Wortenia Senki (LN) - Volume 15 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: A Captive Warrior

A cold northern wind blew across the plains, shrieking and howling as if it were a forewarning of the Kingdom of Rhoadseria’s impending doom. The moon shone from a crack in the thick nighttime clouds and cast its rays down upon the ramparts of the citadel city of Epirus.

“What a crappy night,” Robert Bertrand whispered as he gazed out of his room’s barred window. Glaring back at him from the other side was a bloodred moon—a bad omen. He closed the drapes and sighed.

The familiar white orb dipped in crimson naturally unnerved people, especially a born warrior like Robert. Warriors were willing to forfeit their lives in battle, but at the same time, they were often superstitious. Plus, Robert was being held prisoner in this room—a bird in a gilded cage, as it were—which contributed to the night’s lousiness.

“What’s going on outside, though? Baron Mikoshiba apparently won the war, but...”

Robert picked up a bottle of brandy sitting on his desk and took a swig before sinking into the sofa. The drink’s rich flavor filled his mouth, and before long, he felt the fire of strong liquor surge through his body. The brandy was a handpicked gift from Count Salzberg. The quality was such that it even satisfied Robert, whose tastes were more refined than most nobles’. Bottles like this one cost at least a gold coin, usually more.

Robert then picked up a lump of cheese from the table and tossed it into his mouth. It was fermented from well-bred goat’s milk and had a thick, rich flavor. He washed it down with another gulp of brandy.

“Even in this situation, I can’t get enough of this taste. Maybe being held prisoner isn’t all bad...”

Robert’s father was the head of the Bertrand barony. The barony had been a part of the ten houses of the north for generations, but though House Bertrand, a warrior house, had helped House Salzberg secure the north, they were by no means wealthy. If they’d had any valuable mineral deposits or trade ports, things might have been different, but the barony’s main industries were farming and husbandry. Since it was near the Xaroodian border, it also dabbled in forestry, but only enough to satisfy the territory’s internal needs.

Because the barony had little money or industry, its commoners just barely made a living. The governor, Baron Bertrand, had a considerable fortune, since he was a noble, but it was still fairly small for his title. He didn’t claw and scrape for his meals like the commoners did, but he didn’t have the money for luxuries.

Of course, if the baron were to tax his subjects without regard for what they could pay, he could live a life of luxury...but it wouldn’t last for long. Everything would fall apart within a few years, at most. And if the taxation was severe enough, the barony would collapse even faster than that.

Anyone foolish enough to try that wouldn’t hold their title for long. Nevertheless, there were still fools who failed to understand this. And if they were born into a position of power, no matter if they were the first son and heir of a noble family, they would die of some unfortunate “accident” or “illness” before they could inherit the title.

For this reason, Baron Bertrand led a life of frugal simplicity, but it did conflict with his aristocratic dignity. Perhaps it was petty and pretentious, but an aristocrat couldn’t just disregard their pride when maintaining order. If the head or heir were spotted in rags, other nobles would mock them, and they’d lose the respect of their retainers and subjects. Aristocrats needed to buy luxurious clothes, change their wardrobes yearly, and procure the finest food in case of a dinner party.

Robert wasn’t House Bertrand’s heir, though. While it was nice that he didn’t have to shoulder that responsibility, he came last when Baron Bertrand allotted money for necessities. Robert was only a spare son, kept around in case something happened to the eldest, so his father neglected him until he needed Robert for something.

Robert couldn’t hope to be treated the same as the eldest son, especially since his family wasn’t wealthy. And should his brother inherit the title and have his own heir, Robert would no longer be needed as a spare. His usefulness would run out, and he’d become nothing but a burden. In fact, his family might even see him as a danger to the family line, making him not a burden but a potential time bomb.

Still, the fact remained that the family needed a spare in case something happened to the eldest. It was absurd and selfish, but that was what it meant to inherit a noble title. Unfortunately, many spare heirs who never inherited the headship met tragic fates. Some of them were allowed to form branch families so they could marry into other households, but that kind of luck was limited. Most of them ended up spending their entire lives as subordinates to their more successful brothers. The family relied on them when needed, but mostly they were reduced to mere vassals. In other words, their family kept using them until they died.

