98
Sangunjang. This word comes up once again.
“Sangunjang Guderian Chester…?”
The information broker effortlessly narrates whether the cost I paid was actually for Sangunjang and not for Ilya the teacher.
“The leaders of the West have selected three great warriors regardless of their affiliations for continental conquest.”
“So, being a warrior doesn’t necessarily mean having leadership skills.”
“Not necessarily. Lexit Elbird, who died in the previous Chimera War at the hands of Jinal Wade, was formidable in combat but lacked leadership skills. He was originally from Irvana. It’s said that Irvana was greatly angered by his death.”
Curious about Irvana, I refrained from asking, fearing he might demand more money.
“The second Guderian Chester. He is the founder of the Chester Ryu Spear Technique and a master of combat, with remarkable combat skills. Moreover, he possesses some level of leadership ability, capable of leading troops into battle. However, he seems to lack the ability to strategize.”
“But does he have the ability to execute?”
“Yes.”
“Was he originally from the West?”
“It’s not certain, but considering he hails from the Dierlum enclave of the Suin, it’s likely.”
“The Suin enclave Dierlum?”
“It’s a massive enclave in the West, where the displaced Suin settled after fleeing the Epsilon Empire.”
“Wait, does that mean Guderian Chester is a Suin?”
“Normally he conceals his face and body, so not much is known, but he is a pureblood Suin. Hence, even at his advanced age, he maintains his skill.”
It suddenly dawned on me about the previous discussion regarding Gaspar.
A close friend of Guderian’s teacher.
‘Now it makes sense.’
Gaspar is a pureblood Suin. And quite advanced in age at that.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Guderian, also a pureblood Suin of similar age, had a resemblance.
‘Wait, if Guderian Chester is Sangunjang, could it be…’
I naturally recalled those words.
─Don’t worry. I’ve called in reinforcements. Sangunjang will come to help us. If they assist our army, we can defeat the villains of Crossing.
The words spoken to the protagonist by someone in the game.
Based on the information gathered so far, the possibility of Ilya being the teacher is very high. He had direct contact with Sangunjang. Moreover, their manner of speaking is similar.
‘Was the teacher really the lover of the husband…?’
Feeling my mind grow more tangled, I decided to get some fresh air and asked the information broker for more details.
“The first was Lexit Elbird, the second was Guderian Chester. Who is the last, the third?”
“I’m sorry, but that information is top secret.”
“Don’t beat around the bush, just tell me how much it will cost.”
“hehehehe, give me 2 million silans.”
I’ll have to bill Juras for this under the guise of information expenses later.
The merchant, smirking cowardly, speaks softly, “You did well coming to Arandal.”
“The third of the Three Daggers. Besides the alias ‘Kufung,’ nothing specific is known about his identity.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No, this is the real deal now. He left the continent years ago when the Three Daggers were formed. It’s said he took refuge within the Byuran Union.”
“Became a spy for Byura?”
“That’s correct.”
“Other than that, nothing else is known about him. His allegiance, the extent of his abilities… Even the fact that he infiltrated Byura could just be a rumor.”
“Do you think he was involved in the recent assassination of the Byuran king?”
“I don’t think he was involved. But because of that assassination, Svenner and the West’s influence within Byura has diminished.”
“Hmm.”
For the information obtained at the price of 2 million silans, it seemed lacking.
The fact that there was a spy from the West within Byura was already known. Finding out it was the Three Daggers was new, though.
As if reading my expression, the informant continues, “This is a small service. There is someone who has risen to the Three Daggers in place of the deceased Lexite. A warrior under Tethora, unnamed but known by others as ‘Cannibal.’ If you happen to encounter him, be cautious.”
Cannibal. Sounds ruthlessly dangerous.
“Thank you. This is all the information I want.”
“hehehehe, I hope it proves to be a worthwhile deal.”
Through this deal, I learned a few things.
The fact that there was a spy from the West near the protagonist, deeply involved.
The possibility of the mentor being connected to the West.
From a purely informational perspective, the mentor could very well have been dispatched by the West to assess the situation on the continent.
“Phew…!”
To think I have to suspect the mentor. It’s making my head spin.
At that moment, Eo cautiously says, “Lord Als. If you’re doubting Ilya, it would be better to ask her directly.”
“What?”
“Ilya is not someone who would harm you or hide anything from you. If you ask, she will answer truthfully. Please trust her.”
It makes sense. Rather than overthinking alone, it would be quicker to ask her directly.
“I’ll do that. Thank you.”
“You’ve made a wise decision.”
“But it’s surprising that you’re giving me advice. It’s hard to think of you as the loyal Eonia.”
“Loyal!?!”
“You didn’t know? Everyone’s been calling you that behind your back.”
“I’m not loyal! Who on earth is calling me that!?”
“hahahaha, just kidding. Anyway, how about having dinner before we head back?”
“Really? But Yumir mentioned that dinner would be prepared by now…”
“Sometimes, I want us all to sit down together for a meal. I might even invite Yumir. It might be hard to persuade her though.”
“Then I will handle the persuasion.”
“And then we might get scolded. I’ll be the one doing the persuading.”
And just like that, the short vacation came to an end.
I decided to put on the gray helmet again to conclude the war.
