The 9Th Class Swordmaster: Blade Of Truth [EN]: Chapter 121

102. Preparing for Subjugation

“I have something to tell you all.”

Kwell McGovern spoke, looking at his sons gathered before him.

After seeing that the Emperor had not summoned him from the Solar Palace, he had somewhat expected it, but he realized the situation had become even worse.

If the Emperor had still kept him by his side after choosing Oliver and turning his heart, Kwell would have thought the Emperor was taking time to reaffirm his support.

However, he sent all three princes on this southern subjugation.

The Emperor was not going to wait.

‘Why… does His Majesty try to kill his own children with his own hands?’

If that was the case, he shouldn’t have had them in the first place.

Human greed was truly terrifying.

Fitting the name of the Conqueror King, he was excellent at expanding territory but was never a virtuous king.

And the First Prince, Ruon, was just like Tyran.

Ironically, the Emperor did not want to pass the throne to him because of that.

Whether he passed the throne or not, if he lost his power, Ruon would immediately cut off his head and take his place.

That was why Kwell chose Oliver.

Although.

Although not the Emperor’s legitimate son, he thought Oliver, with his virtuous character, was the king to lead the Empire.

And there were more nobles who thought the same way than he had expected.

But would they know?

That Oliver, whom they thought was the image of a virtuous king, was actually the culprit who killed the Emperor in his previous life.

“Yes, Father.”

“Speak.”

The four children standing before Kwell spoke with tense faces.

“Mart, you will accompany Prince Oliver to the South this time. Since news from the Lye Knight Order has been cut off, he doesn’t have many troops to move. Protect him no matter what.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Mart’s eyes shone at his words.

He was not the same as before.

Kwell couldn’t help but be surprised by his noticeable growth since returning from the North a year ago.

After his defeat in the duel with Caryl.

Compared to Tyren and Randal, who caught the Emperor’s eye thanks to resolving the goblin raid, he had not achieved any significant results as the eldest son of the McGovern family.

Was it because of that?

Kwell was always worried about the arrogance he had because of the facade of being a noble’s son, but when he saw Mart again a year later, he couldn’t find even a trace of conceit in him.

“Tyren, you will also participate in this southern subjugation as a mage of the Empire. But as you know, because you are taking a neutral stance with Lord Kadin, you will likely be assigned to the Third Prince.”

“I think so too.”

“His Majesty has directly called in the Kyo-do Mercenary Corps [a renowned mercenary group] to give strength to Prince Cromen, but mercenaries are rough and savage people. Take good care of the Third Prince. I’ll assign Elliot to you.”

Elliot, who was standing next to Tyren, nodded at Kwell’s words.

His swordsmanship was inferior to Mart and Randal, but the strength from his sturdy physique was unmatched.

“You are still immature. There are many among the mercenaries who are stronger than you. If Gordon Fabian is determined, Prince Cromen’s life will be in danger.”

“Surely…….”

Kwell shook his head, looking at Tyren.

“But he’s not that kind of guy. He’s barbaric, but he’s not the type to use cowardly tactics.”

Tyren gave a slightly puzzled look as his knight father spoke of the mercenary as if he were an old comrade.

Jake, who was excluded from this expedition, simply looked at his brothers with an uneasy face.

“And there’s another reason why I called you.”

Kwell said in a low voice.

“I heard that Randal is alive. And that he’s receiving help from the Digon tribe.”

At his words, his sons widened their eyes and spoke.

“……What!?”

“I knew it! That guy wouldn’t die so easily.”

“Is that certain?”

The three men’s reactions were different, but it was clear that it was surprising to everyone.

“Probably. He’s not a child who would lie.”

“A child……?”

The quick-witted Mart looked at Kwell with slightly trembling eyes.

“I met Caryl a while ago.”

“……!!!”

“……!!!”

When Caryl’s name came out of his mouth, they were even more surprised than when they heard about Randal’s survival.

“He was alive…….”

“Brother, that guy couldn’t have died.”

Mart muttered lowly, and Elliot snorted and said.

“Father, but how does Caryl know about Randal’s survival?”

“I don’t know the details either. But now that child is in Tatur [a free city]. And surprisingly, it was that child who helped His Majesty return to governing the country.”

At Kwell’s words, they had an unbelievable expression. Caryl, who had no connection to the Emperor, whom they would hardly ever meet until they died, even helped him…….

‘Caryl, you are unimaginably ahead.’

Mart bit his lip without realizing it.

“I’m the only one in the Imperial Palace who knows this. I don’t think Caryl would have told His Majesty about Randal. That’s why what I want to ask you is…….”

“You’re saying to rescue Randal from the southern expedition. Unlike Prince Oliver, if Prince Ruon leads his troops to attack the South, the Digon will not leave Randal, an imperial citizen, alone.”

Kwell nodded at Tyren’s words.

“That’s right. From the Empire’s point of view, you are knights carrying out the orders of the princes, but as children of the McGovern family, it is also your mission to save your brother.”

Kwell looked at Mart.

“Mart, if Prince Ruon fights the Digon first, try to save Randal.”

