The borderlands of the Kingdom of Laramon. General Jizeu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Agarta Expeditionary Force, sighed as he overlooked the Ilbeji River below and the mountains visible on the eastern and western sides. The memory of a frustrating month ago resurfaced. His foolish subordinates had caused a major defeat in Hideita, tarnishing his reputation. Despite strictly ordering them not to move, some units had recklessly crossed the river and became easy prey for arrows and magic. As he was about to issue a retreat order, he was interrupted by the annoying commoner-turned-commander, Almond. He couldn’t afford to further stain his illustrious military career.
However, things were different this time. The majority of his direct troops were mobilized. This time, he would achieve a resounding victory and return in triumph. With renewed determination, he gave orders to his subordinates.
“We will head north along the Ilbeji River. Don’t stop at all while passing through the forest until we reach Agarta territory. Charge straight ahead. Our destination is the Saracenia domain. Don’t worry. The scouts should have already entered Agarta and relayed the message to expedite the harvest. Once we arrive, I’ll make sure to feed you all! Nihahaha!”
General Jizeu swiftly descended the mountain and urged his horse across the Ilbeji River. The fortress on the eastern side of the opposite bank was packed with soldiers from the Hideita Empire, well aware of their advance. The Hideita forces would push their way to the border in a maximum of four days. They had to return before that. Time was General Jizeu’s greatest enemy now.
“Has Laramon decided to attack us again? They never learn,” I said as I heard the report from the Fairy Dragons, who served as scouts, in a room within the former headquarters of the Agarta Kingdom’s army in the capital city.
“Kunogen, how many soldiers can be mobilized at the moment?”
“Perhaps slightly over 2,000. Are you planning to go and help?”
“No, for now, let’s observe their movements. Our strategy will differ greatly depending on whether they go through the forest, head towards the western territories of the nobles, or move towards the eastern territories of those loyal to us. Prepare the entire army to be ready for deployment at any time.”
“Understood.”
Kunogen bowed and left the room. I ordered the Fairy Dragons to monitor Laramon’s movements. At that moment, I saw something falling from outside the window.
“…Rain, huh? Given the rainy season, we won’t have clear weather anytime soon.”
I unfolded the map and observed the movements of the Laramon forces near the border.
After swiftly traversing the vast forest near the border of Agarta Kingdom, the Laramon army took a brief rest and divided their forces into seven groups heading west. By the time dusk arrived, General Jizeu and his main army of 3,000 finally entered the Saracenia domain and reached the Count’s mansion.
“I am Jizeu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Laramon Kingdom’s Agarta Expeditionary Force.”
“I am Count Juka of Saracenia. Welcome to this remote region.”
“Ah, we took quite a while to reach this far, as this is the westernmost position of the houses allied with our kingdom. I have heard of your name. You made a wise decision. Once I deliver this tribute to the imperial capital, I will make sure to mention your name to His Majesty.”
“I’m flattered.”
“By the way, how is the harvest going?”
“It has already been successfully completed.”
“Indeed, you are the Count of Saracenia. That’s a relief. By the way, it will be night soon. Let’s postpone the tribute collection until tomorrow and have our soldiers served dinner.”
“Dinner… for such a large number of people…?”
“Yes, we are all hungry. Request dinner. If there is not enough food, we can provide from today’s harvest. It’s better to do it quickly. My subordinates are hungry, and if they reach their limits, who knows what they might do? They might resort to massacring entire families to plunder their food, just like other houses, you know?”
Count Saracenia trembled as he hurriedly instructed his retainers to provide food supplies within his territory. Despite his feelings of unease, Count Saracenia reassured himself that his calculations were correct. If he continued to follow Laramon’s orders, his noble title as a count would be preserved. Moreover, if things went well, the army before him might become his loyal followers, acting as his hands and feet. With that, his domain would expand further. Besides, he was the first among the houses in the Kingdom of Juka to cooperate with Laramon. He believed that the Laramon Empire would not treat him disrespectfully. Such thoughts occupied the count’s mind.
The House of Count Saracenia was a prestigious and highly regarded lineage within the Kingdom of Juka. It was unimaginable for such a respected family to bow down before a former slave, even if he was the king. Certainly, the power that had buried the elite 3,000 troops of Laramon could be acknowledged. He himself recognized the king’s military capabilities, gained through years of fighting. However, when it came to maintaining the kingdom, the situation was different. The desires of a noble burdened with tradition and formality were unlikely to be understood by the former slave king.
The count foresaw that this country would soon descend into civil war again. In preparation for that time, he had concluded that it would be advantageous to join forces with Laramon, which possessed military strength and a long tradition. By doing so, they could preserve their positions and expand their territory. In this situation, he couldn’t afford to displease Laramon.
