Bad news and rumors trickled in one by one. The news that Count Johnstein had killed all the Black Lion Knights who had come to arrest him, and declared that Normant would no longer be safe, and the rumor that Count’s daughter Latilda might have been killed in the process. Dozens had witnessed the carriage she was riding in being shattered in battle, and blood being spilled.
‘Latilda dead? Wasn’t Loyal with her?’
Kassel was worried. The other White Wolves also seemed slightly concerned.
As predicted, the party was canceled on the second day. The late-arriving nobles grumbled, but all of them participated without exception when they were told there would be a dinner hosted directly by the king. And they were fairly shocked by the news that arrived that day.
“Isn’t it just malicious gossip? Normant not being safe? Isn’t that a declaration of war?”
An elderly noble asked in a timid voice.
The representative of Luror calmly explained.
“It’s true. On account of this incident, the Black Lion Count has left for Leang, stating he will not inconvenience His Majesty further.”
“But the daughter of the Red Rose Count is dead? Knowing how much he thinks of his daughter, if this is true… oh.”
Another noble shuddered.
“She probably isn’t dead. Nobody has confirmed the corpse yet.”
Luror continued with nothing but rigid explanations. The nobles, who were wetting their throats with the starter and frothy wine, each caused a great stir as they discussed the matter. The nobles who had attended the party yesterday were so busy explaining yesterday’s events to the nobles who arrived today.
Then, King Charles entered the dining room. The commotion subsided for a moment, and all the nobles rose from their tables.
“Those who attended yesterday will know, but that person there is Captain Kassel Wolf of the White Wolves from Aranthia. And from the left, in order, are Sheyden, Gerald, Azwin.”
The king finished the simple introductions as if he were explaining where the food was placed and sank heavily into his seat.
Dunmel did not attend. Even the nobles who attended the party yesterday did not ask why there were five yesterday and only four today. They regarded it as having been four from the beginning.
The nobles who saw the White Wolves for the first time today seemed very eager, as if they had many questions.
King Charles spoke quickly with a slightly tense voice, as if reciting lines he had memorized.
“You might have heard it from rumors, and Luror may have explained it separately. But there will be some things you are curious about, so Dunathan will explain them in detail. After that, we will take your questions.”
As the king pointed, Dunathan wiped his lips with a napkin and rose from his seat. The eyes of nearly twenty seated nobles all turned to Dunathan. Despite the lengthy silence, Dunathan explained quickly.
“This morning at the national affairs meeting, Count Lumerier nominated Count Varda Wig Johnstein as the suspect in the murder of his son, Viscount Regeni Lumerier. Count Lumerier requested the arrest, but it was dismissed due to lack of evidence. The Count then mobilized his own knights for independent action. However, it failed, and many knights died. Up to this point, you all would know the content.”
When the chef quietly came in to ask if he could serve the dish following the appetizer, the attendant waved him off. After the chef obediently bowed his head and withdrew, Dunathan continued his speech.
“Count Johnstein declared open warfare, unabashedly stating he would attack here if Count Lumerier remained in Normant, and left. In response, Count Lumerier also left Normant and stated he would prepare for war. His Majesty the King will remain neutral in their war, as he has done up to this point.”
It was a declaration that wasn’t particularly special. The king had always watched the war between the two counts. However, there was a huge uproar in response to Dunathan’s continuing words.
“However, if either of the two counts attempts to attack Normant or harm His Majesty the King, we will suppress them with the royal army.”
“What are you talking about?”
A noble abruptly rose from his seat. Luror, acting as a delegate, quietly extended his hand.
“Please sit down. You are in the presence of His Majesty.”
Though he reluctantly sat, he could not hold back his words.
“Where, where does the royal family have an army, Count Dunathan? As far as I know, there isn’t even a Royal Knight Order left.”
Everyone agreed with his words, nodding their heads.
“We will begin to form one now.”
“Your Majesty, is Count Dunathan’s words really your will?”
King Charles answered briefly, as if trying to hide his insecure voice.
“That is so.”
Count Dunathan spoke again.
“After this moment, anyone who supports either of the two Counts cannot stay in Normant.”
“Stop this nonsense!”
One of the nobles slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly. His face was pale, drained of blood.
