The Grand Prince Has Run Away

As I expected, Earl Mihart and Earl Higgs abandoned the Porins Plain.

That's why I didn't have to keep the wire in the Forrince Plain anymore when I was chasing Gangnam in the rear.

However, some troops remained, but they also had to retreat without even being able to properly resist the attack on the subject.

When I heard the news, I immediately turned around and headed for Forrince Plain.

The primary goal was to achieve it safely, and the soldiers were getting tired, so they felt they needed to rest.

The flag of House Carr is flying over a huge fortress in the middle of the Forrince Plain. And a group of horses rush towards us towards the fortress.

It was the Duke of the Object who welcomed me and the Lord of the Marquis of Chamberlain.

“Welcome. Grand Duke, well done. ”

The jawbreaker's face blooms brighter than ever. The Forrince Plain, which was anticipated to be followed at great cost, was very easy to target.

I had no choice but to winter on my own.

“No problem. You've worked hard to take Fort Forrince, too. ”

“No, I just picked it up. ”

I looked at the crowd standing behind him. A lot of them were the lords of the Chamberlain, but they also looked quite familiar.

“But who? ”

“These are the lords of the Plains of Forrince. When we took the stronghold, they all surrendered. ”

“Is that so?"

The lords of Forrince Plain had 28,000 foot soldiers. If they join the Karl clan, my troops will reach 80,000.

The jackal raises his hands and summons the lords.

“Come and greet everyone. You're Karl's Grand Duke.”

The lords, who were only watching, gathered together. I am the true owner of Forrince Plain.

Moreover, I have clearly branded my three names throughout the empire with this expedition. A cowardly lost general who flew across a vast Gangnam region just below Hwang Sung.

But he was not fearless. That's why I did it.

A typical army marches only 20 kilometers a day, but on the first and second days, I march 600 kilometers to the front of Castle Edwin.

At this rate, no one will be able to chase you.

Honestly, how can an army marching 20 kilometers a day chase me, moving 300 kilometers a day, if it's my heart's desire? If you go after him, you'll tear his crotch.

“Here you go. When I heard the Grand Duke was returning, I prepared a small banquet. ”

“Fine. Let's go. ”

I followed the young bird into Fort Forrince.

* * *

“Come, let's toast. ”

The Federation Cup is filled. The servants were busy wandering around, flying bottles and food, and the ballroom was filled with dances and music that made the ballroom glow.

As the atmosphere of the banquet was rising, an unexpected greeting came. Earl Holland.

I was pouring a glass with Jack, and I welcomed him with open arms to the appearance of a happy guest.

“Who is this? Aren't you Earl Holland, the commander of the Air Force? Welcome.”

Zack shakes his head, stabbing me in the side.

“Grand Duke, not now. ”

“Yes?”

The jackal whispers in his ear.

“The general commander of the Air Force is now Boran, the eldest son of the Grand Duke. ”

“No, why? ”

“The Grand Duke has asked for responsibility for the defeat of the last battle. So now he's out of commission and chipping away. ”

I remember. Earl Holland failed to attack Fort Pandeo a short time ago and retreated at great cost.

“Is that so?"

“Yes, so please be as careful as possible. ”

“I understand.”

I hid my bright face and approached Earl Holland with the subject.

The Earl was looking dark, wondering if he had just noticed the meaning of the silent conversation we had.

“Grand Duke, thank you for inviting me. ”

In Earl Holland's greetings, I looked at Earl Healthy Object. I never invited the Earl.

Apparently, Bird of Jack invited me to console the poor Earl, but without any other intentions, it was a big mistake.

Earl Holland was a beacon, and the banquet now celebrates my victory. In some way, this invitation itself could have been an act of screwing with the Earl.

But the jack was not the one who didn't notice. Perhaps there were other intentions as well.

“Yes. Here you go. ”

“Thank you."

I set Earl Holland right beside me. But I did not intend to comfort the Earl.

I'm not that sensitive. I don't know, of course, but I don't act on it because it bothers me.

