Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 172

172

Is this really the south?

“Reporting in!

Both ports were attacked simultaneously and are now on fire….”

“Your Highness!

The navy ships that went ahead were attacked by pirates and have been damaged….”

As we headed south, war situation reports kept pouring in.

Perhaps realizing that looting would become difficult once the kingdom started to mobilize in earnest, the reports that had been flooding in over the past few days were all disastrous.

“These cursed bastards….”

Because of this, Prince Erader’s mood soured as he headed south.

His initially relaxed face gradually turned to irritation, and he became more prone to anger over the smallest things.

“The Prince is in a very bad mood.”

“What can we do? Reports keep coming in about the accumulating damage.”

“I didn’t expect them to be so rampant, even with the navy’s extensive combat experience.”

“As Duke Zion said, the problem is that they definitely hold the ‘right to strike first’ [meaning they can choose when and where to attack].”

From the pirates’ perspective, there were too many places to attack, while from the kingdom’s perspective, there were too many places to defend.

The nobles, worried about the safety of their territories, kept their mouths shut and stared at Zion, who seemed deep in thought.

Although he had no naval battle experience, he was, after all, a war hero whom even King Edgar IV trusted, so they seemed to be hoping he might come up with some brilliant plan.

Zion, sensing their gazes, cleared his throat and began to speak.

“The pirates are well aware that the kingdom’s navy is their biggest obstacle.”

“Indeed. If it weren’t for them, they would have looted all the trade routes and attacked the coastlines simultaneously, just like during the initial pirate surge.”

“However, looking at the data, it seems to be taking on a different aspect than before.

Instead of risking their lives purely for looting, they seem to be subtly trying to draw something out, as if they’re deliberately dragging their feet.”

“What are they aiming for?”

“It’s either one or the other, or perhaps both: a person in a high position, or the navy that’s blocking them.

Once they get their hands on either, the kingdom’s movements will be severely restricted.”

As he said that, Zion glanced subtly at Prince Erader, who was walking ahead.

The nobles followed his gaze, their eyes widening as they exclaimed, “Surely not?”

“No matter what, Prince Erader has guards around him. To think they’d target him….”

“There’s no need to kidnap him. Just creating the impression that he’s been threatened or openly targeted would be a success for the pirates.

It would give the kingdom a reason to act more passively. The morale of the entire army would plummet if something were to happen to the royal heir.”

“Honestly, I’m also anxious. I’ve heard that the Prince has been insisting on fighting the pirates himself for the past few days.”

“That’s not good. I know from going to war that a commander should stay behind to oversee the situation, not just for safety but also to maintain control of the army.”

The nobles nodded at Zion’s words, expressing their concern.

It wasn’t that they were underestimating Prince Erader, but if he were to get injured while standing at the front, it could lead to the worst possible outcome.

In addition to that, they could be punished for failing to properly assist the Prince.

The conversation between Zion and the nobles ended, and that evening, one of them secretly met with Prince Erader and had a conversation.

“What did Zion Klausen say?”

“He was concerned about Your Highness standing at the front. He said that if the pirates were to target Your Highness, the army itself could be weakened.”

“Did he imply that I was a coward?”

“Not at all. Zion Klausen predicted that if the pirates were to discover Your Highness, they would definitely target you, and he meant that it would be best to stay behind….”

“It seems he thinks I don’t know that.”

Prince Erader bit his lip.

He knew very well that a prince, the royal heir, should never be in a dangerous place.

If he were to suffer even the slightest injury, the repercussions would spread rapidly, and if he were to show any sign of fear, the army itself could collapse.

‘But there’s no other way. I must take the lead in order to encourage the soldiers and convey the kingdom’s strong will to the pirates.’

Prince Erader wanted to achieve remarkable feats that would be noticed by the King, the nobles, and the people.

That was the only way to get closer to the position of the next king without any problems, and he wanted to overtake the expeditionary force, send Princess Vanessa back to the homeland, and take her place.

‘It’s all about ships colliding and engaging in melee combat on the deck anyway. The pirates can’t stand up to the royal army in melee combat, so the chances of them being crushed before they even target me are high.’

