Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~

Chapter 66 Inauguration as Marshal

“Ah, it’s been a long time. Lord Rillburn. Welcome to the land of Cade.”

“It’s been a while.”

When we passed through a settlement in Neville, Aias, a high-ranking official of the Cade Confederation, came out to greet us. We had fought together in the past.

“Well then, how about a drink?”

“I would be delighted.”

Aias prepared a small banquet and hosted us warmly. Even the soldiers and servants accompanying me were served with warm local sake.

“What have you been up to recently, Lord Aias?”

“Well, at present, I am dedicating all my efforts to countering the northern barbarians. We are currently constructing four fortresses in the north.”

“Oh, barbarians, you say?”

“Indeed. The land of Cade has always been troubled by these barbarians.”

The strength of Cade is well-known among neighboring countries. I began to worry about the strength of these barbarians who threaten Cade.

“Be sure to visit us again on your way back.”

“Certainly.”

The next day, I parted ways with Aias and continued further north along the snow-covered roads. By the time we arrived at the Heather Basin, which has a large lake, the sky had turned stormy and a blizzard had begun.

“Just a little further. Everyone, hang in there!”

“Yes!”

As everyone braved the blizzard, I felt guilty inside the warm carriage. We descended the soft, fresh snow-covered road and finally arrived in the heartland of Cade, the Ram Basin.

◇◇◇◇◇

Ten days after departing from Lebe, we finally had an audience with Don, the king of the Cade Confederation.

“Lord Rillburn has arrived!”

In the midst of Cade’s many generals, I stepped forward to stand before King Don.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, King Don, on your continued good health and prosperity. I bring these small tokens of our goodwill.”

I presented the items I had purchased from the merchant Hop.

“Thank you for your warm greetings. So, what brings you here in person, Marquis?”

“…Ah.”

I respectfully carried the official letter and once again presented it to King Don. The king unfolded and silently read the document.

“Ah, so the Owen Alliance Kingdom is advancing troops to the east?”

“Yes, that is correct. Our capital, Shampur, has been burned. We must seek vengeance against the vile forces of the Fletcher Republic.”

“…I see. And you wish to join forces with us?”

“Yes, we are also engaged in conflict with the Garland Trading Nation in the west. Our resources are somewhat insufficient, and we seek your assistance, King Don.”

The king, stroking his beard, closed his eyes and contemplated silently for a while. After a moment, he opened his eyes and began to speak.

“…In that case, prepare arrows and provisions for our troops during this campaign.”

“All of them?”

“Yes.”

The terms were quite demanding. Besides the arrows, they wanted us to provide all the provisions and forage for their troops.

This would significantly burden our nation, including transportation costs. However, the terms were not unfeasible. As the full-fledged ambassador, I agreed to these conditions.

“I accept those terms.”

“Very well. Let us fight together!”

With the major issues settled, arrangements were made for a signing ceremony. The final details were to be worked out between the palace bureaucrats I had brought and the Cade officials.

“First, a toast!”

“I humbly accept.”

After the diplomatic ceremony, we were invited by the king to a grand banquet. This time, I was acting as the representative of the Queen of Owen. We were treated with the highest honors.

The agreed-upon date for the campaign with the Cade Confederation was set for mid-March. The plan was to encircle and attack the Fletcher Republic forces stationed in Jif, the late Lord Ove’s territory, from both the north and south.

◇◇◇◇◇

Early March, Unified Year 566—

I returned from Cade’s land and reported to Her Majesty the Queen in the royal capital of Shampur about the diplomatic negotiations.

“Marquis Rillburn, you have done well in the negotiations.”

“…Yes, it is entirely due to Your Majesty’s esteemed influence.”

“Do not be so modest. There are lingering grievances between us and Cade. It is thanks to your efforts in fostering friendship with Cade that we have achieved this!”

“I am deeply honored by Your Majesty’s words.”

“Now, Marquis, it seems that Chancellor Fisher has recommended you for the position of Prime Minister. Will you accept this?”

“…M-me?”

What was that?

A commoner like me as the Chancellor of the kingdom?

I was quite flustered.

Of course, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to advance. In peacetime, it would be unthinkable for a mercenary to rise to the position of Chancellor. Such a thing could only happen in times of turmoil.

…However, the Chancellor must exert influence not only in military matters but also in domestic and foreign affairs.

It seemed impossible for someone as uneducated and lacking in knowledge as myself.

“This position is too much for me; I believe someone else would be more suitable.”

“Is it too much of a burden?”

“Given my limited talents, if I could be excused…”

“…I understand. As a reward for your efforts, I shall grant you the title of Marshal.”

“I am deeply honored and immensely grateful.”

I was granted the title of Marshal as a result of the diplomatic achievements.

This title, like that of a general, is currently an honorary position with no special powers.

However, it distinguished me significantly from other generals and nobles, as I was allowed to wear a mantle adorned with the royal family’s crest.

I hurried back to Lebe and began preparations for war.

Crossbows, chariots, spears, and longbows were all being moved out of the armory.