Episode 125: Bad Face - The Saga of Lioncourt

**Bachelard Castle, Grand Hall** In the castle's grand hall, a gathering of barons, viscounts, and the leadership of Lioncourt assembled for a general meeting. "First, I'd like you to take a look at this map." Without much preamble, Count Darmont spread out a large map, securing its edges with an ink pot to keep it from rolling back. "This is a map of the county's territory. Now, I'll be marking the bases of hostile forces. Red and yellow—those are the enemies." Count Darmont methodically placed colored stones on the map. At first glance, the red seemed quite numerous. On the left side of the map, stretching from the west to the center of the county, many bases were marked with red stones, including the deresidence—Darmont Castle. East of the Kudo River, which flows through the county, were placed yellow stones. "So, does the two colors mean that the enemy is...?" "Exactly. My older brother, Charlo, is marked by yellow, and my younger brother, Clement, by red. Both are dimwitted, yet they enjoy strong support from influential figures... well, they're perfect fools to be used as mere puppets." Count Darmont responded to Pierre's question. The attendees, mostly those of noble rank, gathered in the center while other leaders and retainers stood slightly apart, encircling them. "I see. Do these two cooperate with each other?" Pierre inquired further, asking what everyone else was likely wondering, and helping to move the meeting along. "They do not. There's only one crown to claim, but two fools vying for it. There are more siblings, but these two are particularly foolish." Count Darmont derisively mocked his siblings, showing just how adversarial their relationship was. ...Well, no need to point out how he got ousted by these fools... I kept quiet, not wanting to say anything unnecessary. "And these unmarked black stones... they represent our strongholds." With a soft click, the Count placed a single black stone on a southern outpost. A sudden illustration accompanied the scene, drawing the moment into an engaging picture by Mitemin. "Eh? Just one?" I couldn't help but voice my surprise. There was only one lone stone at the southern edge of the map. "That's right. Other than Darmont Castle, the Count of Darmont doesn't have much land. The autonomous cities will likely rally to the nearest strong power." In other words, it seemed Count Darmont had been completely forced out. It was my strategy to lure out the enemy, but seeing the county so overrun with opposition forces was startling. I couldn't help but feel he was a bit too unpopular. "This southern castle is Poussin Castle. When the fools raise arms, I've ordered the Iron Shield troops to seize it. It should serve as a beachhead to advance our forces." "Indeed, having a base changes the situation significantly. What's the ultimate objective? Defeat the enemies and return you to Darmont Castle for peace?" Jean asked Count Darmont about the strategic goals, as knowing these would alter the way the army would proceed. The Count closed his eyes, contemplating how to best articulate his thoughts. "...I would like to annihilate the significant threats, at least. At least ensure knights Auger, who supports my brother Clement, and Bizet, who supports my brother Charlo, do not escape." Count Darmont's eyes narrowed sharply, filled with newfound resolve—a striking strategic goal of enemy annihilation. "Especially since the Auger family holds nearly a third of the territory within the county. We must seize this opportunity to confiscate their lands and strengthen the Count's power; otherwise, we can't effectively function under King Lioncourt." Hearing him say this, I couldn't help but smile wryly to myself. ...Ah, indeed, it's all in how you say it... Basically, Count Darmont wanted to use the forces of Lioncourt to cleanse his territory of influential figures and centralize power. By forcing their compliance, he'd effectively assert, "King Lioncourt stands behind me." And marrying my half-sister was likely part of that plan. Regardless of his mother's low birth, forging ties with Lioncourt was a necessary signal. Perhaps they would even welcome it if he chose not to rescue his old wife and son, framing it as an unfortunate accident. "As for the enemy's strength?" "Our forces in the territory number at most 3,300... no, possibly 3,500. Likely, my dolt of a brother Charlo could summon no more than 1,000 men, likely just 800 or so. My foolish brother Clement has the support of the Auger family; they could muster around 1,500, optimistically just under 2,000." Jean, who had a penchant for military matters, was keenly engaged. To him, it seemed Baron Cocteau was never much of a challenge. "What about the remaining forces? Will they side with us?" Jean inquired, to which the Count chuckled softly. "No, the rest will wait to see how matters unfold. They'll side with whoever seems favorable. Apart from the Iron Shield troops and a few loyal followers, which amount to 200, our advantageous soldiers are limited." Count Darmont might appear laid-back, but these troops reflect a level of support. It's surprising they managed to maintain governance under such conditions—by ordinary standards, this