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Chapter 507
Chapter 507
Chapter 507
Chapter 507: Use of Military Force
The day after Raul left the capital, Duke Pastore and his son Barnaba, as well as Marcel, vanished from the castle.
"Even if I did position Julio as a rival... they act swiftly," I remarked.
"It's expected of Your Highness to anticipate such moves."
"I didn't anticipate. I just thought it would be troublesome if they acted that way."
As I walked down the castle hallway engaged in conversation with Lars, our destination was the throne room, where the Grand Duke and Julio awaited. We had to discuss the strategy for what was to come.
"Pardon the abruptness. Due to the urgent circumstances, I'll skip formalities."
"Of course. From your perspective, what does their action signify, Prince?"
"They've likely gone to merge with their territorial soldiers."
The Grand Duke frowned at this explanation, for it implied civil unrest.
"Why would they immediately opt for the use of military force, the last resort...?"
"Perhaps because I had put forth Prince Julio."
"Just by endorsing him? The power struggle hasn't even escalated yet."
I nodded in response to the Grand Duke. I couldn't think of any other explanation. They saw signs of a counterattack and decided to crush it. To avoid giving us time to spot an opportunity for victory.
"It must have been Ambassador Marcel leading... But to act so swiftly..."
"Recently, there have been a couple of instances in the Empire where a rising power wasn't crushed quickly, leading to a counterattack."
"So they feared Julio would become like Prince Leonardo...?"
"What's worse, the situations in the Empire and the Duchy are different. The Empire had a three-way standoff, which provided opportunities for intrusion. However, in the Duchy, the other side holds absolute power. If they act swiftly, we're left with no strategy."
The capital's defensive force amounts to about a thousand. On the other hand, it's said that Duke Pastore can mobilize at least three thousand. The majority of the nobles en route to the capital are cooperating with Duke Pastore, leading to this imbalance.
"The forces at the Rondine border can't be moved, and the nobles in the direction of the Empire won't move unless it's a dire situation."
The Duchy of Albatro had been at odds with the Duchy of Rondine until recently. Their armies were concentrated at the border with Rondine, a situation that continues even after forming an alliance. The Empire showed no interest in the Duchy, surrounded by major powers to the east and west, and a vassal state to the north. The Empire had many enemies and couldn't afford to interfere in the south. Hence, the majority of the army could be deployed against Rondine. With Rondine being an aggressively invading neighboring country, the internal affairs of the Duchy were united. Therefore, the capital's weak defenses weren't an issue. However, that threat has now diminished.
"At present, if we stay in the capital to oppose them, there's one plan. We get the cooperation of the Duchy's navy."
The navy is the pride of the Duchy of Albatro. Many of the elites are assigned to the navy. It is crucial to the Duchy as the country is supported not by land routes, but sea routes. If the security of these sea routes cannot be guaranteed, the Duchy of Albatro will collapse immediately. That's why the Duchy invested heavily in its navy. Another factor is that the Duchy of Rondine also attacks via the sea. If we can borrow the power of the navy, we can push them back. However...
"The admiral at the top of the navy is a royalist. No... The navy itself should be considered royalist. The veteran captains supporting the current navy are all those who risked their lives to support the kingdom. They and the kingdom are comrades. The bonds there cannot be broken."
"Even so, we have no other options. Let's at least try to meet."
"I'll make arrangements. However, if it ends in failure, I want you to evacuate the capital with Julio. I will stay."
"...If you're prepared for it, I won't stop you. However, you could be taken hostage."
"But it could also be used as an excuse. With the pretense of rescuing the king, we can gather soldiers."
"...Understood."
Feeling the Grand Duke's resolve, I gave a respectful bow. Falling into enemy hands was nothing but dangerous. However, if we abandon the capital to the enemy, they will have free rein. It was a wise decision.
"Your Majesty, I was told by the maids that Princess Eva is ill and could not meet us. As we are short on time, I will be straightforward. Where did she go?"
"Eva has... gone to Rondine. On her own, I might add."
"I see. She has judged that Rondine's support is necessary. Indeed, that is the case but..."
She had gone without the King's permission. I had thought she was an active girl when I met her, but this was beyond my expectations.
"Let's leave Princess Eva to Finne then. I'm sure Finne can handle it appropriately."
Unless there's interference from the kingdom. I turned on my heel, adding that to my thoughts. Time was of the essence. The other party was making moves one after another. If we dawdle, our escape route could be blocked.
"Let's go, Prince Julio."
"Yes... Father, please be safe."
"Don't worry. Go."
That was our parting. There's no time to wallow in sentimentality for the weak.
Admiral. That is the top position in the Duchy's navy. It is always chosen from among those who have experience as captains. It's a position that demands familiarity with the field.
"When is the Admiral coming!?"
"I apologize. The Admiral is very busy..."
Even though Julio and I came to visit, the Admiral has been keeping us waiting. The intention is clear. It's a stalling tactic.
"Has he clearly sided with Duke Pastore, rather than staying neutral?"
I mutter, standing up from my seat. The entire navy wouldn't be siding with Duke Pastore. But if the Admiral himself has taken their side, then we can't expect any help.
"Let's go. Make way."
"I apologize. The Admiral will be here shortly, so..."
One of the Admiral's subordinates blocks my path. At that moment, Lars, who was standing by, restrains the subordinate.
"What are you doing!?"
"That's my line."
When I open the door, several soldiers have been silenced by Nerve Ritter.
"Did you receive orders to prevent us from leaving?"
"Th-that is..."
"After all, it's just orders. I'll spare your lives. But, I have a message for you. To the Admiral and the captains."
"A... message...?"
"Yes, it's simple. If the kingdom is their comrade, what is my younger brother to them? Convey that. I have many elites around me. If I find out the message isn't passed, I'll come to claim your life. Got it?"
I pulled out the knife the soldier was holding, stabbing it into the wall next to his face. The soldier, trembling with fear, nods repeatedly. This should get the message across.
"Captain Lars, let's get out of here."
"Yes, sir."
I never thought I'd have to flee from the duchy's capital with the prince. Well done, Ambassador Marcel.
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