Chapter 196
(Kyle Calendar Year 510: Age 17)
A Trustworthy Enemy
Translator : PolterGlast
During the harvest
festival, there was an unexpected visitor—well, I had expected him, but he
arrived via an unexpected route.
"Well now, this
is my first time seeing the Demon Territory Count Solis's domain, but it's just
as the rumors say—no, it exceeds them. To attack that narrow pass with a large
army... one can only call it foolish. Cut off and trapped like rats in a bag.
The Empire did a foolish thing indeed."
The man who spoke these
carefree words, as if discussing someone else's problem, was the man I should
be most wary of in the Empire: Viscount Sieghart von Kämpfer.
It was true that he
had somehow learned of the harvest festival and had notified us in advance of
his intention to visit Teigoon under the guise of an envoy seeking to deepen
friendly relations.
And everyone had
assumed he would come via the normal trade route: through Margrave Hastburg's
domain, then Viscount Cornell's, and finally through Gaia.
In fact, I too had
received reports that the trade caravan he was leading was proceeding along
that route. But he had come by a different route from the caravan, accompanied
by only a small escort of about 100 cavalry. Through the dangerous demon
territory from the border...
When he suddenly
appeared at the gate at the exit of the Teigoon pass, on the western edge of
Aegis, the guards were astonished. Hearing the news, we hastily invited him and
his party to the town's administration building, and now, in one of its rooms, I
was facing him one-on-one.
"Lord Kämpfer,
your unexpected arrival has surprised us. What would you have done if we had
mistaken you for an enemy attack and attacked you? Also, if something had
happened in the demon territory, we could not have taken responsibility."
"Ahaha, my
apologies. Also, please call me Sieghart from now on. Being called 'Lord' makes
me feel guarded.
Besides, unlike
certain soldiers, I never thought that the formidable Demon Territory Count's
army, being overwhelmingly outnumbered, would attack us without investigation
while we were flying a white flag."
Whether he truly
trusted us that much, was simply optimistic, or was confident he could handle
anything that happened, I couldn't quite tell.
"Truly, you are a
bold one. Ah, please call me Takuhir as well. I too am bewildered by the title
I have received, which does not suit my station. Still, from the demon
territory side..."
"Well, you see, I
heard that former Imperial (Empire) immigrants are living on the demon
territory side, and as someone from the same homeland, I wanted to see how they
were living. However, I didn't expect it to be fortified to that extent. We
couldn't see anything beyond the wall, and in the end, we just ended up staring
at walls all the way to the exit of the pass. With such strong defenses, they
can surely live in peace."
"And so... have
you achieved your objective of inspecting our defensive facilities?"
"Ahahaha, how
frightening. Well... from what little I've seen, even if a war were to break
out between us and the Imperial army were to attack Teigoon, it would likely be
impossible even with 20,000 troops. That wall doesn't seem to be just a simple
defensive wall, and it looks like there are various traps set up all around...
A direct assault would inevitably lead to annihilation. Well, it would be
extremely difficult. Under normal circumstances... that is."
Saying this, the
Viscount grinned. To be able to say so boldly, 'I was conducting reconnaissance
in enemy territory,' in the enemy's land... there was likely no one else but
this man who could do that. What's more, he had slipped through an unfamiliar
and dangerous demon territory with a small force, without a single accident.
"Under normal
circumstances, huh? But surely you, Sieghart-dono, could manage somehow? You
are the man who previously traversed the demon territory of Viscount Kirias's
domain, and last year, you outmaneuvered the First Prince using food as
leverage."
"Whoa! You knew
about that too? As expected, Takuhir-dono is not someone to be careless around.
Until now, your evaluation in the Kyle Kingdom has been unjust, and I thought
that meant things would be peaceful for the time being... but this journey has
served as a warning that I too was being careless.
Hearing about
something and actually seeing it are indeed vastly different. That fortress...
you had been meticulously preparing it long before you became the Demon
Territory Count, hadn't you? Honestly, I was surprised."
