Chapter 83

83.

“Is the knights’ participation in the war…?”

“Us, us, we’re the vanguard?”

Luniya and Hexton’s eyes widened in shock.

Milene and Cruel had anticipated the knights’ participation in the battle, but they hadn’t expected to be the vanguard. Their faces also clearly showed signs of surprise.

In fact, the Imperial Knights’ direct participation and leading the charge isn’t a confirmed decision. It’s still just a plan in my head.

Hmm.

Setting aside the gaze silently watching me, I picked up a piece of well-cooked meat and ate it.

“It is quite delicious, but…”

I keep thinking about white rice, ssamjang (wrap sauce), and kimchi when I eat.

We can make rice in Ruben since we grow rice there, but ssamjang and kimchi are a problem. There’s no way to obtain them.

I wonder if they have it on the Eastern Continent?

Even though this novel’s setting is close to modern East Asian culture…

While savoring the juicy flavor and saltiness of the meat in my mouth, I addressed the still silent members of the unit.

“There’s no need to be so tense. We don’t yet know how things will turn out. Let’s eat the meat and think about it.”

Analyzing the movements and intelligence of Calheigh, we may conclude that war is approaching, but this is only a third-party speculation.

Only the parties involved know whether they truly intend to start a war or if they’re merely making a silent demonstration.

Objectively speaking, Calheigh and Altain vary greatly in landmass. The population living on that land is also significantly different, and naturally, there’s a humiliating difference in national power and military might.

If the Empire were in its prime, Calheigh would not only prostrate itself but would likely offer goods in tribute due to the presence of Swordmasters.

‘But things aren’t like that now.’

The Empire weakened by the war with Sylvester and followed by a civil war, and the disappearance of the Swordmaster.

In this situation, Calheigh quietly receives various supports such as mana wielders from Sylvester and other countries.

Other countries intend to use Calheigh as a kind of combat power test meter.

We’ll push you forward, why don’t you attack them once?

If Altain is still formidable, they’ll rise to the challenge. If they’re like toothless tigers, they’ll take a step back.

Either way, it’s a good situation from the perspective of other countries.

In the former case, the war will consume their power and allow an accurate assessment of the current state of the empire.

In the latter case, suspicions of weakness will be proven true, and efforts to bring down Altain will become more overt.

Even if Calheigh were to lose, the countries that supported them with mana wielders can deny their involvement and minimize their losses.

‘After all, they are troublesome people.’

There are many entities meddling both inside and outside the country.

I suddenly feel how burdensome this position is. Every time I wake up in the morning, new and surprising problems appear.

Would I have had time to worry about these things if I had lived in Ruben like in the past?

‘I probably would have only worried about food.’

Managing Ruben, repelling the monsters and beasts that attacked the village, and drinking with my teacher…

Even if it wasn’t abundant, it was a decent life. Maybe I would have fled to another country when the time came.

‘Hmm.’

What changed since coming to the capital is that I received the title of Duke and acquired a beautiful wife.

The image of Iris, dressed up elaborately during the wedding, flashed in my mind.

“…”

Living in the capital isn’t bad.

Upon reflection, even though there’s a lot of work, I don’t have to solve everything by myself.

At least I can get enough sleep when I want to, and I have leisure time to drink with the unit members.

Anyway, since the wedding is done and we’re officially husband and wife, it’s time to…

Suddenly serious thoughts popped into my head.

While I was deep in thought, Milene’s calm voice came.

“Does the fact that you mentioned a matter being discussed from higher-ups mean… that you have a certain level of certainty?”

“Hmm, that’s right. Considering all the circumstances, I’d say it’s around eighty percent.”

“…”

Milene let out a heavy sigh and began eating the meat without saying a word.

Cruel and Hexton followed the deputy unit leader and started eating the gradually cooling meat while Luniya opened her mouth, still not understanding.

“The Royal Knights are the shield and sword of the king. We are the force meant to defend the royal palace and the capital. Are we really participating in the war?”

I raised my head at Luniya’s question and looked at her.

In her blue eyes reflecting the firewood, there was no fear.

It seemed like she wasn’t asking to avoid war, but rather questioning why the force responsible for defending the capital would be moving to the front line.

It was a valid question.

“The knights are swords as well. Literally, the military force acting according to the Empress’s will. Going to the front line when an order for departure is issued follows natural logic.”

“That… is true.”

As she belonged to a noble family, Luniya understood quickly.

However, it seemed like she still had one question, as she opened her mouth again.

“Why are the knights the vanguard?”

At that question, others also stopped their forks and turned their heads.

Other knight units or the imperial army could potentially lead the vanguard. So why is the Royal Knights leading the charge?

“I’m not planning on dragging this war out.”

It wouldn’t be good to fight a prolonged war for various reasons.

Considering last year’s poor harvest, there was a significant possibility that the current year’s food supply situation wasn’t good. War itself was a project that required considerable losses.

We could probably crush them with brute power given the power difference, but there won’t be no damage. A drawn-out war would likely result in a victory that leaves only scars.

“In the first battle, we will split the enemy forces in half.”

Therefore, we will thoroughly prepare and incapacitate the enemy in one go. In the world from my previous life, it wouldn’t have been an easy task, but it isn’t impossible in this world.

