Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

38

Upon hearing the news from Jurass, I couldn’t stay still.

‘If Albad counterattacks, Rebel will soon fall under his control.’

The extent of the damage to the Saleon army was crucial. Even if only about 10,000 out of the 30,000 troops that went south returned alive, immediate action could be taken.

We could buy time with the 10,000 royal troops guarding the rear supply route.

‘First, I need to talk to Duke Helian.’

After sparring with Jurass and leaving the infirmary with a bandaged wound, Estelle rushed to me from outside.

“Alz, are you okay!?”

“Ah….”

Behind her stood Rutger. Having watched the duel between me and Jurass from the stands, he seemed to have aged 5 more years, perhaps realizing my true identity after seeing Yumir throw the dagger to protect me.

Seemingly having something to discuss with me, he shook his head and left, deeming it nonsensical to do so here.

“I thought Alz was seriously injured and didn’t know what to do…!”

“I’m fine. It’s just a scratch.”

To her, who seemed to think this was all because of her, my defeat to Jurass seemed like a heart-wrenching sight.

‘Still feeling guilty, huh.’

Was it because she inherited Orega’s regime directly? Although Jurass had taken the brunt, there was still an impact.

‘Perhaps it’s best to rest a bit now.’

For now, it was best to observe the outcome of the battle. How Calipher would respond initially was most crucial.

I calmed Estelle, who was reluctant to leave, and decided to wait for information to come in for the rest of the day.

The information arrived around midnight.

I gathered my aides and turned the report around. Among them was Rootger.

Rootger, looking at me, seemed to still not believe it.

“So young. Could it be that you are acting as Wade’s double?”

“I doubt it. If I were just a double, Eo wouldn’t be in such a pickle.”

Eo, who was preparing snacks, was wavering between taste and health.

I asked for the food to be made as delicious as possible, while Yumir, my superior, instructed to prepare the healthiest snacks, so I was trying to find a middle ground.

“Wearing a mask makes sense. Otherwise, no one would believe you’re Wade. Is that why you were hiding your face from me?”

“Well…”

Since it was a stage of verifying Rootger, I did not reveal my face.

I had George and Ings, whom Rootger had sent back to their hometown, under surveillance.

If Rootger had connections with a third party, I thought he would use them to make contact.

George and Ings had returned to Albadro and were causing trouble by drinking and engaging in thuggish behavior. It seemed like they had been greatly disappointed by Rootger.

“I think Rootger can be trusted.”

At least for now, he was not in alliance with any other faction.

So, I judged it was safe to reveal my face.

“It seems you personally took care of Estelle. I am truly grateful. Thanks to you, my daughter has been smiling a lot.”

From Noble mtl dot com

“It’s a good trend.”

“But, that’s a different story from this!”

“What story?”

“Well… about becoming lovers with Estelle…”

“hahahaha, don’t worry, I have no such intentions. It’s better to be wary of men other than me, right? If your daughter is so beautiful, the moment she gets better, men will approach her without you or me having to do anything.”

“Oh! Is the academy really that kind of atmosphere?”

“Everyone is full of vigor.”

Unlike the Caliper Academy with many aristocrats, this academy, where there were hardly any nobles, had a quite open atmosphere.

“Rather, shall we discuss the matter at hand?”

The result of the battle that took place at dawn.

Iliya, the master, who was reading the report, swallowed hard.

“Unbelievable. Even if it was a night battle… a complete annihilation!”

30,000 Caliper troops were ambushed and completely wiped out by the 3,000 mobile units of Albad’s forces and 23,000 troops of Madon.

The number of captured soldiers exceeded 10,000, and the entire command was taken prisoner.

“Gilbert Salleon has been captured too.”

The leader of the Salleon faction had been caught. This was a major incident.

I quickly decided to take action.

“Yumir, go to Rivel immediately and inform Father about this. We may need to lead the territory’s people and seek refuge in case of emergencies, so be prepared.”

“What about Miss Estelle? If both the young master and I don’t accompany her, who knows what mischief she might get into at the academy.”

“Hmm… then bring Estelle along. Consider it a trip. Do you know how to make medicinal herbs for treatment?”

“Yes, I am familiar with it.”

“Then get ready to depart as soon as possible. And Anton, what’s the situation in Crossing?”

Anton says it’s a tricky situation.

“I’m not sure if we have the resources to send support to Caliper. As predicted, Beccabia is organizing its army and showing movements to march towards the Carington Plain. In response, Judas has organized a regular army of 50,000 for defense.”

“Of course, Crossing can’t afford to conscript ordinary soldiers….”

The barren land of Crossing couldn’t overlook agriculture. Conscription of civilians here for war could lead to food shortages throughout the year.

While controlling the Carington Plains located in the conflict zone did ease the situation, the food distribution network was not yet established in these plains.

“Please convey to the Parian King and Jurass. If they plan to send reinforcements to Calipher, they should entrust the command to me.”

“Understood!”

“And Master, would you go to Calipher first to gather battlefield information, including the terrain?”

The Master silently nodded.

“Rutger, you go with Master Ilya to gather information.”

“Ah, to gather information about Albad, I see.”

“Is it difficult to aim your sword at the homeland? If that’s the case, I’ll exclude you from this war.”

“No, I’m prepared. I will go.”

