Chapter 302: ?????????? ?????? ???????????? (1)


    “You must be seeing things!”


    There was bound to be denial from people who received an intense shock. Count’s reaction wasn’t much different either.


    Surely the Sultan wouldn’t be out here this far. Moreover, his army needed to be gathered in that direction, to battle against the people of Vynashchtym.


    There was no way the Sultan’s army would appear in a port this far away.


    “The Sultan’s army has conquered the port!”


    “Merchants who had escaped the port have witnessed it. The Sultan’s army has conquered the port!”


    The port of Hundred Kingdoms wasn’t thatrge, but it was an important ce with its own port value.


    After saying that he would cut off suppliesing in from someone else’s port, the fact that his own port was conquered was even more heartbreaking.


    “Ooooh. . .”


    The count made a beast-like noise and regained his senses. Even though his head ached as if he had been hit in the back of the head, he couldn’t just stand still.


    “Gather the troops! Send an alert order to those guarding the castle and fortresses.”


    “W-What about the letter?”


    “Are you asking about that now? Change the details! We’ll forget what happened and join forces to fight against the pagans! Thank the duke for his mediation!”


    It was an act without any dignity as a feudal lord, but the knights weren’t particrly surprised. This was who the count had always been.


    Most importantly, picking a fight with other feudal lords in this situation would be insane. Evenbining their forces was insufficient. In particr, the well-trained armying from the west was needed.


    ????????????


    “The army hasnded in the port of Hundred Kingdoms? Did the republic’s port get conquered too?”


    “No. Our port is still safe.”


    “That’s a relief, at least.”


    The port that the republic had upied and used in the past was currently being used by the expedition force. Even the Sultan’s army couldn’t conquer it easily. As it would be fought over with their lives on the line, by the republic as well as various other forces.


    It seemed that because of that, the Sultan’s army had aimed for a port further south, Hundred Kingdoms.


    “Themander seems quite daring. Still, this is thend of the monotheists, yet theynded by making a detour.”


    The feudal lords of the nearby inds andnds were all monotheists. How dare they break through andnd in such a situation?


    “I think he must’ve bribed a few people.”


    “It would be stranger if there weren’t any traitors in this situation.”


    It must’ve been very tempting, especially for the feudal lords of the inds. Making money just by letting them pass, in a fight that had nothing to do with them.


    “But aren’t the numbers toorge?”


    Johan questioned while listening to the report. No matter what, they were an army of tens of thousands. Even if they had gathered and conscripted everyone from ves tomoners, the numbers were toorge.


    There was no reason for Johan to fire up like this, unless he had killed one of the Sultan’s sons or something.


    “Given that the Sultan is young, isn’t he trying to achieve something that no one can match this time? If he plunders the pagans’ fiefdom and gets his hands on the holynd, he’ll be admired by everyone.”


    “I understand that, but shouldn’t it be fewer? Is it not just a rumor?”


    “It’s information that’s been confirmed multiple times.”


    “Then how does the Sultan n to handle the aftermath?”


    “. . . . . .”


    The captain of the republic was speechless. That was something even he didn’t know.


    Handling the aftermath of raising an army was something that the Sultan himself would have to figure out, so how could the captain know the inside story?


    Fortunately, Johan understood the captain.


    “Alright. I guess I asked a pointless question.”


    “My apologies.”


    “That’s not important right now.”


    Due to the spread of the rumor, pilgrims nearby were gathering. Even though there were other feudal lords, no one could deny that most of them came because of Johan’s fame.


    Since there was a mixture of all sorts of people, such as rich and poor, knights, merchants, pilgrims, and nobles, there was a need to control them.


    “Do we really need to go?”


    “They didn’t wee us that much.”


    ‘?????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????? ???? ????????.’


    The mood among the feudal lords gathered in the tent was colder than expected.


    Actually, that was to be expected.


    They traveled a long way, leading the army from the west, but the supposed brothers of the same faith hadn’t given them a proper wee.


