Reset Life – Chapter 181

Chapter 181: Let’s See How Long You Can Avoid It (1)

Imperial Year 378, February 11th.

“We are preparing to negotiate with Restart. Now that our kingdom has occupied Narvilt, if Restart remains neutral, we can complete the conquest of the Empire.”

For farmers and commoners, winter is a season with little to do. It’s not a particularly good season for artisans either. However, for rulers, winter is a truly important season.

This is because they must constantly contemplate and plan how to rule for the remaining three seasons and how to conduct war should it occur.

The immediate tasks of the Herduke Kingdom were the complete absorption of Narvilt and the conquest of the central Empire. If we conquer the central Empire, we will take control of the Imperial Capital and achieve a practical victory.

In fact, the Herduke Kingdom no longer needs to worry about its survival.

By occupying Narvilt, the trade route to foreign countries has been opened, and thanks to the vast land conquered before, there is no problem with food supply. The conditions for the stable functioning of the nation have been met.

However, we cannot stop here. The conquest of the Empire was the reason our kingdom raised its flag.

We must make the Orknesia Duke, my father, who was once a hero, pay the price for being branded a traitor, and at the same time, there is the justification of cleaning up the Empire that has been stagnant for so long and has become rotten.

Above all, since we still have the resources to wage war, the consensus is to throw away any time wasted on hesitation.

Thus, the five leaders who currently run the Herduke Kingdom have gathered here.

My father, the King, my older brother, the Crown Prince, my uncle, the Duke, myself, the Duke and Prince, and my maternal grandfather, the Supreme Commander.

I nodded at my brother’s words.

“You’re right, Hyeong-nim. And there’s a high probability that the negotiations will be reviewed positively. The Southern Army is currently stuck in the Leotasia Mountains, and Duke Ecoshian has no intention of going to war with the Herduke Kingdom.”

“To be precise, he doesn’t want to go to war with you. It seems the warriors of Grenoian are doing well.”

“Yes. Things went better than expected. And now, it seems we can leave only the minimum number of troops at the Barrier. The monsters seem to have decreased considerably.”

“I heard that report as well. Unless something unforeseen happens, the day we put an end to the Empire’s history is not far off.”

Father said so with a slightly bitter smile. You probably wished for the Empire to be purified as it continued its history, but since that wasn’t the case, your mouth must taste bitter.

Grandfather stroked his beard and said.

“Then the next war will be the capture of the Imperial Capital. At this point, I want to step down.”

“Supreme Commander, what do you mean?”

Uncle tilted his head, and I barely suppressed the urge to cover my forehead with my hand. Grandfather, please refrain from that. However, my wish did not reach him.

“I mean I will resign from the position of Supreme Commander, Duke. Isn’t there already a general in the Kingdom Army who is more popular than me? He, not I, should be the one to plant the flag in the Imperial Capital.”

People’s gazes naturally turned to me.

Although I slacked off and worked half-heartedly in the latter half of the Narvilt conquest, thanks to the weaklings in the West who raised the white flag at the mere mention of the Demon of Atzuma, my reputation soared even higher.

From the perspective of the Imperial Army remaining in the central Empire, the news of the Kingdom Army descending is synonymous with me going there.

I put on a wry expression and said.

“Well, Grandfather, since you’ve come this far, why not see it through to the end? It seems you still have some time before old age catches up.”

“Duke, if you’re over sixty, it means you’re already old. Although I’ve held military power until now, it’s because I was waiting for a better successor to appear.”

“Then please hand it over after the war is over.”

“After the war is over, aren’t you planning to focus on developing your territory? I don’t want to give you the position of Supreme Commander, which you won’t be able to hold for even three days.”

Ugh. He’s a truly stubborn old man. Can’t he show off his old-age vigor a little more?

My misfortune here was that my brother, as if echoing Grandfather’s opinion, spoke to Father.

“I think it’s a desirable personnel action, Your Majesty. The morale of the soldiers will rise even higher.”

“Wouldn’t it be alright if Hyeong-nim did it?”

“The days when the person who would sit on the throne commanded the war are long gone.”

“People like to reenact old tales.”

“I don’t.”