He had studied various aspects of previous battles with pirates.

According to the reports, the pirates were focused on looting and avoided direct confrontation with the navy as much as possible, trying to survive and continue looting for as long as possible.

If he took the lead, the nobles, who were watching the royal family’s every move, would deploy all their ships and naval forces, and that might reduce the pirates’ momentum, or so Prince Erader thought.

‘…The problem is that Zion Klausen’s words aren’t entirely nonsense.’

He also worried about what to do if the pirates were to lure him in this way and try something.

Prince Erader felt that he needed to think differently.

After more than a week of travel, Prince Erader and Zion’s group arrived in the southern part of the kingdom.

Normally, it would have been appropriate to let those exhausted from the long journey rest a bit, but Prince Erader, citing the urgency of the situation, hurriedly moved to Count Ischke’s estate, who was said to be the most knowledgeable about the pirates’ movements.

“Your Highness, welcome.”

Count Bremen Ischke was already there to greet the Prince.

His territory was adjacent to the sea, and he had risen to his position through maritime trade, so he knew more about maritime affairs than anyone else.

“Count Bremen, what’s the situation?”

“It’s as you see, Your Highness. It looks peaceful on the surface, but we don’t know when the pirates will appear again, so the situation is not stable.”

“Are the kingdom’s naval forces continuing to patrol?”

“Yes. They’re keeping their ships within supporting distance of each other in case of a pirate attack….”

“Send orders to each captain. Tell them to return to the port and await my orders.”

“Prince Erader?”

“We can’t handle this by just blocking them. We must show those cowardly looters the terror of the kingdom so they won’t act recklessly.”

Prince Erader’s hard-line response wasn’t necessarily bad. We can’t just focus on defense forever; after all, gaps will always appear.

“But Prince Erader, if the pirates realize that the kingdom’s movements have changed, they will surely devise other means. If they avoid fighting and target the ports….”

“Shouldn’t we throw out some very strong bait to prevent that from happening?”

At those words, the nobles gathered there looked at Prince Erader with a ‘surely not?’ feeling.

But the Prince, as if he had already made up his mind, continued to speak confidently.

“We will secretly spread information that the kingdom’s immature prince is underestimating the pirates and recklessly venturing out to sea.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a hostage that would prevent the navy from moving recklessly at a time when the pirates can’t loot as they please due to the kingdom navy’s constant vigilance?”

“Your Highness! That’s impossible!”

“It’s too dangerous. You should entrust the task to someone else….”

“If I entrust this dangerous task to someone else and stay far behind, would that work?

We must make it so that they have no choice but to rush in, even knowing it’s bait.”

Prince Erader brushed aside Count Bremen Ischke’s concerns with very confident words and actions.

Then, he turned to Zion, who had been standing silently and looking at him since earlier, and opened his mouth.

“What do you think, Duke Zion? You have been at the forefront of war and have taken on dangerous missions, such as heading directly to the north.”

“That’s true, Your Highness.”

“Does the Duke also think that my choice is just reckless?”

“To be honest, I agree that it’s dangerous. Unlike the ground, where we can continue to mobilize troops, the sea is a very unfavorable battlefield for mages and knights.

The pirates know this, so they engage in melee combat without hesitation.”

“So, the Duke also means that you don’t like my decision.”

“However, if it succeeds, it could inflict quite a bit of damage on the pirates. Isn’t the purpose of what Your Highness is thinking now to lure and annihilate them?”

Deliberately throwing out information as bait to attract a school of pirate fish, gathering fishermen from all directions to catch them all at once.

Since there is a strategic target, the kingdom’s prince and future king, anyone with a bit of sense would try to capture him, even if it meant overdoing it, after assessing the situation.

‘Even knowing it’s a trap, they’re deliberately entering the net with something hidden that can reverse it.’

Unlike the land where magic flies and knights fight with mana, the battle on the sea is really monotonous and chaotic.

Even if the sailing ships are large, the sea is not as calm as a lake, and they have to fight after sailing for at least a few days, so those who are not familiar with the sea can barely move with a sword, let alone cast spells and draw formulas [complex magical diagrams].