Robert, however, could rely on his incredible martial prowess, and he’d been lucky enough to meet Count Salzberg, who’d prized his talents and displayed care for him at every turn. Certainly, Count Salzberg had had his own reasons for doing so, but as a result, Robert had developed a discerning taste despite his lowly status.

Even with his sophisticated palate, Robert was perfectly satisfied with his current situation.

It’s all you can eat and all you can drink, and if I ask, they’ll get me any book I want from the castle library. So long as I ignore the fact that I have no idea what’s going on outside this room, this is paradise. Question is, why are they treating the general of a defeated army this well?

Robert had spent over a month detained in this room, which had been prepared to keep him confined within Epirus’s castle. The room was as large as a high-class hotel suite, and while its fixtures were plain, it did have an attached bathroom. The bed was soft, and the sheets were cleaned and changed daily. The castle’s cooks personally made his meals. And he received clean clothes and undergarments every day.

All of his needs were being met. Compared to his life in the Bertrand barony, this was a step up. His sole complaint was that instead of young maids, knights in full armor, no doubt stationed there to prevent any escape attempts, took care of him. Other than that, they were treating him quite well.

I can think of a few reasons they’re being so nice to me... 

Robert took another swig of brandy and closed his eyes. He understood the situation he was in, and he knew they were most likely holding him as a bargaining chip or demanding a ransom for his release. Sadly, Robert’s family thought of him as worthless baggage. He was perhaps not as hated by his family as his best friend Signus Galveria, but his family still scorned him. In particular, Robert’s nature put him at odds with his older brother. His brother tried to mask it, but Robert, with his animalistic intuition, could easily sense the hatred sizzling beneath the surface.

Though we both came out of the same belly...

As far as Robert knew, he and his brother shared the same mother, yet her attitude toward Robert was horrible. She had a certain darkness unique to nobility, and it couldn’t be verified in a world without DNA testing. Either way, his mother and brother saw him as a potential obstacle to the firstborn’s success.

If Ryoma Mikoshiba was planning to demand a ransom for Robert’s release, the chance that his family would agree was close to nil.

They wouldn’t pay a single bronze for my release, Robert thought, snickering with scorn as he imagined his family’s shameless faces. Then again, maybe he didn’t know my family situation.

Robert had a feeling that a man who could concoct such meticulous schemes wouldn’t let something like that slip past him. After all, Ryoma had been able to convince Signus, who was much more rational and dutiful than Robert was, to turn to his side.

Which just leaves...

As Robert came to that conclusion, someone knocked on the door.

“Come in. I don’t mind,” Robert said. The door silently opened, and when Robert saw who was behind it, he slowly got to his feet.

In the doorway stood his friend, looking emaciated and tired. Robert smiled sardonically. Signus had betrayed him—there was no mistaking that—but the fact that the traitor looked so much more haggard than the betrayed was a little ironic.

It probably took a lot of courage to make that choice, but the more time passes, the more guilty he feels about what he did. He’s a man before he’s a warrior. 

Seeing his friend like this, Robert felt not anger but pity. Given Signus’s situation, Robert couldn’t bring himself to condemn Signus’s actions.

“Hey, Signus,” Robert said. “What’s wrong? You look more depressed than usual. Well, either way, take a seat. Got some good stuff here. Care for a drink?” Robert grabbed the bottle of brandy and dangled it in front of Signus.

Considering what had happened the last time they met, Robert’s question could have sounded sarcastic, but his tone of voice implied that nothing had happened between them. Robert had seen how his friend’s face twisted in regret and agony, so he’d spoken from the heart.

Signus smiled weakly and nodded. “Y-Yeah... I’d love some.”

Signus was acting more timid and hesitant than Robert had ever seen him.

He would use any tactic in battle, no matter how vile...but here he is now, tormenting himself.

To triumph in war, one must not only win with strength, but with intelligence as well. Tricking and luring opponents into traps was a common tactic, and anyone stuck on the notion that lies and deceit were immoral wouldn’t survive long in a war.

Experienced warriors like Robert and Signus knew this. They might have been powerful fighters, but they were by no means mindless brutes who earned their victories through strength alone. To them, lying wasn’t all that deplorable. Yet Signus was standing before Robert as if he were a sinner awaiting judgment.

He’s like this now, but on the battlefield, he’s clear and to the point. Really, he’s an idiot.

