Chapter 68

Out of the blue, a novice in war states that the most important thing in war is “victory in battle.”

Those who have studied war a little more or have mastered theoretical skills, known as ‘geniuses’ and ‘staff officers,’ divide the beginning and end of war into supply lines, minimizing the possibility of our side being in jeopardy through the sustainability of supplies, thereby reducing the “chance of defeat” in war.

They then exploit the enemy’s gaps to seize “victory in battle.”

Conversely, a general recognized as a historical genius or a commander who has fully mastered specialized skills sets the entire course of war toward the “conditions for victory.”

To make it easier to understand, if we liken it to investments like stocks, a stock novice ‘stock rookie’ considers making money as a successful investment, while someone skilled in stocks forecasts the financial reports of companies, the investment amounts and periods, and the economic situation to gain profits.

On the other hand, a true expert not only does what a skilled investor would do but also plans investments and sets all processes to gain ‘set profits,’ engaging in long-term investments like Warren Buffett and remains unblinded by ‘profits.’

In that context, it is unmistakable that the knights and commanders of our side participating in the military meeting are still novices.

“Balt! When the war merchant arrives today, I’ll treat everyone to a pint of beer. I’ll send a woman to each of you who are here. You can look forward to it! I’ve called the best woman from Nante.”

“Long live Sir Frost!! No, soon you’ll be Baron Frost, won’t you?”

“Hey, what are you talking about? Baron?! We haven’t even taken down the castle of Nante yet.”

“The knights have all fallen. Isn’t there no commander to lead us, including the Count?! It’s pretty much already a victory. Congratulations! Instead, allow this humble Balt to squander the future Baron’s estate. Hehe…”

Other knights chatted, saying they had territories and could spend all their money today, while the captains at the bottom of the military meeting boasted that they would receive ‘knighthood’ and ask to be changed from ‘squires’ to ‘heirs.’

Of course, I understand the joy they feel.

In terms of troop numbers alone, we have at least four times more, and in the case of strategy, the number of knights is more than ten times greater, so we overwhelmingly won the worst of wars.

Moreover, since the total commander, the Count, has died, they cannot regroup.

However, just like a contract isn’t concluded until the seal is stamped and notarized…

We still haven’t completely occupied the territories of Count Nante and Count Franche, so it is too early to pop the champagne and celebrate.

Thus, I opened my mouth to change the atmosphere and establish the next strategy.

“Our forces have triumphed. Our 5,000 soldiers have overwhelmingly crushed the enemy’s 20,000. We held off 2,000 knights with only 2,000 infantry, while the remaining 3,000 soldiers held back more than six times the enemy infantry. For that feat, I, SIEL von Croilet, will vow on my honor that I will never forget. However, before praising you, let us first commemorate the 300 soldiers who lost their lives for me.”

At those words, the knights quietly bit their lips and bowed their heads, and the infantry captains Balt and Helmut, who directly commanded them, closed their eyes in sorrow, silently shedding tears for their glorious deaths.

Then I looked at the knights and commanders and spoke in an amiable yet firm voice.

“I commend your achievements, and I want to hold a banquet for you by inviting a war merchant to the battlefield. However, it is not yet time for you to ‘pop the champagne.’ Our war goal is to capture Count Nante and fully secure the territories of Count Nante and Count Helzman. But what is our current situation?”

None of the other knights or captains answered me, and the viscount spoke on their behalf.

“Count Nante is deceased, and the territories of Count Nante and Count Helzman are currently empty. In other words, we have only achieved one of the goals you proposed.”

“That’s right. If we do not hastily capture the territory of Count Helzman, which belonged to Count Nante, the other barons of Franche will march their armies to invade for ‘land expansion.’ If that happens, we will be unable to secure Count Helzman. Also, when His Majesty Duke Brussels hears this news, he will probably claim at least one baron’s territory under the pretext of suppressing the ‘chaos of Nante.’ Think about it.”

Hearing that, the expressions of the other commanders began to turn pale.

It seems they have now realized that folks who will take advantage of the feast we have set could emerge.

“Therefore, we must swiftly stabilize the territories of Count Helzman and Count Nante before the news reaches them, Father. Moreover, my loyal knights and commanders! I, SIEL von Croilet! Will not allow the blood of my soldiers, who stood firm with their faces battered by the hammer and bodies punctured by shafts, to be shed in vain. Thus, there is no time for awards or banquets now; will you forgive me for this?”

At my words, the knights and commanders all knelt on one knee and bowed their heads, and Frost spoke on their behalf.

“Long live Count Croilet! We will not let the blood of even a single soldier be shed in vain as per your command.”

“Good, then I shall issue the operation. Chris, hang up the map.”

Chris set up a map depicting Croilet, Nante, and Count Helzman and the surrounding areas in a position where the knights could see it.

I pointed at the map with my baton and continued explaining.

“First of all, the enemy will need time to organize the forces capable of waging a conquest war. Therefore, they will send out a small army as soon as they hear we have mobilized our full strength to conquer Nante. Once they plant their flag, they will have a basis to claim that territory as their own.”