“Your Majesty, do you mean to establish a standing army in the royal family? This is a direct violation of the traditions of Camort.”
King Charles averted his gaze and this only infuriated the noble further.
“Only the two Counts themselves can stop their armies. If the Red Rose Count declares he will strike Normant, he must, according to tradition, seek the strength of other nobles.”
“You should not send the Black Lion Count to Leang, but defend this place with his army.”
Other nobles also voiced their opinions.
“Your Majesty, please consider carefully and make a decision. If you now establish an army, you may turn the two Counts into enemies. If you just stay still, nothing will happen as before. Why do you provoke trouble on your own?”
“The Red Rose Count is said to slaughter civilians without hesitation. If he enters Normant, we don’t know what terrible things will happen. The Rose Knights are composed of mercenaries who lack knightly virtues, unlike the Black Lion Knights.”
“Wait a minute! Listen, what are you talking about right now?”
Another noble at the end of the table stood up in protest to his words. Unlike yesterday, there were nobles on the side of the Red Rose Count today.
“Are you not speaking as if this is all the Red Rose Count’s fault? As Count Dunathan just said, did this not happen because the Black Lion Count falsely accused the Red Rose Count of a crime he did not commit? And is it even possible to act alone in Normant without the permission of His Majesty?”
“How do you know whether it’s a false crime or not? The Black Lion Count is a cautious man who doesn’t move without certainty.”
Another noble interrupted.
“Then what about the incident where he burnt down a civilian village for allegedly assisting the Rose Knights a year ago? Will you say that was also the honorable action of the Black Lion Knights, backed by their conviction?”
“That incident has nothing to do with this.”
The argument showed no signs of ending.
‘So be it, I’ll throw my soup bowl at them.’
Kassel just listened. No, now it was even hard to listen. If one side talked, the other babbled, and if one babbled, someone who had been quietly sitting suddenly stood up and yelled. The nobles, who had initially waited patiently for one person’s speech to end, were now shouting incoherently.
“I can’t be here anymore. Forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty.”
One left his seat with a jolt. Then about half a dozen nobles threw insulting words of an unbearable kinship at each other and left. One of the departing nobles didn’t even ask for King Charles’s permission.
For a moment, only the sound of spoons and bowls clashing echoed, and everyone fell silent. One, who had been struggling to hold back until the end, cautiously got up.
“I apologize, Your Majesty. I must go and report this to the Red Rose Count.”
“I will also return to my territory and aid the Black Lion Count’s war. But know that this is all for Your Majesty’s safety.”
The two almost simultaneously gave each other a glare before disappearing through the other side of the restaurant door. A lengthy silence followed. No one else rose, either because they were all too wary or had missed their chance to leave, but it seemed no one wanted to remain sitting there any longer.
Dunathan flicked his fingers to make a sound, then gestured to the servant. The servant soon called the head chef to bring the meal. The chef counted the number of people remaining at the table, calculated how many dishes to bring out, and then returned to the kitchen.
“It seems His Majesty may have made a hasty choice. You have lost not only the chance to bring an army into the royal family, but also the nobles who would have sided with you.”
A noble quietly opened his mouth. He had been fiddling with the ring he had been wearing all the while the heated conversation was taking place, and he continued to speak while twirling his ring.
“It seems you consider the Black Lion Count and the Red Rose Count as your enemies. However, they are merely facing each other with their spears, their loyalty to you has not changed. But I think they will take this incident seriously.”
He sported a grin, as if to flaunt that he was in no way perturbed. King Charles’s gaze wavered amidst the heated situation and the snide comments from the nobles.
“Today’s dinner will be long remembered in Camort’s history. Regardless of whether His Majesty’s choice was right, it’s worth enjoying this moment.”
The noble who had been fiddling with his ring lifted his wine glass, and the other nobles also raised their glasses.
Kassel quickly checked those who did not raise their glasses for a brief moment. This was the first course of action that he had promised with Dunathan.
‘When the conversation ends and the nobles become excited, whatever they do, let them be until Kassel intervenes, and the other counts should not intervene and wait.’
Kassel did not care what the nobles were chattering about. In any case, they could not be on the king’s side, so it was better for them to leave here.
Kassel held up his wine glass and suddenly spoke loudly.