    Just the old king in particr had harbored enmity until Johan persuaded him, and other fiefdoms hadn’t even sent a proper greeting, let alone an invitation.


    So it was inevitable to feel disgusted by the fact that they pretended to be friendly and even sent envoys as soon as the Sultan’s army invaded.


    The only one to voice a warmer opinion was the bishop of the order. Having carefully observed the situation, the bishop who participated in this expedition spoke up.


    “Still, we can’t just stand by and do nothing, as they share the same faith as us, can we?”


    “. . . . . .”


    “. . . . . .”


    The feudal lords pretended not to hear and remained silent. The bishop tried his best to persuade them.


    “After the Sultan’s army defeats our fellow believers, who will they target next?”


    “Hmm. They’ll probably just return to theirnds.”


    Someone’s cynical remark drewughter. To be honest, it was a fair statement. The Sultan, who had made many enemies as it was, had no reason to chase after a faraway army.


    “Baron!”


    “Did I say something wrong, Your Excellency Bishop?”


    “The situation is more serious than we thought.”


    At Johan’sment, Ulrike spoke softly.


    “If Your Highness takes the initiative, everyone will follow, even if they’re dissatisfied?”


    “I’d like to, but I’m not interested in ying the role of the one who suffers the losses.”


    “Then?”


    Ulrike was puzzled. Staying put in this situation wasn’t a very good method either.


    The feudal lords here may be disgusted, but if they surrender to the enemy, that would be a problem in its own right.


    “I was thinking of waiting until the feudal lords start sacrificing a little.”


    “. . .Ah.”


    At Johan’sment, Ulrike burst intoughter. Who would have thought he’d say something like that, with such a serious and solemn expression.


    No, it wasn’t a mistaken judgment.


    You have to receive when others are feeling sorry. When the situation changes, people will swiftly forget about favors.


    In a situation where everyone quietly waited, focused on the Duke, I wondered what he was worried about. . .


    ‘?????????? ?? ??????’?? ???????? ???? ??????????.’


    ????????????


    Waiting silently was a lot more effective than expected. The feudal lords in the region, who were restless, started sending letters and offering bribes.


    Having received them, the nobles seemed to have calmed down and asked Johan to march.


    “Is that Fort Oenbaw?”


    “Yes.”


    Just as the enemy’srge army couldn’t move at the same time, Johan’s army couldn’t move at the same time either.


    The ce Johan headed to first, with his rtively reliable elites, was Fort Oenbaw, a fortress in Tragalon Hundred Kingdoms.


    There were many fortresses in Hundred Kingdoms, which had been at war for a long time, and among them, Fort Oenbaw was a particrly rugged and sturdy fortress.


    ‘?? ?????????? ????’?? ???????? ??????????????????.’


    “I can understand why the enemy wanted to conquer this ce first.”


    Count Tragalon earnestly asked Johan to protect this fortress, sending bribes along with his request.


    There was only one reason why he asked Johan, among other nobles. Because he seemed to be the most powerful and strong.


    “Since the enemy is arrivingter than us, isn’t it almost over?”


    Defense had an advantage over offense, and a fortress situated on a mountain like this had an even greater advantage. Furthermore, with the likes of Johan’s army. . .


    “Don’t let your guard down. I should meet with the captain.”


    Johan led his troops up the path and stood before the gate of the fortress. After the check was done, the captain himself came running out.


    “Your Highness the Duke, I’m honored to meet you!”


    The captain, a human, was a powerful-looking warrior. Even standing still, he gave off the air of being experienced.


    “Do you have any issues I could help with?”


    “No. This fortress is impregnable, and with Your Highness the Duke’s forces, the enemy won’t even dare to think about it!”


    “No need to tter me.”


    “No. I have prepared some alcohol to treat Your Highness the Duke, so would you perhaps. . .”


    “No, I’m good. Serve it to my men.”


    At Johan’s words, the vassals behind him cheered. The captain looked regretful.


    ????????????


    Suhekhar, who was inmand of the Sultan’s army, observed the fortressndscape from afar. It looked several times more rugged than he had heard.


