Chapter 100

Achieving a Hundred Episodes

On that day, the kingdom of Rosais was in a festive mood.

The first good news dates back three days.

It seems that General Barthol, who was given absolute command, had defeated the enemy army. The damage on our side, including the wounded, was less than two hundred...

This victory report was first sent to King Rosais, then immediately informed to the nobles, and subsequently made public to the commoners.

The kingdom of Rosais had been on the defensive in wars for decades, so even the commoners clapped and rejoiced.

Winning the war meant not only plunder but also a large influx of slaves.

There was great benefit for the commoners as well.

The next good news came the following day.

The allied forces had succeeded in the bloodless capture of the capital of King Domorgal's country.

Prince Ald had abandoned the defense of the capital and fled.

And today, most of the nobles loyal to Ald were switching their allegiance to the Carlo faction, a report that was brought to King Rosais.

"Seventy percent of the nobles have sided with us. It seems that the suppression will be completed within a week."

As I surveyed the nobles, they erupted in cheers.

I, too, felt like joining in their cheers.

Barthol, as expected. A victory greater than anticipated.

It seems I made the right decision in appointing him.

At this rate, the civil war will end soon.

We will gain territory and vassal states with minimal losses. This is great.

War is incredibly expensive... but if it's short-term, it won't be that costly.

Generally, it becomes dangerous if it goes beyond three months.

This war has not even been a month since it started, so we still have financial leeway.

"Raymond, what about Berberdil and Evir?"

"Neither country shows any signs of movement. ...Besides, once General Barthol returns, it's clear they will be defeated."

In other words, the concern over the movements of the two countries was unfounded.

Once this war ends, the northern defenses will be secure. After all, King Domorgal's country, our greatest enemy, will become an ally.

The next step would be to subdue King Berberdil's country, and then King Evir's country...

This order seems just right.

When attacking Berberdil, forming an official alliance with Lezard might make things smoother.

If we can subdue these two countries, no country will be able to oppose ours.

After that, absorbing the smaller and medium-sized states to the south... the unification of the Adelnia Peninsula will be in sight.

"For now, let's disclose the information to the commoners. As long as we are winning, there won't be any complaints."

The low number of casualties is also good.

No matter how much we advance, if there are many deaths, dissatisfaction will overflow.

"Let's prepare for the triumphal ceremony. Prepare the alcohol as promised."

Before that, I need to think about the land to reward Barthol...

At that moment, we were captivated by the two words "victory" and overlooked the problem that Prince Ald had not been captured.

This would later bring great disaster...

---

"Ughhhhhh!!!"

At that exact moment, Mari was scratching her head frantically.

According to Mari's plan,

Prince Pax would take credit for King Domorgal's country attacking King Rosais' country.

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The Equis tribe would send reinforcements, and at that moment, Redus would be appointed as the leader of the Equis tribe.

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At this point, Evir and Berberdil would undoubtedly join the war.

↓

Once King Rosais' country was weakened, King Domorgal's country would launch a surprise attack from behind. In return for the rescue, King Rosais' country would be made a vassal state.

But the plan fell apart from the start.

For some reason, King Domorgal died, and a civil war broke out. King Rosais' country intervened and achieved a great victory...

It was now beyond control.

"But... Lady Merlin, isn't this unavoidable? No one could have predicted King Domorgal's death..."

"No... it's my negligence. I should have checked his health, given his belly..."

Still, it was difficult to infiltrate Rosel's sorcerers into King Domorgal's personal medical staff.

So, in a sense, it was unavoidable. It was truly a cruel twist of fate...

"His Majesty said not to worry about it?"

"...Of course he would say that. There's no one in this country who can punish me."

The upper echelons of the Rosel Kingdom are composed of capable people chosen by Mari.

Mari also holds significant decision-making power in choosing the next Rosel King.

Mari has been helping the first Rosel King since before the founding of the Rosel Kingdom.

No one questions Mari's authority.

If Lady Merlin failed, it was unavoidable... such an atmosphere exists in the Rosel Kingdom.

This time, it was just a loss of potential gains, not a loss of current assets.

So, instead of blaming Mari, King Rosel is encouraging her... but that kindness is painful.

"So, why are you here?"

"General Kryu has returned from the expedition."

"Kryu? I thought it would take another two weeks?"

General Kryu.

He is one of the renowned generals of the Rosel Kingdom, who has been on an expedition to unify the northwest of Garia for over a year.

He skillfully uses two blessings to ensure victory.

His specialty is a charge, and his nickname is "Devil Charge."

There is no one in Garia who doesn't know the name "Devil Charge Kryu."

"He heard about Lady Merlin's failure and returned with ten thousand elite troops. According to General Kryu, it's not too late to turn things around."

"...Ah, I see."

A plan to turn the situation around formed in Mari's mind.

It was a somewhat difficult operation, a kind of gamble, but it could achieve even greater results than initially planned.

"Alright... I understand. I'll go now."

Mari dragged her heavy feet and headed to General Kryu.

---

"First of all, congratulations, Kryu. Thanks to you, the unification of Garia has taken a step forward."

