Chapter 91 - The 'Guiding Principle,' with Love
I had finished giving my report. It was a subjugation report—one that couldn’t be made public so easily. My elder brother would handle the official documentation in a manner that was most appropriate. The sheer scale of the crisis meant that, if revealed as-is, it would cause a nationwide uproar. Thus, the incident would be concealed and downplayed. That outcome, ultimately, served everyone’s best interest. Only those who needed to know would be informed. As long as the nobles of the kingdom, blissfully unaware, didn’t find the guerilla unit’s power too appealing... that would suffice.
My brother’s gaze drifted idly toward the large map of the Demonic Forest displayed in the office. In his usual calm, clear voice, he posed a question.
“So, what now? What’s your next move?”
“Yes. I intend to carry out the confidential directive issued by His Majesty the King through the Prime Minister. First, we’ll begin surveying the Middle Forest. The dense mana poses a problem, but we’ve secured a foothold.”
“The outpost above the waterfall, I take it? Given it’s also the current base of operations at the deepest point, are you planning to prioritize expanding that?”
“Yes. To allow the logistics unit to move through the Shallow Forest without fear, we’re proceeding with clearing and reinforcing forest paths. We won’t just connect points in a straight line; we plan to link multiple routes. The goal is to ensure we have alternatives in case of emergencies.”
“You’ll be widening the existing paths, then?”
“At the very least, we want to make them wide enough for a wagon to pass.”
Attempting any sort of operation within the Demonic Forest required immense stockpiles of supplies. My brother, who also served as commander of the guard unit, understood that better than anyone. No matter how powerful an army might be, without stable logistics, it could easily fall into disarray—a disorganized mob.
Expanding the watch post in the deepest part of the forest was vital for deeper exploration. That meant transporting enormous amounts of material and supplies. Supporting such efforts necessitated the development of supply routes—there was no way around it. That’s what this was about. Without building things step by step, we could never achieve our ultimate goal.
“I see. For the pathwork, use the main unit and defense engineers, along with the logistics unit. I’ll have those orders issued. If you say the guerilla unit is requesting support, no one will object. Everyone’s aware how much your gear has increased your survivability.”
“I’m grateful. From now on, My Friend will also be involved in the development of magitech tools. If it’s not combat-oriented, we can expect assistance with weapons and armor development as well.”
“I see. Cherish your friendship—but remember, he’s the son of a high noble. Don’t let your guard down.”
“Understood. He may be a magic-obsessed fool, but there’s no denying he’s a noble of high standing.”
“If you understand that, then all is well. Fulfilling this mission... may take generations. It’s a long and difficult role you’ve been entrusted with—a heavy burden, indeed.”
“Yes. It’ll also place a strain on our knightly house. I regret that...”
“That’s the price of keeping the kingdom’s salvation a secret. There’s no helping it—for you or for our family. I suspect even your brother’s upcoming marriage into a high count house... may well be part of that broader scheme.”
“...As you say.”
Yes, that had to be it. Even if it seemed that my second brother’s marriage had already been arranged, this explanation made much more sense. Just how long ago had the scheming begun? Every move had been a step ahead. What were those high-born nobles of the royal capital thinking all this time?
What did they see...?
And what served as the final push that decided my brother’s marriage into a high-ranking noble house? There was no denying that his military accomplishments were extraordinary—unprecedented, even. But for a son of a knightly family to marry into a high count house? That defied all the usual norms of nobility.
I couldn’t see what the Prime Minister truly intended. Now that I thought about it, I was fairly certain that members of the Minister of War’s household had also been involved... Were things progressing smoothly on that side? After all, even if it was just on paper, my brother had supposedly been adopted into their family. Somewhat concerned, I turned to my elder brother and asked.
“What did the Minister of War’s household think about Second Brother’s marriage and his adoption into their family?”
