The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road Chapter 131
The commotion in the conference room did not subside.
Most were whispering about who Ars Elaine was.
The confusion among those from Calliper who knew the situation was even greater.
Duke Hellian was frowning, asking why it had been discovered, while King Gareth was staring intently at me with furrowed brows.
On the other hand, Gilbert Saleon was gaping with his mouth wide open.
He reflexively asked, “Prince Eldric, is that really true? That Wade’s true identity is General Elaine…”
“It’s undoubtedly true.” Eldric answers with confidence.
‘As expected, using Dalmore in that situation became an issue.’
I thought this might happen. I was prepared for it.
That’s why I had taken out insurance in advance.
However, even with insurance, I had no intention of admitting it readily.
“What about my identity?” I said with a light sneer. “This is ridiculous. Do you have any evidence that I’m this Elaine or whatever?”
There couldn’t possibly be any physical evidence.
What he’s saying is purely circumstantial.
However, Eldric brazenly says, “There is evidence.”
“Oh? I’m curious. Would you care to share it? This so-called evidence.”
“It’s the part about Ars Elaine using a Crossing spy in this war.”
“A Crossing spy?”
“It was someone called Dalmore Sting. He was under my command. He defected after receiving a signal from Elaine! A Crossing spy defecting after receiving a signal from a Calliper figure? We must assume that this Calliper figure has deep connections with Crossing. And the person connected to both Calliper and Crossing. That can only be Wade!”
“And? Is there evidence that this Dalmore was a Crossing spy? Is there evidence that Wade is the only person connected to both Calliper and Crossing?”
“That’s…”
“The premise itself is circumstantial, isn’t it? You’re quite talkative for having so little.”
Eldric turned his gaze towards Calliper. “This can be confirmed by Calliper. Duke Regnat Hellian! I ask you. Do you know of a spy named Dalmore Sting? Is he a spy infiltrated by Calliper?”
“Do you think I would readily answer about state secrets?”
When Hellian answered coldly, Eldric gritted his teeth.
“This is a critical matter for your kingdom as well. If Ars Elaine is Wade, it means your kingdom is being deceived by Crossing! A royal direct general with independent operational authority! In other words, it means he could revolt at any time! If Ars Elaine, under Crossing’s instigation, revolts and occupies Calliper’s capital, overthrowing the system, Calliper will be absorbed into Crossing just like that! Don’t you understand yet?”
“…”
Hellian seemed to have been worried about that part as well.
In Gilbert Saleon’s case, he was shocked. “Surely not really…!?”
Seeing Gilbert’s confusion, Eldric presses on as if he’s found an opening.
“Gilbert Saleon. What about you? Do you know anything about a spy named Dalmore Sting?”
“Uh, no. I didn’t know there was such a spy…”
At this, Hellian shouted, “Shut up, Gilbert!” but Gilbert shook his head and retorted.
“Regnat, Prince Eldric is right. If Elaine really is Wade, this is a big problem! It’s no different from Crossing holding our army’s independent operational authority! Ah… Aah!”
Gilbert then mutters as if he’s just realized something.
“T-That’s right! The claim that Crossing instigated this war–.”
Prince Eldric picks up on his words. “That’s right! Because Wade holds Calliper’s operational authority, Crossing could intervene freely anytime, anywhere! The despicable Crossing tried to use your kingdom for their own gain in this way!”
Juras and I had no such intentions, but it was true that we could have done such things if we wanted to.
That’s why Prince Eldric’s claim was persuasive.
The mediator of the agreement, Balas’ prime minister, cautiously says, “In this situation, I think it would be clearer if Wade removes his helmet. What do you think?”
There was no way other kingdoms would oppose this.
If only Juras hadn’t made his threat.
“Go ahead and try that. We have no desire to play along with Bülang’s absurd claims, though?”
When Juras made his threat, everyone except Svenner flinched.
Even Bülang did.
There was nothing to gain by provoking Juras, who was the proposer and mediator of the treaty that was about to be concluded in Bülang’s favor.
“Eldric! Stop this!”
“It’s not right to push with mere circumstantial evidence!”
The 1st and 2nd princes try to dissuade Eldric.
To this, Eldric rebelled even more strongly.
“We can’t let this slide. Juras Pamilion. That man is dangerous! He’s someone who would do anything to achieve his goals! For such a person to propose a treaty with favorable conditions for us, there must be some sinister plot!”
Correct. Prince Eldric seemed to know Juras well.
