Chapter 94

I will translate the provided text into English using first-person point of view without additional comments. Here is the translation:

The bustling atmosphere in the Duke’s Residence, where all major and minor affairs of the Caladborg Dukedom were handled, felt like a battlefield. It was so busy and urgent, with retainers moving around frantically.

Thinking back to the early morning when the sun had just risen, their current behavior seemed unusual. However, considering the urgent news I received during my usual commute, their reaction wasn’t entirely unexpected.

The barbarian tribes and demonic creatures were surging southward together.

Since the Caladborg Dukedom dominated the entire continent, there were no real competitors to challenge its power.

With the new emperor ascending to the throne and political stability returning, the citizens were already enjoying peace. This urgent news would have startled them even more.

In regions unfamiliar with war, similar events could lead to panic, causing administrative paralysis and confusion.

Citizens would be too scared to carry on with daily life, and fleeing would cause chaos.

Upon hearing this news, the people of the Caladborg Dukedom appeared calm despite their busy appearance, showing a level-headed demeanor.

“Where are we with the supply plan for our upcoming battle?”

“In another hour.”

“Thirty minutes.”

“…I’ll try.”

“I’m being generous. Write it as if fire is coming out of my pen!”

The high-ranking officials urging the writing of the supply plan for the large-scale confrontation with the enemy were focused, their eyes red from the urgency of providing supplies to the knights and army needed to stop the enemy.

Screech—!

Even though they tried to restrain themselves, one knight burst through the slightly opened door, his expression urgent.

“Commander… No, Junior Duke! Is it true that the barbarian brats and demonic creatures are joining forces and heading here?”

“Katarina told you? You’re quick with information.”

“I’ll order the children to prepare for the march immediately.”

“It’s urgent. War requires preparation. While I yearn to wash away the humiliation, I must instruct everyone to remain calm and prepare.”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

Displaying a fierce determination to devour the demons and barbarians, Asulin, the supreme commander of the Caladborg Dukedom, approved the combat preparations and left the study.

Their response to the news of invaders disrupting the rare peace was not one of chaos but rather a resolve to perform their duties at maximum efficiency.

Asulin stood at the forefront of this determined reaction.

Once the knight left and she confirmed he was gone, she muttered quietly, observing his retreating figure.

“My body feels hot. Of course, those who trained daily, seeking revenge for the ‘humiliation,’ would react strongly to this news.”

Her expression, while cold and reminiscent of a sword demon often seen on the battlefield, showed a mixture of displeasure and determination. She, too, felt the invasion was unwelcome but was resolute in her victory.

Her firmness, without any doubt of defeat, was evident.

From her continued emphasis on the word ‘humiliation,’ it was clear that the Glorious Knights, led by Asulin, had suffered greatly during the Succession War due to a surprise attack by the enemy. They had longed for the chance to overcome this humiliation.

When the opportunity arose to avoid a major battle and achieve peace through dialogue, the demonic creatures’ unilateral destruction of that peace incited intense enmity.

Even if not to the same extent as Asulin, I, too, felt bitter about the demonic creatures after seeing my comrades perish.

When the Glorious Knights, under Asulin’s command, engaged in a skirmish with minimal casualties compared to other losses, they aimed to reduce manpower depletion by surrendering strategically as the anti-Princess faction collapsed.

Suddenly, due to the demonic creatures’ intrusion, twenty promising knights perished.

Given the small size of the Paleodas family’s knightly order, losing an entire unit of twenty knights was devastating.

This experience fueled their hatred towards the demonic creatures.

Their enthusiasm and readiness were understandable given the sacrifices made and the necessity to confront these enemies.

“If the Black Wing Knights were in better condition, I would have requested support from Rize.”

Expressing regret over the difficulty of getting support from the Black Wing Knights, Asulin responded:

“Not at all. If we had sent support here, and the demonic creatures hadn’t noticed, the cunning barbarians might have turned their forces toward the Paleodas family instead, creating an even bigger problem.”