Ultimately, Count Saracenia couldn’t sleep a wink that night. The Laramon army feasted on the food supplies of Saracenia’s subjects, drank, and some soldiers even rampaged, breaking into the homes of the locals. Though they managed to subdue those soldiers and defuse the tense situation, they found themselves facing the morning. Dissatisfaction from the subjects was voiced, but the count persuaded them by promising a swift departure once the tribute was delivered, managing to quell their anger.
As the sun rose, General Jizeu, with his army prepared, immediately demanded the tribute.
“Now, Count, let’s receive the tribute. I trust there will be no irregularities, but understand that this is the law of the empire. First, we want all the harvested goods delivered. Then, set aside the agreed-upon two-tenths as your share.”
The harvested wheat, vegetables, and other produce were gathered and stacked in the square.
“Here is the share that is two-tenths of the harvest, which is the tribute you require from us. Since we provided you with food yesterday, we subtracted that amount. Take note of it.”
Count Saracenia, along with his mercenaries, attempted to stop the Laramon soldiers.
“What are you doing, Count?! Interfering with the collection of tribute is a capital offense!”
“What are you talking about? That is our share! We agreed that two-tenths of the harvest would be our portion!”
“Ah, yes, that’s right. Two-tenths is indeed your share.”
“What do you mean?”
“You fool! Two-tenths being your share refers to the portion you receive. The rest is the empire’s tribute!”
“What nonsense!”
“No, the fool here is you. This is what we said: ‘The empire demands two-tenths of the harvest.’ In other words, two-tenths of the harvest is your share, and the rest is the empire’s tribute.”
“What are you trying to do?”
“Idiots! We will collect the tribute according to the agreement. Anyone who resists or interferes will be mercilessly killed. If you don’t like it, try to stop us by force. Although I doubt you can stop us with your limited forces… But even if you somehow manage to stop us, the empire will send a hundred thousand troops to overrun your territory and massacre every single person within. You will witness the same devastation we inflicted upon the lands we ravaged. Now, give it a try!”
The Laramon soldiers simultaneously pointed their swords and spears at the crowd, while the spellcasters began their incantations. Count Saracenia and his allies could only watch with faces trembling in anger, having no choice but to observe the unfolding situation.
The borderlands of the Kingdom of Laramon. General Jizeu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Agarta Expeditionary Force, sighed as he overlooked the Ilbeji River below and the mountains visible on the eastern and western sides. The memory of a frustrating month ago resurfaced. His foolish subordinates had caused a major defeat in Hideita, tarnishing his reputation. Despite strictly ordering them not to move, some units had recklessly crossed the river and became easy prey for arrows and magic. As he was about to issue a retreat order, he was interrupted by the annoying commoner-turned-commander, Almond. He couldn’t afford to further stain his illustrious military career.
However, things were different this time. The majority of his direct troops were mobilized. This time, he would achieve a resounding victory and return in triumph. With renewed determination, he gave orders to his subordinates.
“We will head north along the Ilbeji River. Don’t stop at all while passing through the forest until we reach Agarta territory. Charge straight ahead. Our destination is the Saracenia domain. Don’t worry. The scouts should have already entered Agarta and relayed the message to expedite the harvest. Once we arrive, I’ll make sure to feed you all! Nihahaha!”
General Jizeu swiftly descended the mountain and urged his horse across the Ilbeji River. The fortress on the eastern side of the opposite bank was packed with soldiers from the Hideita Empire, well aware of their advance. The Hideita forces would push their way to the border in a maximum of four days. They had to return before that. Time was General Jizeu’s greatest enemy now.
“Has Laramon decided to attack us again? They never learn,” I said as I heard the report from the Fairy Dragons, who served as scouts, in a room within the former headquarters of the Agarta Kingdom’s army in the capital city.
“Kunogen, how many soldiers can be mobilized at the moment?”
“Perhaps slightly over 2,000. Are you planning to go and help?”
“No, for now, let’s observe their movements. Our strategy will differ greatly depending on whether they go through the forest, head towards the western territories of the nobles, or move towards the eastern territories of those loyal to us. Prepare the entire army to be ready for deployment at any time.”
“Understood.”
Kunogen bowed and left the room. I ordered the Fairy Dragons to monitor Laramon’s movements. At that moment, I saw something falling from outside the window.
“…Rain, huh? Given the rainy season, we won’t have clear weather anytime soon.”
I unfolded the map and observed the movements of the Laramon forces near the border.