That’s why the navy was created separately, and the splendid magic and knight duels that take place on land do not exist here.

It’s just about attaching the ships and whoever can neutralize the opponent and occupy the deck first; that’s the fight.

“The pirates believe that they are stronger than the kingdom at sea. The reason they avoid the navy now is because they don’t want to clash and gain nothing.

But what if there is something more valuable than the various goods on the trade ships on the navy ships? They will definitely rush in.”

“But Your Highness, if those vicious bastards know it’s a trap and, by any chance, go around the sea and attack the coast, then….”

“We can prepare for that by placing someone trustworthy in the rear.”

As he said that, Prince Erader looked directly at Zion, who was standing among the nobles.

Zion pointed to himself, asking, ‘Are you talking about me?’ and the Prince nodded.

“Although he is young, none of the nobles here would dare to belittle Duke Zion. His achievements are numerous, and even His Majesty the King has recognized his abilities.”

“…”

‘Why is this guy suddenly flattering me and acting like this?’

Zion narrowed his eyes and tried to figure out Prince Erader’s true intentions.

The man who had been wary of him from the start and throughout the journey south was suddenly acting like this, making him want to slap him in the back of the head and tell him to tell the truth.

But as expected of Edgar IV’s son, Prince Erader showed a nonchalant expression and even let out a strong voice as if he trusted Zion.

If someone didn’t know the situation, they would think that Prince Erader and Zion were close friends.

“The rear must be stable so that those fighting at the front can focus on their mission without any worries. Therefore, it is natural to entrust the rear to the most outstanding and trustworthy person.

Duke Zion Klausen, I would like you to take care of my rear.”

At Prince Erader’s words, Zion stroked his chin as if in thought.

“One of the reasons I came down south was to carry out His Majesty the King’s order to assist Your Highness. In case something unexpected happens, I will follow Your Highness, and it seems that we can entrust the rear areas, including the ports and coastal cities, to the nobles who know this place well….”

“All the nobles here have already heard of your reputation. If you’re worried that those gathered here might ignore you, Duke Zion, let me tell you: you have already been recognized by His Majesty the King. No one can treat you carelessly.”

“…”

Having said that much, Zion eventually nodded.

At Zion’s reaction, Prince Erader inwardly cheered.

‘You may think I’m going out as bait, but in fact, you are the bait, Zion Klausen.’

No matter how much the pirates want the prince, they won’t rush in if there are obvious ambushes around him.

Rather, they will target other relatively undefended routes, or ports and coastal cities.

In that case, the responsibility will naturally fall on Zion Klausen, not himself.

Even if only the words ‘I trusted him to take care of the rear, but he was careless and lost’ come out, the bubble of reputation that had been around him will naturally disappear.

If he successfully stops the pirates, it won’t be bad either. Erader himself, who trusted him and entrusted him with the rear, will also receive the attention of the nobles.

No, rather, he might receive even more favorable attention for trusting Zion.

‘The nobles’ gazes towards Zion Klausen must not be the same as when they look at me!

That would be a disgrace to the royal family’s pride and authority!’

A man who dares to stand in a similar position to the Prince of Hispania, the future king.

For the reason that he is trusted by the King, the nobles are secretly watching Zion and trying to discern his intentions.

They should show that attitude to him, Erader Raghon Hispania, not him!

‘Don’t blame me too much. It would be better to blame my father, who tried to use you too much, and my brother, who showed you a slightly excessive attitude, Zion Klausen.’

No matter how outstanding a subject is, he cannot be above the monarch.

Sometimes, one must hide one’s brilliance and pretend to be foolish for the sake of the monarch one serves, or so Prince Erader thought.

It is a very unfortunate thing that the kingdom’s territory is attacked by pirates, but if it can remove someone who could be an obstacle when ascending to the position of the next king, wouldn’t that be more beneficial, the Prince thought.

―――――――Author’s Afterword―――――――

Activating the happiness circuit!

But Captain Look!

What is this?

Why don’t I know?

First, press the recommendation and let me know!