“May I recite a poem for a pleasant dinner?”
Just then, a well-cooked lamb dish came out of the kitchen. The nobles, who had been crowding the king, sparkled their eyes when the captain of the White Wolves, whom they had been looking forward to, spoke. If Dunathan had not mentioned this incident first, the focus of today would undoubtedly have been Kassel.
Kassel didn’t want that. But now it was his turn to be the center of attention. Before King Charles lost his confidence any more!
“This is a poem told to me by a bard I met on the battlefield not long after I arrived in Camort. Without obtaining his permission, or paying him, I want to reveal his name here. His name is Laure, the most pleasant bard I’ve ever met.”
The nobles clapped as if they had heard the name of a famous artist, although it was not that well-known.
‘Laure. I’ll borrow your poem for a bit. I hope it’s an honor for His Majesty to hear your song.’
Kassel recalled the song and the sound of the flute that Laure played as he roasted sausages in front of the campfire. The simple lyrics of the simple melody were still unforgettable.
When the jester laughs
There’s a singing lion
When the jester sings
There’s a dancing rose
Fearfully shaking jester, looking at
The dancing lion on the hill, with roses on his mane
Oh lion, oh lion, stop dancing now
Your ears hurt from the thorns of the rose
The lion roars, the jester collapses
The dancing lion doesn’t even know it’s pricked by the rose thorns
The blood soaked in the mane is fluttering on the hill,
Oh lion, oh lion, stop dancing now
From this hill where I live
It’s time to retreat now
The rose sheds petals, the jester sheds tears
The hill dries up, the petals lose their vitality
When the tears dry, the jester laughs
When the jester laughs
There’s a singing lion
When the jester sings
There’s a dancing rose
Oh lion, oh rose, leave the song and dance
To the jester.
The table, heavy with the scent of mutton, fell into silence as the song ended. The nobles who initially banged on the table to the lively tune had quieted down as the lyrics grew unsettling. By the time the song ended, they were glaring at Kassel, their faces close to shock.
With a big grin, Kassel spoke.
“His Majesty King Charles will invite the army into the palace. The White Wolves will be by his side until the royal family finds stability.”
The noble who had proposed a toast to the king earlier stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair.
“Did the White Wolves come to take over our country? Your Majesty, do you plan to hand Camort over to Aranthia?”
He pointed an accusing finger at Kassel, veins bulging on his forehead.
“Handing over the army to a being whose very presence is a significant threat could be disastrous. It’s preposterous. Please, Your Majesty, calm down. No matter if they are guests of the nation, you cannot allow them to interfere to this extent in our affairs.”
“Count Pare Le Naseri from Brodo.”
Kassel pronounced his name one syllable at a time, repeating the name he’d heard at yesterday’s party.
“Isn’t it a bit dangerous to point fingers at someone who’s already a threat just by being present?”
Count Naseri quickly withdrew his finger as if he’d been cut.
“To prevent any misunderstandings, I will clarify, Count Naseri. And Baron Jan Maziemel.”
Kassel glanced slyly at the two nobles while he toyed with his ring. The baron instantly removed his hand from his ring and adjusted his posture. The nobles who had supported Naseri’s words by raising their wine glasses tensed up.
“And to all the nobles of Camort present here. I came here to assist His Majesty, the king of Camort. But let me emphasize. The White Wolves have said they will stand by His Majesty, not command the army. When His Majesty deems that the royal family is stable, we will return to Aranthia without hesitation. Just as it has been for the last millennium, Aranthia has no desire for the lands of other nations.”
Kassel didn’t expect his words to subdue the opposition. However, the nobles couldn’t even look him in the eye. When the mutton on the table had almost cooled, Count Naseri stood up again.
“I cannot agree with King Charles’s intent to break Camort’s traditions, nor with Captain Wolf’s words. I will leave Normant.”
Another noble struggled to keep quiet as he pushed back his chair.
“I’m a powerless noble. I’ve barely maintained my estate, a gift from the Red Rose Count. It seems this is not a place where I should be. I apologize, Your Majesty.”
One by one, the nobles who had been holding back stood up from their seats. They lacked the courage to face the captain of the Wolf Knights, and they could not overcome their deep-rooted fear of the two Counts. The table, laden with leftovers, was left with the White Wolves, the king, a few counts, and several nobles who hadn’t made their choice yet.
