Chapter 384
“Extra! Extra!”
Whoosh!
The morning was suddenly filled with noise. Merchants preparing to open their stalls, people heading to work, and those still groggy from last night’s drinking all turned their heads toward the commotion.
It wasn’t just a child shouting to sell newspapers. Multiple voices blended together, creating a tense atmosphere.
Bariel’s people, oddly anxious, clutched their coins tightly, while children darted about, shouting.
“War has broken out! There’s a war!”
“What? Give me a paper too.”
“Mail Daily breaking news! War is here!”
“I heard there was trouble in Cliford, but is Bariel officially joining the fight?”
“Didn’t the Imperial Defense Department send reinforcements last time? Then Bariel’s definitely at war.”
“Is sending aid for humanitarian reasons the same as getting directly involved? Hey! Give me one too!”
“Mail Daily really has the best palace news.”
“Yeah, ever since the civil war, they’ve been on the rise. I heard they even moved offices.”
“Let’s see… Hmm. There’s a diplomatic conflict between Burgos and Cliford, and their stances are sharply opposed. Is it true an envoy was killed?”
“That doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is that war has broken out. Trade with Burgos and Luswena has been sanctioned. There might even be conscription. Damn.”
“So Bariel and Cliford will face off against Burgos and Luswena. Don’t worry about conscription—we have mages.”
“Hey, you’ve been living under a rock. The Mage Department’s been shut down for a while!”
“Huh?”
“Don’t you know the Mage Department’s stopped functioning and palace affairs are piling up?”
The street fell silent in an instant. Those clutching newspapers read the palace’s official statement with grave expressions, while murmurs of concern about the war’s fallout filled the air.
Being the capital, a direct attack was unlikely, but those with ties to the provinces or who made their living traveling between regions had no choice but to brace for impact. Everyone was left grasping at an uncertain future.
“Mail Daily breaking news! The palace has issued an official statement! War has broken out! This is a multi-nation conflict!”
“Another copy here.”
“Thank you, Lady.”
Alena extended her hand from the carriage, shaking coins. As soon as she received the paper, she quickly scanned the contents.
She’d heard from her brother Serro that the Imperial Defense Department had mobilized swiftly, but she hadn’t known Luswena was joining the fight. She bit her nails nervously.
“Since the Mage Department, including Sir Ian, is in Cliford, Burgos and Luswena have no choice but to commit fully. This is a full-scale war. His Majesty will likely join the battle himself.”
King Eriphoni stepping in personally was more than probable—it was only a matter of time.
If Bariel, the stronghold, faltered, Gaia’s entire political landscape would be shaken. Burgos and Luswena absolutely had to capture Cliford. It was like a powder keg already lit.
Alena clutched the hem of her dress and bowed her head. Her attendant glanced at her worriedly, wondering if she was unwell, but Alena’s hands trembled so violently the bones showed beneath her skin. It wasn’t discomfort—it was fear.
“His Majesty Eriphoni hasn’t sent any messages. Is it right to just wait like this? If the King meets Sir Ian or has a chance to talk with the Imperial Defense Department…”
Though they’d be too busy fighting to think clearly, there was still room for negotiation or a ceasefire.
If it became known that Alena had passed Bariel’s intelligence to Eriphoni, the Serro family would be beheaded. Along with the seven great central nobles, their bodies would hang from the streets.
Her thoughts spun wildly.
“If only the King would give some assurance, none of this would be happening.”
If Eriphoni had even hinted at granting asylum, things wouldn’t be so complicated. Now, she was trapped with no way out.
Unable to bear it, her attendant called to her.
“Miss, are you alright?”
“Brother didn’t come home last night, did he?”
“No. He said he was staying at a friend’s.”
He claimed it was for study, but Alena knew better. It was a drinking binge. Her brother, once tasting the peak, seemed lost in the past, intoxicated by a sweetness he couldn’t shake. His behavior grew more pitiful by the day.
She tapped her forehead lightly, trying to think. What could she do? How could she remove this looming threat from the future?
“Think. Think.”
Her worries centered on confirming Eriphoni’s intentions and whether her betrayal would be discovered. The surest way to cut this off was to meet the King directly—but with war raging, that was easier said than done…
“Ah!”
“Miss?”
“Turn the carriage around. We’re going to fetch my brother.”
“Yes, yes. Right away.”
Alena urged the coachman to hurry.
When war breaks out, it’s a noble’s duty and honor to lead the charge. Of course, that applied mostly to great nobles with private armies or border lords, but still.
The Serro family was noble. If they declared they’d join the fight for honor, who could stop them? If they played their cards right, they might even secure troops from the palace. Then they’d hold the upper hand again.
“To His Majesty Eriphoni, the Serro family holding Bariel’s soldiers would be invaluable. And even if they’re cut down, the Serros would be honored nobles fighting for their homeland. It would crush any seeds of betrayal.”
It was a good move all around. It might even provoke Eriphoni, who seemed to have lost interest in her, and win favor at court.
Clack, clack!
The carriage stopped in front of a mansion. It was the home of one of Serro’s close friends, a place Alena had visited often. The attendants recognized her and opened the door, quickly leading her inside after the arriving guest.
