Episode 141: The Deacon's Cooperation, Part 1 - The Saga of Lioncourt

The old Canal region is a strategic location that benefits from the rich lands provided by the Shishiku River flowing east to west and the Middle Centre River flowing north to south. Positioned at the heart of the Amoros region, this area once thrived as the Kingdom of Canal flourished. Back then, the lands were divided into smaller territories without strong leaders or unity — there were two counts, two viscounts, one baron, and four knightly families. It felt like a mere gathering of smaller lords. This division was a result of the Amoros Kingdom's conquest of the Canal Kingdom; seeing its wealth as a potential threat, they intentionally fragmented the land. Without any overwhelmingly powerful figure and being somewhat blessed economically, these lords often leaned towards neutrality, focusing on maintaining their own territories. However, now, to counter the threat of the invading Lioncourt state, they have allied with the Kingdom of Amoros, locking step in a bid to resist. The Lioncourt army unjustly ravaged the Bose knightly territory and killed its lord without any legitimate reason, a surprise attack lacking any justification. Furthermore, they continue their advance, showing no signs of halting their merciless invasion. When the Lords of the old Canal region saw Bose fall, they all thought, "I'm next," and thus they unified. A battle to protect the rich lands of the old Canal region was about to commence... Illustration (By Mitemi) ...Well, that's how the situation stands now. Needless to say, outside of Lioncourt, I am despised like a venomous creature and dreaded like a demon. As of now, there is no lord in the old Canal region who has defected to Lioncourt. Conquering everything proves difficult; ideally, I would prefer them to surrender, but for that, we must first defeat enemy forces several times and demonstrate our might. The best outcome would be to scatter the reinforcements from Amoros. If we exhibit Lioncourt's strength, they will naturally surrender, like grass bending before the wind, realizing "Amoros is not to be depended on." "Your Majesty, an envoy has arrived from the Count of Valkashishiku." While I was organizing the situation, an envoy from Count Valkashishiku, our current target, had apparently arrived. It was Maurice who relayed this to me. "Understood, I'll meet them." "Certainly. Allow me to arrange the seating; please wait a moment." Maurice informed me of this and issued some instructions to his subordinates. Lately, he seems to have a sort of vice butler, which is quite intriguing. Perhaps an apprentice of some kind. After a brief interval, I entered the hall where the generals were assembled, somewhat delayed. Entering while everyone waits feels rather awkward. I prefer not to be given special treatment. Flanked by my sons; Robert takes precedence as the eldest, while Simon sits as the head of the viscount house. I would like to discuss 'future matters' with just the three of us, but the reality is both my sons and I are accompanied by a retinue of retainers, making such opportunities rare. On the other hand, dismissing people during a campaign could lead to accusations of holding secretive talks... Royalty has its inconveniences. Shortly thereafter, the envoy and his attendant arrived. The envoy held his helmet in the crook of his arm, bowing respectfully. "No need for preliminaries. Will Valkashishiku fight us or not?" When I abruptly cut to the chase, the envoy seemed a bit startled, starting to say, "We are resisting the unprovoked invasion of the King of Lioncourt..." which annoyed me. He might be the inflexible type. "Stop it, that's tiresome. Just leave." "No, that's not it! If I have offended you..." The envoy seemed bewildered by my sudden outburst, and Robert murmured, "That's a bit harsh, isn't it?" ...Not good, I've been prone to anger lately... Indeed, recently I can't tolerate even minor things. Perhaps stress is building up from poor health. Reflecting on Robert's words, I cleared my throat with a "cough." "Yes, I just want you to get to the point quickly. I seemed irritable as I was holding it in... Lately, due to age, I've been needing to go more frequently, forgive me." A hastily concocted excuse, but if it's a physiological need, oh well. Though my sons made faces, it was a perfect excuse. "My apologies, I'll proceed... We do not wish for conflict. This incident arises from a minor misunderstanding..." ...Is this guy deaf...? He starts with formalities yet again... Doesn't he realize there's no turning back the army anymore... I was about to urge the envoy again... But words wouldn't come. There's pain in my chest. A disagreeable, dull ache deep inside. This time, more than pain, it's a discomfort or chill; either way, I feel awful. I might vomit. ...Not now... Struggling not to show my distress, I held back the nausea. Seeing this, Roger and young Pierre hastened the envoy, "That's irrelevant, get to the point," thinking I was angry. They probably mistook my pained expression for an angry visage, which is just as well. The envoy, noticing my silence, bowed once more. "Th-Then... We wish to surrender Valkashishiku Castle, but ask for our safe passage." The envoy cast a glance at me. "Hmm... Go on." I managed to rasp out, prompting Simon beside me to murmur, "Is he really holding it that desperately?" "Yes, our troops are few, and we lack confidence in defending the castle. We will surrender it... But in return..." "You want me to allow your forces to join with others?" The envoy hesitantly answered, "That is correct." Feigning contemplation, I hunched slightly. Gradually, the pain subsided, leaving only a discomfort in my chest. ...Good, it seems to have eased quickly... Having calmed down, I reconsidered the envoy's proposal. The stronghold of Count Valkashishiku, Balka Castle, is perfectly located as a bridgehead for conquering the old Canal region. If I can take it without fighting, all the better. The risks are—after occupying the castle, food or wells might be poisoned, or the retreating enemy troops might bolster their ranks by joining reinforcements. Being a fortress city, undetected soldiers might also cause trouble among civilians. While I pondered silently, the envoy desperately argued that handing over the castle benefited Lioncourt. They are faltering against Simon as well. Perhaps they have no preparations for a siege. "Very well. However, we will take hostages until our safety is assured. And there will be certain conditions." Hearing my words, the envoy swallowed nervously. "Not only soldiers, but civilians must also evacuate. Anyone left behind will be slaughtered, regardless of age or health. Property taken out must only be what can be worn; castle facilities and provisions are to remain untouched. If acts like poisoning food or wells are discovered, the hostages will be executed... impaled alive." In essence, I told them to "leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs." The terms were admittedly harsh, but it was their choice to evacuate. We were perfectly capable of besieging the castle if we wished. "...I can't give an immediate response to such conditions. I would like to take this back and provide an answer later..." "That's fine, but I won't wait. The army will advance. Be prepared for a tough assault... After all, I've never failed in a siege." Of course, that last part was a bluff, but exaggeration is part of the game. With a sly grin, I watched the envoy leave, his expression slightly strained. "Father, aren't you going to that bathroom?" Simon asked. "Ah, a silent fart took care of it," I replied offhandedly, prompting exaggerated disgust from my sons as they made retching noises. Despite everything, they get along well and have a solid relationship. When we return, we should carve out some private time for just the three of us to have a proper conversation. "A siege, huh? Sounds exciting. Maybe I'll aim to be the first over the walls! Better yet, why not have a competition with Simon to see who can claim the most heads?" I cheerfully tossed out the bright remark, and it felt like a weight lifted from my chest. Luckily, today's pain wasn't severe... Perhaps I'm improving. "We haven't decided to attack yet," Robert noted. "What do you mean, 'claiming heads'? What a morbid competition," Simon added, sounding perturbed. Despite their grumblings, my thoughts were already focused on the siege. ...Maybe releasing some tension on the battlefield will help... I haven't been engaged in battle lately; that's probably thrown me off... I forcibly redirected my attention away from the discomfort in my chest. Later, I told my sons about how, as children, I used to compete with Rolo and Jean to see who could take the heads of sick slaves and criminals. It left my sons visibly disturbed. Blame Albert for that. He always insisted on quick-kill training and such.