Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 368

368―――――

Counterattack

“…With that, we have completed the first preliminary reserve force organization.”

“You’ve worked hard, Marquis Estia.

You’ve really done a lot.”

“Not at all, Your Majesty.

I am merely offering a little assistance from behind the scenes.”

As Estia, the young head of the Oner family, said this, Vanessa shook her head.

Those who handle supplies and logistics from the rear are always the ones who have the hardest time.

It’s a position where it’s difficult to gain recognition, so commanders entrust it to the most reliable person.

“You’re doing so much work.

It’s a pity that Marquis Joaquin is like this at this time…”

The deceased former Marquis Oner, and Joaquin, the current head of the Gutchen family, who is even older than Edgar IV, who also passed away recently.

He had been doing well until now, but unlike Marquis Volko or Margrave Lichten, who had toughened their bodies through battlefield life, he had always been somewhat sickly.

He seemed to have improved after taking care of his health for a while, but recently, with the war between Hispania and Nudia, the southern pirates, and the holy war waged by the Holy Prussen and the Descendants of Light,

Marquis Joaquin, who was personally managing the supply issues for the 2nd Army heading from Hispania to Nudia, eventually complained of dizziness and collapsed.

It seemed that his body couldn’t handle the excessive workload.

“It’s alright.

As a Marquis of Hispania, it is natural for my duties to increase, and Prince Bereklik has also subtly expressed his envy that Prince Zion Klausen and Prince Ludwig Redenen have gone to the battlefield and can gain merit.”

“So, you’re saying it’s not bad to have him fill Marquis Joaquin’s vacancy, gain merit, and develop the qualities of the next head of the Gutchen family?”

“That’s right.”

Queen Vanessa smiled at Estia’s answer.

Even heroes who changed the world often failed to educate their children, ultimately tarnishing the family name and collapsing.

Since the previous Marquises were all excellent, such concerns continued from Edgar IV to Vanessa.

They worried that the new heads who would lead the three Marquis families might be less than expected, or that their desire for power might be too strong, causing conflicts with the royal family.

In response, it was truly fortunate.

Ludwig of the Redenen family, influenced by his father, desired honor more than power, wanting to become a knight who would lead the kingdom’s future, and Estia of the Oner family had inherited the former Marquis’s character, so there was no need to worry.

‘Prince Bereklik is quite calculating, which is a bit concerning…’

Being calculating, conversely, means he doesn’t have much of a sense of adventure.

It means he never wants to reveal himself recklessly unless he is certain.

Vanessa thought that as long as the Hispanian royal family maintained its solidity, he would not become someone who harbored other thoughts.

‘Above all, the power of the Gutchen family hasn’t grown uncontrollably.’

The Light’s forces are invading, and their declaration that all people of Hispania are sinners.

Vanessa was anxious that Hispania might be divided and fight among themselves upon hearing those words.

Although Hispania has not officially accepted the teachings of Light, that is only a matter for the royal family.

The teachings of Light, which advocate good and justice, were already quite popular among the nobles and the kingdom’s people.

With external relief efforts and the fact that those who simply believed in the Light were always treated kindly, regardless of whether they were rich or poor, it was inevitable.

The Holy Prussen [a powerful religious order], the center of such Light teachings, and the Descendants of Light, whom the believers trusted so much, turned Hispania into an enemy.

They declared that they were sinners, those who must be judged, those who must be punished, and that all who defended them were evil, shadows, and injustice.

‘It sent a chill down my spine.

The moment I heard those words, I didn’t know how the people of Hispania would change.

Those who had been loyal until yesterday could suddenly become enemies.’

But what about now?

It’s nothing.

No, rather than that, everyone has united even more than before to protect Hispania from external threats.

Vanessa wondered if she was dreaming as she watched them unite more firmly than before, rather than being divided, but she soon understood the situation.

The man who crushed the noble Descendants of Light as if he knew this would happen.