That foolishness was one of the reasons Robert called Signus a friend.

Robert sighed. Signus was standing by the door, looking too ashamed to step inside. Robert had already guessed why Signus had betrayed him. It came down to the fact that Signus was sincere, devoted, and trustworthy. Robert, opportunistic and greedy when it came to satisfying his desires, couldn’t hold a candle to Signus. If someone had asked Count Salzberg who he was least wary of among his forces, he would have no doubt named Signus Galveria. Therefore, if Signus chose to betray him regardless, he must have had a good reason.

“So, how long are you gonna stand there?” Robert asked. “Come on in and take a seat.”

Signus finally steeled his nerves and stepped into the room.

Signus was earnest and dependable. These weren’t negative qualities, but they weren’t always good ones either. Depending on the situation, sincerity and duty could become shackles. In this war-torn world where even blood relatives tried to kill one another, these traits only brought pain to those who had them.

Robert downed a swig and thrust the brandy bottle at Signus. “Go on, drink.”

Drinking straight from the bottle like brutish bandits or mercenaries wasn’t acceptable behavior among the nobility, but this casual conduct was natural to Robert and Signus.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you don’t drink unless it’s in a fancy glass now?” Robert said with a smirk.

Seeing that Robert was acting like nothing had changed, Signus finally accepted the bottle, then gulped down the remaining contents—about two-thirds a bottle—as if he was trying to shake something off. Amber-colored droplets spilled from his lips and onto his chest.

“Phew...” Signus roughly wiped his mouth with his hand.

That was no way to enjoy a drink. Signus hadn’t taken the time to appreciate the scent of the alcohol, to savor the rich flavor in his mouth, or to admire the color created by years of fermentation. He’d simply gulped it down like a drunkard. Not even the most refined, masterfully brewed alcohol would be good when consumed like this.

Signus wasn’t in a state of mind to appreciate the drink. He slowly sat down on the couch and stared at Robert. His eyes looked like they were seeking something, perhaps begging Robert to administer punishment.

Their gazes met, but Robert said nothing, and a heavy silence settled over the room.

Eventually, Signus hung his head and said, “Why are you so quiet, Robert? Aren’t you going to blame me?”

Signus had come here deliberately and of his own volition, all the while knowing that Robert would likely cuss at him or even kill him. He had done what he had to in order to protect the one relative he cherished and to freely race along the battlefield, and he didn’t regret it, but he wasn’t going to use it as an excuse to justify his actions. He’d resolved to take responsibility.

However, the fact remained that Signus had betrayed his friend, although it was harder than he’d imagined. Normally, he would have visited Robert as soon as the war ended, but Signus couldn’t bring himself to do so until today. He’d been too afraid and too hesitant. Yet, contrary to his expectations, Robert was treating him as he always did.

Robert remained silent as he took a swig from another bottle. “Blame you, eh?” he asked, his tone both tired and self-deprecating.

Signus hung his head and spat out the words digging into his heart like splinters. “Yes. What I did to you and Count Salzberg was...”

“Yeah. It was betrayal,” Robert finished, sighing. “No doubt about that.” He then shrugged and said, “I’m not gonna hold it against ya, though.”

“What?” Signus raised his head. His features were awash with shock. “What do you mean?!”

Robert smiled and asked, “Is Elmada safe?”

Signus’s expression immediately hardened. Elmada was a woman already in her midfifties. She wasn’t particularly attractive, but she wasn’t ugly. She had been charming in her youth, but now she was a typical middle-aged lady.

She resided in a small corner of the city where the House Galveria’s estate was located. The townsfolk viewed her as friendly and sociable, but her good character and the fact that she’d once worked as a maid at the Galveria estate were the only remarkable things about her. Otherwise, she was just a plain commoner woman, as ordinary as any in this world. Nevertheless, she meant the world to Signus, so much so that he would upend his entire life for her sake.

“How... How do you know about that?” Signus asked.

Robert shook his head as if he couldn’t believe that Signus would ask that.

“Are you stupid? How many years have we known each other? Not many things would make you turn your back on Count Salzberg. Besides, Mikoshiba’s army was sacking the ten houses’ territories. I thought he did it to concentrate all the refugees in Epirus and increase ration expenses, but he could’ve easily taken Elmada prisoner in the process. That’s what happened, right?”