    “What a hellish fortress.”


    “The pagans are well-known for their fortification techniques. It’s a shame we couldn’t hurry up a little more.”


    “What does it matter, the numbers arerge enough.”


    One might easily misunderstand the power of the Sultan’s army, but those in charge ofmanding the army felt frustrated and anxious.


    He had to prevent the poorly-trained conscripts, gathered from various provinces, from escaping, appease the knights who were puffed up with pride as the feudal lords of their respective provinces, take care of the Sultan’s eunuch who watched him like a hawk, in case themander was nning a betrayal, and even entertain him. . .


    It felt as though he had to do acrobatics while walking on a tightrope.


    It couldn’t be helped that it had taken so long until they conquered the port, regrouped, and came up here.


    “We can’t beter than Yeheyman, can we?”


    “Yeheyman-gong. Address him properly.”


    “My apologies.”


    Suhekhar’s ve spoke excitedly, then bowed his head at his master’s calm reproach.


    Despite his humiliating defeat, the famous warrior of the east, Yeheyman, was still favored by the Sultan. It was so maddening to Suhekhar’s ve. How brazen of him, a loser.


    Compared to him, his master Suhekhar was a wise general. He wouldn’t make a foolish mistake like Yeheyman.


    “We can’t take that fortress by force.”


    “What???”


    The ve was bewildered by what his master said. What did he mean, not taking it by force?


    “M-Master. If we don’t conquer that fortress, the Sultan’s ve sons will. . .”


    “Calm down. I didn’t mean we’re not conquering it.”


    Suhekhar calmed his ve down.


    “If there’s something advantageous for us, it’s that we know our enemy, but they don’t know us. I know what kind of person the duke is, thanks to Yeheyman.”


    Even though he was in apetitive rtionship with Yeheyman, that was precisely why he couldn’t help but take interest in his opponent who had disgraced Yeheyman.


    He was a knight, the most knightly one in the farthest west.


    Knights from the west, who charged even when they were outnumbered by the enemy by hundreds, who were not afraid even in a rain of arrows. Among them, he was the most valiant knight.


    To be honest, he was afraid to face him head-on. Even Yeheyman and his knights, who weren’t weak, were overwhelmed.


    Western knights, who underwent all sorts of harsh training and were armed with thick armor, were monsters. If there was an exceptional monster among those monsters, it was even worse.


    Suhekhar was nning to use a strategy. If the opponent was hot-blooded and quick-tempered, he would definitely fall for it.


    ????????????


    “Galvar-gong. It’s good to see you again.”


    “Ah. . . I’m d to see you again too, Your Highness.”


    Galvar tried hard to control his expression. There was no need for him to know that he almost betrayed the duke because of his master.


    “The fortress is a bit short on troops, but there’s nothing elsecking. Do you have anything to say?”


    “If the captain of this ce didn’t mention anything, I’m sure it’s fine. He must be apetent man.”


    As he answered like that, Galvar’s attendant ran over and spoke with a serious expression.


    “Galvar-gong. There’s an usation that the captain epted bribes from the enemy.”


    “. . .What???”


    Without realizing it, Galvar looked at the duke’s expression. Of course, the duke was watching with an interesting look on his face.


    He couldn’t just cover this up and check at a time like this.


    “What is this? The captain epted bribes. . . What nonsense. . .”


    Galvar scolded his attendant first. However, that was a mistake. The wronged attendant spoke strongly.


    “What do you take me for? I have solid testimony.”


    “Hey, you. . .”


    “He could have epted the bribe.”


    “. . . . . .”


    “. . .What?”


    “He could have epted the bribe. Why?”


    “No. . . Your Highness.”


    “He could have been acquainted with the enemy by chance, or he could have let them go without receiving a ransom before. There could be many reasons.”


    “. . . . . .”


    Now, Galvar began to wonder if the duke was joking, or if he had epted a bribe from the captain, or if he had lost his mind.


