The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 118

Baron’s Family Second Son – Episode 118

Whirring-

A biting gale, laden with frigid air, lashed out, threatening to flay the skin. I could conjure warmth even in this cold, which seemed capable of freezing water instantly, but the soldiers trailing behind me were not so fortunate.

Despite being equipped with the best cold-weather gear available, marching for hours each day across the Monster’s Land, where fierce winds, blizzards, and bitter cold converged, meant that even a moment’s carelessness could result in frostbitten hands and feet, devoid of sensation.

‘There’s a reason why not a single emperor in history has attempted an expedition here before now.’

Of course, their circumstances differed from those of the current Emperor. The existence of the Titans [artificially created giants] was a major factor, as was the understanding of the underground resources buried within the Monster’s Land. Had the current Emperor lacked these two things, he would never have planned this expedition.

Nevertheless, the sheer inhospitable nature of this environment could not be ignored. If this land were suitable for human habitation, warm and bountiful, then one might attempt an expedition regardless of the outcome. But even if they shed blood and sweat to acquire the land, there would be no immediate benefit.

‘That’s why the rewards for a successful expedition are so much greater.’

It might be premature to judge, but I believed that unless a major variable arose—such as the emergence of an overwhelmingly powerful monster or a war with the kingdoms—we could successfully conclude the expedition. Of course, variables are unpredictable by nature.

‘Perhaps I am helping to create the most powerful emperor in history.’

The emperor’s power had waxed and waned throughout the generations, but never had an emperor been able to single-handedly dominate the entire empire. Despite the prestige of the title, the emperor was essentially the most powerful among the many lords who constituted the empire.

Thus, emperors forged ties with influential nobles to solidify their position, but this also weakened their authority. Relying on the strength of others rather than their own naturally led to this outcome. However, the current Emperor was different.

The biggest difference between the current Emperor and his predecessors?

Power.

The power to subdue dissenting nobles.

With the Titans representing physical might and the successful expedition into the Monster’s Land as an achievement, the Emperor had, or would soon have, the power to prevent the nobles from acting rashly.

‘This isn’t bad for me either.’

The empire was divided into two major factions: the Emperor’s faction and the Noble faction. I was closer to the Emperor’s faction, as were those around me. What I wanted was a stable future for my family, not power. In this situation, there was no reason to oppose the Emperor’s growing strength, unless he intended to eliminate all the nobles. And unless the Emperor had gone mad, he would never make such a foolish or dangerous choice.

‘Let’s just keep things as they are.’

#

The expedition over the past year might seem successful, with no significant losses and substantial gains. One could hear praise for the Titans, which mowed down high-ranking monsters like scarecrows, and knights boasting about their exploits. But the reality was different.

Behind the dazzling performance of the Titans and knights, countless soldiers were sacrificing themselves in the shadows. Without the constant support from the central government, the number of soldiers would have been less than half of the initial number by the time the defense line was established.

However, when those in positions of responsibility were asked if the losses were truly significant, only two or three out of ten would say yes. No matter how many soldiers were sacrificed, they were ultimately commoners. To the nobles and lords who commanded them, commoners were just another form of property.

Some of the most ruthless would see commoners not as living beings but as replaceable assets, not caring how many died. Even those who were not so extreme would consider it a worthwhile exchange for the greater gains.

Therefore, Renil felt considerable pressure during the expedition. He had one more reason to ensure its success and see it through to the end. It was all packaged as being for the greater good, but at its core, it was Renil’s personal revenge. Of course, it was something that had to be done eventually, or more victims would suffer. But the current losses were more keenly felt than the potential future harm.

#

“I have returned. How have you been?”

“Ah, you’ve arrived.”

Finally back at the front lines. In the few months I had been away, the expeditionary force’s Titan strength had increased by more than 1.5 times. Over 150 first-generation Titans, along with the Glory and the specialized units Ruin and Gauder, which surpassed the Glory in power.

If this force were directed southward instead of northward, it could have razed one of the kingdoms that were not yet prepared for Titans. To fight Titans, ordinary knights had to face them as if they were high-ranking monsters.

No matter how much knights surpassed human limitations in physical ability, they were nothing compared to high-ranking monsters. The only reason knights could stand against high-ranking monsters was because of their Aura [a manifestation of inner energy], but even that paled in comparison to the Titans.

