Claude scratched his ear with his pinky finger and asked again.
"War? You mean the thing where people carry swords and shields and fight in groups?"
"Yeah, that. It's about time we start preparing for war. Oh, and, of course, we need to keep developing the estate as quickly as possible. You understand, right? We don't have much time."
Claude opened and closed his mouth like a fish, utterly baffled.
It was absurd. Preparing for war wasn't child's play. How could they simultaneously develop the estate and prepare for war?
Still, he needed to ask why Ghislain was suddenly saying such insane things.
"Why talk about preparing for war all of a sudden? And why the rush?"
Ghislain sighed inwardly.
'How do I explain this?'
If he said he knew the future, everyone would think he was a lunatic.
So he had to guide their thoughts step by step, starting with the closest and most obvious danger.
"As you all know, Count Desmond has his eyes on us."
At those words, the vassals' faces darkened.
Even those who weren't in Perdium during the war knew the general circumstances. They knew Count Desmond, a great lord, bore a grudge against them.
But Claude, who joined after the war, wasn't concerned. He shook his head.
"I thought about that too, but the situation is a little different now."
"How so?"
"We're now part of the Royalist faction. It would already be difficult for him to attack us at full strength. With his forces halved, it's practically impossible. It just doesn't make sense."
The more Claude explained, the brighter the vassals' expressions became.
They placed their hopes in the Royalist faction, believing they could strengthen themselves while Count Desmond rebuilt his forces.
But Ghislain smirked and shook his head.
"If Count Desmond ignores the Royalists and immediately gathers his remaining forces to attack us, can we stop him?"
Claude replied with a sour expression.
"No… we can't, can we?"
The only reason they won before was because Ghislain had laid traps. The same tactics wouldn't work twice, and they'd certainly lose in a direct confrontation.
In terms of power, it would be like a child fighting an adult.
"Exactly, we can't stop him. So, what will you do if he decides to go crazy and attack?"
Claude replied confidently.
"To invade us, he'd have to gather all his remaining troops, leaving his territory defenseless. In that case, Count Rayfold, another great lord, would strike his rear. Count Desmond isn't foolish enough not to realize that. So, we have plenty of time to strengthen ourselves."
Claude's reasoning was sound.
If Count Desmond recklessly started a war, the greedy Count Rayfold wouldn't stay idle.
But that was only on the surface. Claude still didn't know the true state of affairs.
Ghislain crossed his arms and glanced around at the vassals.
"Well, I have something to add to that. Lowell, bring it over."
Lowell, who had been waiting, hurriedly brought a stack of documents.
Ghislain handed the papers to Claude.
"Before I left for the capital, I told Lowell to investigate Desmond's movements. Take a look."
Claude quickly scanned the documents.
Given the estate's limited intelligence capabilities, the information was far from detailed.
Most of it was gossip and reports from merchants and commoners traveling to and from Desmond's territory.
But even such scraps of information were enough to understand Desmond's movements.
They were blatantly obvious.
"Mass recruitment and training… purchasing medicinal herbs in bulk… bows and arrows… recruiting freelance knights…"
The flow of funds within Desmond's territory revealed numerous peculiarities. But one detail stood out the most.
Desmond was buying a massive quantity of iron ore from the neighboring territory of Count Cabaldi.
"This much iron ore?"
Cabaldi's iron ore was known for its high quality. It was considered a strategic resource, difficult to procure even with money.
Yet, an enormous amount of this rare resource was flowing into Desmond's territory.
"Why so much…?"
Claude's mind was racing.
The two most crucial resources for war were food and weapons. Iron ore was essential for making and maintaining weapons.
But the quantity being purchased far exceeded what would be needed to replenish lost forces.
The other measures Desmond was taking were equally excessive. Pouring so much money and manpower into this would strain the governance of his territory.
"Could he really be preparing for war?"
There was no doubt that Desmond was preparing for conflict. While the target wasn't clear, they couldn't afford to be complacent.
Given the existing grudge between them, there was a high probability that the target was Fenris.
As Claude's expression grew increasingly grim, Ghislain asked,
"Well? Doesn't this situation feel a bit… uncomfortable?"
Claude nodded obediently.
Even if Ghislain had joined the Royalist faction, reinforcements wouldn't arrive immediately if war broke out.
And relying solely on the Royalists wasn't a viable strategy. If Desmond went all-in to crush Fenris and then negotiate afterward, the Royalists might find it hard to intervene.
"I see. It really seems like war might happen."
At those words, the others' faces grew even darker.
This damned estate couldn't catch a break. Trouble seemed to come almost daily.
