who the visitor was and naively stepped into the drawing-room. Honestly, I was careless. "Hey, welcome back." To my surprise, awaiting me was none other than Count Darmont himself. "Count Darmont!? What brings you here?" I exclaimed in shock, to which the count calmly replied, "Your letter suggested luring the enemy out." ...I'm utterly baffled... I couldn't hide my confusion. This man and I just weren't on the same wavelength. "Could you explain a little more...?" "Ah, of course. The letter from King Lioncour said 'lure out the enemy,' didn't it?" I nodded at Count Darmont's words. So far, so good. "The current situation in my domain has seen rising dissatisfaction towards me, which I've been forcefully suppressing. The discontent has been so severe that there have been several assassination attempts against me and my son. So, I suddenly announced I'd 'go meet the Lioncour King' and left the territory—a deliberate show of weakness." "I see. So, did your enemies take the bait?" When I inquired further, he grinned and said, "Oh, they did." "Two people have fallen for this transparent trap: my brother and my half-brother. I inherited the title of Count instead of my elder brother... but he's quite the dullard. To think he'd fall for such an obvious lure... Right now, they probably believe they've won by capturing my wife and children." "Wait, your wife and children... isn't that bad?" Once again, the Count left me in shock. If his wife and children were taken hostage, that would be the end of it all. "Why so? Taking my wife and children along wouldn't have served as a lure, wouldn't it?" "Well, that might be true..." Indeed, keeping the family safe would have made the trap obvious. "Besides, I'm still young. I can always have more children. I’d like to have the Lioncour King’s sister or daughter instead." "Well... we don’t really have anyone of marriageable age..." The Count remained remarkably detached. In a way, this was the mindset of a proper ruler. But no matter how strategic the marriage, could he really be so unemotional about it? I tried to read his expression but found nothing. "I believe the Lioncour King has many half-sisters, or not?" "No, even the oldest of my half-sisters is only ten years old, and their mother's status is too low." Yes, my mass-produced younger siblings, some of whom were given to my half-brother Hughes, include some as young as ten. They're not a good match age-wise with the Count, who's around my age, and they're children of a slave. It seems insulting to marry them off to a count. "The status of their mother doesn't concern me; the important part is that she's the Lioncour King's sister. At ten years old, in a few years she'd be able to bear children, it's settled." He'd made up his mind. "Gather the leaders; we'll start council at once. If we waste time, the enemy will fortify their defenses." "Ah, yes." It felt like I'd been off balance this entire time. "Hurry, brother-in-law." "Uh, shouldn't we rescue your wife first...?" Imagining this nonchalant man as my subordinate makes my stomach ache.