The grand hall of Velrois Territory was a somber place, a testament to the recent trials and tribulations faced by its inhabitants. The remnants of noble houses, those who had survived the relentless onslaught of Count Aumale, now gathered at my behest. Their faces, etched with the weariness of loss and the strain of survival, reflected the gravity of our current situation.
As I strode into the hall, the atmosphere shifted. The vassals fell silent, their collective breath hitching as my presence filled the room. It was a tactic I had learned from my previous life—the subtle art of commanding attention through sheer aura. In this world, perception was everything. I needed to project authority, to instill confidence in those who had placed their trust in me. I recalled the isekai webnovels I once read, where the hero's presence alone subdued the room. Time to channel that.
Count Velrois stepped forward, his voice steady as he began the introductions:
"My lords, we are gathered here today under the leadership of His Highness Draven Eisenhart. Allow me to present the noble houses who stand with us: Baron Artois, Baron Aumont, Baron Rohan, Baron Laval, Viscount Valois, Viscount Lusignan, Viscount Savoy, and Viscount Touraine."
Each name carried the weight of history and loyalty, their bearers now looking to me for guidance. My gaze swept over them, sharp and unyielding. This was a pivotal moment, a test of their allegiance and resolve.
"I thank you all for coming," I began, my voice echoing through the hall. "Your loyalty to my father will not be forgotten. However, I need to know if that same loyalty endures." I spoke with an aura so commanding that it felt as though the very air in the room grew heavy, suffocating those within.
The room was deathly silent as the weight of my words settled upon the assembled nobles. Faces flickered with a mixture of fear and determination. Baron Artois was the first to step forward, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his apprehension.
"Your Highness, I and my house have stood by your family through countless trials. Our loyalty remains unbroken."
One by one, the other nobles followed suit, pledging their continued allegiance to me. Each declaration was met with a nod as I silently assessed their sincerity. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the flickering torches casting ghostly shadows on the stone walls.
"Thank you for your loyalty," I said, my voice steady and sincere. "It will not be forgotten."
I then turned to Count Velrois. "Count Velrois, inform them of our current situation."
Velrois nodded and stepped forward once more. "My lords, our priority is the rescue of His Highness's sisters, who are currently held captive by the Holy Empire. Additionally, we face the looming coronation of Prince Geoffrey Aethoria II. These events will have significant impacts on our political landscape and our efforts to rebuild."
The nobles listened intently, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation. One by one, they began to voice their concerns.
"Your Highness, our lands are currently in ruin. Crops have failed, and the people are starving. We lack the resources to rebuild," Baron Artois spoke first, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
"The loss of men in battle has left us defenseless. Bandits and raiders prey upon our weakened state. We cannot protect our people," Viscount Valois followed, his tone somber.
"Our coffers are empty, drained by the war effort. Without financial aid, we cannot hope to recover," added Baron Rohan.
Each noble voiced their troubles, a chorus of despair that painted a grim picture of our current state. I listened intently, absorbing every detail. Their struggles were real, their burdens heavy.
"Your concerns are valid," I acknowledged, my tone measured. "But know this—I will not abandon you. The Avaloria lineage has always stood by its vassals, and that will not change under my rule. You have my full financial support. Together, we will rebuild our lands and secure our future." If there's one thing I learned from managing resources in strategy games, it's how to allocate funds efficiently, I reflected.
Relief washed over their faces, their gratitude palpable. They had expected resistance, perhaps even indifference, but my promise had rekindled their hope.
"Now," I continued, my voice resonating with urgency, "I seek your counsel on the rescue of my sisters. This mission is of utmost importance. I need your thoughts, your strategies. We must act swiftly and decisively."
I already had a plan in mind. However, I asked this question to gauge the competence of these nobles. Were they merely surviving remnants, or did they possess the tactical acumen needed in these trying times?
Viscount Lusignan spoke with determination. "We can send scouts to gather intelligence on their whereabouts. Discretion will be key to avoid alerting the Holy Empire."
Baron Laval nodded in agreement. "A small, elite force may have a better chance of success. A larger army would draw too much attention."
The vassals began to speak, their initial hesitation giving way to a flurry of ideas and suggestions. It was a collaborative effort, a pooling of minds that reinforced our unity.
Viscount Savoy, known for his keen intellect and strategic prowess, spoke next. "We must consider a diversion. While the elite force infiltrates, another group could create a distraction elsewhere, drawing away enemy forces. It would reduce the risk of the rescue team being discovered."
Baron Aumont, a seasoned warrior, nodded thoughtfully. "Agreed. A two-pronged approach could increase our chances of success. We must ensure the diversion is convincing enough to hold their attention."
Viscount Touraine, with a reputation for cunning and resourcefulness, added, "We could use misinformation to our advantage. Spread rumors of an impending attack on a different location. By the time they realize it was a ruse, it will be too late."
As the discussion continued, I silently marveled at the ingenuity and determination of my vassals. They were not merely remnants; they were capable and resolute, ready to stand by me in our shared struggle.
I raised a hand to signal for silence, and the room fell quiet once more.
"Your ideas are sound and well-considered. We will proceed with a coordinated strategy." I turned my gaze to my head steward. "Arnold, you will lead the scouting mission. Baron Laval, you will command the elite force. Viscount Savoy, organize the diversionary tactics. And Viscount Touraine, oversee the dissemination of misinformation. While you're at it, spread some rumors about Geoffrey being a tyrant."
Each noble nodded, their expressions determined. The gravity of our mission was clear, but so was the unwavering resolve in their eyes.
"Do not worry about the funds," I continued, my voice firm and reassuring. "I will provide Count Velrois the necessary financial support to ensure the success of this campaign. Our resources will be allocated efficiently, and you will have everything you need."
Count Velrois stepped forward, acknowledging my command. "I will see to it that the funds are distributed promptly and effectively."
"We cannot afford to fail," I reiterated, my gaze unwavering. "The lives of my sisters depend on our success, and the future of our lands hinges on our ability to overcome these challenges. Together, we will prevail."
The nobles echoed my sentiments, their voices a chorus of agreement. With a final nod, I dismissed the gathering, and the room buzzed with activity as preparations began.
I whispered to myself, a vow that burned in my heart, "Nyla, Nicolette, Isolde. I will definitely save all of you."