Leave a Comment / Reincarnation into a barrier master / By IX
It was mid-April, and finally, a warm breeze that hinted at the arrival of spring began to blow.
From the palace of the Lamaron Empire’s capital, one could see the vast sea. A ship could be seen sailing on that sea.
On the ship, there was a tall man dressed in a black bolero-like attire. Shielding his eyes from the dazzling sunlight, the man gazed up at the Lamaron Empire’s palace perched on the cliff. Feeling that spring was later than usual this year, he began preparing to disembark.
In the salon within the palace, the Duke Konig, dressed in formal attire, eagerly awaited the arrival of his guest. This salon was a room designed to accommodate nobility, a vertical space made of stone that radiated a beautiful marble-like luster.
“They have arrived.”
Upon hearing the voice of his subordinate announcing the arrival of the guest, the Duke straightened his posture. Shortly after, the guest entered the room at the perfect timing.
“Why, if it isn’t Bishop Alisgard. I am honored by your visit all the way from afar.”
“My Lord Konig, I am delighted to see you in such good spirits.”
The man known as Alisgard bowed respectfully, folding his tall figure in a courteous manner.
“To come to the palace on foot all the way from the ship… I am truly sorry for the trouble.”
“Oh, not at all. I felt the need to deliver this report as soon as possible… I apologize for barging in without considering any inconvenience.”
As he said that, Alisgard gently took out a letter from his pocket.
“This is a letter from His Holiness, Pope Juvancel.”
“I shall see it.”
The Duke stared intently at the letter, a smirk forming on his face.
“As expected of His Holiness, the Pope. Please convey my utmost regards.”
The Duke tightly gripped Alisgard’s hand with both hands.
“The Crimeana Church is always on the side of the Lamaron Empire, regardless of the circumstances. May the divine protection of our Lord Crimeana, the Supreme God, be with us… The necessary items will arrive soon, so please wait.”
While returning the firm handshake, Alisgard smiled gently at him.
Several hours later, in a room within the palace, the Emperor of the Lamaron Empire and the prominent figures had gathered. Naturally, Empress Laysis stood just behind the Emperor, with Prime Minister Madlin and the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army, Carius, also present.
As everyone had assembled, the doors of the conference room closed silently. After a brief moment of silence, Duke Konig stood up, bowed to the Emperor, and then looked around at the seated individuals.
“The reason we have gathered here today, with Your Majesty’s presence and the attendance of the nobles, is none other than to discuss the subjugation of the Agarta Kingdom, which has been troubling us since last year.”
Upon hearing those words, the faces of those gathered, including the Prime Minister, froze. However, Empress Laysis maintained her soft smile as usual. Glancing briefly at her, Duke Konig continued speaking.
“The majority of the snow has already melted. Though it is a mountainous country, Agarta’s snow should have also melted by now. I believe it is now time for us to settle the score with Agarta once and for all. I would like to hear the opinions of the nobles.”
Prime Minister Madlin, blinking rapidly, offered his opposition to Duke Konig’s proposal.
“Duke, I regret to inform you that the spring harvest has not yet been completed. Moreover, relying solely on the spring harvest will not provide us with enough provisions to attack Agarta. Are you suggesting we launch an attack without sufficient food supplies?”
“That would undoubtedly be challenging.”
General Carius supported Madlin’s statement. In response, Madlin continued.
“Duke, I am not certain how many troops you intend to attack with, but even if we consider an army of ten thousand, we would need a minimum of two weeks’ worth of provisions. However, even with the spring harvest, we can only gather supplies for a single day. That alone…”
“Stop this pointless argument!”
Duke Konig interrupted Madlin’s words with a strong tone.
“How many times must we repeat the same argument? There is no food, no provisions…! Why is it that we don’t make an effort to procure them? We have been deprived of our land, the land of Juka! Are we content with remaining defeated? If it is taken from us, we shall reclaim it! Isn’t that the attitude our empire should adopt?”
The room fell into a profound silence. Duke Konig, looking at the gathered individuals, continued his speech.
“I despair at the nobles. Do you not have loyalty towards His Majesty? Last year, His Majesty gave the order! He commanded us to attack Agarta! It has been a year since that order. What have the nobles done during this year? Instead of carrying out His Majesty’s command, they complain about crop failures and demand provisions stored in the palace. Even though they received provisions through His Majesty’s mercy, they do not repay that kindness! Today, I intended to give the nobles an opportunity to repay that kindness, but it is still a barren discussion. I can’t bear it any longer! In that case, the late Commander Jizeu, who tried to attack Agarta, even if it resulted in a major failure, was far better!!”
Duke Konig surveyed the gathered nobles with contemptuous eyes. Empress Laysis watched the scene with a satisfied nod.
“In that case… General-in-Chief, do you have any plans for the operation? If so, I would like to hear them.”
