Chapter 4: The Princess’s Decision

Chapter 4: The Princess’s Decision

TL: Etude

In the northeastern territory of the Kingdom of Ordo, adjacent to the highest mountain range in the known world, the Rocky Mountains, lies a vast plateau known as the Eastern Highlands. Technically part of the kingdom, it is home to various unassimilated barbarian tribes, some nominally subservient to the kingdom and others utterly defiant, frequently causing border conflicts.

Due to the rugged terrain, difficult supply lines, and the effects of high altitude, the kingdom had long struggled to exert control over the area. Fortunately, the tribes lacked unity, keeping each other in check and preventing any significant issues.

This year, however, was markedly different. As spring farming commenced, several tribes, traditionally hostile to the kingdom, synchronously began causing trouble. The kingdoms border troops were caught off guard, and by the time news reached the Crystal Shine Fortress, the situation in the highlands had deteriorated significantly.

After an emergency meeting, it was decided that the Princess herself would lead the army to drive out the tribes. Although it was evident something unusual was afoot with the coordinated tribal uprising, there was no time for a thorough investigation. With spring planting at stake, swift action was deemed necessary.

The hastily assembled barbarian coalition was no match for the well-trained royal army. After over a month of fighting, the tribes were on the verge of being pushed back to the highlands when the worst happened Duke Jars, the Greedy Wolf, rebelled.

A military council was now being held in a heavily guarded central tent in the kingdoms army camp.

Your Highness, esteemed generals, thats all the information I have. I believe everyone now has a general understanding of the situation in the capital, said a man with a goatee and hawk nose, having just briefed on the latest from Crystal Shine Fortress.

A long silence followed, broken only by the sound of breathing in the tent.

Finally, a voice broke the deadlock, Fortunately, His Majesty is not in the hands of the rebels. Is he safe? Where is he?

The speaker was a young general with spiky brown hair, radiating a strong presence despite his somewhat disheveled appearance due to the ongoing war.

Rest assured, His Majesty is safe, accompanied by the royal physician and the court priest.

Viscount Klein, the young general who had posed the question, nodded without pressing further on his question. Given that even the loyal city guards had been turned, who could guarantee there were no spies within their camp?

With the silence broken, the generals began to discuss vigorously.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

We must immediately allocate a force to me. Ill crush the traitors and reclaim the capital.

We cannot act rashly. The war with the barbarians is not yet over; we must not divide our forces.

What? And just let those scoundrels run amok? Dont forget, the capital holds vast military supplies. If were late, the rebels will have looted everything.

Idiots who know nothing of strategy.

Ill see to it right away.

The rest of you, follow the plan weve set! We must end this war within ten days.

Understood, the others responded in unison.

The meeting then concluded, and everyone went to arrange their tasks.

Only Count Merlin remained, kneeling to the princess after everyone left.

I am incompetent, failing to detect the rebellion in time, leading to the fall of the capital and the kings misfortune. I am truly to blame.

You indeed are, the princesss gaze turned cold.

The king entrusted you with a significant responsibility the kingdoms intelligence system. Yet, you let the rebellion happen right under your nose. The fall of the capital, not to mention other impacts, do you know how greatly it has affected our troops morale, with so many of their families living there?

Count Merlin bowed his head even lower, feeling the princesss anger. Please, Your Highness, allow me to accept the death penalty.

Enough, now is not the time to discuss punishments. From now on, focus the intelligence system on Jars rebels. Dont miss any detail, no matter how small.

Yes, I will redeem myself and ensure no such negligence occurs again.

Also, keep an eye on those fence-sitters. I dont want another rebel force suddenly emerging behind us.

Certainly. And regarding the local lords, I have a suggestion.

Oh? Lets hear it.

For those lords with unclear stances, we can work both overtly and covertly. Ill arrange for more surveillance in secret, while openly, we can send royal commissioners to their lands. They can publicize Jars crimes and urge them to send troops to support the king, morally pressuring them.

Thats a good plan. There are many nobles from the capital who have fled to our army recently. Choose the royal commissioners from among them. Youre in charge of this.

Yes, Ill arrange it immediately.

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