    The person who should be the first to be furious and draw his sword was. . . too calm?,


    “You must be seeing things!”


    There was bound to be denial from people who received an intense shock. Count’s reaction wasn’t much different either.


    Surely the Sultan wouldn’t be out here this far. Moreover, his army needed to be gathered in that direction, to battle against the people of Vynashchtym.


    There was no way the Sultan’s army would appear in a port this far away.


    “The Sultan’s army has conquered the port!”


    “Merchants who had escaped the port have witnessed it. The Sultan’s army has conquered the port!”


    The port of Hundred Kingdoms wasn’t thatrge, but it was an important ce with its own port value.


    After saying that he would cut off suppliesing in from someone else’s port, the fact that his own port was conquered was even more heartbreaking.


    “Ooooh. . .”


    The count made a beast-like noise and regained his senses. Even though his head ached as if he had been hit in the back of the head, he couldn’t just stand still.


    “Gather the troops! Send an alert order to those guarding the castle and fortresses.”


    “W-What about the letter?”


    “Are you asking about that now? Change the details! We’ll forget what happened and join forces to fight against the pagans! Thank the duke for his mediation!”


    It was an act without any dignity as a feudal lord, but the knights weren’t particrly surprised. This was who the count had always been.


    Most importantly, picking a fight with other feudal lords in this situation would be insane. Evenbining their forces was insufficient. In particr, the well-trained armying from the west was needed.


    ????????????


    “The army hasnded in the port of Hundred Kingdoms? Did the republic’s port get conquered too?”


    “No. Our port is still safe.”


    “That’s a relief, at least.”


    The port that the republic had upied and used in the past was currently being used by the expedition force. Even the Sultan’s army couldn’t conquer it easily. As it would be fought over with their lives on the line, by the republic as well as various other forces.


    It seemed that because of that, the Sultan’s army had aimed for a port further south, Hundred Kingdoms.


    “Themander seems quite daring. Still, this is thend of the monotheists, yet theynded by making a detour.”


    The feudal lords of the nearby inds andnds were all monotheists. How dare they break through andnd in such a situation?


    “I think he must’ve bribed a few people.”


    “It would be stranger if there weren’t any traitors in this situation.”


    It must’ve been very tempting, especially for the feudal lords of the inds. Making money just by letting them pass, in a fight that had nothing to do with them.


    “But aren’t the numbers toorge?”


    Johan questioned while listening to the report. No matter what, they were an army of tens of thousands. Even if they had gathered and conscripted everyone from ves tomoners, the numbers were toorge.


    There was no reason for Johan to fire up like this, unless he had killed one of the Sultan’s sons or something.


    “Given that the Sultan is young, isn’t he trying to achieve something that no one can match this time? If he plunders the pagans’ fiefdom and gets his hands on the holynd, he’ll be admired by everyone.”


    “I understand that, but shouldn’t it be fewer? Is it not just a rumor?”


    “It’s information that’s been confirmed multiple times.”


    “Then how does the Sultan n to handle the aftermath?”


    “. . . . . .”


    The captain of the republic was speechless. That was something even he didn’t know.


    Handling the aftermath of raising an army was something that the Sultan himself would have to figure out, so how could the captain know the inside story?


    Fortunately, Johan understood the captain.


    “Alright. I guess I asked a pointless question.”


    “My apologies.”


    “That’s not important right now.”


    Due to the spread of the rumor, pilgrims nearby were gathering. Even though there were other feudal lords, no one could deny that most of them came because of Johan’s fame.


    Since there was a mixture of all sorts of people, such as rich and poor, knights, merchants, pilgrims, and nobles, there was a need to control them.


    “Do we really need to go?”


    “They didn’t wee us that much.”


    ‘?????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????? ???? ????????.’


    The mood among the feudal lords gathered in the tent was colder than expected.


    Actually, that was to be expected.


    They traveled a long way, leading the army from the west, but the supposed brothers of the same faith hadn’t given them a proper wee.


