WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator: Abood

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◈ Friedrich's Battlefield

Chapter 80: Border Inspection (1)

As the season shifted into autumn, the imperial ambassador, Marquis Christopher Langford, began his inspection tour of the border region. In a gesture that physically embodied the Rigald Empire’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Edelstein, Christopher departed for the borderlands accompanied by his wife and young daughter. From north to south, he began visiting key locations along the frontier.

His first stop was the northernmost corridor, the Elzass Corridor. At the fortress guarding its entrance, he visited and offered encouragement to the garrison of the Albrecht Regiment stationed there on high alert.

He then traveled further south to the city of Remscheid, which had been incorporated into the royal domain and was now establishing a new order. There, he inspected a battalion formed from the remnants of the defeated troops once belonging to the Duchy of Bachstein.

The unit was commanded by officers dispatched from the Royal Guard and training corps. Serving beneath them were non-commissioned officers who had been stripped of their knighthood but granted their lives, as well as soldiers who had suffered under the treachery of their former lord yet chose to remain in uniform, determined to protect their homeland.

Through rigorous training aimed at improving their combat readiness and their tireless efforts supporting the garrison forces stationed in the corridor, they demonstrated to Christopher that the Royal House of Edelstein was steadily securing new military strength with which to defend the corridor on its own.

Christopher then continued his journey through the various noble territories along the border. Staying at the manors of the local lords, he spoke of how the Imperial House of Rigald wished for the peace and stability of its allied nation’s borderlands, and how, if the time came, it stood ready to extend a hand of support to ensure it.

In addition to such political discussions, conversations often turned to culture and the arts. Having long immersed himself in the culture of the Kingdom of Edelstein, Christopher displayed a level of knowledge rarely possessed by outsiders—sharing insights into local traditions and lore, as well as the writers and artists born in each noble territory and their respective works.

There was no noble who failed to be pleased by such familiarity with their own land, nor by the praise of the cultural and artistic legacy nurtured there. The lords, in increasingly high spirits, welcomed Christopher and his family all the more warmly. In the capitals of each territory, he stood alongside the lords before the public and delivered speeches as the imperial ambassador, leaving a strong impression on all who beheld him.

Eventually, the inspection party arrived in the Northern Plains.

There, they were welcomed by the House of Count Brightkreuz, who was tasked with monitoring the plains. The count himself guided them through and explained the flawless border defense system maintained by the army of the Brightkreuz County.

Furthermore, they joined up with the unit led by Knight Diethelm Brightkreuz, the count’s heir and cavalry battalion commander of the Hildegard Regiment, who would escort them through the western royal domain and the inspection of the Beiral Plains.

The details of these inspections were being reported back to the royal capital without delay by the Royal Guard escort and falconers assigned to the group by the royal family.

Those reports were shared with the king’s close aides, including Your Lordship Matthias, and were even brought up by him during a regular strategy meeting with the senior officers of the Ferdinand Regiment.

"Indeed, one could say he’s the leading figure in fostering ties between both nations."

"Honestly, when I first heard about the inspection tour, I didn’t expect it would produce such perfectly calculated results."

"I’d say it exceeded expectations. With such a visible demonstration of solidarity toward the Kingdom of Edelstein, even the Imperial House of Rigald can’t easily act contrary to it now."

Captain Rudiger of the infantry and Captain Romilda of the archers spoke, and Gregor replied.

“Even an ambassador who’s so used to imperial mannerisms can be useful sometimes.”

"He's still a rare pro-Edelstein noble in the Empire. If that’s all he’s good for, then he’d best charm everyone to the fullest."

These more biting remarks, compared to those of the younger officers, came from Infantry Battalion Commander Barthold and Cavalry Battalion Commander Baron Eugen Stamitz.

The phrase ‘imperial mannerisms’ used by Bartolt refers to a term employed by neighboring countries’ people when speaking negatively about the behavior of imperial citizens. It describes how, even if the Empire’s people seem friendly, they often consciously or unconsciously behave as if their country is superior, an attitude that grates on others.

Christopher, as the leading pro-Edelstein faction noble, is ultimately still a member of the vast Empire, and yet he behaves as if he’s a great understanding friend of the Kingdom of Edelstein, a fact that irks many. This sentiment is especially common among the older generations of the kingdom’s soldiers. Those who survived the Great War with the Loire Kingdom witnessed the Empire’s undeniable arrogance firsthand when receiving support during that conflict.

While listening to the company commanders’ words, Friedrich thought of Diethelm.

On the night before the reinforcements from the Hildegard Regiment returned, after the aftermath of the rebellion had settled somewhat, Friedrich was invited by him to share dinner and drink a little. During that time, he expressed rather harsh opinions about the Empire. For someone his age, it was unusual how strongly he seemed to dislike the Empire.

