Fun Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord (Novel) - Chapter 81 - It Seems to Be Part of the Plan

Chapter 81 – It Seems to Be Part of the Plan

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Translated by Sylph

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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The enemy knight order turned out to consist of three hundred men borrowed from a margrave of the Kingdom of Yerinetta, together with the guard knights of Prince Unimog Yerinetta of the Yerinetta royal house.

I had very much wanted to question the puppet mage controlling the wyvern, but unfortunately he had been slammed into the wall and died in battle.

Apparently, this was one part of an invasion plan that had been under preparation for several years and set in motion three months ago.

The king seemed unusually frustrated.

Apparently, the information had been concealed with considerable skill.

At the moment, the king, Aperta, Panamera, and I were seated around a table in one of the rooms of the lord’s manor, holding a council.

“There were no reports of weapons orders or knight order movements. On the contrary, they ought to have been in the midst of carrying out a large-scale flood-control project in the royal capital. To think they would spend that much money simply to blind our eyes… It seems they are serious this time.”

At the king’s visibly ill-tempered mutter, I nodded and opened my mouth.

“I see. Still, even if he was a disappointing prince, how did you manage to get so much information out of Unimog?”

The details of a wartime invasion plan are complete state secrets. Would a member of the royal house really reveal such things?

That was why I asked, but the king merely shrugged sourly, and Aperta explained in his place.

“He was astonishingly soft. We asked whether he would prefer to have his nails torn out or his eyes gouged, and he immediately told us everything.”

“Ordinarily one should welcome an enemy soldier who speaks honestly, but that degree of weakness truly irritated me.”

Panamera agreed with half an exasperated look.

“Hahaha… well, I suppose he just hates pain. So then, the full scope of the invasion plan?”

When I asked that, the king knitted his brows deeply and answered.

“The main operation is the invasion of the territories of House Fertio, which only recently expanded its lands.”

“Huh?”

At my surprise, the king narrowed his eyes and made a complicated expression.

“I hesitate to speak to you of the marquis house, but now that you are a baron, it would be better for you to hear this directly and steel yourself.”

Taking care with his words, the king began to speak of the Kingdom of Yerinetta’s invasion plan against Daddy’s territory.

“As you know, House Fertio expanded its territory by roughly fifty percent over the course of ten years. However, the training and appointment of personnel could not keep pace, and while the area to be defended expanded, the response was left for later. It seems the Kingdom of Yerinetta learned of that. The royal capital has stationed border defense forces as well, but in terms of both numbers and knowledge of the land, they are lacking.”

The king said that with a sigh, and I could not help interrupting.

“Then, does that mean they’re being attacked right now?”

At that, the king nodded.

“Yes. In terms of both terrain and the plan itself, the first target will be Fortress City Scudetto. Furthermore, in order to ensure Scudetto’s fall, House Fertio’s second city, and three other towns and villages including Seat Village, are likely being attacked at the same time.”

Having said that much, the king lifted his face and spoke again.

“But do not panic. The enemy has already struck first. It is now a race against time, but the situation will not change merely because we run about. What is necessary is to sort out the situation and formulate countermeasures.”

Once the king said that, Aperta gave a small cough and took over.

“Then let us confirm our responses. First, His Majesty and I will return to the royal capital with a minimal escort, organize the Royal Capital Knight Order, and proceed to Scudetto. Next, Viscount Panamera. The viscount will report to Count Ferdinand, immediately organize a supply corps and knight order, and likewise head for Scudetto.”

After saying that, Aperta looked at me.

“Ordinarily, we would ask no more of a mere village lord than the provision of supplies and the like. However, having judged that it is possible in your case, Baron Van, we request your participation in this defensive campaign.”

Aperta came out with something very serious like that, and my honest feelings spilled out before I could stop them.

“Eeh…”

At my mutter, one of Aperta’s brows rose.

“…You refuse?”

The air instantly turned sharp, and the eyes of the king and Panamera turned toward me too. Normally, it would be impossible to say no in an atmosphere like this, but I would not yield. I wanted to stay shut in, so I had no desire to leave the village if I could help it.

Even so, I chose my words carefully so as not to be discourteous.

“I am honored that you would make the request, but I also have a duty to protect this village. If I leave this village, still only partway through its development, then that would be tantamount to abandoning it. As its lord, I wish to protect the village.”

I spoke in a serious tone, but Aperta’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“…Even though you possess weapons that turn a wyvern into a sieve with a single blow, as well as defensive facilities capable of slaying Armored Lizards and dragons, you still call this place unfinished?”

At Aperta’s skeptical gaze, I nodded at once.

“Without question, it is unfinished. To be frank, in my own mind it isn’t even a tenth complete yet. There are still all kinds of things I want to make.”

When I firmly declared it unfinished, even Aperta blinked. So did the king, though Panamera alone laughed with amusement.

“As expected, the boy is interesting. I cannot stop wondering what outrageous things he may create next, but you would do better to accept this request. In times of danger to the nation, all nobles must cooperate without regard for their own interests. That is something like a covenant entered into when one becomes a noble… hm? Ah, right. I handled your investiture in proxy, so perhaps you did not know what obligations the nobility carried.”

Speaking as though just recalling it, Panamera gave a wry smile.

No, I learned that from Espada, though. Still, couldn’t I perhaps pretend not to know and use that to wriggle free this time?

No. Probably not.

With no choice, I sighed and nodded.

“…Understood. If that is the duty of the nobility, then I shall participate. However, I also have responsibilities as a lord. I want to decide for myself how many people I take from the village.”

“Mm, that is acceptable. However, I would like you to bring those dreadful ballistas.”

“Of course. I’ll use Prototype 28. It’s mobile, and the sturdiest one. However, since it takes a great deal of time and resources to produce, I’ve only made three so far.”

At that answer, the king laughed in exasperation.

“You seem to be conducting more research than the researchers retained by the royal house. How in the world do you think up so many things?”

“They’re all just slight modifications of what already exists. Though, if I can get my hands on something I’m looking for, I do think I could make something pretty interesting.”

“…Oh?”

At my remark, the king lifted one corner of his mouth with interest.

“…If there are no objections, then we had best all proceed to our duties.”

Aperta cut across the moment there, and the king leaned back in his chair.

“Hmm… You have no objections, I trust. Then let us move. Both I and the viscount will need at least three weeks to a month. We shall send messengers from the towns along the way to the neighboring nobles by separate routes, but they too will not arrive leading troops until around the same time.”

The king said that much, then stood and looked down at me.

“Scudetto will not fall easily. However, there are certainly tens of thousands of troops gathered around it. Do not push yourself too hard. Wait for our arrival, and then strike at the same time.”
“Understood.”
I obeyed that warning honestly. More than that, even if he’d told me to go charging in, I would’ve said no.
“Then let each of us act swiftly.”
Saying that, the king truly did finish his preparations with speed and left the village.