The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road Chapter 80
The festival was in its final stages.
As promised, I went to the circus tent to escort Yumir.
Since the circus was also planned to be used for performances to entertain soldiers later, it was a kind of inspection visit for me.
As it was my first time seeing a circus in person, I sat in the audience with subtle expectations, but the show wasn’t as entertaining as I had thought.
‘Shouldn’t this just be considered a feat of strength show?’
If my idea of a circus was a fantasy show with magic incorporated, this was just a performance of showing off stunts without any mystique.
‘I suppose it can’t be helped.’
In this world where magic once existed but disappeared for unclear reasons, people were sensitive about magic.
If one were to demonstrate magic tricks, they might be mistakenly seen as a magician.
It wouldn’t be a problem if it was just a misunderstanding, but the issue was that the state would capture and interrogate such people.
Since many kingdoms were interested in developing magic, as soon as news of a magician appearing spread, a warrant would be issued immediately.
If it was then revealed that it wasn’t magic but simple trickery, severe punishment would be given, so magic tricks couldn’t develop.
‘If it’s going to be like this, maybe it wouldn’t be bad to develop sports instead of the circus.’
While I was watching with indifference, Yumir, sitting next to me, was different. She was watching the circus intently, her tail straight up, palms sweaty.
I whispered softly. “Is that amazing to you? I think you could do something more impressive, Yumir.”
For example, the trick of throwing daggers at a target.
Yumir was skilled enough that you could feel safe even if the target was placed on someone’s head, so she could demonstrate even more impressive feats.
“That may be true, but I can see how these ordinary people could reach this level, what kind of effort they put in. I find myself hoping that their efforts won’t be in vain.”
“I see, that’s one way to look at it.”
“Above all, this is my first time seeing such a performance.”
Well, unlike me who had seen various performances in the modern world, even this might be an amazing show in this world.
“Then it’s good we came.”
If Yumir enjoyed it, then coming to the circus was worthwhile.
Still, it wasn’t interesting by my standards, so I started thinking about other things absentmindedly.
That story Juras had brought up.
‘The Western people’s advance into the continent…’
This would once again dramatically change the political situation on the continent.
Moreover, I was holding the handle at this crucial turning point.
Should we allow the Western people to occupy Beckavia, recognizing them as a state and putting them on an equal stage? Or should we defeat them as originally planned and gain Beckavia’s territory?
In the former case, we could bring them to the diplomatic stage. If official diplomatic channels are established, the West can’t act recklessly.
On the other hand, the latter would strengthen Juras’ plan for dividing the world into three parts.
‘I…’
It was while I was pondering this.
“Hello! We are the Aggert Mercenary Group! We’re currently staying here for a while!”
That guy named Aggert I had seen before started a performance, leading ten strong men.
Despite his young age, he seemed to have quite a bit of leadership, as there were several people close to old age among his followers.
Aggert performed a comical feat of strength show with them.
Perhaps due to the added comedy elements, the response was good even though the level of stunts wasn’t high. I also preferred Aggert’s stage to the simple stunts.
“Hehe! If we have another chance, we’ll come to see you again! Thank you!”
The guy who entered noisily left just as noisily.
‘He’s a guy full of energy.’
Maybe because I received that energy.
I was able to end my deliberation and make a decision.
‘Alright. I’ll defeat the Western people.’
The part I had been pondering was whether the Western people could become allies.
‘That part can only be skeptical.’
Given my current situation. And looking at the game’s story. According to what has been revealed so far, there’s a high possibility that Ars was branded a traitor by the Western people and the Svenner forces.
Whether Ars was a good guy or a villain in the game, it means Ars and the Western people are in an antagonistic relationship.
Moreover, now is not the time for the Western people to advance into the continent.
I didn’t want to let them swallow the Beckavia region sneakily and then unfold their ambitions. If that happened, the main story I knew would disappear.
Even though I decided not to think about the story, I decided to prevent what I could prevent.
I made an appointment to meet Juras before he left Rainpol.
To my opinion of driving out the West, Juras nodded, saying he knew I would say that.
“A satisfactory answer. Very good.”
“It seems you were also leaning towards that idea. What were you planning to do if I had given the opposite opinion?”
“I would have tried to persuade you first.”
“And if that didn’t work?”
“I was planning to respect your wishes. …This time.”
“That’s a loaded statement, isn’t it?”
“I said it with intent.”
“Oh my. Anyway, let’s do as you planned for this matter. So, what task do you want to entrust to me?”
“None.”
“…Pardon?”
Juras continues speaking with a slight smile.
“I merely asked for your opinion. There’s no need for you to participate in the war on our side.”
“Hmm.”
Well, Crossing doesn’t desperately need my presence.
Unlike Calliper, which lacks talented military personnel, Crossing is rich in talent. Moreover, it seems that Juras himself is taking the role of commander-in-chief this time, so it’s natural that there’s no place for me.