They were the ones who had refrained from raising their glasses for a toast, and Kassel had taken note of them. They were the nobles who could potentially help. Among them, Kassel anxiously watched one person’s actions. He felt relief. The one he wanted to stay was quietly eating the mutton on his plate. After remaining silent till now, he finally spoke.
“That was a splendid speech, Captain Wolf. But it had a slightly aggressive undertone. How do you plan to win allies with that?”
“I need an eagle that soars high in the sky, rather than countless birds in the bush, Count Jan Malo Enoa.”
Count Enoa mumbled as he chewed his mutton.
“It seems you’ve figured out that my family’s crest is an eagle. But I’m here because I like the royal chef’s food too much. It’s hard to resist the temptation of such tenderly cooked mutton, especially when my old teeth aren’t what they used to be. It’s not that I agree with the captain’s words.”
The Count spoke with the same combative tone as he had at yesterday’s party. Kassel felt strength beyond the Count’s age in his firm tone.
“I don’t wish to cross wisdom with someone three times my age, Count Enoa. I’ll leave the conversation here,” Kassel concluded, slightly nodding his head in resignation.
Count Enoa raised his eyebrows slightly.
“What do you mean? You seemed eager to keep me waiting, and now you refuse to speak with me?”
“No, it’s not that I won’t speak. It’s just that what needs to be said next is not my place.”
“Then whose place is it? Dunathan’s?”
“His Majesty.”
This surprised not only Count Enoa but also King Charles.
“Me?”
Kassel hadn’t intended to pass the buck to the king, but suddenly it occurred to him that he shouldn’t be the center of everything.
The nobles who had left were not wrong. It was inappropriate for the captain of the White Wolves to control the royal family.
“Be honest, Your Majesty. You can show your true intentions to those who remain here.”
King Charles looked at his plate with a complex expression. Then, looking at Count Enoa, he slowly began to speak. The aged count awaited the king’s words with an anxious expression, the confidence he had shown while dealing with Kassel having crumbled.
“Help me, Count Enoa. I can’t force the people of Normant to join the army.”
Count Enoa closed his eyes for a moment. His eyelashes were so long that they almost covered his eyelids.
“Your Majesty, I have no intention of agreeing with Captain Kassel, nor helping. I don’t even trust Aranthia, which didn’t move a muscle until its homeland was invaded during the war ten years ago. In fact, it’s because of the captain that you’re in trouble.”
Count Enoa pushed his plate aside and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“Honestly, I’m disappointed. If you were thinking this, why didn’t you consult me first?”
“I apologize. But always around me…”
“There was Lumerier. I know.”
Count Enoa interlocked his fingers and continued his sentence.
“Because of the Duke of Sheffield’s help and considering the long time spent with Your Majesty, I see no reason to refuse. I will lend you my army.”
King Charles, who had been anxiously listening, exhaled briefly.
“Thank you.”
The count nodded lightly and stood up from his seat. A servant waiting nearby handed him his cane and coat. Kassel slowly approached the count and quietly said,
“Thank you, count.”
“I’ve repeatedly emphasized that I have no intention of helping you, captain. If it weren’t for a certain talkative guy, I would’ve removed you from His Majesty’s side right now.”
‘A talkative guy?’
Kassel could not guess who he was referring to. Count Enoa continued his speech.
“It will take three days to summon the army, another three days for the vanguard, who can immediately depart, to arrive in Normant, and about ten days in total for the rest of the army to arrive. Considering the time when the two counts will gather their army and clash, it shouldn’t be too difficult to endure. The vanguard is 300 in total, and when combined with the rest of the troops, just over a thousand.”
Suddenly, one person who had only been watching carefully interrupted.
“I’m Lord Luror from Lure. I have about 200 soldiers.”
“I have ten knights, 100 spear soldiers, and 50 archers. They can’t compare to the armies of the two counts, but please use them to protect the royal family.”
As the two nobles spoke, Count Enoa smiled contentedly.
“If you gather my knights and the royal guards, it amounts to about 1,500. What do you think, Captain Wolf? Can you stand against the two counts?”
“I’ve told you, it’s not me who’s in command.”
Kassel nailed it. Count Enoa chuckled and left the dining room.