“That makes sense. As you said, they would have to prepare for war to retake any land they have once conquered. If that happens, we will have to fight both Franche and Romania…”

“We can’t win countless battles only to be robbed of our empty houses. So, after taking the castle of Count Nante, divide the troops, allot 2,000 soldiers and Father to Count Helzman’s territory, and place Sir Frost with 1,000 at Count Croilet’s territory. After that, I plan to conduct awards; does anyone have any complaints?”

Although I said that, it was logically sound, so the knights and commanders before me could not say anything.

They merely exchanged glances with sullen expressions.

Yet, no matter how respected I may be as a lord, if I only provide a whip after the victory, their loyalty will diminish…

Now it’s time to throw them a carrot.

“Finance officer, how much money do I have available to use personally in our territory right now?”

“About 10,000 gold coins.”

While I have made tremendous profits selling sugar, salt, and grain to Hamburg and the north, I did not expect that I would only have 10,000 coins to use…

After I ordered to save about 300 coins a month since we started exporting sugar without even checking the ‘deposit balance’…

With that money, couldn’t I buy about ten towns in a barren land?

Next, I should save up more money and get Ella a silk dress that noblewomen would wear…

Hearing my words, the knights and commanders looked at each other in shock.

“With that money, wouldn’t we be able to buy a new territory?”

“How many sets of armor would that buy… No, I could even outfit all my soldiers in my territory with the best armor from Milan and still have money left.”

“Sir Karl, didn’t you bet that the money collected by His Excellency is 10,000 gold coins? Since I got closer, give me the money.”

“When I was a guardian, it was said that anything Baron Croilet touched turned to gold; perhaps it’s really true…”

Then, I smiled amiably and asked the finance officer again.

“If so, how much public funds can we spare? Currently, our baronial budget is…”

“The annual budget is about 50,000 gold coins. If Your Excellency wishes, we can allocate about 10,000…”

Once we fully acquire Count Nante, I will be able to triple the profits through the vast food and labor resources within that territory by next year.

And soon I will also be able to operate the hidden mines in Nante…

“Before we conduct any awards, distribute 20 gold coins to the knights present here and 15 gold coins to the commanders. Then give 10 coins to lieutenants, 8 coins to second lieutenants, and 7 coins to sergeants… distribute them accordingly. Then captains, step forward for a moment.”

At those words, the captains stood in line, bewildered, at the place I pointed to.

“And captains who fought the enemy knights with me today, step forward as well.”

“Yes? Understood.”

They lined up in an orderly fashion, and none of them had a face without a ‘scar.’

They must have shown this appearance because they fought alongside the soldiers with the resolve to die at the front lines.

Then I should reward their loyalty. As a knight, as a noble, as their lord.

“You shall now kneel on one knee.”

At my words, the summoned captains rapidly knelt.

As the knights seemed to realize what I was about to do, they asked in a panicked voice.

“Your Excellency, what on earth are you trying to do? Surely you’re not going to appoint all of them as knights?!”

I distinctly drew the line at the concerned knight’s words and replied firmly.

“That’s correct. Historically, at the emergence of the Caffeine dynasty, even the first Emperor Elaline conferred knighthood and baronial titles on ‘soldiers who accomplished merit.’ Let alone, they are those who risked their lives for me, so I believe I can do that much.”

“But…”

“And our territory of Count Nante, well now it’s Count Croilet, isn’t it? Our barony has plenty of land without lords for the knights. While I will bestow some benefits to them, I will share even more with you… is there any dissatisfaction?”

At my words, the knight who had voiced objections to me replied with a satisfied look.

“As long as you reward us sufficiently, we have no complaints! How could I possibly disregard those soldiers who turned the tide on the frontline with wooden pikes as a knight?!”

Then, to formally knight them “in a simplified manner,” I raised my hand and slapped their cheeks.

Under normal circumstances, this would be a very unpleasant and humiliating moment, but it was the time to recognize these individuals, who have been discriminated against for a lifetime as ‘nobles.’

Thus, as soon as I slapped their cheeks, they tried hard to hold back their sobs.

Yet despite this, tears of emotion flowed continuously from their eyes.

After some time spent on the ‘simplified’ knighting ceremony, I brought up the next important matter.

“Where are those who brought Count Nante’s head? We must reward them according to their deeds…”

“Don’t worry, Your Excellency. They are currently resting in our barracks, receiving ‘the same treatment as knights.'”

“I will go see them immediately; now we will disband the meeting here. Everyone, go inside and rest.”

**

The soldiers who killed Schwabin von Nante were ‘noble bastards.’

They wore half armor consisting only of a plate mail breastplate, helmet, and gauntlets, albeit being noble, they wore cheap but silk clothes.

Now, they lay before me, throwing away their noble demeanor to get what they wanted, begging before me, even though they were bastards.

“Your Excellency, we have killed your enemy, Schwabin von Nante. We smashed his hands and legs and all of his body, avenging you. Look.”

As they said this, they pulled back the cloth covering the body hidden behind them.

Inside lay nothing but a mass of flesh lacking both distinguishing facial features and a human shape, with maggots gnawing away at it.

Seeing Schwabin, now turned to a meat lump resembling the raw meat ‘Hamburg steak’ eaten in Mongolia, I felt somewhat, no, truly, elated…

But it was slightly unpleasant as well; no matter how much Schwabin is scum, shouldn’t these people report his removal in a more noble manner?

Shouldn’t that be common sense in this era…?