    Just the old king in particr had harbored enmity until Johan persuaded him, and other fiefdoms hadn’t even sent a proper greeting, let alone an invitation.


    So it was inevitable to feel disgusted by the fact that they pretended to be friendly and even sent envoys as soon as the Sultan’s army invaded.


    The only one to voice a warmer opinion was the bishop of the order. Having carefully observed the situation, the bishop who participated in this expedition spoke up.


    “Still, we can’t just stand by and do nothing, as they share the same faith as us, can we?”


    “. . . . . .”


    “. . . . . .”


    The feudal lords pretended not to hear and remained silent. The bishop tried his best to persuade them.


    “After the Sultan’s army defeats our fellow believers, who will they target next?”


    “Hmm. They’ll probably just return to theirnds.”


    Someone’s cynical remark drewughter. To be honest, it was a fair statement. The Sultan, who had made many enemies as it was, had no reason to chase after a faraway army.


    “Baron!”


    “Did I say something wrong, Your Excellency Bishop?”


    “The situation is more serious than we thought.”


    At Johan’sment, Ulrike spoke softly.


    “If Your Highness takes the initiative, everyone will follow, even if they’re dissatisfied?”


    “I’d like to, but I’m not interested in ying the role of the one who suffers the losses.”


    “Then?”


    Ulrike was puzzled. Staying put in this situation wasn’t a very good method either.


    The feudal lords here may be disgusted, but if they surrender to the enemy, that would be a problem in its own right.


    “I was thinking of waiting until the feudal lords start sacrificing a little.”


    “. . .Ah.”


    At Johan’sment, Ulrike burst intoughter. Who would have thought he’d say something like that, with such a serious and solemn expression.


    No, it wasn’t a mistaken judgment.


    You have to receive when others are feeling sorry. When the situation changes, people will swiftly forget about favors.


    In a situation where everyone quietly waited, focused on the Duke, I wondered what he was worried about. . .


    ‘?????????? ?? ??????’?? ???????? ???? ??????????.’


    ????????????


    Waiting silently was a lot more effective than expected. The feudal lords in the region, who were restless, started sending letters and offering bribes.


    Having received them, the nobles seemed to have calmed down and asked Johan to march.


    “Is that Fort Oenbaw?”


    “Yes.”


    Just as the enemy’srge army couldn’t move at the same time, Johan’s army couldn’t move at the same time either.


    The ce Johan headed to first, with his rtively reliable elites, was Fort Oenbaw, a fortress in Tragalon Hundred Kingdoms.


    There were many fortresses in Hundred Kingdoms, which had been at war for a long time, and among them, Fort Oenbaw was a particrly rugged and sturdy fortress.


    ‘?? ?????????? ????’?? ???????? ??????????????????.’


    “I can understand why the enemy wanted to conquer this ce first.”


    Count Tragalon earnestly asked Johan to protect this fortress, sending bribes along with his request.


    There was only one reason why he asked Johan, among other nobles. Because he seemed to be the most powerful and strong.


    “Since the enemy is arrivingter than us, isn’t it almost over?”


    Defense had an advantage over offense, and a fortress situated on a mountain like this had an even greater advantage. Furthermore, with the likes of Johan’s army. . .


    “Don’t let your guard down. I should meet with the captain.”


    Johan led his troops up the path and stood before the gate of the fortress. After the check was done, the captain himself came running out.


    “Your Highness the Duke, I’m honored to meet you!”


    The captain, a human, was a powerful-looking warrior. Even standing still, he gave off the air of being experienced.


    “Do you have any issues I could help with?”


    “No. This fortress is impregnable, and with Your Highness the Duke’s forces, the enemy won’t even dare to think about it!”


    “No need to tter me.”


    “No. I have prepared some alcohol to treat Your Highness the Duke, so would you perhaps. . .”


    “No, I’m good. Serve it to my men.”


    At Johan’s words, the vassals behind him cheered. The captain looked regretful.


    ????????????


    Suhekhar, who was inmand of the Sultan’s army, observed the fortressndscape from afar. It looked several times more rugged than he had heard.


