NOVEL NEXT Chapter 148
In the western fortress of the Empire, Crowz, it was a land plagued by relentless cold, covered in snow for more than half the year.
Etchuu!!
One soldier on the wall sneezed, rubbing under his nose amidst his sniffling.
Ugh, I’m freezing to death. Seriously, I can never get used to this weather even after all these years.
But hey, just one more year and you can go home, right?
Grumbling, the soldier next to him replied. It had already been five years since he was drafted as a soldier in the fortress.
Just one year left in his term of service.
If he could endure for just one more year, he could escape this dreadful snowy plains.
What good will that do me? I don’t even know how to make a living after that. I might as well just consider becoming a pike.
A pike? Here? Man, you really must be in a tough spot.
Barbarians swarm in at every chance, and when a monstrous beast shows up, survival becomes a prayer. Yet, the idea of becoming a pike arose immense sympathy from his companion.
Sigh, I don’t even know anymore. My family got caught up in the war and died. My hometown’s reduced to ashes. Honestly, there’s nothing for me even if I get out.
Hang in there…
His comrade patted him on the back with a short sigh, displaying the unfortunate tale of the soldier.
Just then, while they exchanged trivial chatter,
Hmm?
What’s up?
The soldier squinted suddenly, staring at something far away, prompting the other soldier’s confusion.
Wait, what’s that?
Wha…? What in the world is that?!
In the distance, a colossal snowstorm began to blow in from the Eternal Winter Plains.
It was a snowstorm unlike any that threatened the fortress before.
Within that storm, shadowy figures were moving.
Hey! Sound the alarm!!
Damn it, why now of all times?!
Why did such trouble brew while I was on guard duty? With that thought, he rushed towards the lookout tower.
Huh? What’s going on? It’s not even time for the shift change yet! Why are you coming in early?
Upon entering the lookout, another soldier puzzled at him.
That’s not the point! A snowstorm is coming in!!
Wh-what!?
The startled soldier jumped to his feet, sprinting toward the massive bell inside the lookout and began cranking the connected gears.
The gears began to mesh and the huge bell slowly lifted…
Ding!! Ding!! Ding!!
Following that, the loud sound of the bell boomed, shaking the silence that enveloped the fortress.
At the same time, numerous soldiers poured out from all over the fortress, heading towards the walls.
Cannons, boiling oil, and weapons for defense were prepared, and fully armed soldiers lined up on the fortress walls in no time.
They’re coming! Everyone prepare for battle!!
As soldiers rushed around, officers and knights boosted the morale.
Meanwhile, the snowstorm drew closer, and amidst it, numerous human figures began to reveal themselves.
Boom!! Bam!! Boom!! Bam!!
The sounds of drums made from animal hides echoed forth as countless Nord tribe warriors and their battle beasts rushed toward the walls.
Open fire!!
With the officer’s shout, cannons and muzzle-loaders on the walls began to unleash fire, causing screams to erupt among the crowd of Nord tribe warriors.
Yet, despite this, they did not halt.
It was as if they knew stopping would mean death, their madness-fueled eyes fixated on the walls as they charged forward.
Thus, the unprecedented large-scale invasion of the Nord tribe against the Empire began.
*
The next early morning.
As the sun rose beyond the fortress walls, Rudell and Leje strolled down the hallway.
Yawn…
With a long stretch followed by a yawn, Leje still looked sleepy, rubbing her eyes.
What’s going on this early… I just want to sleep more.
It seemed urgent. I wonder if something’s happened?
The reasons the two were on their way somewhere early in the morning were simple.
Before even dawn broke, the priests from the temple had come to seek them out.
I have a bad feeling about this.
Don’t talk nonsense. Words have power.
As Leje muttered under her breath, Rudell turned the corner.
At that moment, a massive door revealed itself before them.
It was a door intricately carved, almost like a piece of art.
Welcome, brave hero.
As they approached the door, a holy knight guarding it bowed their head.
Could you inform the Pope that we’ve arrived?
Of course.
The holy knight bowed at Rudell’s request and entered.
After a while, the knight returned, once again bowing respectfully toward Rudell, stepping aside to let them pass.
Rudell and Leje entered through the door, revealing a space resembling the one where they first met the Pope in the kingdom.
And…
You have arrived.
Hello, Pope.
As the Pope greeted warmly, Rudell froze, startled and looked down.
Not only was the Pope present.
Good to see you, Count Weinstein, Duchess Lagrind.
Wow, the princess?
What are you doing here…
The kingdom’s princess, Jade, who was soon to be crowned.
So, you are the boy who has become a hero.
Hello, Your Majesty Georg Kalua Ben Barunos.
A sturdy middle-aged man with gray hair.
Although he appeared to be approaching old age, there was an overwhelming aura that only someone who reigns could have.
His name was Georg Kalua Ben Barunos.
The Emperor of the Empire, known as the Iron-Blooded Duke.
Good to see you, Count Weinstein. I’ve heard many things about you.
Lastly, seated next to the Emperor was an elderly woman with blue hair.
She wore a gentle smile, but the atmosphere hidden behind her indicated she was no ordinary person.
Let me introduce myself. I’m the leader of the Kalez City Alliance, Van Mariadne.
The noble from the kingdom, Rudellheit Weinstein, greets the head of the city alliance.
I would love to have a cup of tea and chat, but it seems that is not the situation we are in.
As Rudell greeted Mariadne, Johan spoke, inviting Rudell and Leje to sit down.
The two sat, and amidst the awkward atmosphere, Johan coughed and glanced at Georg.
At that moment, a low groan escaped Georg’s lips, and after a brief moment of silence, he slowly began to speak.
This morning, the Nord tribe has crossed the Empire’s borders. In an unprecedented scale.
…!!
The Nord tribe, you say?
At his words, Rudell discreetly swallowed his breath, while Jade expressed her surprise.
Indeed. Initially, we thought it was an invasion for plunder, but the situation is far more serious.
Are the Imperial troops being pushed back by the Nord tribe? It seems the Imperial forces are more inflated than thought.
Tsk…
In a serious tone, Georg spoke, while Mariadne teased him with a smile, leading him to click his tongue in annoyance.
Regardless, this invasion is viewed by the Empire as having entirely different motives.
Different motives, you say…
Until now, they have invaded the Empire to pillage its food and resources. But now, it’s different. It’s as if they are trying to settle on our land.
The Nord tribe… in the Empire’s land?
On hearing this, Jade’s voice reflected disbelief.
It was understandable since the Nord tribe had a strong attachment to their homeland.
How could they possibly leave behind the Eternal Winter Plains, which they lovingly referred to as their Mother Earth?
It’s hard to believe, but we think so.
As you heard just now, the Nord tribe has launched an invasion against the Empire. This is certainly something unprecedented.
Once Georg finished speaking, Johan looked toward Rudell.
And in that gaze, Rudell understood what Johan wanted.
What we need to do now is to find out what they want. Why they are trying to settle on the Empire’s land, having left the Eternal Winter Plains. We need to uncover that reason.
…
I’ve heard that your family, Count Weinstein, have had dealings with the Nord tribe for a long time. If possible, would you talk to them and find out what’s happening within the Nord tribe?
Understood.
Rudell nodded at Johan’s words.
For Rudell, there was no loss to be had in this arrangement.
In fact, if he hadn’t suggested it, Rudell would have considered approaching them himself.
I entrust this to you, brave hero.
And at the same time, Johan bowed his head towards Rudell.