At the same time, the man who completely united Hispania, which was on the verge of scattering, to the point where no one could shake it with just a few words.

And the kingdom’s hero who had been running tirelessly to make that possible, spreading the name of Hispania far and wide.

“I heard that a victory report has arrived from Prince Zion Klausen.”

“…Marquis Volko Redenen is also there.

Marquis Estia.”

Vanessa quickly replied, as if the young marchioness had caught her inner thoughts about him, and Estia smiled and muttered, “Yes, of course, the commander is Marquis Volko.”

“He’s a truly amazing person.

I still can’t understand how someone who didn’t stand out much in his youth could suddenly find his world as soon as he became an adult.”

“Me neither.

After Margrave Lichten, I used to worry about Klausen’s safety, but now I’m worried that Klausen might even covet the throne of this Hispanian royal family.”

“You’re going too far with your jokes.

If Prince Zion hears that, he’ll probably be upset and jump up and down.”

“…Is that so?”

“Of course.

The Prince Zion Klausen I saw is by no means that kind of person.

He is the one who has completely eradicated everything that harms Hispania and thoroughly crushed any threats.

Doubting such a person would only be detrimental to Your Majesty, so I sincerely hope you will put aside your uneasy thoughts.”

In fact, Vanessa’s concern was just a joke.

She was praising Zion Klausen in a roundabout way, but Marquis Estia seemed to have genuinely understood it, and that’s why she answered so strongly, even in front of the Queen.

However, she didn’t feel bad.

If Marquis Estia was so actively and strongly expressing her opinion, even in front of the King, it meant that Zion Klausen’s abilities and loyalty were so certain that Vanessa couldn’t help but feel good.

“I understand.

I will engrave your advice in my heart.”

“Thank you, and please forgive my rudeness.”

“It’s alright.

More importantly, how is the military support for the 2nd Army going?”

“I have sent the first batch to Klausen.

Although Nudia is supposed to provide support, the situation in the eastern and southern regions, which are Nudia’s main production areas, is a mess, so I have prepared a sufficient amount.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

“The warriors fighting in Nudia are working harder than I am.”

Estia, who showed a humble demeanor while saying that, soon opened her mouth with a worried voice.

“I heard that the Nudian royal family eventually left the royal palace and fled west.”

“Is that so.”

“I also heard Your Majesty’s order to gradually accept refugees.”

Vanessa silently sipped her tea at Estia’s words.

It was a gesture that she didn’t want to talk more about that part.

Estia, who was quick to notice, closed her mouth and quietly waited for Vanessa to explain that part.

“…I had many meetings with various noble ministers because of that matter.”

“I imagine the opposition was very strong.”

“Those in the east were especially severe.

After all, they are the ones who have to deal with the refugees, and how could they have good feelings for the people of Nudia?”

“Nudia invaded deep into the east just a while ago.”

“And what about Nudia?

Although they are refugees, they could turn into a ferocious mob at any time.

Everyone had valid opinions, possible events, so there was a lot of noise.”

“…”

“But there was no other way.

What is this war?

This is the path we ourselves have chosen to oppose the false light and goodness, to judge them.

If we don’t accept the refugees in the midst of that, our cause will lose its power, and furthermore, the enemies will gain all those who harbor hostility towards our Hispania.

Above all, we can’t keep blocking them forever just by forcibly stopping them.”

It wasn’t that Vanessa accepted the refugees without any worries.

She had already fully considered the social problems, side effects, and so on.

Should she continue to refuse the refugees and lock the doors, or should she accept them?

She weighed the options and finally made a decision after much deliberation.

“We will need soldiers to manage them separately, so I ordered the reserve forces to be formed more urgently.

Thanks to that, Marquis Joaquin fell ill.”

“Anyway, now that the reserve force formation has been completed on time, you can breathe a sigh of relief.”

Vanessa nodded at Estia’s words and was about to open her mouth when.

There was a sound of people outside the reception room, and soon a knock was heard.

“Your Majesty, it’s the chamberlain.”

