Episode 207
“It is said that those who have risen up in the former Zahid County in the northeast are gathering soldiers with the arrogant claim that the former royal family, Clavis, should be installed as king. Based on the estimates so far…” Their
military history reported at the meeting. The estimate is at the level of the Margrave of the past.
But the problem was that the troops were gradually increasing.
Information that the forces of the male viscounts who once joined the First Prince faction are joining the war one by one.
“Are they really sane?”
“They are all people who lost a lot after losing in the civil war. They may have thought that it would be better to die than continue to live like that…” “
Tsk, tsk. Anyway, the nobles are…”
Whatever the reason, their power is increasing, so the royal family The investigation team reported that the longer it takes, the worse it gets.
And the nobles’ opinions were almost unanimous.
“The Grand Duchy of Esperanza or the Marquis of McLane must come forward directly.”
“If the two of you work together, it will be sorted out quickly, and I don’t think it will be difficult if just one person steps forward.”
The reason why most small and medium-sized nobles are not nervous despite the huge issue of rebels.
It was because of the trust in Logan and the swordsman who ended the civil war.
“It won’t be easy if McLane himself comes forward. May I ask you, Lord Logan?”
After hearing the king’s words, Logan sighed inwardly.
‘It’s an inevitable choice, but…’
Esperanza’s troops were guarding the capital and the border, so he thought it was the right answer for McLane, who had the resources to spare, to step forward.
‘If we add the elites of our family and the private soldiers of other nobles who volunteer, we can minimize the damage.’
The decision was quick.
“Yes. I and my family will take responsibility for clearing them out.”
The answer was decisive.
Grieg’s decision was welcomed with applause by the king and nobles.
In this way, the organization of the rebel suppression force centered around McLane was decided.
* * *
“Rally the troops.”
At one word from Logan, McLane’s troops moved immediately.
The Knights alone have long since numbered more than 1,000 people, and there are already more than 10,000 soldiers.
That was purely professional troops, not including any vigilantes that could be mobilized.
Although it was the result of a continuous expansion of soldiers, the number of knights that had increased was surprising even to Logan.
It was the result of a combination of wandering knights (knights from a ruined family) requesting to be appointed to Macline, which had established itself as the best family after the civil war, and those who awakened and became knights among the existing soldiers of the territory.
“Leave only the absolutely necessary troops and mobilize all your might. Crush them all at once.”
“Is there a need to go to such lengths when there are other nobles’ troops? It seems like our family is the only one carrying too much of a burden.”
“This is to ensure that the rebels are rooted out and that something like this never happens again. And the more troops there are, the less damage there will be.”
And there were reasons why it was difficult to talk about it publicly.
‘We shouldn’t take too long because of rebels or something like that.’
There is still a long way to go before preparing for imperial war.
It seemed like the king’s attitude toward him had changed, but he couldn’t be completely at ease.
‘Whether they are the real Clevis and the remnants of the 1st Prince faction or if there are other hidden behinds, we will put an end to them once and for all.’
so.
“Tell the nobles who participated in the war to gather as many troops as possible. We will suppress them at once.”
“…All right.”
Just two weeks later.
At McLane’s front yard, 70% of the family’s total troops were assembled for the punitive force.
Moreover, the troops of the other nobles who had decided to participate in the war at the Great War Council were superior in number to those mobilized by Logan, let alone in quality.
“We have 700 knights and 7,000 soldiers. If we include all other troops, we have 1,500 knights and 15,000 elite soldiers.”
“According to reports, the enemy forces are less than half that number.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
The difference in troops is at a level that cannot be defeated even if one tries.
As it was reported that the number of nobles joining the rebels was no longer increasing, the spirit of the punitive army gathered in front of McLane Town gradually increased.
Then, an absurd incident occurred.
“Terrorism? Again?!”
[Yes that’s right. Even His Majesty was seriously injured this time. So all the bishops of the temple came.]
Instead of the urgent old man seen through the communication port, Palmon Terich’s face was blue.
“Has there been another hole in the capital’s defenses?”
[It seems so. So, Your Majesty has a favor to ask of Prince Logan. But that’s me…]
A look of embarrassment appeared on Palman’s wrinkled face.