would be considered a checkmate. ...Indeed, I recall hearing that they lost support due to military failures... it seems indeed a dire situation... Nonetheless, I sensed that Count Darmont still held a measure of fortune, having secured an unexpected trump card in the form of a 'secret pact with Lioncourt.' This element of luck cannot be underestimated. In knightly professions, mere presence can lead to unexpected promotions, or to a stray arrow leading to one's demise. Warriors particularly revere and respect this battlefield fortuity. I focused intently on the map to strategize. ...Should we first attack Clement's group, which has more numbers? No, if we strike too prominently, Charlo's faction might surrender without a fight... and we can't have that... Count Darmont aimed for the enemy's annihilation. While complete annihilation may be impossible, crippling both factions would suffice. ...Then, simultaneously. With our forces, a two-front operation is feasible... I gathered my thoughts, lifted my gaze from the map, and surveyed the faces of the commanders. They were all imbued with fighting spirit... with this resolve, they would outmatch an enemy with inferior numbers. Ultimately, morale is the most crucial factor in warfare, I believe. No matter how excellent the equipment or extensive the training, soldiers won't fight without morale; they may simply desert. And it is the leader's fighting spirit that elevates the soldiers' morale. This spirit transmits to them, translating to morale. "Fine, we'll split our forces. If we attack them separately, the remaining side might surrender intact. Attacking simultaneously will allow us to damage both." "Is that wise? Dividing the army increases risk." Upon hearing my strategy, Poncello, who'd been silent until now, spoke up. Poncello, a baronet, stood near me, participating in the meeting. "Indeed, smaller forces ease logistical challenges. Is that agreeable, Count?" "Yes, it's much appreciated. I'd like to weaken both factions if possible." Count Darmont expressed his gratitude, hastily picking up the stones and rolling up the map. "This map should be presented to King Lioncourt." As the Count handed me the map, there was a collective murmur of surprise. By presenting the map, a lord indicates a ceding of territory, signifying an offer of allegiance. "I accept it with gratitude. And in return, take this." I removed the curved sword from my belt and handed it to the Count. This exchange symbolized the establishment of a lord-vassal relationship. Though a formal ceremony would be necessary after the situation calms, this would suffice for now. "I accept it. Such an unusual shape for a sword," Count Darmont remarked as he inspected the curved blade with curiosity. "Indeed, we had our smiths craft it by imitating the weapons from the Septentriones Islands," I explained. Count Darmont seemed intrigued by the sword, which was a new creation—designed to be closer in form to a katana. While still more akin to a machete, it featured a noticeably curved blade. "Count Darmont, I'd like you to lead a separate detachment. If the enemy attempts communication, we can deflect them by referring all inquiries to 'Count Darmont,' and you can likewise send them back saying, 'Ask Varian.' This should effectively delay any negotiations," I suggested. My proposal caused the room to erupt in laughter. Though seemingly absurd, such bureaucratic runaround is ideal for buying time. "The detachment will be led by Count Draene, accompanied by Viscount Arbeau, Baron Gey, and Count Darmont. Your target: Charlo's army." A formidable force nearing 3,000 strong had been split in half. "Count Draene, I entrust this to you." When I directed this at Count Draene, he responded calmly, "Leave it to me." "Count Darmont, would you like us to take charge of defending Poussin Castle?" "Ah, that would be a great help. And regarding the villages and towns... please refrain from looting anything beyond what's necessary for supplies. As for the castles, you may ravage them as you please. Handling prisoners will also be your duty." Count Darmont was already considering post-war governance, aiming to diminish the influence of the knightly class. "We'll target the Auger family's castles specifically and will make sure to project as intimidating an image as possible," I said with a sly grin. In response, Count Darmont grinned wickedly, clearly pleased. "Excellent. Go all out." Indeed, it was a villainous look. For this campaign, I would serve as the 'whip' in Count Darmont's domain. Going forward, any insolent vassals within the county could be threatened with, "I'll call Varian!" instilling fear of disobeying Lioncourt. By harshly punishing our adversaries, we'll deeply embed a fear of defying Lioncourt into their very cores. "Good, once preparations are complete, march north from Poussin Castle and begin the separate operation!" I commanded loudly. The generals responded with enthusiasm, delivering a range of spirited acknowledgements like "Yes!" "Leave it to us!" and "Aye!" Thus, the Lioncourt army set into motion to quell the rebellion within Count Darmont's territory. The enemy remained oblivious to Lioncourt's advance from the north, caught unprepared and unsuspecting.