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The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road Chapter 71

The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road Chapter 71

It had been about two weeks since the two armies faced off.

The ceasefire negotiations between both sides were also progressing smoothly. The negotiations would likely be concluded within 5 days.

I had left the practical work to Duke Hellian and was living as Ars.

‘To think I had a predetermined partner.’

The aftermath of the bombshell my mother dropped was not small. It was enough to freeze the entire place.

‘Who could it be?’

My mother didn’t tell me, saying it wasn’t time yet. She said she would let me know when the time comes.

‘It’s strange that she specifically referred to it as the first partner.’

She spoke as if I could accept a second and third as well.

It was strange even though polygamy was commonplace among nobles.

Perhaps my mother just made it up because she didn’t want to send me to another family.

After all, even setting aside Estelle, if I were to be betrothed to Erina, there’s a possibility I’d become a son-in-law taken into her family.

‘There’s no use worrying about it now since mother won’t tell me.’

As it was giving me a bit of a headache, I called for Yumir.

“Did you call for me, young master?”

“Yes, I wanted to get some fresh air. Since I have nothing to do anyway, I thought I’d go out a bit far.”

“I’ll prepare right away.”

I was thinking of going to the outer village to eat something delicious, but before I could get ready and leave.

“Huff! Huff! Ars!”

Gaspar burst into my tent, panting heavily.

Even after the battle had ended, he had been working behind the scenes gathering information, and now he had an urgent look on his face as if a battle could break out at any moment.

“What is it? Why so urgent?”

“It can’t help but be urgent. All hell has broken loose.”

“Has the ceasefire agreement fallen through?”

“Not that… But it might end up that way.”

“Tell me in detail.”

“It’s not a complicated story. It’s just…”

His following answer was extremely shocking even to me.

“The King of Bülang has been assassinated.”

The assassination of the king. Because of this, this war began to proceed in a completely different direction from what I had known.

The Allied Kingdom of Bülang.

Initially formed by four duchies coming together, they rapidly grew in power taking advantage of the chaos on the continent after the fall of the Fensillon Empire.

The number of ducal powers grew to ten, and recently, they even absorbed the puppet army that broke away from Madon, bringing the total number of ducal powers to eleven.

Each of these ducal powers was strong enough to match a small country, which is why Bülang wasn’t called a superpower for nothing.

While the level of their standing army was slightly inferior to Svenner or Crossing, their overwhelming agricultural production allowed them to operate a force of up to 500,000 troops if necessary.

Even in such an Allied Bülang, there was a king, and despite being an allied kingdom, the king’s power was extraordinarily high.

This was because Bülang’s founding king, Wilfred Schwarzer, had strongly controlled the other dukes with his powerful governance.

However, there was also an element of instability. Even if royal power was strong now, it was uncertain how the next king would be.

The dukes were already secretly pushing their favored princes as the next king, engaging in a covert struggle for succession according to their own interests.

So far, these issues hadn’t surfaced because Wilfred was still in good health, but the situation changed dramatically with this assassination.

When I entered the command tent, Duke Hellian greeted me with a serious expression.

“You’re here. I suppose you’ve heard the news.”

“Yes, I heard that the king has been assassinated.”

“I don’t know the details either, but it seems certain that King Schwarzer is dead. Those Svenner bastards. To think they would use such a brutal method.”

“…Are we sure it was Svenner?”

“If not them, then who? Of course it must have been Svenner.”

Something felt unnatural about that assumption.

“Weren’t we already in the final stages of the ceasefire agreement? Moreover, even from Svenner’s standpoint, ending the war now would be wise.”

It’s now the end of spring. In other words, it’s the busy farming season.

Unlike other kingdoms that only dispatched their standing armies, Svenner and Bülang, who had even mobilized conscripts, would face disruptions to their year’s harvest if the war was unnecessarily prolonged.

While Bülang might be able to endure as an agricultural powerhouse, Svenner couldn’t.

“Besides, even if the war continues, there’s nothing particularly for Svenner to gain.”

“What if internal strife breaks out in Bülang? As you know, Bülang is vulnerable in such situations. On top of the confirmed presence of an informant within the allied forces, now the king has been assassinated. The dukes will move to claim the next throne. This will likely escalate into a civil war.”

“That’s certainly true. However, the intention is too obvious. It’s inconceivable that the dukes would be swayed by such an apparent ploy.”

“Are you saying they would unite somehow if Svenner were to invade?”

“That’s right. Unless the civil war has become uncontrollable, Svenner won’t be able to touch Bülang for the time being. Moreover, this incident has caused public sentiment towards Svenner in Bülang to hit rock bottom. Even if Svenner were to conquer Bülang, rebellions would break out everywhere, making it difficult to pacify Bülang’s territory.”