The reason I treat Earl Holland is because he is such an important figure in this regime.

Despite his tenacity as general commander, the Earl was an unlimited number of Lupette Air Force generals and soldiers.

If I was wrong, I would have invited Earl Holland to the banquet, even the owl who came under me.

Although Boran is a brilliant master this time, it is very difficult to remove Earl Holland's influence from the Royal Air Force.

Well, that's why it's so hard to lose one battle.

Earl Holland's influence could be a threat to Duke Rupert.

I poured an empty glass of Earl Holland.

“You've had a hard time in the last battle? ”

“No. I am ashamed of my incompetence to make such a great sacrifice. ”

I asked you directly.

“How many have you lost? ”

“Seven thousand if you include the heavy box. ”

It was a pretty big hit. The Air Force is now up to 200,000, but 7,000 is deadly.

“What's wrong with him? ”

“I was careless. I didn't know Lady Catherine herself would come to save that little fortress. ”

I lift one lip slightly.

“She's always like that. ”

“Do you know Catherine well? ”

“I know you have a fiery personality. For better or for worse, it's like fire. So I don't like it.”

Earl Holland looks bitter.

“You must be the Great Sage of Flame. ”

“Yes, so don't beat yourself up too much. The Earl notices a little bit, doesn't he? the true identity of Katrina. ”

“Phew, yes. ”

I kicked my tongue and examined the Earl's intentions.

“You're too kind, by the way. He knows he can never win the last battle. ”

“No, it's because I didn't meet His Majesty's expectations. ”

When I felt suspicious of the Earl's answer, I opened my eyes sharply.

Earl Holland expressed his loyalty, but I could not believe his intentions.

He was humiliated by Itheria at a previous meeting and suffered a decisive defeat this time. If you do not have hatred, you are not human.

There are, of course, occasionally some officials in history who show absolute loyalty to their lords, but I don't even believe in their sincerity. Humans are mysterious creatures that even they deceive themselves.

“You are the Earl of Holland. I envy Duke Rufet to be led by such devotion. ”

Earl Holland suddenly turns to talk.

“But I have a question I'd like to ask, can I? ”

“Yes, whatever you want. ”

“Why did Lady Catherine come to the Pantheo fortress where I was attacking? in the sense of urgency and importance, it was right to stop the Grand Duke's army first. ”

As expected, Earl Holland was not usually a sly figure.

As I swing to the south of Gangnam and attack Hwang Sung, I appear to have targeted Pandeo Fort as a scapegoat.

As the Earl said, Katrina should have stopped me first, given the importance and urgency.

“Katrina is not a general. ”

“Yes?”

“She takes emotion before reason. That's why you couldn't come to me. ”

“Why? ”

“She drove me to my death with nothing to do with my guilt, and even if I didn't mean to, she did a lot of work to make me Duke of Duck. Of course you won't have to face me. ”

Earl Holland looks embarrassed.

“Is that the only reason? ”

“Yes. That's the only reason she lives. It's a short idea, but it's a great sense of responsibility. So it's as dangerous as the ignorant have a belief. ”

“Ah, I see. That's what Catherine the Great was like. Now I have a question. ”

“Glad you could help. ”

Earl Holland takes a single sip and lowers his glass.

“Now that you've solved my question, I can tell you something that will help. ”

“Yes.”

“Duke Rupert has begun to be wary of you, too. ”

I also made a meaningful face while sipping the cup.

I don't really care about the fact that Duke Rufet is wary of me, but I also care about the word 'Grand Duke.’ ~ It means that no one but me is alerted by Duke Rufet.

“I think so. It's because the Hundred Hundred and Hundred Masters are jealous, and it's political compassion that encourages the members of the Hundred Wars. Or is it the humanity of the world? ”

“Hmm. Not really. ”

“Especially because of my looks. ”

“Hahaha. Yes. As far as the Grand Duke is concerned, you're compliant. ”

“Side?”

