Chapter 84: Triumphal Entry (1)

After capturing King Rohalak, nothing really changed. We advanced straight to Rohalak.

Perhaps the news of the surviving Western Army had spread, for no one tried to stop us, and the city gates were opened.

The advancing West was eerily quiet, to the point of being unsettling. There was no vitality wherever we went.

In a way, it was to be expected. The civil war during the unification of the West and the empire's invasion...

The consecutive wars had left a shortage of food and supplies. Most young men must have died.

The imperial army also did not deliberately cause trouble. This was due to Luedern's strict management of looting.

I thought it was probably to prepare for the empire's future control of the West.

If looting were to occur in this situation, the Western people would blame everything on the empire.

'They are managing their image while attributing the current hardships to King Rohalak.'

We followed the emperor's orders and captured anyone, regardless of gender or age, who owned the city of Rohalak.

There weren't many, though.

The name of Rohalak's country also changed. The advisor next to Luedern received a dukedom and took over the position.

It was a kind of puppet state and a forward base for the empire.

It seemed they were rebuilding the city of Hrit, which had been devastated by the siege, to prepare for the future conquest of the West.

Not immediately, though. The succession dispute was a problem, and the current state of the West was not beneficial to the empire.

The consecutive wars had left the entire West in ruins.

'Rather than forcing a conquest, they will likely wait until the West returns to a normal trajectory.'

The advisor who received the dukedom might also be planning to absorb other kingdoms from within.

The situation was quite different from what I remembered.

The relationship between the West and the empire in the game was not this one-sided.

Something had definitely changed due to my involvement.

In fact, the empire had been in a precarious situation at the time. Hmm. It's a good thing, but it also raised concerns on the other side.

Would Rodri be able to dominate the West as he did in the past?

'But the big picture seems unlikely to change.'

The last news I heard was that Rodri was heading to the Western Isles.

Since he was avoiding the internal war, he intended to build his strength elsewhere.

His actions were similar to those in the game.

With Rodri's skills, it shouldn't be too difficult. Is he still in contact with Haisen?

I thought I might hear the story when I return to the empire.

Just as we began our march back to the imperial capital after conquering Rohalak, a system message appeared.

To be honest, I was a bit surprised.

I didn't really expect much from this war. The intrigue in Balhol was unrelated to the war strategy.

It's related to the combat philosophy.

Intrigue itself should be achieved through espionage. But this time, it seemed to be applied differently.

The acquired trait provided the answer.

The credit for this war was given to me as a knight, but I was a spy playing the role of a knight.

'This means I perfectly fulfilled my duty as a bodyguard.'

There's nothing more pleasant than unexpected gains. Since we were marching, I tried to hide my smile.

The new trait had the effect of making me more immersed in the character I was playing, and it reduced others' suspicions.

Well, I didn't immediately feel any significant change. Maybe because I had already revealed the truth to Erendil?

Actually, the latter was the more important factor. Even if I wasn't aware, it would still be a big help.

"You look happy."

Suddenly, Duke Ryurik approached me.

"The war ended successfully, didn't it?"

"Yes. Do you have some free time?"

"Yes, moving is my job."

"Let's move together."

It was a sudden proposal. Did he have something to say?

"May I ask the reason?"

"Nothing special. I just want to see how you move when you're on reconnaissance."

I had a rough idea of what he meant.

"I want to pass this method on to the people under me. If you're uncomfortable, feel free to refuse."

"No, I don't think it will be of much help, but let's go."

"Thank you."

As I moved my horse to the side, I felt a gaze.

Turning my head, I saw Erendil looking at me. His usual gaze. I slightly bowed my head in greeting.

Erendil looked at me for a moment, then nodded slightly and looked forward again.

* * *

"I don't know if I can be of much help to you, Duke."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't have any special methods. I'm just like any other scout."

Kalin's words made the Duke frown. He found it hard to understand.

If Kalin was just like any other scout, the performance he had shown so far didn't make sense.

"I just have sharper senses than others."

Kalin pointed west with his finger. Beyond the plain was a forest.

"A deer will appear from that direction soon."

Before 10 seconds had passed, a deer appeared between the trees.

The Duke's eyes widened. It was quite a distance. It was hard to believe he had noticed a deer that couldn't be seen.

"How did you know?"