“Come in.”

As soon as Vanessa’s permission was given, the chamberlain came inside.

Then, he bowed his head and opened his mouth.

“Just now, Baron Curdran requested permission to meet with Lord Erader.”

“…Baron Curdran is a knight-turned-noble who has always been very fond of my brother.”

“That’s right.

He has formally sent someone to ask for the royal palace’s opinion, saying that he wants to have a simple drinking party to celebrate Hispania’s victory.”

Vanessa seemed to be contemplating for a moment at the chamberlain’s words.

Leaving behind the chamberlain, who was waiting for her answer, and Marquis Estia, who thought it should be forbidden, she nodded after a while and said.

“Tell him I understand.

But tell him to be careful not to be unnecessarily suspected.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

After the chamberlain left, Estia had a slightly puzzled expression.

In a situation like now, where even the smallest cracks are very dangerous, she thought it was too dangerous to bring Erader into the royal palace and even allow him to contact people, even if the number was small.

“Your Majesty.”

“I can guess what you’re going to say.

It’s about my brother.”

“Former Prince Erader is still the first in line to the throne, even though he has been pushed aside.

In a situation like now, we must never overlook the possibility that enemies who have secretly infiltrated may contact him and cause confusion.”

“I’m not overlooking it.”

“Then…”

“I’m deliberately showing it.

The gap.”

Estia’s reaction to Vanessa’s answer was, ‘What on earth does that mean?’

Of course, it was natural, because instead of tightly closing that gap and guarding it without a single drop of water leaking, why would she deliberately reveal the gap and allow bugs to gather?

‘Your Majesty.

Don’t show any gaps.

But you can deliberately show a small gap.’

‘What does that mean, Zion Klausen?’

‘If you block it off too tightly, it becomes very difficult to predict the enemies’ next actions.

It’s easier to break through than to block, so there’s no need to overdo it while wasting time and money.’

‘…’

‘If they are going to do something no matter what we do, then deliberately show them a gap.

And make the enemies flock there without having to aim for other places.

Of course, in a way that shows a slight gap behind a perfect appearance so that they can’t think it’s a trap.’

‘Wouldn’t that be too dangerous?’

The kingdom’s hero smiled and answered the Queen’s question.

‘Traps are originally effective when installed on passable paths.

So, if we narrow the path and make them come there, what would it be like?’

―

“Welcome, Baron Curdran.”

“Have you been well, Erader Wang… I mean, sir.”

Now, all the positions of prince have disappeared, and all that remains is that he is the current queen’s brother.

Other than that, Erader had lost all real power and followers, and his daily life consisted only of being in a place where those sent by the royal family could easily monitor him, except for the occasional drinking parties with some of his former followers who had not forgotten him.

“Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I had a drink with you.

So, did you bring any interesting news?”

Not many people know about Erader’s condition yet.

Still, the fact that he, the eldest son of the late king and once considered the first in line to the throne, had become a ‘eunuch’ [powerless] could undermine the authority of the royal family.

Therefore, most people simply thought that Erader had not met the expectations of the late King Edgar IV, while Vanessa had met those expectations, and that there was a difference in support from the surrounding nobles, so she rose to the new King’s position.

Baron Curdran was one of those who thought so.

“…Your Majesty.”

“Cough!

Cough, cough!”

Erader spat out the alcohol he was drinking when Baron Curdran suddenly called him ‘Your Majesty.’

Then, he looked at one of his once trustworthy allies, meaning, ‘What on earth are you talking about?’

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

“The time has come to reclaim the position that should have been yours.

I, I have been preparing to make that happen.”

“What is that…”

At Baron Curdran’s gesture, two men and women disguised as servants quietly approached.

Then, the man among them created a flame at the tip of his index finger and opened his mouth.

“The current king is a foolish person who neglects the light and cannot distinguish between good and evil.

Therefore, we judges have come to punish her.”

“What!

Insolent.

Who do you think you are!

