Rest was escorted into the heart of the fortress.
While the official term was "guided," it felt much more like being "taken into custody." On the surface, he was being treated with the respect due to a Count, but the reality was far more restrictive.
The pressure on my shoulders is excruciating, he thought. If I hadn't activated Hardening magic, my bones probably would have shattered.
His face twitched with strain as he was led away, his shoulders held in a vice-like grip. The three elder Catreia brothers had positioned themselves to his left, right, and rear. He had heard that in addition to Yuri, there was one more younger brother, but these three were already tall enough to project an overwhelming sense of intimidation.
If he were in an interrogation room and surrounded by these three, he suspected he would have confessed to crimes he hadn't even committed.
At least their father isn't here; that's one mercy, he mused. I’d heard Yuri’s older brothers were all overprotective siscons, and it looks like the rumors were true.
Their blatant hostility likely stemmed from the fact that Yuri had somehow become his fiancé—or something like that.
I don't even fully understand the situation myself, he admitted. It’s not like we went through any formal ceremonies. The engagement was just decided before I realized it. Since Viola and Primula accepted her so naturally, it just became the new reality.
He wondered if this was simply the way noble marriages worked. Considering Yuri was currently in the middle of a runaway phase, he doubted any of the proper protocols had been followed.
I think she mentioned something about beating her father to make him acknowledge the match... Could that actually be true?
"Now then," Bareia began. "I have plenty I want to ask you, but we shouldn't mix public and private business. First, let us hold the war council."
They led him to a conference room located deep within the fortress. He had been worried about where they were taking him, but seeing a professional setting allowed him a moment of relief.
"Everyone else, take your seats," Bareia ordered. "We need to assess the situation."
Bareia took a seat at the circular table, while Toya sat down one chair away. Then, for some reason, Rest was forced into the seat between them.
Why do I have to be the one sitting here?
"You are a Count," Bareia said, cutting through his confusion. "Your status is among the highest of the nobles present. It’s only natural for you to sit next to me, wouldn't you agree?"
Bareia’s tone left no room for argument. Rest couldn't exactly object and ask for a different seat. Caught between the two powerful men, he could do nothing but try to make himself as small as possible.
"......"
"......"
Lyubase, Isis, and several other nobles and knights filed into the room. When Rest cast a pleading glance toward his companions for help, they immediately looked away.
Completely isolated... are you kidding me?
"The war council will now come to order."
The proceedings moved forward, ignoring Rest's mounting discomfort. Karyus Catreia, the only man left standing in the room, began his report.
"The fortress is currently under assault by foreign tribes," Karyus stated. "You’ve likely already received the preliminary reports, but the enemy's main strength lies with the Ogrekin. We have also confirmed the presence of the Winged Race, Lizardmen, and Insectmen."
"Are there any others?" Bareia asked.
"None have been sighted yet, though we remain on high alert," Karyus replied politely. "Casualties have been minor. We have sufficient weapons, food, and medical supplies. Combined with the reinforcements brought by the Advance Force, there is currently no reason to believe the fortress is at risk of falling."
Are they really just going to carry on like everything is normal? Rest wondered. Am I seriously the only one who finds this awkward?
The meeting marched on, leaving his internal crisis in its wake.
"The tribes lack siege weapons," Karyus continued. "Setting aside the Winged Race, the castle walls are more than enough to repel their attacks. Unless they have a major trump card up their sleeve, we should be able to weather this siege easily."
"I see... but that makes little sense," Bareia rumbled, stroking his chin. "Why would they attack without a clear path to victory? Did they just charge in recklessly without a plan? I suppose we could write it off as the base instincts of savages, but..."
It was unsettling. The enemy's true intentions remained obscured. Is it a stretch to think someone might be pulling the strings from the shadows? Still trapped between the massive brothers, Rest considered the possibility.
The council proceeded smoothly through a series of further reports and updates. While the true motive behind the tribal invasion remained a mystery, the chain of command was solidified. Bareia, as the leader of the Advance Force, was appointed Supreme Commander, taking responsibility for the ongoing defense.