While it’s possible to make a seat if needed, Juras said there’s no real need to do so.
“I would be grateful if you did, but seeing your attitude, something doesn’t seem right.”
How should I put it? It’s like I need to quickly figure out what this guy is up to. For that, I needed to be close.
Juras seemed to have read my mind and made a suggestion. “Huh, if you’re really disappointed, why don’t you lend me Anton? I don’t have a good adjutant like him.”
“Anton?”
As it happened, Anton was also listening to this conversation nearby.
My master’s due date is not far off.’
If the war dragged on, I might not be able to make it in time for the birth. I was about to refuse, but Anton spoke first. “If winning this war will help Ars, I don’t mind participating as Juras’ adjutant.”
“What are you saying, Anton? You might miss the birth if you do that.”
“Helping you is more important than that. Ilya would think the same.”
As he said, Master Ilya would tell him to go. I had no grounds to stop him.
Juras smiles bitterly. “What’s this, Anton? You’re already talking like you’ve completely defected. You’re still officially part of Crossing, you know?”
“That’s just a facade. My heart is already with Ars.”
“You’ve become quite admirable. It seems like just yesterday when you were growling and picking fights with anyone. Considering how you were as a child, it’s remarkable.”
“We agreed not to talk about that.”
“Come on. Looking back now, aren’t they good memories for both of us?”
“Ugh…!”
“Anyway Anton, get ready right away. We’ll be heading to Karten in an hour.”
“Yes, sir.”
Anton’s participation was decided just like that.
Juras immediately left, taking Anton with him.
* * *
So it was decided that Juras would handle this war. Master, as expected, understood and supported Anton’s participation, I heard.
‘I hope Juras doesn’t give Anton too much responsibility.’
If Anton were to die in battle, it would strain my relationship with Juras. He probably doesn’t want that either.
I was in a position where I just had to quietly attend the academy and receive information from Anton, but something bothered me.
An ominous feeling that things wouldn’t just pass by like this.
As if to prove this feeling, there was an unexpected event at the academy.
“Everyone, pay attention.”
A bald man spoke sternly to the cadets.
The cadets gulped at his stern appearance.
It wasn’t just his appearance. He was famous for his inflexible personality.
Second General Delbadova Leguin. He was now at the highest position in the military since Dunan’s death.
“Hmph, Golden Generation or whatever. Just a bunch of snot-nosed brats.” Delbadova made this scathing assessment.
Although he held the highest position in the current military, he didn’t have as much influence. This was because he belonged to the royal family’s direct army.
Due to his status as part of the royal family’s direct army, he couldn’t belong to any faction, making it difficult for him to be utilized fully.
Now, under the king’s orders, he was tasked with instructing the cadets known as the Golden Generation.
“Let me tell you in advance, I don’t have high expectations for you lot. Some say you’re better than active officers, but don’t make me laugh. If any of you have such useless sense of entitlement, get rid of it right now. Such an attitude won’t help your growth at all.”
There was a small rebellion against this. Of course, because Wade was here.
Except for me, that is.
“But General! We’ve grown through the Chimera War! Moreover, Wade, who avenged General Dunan and led us to victory, is here with us! Please reconsider what you just said!” It was Denian Geglish, one of the faction leader’s sons, who spoke.
“Avenged Dunan? Wade is here? Hahahahaha!” Delbadova burst into laughter. Then he suddenly became serious and said, “Even a passing dog would laugh, you fools. If that guy was really Wade, do you think he could casually attend the academy like this? Alvard, Tunkai, Beckavia, even the remnants of Madon. There’s a whole bunch of forces after his life! All sorts of assassins and spies would be surrounding this place!”
As Delbadova said, there were countless forces targeting me.
Those who wanted to recruit me. Or those who wanted to eliminate me. Especially the latter were overwhelmingly numerous, which is why I was hiding my identity with the help of Crossing and Duke Hellian.
If it were my current vassals, they could probably avoid the threat of assassination, but it would cause a lot of troublesome incidents.
As Delbadova said, I wouldn’t be able to comfortably attend the academy.
“I understand you’re caught up in playing hero in your young mind, Casper Millias. But if you really want to become a true hero, stop this lie right now.”
“Ugh…!”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Casper.
Sweating profusely, Casper stood up abruptly and shouted. “What are you saying, General? The fact that I am Wade is known not only by many great nobles but also by His Majesty the King! Are you doubting His Majesty the King, General?”
“…Foolish brat. Well, fine. Sit down. Let’s start the lesson.”
Casper sat down, trembling. The other cadets were relieved, thinking, ‘I knew it’.
They also knew. If Casper was revealed to be a fake, it would create cracks in the factions they had created.
That the power they held would disappear.
Maybe it doesn’t matter anymore whether Casper is really Wade or not.
‘How can it be so childish and ugly?’
The thought of joining in and saying flattering things made me think it was a hundred times better to just keep being a loner like now.
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