Mari offered her congratulations to Kryu, who broke into a broad smile.

"Hahaha, that's what you get with me. So, Marill, you have something else to say, don't you?"

Mari's eyes narrowed. Still, it was a fact that she was not in a position to act superior.

"It's not Marill, it's Merlin. ...My plan failed. If we don't stop it, King Rosais' country will become too powerful. I need your help to prevent that."

"So, you want me to raise Prince Ald and march on King Domorgal's country."

"Exactly."

Fortunately, Prince Ald has not been captured yet.

He is still on the run, continuing his resistance.

It's only a matter of time before he is caught, but... we can still make it in time.

Mari has a flying dragon for rapid transportation. Using this, protecting Prince Ald will be easy.

"The troops we can muster... ten thousand I brought back and five thousand combat slaves, making a total of fifteen thousand. About the same as the enemy. Well, I can definitely win... but I'm tired. I was in cold northern Garia not long ago? What should I do?"

Kryu looked at Mari with a grin.

Mari said with a face that looked like she had bitten a thousand bitter insects.

"...Please. Please help me clean up this mess."

"Alright, I understand! It's a request from Marill. I'll gladly accept it!!"

Kryu smiled.

Mari glared at Kryu.

"It's not Marill, it's Merlin! Or Mari!! ...Seriously... a kid who was still wetting the bed not long ago..."

"I'm already forty? Forty years ago is a long time... you must be an old woman."

"You're an old man yourself. You're a grandpa by general standards. And I look seventeen. Plus, my hymen regenerates due to a blessing, so I'm eternally a virgin. A beautiful girl that virgin lovers would cry with joy."

Mari laughed through her nose, regaining her usual tone.

Kryu shrugged.

Despite their bickering, these two have a long history and are good friends, though they would deny it.

"Then, let's act quickly. After proposing to the king, we'll set out immediately. I'll also ask Lord Kuririn to come along. Even just flying above will be effective."

"...It's not Kuririn, it's Ruriru..."

Mari smiled wryly and headed to the palace with Kryu.

---

"Damn it!!! Why, why!!!"

"..."

Ald had been hitting Alice for ten minutes.

The pain was starting to become intense and unbearable.

Alice is much tougher than an average person, but pain is still pain.

"...Can you please stop now?"

"Shut up!!! Why, why!!!"

Alice couldn't answer "why." She knows nothing about politics or military affairs.

"At least, we should think about what to do next. For example... seeking asylum in Rosel."

At this stage, that is the most realistic solution. Surrendering would mean certain death.

If they flee to Rosel, they might be able to borrow Rosel's military power, or at the very least, save their lives.

"How are we supposed to escape!!! We're already surrounded? Right now, you're the only one I have!!!"

By abandoning the capital and fleeing, Ald had completely lost his popularity.

The guards were either fleeing or selling information to the enemy.

When they finally reached a noble's territory, they were served poisoned food or attacked in their sleep.

At this point, Alice, a slave, was the only ally left.

In other words, Ald's life was in Alice's hands, but he didn't realize it and continued to hit her.

It was very much like Ald.

And Alice, who had no intention of betraying Ald, was also very much like Alice.

Of course, Alice's loyalty to Ald was not out of goodwill or loyalty, but pure fear and a preconceived notion that she couldn't disobey.

"Ah!!! Why did it come to this!!!"

Ald hit Alice's face while shouting. Tears welled up in his eyes.

Alice thought, "I'm the one who wants to cry."

Although Alice last cried over ten years ago...

They were in the mansion of a noble loyal to Ald.

For now, they were being provided with food and baths.

But Alice thought it was only a matter of time.

The tide had completely turned in favor of Rosais. Nobles side with the strong.

Moreover, Ald had the crimes of fratricide (though this was a false accusation) and patricide. More than enough justification to betray him.

"Master Ald, if you don't stop, I can't answer."

"I don't need the advice of a spider woman!!!"

Ald hit Alice's face hard.

Then, don't listen, Alice thought. Of course, she didn't say it out loud.

"Ah, damn... how can we turn this around..."

Ald moved away from Alice and started pacing around the room.

His face was pale.

Even if he apologized now, his head would be displayed. He had to do something to survive.

The word "death" flashed through Ald's mind.

"Hey, Alice!!! Can you kill Carlo?"

"...Even if we kill the first prince, someone else will be raised to the throne. There are plenty of royals. Besides, a powerful noble could be made king. In fact, many in the Adelnia Peninsula have become kings through uprisings."

Making Ald king would be worse than finding a young child from somewhere and declaring them a king chosen by the gods.

"Ugh... what should I do..."

As Ald was agonizing, there was a loud knock on the door.

The noble who had sheltered Ald burst in.

"Hey! What is it, coming in without permission..."

"Master Ald!!! Rejoice!!! The Rosel Kingdom, the Rosel Kingdom!!!"

Ald's eyes widened.

Ald and the noble clapped and rejoiced together.

Ald Domorgal. His bad luck was strong.

"Hah..."

Alice sighed deeply.

It's about time for a showdown between the great generals.