Robert took another swig of brandy. Signus never was the kind to chase glory and wealth. That wasn’t to say he was some kind of saint with no desires, but he certainly wasn’t greedy enough to betray another for those things. Money, women, power, fame—these temptations had led many men astray, but Signus’s ironclad discipline prevented him from falling prey to them. Elmada was his sole weakness.

“I should’ve realized what Baron Mikoshiba was planning back then,” Robert murmured.

Signus understood Robert’s meaning at once. “Back then...after we finished the first battle. He did seem to pull back his offensive momentum somewhat...”

At the time, Both Robert and Signus had felt that something about the way that Ryoma’s army moved after that battle was wrong. Something had been slightly off, in a way only those who’d fought on the front lines could tell.

Robert shrugged. “In the end, we were exploitable pawns. I doubt we could’ve stopped his plan even if we had realized it.”

“Robert...” Signus murmured, surprised to see his friend like this.

If they had been in command instead of Count Salzberg, would the war’s outcome have been different? Actually, they didn’t even need that to win. If those around them had merely understood the two of them better, things would have turned out differently. They’d seen the trap set before them, but they hadn’t been in a position to stop their side from walking right into it. Could anything be more absurd?

When one wasn’t in the position to make the decisions, it could result in such absurdities. No matter how sound or correct one’s words might be, they were meaningless if no one listened to them.

“But enough of that,” Robert said. “Nothing we can do about it now. So, how’s Elmada?”

“She’s here in this castle,” Signus said, smiling wryly.

“Did they bring her here as a hostage?”

Robert didn’t even need to ask at this point. Elmada was the chain that kept the wild beast Signus Galveria shackled. By imprisoning her, the Galveria barony had held Signus in check for all these years. Still, Signus’s answer defied all of Robert’s expectations.

“No. She works here as a maid...by her own request, apparently.”

Robert raised an eyebrow. “Oh. How about that...”

It was obvious what Elmada was thinking.

Elmada must be expecting a great deal...

Having never married, Elmada had thought of Signus as her child ever since he was a suckling baby. They weren’t related by blood, but for all intents and purposes, they were mother and son. To Signus, whose own blood relations hated and rejected him, Elmada was his sole ally in this world, with the exception of his now deceased grandfather. And now, Elmada was serving the Mikoshiba barony, of her own free will.

She acknowledged Ryoma as Signus’s master, and by serving him, she removed any needless uncertainty from Signus’s heart. She always was a daring woman, that lady.

Elmada strongly resented House Galveria. The first son was a gutless fool, and the legal wife and her cronies were arrogant spendthrifts whose only value was their pedigree. The current head didn’t think any of this was a problem either. Elmada had never made her feelings known, but Robert could tell that she believed that Signus was the worthy heir to House Galveria.

And of course she would.

This was about another family’s succession, so neither Robert nor Elmada could speak of it openly, but any neutral third party would come to the same conclusion. Robert did as well, even if he put aside his personal feelings as a friend.

Signus’s valor was unmatched in all of Rhoadseria, and when he wielded his favored iron staff, he was unbeatable. On top of that, he was good at keeping morale up, which made him indispensable. Had he gone to the capital and enlisted in the royal guard, he would have surely distinguished himself before long. If just given the chance, he could possibly become General Helena Steiner’s successor.

A man of his caliber had languished in the northern borderlands for so long because his own family despised and oppressed him. House Galveria had exploited him, his achievements earning him no accolades or rewards. To Signus’s mother, this was the most frustrating outcome possible. The fact that her existence was a factor in Signus’s current fate only made her feel worse.

And then this war came along. Elmada must have seen this as a golden opportunity.

She wasn’t just a hostage of House Mikoshiba. By serving as a maid, she actively displayed her support and consent, using her own value to influence the situation. She wouldn’t have successfully done this that quickly unless she knew the position Signus would be in. Elmada had one goal in mind: to sever all the fetters shackling Signus Galveria.

She’s giving Signus the freedom to fly. And considering Baron Mikoshiba’s position, he stood to profit from this idea as well. If nothing else, it gave him a way to ensure Signus’s loyalty.

