Chapter 6 |
Gaiden 2 Chapter 6: Foolish People
"Calm down. What do you think you can do by going there alone?"
"It's not about what I can do! I just want to go!"
"You won't make it in time, even if you leave now. If the vanguard is already near the capital."
The cavalry that we had encountered earlier were part of the reinforcement units, heading out in response to the current situation. Since the situation is changing rapidly, we have no idea what is happening near the capital right now. Even if Allen rushed there now, nothing will change, nor can he change anything.
"Even so! I'm worried about my family!"
"Don't act on just your emotions. If feelings alone could save people, the world would be much easier."
If Allen truly wants to save them, he needs to assess the situation. It might feel like a waste of time, but in Allen's current state, he won't make it in time anyway.
So...
"You'll take me!?"
"Depends on the situation. I don't know the political landscape of this continent."
"Well… The Kingdom of Raun is an expanding power in the east. They were supposed to have a non-aggression treaty with the Kingdom of Allegard."
"Supposed to?"
"I don't know the details… but that was definitely the official announcement. The Kingdom of Allegard isn't a particularly large country, so they've made treaties with various nations. It's clear that the treaty they had made with Raun has been broken, but I don't know which side caused it… But it's not the first time that Raun has invaded another country to conquer it. That's the kind of nation it is."
I see.
After listening to Allen's explanation, I nodded once. Unlike the empire that dominates the center of the continent, the Kingdom of Allegard does not have the strength to fight multiple countries at once, so they relied on treaties. While being surrounded by enemy nations on all sides, it was probably their only choice.
The central nation likely serves as a trade hub, ensuring their financial stability. They likely offered benefits to the other side in exchange for treaties. If the Kingdom of Allegard gave Raun a reason to break the treaty, it might be Allegard's fault. However, breaking a treaty without warning still puts Raun in the wrong.
As Silver, I am too powerful. Even on the Vogel continent, I rarely interfered in national conflicts. Therefore it would be irresponsible to intervene in another continent's affairs. However...
"It would be troublesome if the Kingdom of Allegard were to fall into chaos now. That would render this pass useless."
The royal pass that I have is valid only as long as the Kingdom of Allegard exists. If they are conquered, the Kingdom of Raun could interfere with my journey, which would be a hassle for me personally and could lead to another conflict with Raun. It's better to take preventative measures then.
"Then…!"
"Get in the carriage. It would be a shame to leave behind the carriage and supplies that Wilfred provided."
With that, I teleport both Allen and the carriage to his village.
__________
We arrived in the village where Allen’s family lives. However...
"W-What… is this…?"
The village was burning. It was clear that the place had been ravaged before being set on fire.
"Damn it! I'll kill them!!"
Furious, Allen reached for his sword, but I stopped him.
"There’s no sign of blood. The villagers must have fled and the invaders set the place on fire out of spite."
"But!"
"Isn’t confirming your family’s safety more important than picking a fight with the troops around here?"
With that, I teleported Allen and the carriage directly to the royal capital.
The capital was in chaos.
People were running in panic and most of the soldiers were gathering at the city walls.
"Evacuate to the castle! Those who can fight, man the walls! Hold out until reinforcements arrive from the other regions!"
Up on the walls, while clad in armor, Wilfred was rallying the soldiers and leading them himself. The capital's current forces numbered between ten to twenty thousand. The size of the enemy's vanguard was unknown, but they could probably hold out for a few days.
If reinforcements from the surrounding regions arrived before the enemy's main force, there was a chance of victory. However, if the enemy’s main force arrived first, the capital would fall. With there being refugees now inside the city, supplies wouldn’t last long.
A prolonged siege was impossible and Wilfred must be aware of this.
Yet, he prioritized the safety of the refugees.
"What a foolish man."
"Who are you talking about?"
"Never mind."
As I said this to Allen, I used a detection barrier to search for his parents. Since I searched around the castle, I quickly found them.
"Don't worry, your parents are in the castle."
"Really!?"
Relief spread across Allen's face. One worry had been lifted.
But then...
"A group of refugees are approaching from the south! They’re being pursued!"
"What!?"
A report reached Wilfred. I extended the barrier in that direction and saw about a dozen refugees fleeing while being pursued by an enemy cavalry unit.
"Open the south gate! Prepare the cavalry!"
Wilfred immediately gave orders as saving the refugees was still his priority. However, the soldiers were already on the walls and the horses weren’t ready. The cavalry wouldn’t be able to deploy immediately.
Despite this, Allen mounted a horse.
"What are you planning?"
"I’m going to distract the enemy!"
"Can you?"
"I’ll do what I can!"
"These people have nothing to do with you."
"While my family comes first, that doesn’t mean I can’t care about others, too."
With that, Allen spurred his horse and rode out alone through the south gate.
"What a foolish man."
I muttered, then let out a small smile.
Both Wilfred and Allen.
I don't dislike fools like them.
TL's Notes:Is Arnold being a.... Tsun???
Sorry for the delay in posting, IRL stuff and CNY coming around the corner is giving me less time to even be at the PC. P.S. another chap coming tmrw.
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