'Honestly, it might be easier if the estate just collapsed. At least we wouldn't have to deal with this anymore!'
Seeing the vassals' dejection, Ghislain clicked his tongue inwardly. They were acting like they'd already lost before the war had even started.
Amid the gloomy atmosphere, Claude maintained his composure and offered a suggestion.
"With the immigrants arriving soon, we need to stabilize the estate as much as possible. If we split our limited resources and manpower between development and war preparation, progress will inevitably slow."
Although bound to Fenris by Ghislain's favor and a slave contract, Claude was originally a scholar from the Royal Academy.
Whether he pursued a scholarly or political career, he couldn't afford to miss an opportunity to build his reputation and achievements.
For Claude, Fenris was both a place to settle and a means to achieve his ambitions.
'If I can turn this desolate estate into a great territory… I'll go down in history.'
With that in mind, Claude genuinely sought ways to benefit Fenris.
"What about stationing soldiers from the Marquis Branford here? Even a small number would suffice. What matters is showing that this territory is under his protection. That would make it difficult for Count Desmond to attack us."
The vassals nodded in admiration at Claude's suggestion.
Stationing Branford's soldiers here would be a strong deterrent against war.
Attacking a territory guarded by Branford's troops would be akin to declaring war on the marquis himself.
Claude continued,
"Stationing troops from another lord is usually a humiliation. But the Marquis Branford is an exception. As the lord's guardian, his presence here would be both justified and relatively honorable."
The others nodded in agreement.
It seemed like the best solution—safe, practical, and with minimal downside.
Even Belinda and Kaor, who often opposed for opposition's sake, remained silent this time, indicating their approval.
Ghislain looked around at everyone and smirked bitterly.
'If this were anyone else's territory, they'd follow Claude's advice.'
It was the most logical, least burdensome, and safest option.
The problem, however, was that behind Desmond stood the most powerful family in the kingdom: the Duke Delphine.
'I can't keep this hidden forever.'
So far, Ghislain had kept this information to himself to avoid causing unnecessary panic. But that wasn't an option anymore.
From now on, everyone has to be united in pursuing a greater goal. Even if they didn't believe him, they needed at least a sense of caution and suspicion.
Having organized his thoughts, Ghislain spoke with a serious expression.
"Count Desmond is not acting alone."
"Oh, yes. I heard he's married. They say the countess is stunning. Power really does make a difference."
"…Not that. Behind Desmond stands Duke Delphine. Desmond's actions are essentially Delphine's."
Claude and the others turned pale at the mention of the name.
Duke Delphine. Just saying the name invoked fear—a ruthless, absolute power in the kingdom.
If what Ghislain said was true, Fenris was as good as doomed.
The vassals exclaimed in disbelief.
"That can't be! Why would a great northern lord bow to a southern duke?"
"Do you have any proof to support this claim?"
Before Ghislain could decide how to persuade them, Claude, seeming to realize something, muttered to himself with a stunned expression.
"…Actually, it could be true. If Count Desmond is pretending to be neutral while acting as a pawn for the duke…"
Ghislain's face lit up, and he quickly agreed.
"Yes, that's it! You're sharp, aren't you? That's exactly what Delphine has been planning for ages. I was wondering how to explain it, but you nailed it."
Claude, feeling a chill run down his spine, reviewed the documents again.
Count Cabaldi was aligned with the Duke's faction.
For Desmond, who claimed neutrality, to receive such massive quantities of iron ore from Cabaldi was highly suspicious.
And the volume… If Desmond were paying market prices, even the wealthiest estate couldn't afford it.
'So the Duke really is supporting Desmond from the shadows?'
If true, even stationing Branford's troops wouldn't help much.
If the Duke intervened later, offering a plausible excuse and compensation, the Royalists would likely accept the settlement.
Fenris wasn't important enough for the Royalists to risk war with the Duke over.
"It's hard to believe, but… if it's true, we have no choice but to defend ourselves."
It wasn't certain. It was hard to accept. But they couldn't dismiss the possibility entirely.
Claude's words darkened the vassals' expressions even further.
To lift the mood, Ghislain deliberately spoke with a cheerful tone.
"Well, whether the Duke's involved or not isn't the immediate issue. The real problem is that we're likely to face Desmond in battle soon. Everyone understands we can't avoid war, right? So let's start thinking about how to win."
No one said a word. With almost no soldiers or knights, how could Fenris possibly fend off Desmond?
Claude, representing the group, asked,
"When do you think he'll move?"
"Count Desmond will need at least six months to act. After all, he suffered a major defeat in Perdium. He'll need time to regroup."
