Chapter 283: Chapter 282: It''s Our Turn to Help (2)
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It wasn''t only the 3rd Corps and Perdium''s forces that were moving swiftly, worried about Ghiin.
Some individuals were more concerned about Fenris than anyone else.
[Association of Investment Victims]
Rozalin and Meriel, who had gathered a massive amount of noble investments, sighed as they looked at the g hanging at the entrance to the banquet hall.
The prevailing opinion was that this time, Count Fenris was certain to lose.
Count Desmond was unlike other lords. He was a powerful northern lordmanding an army of 30,000.
No matter how well Ghiin had been doing recently, and no matter how highly regarded he was as the kingdom''s rising star, he paled inparison to Count Desmond.
"Oh no! It''s all ruined!"
"All my wealth for the civil war is tied up in this!"
"I should never have invested!"
These individuals had poured enormous sums of money into cosmetics and road construction. Though the road construction project was initiated under Marquis Branford''s guidance, the primary operator was still Ghiin.
If Ghiin failed, the cosmetics business would certainly copse. And if the operator of the road construction project went under, who could say what would happen to that endeavor?
Thus, everyone was anxious, fearing they would lose all the money they had invested.
Among them, there was one person who had poured more money into the ventures than anyone else.
''Damn it! That crazy bastard! I even brought in other bishops'' assets and temple donations!''
This was none other than Bishop Forisco, the devout (?) servant of the goddess Juana.
He was now one of the most prominent religious figures in the capital, his reputation nearing that of a saint.
Having gained untouchable status, he had reverted to his old bad habits.
Not content with the bribes he had already taken, he began ying the investment game, using temple funds to finance ventures far and wide.
''What should I do? I trusted that bastard for no reason! I should''ve just devoted myself to Juana! If I lose this money, I''ll plummet to rock bottom again... No, wait? Wouldn''t it actually be better if that guy just died?''
Upon reflection, Forisco realized that if Ghiin died, no one would remain who knew his secrets. Perhaps it wouldn''t be so bad.
''No, wait! What about my money? Am I just supposed to write off all that cash? Then I''d fall into ruin again.''
He wanted Ghiin to die, but not right now. Forisco could only think of this as another trial from the goddess.
''Ah! Why does the goddess always test me like this?''
While the investors fretted and paced, Rozalin stepped forward and shouted.
"Worrying about it here isn''t going to solve anything!"
The others looked at her with gloomy expressions. What else could people who had invested money do but worry about their business?
Rozalin, as if the situation weren''t a problem at all, spoke firmly.
"If you''re worried about the business failing, then let''s make sure it doesn''t fail!"
"?"
"Don''t you all have private soldiers here in the capital? Let''s gather them and send reinforcements to Count Fenris!"
"..."
At her suggestion, everyone looked hesitant.
Of course, they all had private soldiers. But they were there for security in the capital, not to face the elite troops of Desmond, known as the strongest in the north.
Even a few thousand troops would pale inparison to Desmond''s 30,000-strong army. But Rozalin, unfazed, continued.
"My father has ordered the 3rd Corps to mobilize! If we move with the kingdom''s army, our private soldiers can provide significant support! We don''t have to win the war! We just need to save Count Fenris!"
"Oh..."
The nobles'' eyes lit up. If Marquis Branford himself had mobilized the kingdom''s army, that changed the situation entirely.
Moreover, they were part of the pro-royalist faction. There was no issue with opposing Desmond, who had started a war without justification.
A civil war might bring bigger problemster, but that was not today''s concern. The immediate priority was to prevent losses caused by Ghiin''s potential death. He had to be rescued, no matter what.
''If that guy survives this, I''m pulling out all my money.''
''I can''t keep living with this anxiety hanging over me.''
''I''ve been through this before, but every time I see an opportunity for big profits, I can''t pull out easily.'' Everyone felt the same. They couldn''t stay out of it when others were investing and making big money. But this time, the fear of losing it all had them seriously reconsidering their involvement.
Hiding their thoughts, the nobles eagerly agreed to Rozalin''s proposal.
"Fine! I''ll contribute 100 soldiers!"