“I understand.”

But Kwell knew very well that Mart alone would not be able to save Randal if a battle really broke out.

Because the Digon would cut off Randal’s head to signal the start of the battle.

‘I hope Prince Oliver arrives in the South first…….’

Kwell smiled bitterly and looked at them.

“Please come back safely.”

“Yes, Father.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Perhaps it was the first battle for the McGovern family brothers. Kwell wanted his children to gather and fight under a single banner.

But that wish was shattered by the Emperor.

The children greeted Kwell, turned around, and left the room. Only Tyren stood in the room after everyone had left.

“Is there something you want to say?”

“I heard something strange while you were in the North, Father.”

“What is it?”

“The Expert Competition, which had not been held for a while, was held at the Azor Magic Competition.”

“Hmm.”

Kwell was wondering why Tyren was suddenly talking about the magic competition.

“The Expert Competition is a competition for ‘real’ mages who have risen to the ranks of mages, not apprentices. That’s why the Magic Society has tacitly banned the competition.”

“And?”

“Recently, a winner appeared. He was a free mage, not affiliated with the Magic Society. And his name was Caryl.”

“…….”

Instantly.

Kwell’s eyes hardened.

“Is that real?”

“My master has confirmed it himself. Of course, he didn’t meet the winner. He went after receiving a report that the Gray Headmaster had been captured.”

“Hmm…….”

“Maybe it’s just a person with the same name. You know. That child is…….”

Tyren closed his mouth, about to say that he was a member of a foreign race.

“Fabio, the lord of Azor, said that the winner of the competition had brown hair and brown eyes.”

“Then it wouldn’t be him.”

Kwell nodded and said.

“Excuse me, but have you seen Caryl’s face, Father?”

“No. I couldn’t see it. He was wearing a mask to avoid being exposed as a member of a foreign race.”

“…….”

Tyren frowned slightly at those words.

Of course.

Wearing a mask is a natural act. Tatur is a city where even members of foreign races are free, but the Empire is not.

And if he revealed that he was the son of Kwell McGovern, it was natural that he couldn’t show his face.

‘But…….’

Tyren still didn’t let go of his suspicion.

‘Could he have been wearing a mask even when he was having a private audience with His Majesty?’

Absolutely impossible.

Then, why was Caryl able to survive and even side with the Emperor, who hated members of foreign races, calling them heretics?

‘I need to find out.’

Tightly-

He sensed that another goal had been given to him on this southern journey.

“Father.”

Tyren called him again before leaving the room.

But he didn’t turn around.

“We have been assigned to the forces of different princes.”

“That’s right.”

Tyren asked Kwell in a calm tone, holding the doorknob.

“Do you think all three princes will be able to return safely from this expedition?”

Kwell couldn’t answer his question.

Different princes meant that there might be a situation where they had to point their swords at their family.

* * *

“Hoo…….”

Dushala said, constantly opening and checking the carrier pigeons that were flying in.

“There is movement in the Empire. As expected, I don’t think the Emperor intends to fulfill the deal with the Master. He’s preparing to dispatch troops.”

Not long after Viola visited, she was overwhelmed by the sudden flood of carrier pigeons.

Caryl said, looking at her.

“You can’t be this tired. The invisible empire I was talking about is like this. The power to see and know everything in the continent as if you were sitting down and watching it.”

“Ugh……. Then please help me. It’s too much for me to do alone.”

“A group to support you will be created soon. Aidan is preparing, so please wait a little longer.”

Caryl chuckled and thought that it was time to contact the Eastern Kingdom with Aidan.

‘If I’m going to make it, I’ll make it properly. Come to think of it, Juke’s movements have been quiet lately…… Did she return to the Empire?’

Caryl casually said to Dushala, as she was not an important figure right now.

“If he raised troops, the destination is likely to be the South. Did you find out the commander too?”

“Yes. It’s Azif, the vice-commander of the Forbidden Knights [the Emperor’s personal guard].”

Caryl tilted his head slightly at her report.

‘If it’s the Forbidden Knights, it’s the Imperial Guard…… Even if he turned his back on the Emperor, it would be difficult for him to be appointed as the commander.’

“Oh, here’s another report. But……. Is this real?”

“What do you mean?”

Dushala unfolded another carrier pigeon’s note, frowned, and said.

“All three princes are going on this expedition? The troops being prepared in the Empire are being summoned by Prince Ruon.”

“All three princes?”

“Yes. The Second Prince…… doesn’t seem to be raising troops separately, so I don’t know. But the strange thing is the Third Prince. A person planted in a village on the border of the Empire confirmed that the Third Prince was boarding the Kyo-do Mercenary Corps’ airship.”

‘Gordon Fabian supports the Third Prince……?’

Something was wrong.

Even in his previous life, the Kyo-do Mercenary Corps was unrelated to the Imperial power struggle. Gordon Fabian had influence in the Imperial Palace, but he didn’t directly interfere in the princes’ muddy fight.

‘Cromen has no contact with Gordon Fabian. If I had to guess……. He’s still on the Emperor’s side.’