“Alright, it’s settled. Everyone, move out.”

Decisions were made like that.

“Ah, Als.”

Eo, still trembling, looked at me anxiously.

“Eo, bring some more snacks. I’m hungry.”

“Uh… “

Eo whimpered like an abandoned puppy.

“hahahaha, don’t make that face as if I’m serious. Take care of the military supplies. You’ll act with me.”

“Ah…! Understood!”

The situation changed rapidly.

With that, various factions began to move busily.

* * *

The next day at the Academy.

A strange gaze was cast upon me as I entered the Academy to mark my attendance.

It was due to the duel with Jurass the day before.

Regular students didn’t pay much attention, thinking I was being beaten unilaterally, but the officer cadets were different.

Officer cadets, who had assessed my fencing skills, all seemed to be on guard against me.

Humbert, avoiding my gaze, sat quietly, probably realizing that it was too high a level to interfere. Or maybe Anton had already taken action.

“Welcome, Als.”

Estelle, who was already seated, greeted me with a faint smile.

After the morning classes and during lunchtime, she spoke.

“I might be going on a trip for a while.”

“A trip?”

“Yes, I might be traveling towards the Kingdom of Calipher. Because of that, I might have to be absent from the Academy for at least a month. I’m not particularly excited about it, but it’s because of my father’s circumstances…. But don’t worry. Remyu will be accompanying me.”

“What a coincidence. I also have reasons to take a break from the Academy for a while.”

“Oh my. Why is that?”

“It’s a secret. Well, if I’m lucky, we might meet in Calipher.”

“hahahaha, that would be fateful. More importantly, Als, would you like to go for lunch? In the usual garden we used to frequent….”

“Ah… It doesn’t seem to be going well today.”

“Yes?”

A figure loitering outside the classroom. A crowd of academy students had gathered around that figure. She was captivating enough to draw their attention.

Erina Salleon.

She had come to Rainfall Academy.

“Alse-nim…!”

The moment she found me, her face seemed like it would burst into tears at any moment. The distress was evident as shadows lingered beneath her eyes, yet she somehow concealed it with makeup.

“You really have remarkable initiative. I didn’t expect you to approach quicker than even the Helian Duke.”

“Should we move to another place for now? Have you eaten?”

“No… I have no appetite.”

“During such times, it’s best to eat even if you have to force yourself. Luckily, I have a generous lunchbox today, so I’ll share it with you.”

After signaling Yumir, I escorted Erina to a different spot.

Beside Yumir, for some reason, Estelle was staring at me blankly as if in shock.

Erina’s steward, Joan of the Salleon family, sighed.

“Miss Erina. You suddenly decided to go to Rainfall from dawn just to meet Ilain, is that correct?”

Joan, unaware of Wade’s identity, spoke like a log.

“I understand the urge to rely on someone in desperate times, but it’s a naive act. Given the circumstances, Miss, you should act more wisely.”

“Shut it, Joan. I have my reasons for everything. Rather, please leave us alone. I want to talk in private.”

“Sigh… Ilain, please ensure no strange rumors spread.”

As Joan left and we were left alone in the garden, Erina went straight to the point.

“Alse-nim, you’ve heard about the situation, right?”

“Yes, you probably know more details than me.”

“In that case, I have a favor to ask! Please, help me!”

Erina, with tears in her eyes, pleaded. I felt conflicted inside.

“Anyway, I was planning to participate.”

Even if she didn’t ask, an offer would come from the Helian Duke’s side eventually. An offer that came with a hefty deal.

On the other hand, Erina was not in a position to offer me a deal.

“Isn’t Altior, the Duke, in your family? He used to be the Grand Marshal of Calipha. Shouldn’t he return to the frontlines?”

“That’s not possible anymore. My father being held as a captive made it difficult for my grandfather to come to the battlefield.”

“Did Altior threaten to execute Gilbert Salleon if he returned to the military?”

“Yes, it seems like a threat from Albad, who’s holding my father captive.”

The Salleon family was in a situation where direct action was challenging. With the actual head of the family being captured as a prisoner.

So, with no apparent solution in sight, Erina sought me out in desperation.

“I’m begging you. I’ll do anything I can in return…”

“Alright. I’ll help.”

“…Really?”

Erina’s eyes widened in surprise at my straightforward acceptance.

“I’ll help. I can’t guarantee the outcome, but I’ll take the best possible action to free your father.”

“I, I can’t promise much in return, but I don’t think I have anything you’d desire.”

“Ugh, what is there for me to want?”

“Well…”

“It’s between you and me. You should grant me this small favor.”

In reality, there was no point in speaking the truth. The audacity itself was meaningless.

So, she decided to just say something pleasing to the ear. And perhaps, by winning over Gilbert Salleon, things would naturally fall back into place.

“Besides, there is something I owe her.”

I saved her from Wade. If she had roamed around spreading rumors, she would have caused me endless trouble from the Salleon faction.

“Between you and me?! W-What kind of relationship do we have?”

“Obviously, just a friendship. Now, let’s eat. This dish is amazing. Here, try it.”

When Eo offered her the lunchbox, she reluctantly picked up the fork.

That was the end of it.

“It’s delicious!”

“Really?”

Due to Eo’s exceptional cooking skills, Erina, who was famished, hastily started emptying the lunchbox.