‘I heard they were classmates at Fensillon Academy.’
I don’t know what kind of relationship they had, but Eldric was extremely wary of Juras.
However, it was just an empty cry.
It seems that all kingdoms have already accepted the mediation proposal put forward by Juras. In this situation, Prince Eldric’s raising of suspicions only made everyone uncomfortable.
It seemed possible to smooth things over at this rate.
But then.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
It was Gillias Melbourne.
He, who had been quietly listening to the conversation on Alvard’s side, steps forward and speaks.
“I once faced him in battle at the Foldic Mountains, where Wade first appeared. At that time, I happened to see the bare face hidden behind that helmet.”
The conference hall buzzes once again.
“Currently, there has been no mention of the appearance of this person called Ars Elaine. So I believe my statement will be meaningful. He was a boy with dark blonde hair. Moreover, he had such striking good looks that it momentarily caught my attention. Considering that he momentarily used a sword in his left hand, and that he was with Ilya Anfei, I guessed he used the Chester style. That was the Wade I knew. Well? Are there any commonalities with this Ars Elaine person?”
All eyes turn to Calliper.
Gilbert’s face turned pale. Even Duke Hellian seemed to lack a rebuttal, hesitating for a moment before exclaiming.
“Such information could have been easily obtained through informants at the time Elaine was appointed as general! It can’t be considered evidence!”
However, this solidified the suspicion.
Everyone began to firmly believe that my identity was Ars.
Finally, the King of Balas, who had been silent, stands up.
“Wade! Take off that helmet right now! If you don’t comply, by the authority of the chairman, I will expel not only you but the entire Crossing delegation from this treaty!”
Then.
Juras revealed his true colors.
“You want to try it? You lot.”
An eerie aura rises. Juras threatened with a face that was hard to tell if he was smiling or angry.
“If you think you’ll be safe after provoking me, you’re greatly mistaken. I’ve only been putting on the brakes to end this war in my own way. If you want to go all the way, fine. Let’s see how far we can go.”
Everyone knew it wasn’t a bluff.
The situation was on a knife’s edge.
I made up my mind and said.
“Alright. I’ll take it off.”
“Wade…!”
Juras tried to stop me, but I signaled that it was okay before loosening the clasps of the helmet and revealing my face.
There was no need to modulate my voice anymore, so I spoke in my natural voice.
“Is this sufficient?”
All eyes turned to Calliper. And to Gillias Melbourne.
Their expressions alone made it clear.
“I, really…!”
Gilbert seemed shocked by the fact that Wade, whom he had been desperately wanting to meet, had been so close.
King Ulysses of Balas nods and says.
“It seems Prince Eldric’s claim was correct after all.”
Prince Eldric, emboldened, raised his voice.
“You see! What did I tell you! Crossing planted a spy in Calliper to take control of the military and used that to plot their scheme. That was the origin of this war!”
But then.
“…Child of Wilfred. Are you trying to insult me right now?”
It was King Gareth. He was glaring at Prince Eldric with sharp eyes.
“What… Do you mean?”
“You’re saying I made a Crossing spy a direct general of the royal family. Is that really what you think?”
“Well, that’s actually…”
“Don’t be ridiculous──!”
A voice that shook the conference hall. King Gareth shouts.
“I’ve known from the beginning that he was Wade!”
“What…!?”
This was the insurance I had prepared. King Gareth’s support.
With this, it wouldn’t matter if I was Wade or whoever.
That’s why, anticipating that someone might figure out my identity, I had instructed Duke Hellian to inform the king of my identity. The king seemed to have had trouble believing it at first, but apparently understood after seeing how the situation unfolded today.
“You knew…?”
“Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have given him independent operational authority! Do I look that stupid to you!”
“But, but…!”
“I don’t want to hear it! Anything more will be considered an insult to Calliper! How can you Bülangs be so shameless in the first place! Even if this invasion was instigated by Crossing, it was you who invaded and plundered our territory when you saw the opportunity! Yet you can still run your mouths like this? It’s incredibly insolent!”
He was absolutely right.
“Wade exists for the cooperation between Calliper and Crossing. Whether he uses Crossing’s spies or leads Crossing’s army in war. There’s no problem with that! Yet you’re trying to make an issue out of it!”
“Ugh…!”
Eldric glared at Juras, probably thinking this was also his manipulation, but even he didn’t know about this one.
Juras smirked and muttered quietly so only I could hear.