Instantly.

A thought flashed through Caryl’s mind.

‘Is the Emperor trying to give strength to Cromen?’

Certainly, Tyran Shutean cherished the third of the three princes, Cromen, the most.

But that was just cherishing him among the three, not that he had enough affection to pass the throne to Cromen.

Caryl suddenly thought of the opposite case.

‘Or is the Emperor thinking of eliminating even the Third Prince through the mercenary corps?’

It wasn’t impossible.

No.

Rather, that might be more accurate than giving him strength.

Tyran Shutean.

He was a person who could become more cruel than anyone else in front of power.

‘Futile greed……. Everything ends when you die.’

Caryl smiled bitterly.

Even that desire that he had tried so hard to hold on to would only become a sea of fire a few years later.

Perhaps the future of his previous life, where he died from poisoning without seeing that sight, was better.

“But this…… is amazing. Suan and Kamma, who brought people who had been coming through the lawless port for two years, have taken root in various parts of the Empire……. As the Master said, I can see clearly what the Empire is doing.”

Dushala said with a happy face, even while complaining.

Many things were needed to move a large army. Supplies, food, barracks, firewood, etc…….

No matter how secretly they moved, supplies would move. You could figure out the number of enemies just by the amount of supplies.

“Judging from the preparation of this amount of supplies, it’s not the amount of troops that will move on the road to the South. They’ll have to go through the Three Kingdoms unconditionally. The troops are at least 50,000 to a maximum of 100,000. It seems like Prince Ruon is going to try to fight the South properly?”

“Which direction do you think his troops will come down?”

Dushala raised her eyebrows slightly at Caryl’s casual way of calling the prince ‘him’ and answered.

“Perhaps with this large army, they are likely to use the Haron Main Road. That side is easier to cross because the Ponaine River is relatively weak. If that happens……. They will pass through the border area between the Istan Kingdom and the Tvanel Kingdom.”

“Estimated time?”

“It’s hard to say for sure until I receive a report about Prince Ruon’s dispatch, but……. Maybe about two months?”

Caryl looked at the place Dushala pointed to and thought.

“Set it to three months. The time it will take for them to arrive here.”

“Yes?”

“Oliver can cross the border regardless of the Three Kingdoms, but the Kyo-do Mercenary Corps’ airship can’t. The longer it takes, the more Prince Ruon will sweat. If he’s in his character, he’ll try to break through anything that blocks him with force.”

On the map, there was a border fortress between the Istan Kingdom and the Tvanel Kingdom where he was pointing.

“Surely……. Even if it’s Prince Ruon, would he fight with the Three Kingdoms? No. Would the Three Kingdoms go against Prince Ruon?”

“You never know. The Three Kingdoms have a lot to lose to the Empire right now. They won’t be able to open the gates easily. Besides, it’s not a small force, it’s a force that rivals the power of the kingdom.”

Caryl laughed lowly.

“First of all, it’s important to accurately grasp the route the Imperial army is moving on. You said Suan is back? Go to the lawless port and tell him my words. Tell him to prepare a boat and boatman to cross the Ponaine. And you immediately change the road of the main road to make it take longer for Ruon to pass through the Haron Main Road.”

“Yes? The main road?”

“Yes. And take all the Redstone and Cradle Stone stored in the warehouse. You know better than anyone why you need them, so there’s no need to explain.”

Dushala nodded, but said with an expression that her curiosity had not yet been resolved.

“But is there a reason why you have to delay the time by changing the main road so troublesome? I can just talk to the Three Kingdoms…….”

“No. If that happens, we’ll be revealing that we know the Empire’s movements before they do.”

“Ah…….”

She closed her mouth, feeling like she had made a mistake.

‘Besides, the last demon nest is created right on that border. No matter what, he has to be there.’

What if monsters appeared in a situation where Prince Ruon’s troops and the troops of the Three Kingdoms were facing each other?

Caryl was aiming for something in that chaos.

‘Because it’s on the border between the two countries, there are overwhelmingly more people living there than in other border areas.’

It’s not just a simple village.

If you combine the people of the large and small kingdoms on the border, the number alone is well over a thousand.

‘Would Istan and Tvanel open the gates to save their people in the face of the large army before them?’

If they had that kind of thought, they wouldn’t have bought attribute stones so indiscriminately.

The rumors that are passed from mouth to mouth are not just something that can be determined by numbers.

A thousand people are not just a thousand people.

‘If I save them in front of the Empire and the Three Kingdoms…….’

The homeland that abandoned them and the Empire that invaded them.

The evaluation was obvious.

‘Tyran Shutean. You ignored my deal and used your head to get rid of the princes, but this will be the worst move for you.’

Because the Empire’s movements were already clearly revealed in his palm.

“The subjugation team?”

“It’s ready. Beykan and Kinu Mukari’s troops have already gathered.”

Caryl nodded and got up from his seat.

‘Three princes……. They’re faces I miss. Maybe I can subjugate not only the monsters but even you guys this time.’

His eyes flashed.

“Let’s go.”