Chapter 12: Chapter 12

“What a headache…”

No amount of preparations, training or warnings could ever prepare Saulus for the number of tasks that dropped on his head. From the procedures of disarming the remaining soldiers of the lord, through spreading the propaganda that aimed to slowly change what the legionaries might think about the entire revolution, all the way to a countless number of miscellaneous affairs that needed to be taken care of.

“Sir, the seventeenth shipment got delayed. Reports say something about broken carriages…”

Sorting through the papers along with his general, Gabriel proved to be as competent a secretary as he was a soldier. Instantly derailing Saulus’s attempts at whining, this old veteran had some kind of strange ability that allowed him to see Saulus’s state of mind. And burdened with all the work, Saulus was no match against this insane power.

“Eh, kiddo. You are worrying about everything way too much. Just let things take their time.”

Seeing how his normal attempts to diffuse didn’t seem to have any effect this time, Gabriel approached Saulus’s desk before placing his heavy hand on the general’s shoulder.

“I know, I know…”

Leaning back against his chair in response, Saulus momentarily closed his eyes. With papers piling up in an almost comical fashion, Gabriel’s suddenly-provided excuse appeared at the right time.

“Nevertheless, I didn’t expect so much trouble to appear. At least we know that we have full control over the area… Oh, right. Any news about local volunteers?”

While the official propaganda did its work, Saulus was actually very interested in the effects of the rumors and news whispered from ear to ear. The second legion might have some loyalists. But once the people from the former Burn Kingdom learned about the long-lost flag once again fluttering above the royal castle…

And Aldo was exactly what would pull the people in. While Istoa was a mighty and important fortress that guarded the entire region from the west, Aldo was the ultimate seat of power. Even when the Retesian household conquered those lands, the general governor of the entire area had no choice but to remain in the city. And now that he was gone…

“We have yet to receive reports. Sir, with all due respect, instead of worrying about those… peasants, I would like to know a little more about how we will deal with our brothers.”

Even though this seasoned Retesian soldier before him was involved in a part of Saulus’s schemes, he was far from knowing the entire picture. And it was no wonder that he was worried about facing off against his friends and brothers-in-arms.

“You don’t need to worry about it…”

Starting his sentence as if he wasn’t willing to reveal the future, Saulus shook his head once before looking back at his officer.

“Along with Rylas, I sent a package filled with instructions, reasoning, and what his possible choices are. He is my friend. As likely as he is to hate me for betraying the patriarch and his household, he is a reasonable man. All he needs to do to confirm my words is to wait a week. Past that time, he will have no other choice but to accept my terms.”

Massaging his eyeballs, Saulus started his explanations. After all, this was the very first moment when he could reveal even a tiny part of the grand master plan. With Venna being the lone confidant that Saulus could reveal anything to so far, being able to talk about strictly militaristic aspects of his genius strategy… It was something as new as it was enjoyable to Saulus.

“Sir, but what exactly will be their situation? I hope… They won’t…”

Not knowing all the details of his general’s plans didn’t hinder the old officer from understanding the scope of Saulus intentions. And as sad as it would sound, spilling brotherly blood wouldn’t be unexpected at all during the war that Saulus provoked.

“Nah, who do you take me for?”

Noticing the anxiety of his loyal subordinate, Saulus shook Gabriel’s hand casually before explaining himself.

“Once he reaches the border, he will have the choice. Either go forth along with the patriarch’s orders and doom the entire legion as no help from allied lords will come, or establish themselves at the Southern Crossing. He can claim that he will wait there indefinitely for the allied forces to attack the south. By clogging that route…”

Standing up from his chair, Saulus approached an enormous map that hung on the wall of the royal chamber of the castle. Tracing his fingers on the thick cloth, he could see the bruises left by the strokes of the master painter that created this wonder. Following the path of the dark dots that marked the road, the general stopped his fingers at the lone southern fortress surrounded by fertile land. But there was one more reason why that place was special.

It guarded the only other road outside of the track passing by Istoa, that led to the hinterlands of the entire eastern province!

It was built during the early stages of the conflict between the young patriarch and the fallen kingdom of Burn. It was the single reason the war ended in the way it did. After all, to this day, Istoa has never fallen into the enemy’s hands via direct siege.

“…They will secure our side while we restore the Burn household! Oh Firstborns, come here and watch as there is no way for such genius to manifest in one not of your bloodline!”

Exclaiming to the skies while praising both Saulus’ incredible mind and the Firstborn as well, Gabriel had to take a moment to calm down. And then, a set of two wrinkles appeared on the officer’s forehead.

“Sir, but why would they remain there? What will stop them from coming here and reclaiming the province? If the Rylas man you’ve always respected is really that skillful, he might take supreme command over the legion!”

It was clear why Gabriel was concerned. But Saulus didn’t look troubled, even in the slightest.

“No, they won’t come here. Because if they do, the chaos of the war will reach their families, friends and homes.”

Turning his head to his subordinate once again, Saulus looked at Gabriel with strange sparks in his eyes.

“And I’m the only guarantee of peace in the area. Why do you think I started everything at Istoa?”

Reaching forth with his hand, Saulus grabbed a cup from the table and took a sip, while the wrinkle on Gabriel’s head started to smooth out.

“A fortress that was never taken… If we hold it while the first legion secures south… I understand. We will enclose our theatre of operations to the eastern province alone… But sir…”

After taking a moment to consider the entire situation, Gabriel suddenly raised his head and stared at the general with a serious look in his eyes.

“Sir, if we are restoring the household… Where is the princess?”