"As I said, I have excellent senses. I can see farther, hear distant sounds, and even smell faint scents."

"An amazing story. Even so, I don't understand how you could notice something you couldn't see."

"Hearing, sight, and smell. When these acute senses combine, I can sometimes feel things I can't clearly perceive. I have a high accuracy rate."

The Duke nodded.

"I understand. It's like the feeling you get in battle. Whether the opponent's sword will move in a certain way, or if there might be an ambush."

"Something like that."

"Such things can't be taught, even if you explain them."

Kalin smiled faintly at the Duke's words.

"I should have mentioned this before. I feel bad for making you take a useless trip."

"No, it was better than just walking around aimlessly."

The Duke looked at the horizon for a moment, then turned his gaze to Kalin.

"Do you have a family?"

"I was an orphan. I had people who were like family, but they all died."

Why was the Duke asking about his past when he should already know it? Kalin hid his confusion.

Soon, he had an idea.

There had been rumors that he was a noble's illegitimate child. The Duke might be trying to confirm this.

"I know it's a rude question, but there have been rumors that you are a noble's illegitimate child."

As expected. Kalin frowned. He wasn't really upset, but he needed to show it.

It was a truly rude question, and their relationship wasn't that close yet.

"Just rumors. I don't know if they're true, but I don't think so."

"Hmm. Talented individuals do occasionally appear among commoners, but seeing your excellence in all areas, I think it's highly likely."

"I admit it's a bit unpleasant to hear. Why are you asking this suddenly?"

The Duke looked into Kalin's eyes.

"Do you have any desire to find your parents?"

Why was he doing this? Kalin couldn't really figure out the Duke's intentions.

"I have a contact in the imperial intelligence agency. They might be able to find them."

"There's no reason to."

"No. If you have noble blood, you might be able to claim your rightful place."

Kalin faintly understood the Duke's intention. The Duke shrugged.

"Surely, you will receive a medal from His Majesty the Emperor after this war. With your reputation and trust, even considering your illegitimate status, you could claim a noble family."

"I don't have the desire to do so."

"Consider other possibilities. You might not be an illegitimate child. If your parents died in an accident and you survived..."

Kalin hadn't thought of this. The rumors of him being a noble's illegitimate child were due to King Haisen's rude remarks.

Moreover, King Haisen had made those remarks even though he knew Kalin's true identity.

"Could you seek revenge for your parents?"

The start was rude, but there was a hint of goodwill in his words. However, it was unnecessary.

Kalin, as a manipulated character, couldn't find such things.

"I appreciate your offer, but I decline."

"Can I hear your reasons?"

"I've been alone in my life since I was young. I have no memories of my parents. Whether I'm a noble or not doesn't matter."

The imperial intelligence agency had probably already investigated, but Kalin didn't want additional personnel involved due to the Duke.

"Even if your story is true, I don't feel the need for revenge. And if I were to seek revenge, where would I stop?"

"..."

"Moreover, I am the bodyguard of Her Highness the Princess. I need to focus on my duties."

Silence fell between them. Kalin read a faint sense of pity in the Duke's eyes.

Perhaps it was sympathy for a young man who couldn't even feel the desire for revenge. The Duke spoke.

"Alright. I apologize for my rudeness. I'm sorry."

"It's fine."

"What do you plan to do in the future?"

"What future are you talking about?"

"After Her Highness the Princess ascends to the throne."

"Isn't that too early to consider?"

Kalin's response made the Duke chuckle.

"Maybe. But from what I see, it's quite possible. You made it happen in this war, and you will continue to do so in the future."

"..."

"I'm not suggesting you rush. I'm just curious."

Why was he asking this? Kalin was only puzzled.

This was the first time he had such a long conversation with Duke Ryurik since their first meeting.

"I will stay by Her Highness's side. When she ascends, I will remain in my position unless she dismisses me."

"Your achievements could earn you a dukedom."

"Sir Luedern is also by Her Highness's side."

"Frankly, I'm a bit surprised. You've been Her Highness's bodyguard for a short time."

"The time to serve a lord is not important. I am simply fulfilling my duty as a knight."

"You're right. It's the correct attitude. The problem is that there aren't many like you."

The Duke looked at the distant sky for a moment.

"Then, how about becoming my vassal?"

"Excuse me?"

After a short silence, the Duke's sudden words left Kalin quite flustered.