Baron Curdran!

Are you crazy?

Are you out of your mind?

How dare you bring the mad fanatics of Holy Prussen into Hispania, even into the royal palace?”

“Your Majesty.”

“Shut up.

No matter how much of an unfortunate prince I am who was pushed aside by Vanessa, I know my situation is miserable, but I have no intention of ruining this Hispania.

If you thought I was so blinded by the throne that I would bring such madmen into this country, you are mistaken.

Leave immediately.

Still, I value my relationship with you, so I will keep it a secret.”

“Your Majesty.

Hispania will eventually be defeated anyway.

The army of Holy Prussen, the Light’s forces that even defeated the demons, will destroy both Nudia and Hispania.

The Descendants of Light will raise their flags high behind them, and the fairies will blow the trumpets of victory.

Hispania is insisting on a war it cannot win, a war it can only lose.

The current Queen Vanessa is at the center of that madness.

If Hispania continues like this, it will all burn and disappear.

Shouldn’t we stop that…”

Crash!―

A glass flies past Baron Curdran’s face.

Soon, the sound of glass breaking against the wall is heard, and silence fills the air.

“I warned you to leave, Curdran.

I don’t know how you see me, but I am Erader Lagon Hispania, the proud bloodline of the Hispanian royal family.

I cannot allow any act that harms the kingdom.

If you talk nonsense one more time, I will immediately call the royal family members around me.

Don’t make me kill one of my few friends with my own hands.

This is a warning, Curdran.”

“…”

Baron Curdran couldn’t open his mouth any further due to the overwhelming reaction.

Eventually, he said he would go out for some fresh air and left with the two men and women.

“Something’s going strangely wrong.

Right?”

“…It’s a pity.

I thought Erader would definitely agree.”

“Even if he was kicked out, is a royal still a royal?

His heart for the kingdom is truly great.”

“If you’re going to mock him, stop it.”

“I’m not mocking him.

I’m just saying he’s a little short-sighted.

Do you think that Holy Prussen and the Descendants of Light will recognize his heart just because he’s holding out like that?

Eventually, Nudia will disappear, and Hispania will be defeated and stand on the judgment seat.

At that time, if you don’t want to see everything in Hispania disappear, there must be someone who deserves to be forgiven.”

Baron Curdran let out a groan at the man’s words.

If Erader would just agree in the current situation, it would create a justification, but it was truly difficult because he was so firm.

“How about this?”

The woman slightly raised her hand and said.

“Let’s just do it.”

“Hmm?”

“W-what?”

“If we do something, the fact that we met with them will eventually be true, right?

So, that man named Erader will have to make a choice in order to live.

He will say that he stood on the side of the Light to reverse Hispania, which is going in the wrong direction.”

Baron Curdran had a bewildered expression at those words, while the man who seemed to be the woman’s companion nodded, saying it was a good idea.

Originally, humans were creatures that moved completely differently from their intentions depending on their surrounding environment, so if they started something, Erader would have no choice but to join them, whether he liked it or not.

“H-hey!

That’s absolutely not…”

“You still don’t understand?

Everyone’s going to die.

If you don’t prepare an indulgence [forgiveness] now, you’re all going to die, you know?

Are you stupid?

Do you just want to be branded as sinners and die at the hands of the believers?”

Baron Curdran groaned at the woman’s words.

In the meantime, she turned her gaze to her companion.

“You take the south.

I’ll take the north.

Most of the skilled people have left for Nudia, and although the remaining royal knights are said to be strong, that’s only true on a fixed battlefield.

A close battle in a space full of buildings like now is different.”

“Okay, Enri.

Start from the north and aim to destroy the magic circle if possible, and further on to the royal palace.

Don’t enjoy it too much and be late.”

“Don’t worry.

You shouldn’t be late either, Ryu.”

The man called ‘Ryu’ smirked and nodded as if it were obvious.

―――――――Afterword―――――――

Question: What is Trisha’s last name?