Chapter 301

Chapter 301

Refugees from the Bringar Duchy were initially accommodated in a shelter to the north of Crossroad.

Originally, this facility was built for citizens to evacuate when monsters invaded. It was the very place where citizens took refuge whenever an emergency arose. Equipped with emergency beds, medicines, emergency rations, water, and makeshift accommodations, it could effortlessly shelter over a thousand refugees.

The plan was to first accommodate them here and gradually settle them inside the city.

"Those in need of medical attention, please line up in an orderly manner!"

"We have ample food supplies, so lets start with some warm tea...!"

The northern shelter was abuzz.

Priests administered medicines and healing magic to the sick refugees, while the famished were provided with food rations. Dusk Bringar handed out blankets to her people, and the knights poured hot tea into cups for them.

Despite their fatigue from the late autumn cold and their long journey, hope remained in the refugees eyes. As they wrapped themselves in blankets and sipped on tea, a faint vitality returned to their pale faces.

"..."

Watching this scene from a distance, I heard a familiar set of footsteps approach me. Without turning, I inquired,

"Worried, Lucas?"

"...I did anticipate this to some extent."

As expected, it was Lucas who stood beside me.

Silently observing the bustling shelter, Lucas let out a soft sigh.

"I am concerned about what lies ahead."

"What concerns you?"

"Mainly two things."

I gestured for Lucas to continue. Nodding slightly, he began,

"First, without a doubt, is the western front, Prince Lark, and the Imperial Armys 1st Division."

The most immediate problem surfaced.

"Even if youve declared your independent course of action, accepting the Duchess of Bringar, whom the 1st Division of the Imperial Army is keenly searching for, is no ordinary risk."

Lucas then discreetly gauged my reaction.

"But in my opinion, you must have a contingency plan for this issue."

"Oh? What makes you think so?"

"...If I may say, you never engage in battles without the odds in your favor."

I couldnt help but smile.

This guy has gotten the hang of my strategic style.

"You never make a move without solid evidence. You prefer battles where victory is certain, and even if the odds are high, you avoid gambles. Therefore, I surmise that by the time you accepted the Duchess of Bringar, you already had preparations in place for the western front."

"Sharp, Lucas. Just as you said."

From a few months back, when I decided to recruit Dusk Bringar,

The simulation for how to win over the western front had been running non-stop.

The situation isnt bad. In fact, its promising.

I felt fairly confident about this aspect.

Grinning, I gestured for Lucas to continue.

"Lets set aside the first concern for now. Whats the second?"

Without hesitation, Lucas continued,

"Its the citizens of Crossroad."

It was an unexpected response. As I looked at him in surprise, Lucas began to explain.

"Since you began governing here, the proportion of foreigners in Crossroad has increased sharply."

"Yes, thats true."

"Especially, you havent just hired foreign mercenaries but have also actively employed mercenaries of different races. The view towards them is still somewhat cold."

From the perspective of someone who lived in this world, rather than an outsider possessing someone, Lucas candidly spoke of the realities.

"But, my lord, if the majority of the empires citizens see the different races as uncomfortable outsiders... their view of the people from the Bringar Duchy is an enemy to be confronted."

"..."

"The Empire and the Bringar Duchy are currently at war. Even before this, there has been a rising animosity between them."

The Everblack Empire and the Bringar Duchy once shared a relationship like that of sibling nations, but now, they were at war. Naturally, their feelings towards each other werent amicable.

Accepting a thousand refugees in this situation might indeed be taken as a bolt from the blue from the perspective of the existing citizens.

I stroked my chin, deep in thought.

"Still, isnt this place fundamentally a fortress for military purposes? And I am a member of the Imperial Family and a commander. The citizens cant really oppose such a decision."

"Yes, at its core, its a fortress. But its also a city where people have lived for generations."

A fortress and a city.

A place where soldiers and civilians coexist.

That was Crossroad.

"Of course, you could suppress any opposing opinions by using your name as an Imperial, your rights as a lord, and your command as a commander... You have the power in this city. No one can object."

"..."

Beside her, Sir Andimion, now sweaty, slicked back his damp white hair, commenting stoically, "Ive done far crazier things to entertain you. This is easy."

"Isnt that mistreatment within the squad?"

"Far from it. You saved us and gave us new lives. If we can make you smile, even with such trivial acts, its our joy."

Duchess Dusk Bringar playfully messed up the serious Andimions white hair. "Always saying sweet things, Andimion! When I first recruited you, you were a tiny kid who could hardly speak!"

"I dont recall such times, maam. Its embarrassing..."

"You went through puberty saying I wont play with you! avoiding me, and once you crossed twenty, you even confessed your love for me! But look at you now, your hairs all white!"

"Please stop mocking my immature days..."

Sir Andimion turned away, clearly embarrassed.

Has the old man always been this gullible? And should one really spill anothers embarrassing past like that? Isnt that also mistreatment?

"...Well, thats enough entertainment for now."

Duchess Dusk Bringar, removing her hand from Andimions hair, grew serious.

"I want to discuss our plans going forward. Ash."

I straightened up. Lucas and Sir Andimion respectfully cleared the area, leaving Duchess Dusk Bringar and me facing each other.

"While I entrust you with command as we integrate my people, I also want to hear about your future plans."

"..."

"Lark and the first legion of the Empires forces will soon arrive here. I want to know how you plan to stop them. And."

Duchess Dusk Bringar glanced briefly to the north, where her people took refuge.

"What my people should do here."

She knew as well.

For her foreign people to settle in this city, theyd first need to prove their worth.

I smiled confidently, pushing my glass forward.

"We have a lot to do, Duchess. Just trust and follow me."

"..."

"It seems tonights discussion will be long."

Duchess Dusk Bringar observed me for a moment, then pushed her glass towards mine.

Cheers!

The clinking of glasses echoed through the night.

***

Crossroad had always grappled with a chronic labor shortage.

Located at the southernmost tip of the world, the fortress was a perilous battlefield, as monsters constantly besieged it. Especially during the preparations for the upcoming winter, there was always a lack of helping hands.

In such circumstances, the refugees from the Bringar Duchy willingly took on the arduous tasks.

They prepared for winter by chopping firewood, repairing frozen canals, and filling the storages with dry straw...

Duchess Dusk Bringar took the lead in these endeavors.

She didnt hesitate to get her hands dirty or allow her crown to be stained. She worked tirelessly alongside her people.

The citizens of Crossroad still regarded the people of the Bringar Duchy with caution. But, seeing them take charge of the laborious tasks of late autumn, their animosity began to soften.

There were continuous, albeit minor, clashes, but their frequency noticeably decreased over time.

Most importantly, my will was firm.

Crossroad was a city fully within my grasp. Its citizens respected my decisions.

People adapt, as they say. The once chaotic city quickly regained its stability.

On a night, a week after welcoming Duchess Dusk Bringar and the refugees, a guest arrived.

***

"My Lord."

Late at night, in the lords office.

Recovering from my illness, I had gradually extended my working hours. Aider entered my room with a sense of urgency.

"The guest you were expecting has arrived. Theyre waiting at the mansions entrance."

"Take them to the reception room. Ill be right down."

After taking a deep breath and adjusting my attire, I descended to the first floors reception room.

Standing silently in the room was a large figure.

Functional metal armor, a white cloak draped over it, and a hood linked to the cloak pulled low over his face.

"Its been a while. A few months, I believe?"

Recognizing the awaited visitor, I managed a composed smile.

"Brother."

"..."

The first prince of the Everblack Empire.

Lark Avalanche Everblack, with his piercing blue eyes gleaming like blade edges, slowly removed his hood.