“Not bad, Ars.”
“Well, I’ve developed my own support base, you know.”
With this, Prince Eldric’s raised suspicions completely lost their power.
The Bülang side pushed Prince Eldric to the back and repeatedly expressed their apologies.
Then they began trying their best to somehow conclude the treaty.
* * *
The ceasefire agreement proceeded smoothly.
First, Bülang, which had been a hot potato, signed a 5-year non-aggression treaty with all kingdoms.
This created an optimal situation for Bülang to engage in civil war. A major upheaval would likely occur in about two years at the latest. By then, I should establish a kingdom and resolve that civil war to conquer Bülang’s territory.
Next, the conflicts involving central and northern kingdoms, including Europe, ended with a stopgap measure.
A tentative armistice agreement was reached to not engage in war this winter.
This was unavoidable.
It was a natural flow that Svenner and the Western peoples, unable to target Bülang, would turn their attention to the central region.
There was a high possibility that war would break out as soon as the armistice agreement ended.
By then, a new form of diplomatic situation might be created.
‘Somehow, it’s been settled for now.’
A sigh of relief escaped me involuntarily.
It was eventful, but from my perspective, it wasn’t a bad outcome.
Although Wade’s identity was revealed, it wasn’t a big problem now that conditions were set for me to act under the name of Ars.
I would have liked to use the Wade identity more if possible, but I didn’t feel regretful thinking that I used it to save Eonia’s life.
There were even positive aspects. Neither I nor my vassals needed to use aliases or cover our faces anymore.
There was no need to hide while providing security either.
Of course, the risks had increased just as much.
After discussing the remaining matters with Juras and returning to Rainpol, I immediately issued a summons to my vassals.
The news about my identity seemed to have already spread, as the vassals greeted me with serious expressions.
“There’s no need for such difficult expressions. It’s just a matter of things becoming a bit more troublesome.”
First, I needed to increase my security personnel.
“Hmm… Anton. You’ll have to take charge of my guard.”
“It’s an honor!”
This was a lesson from the last incident. I won’t be careless unnecessarily.
Given that everything would end if I died, I decided to prepare the best defensive forces possible.
“May I ask master as well?”
“Of course. I’ll protect you with my life if necessary.”
So I decided to employ my master and her husband for my security. In addition to these two, 10 security personnel that are basically assigned to a direct royal general and 20 security personnel provided by Juras were added, resulting in a total of 30 guards following me around.
These were personnel who would monitor the surroundings at a distance, like spreading a spider web.
“Sir Ars…! I…”
Eo, who was originally my exclusive guard, had a desperate expression.
“I’m sorry. I think this is the appropriate selection.”
“I… Understand.”
Though she seemed to understand, Eo couldn’t help but look dejected due to her disappointment.
At that moment, Anton unexpectedly intervened.
“Sir Ars. I think it would be better for Ilya and me to command the surrounding security forces at a distance. I believe it would be better for lady Mirabel to be your close guard. What do you think?”
“Why is that?”
“Everyone knows who Sir Ars feels most comfortable with. While security is important, it’s meaningless if Sir Ars feels uncomfortable. Unless her skills are insufficient, which they aren’t, I think it’s more appropriate for lady Mirabel to be in charge of close protection.”
“Hmm… But assigning three people to the security force is…”
“Carelessness is poison. I actually feel it’s not enough.”
I thought I wouldn’t be careless, but even that was carelessness, it seems.
“I understand. Let’s do it that way then.”
Eo’s expression brightened instantly. Then she expressed her gratitude to Anton in a voice as quiet as an ant crawling.
“Then… Olaf can continue as usual. We’ll adjust the rest as we go along.”
The enrollment at Fensillon Academy is approaching soon.
With the main story’s timeline being pushed forward now, it was questionable whether I could properly attend the academy, but I decided to go to the academy despite the risk because there were many talented individuals I could recruit there.
“That’s all I have to say for now. You may disperse for today.”
However, Gaspar raised an objection.
“What are you talking about, kid? We haven’t done the commendations yet!”
“Commendations?”
“Yeah, because the war is over. Shouldn’t we do it? We always did it before, so why are you trying to skip it this time?”
It’s not even Eonia. I didn’t expect Gaspar to insist so strongly.
As he said, we hadn’t done the commendations yet, so I decided to proceed with a simple commendation ceremony.
TL NOTE:
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It makes sense Gaspar asked for the commendations. He killed two of Cassius’s allies.