NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39
Walter Hellhound was one of the few humans who could cross the border of the Kingdom of Eramenia at will. While the elves didn’t specifically use force to stop humans from crossing their borders, very few could find their way to the fairy kingdom without getting lost in the woods, except for the owner of Harriet’s glasses.
Eramenia exists, and while its area and power remain unchanged, its location is variable and fantastic. There are only two ways to find this kingdom without being deceived by the illusions hanging in the forest.
You either have strong vision capable of overcoming the forest’s magic, or you burn and destroy everything in the forest to forge ahead.
Walter naturally chose the former method. However, at the same time, he was well aware that there were beings lurking, eagerly hoping to invade the kingdom through the latter method.
Margaret, who was training the newly assigned 3rd and 4th legions under her command in the territory of Princess Margaret within the Kingdom of Eramenia, was not particularly surprised upon seeing Walter.
“The might of the legion is impressive.”
Walter genuinely admired the array of Margaret’s forces. The Audrich Empire typically preferred a formation of infantry united in one legion, but the military operations of Eramenia were somewhat different.
Margaret’s 5,000 troops were arranged harmoniously: heavily armored infantry battalions wielding long spears and shields, archers firing arrows with pinpoint accuracy, cavalry capable of executing flanking and ambush maneuvers, and spear cavalry that could deal critical blows to the enemy at the turning point of the war.
A legion that fights with standardized formations or, rather than simplistic siege warfare, makes the best use of versatile tactics in the field. Since they were originally formed to defend the forest kingdom, they adequately represented the elves’ ever-changing nature as much as the essence of the forest itself.
“How does it look? Will it be useful in the attack you’re planning?”
Margaret spoke while glancing at the elven knights running swiftly. With about 50 lance cavalry deployed per legion, totaling 100, their charge was fierce enough that even the bravest heart might find it hard to look directly at their advance.
Walter was nearly blinded by the dazzling armor of the heavily armored elves.
“At this rate, stealthy infiltration would be challenging.”
“Don’t joke. I realize that your planned attack isn’t at that level.”
“I could surely devour all the nobles of the Empire, but I can’t possibly withstand Princess!”
Walter shook his head. Margaret let out a loud snort and turned to Walter.
“Well then. What brings you to me today? It must be something important. Speak. Are you plotting some outrageous scheme again?”
“Unfortunately, it’s not me planning the scheme; it’s the enemy. Princess, I regret to disturb you, but right now, Jeongjae might be in great danger.”
Margaret paused for a moment to grasp Walter’s words.
After a sufficient pause, she turned to Walter and tilted her head.
“Could you clarify what you mean, Hellhound?”
“There are indications that the Demon King’s Army is planning to launch an assault somewhere in the Empire using over 300 ships. Based on what I see, their attack could commence within a week to two.”
“Is there concrete evidence that the target is Harriet’s Territory?”
“There isn’t any. It’s all just speculation. But you know, considering all the context, why would the Demon King employ such an uncertain strategy for a landing if he brought ships without a plan?”
Basically, the reason the Demon King’s Army would dislike attacking across water is that high-ranking demonkin, including vampires, aren’t particularly fond of water.
In other words, only minor humanoid creatures like Orcs or Goblins can board ships for such attacks. Even if they do manage to mix in Trolls or Ogres as siege weapons at best, relying on ships is not the wisest choice if they aim for safe passage.
“Then it raises suspicions regarding the absence of Jeongjae during the last Lich lord subjugation.”
“That would seem to be the case. If they were to touch down in the wrong place, that would be problematic. However, if they’re aiming at the western coast of the Empire, even a successful operation would yield little gain. Most likely, it’s Harriet’s Territory.”
“I think you’re right. The timing is fitting, and the motive is clear.”
With a troubled expression, Margaret drew her bow from her back and pulled the string back without an arrow. The bowstring twanged, vibrating side to side from the release.
“What do you think we should do? We absolutely cannot lose that territory.”
“One legion—no, our Eramenia legion should suffice with just one battalion. If you are in a situation where you cannot move, leave it to me. I’ll lead the cavalry and burn all their ships.”
“I wish it were that easy.”