That Diethelm, who acted as guide for the inspection party, joined Ambassador Christopher at the Brightkreuz Count’s territory. Given how he had spoken before, it was hard to believe he would like an imperial idealist such as the ambassador.

“I understand your thoughts. Speak freely here, but choose your words more carefully when outside… Now, the main issue isn’t the ambassador’s behavior, but rather the reaction from the Arelia Kingdom.”

When Matthias said this, the officers also tightened their expressions.

“Obviously, Arelia is aware of the ambassador’s conspicuous behavior near the border, and signs of a response have been detected. According to intelligence, troops are gathering in the eastern capital, Toulouse.”

“Oh? The Empire’s blatant provocation seems to have ruffled the King of Arelia’s feathers.”

Baron Eugen Stamitz replied with a light tone to Matthias’s remark.

“Your Lordship, is there any information about the size of the gathering forces?”

“It’s estimated to be about two thousand. Around a thousand newly dispatched troops from the center, replacing Count Fargier who relocated his base northward. And roughly the same number of conscripts.”

When Matthias answered Romilda’s question, the battalion commanders showed slightly surprised expressions.

“That is... quite a large number.”

“It’s the largest reaction anticipated so far. It seems the King of Arelia is very displeased with being underestimated by the Empire.”

Rudiger murmured, representing everyone’s surprise, and Gregor responded to him.

“Or perhaps they have to react this strongly just to save face. After all, they’ve already failed twice in their offensives against the Edelstein Kingdom.”

“I see... So, like the Rigald imperial family, the Arelia royal family also needs to demonstrate resolve to their domestic nobles.”

Friedrich, who had hardly spoken before due to his junior rank, showed agreement with Barthold’s speculation.

“Now that the main thrust of the invasion has shifted toward the Novakia Kingdom, it’s hard to imagine the Arelia Kingdom launching a serious offensive. Even if they manage to break through the border, maintaining occupation and sustaining the campaign would be difficult. Still, given the scale, we must respond accordingly.”

When Matthias spoke again, everyone once more focused on him, the regimental commander.

“It’s unclear whether the enemy troops are approaching the border region merely as a show of force or if they intend a stronger demonstration through an actual attack. Hopefully, it’s the former. But considering the scale of their forces, the latter possibility can’t be ignored. The new commander replacing Count Fargier in charge of operations against the Edelstein Kingdom is Marquis Robert Montesque.”

At the mention of that name, Gregor, Baron Eugen Stamitz, and Barthold let out quiet sighs, while Romilda, Rudiger, and Friedrich all stiffened slightly.

Marquis Robert Montesque was a seasoned general who had served the royal family of the Kingdom of Arelia since the days of the previous king, before the kingdom’s territorial expansion. A veteran commander who had fought alongside two generations of Arelian monarchs in the conquest of neighboring countries.

Given his age, it was said that he had recently stayed in the royal capital, holding an honorary position overseeing the defense of the royal domain. And now, that very Marquis Montesque had been appointed commander of the forces guarding the border with the Kingdom of Edelstein. With a man like him at the helm, even if the kingdom’s main forces had shifted northward, there could be no room for complacency.

Even now, with someone as formidable as the marquis leading two thousand troops to the border, it wouldn’t be surprising if this went beyond mere saber-rattling, perhaps he was even considering ‘testing the strength of Edelstein’s forces in a skirmish.’

“The way things stand, it seems Ambassador Christopher Langford fully intends to complete his inspection all the way to Fort Arnsberg. As the Empire’s representative, he has no intention whatsoever of yielding to the Kingdom of Arelia’s threats, at least for now.” 

"That's quite the admirable courage."

"Don’t be absurd. The inspection was carried out with Arelia’s reaction fully anticipated from the start. Not yielding to threats is a given. If he were to panic and flee just because the enemy started gathering troops, that would be what you call a disappointment."

Impressed by Matthias’s explanation, Rudiger gave a remark of admiration, only for Gregor to snap back sharply.

“It’s certainly reassuring that Ambassador Langford has shown the courage we expected of him so far, but that also means Edelstein Kingdom must now ensure his safety with a fully prepared posture as the situation continues to develop. For that reason, the Ferdinand Regiment will also deploy in anticipation of an attack from Arelia.”

Deployment. With that word, the atmosphere in the room tightened further, a fitting tension settling over the space.

“If the enemy is to strike, the likely location would be the western side of the royal demesne in the west, specifically the Beiral Plains, where the ambassador is headed. That’s likely why they’ve gathered two thousand troops. Still, even with that many, it would be far from enough to assault Arnsberg Fortress, where the militia is also being called up. 

Once we move in as well, the enemy stands no chance. Arelia will likely back down before we even arrive. Still, we cannot be complacent. We’re dealing with that Montesque Marquis, after all. Stay sharp and approach this mission with full seriousness.”

“Sir!” 

The officers replied in unison.

Footnotes: 

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