“That’s… True. Thinking about it, from Svenner’s perspective, this situation only benefits others. Then…”

“Yes, it’s highly likely that one of those other parties is the culprit.”

“I’ll say this in advance, but it’s definitely not our Calliper.”

“I know.”

I had a guess about who that someone else might be.

‘That madman. I can’t believe he would pull something like this.’

He casually called it an interesting incident, but this was far beyond that level.

It was a major event that would shake the entire continent.

* * *

Naturally, the armistice negotiations were suspended after the king’s assassination.

Rather, Bülang grumbled about conducting additional conscription and subjugating Svenner.

Revealing the truth about who killed the king was no longer of great importance. Bülang’s politicians needed to stabilize the shaken kingdom, and directing the arrow of anger towards Svenner was the surest method.

At this time, each country moved according to its interests.

First, Tunkai and the Kingdom of Europe hastily withdrew from the Chimera Alliance, fearing unnecessary sparks might fly, and the Bülang allied forces also began withdrawing troops, saying they came to help with defense, not to assist in an attack.

Seeing the situation unfold this way, Svenner also withdrew its troops on a large scale, pulling out. It was obvious that if they engaged in war with Bülang’s large army here, it would most likely become a prolonged conflict, which would damage the internal stability of the kingdom.

As Svenner withdrew, Bülang also regained its composure for now.

Or rather, as foreign powers retreated, they entered into full-fledged internal strife.

As the first action, Bülang’s First Prince Oscar Schwarzer packaged this war as a victory and held a grand victory party.

As if he had become the king himself.

“Wade, this has arrived for you.” Duke Hellian said, handing over an invitation to the party.

“A victory party… This is ridiculous.”

“Well, it’s true that Svenner retreated first. What are you thinking of doing?”

“…I’ll go.”

“That’s unexpected. I thought you’d surely say you wouldn’t go.”

Although I didn’t want to attend due to the risk of my identity being discovered, I had no choice if I wanted to meet Juras.

He had replied to my request for a conversation, saying to meet at the party venue.

‘Everything is connected.’

Crossing and Calliper’s invasion of Madon, the appearance of the Western people, the informant who changed the tide of the Chimera War. And even the assassination of the Bülang king.

Although none of these events occurred in the actual game, I was convinced that they were closely related to the game’s main story.

***

Three days later.

The allied forces disbanded, leaving only minimal troops on the front lines.

Our Calliper army also immediately disbanded, leaving only some units to clean up the battlefield.

Originally, it would have been appropriate to hold a banquet to boost the army’s morale before disbanding, but there was no luxury for that due to the looting of Bülang’s supply stores.

So, while the regular soldiers and officers were returning to the Kingdom of Calliper, I headed towards the city of Elpid where the victory party was being held, along with Anton.

‘That Juras guy. Why did he insist on setting the conversation place at the party venue? We could have just met casually somewhere.’

From my perspective, the party venue was a place I didn’t want to go to.

Aside from the risk of my identity being discovered, I couldn’t eat any food at all because of the helmet I was wearing.

A party where I couldn’t eat anything at all. Was there really any point in attending?

Upon arriving at the party venue, I sent Anton in first as Juras’ aide, then entered the banquet hall without a partner.

Eo had asked me to take her as my partner, but given her past record of causing trouble at party venues, I decided to leave her behind. She’s probably sulking and being comforted by Yumir right now.

Given the circumstances, the party wasn’t lavish. The Bülang’s people were wearing what appeared to be mourning clothes, making the atmosphere even gloomier.

“Sir Wade has entered!”

As I entered the party hall with the doorman’s announcement, I was met with piercing gazes.

“So that’s the mercenary Wade…”

“To have dealt with Klaus Forkner as if flipping his palm. His identity is intriguing.”

“Is he from Calliper? Or perhaps from Crossing…”

Whispers could be heard from here and there.

Besides military officers, there were also nobles from Bülang and high-ranking nobles from various kingdoms who had contributed to this allied force in attendance.

They were speculating about my identity with appraising looks.

“He must be Baeolaf, who suddenly went into seclusion.”

“You mean the one called the prodigy of Europe? Well, considering Wade’s skills, it’s most plausible that he’s Baeolaf. But if so, why did he fight on the allied forces’ side?”

“Maybe he didn’t like that his home kingdom, Europe, joined hands with their archenemy, Tunkai. In fact, it was the Tunkai army that Wade crushed in this war. Plus, he brought Prince Romelo from Crossing.”

“I see! So he protected Prince Romelo from Crossing!”

“That’s right!”

They were letting their imaginations run wild.

It wasn’t strange since the rumor that Baeolaf was Wade had existed for a long time.

Ignoring them, I first greeted Bülang’s First Prince Oscar, who was seated in the place of honor.

