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The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road Chapter 96

The Extra Strategist’s Royal Road Chapter 96

As I came out after finishing the military meeting, Bannings approached me.

He let out a sigh of relief with a tired expression.

“Dorofei’s words were true. Welcome back, Ars.”

“You’ve worked hard too.”

Bannings and the other regular cadets fought in the central army.

Compared to the left or right armies, the central army’s battles were less intense, but still, there were over 1,000 casualties.

Among those casualties were some of our fellow cadets.

“There are many injured, but fortunately, no deaths. Really fortunate indeed.”

Bannings rambled on about the central army’s battle, then carefully said to me, “But do you know? One of the people who achieved military merit this time might become a general.”

“I heard from Dorofei. It’s nonsense.”

“It’s not something to be taken lightly.”

Currently, the Calliper military has a vacancy for the position of Grand General, and now even General Delbadova, who was second in command, has died.

Two big holes have been created. Something is needed to fill that void.

“And… There’s talk that it might be you. According to rumors, General Ironheart and other military officers are highly evaluating you.”

“Ugh. I absolutely hate that.”

“Huh? You hate it? Becoming a general?”

“Just. There’s something about it.”

In my mind, I could picture Duke Hellian smiling with satisfaction.

If he hears about my military achievements, he’d probably rush to the king, passionately arguing that Ars Elaine, who has accomplished great deeds, should be appointed as a general.

‘I need to take some measures.’

There’s a limit even to rapid promotions.

Moreover, since I might establish my own kingdom later, it wasn’t desirable to have too high a position in the Kingdom of Calliper.

“Come on, how could it be me? Bannings, I’m the fourth son of a baronial family. I’m at the bottom of the bottom.”

I tried to change the subject by joking, but Bannings persisted. “That’s true, but still, in the military, ability comes first. In other kingdoms, there are even generals from commoner backgrounds, so being from a baronial family is more than enough for nobility. Plus, you’re good-looking, so high-ranking noble ladies might line up for you. If you get engaged to a lady from a high-ranking family, it’ll open up a path to success!”

“You, are you trying to unnecessarily hype me up?”

“Ugh… You noticed? Actually, you see.” Bannings talked about the power game of factions that had changed due to this war. “Something seems to have happened to Casper and his group who went to the left battlefield. Joshua and Denian seem to have quarreled with Casper and are trying to push him out to stand at the center of the faction. As for Ruan, he’s not trying to associate with any faction anymore.”

“Sheesh, what are you guys, politicians? Lining up and all.”

“Anyway, listen. So, there’s been talk among the others, and they think if Casper isn’t the leader, there’s no need to follow him. Rather… Some want you to take on the role of leader.”

“Ha! Where were they when we were causing trouble together, and now that things are bad, they want to stick to my side and pretend to be clean? You know what answer I’m going to give, right?”

“I guess so, huh? Well, I can’t imagine you leading such a group anyway.”

Bannings seemed to secretly hope that I would lead the faction. That way, he could become a central figure too.

“Phew! Dorofei’s not interested in leading a faction either. For a while, it’s going to be noisy with everyone claiming to be on this side or that side.”

“Let me give you some advice, it’s better to stop that kind of thing as soon as possible.”

“It can’t be helped if you want to live comfortably. For someone like me with no skills and no family prestige, this is the only way.”

“You’re having a hard time too.”

The good thing about Bannings was that despite all this, he was definitely loyal.

‘There was a similar guy like this.’

One person came to mind.

It was Ash Dranvalt, a playboy character that appeared in the game.

While he was hopelessly frivolous when it came to romantic relationships, he was definitely loyal in same-sex friendships. He was a character who maintained a close relationship with Ars.

When Ars was framed as a traitor and imprisoned, he strongly criticized the protagonist’s group and returned to his hometown.

If Ash hadn’t returned to his hometown, he might have become the eighth vassal instead of seven.

‘His hometown was Tunkai, I think.’

In the last Chimera War, the Tunkai army that was deployed was mainly composed of the Thief King Klaus Forkner and his subordinates, so the chances of Ash appearing were slim, but this time is unknown.