“...I’m not entirely sure. The Minister of War himself seemed pleased to have another capable military man among his kin. As for his heir, the Royal Guard Staff Officer—he and his wife were both very much in favor. I recall them speaking warmly of it, along with the High Countess and the Grand Duke and his lady. The ones who seemed bothered... were likely the Minister of War’s wife, and the other son. If I recall correctly... he held a staff position in the Second Army?”
“Ah, yes. The Second Army’s leadership was decimated in the last war after being caught in an ambush by the Imperial forces. So he survived.”
“He did. But he lost the chance to redeem himself. And in contrast, your brother pulled off a daring raid against the Imperial army’s headquarters and wiped them out completely. That contrast... must have left a bitter taste. That would explain those dark, lingering glances. Which means... the Minister of War’s wife...”
“I’ve heard the rumors. Despite them being twins, she dotes on only one of the sons. ...Brother, we must take this as a lesson. Love must be given equally to both children. Otherwise, things turn out... like that.”
“Understood. I’ll speak with my wife as well. Seeing that family is enough to stir a sense of alarm in anyone.”
“At least the wedding ceremony was uneventful. No disgraceful outbursts.”
“They couldn’t afford to. Not with the eyes of the War Minister and his heir watching. They’ve already started maneuvering behind the scenes. I doubt we’ll be dragged into anything. That’s likely why the Grand Duke and his wife were in attendance—to make it clear this marriage was endorsed by His Majesty himself.”
“Indeed... It certainly gave that impression. Our knightly house is receiving far more attention than we realize...”
“Yes. My little brother—no, now the son-in-law of a high countess—is very much in the spotlight. Most likely... as a deliberate means of deflecting attention from something else.”
My brother turned and stared directly at me. Was it me? Was it because of me?! It had to be something of great significance. That was just how strongly His Majesty and the Prime Minister wished to conceal my true mission—how much they wanted eyes turned away from it. Which could only mean that my dealings with the Estarian people... were of a nature requiring utmost discretion.
I understood.
“...Brother, you’ve met the Estarian girl, haven’t you?”
“Yes. Back when we took her from the Imperial army and brought her here. Seeing those forty children... it made me consider keeping everything secret. I never said it aloud, but now I’m glad I didn’t. I wouldn’t have been able to anticipate what came next. In the end, I’m just the heir of a frontier knightly house. I can’t read the situation in the capital, let alone beyond our borders. That’s why... I left it to you.”
“I see. It was beyond me, too. I all but threw it in the Prime Minister’s lap. Still, I made sure to convey their side’s wishes. Whatever his judgment was, it was made with full knowledge. ‘It’s not yet time.’ And... ‘It has already begun.’ That’s what he said, wasn’t it?”
“I don’t understand the intricacies of central politics. Just guarding this frontier land already stretches me to my limit. The ‘alternate mission’—I leave that to you. I have only one thing to say.”
“I’m listening.”
“Don’t die. At the very least, not before I do.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“That’s exactly the kind of response I’m talking about! Why can’t you just say, ‘Yes, I promise’?”
“Because, Brother... it’s not a promise I can make lightly. Please forgive me.”
“...So that was your best effort, then. I see. I’ll look forward to hearing about your progress in the forest.”
“As you command.”
My conversations with my eldest brother were always filled with warmth. He truly cared for my well-being, and at the same time, he understood the weight of the mission I carried. That’s why... as a son of a knightly house, I wanted to live up to those expectations. Even knowing the road ahead would be harsh and unforgiving—that was the greatest reason I continued to walk it.
And so, our course was set. First: expand the watch post at the farthest point. Then: widen the forest paths in the Shallow Layer and ensure safety. Without this, the way to the Middle Forest would remain treacherous and remote. There was no choice but to press forward. I began marking the necessary points in red on the large forest map hung in my office. My brother, too, gazed intently at that map. The path was long—immeasurably so. There was much to be done. This was a mission that would demand my entire life.
I had to steel myself. Endless effort would be required from this point on. And though my spirit might falter at times, I had to summon the strength to rise again—
—To carve a path through this daunting journey ahead.
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