211
The Gilliam Baronetcy, Southern Reigle Fief.
Great Lord Falador Reigle had been securing victory after victory in battles against the 2nd Division of the Demon King’s 1st Army Corps.
“Reporting the results of yesterday’s battle.”
“Hmm.”
Scanning the documents placed before him with a dignified air, Falador Reigle nodded as if satisfied.
The damage to the Gilliam residents and troops was minimal, whereas the casualties among the enemy demons numbered in the hundreds.
The enemy’s 2nd Division invading Gilliam was strong, but they were no match for Falador Reigle and the White Whale Knights.
While the Demon King’s army may have had the advantage in numbers by pushing the undead forward, the Gilliam Defense Force possessed two 8-star Paladins—asymmetrical powers that tipped the scales.
No matter how hard Vexas, the 2nd Division Commander, struggled, he could not withstand the pincer attack of Falador Reigle and the White Whale Knight Commander, Leorn.
“It seems the next battle will be the end of it,” said the vassal, Baron Gilliam.
“Victory is already certain. From here on, the key to future conflicts will be how many of the enemy we can pursue and eliminate.”
“Yes, yes. Sir Leorn and I will do our utmost. Hahahaha! Things couldn't be better.”
“It is all thanks to Your Excellency coming here in person.”
“Khahaha! Don’t flatter me so much. While it is true the tide of war changed upon my arrival, haven't you all held the line steadfastly until then?”
Standing up, he patted Baron Gilliam on the shoulder to encourage him, leaving the Baron flustered with gratitude.
Soon, the vassals began praising Falador with great joy, while Falador waved his hand as if the compliments were ticklish.
“Anyway, it seems things are going well at the capital, so you all should move out to prepare for the next battle.”
“Yes, Your Excellency!”
“Glory to Reigle!”
Looking around at his vassals who were chanting his name with hope, Falador Reigle laughed heartily.
It wasn't just them; whenever he stepped out of the manor, the residents of Gilliam would cheer his name and scatter flowers.
Everything was flowing smoothly according to his plan.
Originally, Falador Reigle intended to fight just enough to maintain his honor before retreating to plan for the future once defeat seemed certain.
However, Glenn Wordsworth changed everything.
Everything shifted when the man recognized as the Third Saint appeared in Reigle. With the arrival of a 9-star Paladin, the doomed battle's dynamics were warped, and Falador Reigle quickly calculated a way to use him.
He would have the Saint hold back the 9-star Magic Swordsman while he toured the surrounding territories.
It was a perfect plan to protect the Reigle capital while winning the hearts of the people in the outskirts.
'God is giving me an opportunity.'
But Falador did not dismiss this as mere luck.
While some simply rejoice when an opportunity falls into their lap, is it not the mark of a superior player to seize that chance tenaciously and create even more opportunities from it?
'Only a fool waits for the next stroke of luck.'
Though the Saint had fallen into his hands by chance, Falador had no intention of letting him go.
He planned to thoroughly exploit the Saint's abilities, his status, and even that self-sacrificing, devoted personality typical of his kind.
He was different from the Pope, who sat in the Papal Palace like a puppet, or the Saintess, who was too incompetent to be of any use.
'To do that, I must first win a great victory in the upcoming battle against the Demon King’s army.'
It was just as he thought this.
The door to the conference room burst open, and a knight rushed in, kneeling before him.
“Urgent news!”
“What is it?”
“At dawn today! The enemy forces secretly withdrew from their camp!”
At the sudden report, doubt flickered in the eyes of Falador and the commanders.
“What?”
“What does that...!”
“Why would those who were preparing for a total war just yesterday retreat now?”
“That is... the scouts are currently investigating the cause...”
“Sir Leorn!”
Falador’s voice rang out through the confused murmurs of the vassals.
Being quick to judge a situation, he knew exactly what needed to be done.
“Organize a pursuit party immediately.”
“Yes, Your Excellency!”
As Leorn, the White Whale Knight Commander, strode out of the room, the other vassals followed suit, barking orders at their adjutants.
After the whirlwind subsided, Baron Gilliam frowned.
“I don't understand. Even if the tide turned, why so suddenly...?”
It was certainly strange behavior.
Though they had suffered repeated defeats against the Gilliam forces joined by Falador, the demons' momentum hadn't broken. According to reports, hadn't they been preparing for an all-out war just yesterday, aiming for a final reversal?
Falador Reigle crossed his arms, lost in thought.
Soon, the mystery was solved by a messenger rushing into the room.
“Your Excellency! Urgent news from the Reigle capital! The Commander of the Demon King’s 1st Army Corps has been defeated in battle against the Saint!”
“Hmm? That is good ne—wait, what?!”
Falador, who had been preoccupied, suddenly bolted upright.
“W-what did you just say?!”
“It is as I reported! Two days ago, the main body of the legion raided the capital, and the Saint was victorious in that battle!”
Falador slumped back into his seat, looking as if he had been struck on the back of the head with a hammer.
“This... how...”
“Your Excellency! Reigle is now safe from the enemy! It seems the 2nd Division retreated because of that!”
He couldn't even spare a glance for Baron Gilliam, who was cheering tactlessly. Falador covered his face with his hands to hide his wide, trembling eyes.
'How on earth?!'
He had brought the main fighting force, including the White Whale Knights, with him. With the strength remaining at the Reigle capital, they should have barely been able to withstand a raid, let alone counterattack. He had calculated the distribution of power so meticulously!
And yet, Glenn Wordsworth had overturned everything and emerged victorious.
'This is bad! At this rate, it looks like I stepped aside on purpose just to boost his achievements!'
Glenn Wordsworth's victory.
Neither the Lord Falador Reigle nor the White Whale Knights were there. Therefore, the honor and praise garnered from the victory would belong solely to him. Falador Reigle might be hailed as a hero for saving the Gilliam Barony, but he had lost his chance to shine at the most important place: the Reigle capital.
—Saint! Please look this way just once!
—Ah... Lord Saint!
Falador vividly remembered the faces of the capital's citizens welcoming him with open arms on the day of the first counterattack. Those people, who had once loved their Lord for his benevolent rule more than the gods of the Order, would return to the embrace of the gods because of this event.
“Ah...”