If he was on this battlefield, I wanted to at least see his face once.

Our troops, having moved to Arandal, began full-scale preparations for withdrawal.

General Ironheart focused on treating the wounded, and arranged for soldiers who had acquired physical disabilities and cadets who wished to return home to do so first by preparing carriages.

Thanks to this, I decided to take care of my health before acting as Wade, having gained some free time.

As I still had anemia, I decided to rest for about two days.

“Please, help yourself.”

Eo kept bringing out greasy foods as I had requested.

I only put down my utensils after eating until I was full.

“Did you enjoy the meal?”

“As always.”

“Hehe…”Eo was smiling broadly.

I couldn’t comprehend it at all.

“…”

“…?”

“…”

“Is there something on my face?”

“No, it’s not that.”

That monster I had faced with all sorts of hardships.

I just couldn’t understand how Eo could be on the same level as that Fischer Partin.

Poke! I jabbed Eo’s forehead with my finger. She raised her eyes cutely as if asking what kind of signal that was.

“I have a favor to ask, could you try getting angry at me?”

“Huh? Suddenly, what’s this about…?”

“Just try it once. Imagine I stole your snacks.”

“I wouldn’t get angry over something like that.”

“Anyway.”

“Well then… Y-You bad person…!”

It wasn’t scary at all. Rather, it felt embarrassing.

“Eo, you’re actually not that strong, are you?”

“What!?”

“It seems like you lack some intimidation. The one I faced before, everyone collapsed when he just shouted once. Even I felt my heart sink.”

“I can do that too!”

“Then show me.”

“T-That… I can’t do it to you, Ars.”

“Hmm, so it depends on the situation whether you can do it or not. That Fischer Partin seemed like he could do it anytime.”

“I can do it too if I set my mind to it!”

“Then show me.”

“I can’t do it to someone who isn’t an enemy. It depends on who I’m doing it to and for what reason. Ars, can you seriously want to kill me?”

“That wouldn’t be possible.”

“It’s the same for me.”

“Hmm…?”

At that moment, Yumir, who had gone out to buy ingredients, returned.

Yumir’s arms were full of medicinal herbs and healthy ingredients.

She widened her eyes upon seeing the dining table where the meal had already ended. Eo, feeling guilty, tried to quietly leave her seat.

“…Eonia. What is this?”

A sinister aura began to emanate from Yumir.

Eonia, thoroughly intimidated, answered.”Ah, well. Ars asked for delicious food…”

“Didn’t I say I would cook today? Moreover, what are these? These foods that don’t seem good for the body. Don’t you know young master’s condition isn’t good!”

“S-Sorry.”

“If everything could be forgiven with just an apology, wars wouldn’t happen!”

Eo was at a loss, just like the soldiers who were intimidated by Fischer.

At that moment.

“Young master, you too. As soon as I’m gone, you ask Eonia to do this.”

The arrow turned to me. However, I didn’t feel the pressure Eo was experiencing.

Yumir spoke as if soothing a troublemaker.

“I was planning to make a delicious meal for you this time.”

“With those scary-looking medicinal herbs?”

“A delicious meal as much as possible. You need to think about your health condition.”

“Okay… I’ll eat that for dinner. But Yumir, you’re angry at me now, right?”

“Yes, I am angry.”

“I see.”

Depending on who it’s directed at, for what reason, and how the person receiving it feels. I suddenly understood Eo’s words.

After eating lunch, I went out for a stroll with Yumir.

Since Arandal is one of the most renowned cities on the continent, I decided to broaden my horizons.

Eo wanted to come along, but since one of the purposes of sightseeing was to buy gifts for flattery, we left Eo behind.

‘If you know what the gift is in advance, it takes the excitement out of it.’

I also decided to buy gifts for my parents and sister Julia while I was at it.

As I was wandering around the marketplace buying gifts, I encountered a distressing sight.

“Come on, come on! Buy them quickly! From fieldwork to odd jobs, and even night work! They can do it all!”

A slave trader was displaying ten beast-kin slaves and soliciting customers.

