I Became King by Following My Little Sister's Advice. Now the Princess I Forced to Marry Is Giving Me Death Stares, What Should I Do? - Chapter 03: What to Do About the Duke's Attack

Chapter 03: What to Do About the Duke’s Attack

A coup occurred in the Kingdom of Aidron.

The knights, who were supposed to protect the royal family, led the people in an uprising and took over the royal castle.

The supposedly impregnable castle fell in just half a day, and the coup succeeded.

The king, queen, and crown prince were exposed to the public and pelted with stones until their faces were bruised.

Eventually, they were executed by beheading.

Though one royal family member remained, the public’s anger subsided after the king and others were executed.

There were few who insisted on killing the princess, who had no bad reputation. 

Thus, Princess Medina was the only royal member to survive.

“Now then, everyone, we have a problem.”

It had been a week since the overthrow of the royal family. 

The leaders of the new government had gathered in a conference room at the center of the castle. 

Among them were knights led by Van, collaborating officials, nobles who provided funds and soldiers, and representatives of the people.

Though it had only been a short time since they seized control of the capital, they had already firmly grasped it. 

The capital and its surroundings were surprisingly calm, with no riots or chaos, making it hard to believe a coup had just taken place.

(This is thanks to my sister… I’m so proud of how capable she’s become.)

Van thought as he sat at the head of the table in the conference room. 

Before the rebellion, they had already negotiated with influential figures in the capital. 

Thanks to Moa, who had secured the support of key merchants, artisans, and religious leaders, there was no major disorder even after the coup.

Moa was now sitting quietly in a chair right behind Van.

“We have a problem. Explain it, please.”

“Understood.”

Van, too shy to speak in public, quickly passed the explanation to his sister.

Prompted by her brother, Moa stood up and began to speak in a serious tone, different from when they were alone.

“As you know, we have overthrown the corrupt Aidron royal family and established a new government. We have already secured the lands around the capital, and letters of submission from local nobles are steadily arriving.”

The people in the conference room listened intently to Moa’s explanation.

Despite her youth, no one underestimated her. 

Just as Van was known for his bravery, Moa was known for her intelligence.

“However, there is one who has declared war on us. Duke Cordelick, who holds land east of the capital.”

“…!”

“As you know, Duke Cordelick is distantly related to the royal family. Though his claim is weak, he does possess a right to the throne. With the royal family fallen, he has been proclaiming to other nobles that he is the new rightful king and has denounced us as rebels. He sent a letter threatening to attack and destroy us if we do not surrender the capital.”

Moa sighed and shook her head sadly.

“It is true that Duke Cordelick has a claim to the throne. Some uncertain nobles might choose to follow him. We need to crush him quickly.”

“Peace is not an option… is that what you’re saying?”

Van asked the question.

In front of others, he didn’t show his reliance on his sister. 

His expression remained stern and composed, keeping the facade of a strict and cold warrior.

(If only there was a way to avoid fighting… We just killed so many recently, and I really don’t want another war…)

Only his sister, Moa, could guess what he was really thinking.

“Duke Cordelick won’t comply. In fact… he has already mobilized his troops and is advancing towards the capital.”

“What…!?”

“He’s already on the move!?”

The room erupted in a commotion. 

The thought of an external enemy invading their newly seized capital made some of them nervous.

“…”

However, only the officials and representatives of the people were agitated. 

The knights remained calm and showed no signs of panic.

Van glanced around the room and then spoke.

“Alright, then it’s war.”

“…!”

“I would have preferred to avoid fighting, but if he’s already deployed his troops, we have no choice. Prepare the soldiers immediately.”

Van declared firmly, without hesitation. 

His swift decision-making was fitting for the leader of the new government, but this wasn’t an act. 

Van Arlengs was not one for deep thinking. When the answer was clear, he could make swift decisions.

(Hmm… I didn’t want to fight, but if the enemy has deployed their troops, we have to stop them. I can’t let everyone get dragged into this. We need to take them down before they reach the capital.)

With the justification of protecting his comrades, Van made his decision without consulting his sister. 

Moa smiled, pleased with her dependable brother.

“I see. We could hole up in the capital, but that would unsettle the people right after the coup. We need to defeat them in the field, right? As expected of you, Brother.”

“…Yes,”

Van nodded after a brief pause, having not thought that far ahead.

“Then, Brother will lead the army to defeat the duke’s forces. Does anyone have any objections?”

“…No.”

“No objections… It’s fine.”

Everyone at the table agreed. 

The officials who had been agitated earlier now looked ashamed of their behavior.

“Then it’s decided. We march immediately,”

Van said, standing up from his chair. 

The knights in the room followed their reliable leader.

“Take care of the capital while I’m gone.”

“Understood. Please be careful…”

With a bow from his sister and turning his back on the officials, Van set out from the capital.

The strongest knight who had taken the castle in just half a day was heading into battle for the first time since the coup, a week ago.