    “What a hellish fortress.”


    “The pagans are well-known for their fortification techniques. It’s a shame we couldn’t hurry up a little more.”


    “What does it matter, the numbers arerge enough.”


    One might easily misunderstand the power of the Sultan’s army, but those in charge ofmanding the army felt frustrated and anxious.


    He had to prevent the poorly-trained conscripts, gathered from various provinces, from escaping, appease the knights who were puffed up with pride as the feudal lords of their respective provinces, take care of the Sultan’s eunuch who watched him like a hawk, in case themander was nning a betrayal, and even entertain him. . .


    It felt as though he had to do acrobatics while walking on a tightrope.


    It couldn’t be helped that it had taken so long until they conquered the port, regrouped, and came up here.


    “We can’t beter than Yeheyman, can we?”


    “Yeheyman-gong. Address him properly.”


    “My apologies.”


    Suhekhar’s ve spoke excitedly, then bowed his head at his master’s calm reproach.


    Despite his humiliating defeat, the famous warrior of the east, Yeheyman, was still favored by the Sultan. It was so maddening to Suhekhar’s ve. How brazen of him, a loser.


    Compared to him, his master Suhekhar was a wise general. He wouldn’t make a foolish mistake like Yeheyman.


    “We can’t take that fortress by force.”


    “What???”


    The ve was bewildered by what his master said. What did he mean, not taking it by force?


    “M-Master. If we don’t conquer that fortress, the Sultan’s ve sons will. . .”


    “Calm down. I didn’t mean we’re not conquering it.”


    Suhekhar calmed his ve down.


    “If there’s something advantageous for us, it’s that we know our enemy, but they don’t know us. I know what kind of person the duke is, thanks to Yeheyman.”


    Even though he was in apetitive rtionship with Yeheyman, that was precisely why he couldn’t help but take interest in his opponent who had disgraced Yeheyman.


    He was a knight, the most knightly one in the farthest west.


    Knights from the west, who charged even when they were outnumbered by the enemy by hundreds, who were not afraid even in a rain of arrows. Among them, he was the most valiant knight.


    To be honest, he was afraid to face him head-on. Even Yeheyman and his knights, who weren’t weak, were overwhelmed.


    Western knights, who underwent all sorts of harsh training and were armed with thick armor, were monsters. If there was an exceptional monster among those monsters, it was even worse.


    Suhekhar was nning to use a strategy. If the opponent was hot-blooded and quick-tempered, he would definitely fall for it.


    ????????????


    “Galvar-gong. It’s good to see you again.”


    “Ah. . . I’m d to see you again too, Your Highness.”


    Galvar tried hard to control his expression. There was no need for him to know that he almost betrayed the duke because of his master.


    “The fortress is a bit short on troops, but there’s nothing elsecking. Do you have anything to say?”


    “If the captain of this ce didn’t mention anything, I’m sure it’s fine. He must be apetent man.”


    As he answered like that, Galvar’s attendant ran over and spoke with a serious expression.


    “Galvar-gong. There’s an usation that the captain epted bribes from the enemy.”


    “. . .What???”


    Without realizing it, Galvar looked at the duke’s expression. Of course, the duke was watching with an interesting look on his face.


    He couldn’t just cover this up and check at a time like this.


    “What is this? The captain epted bribes. . . What nonsense. . .”


    Galvar scolded his attendant first. However, that was a mistake. The wronged attendant spoke strongly.


    “What do you take me for? I have solid testimony.”


    “Hey, you. . .”


    “He could have epted the bribe.”


    “. . . . . .”


    “. . .What?”


    “He could have epted the bribe. Why?”


    “No. . . Your Highness.”


    “He could have been acquainted with the enemy by chance, or he could have let them go without receiving a ransom before. There could be many reasons.”


    “. . . . . .”


    Now, Galvar began to wonder if the duke was joking, or if he had epted a bribe from the captain, or if he had lost his mind.


    The person who should be the first to be furious and draw his sword was. . . too calm?