“Where are the brothers?”
“They’re in the parlor. I’ll inform them.”
“Never mind that. Just show me in. As long as they’re not stark naked, it’s fine. This is urgent. Don’t you see?”
Though not her direct lord, the attendants knew of Alena’s reputation and reluctantly led her upstairs. Before they could knock, Alena flung the door open.
Bang!
“…!”
Startled by the sudden noise, Serro flinched and stood up. The stench of alcohol was overwhelming, even though he hadn’t yet entered the room.
Alena glanced around. The place was a mess—scattered about like common street drunks.
“Ah, Alena?”
“Brother, this isn’t the time. Let’s hurry.”
“W-where are we going? Wait. Don’t shake me—I feel like I’m going to throw up. Ugh.”
“Alena? Oh, it really is you. Long time no see. You here for a drink? What a shame, we’re out of alcohol. Ha ha ha.”
“Running out is just poor judgment. Keep sleeping. I’m here to get you.”
“You haven’t changed a bit. Tsk.”
Serro staggered, covering his mouth, but Alena grabbed his clothes without hesitation. The attendants helped support him under his arms, urged by her sharp gaze.
“There’s a war.”
“Why all of a sudden? You knew that already.”
“Luswena is officially joining too.”
“Huh? Them too? Did they declare war on Bariel? Because of the trade ban?”
Alena barely restrained the urge to smack her brother’s neck. How could he say that? Luswena wouldn’t dare declare war on Bariel over trade sanctions.
She whispered, gripping his collar.
“They’re using Cliford as a stepping stone to get to Bariel. That’s why Luswena’s joining, brother.”
“Hmm. Ah. Right.”
“Go home immediately, wash up, and put on your armor. Then request an audience with the Crown Prince and declare the Serro family’s participation.”
“Me? Join the war? No way!”
Serro snapped out of his stupor and pushed her away, shouting. The attendants whispered and glanced nervously, but Alena clenched her teeth and muttered like a ventriloquist.
“If you won’t go, then send me. Show them the Serro family is joining. Are you really going to let us fall all the way?”
“No, war is… well, the Imperial Defense Department will handle it, right? No other nobles have joined. My friends haven’t! Alena, you know better than I do.”
“That’s because all the nobles with private armies in the capital are dead. The central nobles were wiped out just one season ago. There’s no one left to step up, and besides, they don’t need to. They’re not on the edge of a cliff like us.”
Nobles who played the money game would rather profit from the chaos than fight, and those hurt by the trade ban would be too busy trying to recover losses.
Besides, as Serro said, and as the common folk whispered, Bariel had mages and a massive army. They didn’t feel the need to join the fight.
Moreover, the palace was cracking down on nobles to strengthen royal authority. Unless summoned, there was no reason to waste strength by joining the war.
“Brother, listen carefully.”
Alenara’s eyes snapped open, sharp and unwavering.
“For some, war is a tragedy. But for others, it’s an opportunity. Our tragedy has run its course—we have no choice but to see this as our chance.”
“Hah, but it won’t be easy to muster soldiers.”
“Since when has anything worthwhile been easy? The only thing easy for you is getting drunk all night.”
Serro’s temper flared, ready to retort, but Alenara turned her back and strode down the stairs without waiting.
“Put everything up as collateral—the estate, the family’s assets. Get the funds, hire mercenaries if you have to. We have to go to war, no matter what. Otherwise, we die right here.”
Serro slumped against the wall, sliding down to sit. He could see how resolute his sister was, and he knew there was no turning back.
He ran his hands through his tangled hair, letting out a mix of sighs, curses, and frustrated groans. Then, suddenly, he jumped up and shouted,
“Fine! If that’s what it takes, then do it! Just do it!”
His sister’s dismissive attitude had only grown sharper by the day. If he stayed like this, it would be worse than death.
Alenara nodded as if stating the obvious.
“What are you waiting for? Get going. The Imperial Defense forces have already left. We have to hurry.”
“Damn it, damn it!”
“Serro! You’re drinking again tonight? Heading home?”
“Yeah! Thanks to my brilliant little sister, I’m off to die!”
“Hahaha. Good. Die well!”
From the room above came the sounds of friends bidding farewell.
Serro climbed into the carriage, and Alenara lightly opened the window. But as she leaned closer, the sharp scent of alcohol hit her.
Whoooosh.
Meanwhile, atop the walls of Clifford, the mages stood ready. Each held a sword forged from Idgalo in one hand.
Their robes fluttered in the wind. The massive army of Burgos had arrived, swarming like a beast ready to devour Clifford. And to the left and right, glimpses of synthetic monsters lurked.
Ian took a steady breath and gave the command.
“Is everyone ready?”
“Yes, Lord Ian!”
“We’ll take out the synthetic monsters first. Beric will handle the left flank, and Barsabe will cover the right.”
Clang.
At Ian’s words, Barsabe raised his sword, and Beric gripped his black blade. The mages followed suit.
All raised their swords high, the amber blades catching the sunlight and glowing fiercely.