Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"You should have informed me earlier!"
The head of the Ministry of Government Affairs, the former chief steward to Paul's father, Mr. Ford, expressed his dissatisfaction upon hearing that Paul's mother had returned.
"I apologize; I wasn't certain at the time. If it turned out to be a trick, it wouldn't have been worth troubling you."
Paul felt a bit guilty; after all, Mr. Ford was the longest-serving member of the Grayman family's retainers.
"Fine. For now, we have more pressing matters to discuss," Mr. Ford said, suppressing his urge to meet the former lady of the house.
"At most, within a quarter of a year, an orc army may invade the northeastern region of the kingdom. The source of this information is... reliable."
The administrative and military leaders of Alden Town were gathered in the meeting room as Paul announced the shocking news.
"May the Father in heaven protect us!"
Schroeder made a prayer gesture.
He seemed unsurprised upon hearing about the impending orc invasion.
"I knew this day would come when I was forced to leave Watcher's Fortress," he said.
For years, Schroeder had avoided discussing his past at Watcher's Fortress, but now he opened up to Paul.
"The lords of the northeastern region... are utterly disappointing. The Watcher Legion protected them, yet they viewed the legion as little more than a royal watchdog.
"On the surface, they seemed united, but in the shadows, mistrust was rampant."
"And I, for exposing their illegal activities—smuggling with the orcs—was ostracized by them collectively, eventually having to leave the Watcher Legion and retire in the Northwest Bay."
Schroeder's anger was palpable, surprising Paul.
To Paul, Schroeder had always been calm and composed, but this was the first time he had seen the old knight so "agitated."
"For decades, they've been siphoning resources to the grasslands—salt, grain, and precious metal goods. The orcs' rise and their audacity to invade Aldor owe at least half of their success to those corrupt northeastern lords," Schroeder concluded bitterly.
Paul felt a pang of guilt. Did his own fleet's trade with forest-dwelling orcs count as aiding the enemy?
"Well, forest orcs and their grassland kin are two different matters," Paul reassured himself.
"We should prepare accordingly," Paul said, addressing the assembly.
"Earl, we must immediately expand our ground forces!" said Bryce, standing up.
"We need to reinforce our four understrength battalions to full strength, add additional battalions, and raise the number of frontline soldiers to about... 30,000."
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
...
The land army officers had long been discontented with the navy's growth. Due to the importance of maritime trade, Alden's navy had swelled to nearly 20,000 men, boasting large ships and powerful cannons. By comparison, the land forces felt like the overlooked younger sibling.
"Ahem," Mr. Ford interjected. "If we adhere to the current standards, the Ministry of Government Affairs won't be able to fund such a massive expansion."
"Then issue war bonds!" Bryce suggested, eyes wide. "Didn't we do the same during the war with the Kent family?"
Mr. Ford replied, "After defeating the Kent family, we had spoils to pay off those debts. But fighting the orcs is a different matter. Bryce, even if we successfully defend our homeland, can you lead an expedition deep into the grasslands and loot the orcs to repay the bonds?"
Bryce faltered; a campaign on the grasslands... would require cavalry.
But Alden didn't even have a proper cavalry force.
"Earl, I think we need to establish a cavalry unit!" Bryce blurted out whatever came to mind.
Schroeder sighed. "Lord Grayman, our militia is well-trained, even surpassing the troops under many other lords. Perhaps we should first organize them into formal military units. Expanding our land army to 15,000 soldiers seems more feasible."
"Let's go with Schroeder's proposal," Paul agreed. "We should also consider introducing a regimental-level structure."
"We need to strengthen intelligence efforts concerning the grasslands," Paul directed the Intelligence Department.
"I want to know about the orcs' culture, societal structure, population, technological level, and inter-tribal relationships."
"Understood," Cecil noted Paul's instructions. "I think their kin in the Lucky Forest would be an excellent starting point."
"You're right. We should leverage the forest north of the Rocky Mountains," Paul concurred. "The Lucky Forest borders the grasslands. Maintaining good relations with the forest's indigenous tribes—whether orcs or humans—could provide a powerful strategic advantage in future conflicts with the grassland orcs."
Hansel asked, "Shouldn't we notify Crystal Glare?"
A few years ago, Hansel would have insisted that Paul immediately alert the royal court.
Paul responded, "I've already sent letters to Crystal Glare and Watcher's Fortress. I'm not sure if they'll arrive in time. Additionally, I plan to summon the northwestern lords to discuss a united front against the orcs."
"From now on, steel, firearms, and grain will be our primary focus..."
---
Meanwhile, Marianna felt a strong premonition that her son, Paul, was hiding something from her.
At breakfast the next morning, Paul shared his intentions—Alden would prepare for war against the orc invasion.
Marianna grew anxious. "You can completely stay out of this."
"Can I?" Paul wiped his mouth with a napkin, stood, and walked to the window.
"Take a look outside. How does it compare to when you left the Northwest Bay?"
Marianna glanced out the window. "It's more prosperous. The town has expanded beyond recognition."
Not just that—the lifestyle and spirit of the citizens had transformed drastically.
When Marianna first set foot back in the Northwest Bay, she had even doubted whether she had come to the right place.
She said earnestly, "I can see that you are more capable than any previous Earl of Grayman, Paul. So please, cherish your accomplishments."
Paul replied, "All these achievements are thanks to the power of trade. The Northwest Bay is closely connected with every corner of the kingdom.
"If other regions fall into chaos, the prosperity of the Northwest Bay will become nothing but an illusion."
"So, to protect all of this, I must go to war with the orcs."
(End of the Chapter)
TL/N: Please join me on Patreon for free to stay notified of uploads and new series!