Thick forests carpeted the northern reaches of the Aiwood Kingdom.
Various foreign tribes called those woods home, and they had long posed a threat to the kingdom’s safety. The last invasion had predated Rest's birth; for the first time in twenty years, the northern tribes were on the move again.
"At present, we are holding the foreign tribes at bay at the northern border fortress. Northern Unit Commander Karyas Catreia is leading the defense. While we have successfully prevented a breach thus far, the enemy's sheer numbers have forced a request for reinforcements."
The report echoed through the royal palace of the capital.
The kingdom's most influential lords had gathered for a military council to devise a counter-strategy. Seated around the table were the pillars of the nobility, each listening with a grim, heavy expression.
"Lord Karyas is a hero trained by his father, the Knight Commander himself. I do not believe the fortress will fall easily, but complacency is our greatest enemy. We shall dispatch reinforcements immediately."
Crown Prince Richard Aiwood spoke with passionate eloquence from the head of the table. Richard had held overall command during the rebellion of the Third Prince Rodel and Marquis Eiger, and he was set to lead once again for this northern expedition.
Seated at Richard’s side were Marquis Catreia, the Knight Commander, and his son, the Vice Knight Commander. Opposite them sat Duke Crocus, the Prime Minister, and Marquis Rosemary, the Head of the Court Mages.
(...Why on earth am I here?)
In the midst of this prestigious gathering, Rest Clover sat with cold sweat trickling down his spine. At the foot of the round table, he hunched his shoulders, his face frozen in a stiff, nervous mask.
Upon receiving the report of the invasion, Marquis Rosemary had been summoned to the palace, and the order had been passed down for Rest to accompany him. He was a mere novice Count, and those surrounding him were the titans of the nation. It was hardly an environment where he could feel at ease.
(And besides, this seat... give me a break. At least let me sit next to my father-in-law!)
Rest was seated at the very end of the round table. Given his rank and age, it was the only logical spot, but at a circular table, the lowest seat ended up being the one directly facing the head.
In other words, the Crown Prince was sitting right across from him. Their eyes had met several times already, and the awkwardness was becoming unbearable.
(It’s been a long time since I felt this nauseated by anxiety. In a way, this is even more nerve-wracking than fighting Subnock or the Elder Worm...)
"The northern tribes consist of several different races," Richard continued. "But as expected, the Ogrekin serve as their main force. We have also spotted Winged Race, Lizardmen, and Insectmen among their ranks. Their numbers are at least ten thousand, and there is a high probability that their strength will increase."
"......"
Rest remained small in his seat, focusing every ounce of his attention on Richard’s words.
"The border fortress is currently garrisoned by three thousand soldiers. Because there have been no attacks for so long, the garrison's size has been gradually reduced. If the enemy planned their invasion with that in mind, they have been quite thorough. We are holding the line for now, but we must organize a Subjugation Force immediately."
Richard turned his gaze toward Marquis Catreia. The Knight Commander rose from his chair to continue the briefing.
"The Subjugation Force is being organized as we speak. However, since so little time has passed since the Eiger rebellion, the process will take time. Therefore, we have decided to dispatch an Advance Force to bolster our defenses before the main body is ready."
Marquis Catreia’s eyes swept over the luminaries at the table, his gaze so sharp it felt like a physical weight. No one raised an objection.
"I appoint the Vice Knight Commander, Bareia Catreia, as the commander of the Advance Force. Furthermore, Lord Calvert of the Court Mages will accompany him as his adjutant."
"Understood."
"Yes, My Lord!"
The two men seated near the head of the table nodded in unison. Bareia Catreia was the eldest son of the Catreia house, the Vice Knight Commander, and the most likely successor to his father’s title. He was also Yuri’s older brother.
Rest didn't know the man named Calvert, but he recognized the family name.
(Could he be... no, he almost certainly is a relative of Lady Isis Calvert.)
"The Advance Force will consist of roughly a thousand elite troops, drawn from the finest of the Knight Order and the Court Mages. Lord Clover here will also be joining them."
"......!"
Rest’s own name suddenly left the Marquis’s mouth. Stunned by the unexpected turn, he barely managed to suppress a gasp.
"Lord Clover distinguished himself during the recent civil war. I trust that he will achieve more than enough results this time as well."
Though he spoke of trust, the Marquis’s gaze was piercing. Rest knew the man was a doting father, but he wished the Marquis wouldn't glare at him as if he were a personal enemy.
"I see. Will you join the campaign, Count Clover?" Richard asked.
The gazes of every lord in the room fixed on Rest.
(If I had the thick skin required to say no in this situation, I probably wouldn't have become a noble in the first place.)
"I... humbly accept the assignment."
Rest’s fate was sealed. A few days later, he would depart for the northern border fortress as a member of the Advance Force.