Divided into several smaller units, the Advance Force made its way toward the border fortress.
Some traveled on horseback, some on foot, and others in carriages. Their modes of transport varied, but their destination remained the same.
Though a force of a thousand men was small by military standards, there was something surreal and almost unsettling about seeing such a long, unbroken line of people on the move.
"...As I thought, there’s a unique tension in the air. I don't think I'll ever get used to this feeling," Rest muttered, letting out a long sigh as he adjusted his grip on the reins.
His various experiences had finally made him a competent rider. Horsemanship was an essential skill for a nobleman, after all. He had studied it at the Academy and received private instruction from members of the Marquis Rosemary household, including Dieble.
Even so, spending hours in the saddle makes my backside ache... I'm just glad I have healing magic.
Curing saddle sores with magic was an absurdly extravagant use of power. It was a luxury only possible for someone like Rest, who possessed infinite mana.
"At this rate, it'll take us more than three days to arrive... though I could be there in an instant if I just used flight magic."
"It won't be that simple. Or do you plan on leaving the supply train behind?"
"You're... Lady Calvert!"
The voice addressing the grumbling boy belonged to an Academy senior—Isis Calvert, the former chairperson of the Executive Committee. She was clad in sharp riding attire and sat atop a magnificent white horse.
"I told you, 'Isis' is fine, Rest-kun."
"Ah... right. Isis-san."
"You can drop the 'san' as well... regardless, it's an honor to be in the same unit as you for this campaign."
"The feeling is mutual. Still, between you and Lyubase, there are quite a few familiar faces here."
"I suppose so. The lineup isn't all that different from the group that took part in the Marquis Eiger subjugation."
Isis brought her horse alongside Rest's. She moved in rhythm with her mount to absorb the vibrations, handling the reins with far more grace and experience than Rest.
"Every noble family falls into either the martial or political faction. It’s only natural for those of us who pride ourselves on our strength to be summoned to the front. That’s the very reason we’re granted lands and titles."
The relationship between the Crown and the nobility—the feudal system—was built upon the balance of "favors" and "service." The lord provided for his subordinate nobles by granting them territories, and in return, the nobles worked to repay that debt by serving the Royal Family. If the balance between these two shifted too far, dissatisfaction would fester among the nobility, eventually leading to movements for independence or outright rebellion.
"By the way, did you know His Majesty the King is likely quite stressed about this specific campaign against the tribes? Do you know why?"
"The reason? Is it because we're being invaded? If we lose, the villages and the people will suffer."
"That's not wrong, but it's not the answer I was looking for. The answer is... because there’s nothing to be gained even if we win."
"Nothing to be gained?"
"Yes. It’s vastly different from when you defeated Subnock, or the battles against Prince Rodel and Marquis Eiger," Isis explained patiently. "By defeating Subnock, our country gained a vast, undeveloped plain. By striking down Marquis Eiger, we seized the territories and assets belonging to him and his vassals. All His Majesty had to do was distribute those spoils to his loyal subjects as rewards. He could honor our efforts without reaching into his own pockets. But this time, we’re merely repelling an invasion. Since there’s no loot or new territory to be gained, providing rewards becomes a headache."
"Ah, I see... Since there’s no profit, he has to fund the rewards himself."
"He'll manage, I'm sure. But it will certainly hurt his wallet and his head."
"Count Clover! Baron Calvert! A moment, if you please!"
As their conversation reached a natural break, a soldier called out to them. He was a subordinate of the commander, Bareia Catreia.
"Captain Catreia has sent word! A herd of Giant Buffalo has been spotted to the east of the road. He asks that you hunt them if possible to supplement the army's provisions!"
"Understood. Tell him I’ve acknowledged the request," Isis replied.
"I'll do the same," Rest added.
As the name implied, a Giant Buffalo was a massive water buffalo monster. A typical cow yielded about three hundred kilograms of meat, but a Giant Buffalo provided nearly five times that amount. Even in this world, logistics were the lifeblood of war. Securing a fresh supply of meat here would provide a significant cushion for their rations.
"I was just getting bored," Isis said, a competitive glint in her eyes. "Since we're here, why don't we have a little contest to see who can take down more?"
"I don't mind. It'll be a nice change of pace."
Rest and Isis turned their horses away from the column, galloping toward the open plains stretching out beside the road.