* * *
Resuming my activities, I put on the helmet Olaf had brought me and headed towards Arandal’s palace, bustling with activity.
As the capital of Erevonia, Arandal housed a grand palace within.
Inside, Sophia Munung was conducting a military council.
The sentries eyed me warily, but having already informed the Crossing military through Croixing’s military leader, I showed the signal, and they let me pass with a serious expression.
“Everyone seems hard at work.”
My words enveloped the military council chamber in silence.
Swirling animosity. I chuckled lightly and headed towards the main seat.
“As previously mentioned, I have been appointed to command the 10,000 troops from Crossing who have come to support us this time. The military council has advised us to cooperate with your Bekabian troops.”
“Tsk!”
An audible click of disapproval was heard. From the Bekabian military’s perspective, I was nothing less than a foreign reinforcement. However, given the circumstances, they seemed to understand, though they were far from pleased.
But my displeasure mirrored theirs.
“I’ve heard stories from Calipha. Joining hands with incompetents like you disgusts me. Therefore, I will take command. You all just need to follow my orders.”
“What did you say!”
“Nonsense!”
“This guy has no filter!”
The Bekabian officers protested vehemently. I addressed Sophia.
“Hey, incompetent princess. If you have any dignity, quiet them down.”
“….”
Sophia clenched her fist tightly.
“…I will do as he says.”
“Princess! What’s the meaning of this…!”
“Even for the sake of future events, a unified command structure is preferable.”
“If that’s the case, then shouldn’t we take command authority!”
“If news of Wade’s appearance spreads, the enemy’s response will change. It holds strategic significance.”
“But…!”
“Sorry, Austin. Bear with me this time.”
Sophia was tormented by guilt.
Although the safety of Arandal’s residents was secured, it was because of the multitude of Bekabian soldiers, Calipha’s soldiers, and even General Delvadova, whom she had made enemies with.
After fully taking the main seat, I spoke to them.
“It seems everything is in order. Begin the report.”
The youngsters, trembling and clenching their fists, Bali Austin struggled to speak.
“The enemy forces at Coquin Mountain have retreated further back to Quentin Plains. They are in a standoff with the Crossing and the Western Frontlines.”
“It seems they intend to regroup after maintenance and strike alongside another frontline.”
“That seems to be the case. Hence, we must advance and stand in confrontation with them in unison.”
“There’s no need to have a meeting over such a simple matter; they must have been discussing something else. Go ahead and tell me.”
Sophia took over the conversation.
“The Quentin Plain where they are stationed has a feature of the ground giving way during the rainy season. There are points where swamps form. And now, it’s undoubtedly the rainy season. The recent rain has left the ground in an irregular state.”
“Has it made it difficult for the cavalry to maneuver?”
Currently, due to the cavalry used as ambush troops, the proportion of cavalry within the unit was relatively high.
“That’s right. So, the likelihood of both us and the enemy avoiding combat on the Quentin Plain is high. Therefore, there’s no need for us to confront them there. So where would be the optimal place? Right here.”
“The Callec Highlands, then.”
“Yes. It’s a mountainous area located southwest of where the 30,000 troops of Crossing are stationed. If the Tunkai army aims to strike the flank of the Crossing army, by descending from the mountains, we could tactically gain an advantage by stabbing at their flank in reverse.”
It was not a bad tactical insight.
Setting up camp in the mountainous area would make it easier to defend against the Tunkai army, which had a high proportion of cavalry. If the Tunkai army were to move elsewhere, they would have to follow our army’s movements, potentially joining forces with the Crossing army in front of them to attack the western enemy.
“hahahaha.”
From Noble mtl dot com
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Is everything alright this time?”
“What do you mean?”
“What if the Tunkai army, instead of following our movements, moves elsewhere and raids the vulnerable territories left defenseless?”
“What are you talking about? The possibility of that… is slim…”
“Why, this time, Arandal isn’t a dangerous place, so are you feeling alright?”
“Kuk…!”
“No pretense here. At least you show some consistency, Princess Incompetent. Well, this also shows some form of consistency. Yes, it won’t matter if the rural areas and villages outside the capital collapse. Hmm, that makes sense.”
I continued to stare at her for a while after that.
Although not my style, perhaps due to the near-death experience, the uncomfortable feeling of being scrutinized didn’t subside.
In the end.
“Hu, huk…!”
Sophia’s tears welled up.
‘No, if I cry now…’
There was nothing more to say.
‘Did I go a bit too far?’
Well, considering Sophia’s standpoint, it wasn’t entirely incomprehensible. But dwelling on the past events was meaningless.
“I’m sorry. I seemed to have gotten carried away.”
However, Sophia shook her head.
“No, please continue.”
“…What?”
“It’s a request, please keep scolding me. That way, I feel like I can endure and understand.”
“Well, that’s… a bit…”
Sophia pleading for criticism as if hanging on by a thread.
Seeing her like that, I no longer felt like scrutinizing further.
“Please. You have to do it.”
“No, I won’t do it anymore.”
“Where did that bit of pettiness from a while ago go? Hurry up and reprimand me!”
“I refuse.”
“Please do it!”
“I refuse!”
Sophia demanding a concession and me rejecting it.
The other officers were staring at us in confusion.