Chapter 29: Changing Relationships
Gradually, winter became more severe.
The breath exhaled became so cold that it turned white, and in the fields everywhere, all that could be seen were pure white snow and the black stems of snow peas.
In the household fireplaces, firewood burned, and people drank the hot water made by warming snow to keep themselves warm. In some villages, people gathered in community halls at night to sleep, using their body heat to warm the buildings and minimize the consumption of firewood.
According to reports from soldiers deployed for pest control, the activity of wild animals had significantly decreased. It was believed that the animals unable to hibernate had died due to the cold. The reports stated that it would be sufficient to leave the soldiers stationed in the village in charge and not conduct any further operations.
"With this, the soldiers' duty will always be like a half-day off, right?"
The person being confirmed with was Alektem.
"Unless they are requested for rescue due to some kind of damage, it seems there won't be any tasks resembling missions for the soldiers. After training to a level that doesn't dull their skills, they will have free time."
"If I may express a personal wish, I would like the soldiers who were withdrawn from the fortress at the Mendashium region to build a fortress in the mountains near the border with the Rocha Kingdom."
"There is a field base built on the summit of that mountain. Be satisfied with that. If we were to have a fortress built from scratch in the winter, there is a risk of people freezing to death."
"I understand. That's why I want to increase the personnel stationed in the nearby village, strengthen surveillance, and transport food and weapons to be able to withstand the battlefield if it comes to that."
Although it was frustrating that they couldn't fully respond to the Rocha Kingdom, which might attack in the spring, there was no help for it.
Even humans who can use magic are powerless against the season of winter and the weather of snow.
To distract myself from the frustration, I returned to paperwork.
"I wonder how the mass production of the skewer swords is going."
"It seems the efficiency has improved, and now they succeed in making one out of every two. They are considering distributing them to the skilled soldiers or keeping them as reserves for the new recruits. It is projected that by spring, each soldier will receive one."
"I would like to have enough numbers to create reserves and distribute them to the reserves as well..."
"That is expecting too much. Skewer swords are weapons with limited uses. Producing too many of them would result in unused weapons."
"That's true. But having a trump card weapon is always better to have more of."
"To create a new trump card, are you having the research department explore the proper way to make a genuine magical sword?"
"Not just swords, but we're also focusing on investigating spear handles. If we can make the handles out of wood, using a spear would be more useful in battle."
I should be doing everything I can, but I can't shake off this feeling of unease.
After dealing with the Mendashium Kingdom, which was reputed to have only weak soldiers, our next opponent is the Roccia Kingdom, known for its formidable enemies armed with steel weapons. Am I feeling scared?
While feeling overwhelmed by my own emotions, I continue with my paperwork when suddenly the door to my office is vigorously knocked.
"Messenger! Urgent message! There's a report for Marshal-sama!"
"Open the door and come in!"
As I give the command, the messenger enters the room and salutes before starting the report.
"Prince Futtero has returned! The negotiations with the Roccia Kingdom failed, and he managed to escape just before being captured as a hostage!"
"Prince Futtero failed in the negotiations!?"
The report is unexpectedly shocking, causing me to unintentionally rise from my seat.
Immediately regretting my unmarshal-like behavior, I confirm with the messenger.
"Where is Prince Futtero now?"
"He's warming himself up in his room. Prince Futtero exhausted himself using his horse, Bian, to the point of collapse while escaping from the Roccia Kingdom. His entire body is nearly frostbitten."
I'm astonished by the messenger's report.
Even for a tough soldier, crossing a winter mountain at full speed on horseback is an incredibly perilous feat.
And for the refined and delicate Prince Futtero to do it...
"If negotiations reached such an impasse that he had to resort to such extreme measures, or..."
Is the economic situation in the Roccia Kingdom deteriorating so badly that they need to obtain the 'Certificate of Equal Status' from the Empire as soon as possible?
Facing this new problem, I give instructions to Alekthem.
"Emergency deployment of troops to the southern mountains of the Nornett Kingdom, near the border with the Roccia Kingdom. Make sure they have spears as well."
"You mean Roccia might attack by crossing the winter mountains?"
"By letting escape my older brother, Futtero, whom they were trying to capture, the friendship with the country of Nonette has been shattered. Rocha can no longer afford to be complacent in this situation."
"What will be their justification for the invasion? Nonette is not at fault."
"Something like this: Futtero, my older brother, fabricated a scandal in Rocha and sought refuge in Nonette, a country that shelters criminals just because he is their prince. By delivering divine punishment to Nonette, we can maintain appearances."
"But isn't that completely false?"
"Because it's false, they plan to attack and occupy Nonette before it gets exposed. Even if the lie is uncovered, they can always come up with excuses after annihilating the Nonette royal family and merging the country. For example, they could say that we heard rumors of the Nonette royal family's corruption even though they had no evidence, and after the occupation, they discovered proof, thus framing the Nonette royal family as villains."
It's a leap to say it myself, but I'm ignorant when it comes to diplomacy in this world. It shouldn't be a waste to anticipate the worst-case scenario as far as I can think.
In response to my opinion, Alekthem was skeptical.
"Lord Milimos has remarkable insight, but I cannot agree with you on this matter. It would be suicidal for an army from a flatland country to march into the mountains in winter!"
"Still, I need you to understand that we will be sending troops to the southern region. It's better to be prepared. Consider it as the march originally planned for spring being moved up."
"Hmm. The Mendashium region will become part of the empire, so there's no need to worry about threats from the rear. I can accept sending troops to the south. However, it's winter now, and securing provisions will be difficult."
"Sorry, but I'll leave that to you. I have to meet with my older brother Futtero."
I left the office and headed towards Futtero's quarters.