"I am more
surprised that you, from the Empire which has no demon territory, can navigate
an unfamiliar one so freely."
"No, no, the
taboos of the demon territory and such are things one can learn from books and
by asking trustworthy, well-traveled merchants. Besides, there are large
landmarks here. If one heads west using Mount Teigoon as a guide, anyone could
reach it on the outbound journey.
Of course, if we were
to become hostile, the cleverly hidden traps would activate, the invading army
would be blocked by the endless walls, and they would likely be annihilated by
monster attacks from the rear.
Well, it's not that
there aren't any holes, though..."
It was true. As a
precaution against the unlikely, and on the premise that it was acceptable if
they were discovered, we had set up several cleverly hidden traps, trenches,
and moats on the demon territory side in preparation for his visit. On the
premise that he would see through them and let his guard down.
But I couldn't gauge
his true intentions as he pointed out the existence of holes with a confident
smile.
"Holes? That
sounds like a very interesting topic."
"Shall I tell
you? It feels unfair that only I received an invitation. As a souvenir,
perhaps..."
"???"
Wait... you're going
to just easily tell me about a weakness you discovered in an enemy country? Is
that really okay? This man is truly difficult to deal with. I thought my skills
in political maneuvering had leveled up somewhat thanks to the old fox, but...
"When there is a
strongly defended fortress, why is there a need to attack it? If it were me, I
would avoid such a place. Also, an invading army, fearing the demon territory
too much, would likely focus on cavalry and think of rushing through quickly,
but I would do the opposite."
"Oh? That's an
interesting way of thinking."
"Attacking
Teigoon—I think it's safe to say this is now a fixed idea for the invading
side. To attack a place protected by a strong fortress where the advantage of a
large army cannot be utilized is nothing more than the commander's
self-satisfaction. It wouldn't be wrong to call them a fool who disregards the
lives of their own soldiers.
If it were me, I would
deploy a large infantry force and bypass the earth wall built in the former
Viscount Hiyorimi's domain. That place is also reasonably well-defended, but
even if monsters and cavalry cannot pass, engineers leading infantry over the
mountains could cross, couldn't they?"
It's true, that plan
isn't impossible. But there should be risks involved as well. Is he including
those in his calculation?
"Well, since we
can't bring sufficient food, we'd have to devise and contrive ways regarding
logistics. Also, even after entering the domain, I'd pass right by the new town
you've built, Takuhir-dono; it looks frightening.
Even in that case, the
forces the defenders could deploy to that area would likely be 2,000 to 3,000
at most. If a 10,000-strong infantry force were to fully exert its
capabilities, they would likely not be an obstacle. Depending on the season,
procuring food locally might also be possible, and there are no notable
defensive facilities beyond that.
In that case, you
would be forced to choose: abandon the defensively advantageous fortress and go
out to intercept, or abandon the towns and villages of your allies... The initiative
in the battle would then shift to the attacker."
We had considered that
possibility as well, just in case.
However, unless it was
executed very skillfully, it would lead to isolation deep within enemy
territory. Would he really employ such tactics? No, he likely has a plan that
makes such deployment possible.
I don't know... but he
could probably do it. Somehow, I just have that conviction.
"Hah, you strike
where it hurts... I truly am no match for you, Sieghart-dono. But is it really
alright to tell such things to an enemy?"
"Yes. As long as
the truce holds, at least during that time, we are friends. Besides, when it
comes time to actually fight, I just need to not be assigned to this front.
No, even if I were
ordered, I would wish to decline. Attacking the Kyle Kingdom from the left
flank across the border... even if we won, there's no telling how many
casualties there would be. The strategy I just mentioned, too—there's no
telling what would happen if you were to commit your forces fully,
Takuhir-dono.
However, I believe
that even if you lose a battle in one tactical phase, it is enough if you win
strategically overall. To tie down the forces of the most fearsome
Takuhir-dono—I think that alone has value... what do you think?"
