Episode 78: The Conquest Battle Begins

　Court Secretary Shemhazai delivered the message and handed over the letter before promptly leaving the scene. Following that, Bertram dismissed the headquarters’ senior officers.

　The only ones left in the operations room were him and Deputy Commander Almants.

“What do you make of it, Deputy Commander Almants?”

　Bertram posed the question to his trusted confidant.

“To be frank, I believe it’s the perfect opportunity, one we couldn’t ask for more.”

　He was referring to the court messenger appearing at this very moment. Bertram nodded slightly with a “Hmm.”

“Just when we were finding Siegfried von Kreving irksome, we receive a ‘disposal order’ from His Majesty the King. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, you could say.”

“Then, shall we proceed?”

“Naturally. We’ll dispose of that man using the most reliable and refined method available.”

 

◇

 

　Meanwhile, Court Secretary Shemhazai, having left the headquarters, was walking through the encampment.

　Over ten thousand soldiers were stationed here, and merchants transporting supplies could be seen here and there as well.

　No one paid any attention to him, clad in a plain coat. Shemhazai was heading straight out of the encampment when—suddenly, he was addressed.

“—That’s quite a nice smile you’ve got there.”

　A low, resonant voice. Shemhazai turned his gaze toward the source.

　Standing there was a silver-haired young man.

　It was someone he’d never met before. Even so, he quickly realized.

　—This man must be none other than Siegfried von Kreving.

　He was more than a little surprised, but he possessed enough mental fortitude not to let it show.

　Keeping his smile in place, Shemhazai responded.

“…A nice smile, you say?”

“Exactly. Your smile—it’s the grin of a scheming villain.”

　He had no idea what the man was talking about. He was at a loss for how to respond.

　Seeing his reaction, Siegfried deepened his smile.

“—Ah, my apologies. I spotted a fine villain and couldn’t help but speak up.”

“Villain… Are you referring to me?”

“That’s right.”

“Um, what do you mean by that?”

　Shemhazai tilted his head slightly.

　He genuinely couldn’t grasp the intent behind Siegfried’s words.

“Never mind, you can forget about it. If you’re a villain… then eventually, we’ll end up facing off against each other. This is just a bit of ‘foreshadowing.’”

　With those words, Siegfried turned his back.

　Shemhazai watched his retreating figure for a moment before quickening his pace and leaving the encampment.

“…I see. It’s no wonder Prime Minister Joachim has taken an interest in him.”

　In a spot away from the encampment, Shemhazai murmured. Naturally, he was referring to Siegfried.

“I can’t tell what he’s thinking… He’s an unfathomable man.”

　It was supposed to be them who were scheming in the shadows to crush Siegfried.

　Yet, that composed demeanor made it seem as if Siegfried himself held the reins.

　Were the words directed at Shemhazai spoken after seeing through his true identity… or were they just a probe?

“—Is he seeing through everything ahead, or is it the ramblings of a madman? Either way, I’ve fulfilled my role. I’ll wait for further reports back in the capital.”

　Shemhazai slowly raised his hand and drew a circle in the air with his finger.

　In response to the motion, a magic circle tinged with purple light appeared.

　For an instant, the light intensified—and then Shemhazai’s figure vanished abruptly.

 

◇

 

　Two days later, Siegfried was summoned and once again stepped into the Eastern Front Army headquarters.

　This time, he hadn’t brought Beatrice or Leon along. Siegfried entered the operations room alone.

　There, the same senior officers as two days prior were waiting for him.

“It’s decided, Count Kreving.”

　Without any preamble or greeting, Commander Bertram cut straight to the point.

“Regarding the attack on Forssa Fort that you proposed. We’ve decided which unit to send.”

　Siegfried remained silent, waiting for Bertram’s next words.

　Perhaps irked by his composed attitude, Bertram slightly sharpened his tone.

“As expected, we think the proposer himself should go. —The conquest of Forssa Fort is entrusted entirely to your unit.”

“You boasted that conquering it wouldn’t be difficult, didn’t you, Count Kreving? Surely you’re not backing out now?”

　That sarcastic remark came from Deputy Commander Almants.

　The surrounding officers followed suit, chiming in with mocking tones.

“That’s right. For Count Kreving, a fort like that should be easy to capture, right? Hmm?”

“But if by some chance you fail… then you’ll be the laughingstock of the entire army. No, surely you wouldn’t commit such a blunder.”

　The officers’ words blatantly oozed with anticipation for Siegfried’s failure.

　However, Siegfried himself accepted it all without a change in expression, remaining utterly calm.

“Understood, Commander Bertram. I’ll proceed with the fort’s conquest without delay.”

“…You’re awfully composed, Count Kreving.”

　He’d expected at least some sign of agitation, but there wasn’t a flicker of unrest on his face.

　Bertram questioned him in an attempt to unsettle Siegfried.

“—You aren’t overconfident, thinking you’re absolutely going to win, are you?”

“There’s no such thing as absolutes in battle, Commander Bertram. Even with the most thorough plans and utmost effort, unpredictable factors like luck or chance can lead to defeat. I understand that— but that doesn’t mean I’ll cower in fear of those possibilities.”

　Through daily training, Siegfried had honed himself and acquired power surpassing even Celestina, one of the ‘Seven Great Calamities.’

　Yet, he didn’t grow arrogant; he meticulously devised strategies. And on top of that—he always kept his own death in mind.

　Villains, after all, sometimes meet abrupt ends.

　Accepting that fact, he still held his head high. That was his ideal way of being a villain.

　Or perhaps, it could also be seen as an ideal for someone in a command position.

　Without absolute confidence in victory, prepared even for the possibilities of defeat and death… yet undaunted, leading troops and giving one’s best.

　Until the moment one’s life ends.

“…I see, I understand your resolve. So, how do you plan to attack? As commander, I have a duty to know your strategy. Tell me.”

“We’ll approach via the mountain path and launch a surprise attack on Forssa Fort under the cover of night.”

　Indeed, going through the mountains would place them in the fort’s blind spot, reducing the chance of detection.

　For a small unit of a few hundred, navigating the rugged mountain paths wouldn’t be impossible.

　While Forssa Fort is in a position suitable for surveillance, that’s mainly assuming the approach of a large army.

　Siegfried’s tactic was logically sound.

　—In fact, anyone calmly assessing the situation would come up with a similar method.

　It was more puzzling that the Eastern Front Army hadn’t attempted this before.

　Bertram had no intention of objecting to the plan.

“I see. And when is the execution date?”

“Today.”

　Siegfried stated it without hesitation.

“If we depart now, we should reach near the fort by tonight.”

“W-What… That’s awfully sudden.”

“We’ve prepared to move at any time. And now that it’s decided, there’s no need to waste time.”

“…You’re right.”

　Bertram nodded slightly, his hand resting on his chin.

“Count Kreving… No, Captain Siegfried of the Eastern Front Army. Conquer Forssa Fort as per your plan.”

　As he said that, Bertram moved his fingers from his chin to his mouth.

　It might have been to hide the smile threatening to appear on his lips.