“…It’s okay. Just tell me.”
Logan saw that and urged him on.
[…He asks you to send the McLane Knights to Grand. If what the rebels want is the throne, shouldn’t they strengthen their defenses by filling the surrounding area with trustworthy elite troops?…]
“You mean our family’s knights?”
As Logan’s brow furrowed, Palman hurriedly waved his hand.
[This is what Your Majesty said, not me. The Knights of Esperanza said that they had to protect the border in case of an emergency, so the only one they could trust was Lord Logan…]
Palman’s face as he continued to wipe away the cold sweat was pitiful, but it was not the time to look at the situation.
“At this moment we must attack the rebels?”
[His Majesty said that McLane would not be able to subdue the rebels just because the Knights were missing because of the increased forces. “It’s not me, it’s your Majesty.]
“Prince! This is nonsense. You can’t even call up troops at this time! Moreover, the knights…!”
Even Eilen, who was quietly listening to the conversation from behind, raised her voice.
‘Just because our knights are missing doesn’t mean we won’t be able to subdue them.’
Because the McLane family is not the only subjugating force.
There is no reason to cause trouble with the king again because of that.
“I understand. The McLane Knights will guard Your Majesty. Then…”
“Prince!”
“Don’t worry. It’s still enough.”
I happily answered Eilen’s concerns and turned around.
Palman, who was in the communication zone, added his words with a face full of regret.
[Well… Now that the royal garrison cannot be trusted at all, he has requested the dispatch of soldiers to reinforce security in the capital. I heard those crossbow cavalry guys are capable…]
Huh…?
Look at this?
‘no way…?’
My complexion suddenly hardened and my eyebrows twitched.
At that sight, Palman in the communication sphere repeatedly lowered his head.
Before Logan could reply, Eileen screamed.
“Even crossbow cavalry? That’s absurd! Prince Logan, this is really not possible. Anyone can see that this is an unreasonable request. You must not comply!”
[I’m sorry. As God got older, he kept forgetting and couldn’t deliver it all at once. And this opinion is by no means the opinion of our ministers.]
Hmm…
Logan fell into thought while listening to Palman’s voice with one ear.
‘Is it going to come out like this…?’
The gentle face of the king I had seen in Daejeon was gradually being erased from my mind.
[I will report to your Majesty that it will be difficult. Actually, it’s nonsense. Cancer, of course. McLane’s full power in this situation…]
“Say no.”
[As expected… Yes?]
“Confucius!!”
Eilen’s eyes widened and she took a step forward, but Logan simply raised his hand to block her movement.
Shaking your head lightly. Heavy expression.
When Eilen saw that face, she had no choice but to sigh and step back.
And Logan spoke to the communication port with that same expression on his face.
“I will also dispatch the crossbow cavalry. Is that enough now?”
[Are you really…?]
A decision that even Palman, who conveys the king’s words, finds hard to believe.
Logan nodded heavily and immediately left the communications room.
bang!
The door slamming shut represented Logan’s feelings right now.
I ended the communication pretending to be calm, but my stomach was boiling.
‘What are we going to do now?’
Even the emperor of a foreign empire is trying to strengthen his national power by inviting him in, and the person who becomes the monarch is so anxious that he cannot stand in the way.
‘It will be really difficult for you to come out here, Your Majesty.’
I tried to put my mind in order, trying to hold back the terrifying thoughts that kept coming to mind, but the anger that kept boiling over did not subside at all.
‘Let’s be patient. You have to endure it. You can’t have a conflict with the king with the rebels in front of you. There’s still enough power.’
But just one day later.
The words carefully conveyed by Viscount Torres, the noble representative of the punitive army, once again tested the limits of Logan’s patience.
“While McLane’s army was targeting their main character, we were ordered to spread out in different directions and wipe out the remnants of the rebels in various places.”
Dealing with the enemy’s main base with all of McLane’s main forces taken out.
The plan was to subdue the center of the rebels with only about 50 newly awakened trainee knights and regular soldiers.
Doesn’t this sound like telling me to die?