"I''ll send 50!"
"I''ll dispatch 200."
They all vied to promise their troops.
These were wealthy, powerful nobles. Just gathering their promised soldiers amounted to
roughly 3,000 men.
The unexpectedlyrge number surprised even the nobles themselves.
"Wow, when we pool our soldiers, the numbers are impressive."
"Indeed, isn''t this the same as pooled investments?"
"With this many troops, we should be able to make a real difference."
Rozalin clenched her fist tightly. The nobles'' response was better than expected. Moving with
the kingdom''s army would significantly increase the chances of rescuing Ghiin.
Meriel, smiling with satisfaction, added.
"The Count Ailesbur will provide food and military funds."
"Oh!"
The nobles eximed in admiration.
Moving an army of 3,000 was no small feat. Many had been calcting whether they would
need to chip in additional funds, but Meriel had solved that problem.
With decisions made quickly, Rozalin turned to Bishop Forisco, who was attending the
banquet, and said.
"Bishop! Please send 10 priests! Not just novices this time, but skilled ones!"
"Excuse me? But the temple cannot participate in wars..."
"They just need to go and make sure Count Fenris doesn''t die, likest time! It''s purely
humanitarian!"
"Hmm..."
"If Count Fenris or the key technicians of the territory get injured or die, our efforts to help will be for nothing! Would you risk losing the temple''s precious donations?"
"Ah... this is bad..."
Forisco hesitated. He couldn''t afford to lose the temple''s... no, his precious funds, as Rozalin
had pointed out.
Since it wasn''t direct participation in the war, the priests wouldn''t be in much danger.
And using the pretext of humanitarian aid was an excuse easily epted among nobles.
''I have no choice... If this is the goddess''s will... I''ll just have to go along with it.'' After much deliberation, Forisco chose money over Ghiin''s life. He simply passed the responsibility to the goddess, a man of unshakable conviction.
"Fine... Everyoneing together like this must be guided by Juana''s divine will. I will send
the priests."
Thus, the Capital Nobles'' Alliance, otherwise known as the Association of Investment
Victims, was formed.
Rozalin let out a breath of relief. Though she couldn''t let her guard down yet, she felt that with the 3rd Corps, they had a good chance of rescuing Ghiin.
''He''s surprisingly popr.''
Whether intended or not, thousands of troops were once again mobilized to save Ghiin.
Themander of the allied forces was Viscount Idorian, who had war experience and had
invested a significant amount of money.
During the departure ceremony, he shouted confidently,
"I will rescue Count Fenris without fail!"
"Whoa! Viscount Idorian is the best!"
Amid the nobles'' cheers, the Capital Nobles'' Alliance army closely followed the 3rd Corps.
***
"Are we ready?"
As Ghiin wrapped bandages around his hand, he asked, and ude replied with a tense
expression.
"The elves, 2,000 archers on horseback, and 1,000 cavalry are ready."
"The knights?"
"All 300 are armed and on standby."
"Any word from Gillian?"
"Not yet..."
A month had already passed since the war began. News of the fortress''s fall had arrived, but
there was still no word from Gillian.
Several days ago, information hade that Gillian''s forces were engaging Desmond''s
troops, but there had been no updates since.
Desmond''s scouts and pursuers made gathering intelligence difficult, and Gillian couldn''t
afford to reveal his movements continuously.
Swoosh.
Ghiin spread out a map and focused intently on a particr spot.
After nodding a few times, he asked ude again.
"You mentioned my father, the kingdom''s army, and the Capital Nobles'' Alliance, correct?"
"Yes, they departed some time ago. They should arrive at the territory''s borders soon."
"Good. We''ll supplement ourck of troops with theirs. My letters were delivered, right?"
"Yes, they were sessfully delivered, and I received replies."
Ghiin nodded silently.
He wanted to prepare further but couldn''t afford the time. The longer he dyed, the more
danger Gillian and the others faced.
The entire territory had poured its resources into crafting new bows, and the deficiency had
finally been filled.
The archers'' intensive training had yielded results, and with the bows ready, there was no
time left to waste.