After swiftly traversing the vast forest near the border of Agarta Kingdom, the Laramon army took a brief rest and divided their forces into seven groups heading west. By the time dusk arrived, General Jizeu and his main army of 3,000 finally entered the Saracenia domain and reached the Count’s mansion.
“I am Jizeu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Laramon Kingdom’s Agarta Expeditionary Force.”
“I am Count Juka of Saracenia. Welcome to this remote region.”
“Ah, we took quite a while to reach this far, as this is the westernmost position of the houses allied with our kingdom. I have heard of your name. You made a wise decision. Once I deliver this tribute to the imperial capital, I will make sure to mention your name to His Majesty.”
“I’m flattered.”
“By the way, how is the harvest going?”
“It has already been successfully completed.”
“Indeed, you are the Count of Saracenia. That’s a relief. By the way, it will be night soon. Let’s postpone the tribute collection until tomorrow and have our soldiers served dinner.”
“Dinner… for such a large number of people…?”
“Yes, we are all hungry. Request dinner. If there is not enough food, we can provide from today’s harvest. It’s better to do it quickly. My subordinates are hungry, and if they reach their limits, who knows what they might do? They might resort to massacring entire families to plunder their food, just like other houses, you know?”
Count Saracenia trembled as he hurriedly instructed his retainers to provide food supplies within his territory. Despite his feelings of unease, Count Saracenia reassured himself that his calculations were correct. If he continued to follow Laramon’s orders, his noble title as a count would be preserved. Moreover, if things went well, the army before him might become his loyal followers, acting as his hands and feet. With that, his domain would expand further. Besides, he was the first among the houses in the Kingdom of Juka to cooperate with Laramon. He believed that the Laramon Empire would not treat him disrespectfully. Such thoughts occupied the count’s mind.
The House of Count Saracenia was a prestigious and highly regarded lineage within the Kingdom of Juka. It was unimaginable for such a respected family to bow down before a former slave, even if he was the king. Certainly, the power that had buried the elite 3,000 troops of Laramon could be acknowledged. He himself recognized the king’s military capabilities, gained through years of fighting. However, when it came to maintaining the kingdom, the situation was different. The desires of a noble burdened with tradition and formality were unlikely to be understood by the former slave king.
The count foresaw that this country would soon descend into civil war again. In preparation for that time, he had concluded that it would be advantageous to join forces with Laramon, which possessed military strength and a long tradition. By doing so, they could preserve their positions and expand their territory. In this situation, he couldn’t afford to displease Laramon.
Ultimately, Count Saracenia couldn’t sleep a wink that night. The Laramon army feasted on the food supplies of Saracenia’s subjects, drank, and some soldiers even rampaged, breaking into the homes of the locals. Though they managed to subdue those soldiers and defuse the tense situation, they found themselves facing the morning. Dissatisfaction from the subjects was voiced, but the count persuaded them by promising a swift departure once the tribute was delivered, managing to quell their anger.
As the sun rose, General Jizeu, with his army prepared, immediately demanded the tribute.
“Now, Count, let’s receive the tribute. I trust there will be no irregularities, but understand that this is the law of the empire. First, we want all the harvested goods delivered. Then, set aside the agreed-upon two-tenths as your share.”
The harvested wheat, vegetables, and other produce were gathered and stacked in the square.
“Here is the share that is two-tenths of the harvest, which is the tribute you require from us. Since we provided you with food yesterday, we subtracted that amount. Take note of it.”
Count Saracenia, along with his mercenaries, attempted to stop the Laramon soldiers.
“What are you doing, Count?! Interfering with the collection of tribute is a capital offense!”
“What are you talking about? That is our share! We agreed that two-tenths of the harvest would be our portion!”
“Ah, yes, that’s right. Two-tenths is indeed your share.”
“What do you mean?”
“You fool! Two-tenths being your share refers to the portion you receive. The rest is the empire’s tribute!”
“What nonsense!”
“No, the fool here is you. This is what we said: ‘The empire demands two-tenths of the harvest.’ In other words, two-tenths of the harvest is your share, and the rest is the empire’s tribute.”
“What are you trying to do?”
“Idiots! We will collect the tribute according to the agreement. Anyone who resists or interferes will be mercilessly killed. If you don’t like it, try to stop us by force. Although I doubt you can stop us with your limited forces… But even if you somehow manage to stop us, the empire will send a hundred thousand troops to overrun your territory and massacre every single person within. You will witness the same devastation we inflicted upon the lands we ravaged. Now, give it a try!”
The Laramon soldiers simultaneously pointed their swords and spears at the crowd, while the spellcasters began their incantations. Count Saracenia and his allies could only watch with faces trembling in anger, having no choice but to observe the unfolding situation.
