The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road Chapter 66

The Strategist’s Royal Road Chapter 66

This war was one where there would be no significant gain unless both Svenner and Bülang draw.

Unlike other kingdoms that dispatched troops mainly consisting of nobles’ private armies, they had conscripted ordinary citizens, which likely caused damage to agriculture.

From their perspective, it was desirable for the war to end quickly, but both sides were achieving evenly matched results, and the war showed signs of intensifying into a prolonged conflict.

Even in the battles between Bülang and Svenner, which saw many casualties, neither side could gain the upper hand as they suffered similar losses.

If there was any one-sided achievement, it was Klaus Forkner killing Dunan Grimwood in the Galarn Mountains.

Although this was now outdated information, the western tribes, who were slow to receive information due to distance, were just now processing this news.

“By Klaus Forkner, do you mean that traitor?”

When an old man said this, a young man continued, “That’s right. The one who killed his superior, deserted the army, and became a bandit. He was your disciple, wasn’t he? Tetora Anistri.”

The woman called Tetora showed a captivating smile.

“Well, I don’t remember raising such an ugly butterball.”

“The fact that you call him a butterball implies that you know him.”

“Hmph, he just called himself my disciple on his own. I never directly taught him anything.”

“So you’re saying he learned by observing you from the side. That’s even more impressive. It means he has excellent military talent. When we conquer the continent later, it might be worth showing leniency and recruiting him.”

Two men and one woman.

These were the three leaders supporting the western tribes.

They were having a leisurely conversation, but their aides standing behind them were on edge, wary of each other.

Tetora, fixing her makeup, says, “Didn’t you say Grandis and Lexit were there? I’m sure that pig was squealing for help.”

To this, the old man shook his head.

“Grandis doesn’t use such noisy ambush tactics. This is more like a strategy you would use, Tetora.”

“Hmph, it seems you want to associate me with that fatso, one way or another. Do as you please. I don’t care.”

They were optimistic about the war situation.

Especially regarding the Galarn Mountains where Grandis and Lexit were dispatched, they thought defeat was impossible.

That’s why a week later, when the news came in, even their relaxed expressions hardened.

“C-Could you repeat that?” The young man asked the reporting soldier in disbelief.

“Yes! The Tunkai army was defeated in the battle of the Galarn Mountain! Out of the 50,000 troops that engaged in battle, 40,000 were either killed or surrendered. Lord Grandis was captured, and Lord Lexit fell in battle!”

A deadly silence fell over the meeting hall.

“One of the Three Great Generals, Lexit… Died?”

“Is that truly the fact?”

“Not bad at all.”

The three leaders showed their respective reactions.

Tetora then says, “You said it was the mercenary Wade who killed Lexit, right?”

“That’s correct!”

“How interesting! I thought only we could kill the Three Great Generals! So there was a somewhat useful person among those continent softies! Hahaha!”

Tetora bursts into laughter. “Alright, I’ll deal with that guy myself. I’ll make him my slave, make him kneel before me and lick my soles.”

While she denied that Klaus was her disciple, she acknowledged that he used military strategies similar to her own.

The fact that Klaus had suffered a crushing defeat unconsciously aroused her competitive spirit.

As Tetora showed interest in Ars, the other two shook their heads, saying they couldn’t stop her.

“Poor Wade. To have caught the attention of this crazy woman.”

“I agree.”

The two were sincerely expressing condolences for Ars.

* * *

This information was being conveyed not only to the western immigrant tribes but also to various kingdoms.

“Father? What are you reading?”Erina asked Gilbert, who was reading a battlefield report while constantly exclaiming in amazement.

Gilbert replied with eyes full of excitement.”You’ve come at a good time, Erina. Take a look at this.”

After examining the report, Erina’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s.”Defeating most of the enemy forces and completely occupying the Galarn Mountains…!”

“It’s incredible. Truly remarkable, this mercenary Wade!”Gilbert was convinced. “Through this war, he’s proven that he has the ability to become one of the Ten Heroes. If a vacancy opens up, he’ll be the next to join the Ten Heroes!”

“The Ten Heroes…! Wade becoming one of the Ten Heroes….”

At the very least, he was sure to be included in the lower-ranked Twenty Heroes.

There was a vacancy since Dunan had died. He had overwhelmed Klaus Forkner, who had killed Dunan.

Naturally, Wade had to be the next Hero.

“We need to somehow get him away from that Hellian fellow. For that, we need to find out his identity as soon as possible…. It’s frustrating not knowing whether he’s from Crossing or Calliper! Daughter, do you have any ideas? I heard from Joan that you had encountered him before in Grancel.”

“Well….”

While it could be beneficial to draw Ars into the Saleon faction, allowing them to speak freely in the future and potentially push for a marriage arrangement, she didn’t just look at the immediate benefits.

‘If that happens, he’ll never want to meet me again.’

Or, true to his characteristically smooth personality, he might just brush it off as no big deal, but Erina ultimately chose to remain silent.

