How To Live As A Third Son Of A Failure [EN]: Chapter 193

Mason, the commander of the fortress, was born the illegitimate child of a nameless noble family, no different from a commoner.

However, not succumbing to his given fate, he navigated many battlefields, proving his abilities and being appointed by Baron Trot.

As such, the soldiers’ trust in Mason was very strong. He was a self-made man who rose through the ranks solely on his own merits.

And, reflecting that past, Mason’s tendencies leaned toward conservatism.

“A sudden inspection of the front lines? I haven’t heard anything about this from Lord Trot.”

Mason, whose muscles seemed about to burst out of his uniform, looked at Sella with a dubious expression.

“What’s the point of an inspection that’s announced in advance?”

“That’s true, but it’s still a bit strange that Sella-nim [term of respect] came here in person.”

“What do you mean?”

“The troops stationed here, and I who command them, only listen to and follow the orders of Lord Trot, whom I serve. I’m sure you’re aware of that.”

I, leaning against the back wall, snorted at Mason’s words.

‘What gives you the right to inspect and monitor Baron Trot’s army? Is that what you mean?’

It’s certainly not unreasonable to say. Sella’s position within the Allied Forces was a bit ambiguous.

She doesn’t command an army, nor does she hold a high title. She’s not even a knight of great renown.

So, Baron Trot would have been hesitant to give Sella an important position.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Baron Trot was wary of or ignoring Sella. She’s called the hope of the East; there’s no way he would.

Perhaps Mason feels the same way. However, his current wariness stems from the fact that she’s trying to influence his authority.

I nodded slightly and looked at Sella’s back.

Well, whatever the case, Mason has taken the initiative. So, it’s Sella’s turn to counter.

I wonder how she’ll respond?

“Whose permission do I need to monitor the enemy’s movements and inspect the front lines to prepare for battle?”

“Prepare for battle? What are you talking about? Sella-nim, you don’t have any command authority or an army.”

“Why do you think I don’t?”

“So, you’re saying you do?”

At Mason’s question, Sella crossed her arms and gestured behind her.

“Let me introduce you. This is Ilia, the leader of the Frost Mercenary Group, which will be the army I lead.”

“…….”

Ilia, with a cold face, was standing where Sella pointed, and Mason’s body flinched when he saw him.

“You’re saying Sella-nim leads a mercenary group?”

“The Frost Mercenary Group has terminated its contract with the Trot family and has since been newly hired by me. So, it’s now my army.”

Mason stammered at Sella’s counter.

“So, you’re saying that Commander Ilia is under Sella-nim’s command?”

“Are you saying you don’t believe it even though the person in charge is here?”

“It’s not that I don’t believe it…….”

“Or should I go back to Trot Territory right now and bring the contract?”

Mason waved his hands hastily as Sella pressed him.

“I believe you, so there’s no need to go.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his quick change of attitude.

Well, it’s understandable. The Frost Mercenary Group’s journey has been nothing short of legendary.

Even now, the people of the Central Territory tremble at the name of Frost, and the soldiers who were plundered and unable to receive supplies expressed their anger.

Is that all?

Currently, the Red Knights, who were chasing Ilia in the Northeast, suffered a severe counterattack and were annihilated, and there were even rumors that Redran was in critical condition.

‘Redran’s critical condition is a rumor, but it’s true that he’s been reclusive.’

Perhaps it’s unprecedented in Midland’s history for a mere mercenary leader to be so revered.

Therefore, Mason never looked down on Ilia just because he was a mercenary. On the contrary, he even had a look of respect.

Well, in the first place, he’s a being who wields mana [magical energy], so there’s no way he could ignore him.

“Then who is that?”

In the meantime, Mason suddenly pointed at me and asked.

“He’s the vice-commander of the mercenary group.”

Good acting.

Sella, who received the question without a hint of hesitation, opened her mouth again.

“Let me ask again. Do I now have the right to inspect the front lines? Although, it’s ridiculous to even ask who I need to get that right from in the first place.”

“…….”

Mason paused for a moment, lost in thought.

It was obvious what he was thinking.

Ilia, who was once hired by Baron Trot and achieved legendary feats, is now following Sella.

Mercenaries move strictly according to calculations. The fact that Ilia is following Sella means that he has found sufficient potential in her.

And Mason was not unaware of that fact.

“I just needed a convincing reason.”

Mason, who stood up from his seat, reached for the command room door and bowed politely.

“Let’s go. I’ll guide you through the fortress myself.”

* * *

Time passed, and the sun began to rise.

As the fog cleared, the makeshift wooden fences set up by Basarac’s army could be seen in the distance, and Sella spoke, noting the bleak atmosphere.

“It’s quiet.”

Mason, who was with Sella, nodded slowly at her words.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s been quite quiet lately. Rumor has it that Baron Redran is in critical condition… but that’s just a rumor.”

“Even so, we don’t know when they’ll move again. So, there should never be a case of falling asleep while on guard, like today.”

“I also feel the seriousness of the situation. I intend to set an example by imposing strict punishments.”

