Chapter 33

Laidor arrived at Brain Fortress the day after he departed from the capital.

The fortress seemed to have been attacked several times, and the fresh scars of the assaults were still visible.

The imperial army had set up their camp on a hill a little distance away. Fortunately, the fortress was not surrounded, and they were able to enter through the western gate with dignity.

"Thank you for coming, Prince Laidor."

The first to greet Laidor upon entering the fortress was Bazel Garst, the commander of the forces guarding Brain Fortress and a general of the Zain Kingdom.

"Ah, it's been a while, General Garst."

"Yes, it has been a while, Your Highness."

"…………"

"…………"

Laidor had a lot to say.

Garst had a lot to say as well.

However, neither of them spoke, and they stared at each other head-on.

Nemilia and Daren, standing behind Laidor, stiffened, sensing the intense atmosphere between the two men.

They glared at each other for several seconds—

"Hmph."

"Hmm..."

Eventually, they both averted their eyes.

Laidor let out a sarcastic snort, and Garst slightly relaxed his rock-like face.

"You've grown quite impressive. You have the bearing of a fine warrior."

"You look a bit older, don't you? Maybe it's time to consider retirement."

"Hah, I'll think about it after this battle. Please, come this way."

The reunion between the exiled prince and the general involved in his exile somehow managed to end on a relatively amicable note.

Nemilia, who had been preparing to cast a spell, lowered her right hand, and Daren, sighing in relief, ran his hand through his hair.

Laidor and his party were led by Garst to a room in the fortress and seated in chairs as offered.

"Well... once again, I sincerely thank you for coming all the way from the frontier to support us."

"Don't worry about it. I plan to get a good reward from my brother."

"Is that so?"

Laidor, sitting comfortably in his chair, casually placed both feet on the table.

His feet were pointed at Garst, who was sitting across from him, but the elderly general dismissed the overly disrespectful attitude.

"So, how is the battle going?"

"The imperial army captured the northern border fortress of Balmes a month ago and has been subduing the eastern nobles since then. They began attacking Brain Fortress about a week ago."

The information from General Garst was almost the same as what Daren had told him beforehand. The new information came after that.

"In the past week, the empire has attacked the fortress three times. So far, we have managed to hold out without major damage."

"Only three times? They're taking their sweet time, aren't they?"

Laidor raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Until he arrived at the fortress, Laidor had expected Brain Fortress to be under constant, intense attacks by the enemy.

However, upon arrival, he found that the imperial army had set up camp on a distant hill and had only attacked three times.

This was not just leisurely but could even be called sluggish in terms of invasion speed.

"Your concern is understandable. However, the imperial army seems to have their own strategy."

"Hmm?"

Laidor, folding his arms thoughtfully, urged Garst to continue.

"It seems the imperial army is trying to avoid the attrition of their troops. If they try to capture the fortress in a short period, they will suffer significant losses. To avoid this, they are deliberately engaging in a prolonged war."

"A prolonged war, huh. I can understand the logic, but dragging out the war will only lead to the loss of supplies. Besides, if this continues, winter will come, right?"

In the past, the empire had invaded the Zain Kingdom several times but always withdrew before winter.

During the autumn farming season, manpower was always needed, and the cold of winter would make the army immobile.

While the Zain Kingdom did not receive much snow, the empire was almost always covered in snow during winter. If the supply lines were cut off by snow, the army would starve and wither away.

"Your Highness's concerns are valid. However, in this case, it is not so simple."

Garst shook his head in disgust.

"The imperial army has already captured Balmes Fortress and is using it as their base. Even in winter, with a base, it will be easy to endure the cold."

Garst spread a map on the table and tapped the central border fortress with his index finger.

Then, he drew a circle with his finger around the eastern part of the kingdom between Balmes Fortress and Brain Fortress.

"Furthermore, the imperial army has already occupied the eastern part of the kingdom. By levying from the occupied regions, they can avoid the need to transport supplies from their homeland. There is no reason for the imperial army to engage in a short, decisive battle at the cost of losing troops."

"I see... the eastern part of the kingdom will be hell when winter comes."

Laidor shook his head sympathetically, imagining the villages being mercilessly plundered by the imperial army. Garst nodded solemnly in agreement.

"That is why we have welcomed you, Your Highness. Prince Laidor... I understand your anger towards us. However, we have no other choice but to rely on your strength. Please, help us defend the Zain Kingdom."

"Father..."

Garst bowed so deeply that his head almost touched the table. Daren, his son, widened his eyes at the solemn figure of his strict father.

"…………"

Laidor, narrowing his eyes slightly, stared at the back of the general's head, which was still bowed.

"…If Granado had been this solemn from the beginning, we might still have been brothers. But it's too late to say that now."

"Master..."

The whispered words, as soft as the fluttering of an insect's wings, reached only Nemilia, who stood nearby. The maid, in her maid's uniform, gently tugged at the hem of her master's clothes.

"Hmm..."

Laidor patted the hand of the girl tugging at his clothes, as if to say it was all right, and turned back to Garst.

"I don't mind lending my strength... but, you see. Since you bowed and apologized properly, I'll show my sincerity as well. General Garst, if you accept one condition, I will fulfill your request."

"Anything."

Garst responded immediately to Laidor's words. Impressed by the general's earnestness even while bowing, Laidor presented his demand.

"I don't want you to become my enemy even after this battle. That's all."

"That is..."

"Of course, I have a contract with my brother, so I intend to fight the empire regardless of whether you accept my request. However, if you promise me, I will ensure a victory with minimal casualties. I can even swear on this holy sword."

"…………"

Garst, who had been stroking the hilt of Dainsleif, looked back at Laidor with a stern face.

Garst had no intention of opposing Laidor. However, by emphasizing this, Laidor was implying that he might do something that could turn Garst into an enemy.

Understanding the hidden meaning behind the words, Garst pondered for a moment.

Loyalty, honesty, a warrior's pride, and the spirit of resistance against the empire. Weighing these in his mind, Garst eventually reached a decision.

"I am a warrior who serves the kingdom."

"I see."

Laidor's lips curled up sarcastically, and he averted his gaze, thinking the negotiation had failed.

However, Garst continued.

"But... if the country I serve is lost, there is no loyalty. If Your Highness saves the country, I will offer the same loyalty to you as I do to King Granado."

"Hmm..."

Loyalty equal to that of the king.

This meant that if Laidor and Granado were to clash, Garst would remain neutral and not side with either.

(If the strongest general of the kingdom does not become my enemy, it will make things much easier. This is a sufficient outcome.)

"Very well. This Laidor Zain swears to bring victory to the kingdom's army. I will not be outdone by any wielder of the empire's holy sword."

Laidor stood up from his chair and declared his determination to victory.

Garst knelt on the floor and bowed deeply, pledging his loyalty to the young man who would become a hero.

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