He greeted me with a tired face. “Nice to meet you. Are you Wade, the mercenary they say appears like a divine being and sweeps across the battlefield? I’ve heard about your achievements in this battle. It’s truly remarkable.”

“You’re too kind.”

“Too kind? You captured Klaus Forkner and that Western immigrant’s minion. I hear you even had a confrontation with Zemuto? You’ve survived against the Ten Heroes. It means you’re a hero comparable to the Ten Heroes.”

“…”

Why does he have such an unnecessarily long tongue?

The reason was soon revealed.

“As such, I can’t help but be curious about your identity. What do you say? Won’t you consider removing your helmet?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t remove my helmet.”

“Is that so? Then we’ll have to try another method.”

“…”

“Mercenary Wade. Remove your helmet right now. This is a royal command.”

The banquet hall began to buzz.

The intention was obvious.

Even they don’t think I’ll quietly remove my helmet. Yet, they’re pressuring me with a royal command for no other reason.

Who’s behind me? It’s to confirm that background.

And with this, one man took the bait.

“Your Highness. That’s too mischievous a joke.”

Duke Hellian stepped forward to save me.

Prince Oscar narrowed his eyes and continued speaking. “What’s a mischievous joke? This is the territory of the Bülang Alliance. My royal command is absolute. Moreover, isn’t it rude to come to a party wearing a helmet that covers your face from the start? This isn’t a masquerade ball.”

He was absolutely right.

Prince Oscar seemed to want to show off his influence. To gain an advantage in the upcoming succession struggle.

That’s why he deliberately used the expression ‘my royal command’.

“If not that, then what? Are you thinking of challenging Bülang’s royal authority here and now? Even if you’re from another kingdom, I can’t just let this slide.” As Prince Oscar pressed harder, Hellian had no choice but to hesitate.

There was nothing good about causing friction with Bülang unnecessarily, and he didn’t have the absolute power to decide such things on his own in the first place.

Eventually, he seemed to have made up his mind and was about to step forward strongly, but before that, I sent a signal to that guy first.

‘You bastard, aren’t you coming out soon?’

At my signal, Juras smirked and nodded, stepping forward. “Let’s stop the joke here, Prince Oscar.”

“Prime Minister Pamilion. Joke? I’m being serious.”

“Then seriously, stop it. Because you’ll get hurt.”

“I’ll get hurt? What do you mean?”

“Wade is someone I personally protect. I won’t allow any harm to come to him.”

“Hmph, as I said just now, this is a royal command. What you’re saying now is no different from challenging Bülang’s royal authority, isn’t it?”

“Are you saying that sincerely? Do you sincerely want this Juras Pamilion to challenge Bülang’s royal authority?”

“…!”

“You’ll regret it.”

Juras subtly raised his aura. Due to this aura, the surrounding nobles flinched and hesitated, and the officers of the Bülang military expressed their vigilance.

Bülang’s Grand General Jean Hysack stood protectively next to Prince Oscar.

Juras continues speaking. “My will is Crossing’s will. Me challenging Bülang’s royal authority means Crossing challenging Bülang, doesn’t it?”

“Ha! Someone who’s not even a king speaks such arrogant words.”

“The king would understand.”

“Is that so? I think King Parain wouldn’t agree to cause such a big incident for the sake of a mere mercenary.”

“Well, who knows? Would you like to test it?”

Unlike Duke Hellian, Juras was a figure with that level of standing. It’s not for nothing that he was the first in line for the Crossing throne until three years ago.

The party venue filled with an explosive atmosphere.

“Hahaha! I’ve lost, I’ve lost.” He burst into laughter and said, “I’m sorry. It seems my joke went too far. Of course. We can’t make an issue out of merely wearing a helmet for the main contributor to our victory in the war.”

Juras smiled back. “Heh, I think my joke went too far as well. Please don’t take my jest to heart either.”

“Of course.” Prince Oscar seemed satisfied, having achieved his intended goal.

With this, it became certain that Crossing was behind the mercenary Wade.

Moreover, he learned that the bond was strong enough for Juras to react so strongly.

“Don’t mind my frivolous joke and enjoy the party. Wade, and Prime Minister Pamilion.”

Anyway. What did I do to get involved in this?


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The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road

The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road

Score 9.2
Status: Completed Type: Author: Released: 2022 Native Language: Korean
I ended up possessing Ars Elaine, a supporting character in the game. Struggling to prevent my death, I pave my way.

Comment

  1. Jay Crowler says:

    I’m gonna guess Ars’s fiance is either Yumir or one of the subordinates he hasn’t recruited yet. Also Juras is intent on making the continent descend into chaos.

  2. Azel says:

    Where is the ‘I show you Heaven above Heaven that he brag about in the past? These days MC has become a ‘pawn’ in Juras chess. Or, more specifically l, his ‘King’

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