Making a somewhat exasperated expression, it was General Armond, the commander of the Third Army Corps, who spoke. Duke Konig, directing a cold gaze at Almond, spoke up.
“The entire cavalry of the empire, totaling fifty thousand troops, will launch a swift assault on Agarta’s capital. After occupying it, we will rapidly conquer various locations in Agarta. We will strike at them like a thunderstorm, utilizing the mobility of our cavalry!”
“…Duke, I must admit it is a commendable plan… But what about the crucial issue of provisions?”
Speaking in a calm voice, it was General Carius. Duke Konig laughed disdainfully in response.
“Provisions, provisions… That’s all you talk about. Can’t you discuss anything else?”
“It is the most important aspect. We cannot fight on an empty stomach.”
“So, General Carius, have you lost your wits? Do you think I am devising this plan without addressing the issue of provisions? The matter of provisions has been resolved. We have already dispatched one hundred thousand people’s worth of food from the port to the capital. Due to the large quantity, transportation is taking some time, but it will arrive tonight.”
Prime Minister Madlin looked astonished.
“H-How… How did you manage to procure such a large amount of food?”
Duke Konig looked at Madlin with an expression of weariness.
“We sought cooperation from the Crimeana Church.”
“W-What!? The Crimeana Church?”
“Yes. Our national religion, the Crimeana Church. The Great Demon Lord who appeared in Juka is still alive, even after being occupied by Hideita and renaming itself Agarta. Lamaron will subjugate that Great Demon Lord. Therefore, I requested support from the Church to provide us with provisions. The Pope promptly sent us the provisions. Thus, there is no need to worry about food. The empire can fight as much as it desires.”
“Please wait! The Crimeana Church…”
Madlin raised his voice, throwing his large body against the table. However, his voice was drowned out by slow, yet dry applause that resonated in the room.
It was the Empress who was clapping her hands.
“Marvelous! Isn’t it marvelous? As expected of Duke Konig. Only you truly consider His Majesty’s well-being. The pillars of the nation are indeed words that seem to exist for your sake.”
“Haha, you flatter me.”
Duke Konig respectfully bowed to the Empress.
“Now then, Duke, how do you plan to invade Agarta?”
“Yes. First, we will gather forces from various regions and advance to the foothills of Mount Banzabi. From there, we will swiftly assault the capital on horseback, crossing the Ilbeji River, which serves as the border with Agarta. Riding horses from the border to the capital takes about a day and a half. Taking advantage of the cover of darkness, we can occupy the capital without giving the enemy time to prepare for battle.”
“I see… If we occupy Agarta during this spring season, we will have access to the abundant crops of Agarta in autumn… It truly is an efficient and splendid strategy. Duke, you have devised a plan that aligns perfectly with His Majesty’s intentions. I am greatly satisfied.”
“Hahaha, I am honored!”
The Empress looked around at the gathered nobles as she continued to speak.
“I thought Duke Konig’s plan was magnificent. Shall we discuss the merits and demerits of this plan at this moment? Well, I believe it is appropriate to proceed with the plan, but I am just an amateur… Ohohohoho.”
Seemingly sensing the Empress’s intentions, the Emperor slowly turned his face towards her.
“Mother. There is no need to worry.”
The Emperor declared to the gathered nobles.
“From now on, let us focus solely on how to efficiently execute Duke Konig’s plan. That is the main point of discussion.”
“I-I apologize, Your Majesty. Um… Duke, what will be done about the defense of the capital?”
One of the ministers spoke fearfully. Duke Konig nodded in response to those words.
“I see, it is a legitimate concern. The defense of the capital… General Carius, I leave it to you.”
“…”
Carius silently gazed at Duke Konig.
“The troops under your command are the most cowardly in the Imperial Army. It would be useless to deploy them to the battlefield, so please quietly defend the capital.”
At that moment, the Empress promptly interjected.
“Oh, that reminds me, General Carius. Didn’t you once tell me that you would personally slay the Agarta king? What happened to that story? Could it be that you have forgotten? You can’t carry out what you yourself proclaimed… Can we really entrust the defense of the capital to such a cowardly individual?”
The Empress glared at General Carius with open dislike. However, Carius continued to keep his gaze on Duke Konig without making eye contact with her, maintaining a calm demeanor.
“Your Highness, there is absolutely no chance that the capital will be attacked. Since last year, we have captured and executed every rebellious faction that dared to challenge the empire throughout the land. Therefore, even with cowards, fulfilling their duties is entirely feasible. Moreover, as someone who holds the title of a general, I believe it is necessary to achieve at least one accomplishment.”
“Well, how compassionate. Indeed, it is Duke Konig.”
With a laugh that seemed to indicate her good mood, the Empress’s laughter echoed throughout the room.