“Ah, yes.”

I let out a deep sigh. Everyone is unanimously demanding that I become the Supreme Commander.

This is a high-speed promotion like no other.

Even though I have made achievements, I am not even twenty-five years old yet. I’m the age of a newly commissioned officer fresh out of the military academy. And you want me to take the position of Supreme Commander?

“Risel, the soldiers will be happy if you become the Supreme Commander. From their perspective, it’s like having the superior they most want to serve.”

“Uncle, I’m more suited to being a field commander.”

“That’s why we’re asking you to become the Supreme Commander.”

Father’s serious voice fell. With a pang in my chest, I could sense what Father was going to say.

The King of the Herduke Kingdom, unlike someone who established a new dynasty, exuded an ingrained dignity and spoke solemnly.

“I’ll state upfront that I’m not doubting your ability to carry out operations. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that nailing you to a place where you can’t move at all is the best path for you.”

“Where?”

“At the family meeting, excluding you. Your fiancée-to-be also listened to the story and actively agreed. It’s time to pursue safety.”

“Am I already being treated like family?”

I suppressed the urge to cover my head with my hands. This is completely like being tied up in a snare.

Although Father didn’t say it out loud, he implied that if I didn’t accept this proposal, he was considering sending me to the rear.

Well, it’s true that I’ve done things that aren’t befitting of a general, like charging into the front lines of the battlefield as the vanguard. At least when I was a Count, I wouldn’t stand at the forefront.

However, whether I was a Count or a general, there were often cases where I fought on the front lines, even if the number of people I brought with me only increased slightly.

It was a heroic operation, I succeeded, and I gained fame, but frankly, if I die, it’s all for nothing, isn’t it?

I briefly raised my right hand to ask for permission to speak.

“So…… Grandfather. Are you saying that if I don’t take the position of Supreme Commander, I have to give up the vanguard as well?”

“We’re considering that option as well. At least, we won’t let you participate in dangerous operations. We need to maintain your reputation.”

I think I understand how a rabbit feels when it accidentally stumbles into a trap while out for a stroll. I lowered my head and let out a small sigh. These people, they must have secretly conspired without me.

I raised my left hand as well. It’s the so-called easy-to-understand gesture of surrender.

“Alright. I’ll be the Supreme Commander.”

The moment yesterday’s general becomes today’s Supreme Commander.

“Levidian!”

“Risel, I’m changing clothes!”

The moment I flung the door open, I saw Levidian in her underwear, lifting her clothes. I fiercely turned around and shouted towards the fireplace.

“Did you meet my family before?!”

“Ah, yes. I did. I was invited to a tea party two days ago. But why?”

“Does it mean nothing if I don’t get promoted?”

“Excuse me? Ah, I see you’ve become the Supreme Commander. Congratulations.”

This woman! I turned around again, but seeing that she was still getting dressed with her back turned, I glared at the fireplace once more.

The sound of rustling fabric could be heard briefly from behind. Soon, when the sound of her fixing her hair reached my ears, I turned my head.

Levidian was already looking at me.

“Oh my? Why does the face of the newly appointed Supreme Commander look like that?”

“You see…… You talked to my family beforehand, knowing I would object, right?”

“Of course, I’ve known you for how many years?”

“Why did you do that?”

She smiled brightly and sat on the sofa, then patted the seat next to her. Let’s talk while sitting down. At her clear expression of intent, I hesitated for a moment before sitting next to her.

As I settled down, she leaned against me and said.

“So, are you angry? I was quite happy to be treated like family.”

“I’m happy about that too, but the position of Supreme Commander is still too early for me. There are people more competent than me……”

“Risel, I told you not to belittle yourself, right?”

Her hand subtly reached up and rested on my shoulder, then gently stroked my hair. I sat still, feeling her touch, and waited for her words.

“So, who are we going to fight now?”

“Artshever.”

“What’s his position on their side?”

“Chief of Staff.”

“Then, what’s the position here that can directly confront him?”

“Supreme Commander.”

“Oh my, you’re so smart. Why are you acting like this when you know it?”

She stroked my hair softly.