Walter spoke, and Margaret frowned, tilting her head.
“Are you planning to refuse that, Hero?”
“I’m not in a position to encourage such actions. We can’t afford to split our usable forces toward that direction right now.”
Margaret immediately pursed her lips, forming distinct wrinkles in an instant. Walter lightly stepped back from the fear surging from Margaret. He could feel she was struggling to rationally understand the Hero while keeping her rising anger in check.
“Then should we entrust the defense of that territory to that brat and the two magicians? Rather, it would be better to abandon that land and instruct the citizens to evacuate to the Harker Count Territory.”
“That in itself would be problematic. There are things in the castle’s depths that must be protected.”
“In that case, send in the army.”
“Then though we can repel this attack, a secondary attack led by dragons will come.”
“Then we kill the dragons. If they stumble forth foolishly into the tiger’s den, they are a race that can be torn apart.”
“Will it really be that easy? If you’re not intending to turn that place into a battlefield, sending troops there is troublesome. In any case, that’s what my instincts are whispering.”
“Then are we to just stand by, watching as the ground we can’t lose and friends we can’t afford to lose become like gladiators in a coliseum? I know you’ve never been wrong in your words, but this time I can’t understand your ambiguous stance!”
Finally unable to hold back, Margaret shouted. The Hero felt the gaze of the Elven legion, who had been training nearby, shift toward him, and he broke into a cold sweat, removing his glasses.
“Could we talk somewhere else? I fear your followers.”
“How unfairly I drew attention. I apologize. Let’s walk a bit. I too will need to come to terms with this situation.”
Walter and Margaret turned their backs from the training grounds and slowly began to walk along a forest path. The Elven legion still looked at Walter with suspicious eyes, as if wondering whether the Hero had been too rude to their lord, but sensing Margaret’s desire to quell the atmosphere, they turned back to focus on their training.
In the middle of the forest path, the two resumed their conversation.
“So you mean to say that that brat and that magician think they can defend a territory the size of a pea against an army that outnumbers them three to one?”
“It’s possible. Yes, I believe it is indeed possible.”
“No guarantees, huh? If they can spot the enemy from a sufficient distance, that mage of his could sink all 300 ships in the sea.”
“Ah, that might be a bit difficult. It seems a Kraken is deployed.”
At Walter’s words, Margaret’s face turned pale. He anticipated that another ship would indeed come, curling into himself, but Margaret spoke in a faint voice while maintaining a calm demeanor.
“Then is a hero truly needed? If there’s a Kraken for protection, sinking the ships with long-range spells is out of the question. If it comes to battling after landing, successfully holding back the enemies on the coast of Harriet’s Territory becomes almost impossible, regardless of how great a Grand Mage one is.”
“That mage might sink six or so ships, even with a Kraken in play.”
“What about the other 290?”
“We’ll have to battle after they land, I suppose. Those two are the most distinguished mages on land. While there’s a noticeable gap between them, Jeinis Harker and Jeongjae’s combined combat effectiveness isn’t to be underestimated… I apologize.”
“Ah, that’s enough. That’s merely an objective assessment of the facts. My feelings don’t matter; you needn’t worry about that.”
Walter felt a shiver at Margaret’s oddly crisp and deliberate speech. He wondered if returning to that training ground, where his subordinates could witness him receiving violence, might not be wise, when Margaret opened her mouth once more in a calm voice.
“Would a small force not be a problem? If it’s my direct troops, the Demon King might think you’re not personally involved.”
“In any case, if the armies come into play, the Demon King will contemplate hitting Harriet’s Territory again someday. He knows well that no army can move without my permission.”
“I still do not remember handing over full command of my legion to you.”
“In reality, you haven’t. If you assert your rights, how could I possibly stop you, Your Highness? Even if you were to pull the Eramenia army out for another front from this position, you have no authority to stop the princess.”
“I certainly wouldn’t do that. No matter how unreasonable the circumstances, I wouldn’t go that far.”
Margaret stood firmly, halting her steps. After briefly gazing at the sky and ground, her face flushed bright red, and she took a deep breath in and out.
“I want to ask you one thing, relying on your keen intellect, Hero.”
“Please do. What are you hesitating about?”