When Ghiin stepped outside the castle, arge crowd gathered around him.
"My lord! We can fight too!"
"We''ll protect the castle!"
"Take us with you! We''ll fight by your side!"
The new recruits and armed territory residents pleaded fervently to join the fight.
For people who had always been disheartened and indifferent to noble wars, this change was
remarkable.
Ghiin was genuinely grateful. With such people, they could ovee anything.
But not now.
"I appreciate your determination. But it''s not your time to fight yet."
He couldn''t risk involving them in this battle. The territory''s residents had only recently
stabilized their lives, and productivity was beginning to rise again.
If war ravaged thend and many residents died, the time and effort invested would all be for
naught. If this were the final battle, if the duke''s main force had invaded, he would have issued a total mobilization and fought with everything they had.
But this was not that kind of battle. Desmond was just one obstacle on the path. Initially, Ghiin had even considered retreating temporarily from the territory.
Though disappointed, the residents couldn''t refute Ghiin''s decision.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om
''We''re still too weak...''
''We have no choice but to trust our lord again...''
''Let''s survive this crisis. Next time, we''ll be ready...''
They regretted theircency. While recent rumors about threats to the territory had
prompted many to enlist as soldiers, it wasn''t enough.
They should have trained earlier, prepared themselves to protect thend.
With determination in their hearts, the residents resolved to never be so idle again.
Ghiin nced over the residents, then turned to his assembled army.
Three hundred knights d in ck armor stood, their expressions fierce and brimming with
explosive energy.
Though they often quarreled, Gillian and the knights at the fortress were theirrades, having fought alongside them through countless battles. Knowing they were risking their
lives to hold back the enemy, Ghiin''s urgency grew.
Huff, huff.
The knights'' breathing grew heavy, their anger evident.
Ghiin turned his gaze again.
On one side stood mages, led by Vanessa and Alpoi, cloaked in robes.
Though some tension was visible, they didn''t appear overly fearful. Desmond''s army had many mages. To counter them, Fenris''s mages would need to step
forward in earnest.
Snort.
Hearing the restless neighing of horses, Ghiin turned toward the sound.
In front were 200 elves, led by Lumina and Ascon, and behind them, 2,000 mounted archers.
These forces would y a critical role in this war.
All carried the new bows at their waists.
Behind them waited 1,000 cavalry, including members of thebor assault corps.
Absent from this formation were Belinda and a few other individuals, marking a significant difference from the previous battle.
Ghiin surveyed the gathered forces and began to speak slowly.
"Right now, our friends are facing the enemy''s massive army, risking their lives, and
shedding blood to buy us time."
The knights'' breathing grew heavier, their tension palpable, as if ready to charge at any moment.
Ghiin''s voice, calm yet powerful, continued.
"The enemy is Count Desmond, called the strongest in the north. He''s brought 30,000 troops,
while we barely have 4,000 even after mustering all our forces. If anyone feels fear, you may
leave now."
Thud!
A knight struck the ground forcefully with his spear, as if to say such an idea was absurd.
Others quickly followed suit, mming their spears down.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Their eyes burned with fierce determination. Ghiin smiled in satisfaction.
"Good. We cannot dy any longer. Their courage and sacrifice must not be in vain."
Thud!
The knights mmed their spears again, the rhythmic vibrations echoing like heartbeats. The
sound quickened everyone''s breathing and set their hearts racing. "Now, it''s our turn to help them."
With those words, Ghiin mounted his horse. The knights promptly followed suit.
As all preparations werepleted, Ghiin gripped the reins of his ck steed tightly.
"Let''s go, save our friends, and crush Desmond."
Neigh!
The ck steed reared up, then pounded the ground and charged forward.
Thud, thud, thud!
The knights and soldiers followed Ghiin.
Every one of them was mounted. Gone was the image of soldiers holed up in a castle.
Fenris''s army surged forward with incredible speed, as if releasing all the strength they had
umted.
From atop ck King, Ghiin clenched his teeth.
''Hold on just a little longer, Gillian.''
His eyes burned with murderous intent, ready to destroy everything in his path.
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