I felt a sudden surge of self-deprecation. The problem I wanted to address was a more fundamental one, but Levidian skillfully blocked it.

It’s pathetic how foolish I am, coming to her room in a frenzy to argue. Still, I have to say what I have to say.

“But, Levidian……”

“Stop there. I’ll get angry if you say anything more. And your father didn’t make that decision thoughtlessly, did he?”

“Father?”

“It wasn’t awkward, was it? I’ve been practicing lately.”

I wanted to surrender.

The relaxed demeanor that only an older woman could possess was evident. Although her appearance is almost identical to mine, she has changed like this while gaining various social experiences by my side.

If you add up the years I’ve accumulated, she and I are the same age, but women are creatures who are mentally ahead of men. In the end, I’m still younger than her.

Eventually, I let out a deep sigh.

“Haa. I lost. I can’t even win in this area anymore. It used to be a joy of everyday life……”

“So, are you unhappy?”

She smiled brightly and brought her face close to mine. My vision was filled with Levidian’s face, making it the most wonderful world for me, but I couldn’t be thrilled.

“Did Aila teach you that?”

“She has the qualities of a good teacher.”

It’s no wonder I can’t win.

Levidian used to be awkward at expressing her emotions, but now she’s fully grown and I can’t win against her at all. And the one who probably helped her with that is Aila.

Just you wait. I’ll get my revenge someday. Aila, once you get a boyfriend, I’ll pay you back in kind. Grrr.

She looked at my expression, chuckled softly, and said.

“Still, I’m happy that my man has been promoted.”

“That’s a bit unfortunate for me. Because I can’t be promoted any further. I’ve lost one thing to be happy about.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t choose you for your position. You didn’t give me the ring because I was the Sword King, did you?”

She pressed her face close to mine and raised her left hand. As if it had always been there, a ring naturally adorned her left hand. That alone filled my heart with warmth.

I smiled faintly and said.

“Father said that if I had nothing to do in winter, I should get engaged. I thought it was an attractive proposition. Because when I wake up and see Ibi next to me, the world would seem truly beautiful. But I gave up on that thought.”

“Why?”

“Because I still have things to do. And this time, I spent quite a bit of money placing an order with the Iperfect Workshop.”

“Risel, how did you interpret my words? I’m not because of money or position……”

Seeing her cutely furrowed brows, I smiled faintly and shook my head. I said to her.

“I know it’s not. What I mean is, I don’t have enough money to prepare both an engagement ring and a wedding ring. I can only make one. I have to prepare the gifts with my own money, right?”

Her eyes widened, then she blushed slightly and gave a warm smile. We faced each other, and she wrapped her arms around my shoulders, interlocking her fingers behind my neck.

My hands naturally embraced her waist. I felt her flinch slightly, then relax. She whispered, her face flushed.

“What should we do?”

“About what?”

“I don’t have a gift to give you. I can’t take my subordinates’ money, can I? I’m worried.”

“Well, it’ll probably be difficult with just a few coins. To prepare a gift for me.”

“What do you mean?”

I touched foreheads with her. We were close enough to feel each other’s breath. I looked into her eyes and said.

“It will be quite difficult to adorn a jewel like Ibi. You are the most precious gift to me.”

“Risel, really……”

She made a shy expression, then slowly brought her face closer. I, too, slowly moved my face towards her. Our breaths drew closer, to the point where we could feel each other’s warmth right before us, we slowly moved towards each other.

Then the door opened.

“……”

Turning my head in a hurry, there stood the High Priestess appointed by the God of Light.

Namias, with her usual expressionless face, looked at the two of us clinging to each other, then briefly glanced at the ceiling, and turned around.

“In two hours, again……”

Wait! Did Aila teach you that?!

Translator’s Blog

Blog

• Anime With Good Plot, But One Thing Makes It Unwatchable: My ‘Black Clover’ Criticism
• When You Realize You’re Too Old for Anime: A Midlife Crisis in 2D
• Will My Cat Eat Me When I Die? (The Truth Might Hurt… Your Feelings)
• Guts Needs a Therapist: The Berserk of Mental Health
• Sword Art Online: A Grown-Up’s Journey Through A Virtual World