Hmm, the way this
person says "friend" is somehow very frightening.
This person might not
realize it himself, but when he talks tactics, his eyes and expression change.
And this is likely his true nature. Many people, seeing his usual words and
demeanor, unfairly underestimate his true worth and end up paying for it later.
He's saying that this
front is formidable, so even if not quite a sacrificial pawn, if he positions a
strategically neutralized unit here and prevents our army from getting involved
in the overall battle situation, then overall victory will naturally come his
way.
"Just as you say.
I gratefully accept your advice. I just realized it again now. I really
wouldn't want to face you on the battlefield, Sieghart-dono."
"Ah, the feeling
is mutual~ Besides, I want to take it as easy as possible. This is my true
feeling, you know."
"Well then,
thanking you for your advice, shall we, as friends, now talk about the trade
you wished for earlier?"
"Yes! I was
hoping to talk about that. Goodness, I was really done in by the sugar sales. A
part of the sales channels I had painstakingly built was taken away just like
that."
"No, no, it is I
who have learned anew how fearsome you are, Sieghart-dono. To think that since
the time of the prisoner return, you had already formulated a strategy
substituting sugar for the payment. Your skill in easily obtaining not only the
Kyle Kingdom's gold coins but also the merchants' favor was magnificent."
Yes, we had sold the
sugar produced in Aegis through the sales channels Sieghart had built, at the
same price as them. We could have sold it cheaper, but a price war would become
a quagmire. So, we wholesaled it to the merchants in the Royal Capital as 'Kyle
Kingdom Sugar'.
Our strength was that
we wholesaled it in the Royal Capital. With Bart and the others, the logistics
problem was solved, and we also had a warehouse (the residence) that was
nothing but spacious.
As a result, the
merchants jumped at our sugar, which they could obtain in the Royal Capital,
their largest market, with zero transportation costs.
"Well, we cannot
compete in terms of cost, but our supply volume is greater. On this occasion, I
would like us to conclude an agreement and ensure that we are considerate of
each other so that a fruitless price war does not occur. This was the first
topic."
"We feel the
same. We do not wish to make a highly profitable product that we have
painstakingly cultivated into a tool for fruitless conflict. And our supply
capacity is not high enough to cover the entire kingdom's sales channels. We
also believe that as a luxury item, the wider the base, the more stable sugar
will become as a product. Though the profit margin will decrease
slightly."
"Thank you. Then,
leaving the details of that to be worked out between our respective civil
servants, for the second topic—no, request...
Would you be willing
to wholesale the specialty of the Demon Territory Count's domain, honey, to us
as well? Of course, the payment would be commensurate... I am thinking of up to
about twice the amount that you are wholesaling it for, Takuhir-dono."
"Will it sell for
that much? It's true I've heard that honey production is particularly low in
hot regions and its value is high, but..."
"Yes, even within
the Empire, there are people who will spare no expense for things they desire.
That is our target, so the quantity itself, I do not desire enough to strain
your production, Takuhir-dono. What I want is simply the fact and the track
record that we can sell them."
"I see. To
utilize it politically as well, gain the favor of the upper echelons and
merchants within the Empire, and the Third Prince sharpens his claws. Is that
the situation?"
"Yes, I believe
this also holds benefits for your country. Frankly speaking, I do not like the
First Prince. He is merely waging war out of naked ambition for the throne; he
likely does not have the capacity to lead many subordinates. All he has is the
signboard of being the First Prince, the right of succession.
And he harbors
considerable hostility towards your country and Teigoon."
"And the Third
Prince is different?"
"Well... he is
royalty, so there are aspects where he is somewhat detached from the world, but
he does have the capacity to stand above others. Enough to make good use of
someone like me, which is amusing.