Robert wasn’t sure what Ryoma Mikoshiba’s endgame was. Was he going to take his troops and shut himself off in the Wortenia Peninsula? Or was he going to completely dismantle the ten houses of the north and take control of their territories? Whichever it was, one thing was clear: Baron Mikoshiba was trying to recruit people to his side.

Nothing else could explain the way he’s treating me...

This also explained why Ryoma wasn’t as cautious toward Signus. Ryoma was still monitoring him, but Signus was much better off now compared to the harassment and extortion his family had put him through. And without foolish allies constantly holding him back, Signus would be free to prove his full strength.

She put her life on the line to open a path for her child. I envy you, Signus.

Robert closed his eyes and sighed heavily.

Signus looked at him dubiously. “Robert?”

“You know...you’ve got a good mother,” he told his friend, praising him for a treasure he could never have. “But forget that. So, why did you come here? I’m guessing it’s not to tell me about Elmada.”

“Robert... You know why, right?”

“Of course I know, idiot,” Robert said with a smirk. “Why else would they treat a commander from a defeated army so nicely unless they had some kind of angle?”

Signus’s expression contorted.

“Why’re you making that face?” Robert asked him. “What, did you think I’m that stupid?”

“Well, it is you... I can’t say I didn’t consider it.”

Robert glared at him. “And we’ve been friends for how long? You’re breaking my heart here, Signus.”

They stared at each other for one long moment and then burst into booming laughter. They laughed until the smile left Singus’s lips and he turned back to Robert.

“Jokes aside...since you’ve figured out that much, I’ll cut to the chase. The chief wants you to lend him your strength. Join up with him, Robert. A warrior like you shouldn’t rot in this frontier hellhole. Is this where you want to die, here on the northern border? Or do you want to put your mettle to the test? Won’t you cast away all those stupid bonds so you can be free to sprint across the battlefield with me again?”

Signus, who was usually collected and calm, was passionately expressing his sincerest thoughts. He’d kept the words bottled up until now—not even sharing them with Robert—for fear of others learning his genuine desires.

Robert was hearing Signus put his feelings into words for the first time, but only one thing drew his attention.

Robert’s eyes glinted dangerously. “The ‘chief,’ eh?” he growled.

“Yeah. The chief,” Signus repeated. He said it with respect and reverence, and though it was just a title, it showed how serious he was.

I can’t believe he got into Signus’s good graces this quickly.

Friendship and respect were usually proportional to the amount of time spent together. Most people could hide their true feelings, fake a smile, and work toward a common goal even with people they barely knew. That was just surface level deference, though. One needed to spend years building a relationship in order to acquire genuine trust and respect.

Neither Robert nor Signus let their emotions show on their faces, at least not visibly. Signus came across as much more sociable and friendly than Robert did because of his outward appearance, his attitude, and his tone of speech. Most people would mistakenly assume that Signus was much more straitlaced and obedient, and Signus tried to give off that impression to mask his real emotions. His family did not want him, and they treated him worse than a concubine’s child, so he couldn’t afford to show any ambition or displeasure. Doing so would cost him his life.

The only ones who knew what Signus truly wanted were Elmada, his wet nurse and substitute mother, and Robert, his sworn friend. Signus had never shared those thoughts with Count Salzberg, who relied on him so much. In truth, he’d never even openly spoken of them with Robert.

Seeing the smile on Signus’s face now, Robert couldn’t help but envy Ryoma Mikoshiba.

Not that I don’t understand how Signus feels...

Signus was finally free. He felt liberated, and that emotion brightened his once-dull heart.

Robert suddenly realized something. “I see. So you’re—”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m now the heir to House Galveria.”

Signus’s lips curled into a smile. He raised the bottle and brought it to his mouth.

The child of a commoner woman—not even a mistress—had surpassed the child of the baron’s legal wife to become the heir.

So the day has come, thought Robert. Signus, hated by his father and rejected by his mother, the bastard son who everyone always looked down on, has inherited House Galveria. Unbelievable.

This world’s nobility prioritized legitimate pedigree over personal ability, so someone such as Signus inheriting a title was unthinkable. In fact, there was only one way it could have happened.

Is this what Ryoma wanted from Signus? Did Signus resent his own father and family enough to kill them? Or did Elmada make the move?