☆ ☆ ☆
Everyone had left. The only ones remaining were King Charles, Dunathan, Luror, Kassel, and Sheyden. The other nobles had also withdrawn, and the guards and servants had all left the room.
“We’ve finally crossed the point of no return. The two counts could legitimately invade Normant, feeling resentment at the fact I’ve built an army.”
King Charles rose from his seat and paced near the wall, causing the others to stand and continue their discussion.
“An overly harsh law is always needed when the existing order is broken. And this was something we already anticipated, Your Majesty.”
Dunathan consoled. However, Luror’s face was still fraught with worry.
“Captain Wolf, are you truly confident in waging war against both counts?”
Kassel lowered his head.
“Honestly, I haven’t considered it to that extent.”
“What?”
Both Luror and King Charles exclaimed simultaneously. Kassel spoke, trying hard not to sound like he was making excuses.
“The other nobles are right. Even Count Dunathan seemed to think so. Count Lumerier and Count Johnstein will not invade Normant. Not for a while.”
“For a while?”
The King sank back into his seat with a worried expression. The others also returned to their seats.
“Yes, for a while. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Kassel glanced around as if seeking agreement, but no one agreed with him. Kassel cleared his throat and asked.
“How strong are the forces of the two counts?”
Dunathan unfolded a prepared scroll and read it.
“The Black Lion Count’s forces are as follows. Approximately four thousand heavily armored infantry, five thousand regular infantry, eight hundred archers, five hundred and twenty knights, of which one hundred and fifty are from the Black Lion Knights. There are also siege engines, but we don’t have an exact number as they have never been used. An additional five thousand forces can be mobilized in emergencies, but they are intended to protect the territory.”
Dunathan opened a second scroll.
“The Red Rose Count’s forces have been more thoroughly investigated. Two thousand heavily armored spearmen, two thousand heavily armored infantry, three thousand five hundred regular infantry, one thousand archers, one thousand knights, of which three hundred are from the Rose Knights. In terms of numbers, the Red Rose Count has an advantage, but most of their troops are mercenaries, so the quality of their soldiers is likely inferior to that of the Black Lion Count.”
Dunathan folded the scroll.
“This record was investigated half a year ago. Since then, both sides have had one major battle and two minor skirmishes, so the actual numbers have likely fluctuated. They probably have even more forces than what is recorded here.”
“What do you think, Kassel? It would be great if, as you say, they don’t march into Normant, but if, I mean if these forces really did invade Normant, could we withstand them?”
The King asked, unable to hide his worry.
“Ah, if it’s a matter of war…”
Kassel naturally turned his gaze towards Sheyden. However, Sheyden spoke before Kassel could.
“Our Captain is skilled in strategy and tactics, Your Majesty. However, isn’t it appropriate for the commander you have in your employ to take the lead?”
“Indeed, if there is such a person…”
King Charles rose from his seat again and anxiously paced around. Kassel just watched. But, he already had his words prepared for such a moment.
‘A commander to take charge of the operation. One staff officer selected by that commander, three experienced commanders, and ten knights capable of holding the front line. I will discuss the placement of the remaining forces with these people.’
But he did not say it. Sheyden was right. It was the King’s choice.
“Jean Seigey.”
The King spoke with the most vigor he’d displayed since the start of the dinner.
“Right, we had him. Kassel, from the beginning you wanted me to make the decision, didn’t you? To bear both the choice and the responsibility.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
The King gestured to Dunathan.
“Dunathan, go and summon General Jean Seigey. Tell him about the forces we just discussed.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Count Enoa was preparing to leave Normant. The guards and servants were busily packing and preparing the carriage.
Just as the Count was about to board the carriage, Dunathan rushed over.
“Count Enoa.”
“Ah, Gene. It’s a pity our meeting was so brief. I will take my leave now, and I trust you will take care of things here. There is truly no one trustworthy in the palace.”
“Your words are too rash, Count.”
Dunathan offered a wry smile.
“No one seems to be criticizing me for it. Besides, you have a lot of preparation to do, so why have you come to see off an old man?”
“Regardless of how busy one may be, it’s not right to dismiss someone who deserves gratitude. The King has just appointed General Jean Seigey as the commander.”