Leave a Comment / Reincarnation into a barrier master / By IX
It was mid-April, and finally, a warm breeze that hinted at the arrival of spring began to blow.
From the palace of the Lamaron Empire’s capital, one could see the vast sea. A ship could be seen sailing on that sea.
On the ship, there was a tall man dressed in a black bolero-like attire. Shielding his eyes from the dazzling sunlight, the man gazed up at the Lamaron Empire’s palace perched on the cliff. Feeling that spring was later than usual this year, he began preparing to disembark.
In the salon within the palace, the Duke Konig, dressed in formal attire, eagerly awaited the arrival of his guest. This salon was a room designed to accommodate nobility, a vertical space made of stone that radiated a beautiful marble-like luster.
“They have arrived.”
Upon hearing the voice of his subordinate announcing the arrival of the guest, the Duke straightened his posture. Shortly after, the guest entered the room at the perfect timing.
“Why, if it isn’t Bishop Alisgard. I am honored by your visit all the way from afar.”
“My Lord Konig, I am delighted to see you in such good spirits.”
The man known as Alisgard bowed respectfully, folding his tall figure in a courteous manner.
“To come to the palace on foot all the way from the ship… I am truly sorry for the trouble.”
“Oh, not at all. I felt the need to deliver this report as soon as possible… I apologize for barging in without considering any inconvenience.”
As he said that, Alisgard gently took out a letter from his pocket.
“This is a letter from His Holiness, Pope Juvancel.”
“I shall see it.”
The Duke stared intently at the letter, a smirk forming on his face.
“As expected of His Holiness, the Pope. Please convey my utmost regards.”
The Duke tightly gripped Alisgard’s hand with both hands.
“The Crimeana Church is always on the side of the Lamaron Empire, regardless of the circumstances. May the divine protection of our Lord Crimeana, the Supreme God, be with us… The necessary items will arrive soon, so please wait.”
While returning the firm handshake, Alisgard smiled gently at him.
Several hours later, in a room within the palace, the Emperor of the Lamaron Empire and the prominent figures had gathered. Naturally, Empress Laysis stood just behind the Emperor, with Prime Minister Madlin and the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army, Carius, also present.
As everyone had assembled, the doors of the conference room closed silently. After a brief moment of silence, Duke Konig stood up, bowed to the Emperor, and then looked around at the seated individuals.
“The reason we have gathered here today, with Your Majesty’s presence and the attendance of the nobles, is none other than to discuss the subjugation of the Agarta Kingdom, which has been troubling us since last year.”
Upon hearing those words, the faces of those gathered, including the Prime Minister, froze. However, Empress Laysis maintained her soft smile as usual. Glancing briefly at her, Duke Konig continued speaking.
“The majority of the snow has already melted. Though it is a mountainous country, Agarta’s snow should have also melted by now. I believe it is now time for us to settle the score with Agarta once and for all. I would like to hear the opinions of the nobles.”
Prime Minister Madlin, blinking rapidly, offered his opposition to Duke Konig’s proposal.
“Duke, I regret to inform you that the spring harvest has not yet been completed. Moreover, relying solely on the spring harvest will not provide us with enough provisions to attack Agarta. Are you suggesting we launch an attack without sufficient food supplies?”
“That would undoubtedly be challenging.”
General Carius supported Madlin’s statement. In response, Madlin continued.
“Duke, I am not certain how many troops you intend to attack with, but even if we consider an army of ten thousand, we would need a minimum of two weeks’ worth of provisions. However, even with the spring harvest, we can only gather supplies for a single day. That alone…”
“Stop this pointless argument!”
Duke Konig interrupted Madlin’s words with a strong tone.
“How many times must we repeat the same argument? There is no food, no provisions…! Why is it that we don’t make an effort to procure them? We have been deprived of our land, the land of Juka! Are we content with remaining defeated? If it is taken from us, we shall reclaim it! Isn’t that the attitude our empire should adopt?”
The room fell into a profound silence. Duke Konig, looking at the gathered individuals, continued his speech.
“I despair at the nobles. Do you not have loyalty towards His Majesty? Last year, His Majesty gave the order! He commanded us to attack Agarta! It has been a year since that order. What have the nobles done during this year? Instead of carrying out His Majesty’s command, they complain about crop failures and demand provisions stored in the palace. Even though they received provisions through His Majesty’s mercy, they do not repay that kindness! Today, I intended to give the nobles an opportunity to repay that kindness, but it is still a barren discussion. I can’t bear it any longer! In that case, the late Commander Jizeu, who tried to attack Agarta, even if it resulted in a major failure, was far better!!”
Duke Konig surveyed the gathered nobles with contemptuous eyes. Empress Laysis watched the scene with a satisfied nod.
“In that case… General-in-Chief, do you have any plans for the operation? If so, I would like to hear them.”
