𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏𝟒: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲
The territory of the Grand Duchy of Shumok wasn’t in ruins.
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Unlike the Winter Rose City-State Federation, there were no obvious signs of poor security. Nor did it seem to be thriving like the Kingdom of Gaillia. Rather, it was as if nothing had changed since the time when the Lintrite Kingdom was still flourishing.
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That impression only grew stronger when we entered the capital city, Asley.
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“This city feels somehow deceptive, Mother Nel.”
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I agreed with Miliaria’s comment.
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It was just too normal.
The faces of the people passing by, the children’s laughter echoing from the alleys, the street vendors shouting for discounts – all seemed like everyday scenes, almost unbelievable given the turmoil of just a year prior.
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“It’s different from Gaillia, the victor of the war. It’s also different from the Winter Rose City-State Federation, an aggregate of defeated territories. I wish I could easily convince myself that it’s because Shumok did not participate in the war.”
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Miliaria nodded in agreement to the words I said while scratching my head.
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“So, did the Grand Duke of Shumok send his troops during the civil war?”
“I believe he didn’t. That’s what I heard from the king.”
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I was too busy fighting against the Lintrite Royal Army to pay attention to the affairs of other territories.
While we were fighting the Royal Army, there was no chance of coordinating to attack the royal capital, Galangran, at the same time.
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The sentiment was, ‘Do as you wish, and we will do as we wish.’
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Despite being hailed as a genius strategist, honestly, my abilities were just about enough to lead the battle in front of me to victory.
I had no ability to predict or manipulate the movements of other nobles’ territories that were far away.
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“If I could do that, I’d have quit being human long ago.”
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Salieri laughed heartily.
Anyways, during the recent civil war, the Grand Duke of Shumok supposedly didn’t mobilize any troops.
So his realm neither increased nor decreased.
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“That’s the first odd thing, isn’t it? Even if the current Grand Duke of Shumok lacks political ambition, his vassals may not.”
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Miliaria shook her head.
Just by dispatching troops towards Galangran, he could have easily conquered two or three territories directly controlled by the kingdom. The main force of the Royal Army was heading towards Gaillia, so they probably could have annexed them without a major battle.
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Not doing so goes beyond the labels of pacifism or weakness.
It’s rather, clearly abnormal.
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Would anyone willingly miss the chance to gain two territories, or two county capitals in city terms, without any effort?
Even if the Grand Duke of Shumok had no political ambition and had no intention of seizing the Lintrite Kingdom, it was a chance to significantly increase his territory’s income.
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“You could argue that he continued to maintain the decorum of a vassal.”
“If that were the case, he wouldn’t have declared independence as a grand duchy.”
“Exactly.”
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Miliaria and I nodded in agreement.
Everything about the Grand Duchy of Shumok seemed suspicious.
To borrow Miliaria’s words, it felt fake.
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“Sniff sniff. This place reeks of something fishy!”
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Asuka interjected energetically into the conversation.
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But does she actually smell something with her nose? Originally, it’s a term derived from the smell of burning fabric, but it usually implies something suspicious or a premonition of trouble.
She probably just wanted to use it because it sounded cool.
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And she doesn’t need to force herself to participate in complex conversations.
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“I wonder what’s good to eat in Asley? I feel like having meat soon.”
“You had meat last night, Meisha.”
“I’ve forgotten such old matters. I always look forward.”
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Meg entertained the unwavering Meisha.
See, that side seems more fun.
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After securing a decently fancy inn and finishing a fairly tasty dinner, as always, we moved to our room for a strategy meeting.
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We booked, as usual, a large room. When the girls change clothes, I end up waiting outside the door.
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It’s a bit of a hassle, but if something happens and we’re not all together, an extra process of regrouping is inserted.
That in itself can put us at a disadvantage as a team.
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“You don’t have to go outside! I don’t mind showing you everything!”
“No, thanks.”
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Lightly brushing off Asuka, who is mysteriously eager to show off, we all share our impressions of the Asley we observed during the day.
Without reservation, of course.
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Miliaria and I have preconceptions, but Salieri, who doesn’t know much about the Lintrite Kingdom, might be able to provide an outsider’s perspective.
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Meg, coming from a thieves guild, can observe the backstreets, and the gluttonous bishop Meisha can understand the commoners’ lives.
As for Asuka, because she’s not thinking about anything, she might notice something we overlooked.
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In this way, we share what each of us has noticed. Then, based on this information, I decide the next course of action.
This is how the [Hope] strategy meeting works.
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“It’s too normal. And too peaceful.”
“That’s not a bad thing, though.”
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As a result, Miliaria and I end up feeling even more uneasy.
Really, no matter how you look at it, it’s normal.
This city of Asley.
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