“Do you think the Demon King knows… knows… my… my… my feelings that I hold? For example, whether…”
“He wouldn’t know. How could he?”
Walter chuckled slightly. Margaret frowned at his laughter, seemingly flaring up in anger.
“What’s with that laugh?!”
“I merely thought the princess was astute. Yes, I had a similar thought. No matter how much I pondered, I couldn’t see a way for those two and a handful of nobles to fend off the enemy’s attacks without sustaining losses. Princess, if the Demon King doesn’t know of your affection, then this battle might give ‘em a chance to find out.”
“And why would I advertise something prideful like that to the enemy?”
“Love is always a prideful thing. It’s worth advertising.”
“Don’t speak such embarrassing words. No, more importantly, the chance of letting the enemy know that…”
“If the armies move, the enemy will realize I am showing active interest in the battle of Harriet’s Territory.”
Walter wiped the smile from his face and spoke with a solemn expression. Margaret nodded slightly, her face tense.
“But what if I were to move alone, autonomously?”
“Allow me to borrow the military so I can take the Eramenia army to Audrich. With this method, I can deceive the enemy and package it as if the Hero and the elves had begun acting independently after an unavoidable conflict.”
Margaret tightly pursed her lips, contemplating seriously. About three minutes passed in that state.
“I cannot yield my military authority. But I will grant you command of my legion. Let’s do that. If it can prevent further enemy incursions while also saving that magician, I will gladly agree to it.”
“You mean you’ll be taking the military along?”
“I’ll hang it at the top of Harriet Castle. Just as I felt that I could trust him, no matter the circumstances, it shall signify that the eternal alliance of the fairies stands behind him.”
“That’s a nice sentiment. Thank you for your understanding.”
“One more question. Has my body coming along allowed the exit to the unseen darkness to show itself?”
“If it seems we cannot win, will you stop your support?”
“Do you think I would ever do that?”
“I won’t foolishly send my friends into a fight I cannot win without laughing.”
A confident smile spread across Walter’s face.
“Indeed, just moments before, I couldn’t laugh while discussing a battle, could I?”
“That’s the answer I needed. Well then, I shall go prepare. I need to send him a letter to inform him of my arrival.”
Without even exchanging farewells with Walter, Margaret turned and walked away. Though she showed no signs, she appeared to be sulking due to being prevented from providing active support.
Overall, Walter sighed with relief that their conversation with Margaret had gone smoothly, wiping away the cold sweat once more.
“You look troubled, Hero.”
At that moment, a solemn voice suddenly appeared next to the Hero, startling Walter again. Walter turned to see the tall fairy Richard, grinning at him.
“It seems you are imposing a tough choice on my daughter.”
Richard spoke with a face full of discontent. Walter, undaunted, kept a cheeky grin and bowed his head before the king.
“I’m in no position to impose anything upon her. Would she listen even if I did?”
“Indeed. If she has made up her mind, even I cannot stop her. Yes, even I.”
Richard wore a glum expression. Walter could somewhat guess the reason why.
“Have you heard the news, Your Majesty?”
“Has she fallen in love with a human?”
“Such occurrences are common. Yes, I believe that to be the case.”
Richard turned away with a complicated expression, nervously pacing. The king of Eramenia sighed deeply and spoke to Walter.
“There are those among humans who would dedicate their hearts entirely to a pet dog that can only live for about ten years. Saying humans differ from dogs. It’s just an analogy, yet there are those who genuinely express heartfelt affection for their pets.”
“I believe the essence is no different, Your Majesty.”
“Some things can’t be helped. But I’m old now, if my child were to leave the forest, can my country find a better lord than that child?”
“You remain vigorous, Your Majesty. At least in appearance, you seem well.”
Walter pointed at Richard’s handsome face. Richard, at Walter’s outright response, let out a light chuckle but shook his head.
“The beauty of elves doesn’t age, but our souls inevitably wear down. However, if my appearance is yet good… Walter Hellhound. This is a very serious question, so please answer honestly.”
“Please ask.”
“If I were to suddenly desire a second child, what would Angelica say to me?”
Walter was caught off guard by a truly difficult question coming from the great fairy king.