The condition of those slaves was terrible. Their faces lacked vitality, as if they hadn’t eaten or slept properly. It looked like they might stop breathing if they collapsed right there.

‘This shows how well-established the slave system in Crossing is.’

This would never happen in Crossing. If it’s discovered that slaves are not provided meals or are being abused, the state intervenes with sanctions.

That’s also why the rate of slaves escaping in Crossing is low.

At least they provide the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter.

In fact, slaves from other kingdoms escape and voluntarily become slaves in Crossing.

This means that Crossing’s slave system also functions as a kind of basic welfare system.

“…”

Yumir was gazing at the scene with a distant look.

Looking at her, I said, “I’ll tell you in advance, I’m not going to buy them. I think that would be an insult to you.”

If I thought they were pitiful just because they were beast-kin, that would be discriminatory in itself. Humans could end up in the same situation.

If I sympathized with them just because they were beast-kin, I thought it would mean I felt the same way about Yumir.

“I know. It’s just that, if I hadn’t been taken in by Lady Rizna… I was thinking I might have ended up in a similar situation.”

“About that. Even if mother had done that, it would be the same. If she had sympathized with you just because you were a beast-kin, I would have rejected that.”

“Lady Rizna wasn’t that kind of person. She was just as upright as you are now, young master.”

“Me, upright? That’s not true.”

“Hehe, the way you say that is exactly like her.”

Yumir stared at the beast-kin slaves for a while, as if rooted to the spot.

Seeing her sensitive reaction to the beast-kin’s misfortune, I couldn’t help but ask, “Yumir, are you… Happy now?”

“…”

Yumir was silent for a moment, then, “When we visited Lady Rizna’s grave last time, you said you wanted to find your own happiness. I thought about it then too.”

“And?”

“Your happiness is my happiness, young master.”

It was somewhat the answer I had expected.

‘Someone else’s happiness is their own happiness…’

Even if Yumir and I have a special relationship, is such a thing possible? Is that a proper form of happiness?

It was then.

“I’ll take all those beast-kin.”

It was Olaf.

He glared at the slave trader, not hiding his displeasure.

The slave trader accepted the money with a cowardly smile, as if he didn’t care as long as he got paid.

After entrusting the purchased slaves to Dilas to be sent away, Olaf suddenly noticed me and approached.

“Well, well, were you on a date?”

“Something like that. More importantly, what was that just now? You spent quite a sum quite freely. May I ask where that money came from?”

“It’s exactly what you’re thinking. I used Rainpol’s expenses. The budget allocated for securing manpower.”

“I thought so. What on earth are you doing?”

“Using the expenses? Or saving those people?”

“The latter. Saving them? Your actions are actually despising the beast-kin.”

“There’s certainly room to think that way. But that wasn’t my intention in saving them. I just thought there was a better path for them than living such miserable lives as slaves. We give them welfare, and we gain manpower. Fortunately, Crossing has a good system for that. There’s no need to hesitate, right?”

“I wouldn’t have said anything if you had treated slaves of other races the same way. From what I hear, you’ve only been buying beast-kin slaves? That’s hypocrisy.”

“Generally, beast-kin slaves are treated more harshly. Of course we should save the ones in immediate danger first, shouldn’t we?” Olaf rebutted like that, then shook his head with a wry smile. “No, no. Such excuses are just ugly. You’re absolutely right. But even so, I have no intention of changing my course of action. After all, don’t all people live with their own hypocrisy? I’m not a saint, Ars.”

“I know. I was hoping you’d say that.”

“Well, well. Was I being tested?”

Everyone lives with hypocrisy.

That’s not wrong. I’m the same.

Not denying Yumir’s words that my happiness is her happiness was hypocritical.

Rather than not denying it, I couldn’t deny it. Whatever I might have said would have been hypocritical, as I was relying on her devotion.


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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:

    That last conversation probably sounded way better in the author’s head.

  2. Azel says:

    Olaf is way better person then MC. As Salves didn’t give a shit about your ‘pity is an insult’ reason. They just want to live an ordinary life where they can secure food and shelter.

    MC meanwhile, can’t stand to eat food that is not Eos food. Showing how spoiled he is.

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