“I don’t know. I did meet him, but his face was covered, so….”

“I suppose so. Phew! If only we had some clue.”

Due to Duke Hellian thoroughly blocking information, Gilbert couldn’t even grasp a clue.

George Millias from the Saleon faction, who knew Ars’ identity, was also on indefinite probation and in the process of retiring, being held responsible for the last war.

“Father, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to stop impersonating Wade before finding that out?”

“As for that, we can pin it all on Casper, so it doesn’t matter. Now I’d rather it be exposed quickly.”

So that he could devour the cornered Marquis Millias.

“Father…”Erina felt sorry for Gilbert, who had such ulterior motives. As a politician, there was no one more capable than him, but it seemed that Ars wouldn’t keep such a type of person close.

Meanwhile, this news was also delivered to Rutger in Rainpol.

“It’s hard to believe.” Rutger, who was reading the report, was sincerely impressed by the strategy of fortification that Ars had devised. Above all, the part where he deceived the opponent through the eccentric act of cutting down trees was surprising. “Even I… No, even Master Kaien would have been completely fooled by this stratagem.”

Of course, the subsequent response would have been completely different from the Tunkai army, but it would have been difficult to grasp the full picture of the strategy.

“Father? What are you reading?” Estelle, who was well-prepared, visited Rutger’s study in her pajamas.

“It’s nothing.”

“It can’t be nothing. Is it perhaps a report on the war?”

“It is, but you don’t need to worry about it.”

“…”

Estelle narrows her eyes and says, “Seeing you say that, there must be something about the Calliper army. Let me see it too.”

Estelle had been visiting the Elaine mansion every day, wanting to hear news about Ars.

When she heard that the Tunkai army had killed the great general of the Calliper army in the first engagement, her heart sank so much that she couldn’t even sleep properly.

So when she heard there was new information about the Calliper army, she really wanted to see it.

Rutger sighed and handed over the report. Estelle’s eyes lit up as she examined the report.

“Wade takes command of the army and defeats the Tunkai army…. Father, does this mean the chances of Sir Ars being safe have increased?”

“He’ll certainly be safe. Since he won so overwhelmingly. He might be designing the next operation with that smug face of his right about now.”

“Oh, Father. Sir Ars is just a junior officer. How could he be designing operations?”

“My child, the truth is…”

“The truth is what?”

“…Never mind. It’s better if you hear it from him. Besides, if you’re done reading, give it back. I need to pass it on to llya Anfei as well.”

“Yes, here it is. Still, the mercenary Wade…. He is such an amazing commander. I thought he was great when he won the war against Madon, but I didn’t expect him to achieve such a victory.”

“Yes, he has the skills to easily stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ten Heroes. Other than lacking experience, he’s almost flawless.” 

“The Ten Heroes! If you say so, Father, it must be true.” Estelle’s expression darkened.

‘Although he’s working for Calliper now, he could turn his back and become hostile to Calliper at any time. What if he becomes an enemy to the Calliper army… To Sir Ars?’

Wade was a lifesaver to her and the one to whom Rutger had pledged his loyalty.

For the sake of her father’s honor, and to repay the debt of having her illness cured, she couldn’t choose to betray him.

But she also couldn’t let Ars die at Wade’s hands.

‘In that case, it means Father and Sir Ars would end up as enemies too. What should I do…’

Estelle felt like she had become the tragic heroine of a story.

Soon, something flashed in her mind.

‘That’s right! If so, I should bring Sir Ars to our side.’

Estelle made a big decision and said, “Father, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

“A request? Tell me anything.”

“Please introduce Sir Ars to Wade.”

“…Huh?” That was all Rutger could manage in response.

“Sir Ars is still young, but he’s an extremely excellent person. He never missed being the top student from elementary academy to high academy. If he joins, he’ll surely be a great help to Wade.”

“Wait. How do you know such detailed information? Did he tell you himself?”

“No, Sir Ars doesn’t really talk about such things… I asked his mother and sister.”

“I, I see.” Rutger was certain that grades weren’t the only thing she had asked about. “But you see… That would be difficult.”

“Why!”

“Making them meet is theoretically impossible, should I say? Or rather, there’s no need for it in the first place. Anyway, I’m sorry.”

“How can that be! Then please take him under your command directly, Father! If Sir Ars becomes your aide, it would be no different from gaining a thousand troops!”

“That’s what I’m saying… It’s impossible.”

“Ah…!”

To think that her kind father, who would grant any request, would refuse her plea! Estelle was quite shocked.

There was no choice now.

“Then I’ll talk to him directly. If Wade hears about Sir Ars’s excellence, he’ll surely be interested.”

“Rather than that, he’d laugh in disbelief. I almost burst into laughter myself.”

“Father! Don’t say such things, at least cheer me on!” Estelle was as solemn as if she had received a crucial mission while Rutger could only shake his head.

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