Despite momentarily revealing her warrior-like presence, Asulin’s composed response showcased her role as the capable head of household leading a vast dukedom.

“First, we need to settle the internal atmosphere before worrying about the upcoming battle.”

Standing up from the bustling and chaotic study, she clapped her hands lightly to gather everyone’s attention.

Her composed demeanor amidst the crisis demonstrated her leadership and poise.

Thinking this was to soothe the nervous retainers, I observed the gathered retainers. My prediction was correct.

While their gazes were united in readiness for the emergency, experienced retainers exuded confidence, whereas younger retainers displayed anxiety and puzzlement.

It made sense for them to be puzzled when suddenly asked to focus.

But Asulin spoke reassuringly:

“Those experiencing this for the first time might feel overwhelmed, but do what you can. Your efforts will preserve the manor and allow the inhabitants to live in peace. Rest assured, we will not falter.”

The experienced retainers nodded with a faint smile, refocusing on their tasks, while the younger ones gradually regained composure.

The trust shown by the retainers towards Asulin was evident, indicating her competent leadership.

The retainers’ reactions suggested that this level of trust wasn’t built overnight, especially recalling how poorly administrative tasks were handled during the Paleodas family’s reign.

Watching the study’s atmosphere shift calmly amid the chaos, I realized the importance of capable leadership.

Although the study was bustling with preparations for war, my task of sorting documents for urgent approvals near Asulin was not extensive.

My mind was filled with thoughts about the unusual combination of demonic creatures and barbarians moving together.

While both posed threats to the empire, their mutual hostility made their peaceful passage through the Zakarat Mountain Range perplexing.

The defense of the Northern Territory, centered around the Caladborg Dukedom or the Paleodas family, began with containing and restraining these two threats.

As someone from the Paleodas family, responsible for defending the Northern Territory, this situation seemed suspicious given the basic premise of territorial defense.

Demonic creatures, driven by their destructive instincts, were usually uncontrollable.

Before the founding of the empire, higher beings controlled these creatures, oppressing humans. However, when the first emperor established the empire, these creatures fled, posing less threat due to their limited numbers.

Even if some returned to unite the demonic creatures, the idea seemed unlikely.

“Claudia… No, His Majesty wouldn’t miss this.”

Asulin interrupted my thoughts, dismissing my speculation.

Her mention of the emperor was abrupt.

“The Dragon Slayer Sword, Ascalon, also deals with demons. If intelligent demonic creatures returned to this land, His Majesty would surely notice and send orders to deal with them.”

“Having a sword that detects distant demonic creatures sounds convenient.”

“However, His Majesty finds it annoying, often interrupting me with idle chatter.”

Given the context, Asulin’s portrayal of the emperor was becoming clearer.

Though a model ruler with admirable qualities, he was also prone to idle talk.

“Still, His Majesty confided in you and told you this. Should I share it?”

Asulin answered my question about sharing confidential information.

“Mom said there should be no secrets between spouses.”

Hearing this, I felt a mix of warmth seeing her efforts to avoid secrets and guilt for not sharing mine.

For now, I resolved to reveal everything once the situation stabilized.

“Hmm, this document lists the winter equipment to be distributed to the knights.”

Focusing on my tasks, I handed the document to Asulin.

Resolving issues shouldn’t wait until problems arise.

Thus, Asulin, along with the retainers of the Caladborg Dukedom, prepared for the combined threat of demonic creatures and barbarians, even eating meals hastily in the study.

Despite initial panic, the experienced retainers swiftly completed preparations within a day.

Facing the Glorious Knights, equipped and ready for a prolonged conflict, Asulin commanded:

“Glorious Knights! Prepare for departure!”

Mounted on a sleek white horse, Asulin led the knights in formation. Following her, I mounted my black stallion, joining the ranks.

“How long have we been here? Facing demonic creatures and barbarians? Quite surprising.”

“Tidy up before speaking.”

“Ah, it’s been found out.”

Elshimer, accompanying me, was also mounted on a black horse.

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