A noble house’s order of succession was rigidly regulated, but there were ways to move up the line. Signus couldn’t inherit the title of Baron Galveria because there were other potential heirs with a stronger claim than him, but if those heirs were removed from the equation, Signus could become the next baron.

Robert didn’t think his friend was capable of doing that.

He hated the idea of the headship. Hell, he hated his own family name, but now he’s desperate enough to go that far to claim it? To kill his own flesh and blood for it?

The answer to that question could very well destroy the yearslong friendship between Robert and Signus. Robert could forgive Signus for poisoning his drink, but not for this. Their relationship was akin to the inseparable friendships of Chinese tradition, where men trusted their sworn friends so much that they would sever their own head to prove it.

But I’m not going to be friends with human waste.

The way that Signus’s family treated Signus was appalling. If Signus were to say that he slew them because his anger had erupted, Robert would cheer him on and praise him for holding back as long as he did. But Robert wouldn’t stand by a man who stooped so low as to become a kinslayer in the name of greed and profit. The outcome might be the same, but the motivation was all too different.

“Did you do it? Or was it Elmada?” Robert asked.

Signus simply shook his head. He wasn’t dodging the question, nor was he avoiding the criticism that would come from the answer. Rather, his silence signified that neither he nor Elmada were involved with the circumstances that led to him inheriting House Galveria.

“No, we only found out about it after the deed was done,” Signus answered.

“What do you mean?” Robert asked suspiciously. If Signus was speaking the truth, then who had killed his family?

Signus took another swig from the bottle and smiled wryly.

“It was on the chief’s orders,” he said.

“Baron Mikoshiba ordered it?”

Signus nodded. “When the war ended and I met the chief for the first time, he told me in no uncertain terms that no one in the Galveria line was left alive but me, so if I were to refuse to inherit the title, House Galveria would be wiped out.”

Robert stared at Signus, his eyes wide with disbelief. To a citizen of Rhoadseria, that was utterly preposterous.

“That’s insane...” Robert murmured.

Wiping out an enemy clan was easier said than done, especially if there weren’t any major issues with how they governed their territory and their subjects weren’t discontent with them. But though taking down the enemy’s castle and occupying their territory were similar undertakings deeply connected to each other, they were fundamentally different.

To take over a territory, one must get the fiefdom’s population to accept the new ruler. Force and terror were effective tools for ensuring control, but relying on them alone would result in an eventual rebellion. Even if one ruled with just intimidation, they would need to keep the people’s anger and unrest in check. For this reason, in most cases, a war’s victor left their opponent alive to manage the land for them.

On top of that, Rhoadseria’s nobles had married others of nobility for many years. They did recognize the dangers of inbreeding and kept it to distant relatives, but even then, they only married nobles, so marriage candidates were limited.

If one were to look several generations back, they would find that most noble families were related in one way or another. All the kingdom’s aristocrats were entwined, so even if a Rhoadserian noble went to war with another over territory, it wouldn’t put either family in fatal danger. This was true for political disputes within the sovereign’s court as well. In that regard, Duke Gelhart wiping out Marquis Ernest’s line and killing most of its members years ago was an unusual exception.

I did hear that the Galveria barony’s internal affairs were a mess, but still...

Had Robert been in Ryoma’s shoes, he would not have wiped out the opposing house. He wouldn’t have been able to bring himself to do it because he too had been born into the aristocracy. Ryoma, however, was detached from such notions.

“So...everyone else but you?” Robert asked.

Signus answered with silence. It expressed all there was to say.

“That right? Then I imagine my family has gone through the same...”

Even Robert could see that his father, Count Bertrand, was a mediocre man. He might have survived this purge, depending on how he’d conducted himself, but Robert knew his father well enough to know that wouldn’t be the case.

My father is a typical Rhoadserian noble, through and through.

Count Bertrand wasn’t a completely useless governor—he had his uses—but he would be opposed to Ryoma Mikoshiba, who was both an upstart and equal to him in rank, acting like his superior. Robert had heard his father insult Ryoma before, so it was unlikely he’d accept Ryoma as his new liege. No, even if he did, Ryoma probably wouldn’t accept his fealty.

He’d just pretend to obey and look for a chance to stab Ryoma in the back.

Of course, if Baron Betrand had any aptitude as a ruler, Ryoma would welcome him to the fold as a vassal, but that talent would have to be something that overwhelmed others. Robert didn’t think that his father had any such qualities.