“Ah… it’s coming out like this…”
The soaring murderousness that came out along with the empty laughter made the room feel cold, and Viscount Torres, who felt the eerie aura, hastily changed his words.
“As expected, it would be impossible. We will answer that we will follow the McLine and subdue the castle.”
But Logan sighed and shook his head.
“No, no.”
The reason for holding back was the same as yesterday.
It is possible to ignore the king’s orders and force a punitive army.
His influence would still clearly be above that of the king.
However, I did not know how the king would emerge if the punitive army was forced without justification.
“…Go ahead. We’ll take care of their main army.”
“Thank you, Your Excellency.”
Viscount Torres’ face, who was looking between the king and Logan, brightened in an instant.
‘It seems like the king has planned it all out.’
It was clear that he intended to use this rebel incident as an opportunity to confront himself and expand his influence.
And maybe beyond that….
Lost in thought, Logan’s complexion became increasingly hard.
Of course, those around him did not understand Logan’s decision.
“Confucius, this doesn’t make sense. The king has decided to kill our family. Why don’t you think again?”
Eilen argued with Logan with an angry face.
Knowing that it wasn’t anger directed at him, Logan comforted her and smiled bitterly.
“I know.”
“Yes? Then…!”
“But it’s better to listen this time.”
“Why on earth?!”
“It is obvious to anyone that this is an unreasonable request. Since we have granted such a request, this will serve as justification for us and me in the future.”
“…yes?”
“This is the only time. I will accept the king’s complaints.”
Eilen, who saw Logan’s bloody expression, couldn’t bear to ask any more questions.
* * * [Are they really going as they are?]
“Yes. I have confirmed that the knights and crossbow cavalry, excluding the minimum required troops, are leaving for the capital.”
[Hehe, you mean Logan McLane just accepted that?]
“Yes.”
[I tried to use the backlash as an excuse, but you accepted it as is. Well, it’s unexpected, but it’s the best outcome for us. Right?]
“Yes.”
The person looking at the communication port nodded.
[okay. But it bothers me a little. What on earth are you thinking? Do you really think you can eliminate the rebels with just the remaining troops?]
“Maybe you believe in the wizard?”
[You’re going to make up the difference between the 500 knights and the mage with just Logan? No, I’m not that stupid. There must be something there….]
“It’s not a confirmed fact, but there’s a rumor that Luther Kyle has started residing in McLane.”
At those words, the face of the person in the communication sphere distorted.
[her…?! He’s a swordsman… Ugh. After all, he is a priest…]
The person who was lost in thought let out a small sigh.
[It must be true. If there is another superhuman, it would be a reason to push forward.]
“Even if that’s true, it won’t be easy.”
[…It’s not easy, but it’s difficult. I hope Logan McLaine dies there. Even if not, we have to at least make MacLaine suffer fatal damage.]
“I’ll use a little more effort.”
[A little?]
“…It will be as you wish, Your Majesty.”
Only then did the young face reflected in the communication port smile in satisfaction.
* * *
“All troops deploy!”
With Logan’s shout, McLane’s troops began to move.
A very small portion of the family’s total power.
50 knights and nearly 7,000 regular soldiers.
It was a mediocre force without most of the main knights and crossbow cavalry, and it was shabby even compared to the enemies they had to face now.
The troops that went to the capital were troops, but a minimum number of knights had to be left behind in the territory to prepare for an emergency.
In addition, vigilantes equipped with repeating crossbows also had to defend large territories in place of regular troops.
In fact, they were the maximum force that Logan could mobilize right now.
It was natural for everyone watching the march to be anxious and worried.
“Why are you doing that?”
“Aren’t you going to die?”
“why?”
However, although Logan’s face in front of him was stiff, there was no sign of worry.
The person standing on his right was Clayton, famous as the only mage in the kingdom, and the person standing on his left was Luther Kyle, a superman who was making his first public appearance after converting to McLane.
Even though he didn’t announce it to the outside world, he had already become a superhuman.
The maximum number of weapons that a superhuman can use has been added to the three.
After catching a glimpse of the carts lined up in the middle of the army, Logan looked up at the northeastern sky and smiled coolly.
‘No matter who hoped or did what they did, I will turn it over.’