In addition to his lost forces, he'd likely be preoccupied with Amelia's rebellion.
And Ghislain knew a significant event would occur in a few months, further delaying Desmond's actions.
But there was no need to share that and ease their nerves. Letting them stay tense for now wasn't a bad idea.
Hearing "six months," Claude hesitated before speaking cautiously.
"Half a year isn't enough to prepare for war. We won't even finish training the recruits."
"And?"
"If Count Desmond ignores the Royalists and declares war… we should run."
"What?"
Before Ghislain could respond, Belinda stepped in.
"I agree that fleeing might be a good option during a war. But there's no need to do that now."
Everyone looked at her, puzzled.
Hadn't Ghislain and Claude just said war was imminent? Why did she think fleeing wasn't necessary?
With all eyes on her, Belinda raised her chin proudly and declared,
"If we just cut off Count Desmond or Almond's head, won't that solve the problem? I'm good at that. I'll take care of it quickly."
Knowing her intentions, Ghislain felt a twinge of sorrow.
If the target were an ordinary noble, her assassination skills might suffice. She was exceptionally skilled.
But Count Desmond was a great lord.
Finding him within his heavily guarded castle would be nearly impossible. Even if she succeeded in killing him, escaping would be even harder.
Even someone as skilled as Belinda would likely perish.
"Assassination is sometimes the most effective and fastest solution, but… it's too dangerous."
"Ugh, it might be tough alone, but if I go with Kaor and the mercenaries, we can pull it off."
Kaor, who had been half-listening with disinterest, was startled and looked at her in shock.
"What? Me? Why me?"
"You can cause a ruckus outside the castle with some mercenaries. While everyone's attention is on you, I'll sneak in and take care of the count."
"Are you insane? That's a suicide mission!"
"Your sacrifice would prevent the war! It's a noble cause! Besides, you love fighting, don't you?"
"Not fights where I'm destined to die!"
"All fights are the same! What's the difference?"
"You do it yourself, then!"
As the two bickered, Gillian stepped forward with a resolute expression.
"My lord, if war is unavoidable, please entrust the mercenaries to me for now. I'll delay the conflict as much as possible. In the meantime, strengthen our forces and seek aid from the Royalists."
"How?"
"I'll target the supply lines of Desmond's forces. Cutting off their supplies will delay their preparations. Plus, they'll have to allocate manpower to catch me, further slowing them down. Leave it to me."
Ghislain smiled wryly.
He had used similar tactics in his previous life. Typical mercenary thinking.
"That's not a bad idea, but… you'd be branded a bandit. I won't let one of my people bear that kind of infamy."
Shrugging, Ghislain continued.
"I appreciate both of your willingness to act for the estate, but… I'll just take the sentiment."
While their reasons differed, Belinda and Gillian were both prepared to risk their lives for Fenris. It was commendable.
Turning to Kaor, who seemed uninterested, Ghislain asked,
"Kaor, do you have any other suggestions?"
"If they attack, we'll just fight back, right? I'll lead the charge. But you'll have to pay me extra."
"You're a reliable bastard, aren't you?"
Ghislain chuckled and shook his head at Kaor's bold and simplistic attitude.
Watching the four, Claude asked again,
"Do you really have no intention of fleeing?"
"None."
"Ah, my cursed fate. Then I suppose we should mobilize all resources to fortify the castle."
"Fortifications, huh? You're suggesting we go defensive?"
"Yes. Our biggest advantage is our abundant food supply. If we build fortifications and hold out, we can last until the Royalists send reinforcements."
Gillian frowned.
"Even with fortifications, won't we still need combat personnel? We don't have enough soldiers."
"We can request additional troops from Perdium. And we'll drill the recruits harder. If people don't want to die, they'll figure it out."
The vassals nodded in agreement. It was the safest and most realistic suggestion so far.
Ghislain nodded as well.
"Fine, let's do that. Start stockpiling supplies immediately so we're ready for any attack."
Though it seemed like Ghislain was agreeing with Claude, his thoughts were entirely different.
'Looks like they're finally starting to feel the pressure. I'll keep things like this for now.'
Claude's suggestion was the most practical and reliable approach under the current circumstances.
But facing the Duke's forces would require more than that.
They needed a strategy so bold and unpredictable that the enemy couldn't anticipate it.
Failure meant death anyway. Their only option was to maximize their chances of success.
'This time, I'll make the first move.'
Ghislain had no intention of sitting and waiting for the enemy.
An opportunity would present itself soon. When it did, he planned to strike Count Desmond hard and cause irreparable damage.
[T/L: Please support me and read extra chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]