There are superhumans who manipulate mana, and there is me who can cut them down.

The tactical force of the knight unit and mana wielders striking the enemy lines to completely crush them.

Fighting is all about spirit.

This holds true for war as well.

Lower the enemy’s morale and boost your side’s morale.

Thus, the knights, including myself, will lead the vanguard.

The flag of Palenberk will proudly flutter, announcing the empire’s will.

“This is an appropriate situation to enhance the prestige of the Royal Knights. Isn’t it?”

Jororok.

I filled the remaining alcohol into the members’ cups.

When all the cups were filled, Luniya calmly spoke.

“Director. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but we’re not that strong. Can we, who are like this, wield swords at the vanguard and survive?”

Even the brilliant glory fades in front of death.

Luniya’s expression revealed deep concerns as she muttered.

The combat strength of the Royal Knights has improved since the first time we met, but it still lags behind other knight units.

‘There’s no problem.’

While strengthening individual skills, we will focus on group combat training.

Individual strength, honed over a long period of training, cannot be easily achieved, but group combat is different.

This falls under the realm of skill.

Intensive practice can enhance strength within a short period.

As I raised my cup, I spoke to the members.

“Do you remember what I said at first? Trust and follow me.”

“Yes. I remember.”

Without hesitation, the answer came. Nodding lightly, I continued.

“That statement remains unchanged. I’ll make you stronger.”

As I gently shook the cup in my hand, the members quickly came to their senses and raised their cups.

Ding.

The cups clinked and they drank the alcohol in one breath.

The fiery sensation flowing down their throats. Breathing lightly after the sensation of the alcohol rising in their stomachs, they ate some meat.

“On the table, the meat has gotten cold, but it sufficiently suppresses the aftertaste of the alcohol.”

“But… I am skeptical about whether we can become strong in such a short period. There are also many novice knights.”

Hexton’s careful question was echoed with a nod from Luniya.

Until the end of summer, we probably have about four months left.

It was too short a time to become strong. For those with average talent, lacking absurd talent, it was an inadequately short period.

“No need to worry.”

The lack of time doesn’t matter. Because I am here.

Using the training methods I’ve learned from my teacher and the various sword techniques imprinted in my mind, I can offer tailored injection-style education.

“This is a secret. I’m a disciple of Landeck Eremwald.”

I said this while picking up the last remaining piece of meat.

“Don’t talk about it elsewhere.”

“…?”

Both Hexton and Luniya’s faces were filled with confusion.

“Landeck… somehow it feels familiar…”

“Eremwald?”

Eventually, both their eyes widened to their limit.

“Swordmaster?”

“You’re saying you’re a disciple of the Ascension Duke?!”

Luniya’s sharp exclamation echoed throughout the training grounds.

Trying to calm down the excited Hexton and Luniya and turning my head, even Cruel’s usually calm face was full of astonishment and excitement.

“Director is the disciple of Duke Landeck…”

“The fact that an ordinary person could overwhelm Lord Aidan was already strange. Now it makes sense.”

“There was a time in the south when a mana wielder was defeated.”

The three of them engaged in conversation, baffled by the information casually thrown at them.

They shouldn’t be surprised yet.

They’d faint if I told them that I’m going to erase two dukes and their factions.

“It’s too early for now.”

The fact that I am a disciple of the Ascension Duke was fine.

It was already known by Helsia, and it wasn’t something I needed to desperately hide.

However, the part about handling the dukes needed to be kept under wraps.

Since it was very sensitive information, it needed to come up only when I was sure they were completely mine. The others still needed confirmation.

I’ll inform Cruel separately later.

“Director, is Duke Landeck still alive?”

“Yes. He’s resting deeply in my hometown.”

Milene calmly nodded at my answer and spoke.

“The movements shown when facing Lord Aidan seemed like you had fully comprehended Briarden’s sword skills. It wasn’t a misunderstanding, was it?”

I chuckled softly at Milene’s calm impression.

There was a reason why my teacher, the first transcender, was given the title of Swordmaster.

According to the rumors floating around, it was said that during his prime, my teacher knew every sword technique in Altain and could even perform them.

In some instances for certain families, he even improved their sword techniques and transmitted them to them.

And so, in the realm of swords, he was said to have reached the pinnacle, which is why he came to be called the Swordmaster.

Then the incredible event where the overwhelming army was wiped out with one strike in the northern regions spread far and wide.

Afterward, the transcenders who appeared afterward such as Emperor Myers and Helsia were also firmly called Swordmasters.

I, being a disciple of my teacher, had already learned most sword techniques through injection-style education. The Imperial Sword used commonly in the Imperial Army and the Security Forces? It was made by my teacher.

That means, I can instruct most sword techniques in Altain.

“Does that make more sense now?”

That was what I meant by asking to trust me and follow.

“Let’s train hard from tomorrow. We need to gain actual combat experience, so there’ll be no breaks.”

Even dogs that roll around a lot gain experience.

People advance more when pushed to the brink.

Any pain that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

‘The knights need to become strong so that I don’t have to run around outside.’

So I can deal with Kierson and Barnel worry-free.