“Did His Majesty do it personally?”
“Yes, he did.”
“That’s surprising, considering his timid nature.”
The Count chuckled faintly.
“Speaking of which, we’re talking about the Captain of the White Wolves.”
“Yes, what is your opinion of him, Count?”
“I’ve seen him a few times, but I can’t really get a grip on him. I’ve met countless nobles tightly bound by their high knightly pride, fools who know nothing but swordplay, and those who only know how to flatter. But I can’t figure him out. I thought we would have a great argument at the end, but he slipped out like an eel and passed the matter onto His Majesty.”
“Drawing upon His Majesty is the best weapon against you, Count.”
Dunathan said with a smile.
“You didn’t teach him that, did you?”
“Of course not.”
“A crafty fellow.”
The Count seemed to contemplate a little, then shook his head and continued.
“And a strange one at that.”
“In what way?”
“When you live a rough life like me, you end up categorizing people, whether you like it or not. Initially, you sort them into those who pose a threat and those who don’t, then you start to filter out traitors and scammers. You create fences in your mind and put people in them. For example, you and Luror might seem very different, but in my mind, you’re both in the same fence.”
“Myself and Luror, sir?”
Dunathan expressed disappointment.
“Can’t help it. You’re both politicians. What would you do? Consider the nobles who attended dinner today. Into how many categories would you divide them?”
“Maybe two?”
“Do you mean Lumerier and Johnstein?”
“Probably.”
Dunathan scratched the back of his head.
“I suppose for you, it would be so. But in my mind, they all fall into the same category. They all seem the same: their thoughts, actions, even their appearances. So in that sense, both Johnstein and Lumerier are in the same fence. Their explosive energy makes my ambition when I was young seem trifling.”
“And where would the White Wolves fit?”
“I’d put them in a fence of their own. Two large men, a pretty lady, a quiet man. They look and act differently, but they all have a spirit like veterans who’ve returned from hundreds of battles. They are good knights.”
At that point, Dunathan seemed to foresee what Count Enoa would say next.
“Does Captain Kassel belong in a different fence from the White Wolves?”
“Yes, he does. At first, I created a new fence for him. He was so peculiar. But then, I found a fence that already existed. In my mind, Kassel belongs in there.”
“And what is that fence?”
“The one where the King belongs.”
Dunathan reduced his voice in surprise.
“Do you mean he possesses kingly traits?”
“There’s no such thing as a ‘kingly’ fence. It’s a place for a timid, indecisive, powerless child.”
Dunathan let out a hollow laugh.
“You must be mistaken. Captain Wolf is so strong…”
“It’s all an act.”
Count Enoa declared.
“All of it. He’s hiding his true nature, and he’s scared of the situation he’s in.”
Dunathan swallowed hard.
“Even the master of the sword?”
“I’m not sure about his swordsmanship. But do you know why I trust him despite all this?”
Count Enoa didn’t wait for Dunathan to answer.
“Because he openly expresses his fear. When he has something to say, he speaks as if he’s ready to risk everything, even his life. Regardless of how the argument goes, when someone speaks like that, the listener gets carried away. I assure you, he’s someone who has faced countless life-or-death situations due to a single misplaced word.”
Dunathan nodded vigorously.
“If he’s a knight of the White Wolves, he must have faced death several times, right? Just like the other White Wolves, he must have been in countless battles.”
“That’s what’s strange. Can you believe that someone with such mastery of the sword got through those death experiences by mere words?”
Dunathan could not keep up with the forward-thinking Count Enoa, so he simply nodded in agreement.
“I’ve spoken too much.”
The Count soon climbed into his carriage and closed the door. He cracked open the window to bid farewell.
“Be cautious. Not just the two Counts, but the White Wolves as well. Especially never let your guard down around Kassel.”
“I will miss nothing in his actions or words. Safe travels.”
Dunathan raised his hand in farewell, and the carriage set off.
The carriage carrying Count Enoa passed through the castle’s gardens and disappeared into the darkness. Far away, an one-armed Black Knight watched.
The Black Knight spurred his horse slowly, exhaling white smoke, and followed after Count Enoa. However, his presence, concealed in the darkness, went unnoticed by all.
–TL Notes–
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at patreon.com/MattReading
Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/jB26ePk9