“Excellent. This will be a great asset to the expeditionary force.”

“How is the situation at the defense line?”

“Neither good nor bad. Considering this place is in the heart of the Monster’s Land, it’s fair to say it’s good.”

The reason why that formidable force could not advance and had to defend the line was that the monsters did not disappear after being wiped out once. Unlike humans, who needed nearly twenty years to become fully functional, the monsters’ reproductive and growth rates were incomparably faster.

Eliminating monsters was necessary, but pushing them back north as much as possible was even more critical. In this situation, no amount of force was enough.

“How is your health? My wife was very worried.”

“Are you asking about my health? Even a child on the street would laugh at that.”

Having led the supply unit, I exchanged brief reports and conversation. After that, I left to rest and dedicated myself to preparing for the expedition that would follow once the weather cleared. As the saying goes, “Well begun is half done,” but conversely, “First luck is dog’s luck” [meaning initial success doesn’t guarantee continued good fortune]. To continue last year’s good start to the end, thorough preparation, not complacency, was needed.

#

It was almost the end of April when the northern region recovered above-freezing temperatures. As a result, it took quite a long time to create an environment where troops could move. In the meantime, the expeditionary force’s command was engaged in heated debate over various issues. The main agenda was, of course, when to move the troops.

“Is there really a need to move the troops so soon? The monsters of spring are as ferocious as those of winter. They try to replenish what they lost in winter during the spring. If we leave them alone, they will kill each other and reduce their numbers. There is no need to make the soldiers face monsters that are poisoned by hunger.”

“That’s right. Moreover, there is still much land among the territories we acquired last year that we have not even begun to develop. If we go further than this, the defense line will inevitably widen. How about conserving our strength a little more this year? Above all, we have the Glory. We are the ones who get stronger over time.”

However, not everyone agreed to move the troops. Some argued that we should take a break this year for these reasons. The damage suffered during the expedition was severe, but even before, when we were blocking the Tera Barrier [a magical barrier], the damage was considerable. It was worth enduring the damage, even if it was a little more, because we were gaining incomparable benefits.

“What nonsense is that! Have you forgotten the speech that His Majesty the Emperor himself proclaimed at the departure ceremony? This expedition is a holy war! A holy war! Are you suggesting we postpone the holy war because of some sacrifices?”

“Besides, you want to delay the departure because it’s spring? Have you forgotten when we crossed over here last year? And if we delay the departure any longer, winter will come before we can go far. You pretend to care about the soldiers, but aren’t you just afraid?”

“Are, are you done talking?!”

Each had their own basis for their judgment, but it ended in a fight. As nobles with pride that soared to the sky, they could not easily tolerate anyone contradicting them. If there was no one to suppress them, it would not be strange if a sword fight broke out. Fortunately, there was someone in this place with authority that no one could approach.

“His Majesty the Emperor gave me only one order: to make the Monster’s Land the territory of the Empire. Everything else is just a secondary issue.”

“But Your Excellency! This is just a step back for a leap forward! If we wait a little longer, we will be able to attack more stably. His Majesty the Emperor’s orders are important, but the safety of the soldiers is also important, isn’t it?”

“Unfortunately, the number of Titans cannot be significantly increased in the short term.”

I was also on the side of advocating for ending the expedition as quickly as possible. There were several reasons, but the current reason, which surprised everyone who heard it, also played a part.

“What do you mean? Count Hughes.”

“Is there anyone here who knows how many resources are consumed to manufacture one Titan?”

No one readily raised their hand. It was understandable. The manufacturing method of the Titan was a top secret of the Empire that only people in the research lab could know. It was a content that was forbidden to be divulged to anyone by the Emperor’s order, so even nobles could not know it in detail, even if it was rough.

“I cannot tell you the details because it is confidential, but what is certain is that it far exceeds your expectations. Until now, we have been producing quantities based on stockpiled resources, but such drastic numbers will not be possible in the future.”

That’s why this expedition was important. The size of the land was incomparably smaller than the Empire’s mainland, but the amount of underground resources buried here was truly earth-shattering.

“Now is when the expeditionary force is strongest. There is no reason to give time for the enemy to get stronger. Your Excellency.”

“Move the troops as soon as preparations are complete. Does anyone object?”

There was no way there would be.

Baron’s Family Second Son – Episode 118 – End