Making a somewhat exasperated expression, it was General Armond, the commander of the Third Army Corps, who spoke. Duke Konig, directing a cold gaze at Almond, spoke up.
“The entire cavalry of the empire, totaling fifty thousand troops, will launch a swift assault on Agarta’s capital. After occupying it, we will rapidly conquer various locations in Agarta. We will strike at them like a thunderstorm, utilizing the mobility of our cavalry!”
“…Duke, I must admit it is a commendable plan… But what about the crucial issue of provisions?”
Speaking in a calm voice, it was General Carius. Duke Konig laughed disdainfully in response.
“Provisions, provisions… That’s all you talk about. Can’t you discuss anything else?”
“It is the most important aspect. We cannot fight on an empty stomach.”
“So, General Carius, have you lost your wits? Do you think I am devising this plan without addressing the issue of provisions? The matter of provisions has been resolved. We have already dispatched one hundred thousand people’s worth of food from the port to the capital. Due to the large quantity, transportation is taking some time, but it will arrive tonight.”
Prime Minister Madlin looked astonished.
“H-How… How did you manage to procure such a large amount of food?”
Duke Konig looked at Madlin with an expression of weariness.
“We sought cooperation from the Crimeana Church.”
“W-What!? The Crimeana Church?”
“Yes. Our national religion, the Crimeana Church. The Great Demon Lord who appeared in Juka is still alive, even after being occupied by Hideita and renaming itself Agarta. Lamaron will subjugate that Great Demon Lord. Therefore, I requested support from the Church to provide us with provisions. The Pope promptly sent us the provisions. Thus, there is no need to worry about food. The empire can fight as much as it desires.”
“Please wait! The Crimeana Church…”
Madlin raised his voice, throwing his large body against the table. However, his voice was drowned out by slow, yet dry applause that resonated in the room.
It was the Empress who was clapping her hands.
“Marvelous! Isn’t it marvelous? As expected of Duke Konig. Only you truly consider His Majesty’s well-being. The pillars of the nation are indeed words that seem to exist for your sake.”
“Haha, you flatter me.”
Duke Konig respectfully bowed to the Empress.
“Now then, Duke, how do you plan to invade Agarta?”
“Yes. First, we will gather forces from various regions and advance to the foothills of Mount Banzabi. From there, we will swiftly assault the capital on horseback, crossing the Ilbeji River, which serves as the border with Agarta. Riding horses from the border to the capital takes about a day and a half. Taking advantage of the cover of darkness, we can occupy the capital without giving the enemy time to prepare for battle.”
“I see… If we occupy Agarta during this spring season, we will have access to the abundant crops of Agarta in autumn… It truly is an efficient and splendid strategy. Duke, you have devised a plan that aligns perfectly with His Majesty’s intentions. I am greatly satisfied.”
“Hahaha, I am honored!”
The Empress looked around at the gathered nobles as she continued to speak.
“I thought Duke Konig’s plan was magnificent. Shall we discuss the merits and demerits of this plan at this moment? Well, I believe it is appropriate to proceed with the plan, but I am just an amateur… Ohohohoho.”
Seemingly sensing the Empress’s intentions, the Emperor slowly turned his face towards her.
“Mother. There is no need to worry.”
The Emperor declared to the gathered nobles.
“From now on, let us focus solely on how to efficiently execute Duke Konig’s plan. That is the main point of discussion.”
“I-I apologize, Your Majesty. Um… Duke, what will be done about the defense of the capital?”
One of the ministers spoke fearfully. Duke Konig nodded in response to those words.
“I see, it is a legitimate concern. The defense of the capital… General Carius, I leave it to you.”
“…”
Carius silently gazed at Duke Konig.
“The troops under your command are the most cowardly in the Imperial Army. It would be useless to deploy them to the battlefield, so please quietly defend the capital.”
At that moment, the Empress promptly interjected.
“Oh, that reminds me, General Carius. Didn’t you once tell me that you would personally slay the Agarta king? What happened to that story? Could it be that you have forgotten? You can’t carry out what you yourself proclaimed… Can we really entrust the defense of the capital to such a cowardly individual?”
The Empress glared at General Carius with open dislike. However, Carius continued to keep his gaze on Duke Konig without making eye contact with her, maintaining a calm demeanor.
“Your Highness, there is absolutely no chance that the capital will be attacked. Since last year, we have captured and executed every rebellious faction that dared to challenge the empire throughout the land. Therefore, even with cowards, fulfilling their duties is entirely feasible. Moreover, as someone who holds the title of a general, I believe it is necessary to achieve at least one accomplishment.”
“Well, how compassionate. Indeed, it is Duke Konig.”
With a laugh that seemed to indicate her good mood, the Empress’s laughter echoed throughout the room.
