The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 30

Story of a Baron’s Second Son – Episode 30

The term ‘gambit’ refers to a strategic maneuver, often unexpected, designed to reverse an unfavorable situation. Dictionaries define it as ‘a clever trick others might not easily conceive.’ However, I found myself without such a gambit.

A true gambit requires a miraculous alignment of circumstances. But what was the reality? Our current predicament stemmed from someone wielding their power arbitrarily. In such a scenario, a gambit is impossible; a countermeasure is the only option.

“First, understand that this isn’t a long-term crisis. We anticipate the arrival of new recruits and magic stones within a month. Our focus is minimizing damage during this period.”

“And if this situation recurs?”

“We’ll address it then. Conditions might improve or worsen. With the Scorpions demonstrating their full potential, it’s unlikely to deteriorate further.”

One month. At most. The Terra Barrier leaders were convened because Count Ponk’s inefficiency led to an unusual surge in higher-level monsters, escalating the damage.

Within a month, the Scorpions, currently stored, will be deployed. If they replicate their field test performance, we can maintain, or even reduce, the usual damage levels until Count Zieg’s return.

“Agreed.”

“The Scorpion could be a game-changing weapon.”

The Scorpion’s power was undeniable, proven through numerous field tests. Hope began to dawn on everyone’s faces. Devising a plan to survive a month without Count Zieg’s overwhelming strength seemed far more manageable.

“So, what’s the plan? Short-term solutions exist, but time is critical. Monsters could attack as early as tomorrow.”

“First, we must maximize our current resources. Immediate results are unlikely, regardless of our speed.”

#

The quickest solution, undeniably, was to motivate Count Ponk. Count Zieg rarely issued direct commands during battles, despite his capability. Overwhelming numerical superiority required direct confrontation.

Count Ponk’s situation was similar. While there’s a distinction between lacking ability and choosing not to act, the outcome—inaction—was the same.

Count Zieg’s contributions to the Terra Barrier’s defense were his solo hunting of high-level monsters and his rapid deployment across the territory. Encouraging Count Ponk to emulate this activity was crucial.

Naturally, this required Count Ponk’s voluntary action, a conclusion many were striving to achieve.

“Even Count Ponk can’t replace Count Zieg…”

“Count Zieg is extraordinary. He deliberately seeks out the most dangerous monsters.”

Rumors, originating from an unknown source, began circulating within the Terra Barrier, targeting Count Ponk.

Count Ponk is incompetent.

Count Ponk’s skills are inferior to Count Zieg’s.

Count Ponk is cowardly, hunting only weaker monsters.

The soldiers were discreet, but the rumors permeated the Terra Barrier, inevitably reaching Count Ponk, whose senses were far sharper than ordinary people.

Bang-

“Who dares spread such lies!”

Count Ponk was enraged. His position was earned through relentless effort and dedication.

He took immense pride in his abilities, considering himself the world’s finest swordsman. While not attached to his position, the rumors questioning his abilities, especially in comparison to Count Zieg, one of the Emperor’s three swords, deeply bothered him. This was precisely my intention.

‘He’s only human; he’s bound to be affected, especially Count Ponk.’

It didn’t take long to understand Count Ponk’s character. The wizards, avid readers from across the Empire, possessed information about prominent figures like Count Ponk.

Count Ponk, born to a knight of obscure origins, rose from humble beginnings through sheer talent and hard work. His position was solely due to his skill. Doubting and devaluing his abilities undermined his authority at the Terra Barrier.

This allowed for such a transparent strategy. His background made him averse to complex schemes, leading him to prioritize demonstrating his skills to silence the rumors rather than identifying and punishing the source.

This assessment proved accurate. Count Ponk’s activity increased in subsequent battles, though the rumors persisted.

This wasn’t due to continued rumor-mongering, but because the damage remained higher than under Count Zieg’s command. Fabricating rumors is difficult, but dispelling existing ones is harder.

Count Zieg’s decade of experience allowed him to quickly assess and respond to threats, unlike Count Ponk, who simply targeted large, menacing monsters. This difference in effectiveness fueled the rumors, which Count Ponk’s pride couldn’t tolerate.

Boiling-

Black and red energy emanated from the door, causing the hallway to tremble slightly. A heavy atmosphere descended.

‘Can negative emotions exert such influence?’

His anger wasn’t feigned. Masters who transcend human limits possess mental fortitude exceeding ordinary people. But he was undoubtedly displeased, still striving to silence the rumors.

Knock knock-

“Count, about the matter I mentioned earlier…”

“Enter!”

I retract my previous thought; his pride is even greater than I imagined. Count Ponk sat in a chair, his presence so intense that it was visually overwhelming and physically paralyzing.

It reminded me of Count Zieg’s sword pointed at my neck months ago. However, this was less intense; I was merely within the area of his aura, not its direct target.

“What is it!”

“The artifact I mentioned is complete…”

“Artifact?”

I informed Count Ponk after the meeting, but he likely dismissed it as unimportant.

“It’s a real-time monster location map.”

I presented Count Ponk with an enhanced map. Simultaneous engraving of two markings was impossible, so I used magic to detect the presence and intensity of magical energy, making it a significant improvement. It only displayed the magical energy of living beings.

“Such a thing exists?”

“Yes, here it is.”

My motive was simple: to increase Count Ponk’s activity. The one-month timeframe revived previously discarded strategies. While effective, their limitations were clear. They were abandoned for a reason.

Therefore, Count Ponk needed to patrol the area more diligently to further reduce damage, whether by choice or coercion.

#

From that day forward, Count Ponk’s movements changed. After a quick sweep, he consulted the map and charged toward areas with high magical energy concentrations. Spreading magical energy to survey the entire Terra Barrier during combat was suicidal, but Count Ponk seemed unfazed.

“That’s amazing.”

“You’re even more amazing, I think.”

“Hey, this wasn’t a solo effort. I couldn’t have created the map without my seniors’ help.”

While engraving allows me to contribute in various ways, my pure magical knowledge is still lacking. My seniors assisted in completing the improved map before my fall expedition.

“A natural enemy.”

In terms of combat skill alone, Count Ponk surpassed Count Zieg. However, Count Zieg excelled in other areas, such as subordinate trust and leadership.

‘If only he had acted like this from the start.’

The map was also distributed to knight commanders and magic squad leaders, responsible for both combat and command. This expedited troop movements, resulting in damage levels comparable to when Count Zieg was present.

“I’ll have to spread more rumors subtly. After the whip, comes the carrot.”

“You’re the first to treat Count Ponk like a horse.”

“He’s a bomb, ready to explode. If he discovers I’m the source of the rumors, he’ll behead me instantly.”

In this manner, a month passed. On the anniversary of my arrival at the Terra Barrier, the new recruits arrived, accompanied by a slightly larger support contingent than the previous year. I suddenly understood the sentiments of the seniors who observed us last year. The following year would be easier, but still challenging.

“Good Luck.”

Good luck, everyone.

End