In the first place,
the war with the Sura Duchy began as a defensive one. We constantly harbor the
threat of being invaded and having our lands ravaged, and we are fighting to
stabilize the southern border. We are not carving it up out of our own
ambition. And he holds no grudge whatsoever against the Kyle Kingdom."
"Then,
hypothetically... let's say the succession is decided in favor of the Third
Prince, and the succession issue within the Empire settles down. Even so, there
is still a possibility that they might turn their fangs towards us as a new
target for invasion, isn't there?"
This actually happened
in the previous history. It's a possibility that requires sufficient caution.
"Hypothetically
speaking, if the war in the south had proceeded unexpectedly smoothly, it might
have turned out that way, riding on that momentum.
Even in the Imperial
Capital, the Third Prince's faction is in the minority. Even after the
succession is confirmed, to demonstrate his power, he might be forced to expand
his territory anew and show his strength. That is also conceivable.
However, in the south,
we will stop the invasion once a certain amount has been conquered and enter
into truce negotiations. Probably in another one or two years? There are still
those who are watching and waiting, aiming an arrow at the Third Prince's back.
It depends on the other party, but I think it will likely be settled with the
cession of the northern half of the Sura Duchy, perhaps even more."
"And that will
decide everything? I mean, it's not really my place to worry, but is it really
okay for you to be telling me such things?"
"Well, this level
of talk is likely common knowledge to those who conduct proper intelligence
activities and have a grip on the merchants, isn't it? Even if you don't know
now, eventually...
And probably... it
won't be decided. Behind the First Prince in the capital is also that
untrustworthy old fox (Hurley), and he will surely make some unpleasant
proposals."
So the Empire has its
foxes too. I almost burst out laughing at the fact that they were both calling
cunning old men 'foxes'.
"So we are the
bait dangled before those two princes? Well, that's troublesome."
"I am glad you
understand."
Wait... normally,
you'd deny that, wouldn't you? Even if it's a lie.
"Honestly, I
dislike war. Unlike the Kyle Kingdom of the past, I see that with this
rebellion, your country's defenses are becoming markedly stronger, incomparable
to before.
If that happens, even
if we could win, the sacrifices would be immeasurable. This kind of collateral
damage from fights between royalty—my true feeling is that I'd rather be
spared."
"But war will
inevitably occur. Is that what you're saying?"
When I looked Sieghart
straight in the eye, he gave a fearless smile and nodded.
"Yes. That is
precisely why I have deliberately brought this up now, in preparation for that
time. Within the scope of my investigation, and from the course of events so
far, I have concluded that you are trustworthy, even as an enemy. As much as
possible, I have a personal request and proposal for you, Takuhir-dono.
It would not be an
exaggeration to say that I came all this way to have you hear it."
So this was his real
objective. Until now, it had simply been a preliminary probing of each other's
intentions. Thinking that, I was once again struck by how frightening he was.
Sieghart's demeanor,
and not just his attitude but also his way of speaking, had changed. He was
looking straight at me with unguarded eyes, while telling me that an
unavoidable battle likely lay ahead...
"If it is
something I can do to fulfill my loyalty, something I can do, and something
that can avert the sacrifices of war, I will gladly listen..."
"Of course, that
is fine. I myself, no matter how much I dislike war, cannot sell out my
homeland. This conversation is based on that premise."
And so, we concluded a
certain secret pact, within the bounds of not betraying our respective lords,
and within the bounds of what we could actually do when the time came. Although
its contents can never be spoken of...
I agreed to his proposal,
which contained important details that could potentially sway the future of the
Kyle Kingdom and the Gryphonia Empire, and we decided to prepare for the sake
of our respective countries and their futures.
From that moment on,
my evaluation of the man named Sieghart changed. From an enigmatic, brilliant,
and untrustworthy strategist, to an extremely capable enemy general who,
depending on the situation, could be trusted.
The true value of this
meeting between the two would become apparent several years later, but for now,
no one yet knew its contents.
And history would
begin to move in the direction that these two feared.
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