Sadly, Robert’s brother was the same. Their territory was peaceful, and that bought his brother the people’s respect, but that was only because Robert exterminated bandits for him. None of his brother’s achievements were truly his own.

Signus nodded, affirming Robert’s suspicion. “Yes, the chief is aware of everything, from each region’s topography to each village’s production. He even knows how each house handles taxation. He sees every single issue and problem, including you and House Bertrand.”

Signus’s words hinted that everything was already over and done with. It cleared up a doubt that Robert had harbored since the war ended.

“I see. He really was thoroughly prepared, wasn’t he?” Robert said.

“That’s right,” Signus replied, smiling.

No matter how large the Wortenia Peninsula was, Ryoma had just recently been made governor, and his territory still had no taxpaying subjects to speak of. The only residents were pirates, demi-humans, and monsters. Since nobles lived off of their population’s tax revenue, governing the peninsula should have been a hellish endeavor.

The houses of the north, on the other hand, were relatively wealthy. They didn’t have Heraklion’s vast wheat fields, but their land was bountiful enough. Ryoma Mikoshiba couldn’t compare with noble houses who’d governed their lands for many years. It wasn’t even like comparing an adult to a child; it was closer to comparing a grown man to a baby. Most everyone, including Count Salzberg, had been under that impression.

This is more than just being good at fighting, or skilled at managing a domain... Robert thought as a shiver ran down his spine.

Ryoma Mikoshiba did have those talents, but something more important had led him to victory.

“He sent spies to thoroughly investigate the ten houses,” Robert muttered. “How long has he been doing that? When did he start planning this war?”

It had only been a few years since Ryoma became a baron and arrived at the peninsula. Soon after that, he’d been dispatched to stop O’ltromea’s invasion of Xarooda. Logically, he couldn’t have started his preparations until after he returned from Xarooda, but that would’ve only given him half a year to pull it off. Investigating the ten houses so exhaustively in just six months would have been terribly difficult.

“I think he started soon after he took control of the Wortenia Peninsula,” Signus stated.

“You think so too, Signus?” Robert asked.

“I’m not sure, but...probably. It just doesn’t add up otherwise. But if that’s true, it means that ever since he received his title...”

Robert understood the implications behind Signus’s words and gulped.

What a fascinating man...

Ryoma was just a baron, the lowest-ranking noble title, but his eyes were always fixed on the peak.

Something hot in Robert’s breast began to stir when he realized the extent of Ryoma’s ambition.

Signus seemed to have noticed how Robert was feeling, because he repeated his question from earlier. “Let me ask you one more time, then. What are you going to do, Robert? Won’t you sprint across the battlefield with me again?”

Robert exhaled and looked at Signus. “Well, it depends on his terms, I guess.”

Signus’s eyes widened with surprise. He hadn’t expected Robert to accept the offer that easily.

I can’t believe it. Is he serious? Signus thought. He doubted his ears.

Robert simply watched him, exasperated. “Hey, you were the one who told me to serve him. Why are you so shocked I’m saying yes?”

“I mean, I just didn’t think you’d agree to join his service,” Signus explained.

“Life here has been good,” Robert said, dangling the bottle in front of his friend’s face. “I get to drink fine booze whenever I want, the kind I can’t get back home. They feed me well, give me good clothes, and let me bathe whenever. If I want something to read, they fetch me books from Count Salzberg’s archive. Only downsides to being here are that I don’t have any women to bang and that I’m under lock and key, but other than that, I’m doing fine in here. There is one thing, though. My body feels like it’s getting rusty. You follow? About time I took a breath of fresh air. So if that man’s willing to accept my terms, I’ll serve him.”

Signus paused, then asked, “So what are your terms?”

Robert Bertrand was a warrior inside and out. He’d lived on the battlefield, and that was where he felt most in his element. Without a war to fight, he wouldn’t be able to tell if he was alive or dead. To that end, serving Ryoma Mikoshiba wasn’t a bad choice. He would have no shortage of fights if he served under a man who made enemies of Rhoadseria’s nobility.

There’s something I have to make sure of first, though, Robert thought as he gave his terms to Signus.

“I want him to prove it...to prove that he’s the stronger warrior.”