“No, you comply. ”

After a brief conversation with me, Earl Holland goes to the Count. I gripped my lips, staring at the back of that Earl.

Though I didn't know what I was doing, I thought I was a capable person, but now I see it was a sham. It was ridiculous to just observe my appearance right next to me and be obedient.

The deceased mother always told me. I'm the most handsome man in the world. My mother never lied to me.

* * *

On one side of the office, I was working on a strategy with Birch Brian.

I ate the first target, Porins Plain. It was now a step to truly encourage Gangnam.

“Where will you go next? ”

“I'm going to the end of the east. ”

“Why?”

I pointed to a large river called Lumenox, where the north Lumenox meets the south Lumenox. It was Cloud Grand Duke territory.

“I need to see Lord Refent's army. ”

Birch Bryan looks uncomfortable. Grandpa Cloud, the owner of Cloud territory, helped greatly destroy the former car empire.

“Grand Duke, must you join hands with Cloud Territory?" ”

“Lord Refent's army has reached 70,000. If we work with them, Gangnam is ours. ”

“But there's no guarantee Lord Refent will work with us. ”

“It should be, but there's a good chance. The Cloud family was the number one target for the Emperor's Purge until the Duke of Rupert rebelled. If we lose, it's only a matter of time before the Cloud family is safe. The Emperor's blade will lead us to the Cloud Public. ”

Birch Brian sighs deeply.

“It's ironic, by the way. The Cloud family that surpassed the Emperor's authority immediately walked the path of collapse as soon as rumors spread about the demise of the Duke of Cloud. ”

“That's what power is all about. Those without power should come down. Or dragged down. Usually the latter, of course. ”

“Anyway, I'll do whatever you say. You can't throw away the stone for the Great Kingdom with your past emotions. ”

“Yes. You can't do anything with emotion. It is a profession that can only be completed by thoroughly considering Silly. So don't be tied to the old Silver Gardens and antagonize the Cloud family. ”

“Yes.”

Then you hear a knock. I quickly folded the map and spoke out the door.

“Come in.”

Soon after the door opens, Erisa enters. She looks at me for a moment, looking into the sympathy of Birch Brian, and replies.

“Jan. Did you two have a private conversation? ”

“No. I've been fighting back. I have to go out on a mission again, but it would be a good idea to keep an eye on the terrain and know exactly where the enemy strongholds are. ”

Erisa shakes her head.

“Really? But are you going to take me with you this time? ”

“No, it's dangerous. Duke Rupert will be worried sick. ”

“Why? I've been in a few battles myself. ”

“But unlike those little battles, the crossing of Gangnam is digging deep into the enemy. If we go wrong, we could be surrounded and the whole army could be killed. ”

“But · · · · · · · · ·. ”

“You stay. Number one, I won't allow it. ”

“Why?”

“You don't know? You can't put my fiancée in the crosshairs. ”

“Hey!”

I listened to Erisa's shout. Her voice grew louder.

“Never mind. Why are you here? You must be here on business. ”

Erisa calms down and clears her voice.

“I have a call from the Grand Duke. ”

“What's the call? ”

“He's sending someone from the Grand Duke. ”

I snorted.

“Oh, I'll be in touch soon. ”

“So what are you going to do? ”

“Tell them to come. No matter how much you wish for it, you can't just barge in with someone who wants to come. ”

“Yes, I understand. I'll put you in touch. ”

“Okay, then go. ”

“Yes.”

As Erisa leaves the office, Birch Brian says a few words.

“You have to be careful. ”

“Anybody in my family? ”

“No, my dear Erisa. She's from another house. ”

“Not really. So take a good look at yourself. Maybe he got something out of Duc Rufett. ”

Earl Holland inwardly informed me of the changes in Duke Rupert's mind at the banquet hall.

The Duke was wary of me shortly after the first crossing of Gangnam.

Be careful, the Grand Duke may have asked Erisa to look into my compassion.

< Earl Holland appeared in the ballroom. > End