“Of course, you should. It’s not peacetime, but wartime, so they neglected their guard. They won’t be dissatisfied, so it’s okay to impose heavy penalties.”

Mason looked at Sella as if something had occurred to him at her agreeing words.

“Could it be that you deliberately had Commander Ilia draw his sword with that in mind?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

Mason nodded with an admiring face, and Sella continued.

“The soldiers must have accumulated a lot of stress because they have been facing the enemy for a long time. In such a situation, if you impose heavy penalties to show severity, the morale may be greatly reduced. But you can’t give a light punishment to a soldier who failed to guard.”

“So, Commander Ilia stepped up to execute them, and you stopped him?”

“They saved their lives thanks to me. They’ll probably think they’re lucky to be alive no matter what punishment is given afterward.”

“You seem to know how to handle troops better than I thought.”

“It’s nothing great. Even if Commander Mason were in that situation, he would have done the same thing as me.”

After finishing her words, Sella subtly mouthed ‘Thank you’ to me, who was standing behind her without Mason noticing.

What’s there to be thankful for? It’s not like I taught you anything profound. This level of social skill is something that any officer in South Korea, where conscription is still alive, can use.

Afterward, Sella, who looked at Mason again, asked again.

“More than that, what is the size of the enemy’s troops stationed nearby?”

“Basarac’s main force is quite far from here. Those in front of us are just garrison troops guarding the stronghold set up to surround Trot Territory. So, it’ll be about one or two hundred at most.”

Mason was right.

Currently, Trot Territory was surrounded. But that doesn’t mean it was densely surrounded. If that were the case, it would be begging for piecemeal attacks.

So, the method Redran came up with was simple. First, occupy key strongholds where the enemy’s movements can be seen at a glance, station a certain number of troops there, and then have the main force wait relatively in the rear.

Redran’s basic tactic was to immediately contact the main force and respond quickly if we showed any movement.

‘It’s not a bad idea, but…’

The problem was that the mobility of the main force had to be sufficient to benefit from such tactics.

Of course, there was no problem for Redran before. Unlike other troops, the berserkers he had didn’t need cumbersome luggage, and the number was only thirty.

Moreover, they were berserkers who could face hundreds of soldiers despite their small number.

But they have now all been killed by Ilia. Perhaps the reason why Redran has been silent until now is because of that.

‘Thanks to Redran being quiet, I was able to come up with a new plan.’

Mason, who I glanced at, was still talking to Sella about the fortress.

After confirming that, I stepped back slightly and tapped Ilia’s back with the scabbard.

“What is it?”

“I have a mission for you.”

“You mean a mission?”

“It’ll be a little difficult, but it’s something you can do well enough.”

“If you just entrust it to me, I’ll do it perfectly.”

I nodded at his determined answer.

“From now on, neglect Sella, but don’t let her get hurt. Do you understand what I mean?”

“……What do you mean by neglect?”

“I mean only step in and take care of her when she’s in danger.”

“I don’t quite understand.”

It was then that Ilia, who didn’t understand my order, tilted his head.

“What is it? Those black dots.”

A small number of black dots that appeared from the enemy’s stronghold in the distance were heading toward here.

“They’re probably scouts. They occasionally patrol around here and spy on us.”

However, even at Mason’s words, the question that arose on Sella’s face was not erased.

“……Do you send that many scouts?”

As Sella said, the number of black dots that appeared began to increase exponentially as time passed.

Mason’s face hardened at that. Unless he was an idiot, he would know what that meant.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Mason, who immediately raised his sword, knocked on the wooden fence with the scabbard and shouted.

“Enemy! Everyone prepare for battle!”

The resounding shout that pierced the early morning air caused the soldiers who were preparing meals to move quickly.

“……Young master?”

Ilia, who was watching the scene, looked at me with a surprised expression.

“That’s right. I called them.”

“You called them? That army?”

“That’s right. But I didn’t think they’d really come. I was honestly half-doubtful.”

“……What do you mean by half-doubtful?”

“There are things like that. Anyway, it’s a good opportunity. What’s the point of just talking about it all day? It’s not as good as actually playing an active role on the battlefield once.”

Sella, who was half-stunned while looking at the countless black dots that seemed to be spreading, was speechless.

After confirming him, I pointed to Sella with my chin to Ilia.

“Remember what I said just now? Neglect her as much as possible, but protect her for sure when she’s in danger.”

“There may be situations that I can’t handle?”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. I’ve prepared safety devices. Well, if there’s an unexpected variable, we can just run away.”

Ilia bit his lip at my comfortable tone.

“If time passes like this, the enemy will surround this fortress. Will it really be easy to break through that?”

“What can’t we do? It seems much easier than ending the Red Knights alone.”

Ended the Red Knights.

Ilia’s eyes shook for a moment when he realized that I was talking about the power of the Demon Sword.

“Or are you perhaps afraid of using that power?”

Ilia, who bit his lip at my question of whether he was afraid, looked straight at me.