Chapter 9 – To Paulstein (2)

Pa aht!

A bright light shot up into the air in Morton, a land that bordered Arhan.

It was a light that was made by a teleport gate.

A few moments later, approximately 20 people appeared above the gate.

Morton wasn’t a big land, so the teleport gate was smaller than normal. This made it so only a few people were able to teleport at any given time.

“I humbly see the prince and princess!”

Chu chu chuk!

As Lloyd and Laney appeared through the teleport gate, Aus Morton – the Lord of Morton, sonorously gave his greeting and knelt on one knee.

As he did, the knights and soldiers behind him followed suit and lowered their heads with discipline.

“It’s been a long time, Lord Morton.”

“I’m really glad to see you in good health!”

“Please rise.”

Lloyd spoke with a dignified tone as he could feel Lord Morton’s sincere loyalty.

Different from before, he was showing the true appearance of a prince, and Laney and Heinze who were standing behind him smiled with a satisfied expression.

“Yes sir.”

“I would like to receive your report first.”

“Please follow me.”

Aus was not shocked to hear that Lloyd wanted a report as soon as he returned.

Instead, he appeared to be delighted.

They were currently at war, so he was rather happy to hear Lloyd’s question.

Pah Aht!

A few moments later, War Elves appeared through the gate.

They were sending their units at the maximum capacity available.

However, every single one of them were wearing wide hoods, covering their faces all the way to their feet.

“Why are they dressed like that?”

“Is there a reason why they need to be completely wrapped up like that?”

“Are they by chance Arhan’s secret units? Then wouldn’t this grow bigger than it should?”

The soldiers that were lined up began to speak noisily, and it was the same for the knights as well.

Although they weren’t saying anything, they were staring at the War Elves with queer looks.

However, because of Arelia’s instructions, none of the elves spoke or made eye contact with the others.

“Please follow me.”

Instead, Steven stepped forward and guided the War Elves.

In Arelia’s stead, he escorted them to their lodging.

Meanwhile, Lloyd arrived at the meeting room and naturally took his spot at the head of the table.

And, to his sides were Aus on one side, then Laney and Heinze, Jade, and Arelia on the other.

“I would like to hear of the current situation.”

“To tell you the truth, it’s really not good.”

“I expected as such. Just tell me as it is.”

“….The majority of the neutral nobles have sided with the duke. Baron Taven, Viscount Vytautas, and Viscount Andrea are on their way to join as well.”

“Are there any Count’s among them?”

“……No sir.”

Aus spoke with a heavy tone.

Of course, he had justification for it.

The Marquis and Count were usually in charge of the borders, so they weren’t supposed to recklessly move their troops.

However, to put it in another way, this meant they wouldn’t participate in the fight that was currently ongoing with the prince and princess.

And, to put it into finer details, this meant they weren’t going to provide their strength to the prince and princess.

Aus closed his eyes as he knew Lloyd understood this as well.

“When will the three family’s troops arrive?”

“Sir?”

Unable to stare at Lloyd, Aus had his head down, but with Lloyd’s question, he instinctively questioned back.

He was surprised to hear Lloyd’s calm voice.

Yet, it wasn’t as if he was forcing himself to be calm.

He was literally calm.

“I’m sure you know, but the amount of information that I have right now is extremely limited since I just returned. That’s why I want to be briefed on the situation accurately.”

“It, it appears that the three family’s troops will arrive in the next two days. The only issue is the second prince is beginning to gather his forces at Viscount Alan’s place.”

“That must mean Marquis Madrane will be there as well.”

“……Yes, I’m sure he’ll be coming together with the second prince.”

Marquis Madrane single handedly beat Heinze and became the country’s greatest swordsman.

That’s why, Aus swallowed his dry saliva and quickly glanced at Heinze standing behind Lloyd.

“How big do you estimate his troops to be?”

“If the Duke really doesn’t move his forces, then we’re looking at approximately 10,000.”

“That’s about 10x larger than us.”

“…….Yes sir.”

A heavy tone naturally came out.

However, Aus decided to follow Lloyd, even knowing they would have this big of a difference in power.

He felt that it was the right thing to do.

Of course, Lloyd was lacking in every degree compared to the second prince, but Lloyd was the one that was assigned as the Crown Prince.

That’s why the vassal would naturally follow behind him.

Even if it led the family to their destruction.

“It appears the second prince wants to keep the damage down to a minimum as well, seeing as how he’s flying all the way out here.”

“…….Are you okay sir?”

“What’s there not to be okay?”

“Are there more forces coming from Arhan by chance?”

Aus asked out of curiosity.

He couldn’t officially join the civil war but could help as much as he wanted privately.

There was a saying where “everything is okay as long as you don’t get caught”.

“There won’t be anymore coming. The 300 that we brought with us is all we have.”

“I, is that so.”

Aus’s complexion quickly darkened.

Just as high as his expectations were, he was just as equally disappointed.

However, he didn’t know that everyone in the room was currently watching the change in his expression.

“It’s not too late, Viscount.”

“What do you mean sir?”

“It means you still have an opportunity.”

“I’ve already pledged myself to the King, and the pledge continues to you, not the second prince.”

Aus firmly spoke without a hint of hesitation.

If anything, he appeared to be mad hearing those words.

And, seeing this, Heinze unconsciously brightly smiled.

“It seems you have already prepared yourself, Viscount.”

“That’s right. I will be with the Crown Prince, even till my last breath. The same goes for the soldiers and knights of Morton.”

“That loyalty, I will never forget it in my life.”

After confirming Aus’s thoughts, Lloyd and Laney earnestly looked at the map.

They were confirming the location that would become their battleground.

Furthermore, they were figuring out ways to lower the damage of the battle.

It was important to win, but it was just as important to keep the damage to a minimum.