The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

Chapter 245

If the capital, Thurium, was central to the Ruben Kingdom, Count Randal’s capital city, Scoden, was situated in the kingdom’s east.

Therefore, the standoff between the forces of the 3rd and 4th Princes stretched north to south along the eastern territories.

‘Has it already been two weeks?’

Raul stroked his chin as he looked down at the magical map displayed on the large table. The map, which depicted the terrain and features, provided detailed information about the current positions on the front line.

It showed troop dispositions, estimated numbers of knights, and even identified which noble families the soldiers belonged to, giving a comprehensive view of the situation.

The detailed information was possible because informants had been planted within both factions. Deploying informants among the hundreds of thousands of troops wasn’t a difficult task.

Additionally, Raul received help from Seohyun’s summoned creatures and players specializing in reconnaissance.

Given the significance of this battleground, many broadcasting companies and individual streamers had come to cover the event, transmitting video footage.

‘Thanks to them, there’s no shortage of general information.’

The battlefront was tense, with the 4th Prince’s forces making a slow but steady push. Although the Central Army was formidable, the sheer difference in numbers couldn’t be ignored.

Both factions continued to reinforce their troops, but the attrition matched the reinforcements, maintaining the balance at 150,000 versus 300,000.

“They’re moving slower than I expected. I thought they’d want a quick resolution,” Jake said, crossing his arms in puzzlement.

“They’re being cautious. In a large-scale battlefield like this, a single significant defeat could drastically shift the balance,” Raul explained.

“I get that, but what’s the point of continuing this stalemate? They should just clash decisively and get it over with,” Jake replied, snorting in frustration and shaking his head.

“They’ll make a move soon enough. Kane?”

“Yes, Master. I’ll display it.”

The map’s display shifted slightly. The holograms of the soldiers disappeared, replaced by icons representing the knight orders, with large sword symbols appearing in various locations.

“… Hmm. What’s this?”

Jake asked.

“It shows the positions of the Masters in each faction.”

Five Masters on the 3rd Prince’s side were marked with dark blue swords. Three were in the capital, Thurium, and two near the front lines.

In contrast, the 4th Prince had only one Master, marked by a single red sword within Count Randal’s main force.

“Hmm. The disparity is striking.”

Five Masters versus one. While the number of knights on the Randal side was about 1.5 times higher…

“It doesn’t look easy, especially considering this place.”

Philip pointed his command baton at a location on the map. It was the McNeil Marquisate. The number of knights and soldiers not yet deployed to the front lines but staying within the territory was formidable.

“Let’s focus on the front lines for now. Kane, add the additional info.”

Bzzzz.

White swords appeared on the map.

“… What does this mean?”

Jake asked.

“What do you think?”

Raul replied. Two white swords were on the 3rd Prince’s side. Four on the 4th Prince’s side. As Philip mulled over it, he slapped his palm.

“Could this be marking the hidden Masters?”

“Correct. These are likely individuals who have reached the proficiency level to become Masters.”

Master.

The realm of martial prowess beyond the limits of human capability. Only a select few could achieve this status, with many failing to surpass the threshold.

Even in the Ashton County, individuals like the head, Melvin, the Golden Bear Knights’ commander, Viscount Hesse, and the overall commander, Viscount Vogel, had all lingered for decades at the peak of the Expert level without advancing.

“…Well, it’s not like the blessing of mana is exclusive to us.”

Jake accepted this with a calm expression.

“They include those who have remained top-tier Experts for at least three years. The actual number of Masters could be more or less than indicated.”

The counter for Masters showed seven for the 3rd Prince’s faction and five for the 4th Prince’s faction.

“When you look at it like this… it feels like something big is about to happen.”

The 3rd Prince’s side had evenly distributed their five Masters across the divided frontlines.

“Count Randal is definitely planning something.”

Four white swords were clustered beside the red sword marking Count Randal’s position.

*

“Extra, extra! The 4th Prince’s forces have defeated the 3rd Prince’s army at the Brandal Plains and are advancing towards the capital!”

“Four new Masters have appeared in the 4th Prince’s army! They defeated the McNeil Marquisate’s Masters Delo and Gervainen in the battle of the Brandal Plains!”

Early in the morning, the capital of the Ruben Kingdom, Thurium, was bustling.

Young boys hawking newspapers moved through the streets, spreading the unbelievable news. Citizens scrambled to buy the papers.

“Is it true? The 4th Prince’s army won?”

“That’s not all! They’ve defeated two of the punitive force’s legions and are advancing towards the capital!”

“New Masters! Heaven hasn’t abandoned the Ruben Kingdom after all.”

The citizens couldn’t conceal their joy at the news of the 4th Prince’s victory. However, concerns were also prevalent.

“What happens if the war reaches the capital? Are we going to be dragged into the fighting?”

“Surely not. There’s no way a siege could happen in the capital, right?”

“You never know. Who can predict what madness the 3rd Prince might unleash?”

Beep! Beep!

Suddenly, a whistle sounded from the end of the street as soldiers appeared.

“Oh no, run!”

“Let’s get out of here!”

The newspaper boys and citizens scattered in all directions. The intensity of the soldiers’ demeanor was unusual; it wasn’t the usual half-hearted enforcement.

Anyone caught could end up as an example of the 3rd Prince’s harsh rule. The deserted streets were now littered with scattered newspapers.

The security chief picked up a newspaper and frowned.

‘The news spreads fast. This will surely cause more unrest among the citizens.’

Hardly anyone expected the 3rd Prince’s side to lose. Even he, an officer, was taken aback, so the citizens must be in shock.

“Chief, what should we do?”

The soldiers had captured a few newspaper boys and citizens.

“P-please spare us! We were just selling papers like we always do.”

“We were just passing through. Please have mercy!”

Some of the boys had even wet their pants in fear, though nothing had been done to them yet.

“Bring them to the detention center according to protocol.”

Yes, sir!”

“Please, spare us!”

Those being dragged away by the soldiers struggled and shouted. The security chief sighed inwardly, trying to ignore their pleas.

‘What is the point of all this?’

Once orders were given, there was no way to disobey them. Of course, he had no intention of truly harming these people.

‘I’ll just have to keep them locked up for a few days and then release them.’

What crime had they committed, after all?

As someone who was supposed to protect the citizens, it felt wrong to imprison innocent people. The chief couldn’t help but feel a sense of self-loathing.

“Lieutenant, it’s Area 3, block C today.”

“Yes, understood.”

Following his orders, the lieutenant led about fifty soldiers off to somewhere. They would capture various troublemakers and criminals from the back alleys.

Then, these wrongfully detained citizens would be hung on the gallows in their place tomorrow.

‘If someone has to die, there’s no other choice.’

It was frustrating that this was all he could do. Suddenly, the image of a golden hawk insignia flashed in his mind.

‘Would things have been different if they were here?’

*

Royal Palace Conference Room.

A large dark blue banner with the crossed axe and hammer emblem hung on the wall behind the platform. It was the symbol of the McNeil Marquisate.

Beneath it, Clifford de McNeil, the Marquis, sat with a stern expression on a luxurious chair.

“I seem to have overestimated you gentlemen. I didn’t think these orders were particularly difficult.”

“My apologies, sir.”

“We’re truly sorry, cough.”

Two knights knelt on the floor beneath the platform. These were the newly minted Masters of the McNeil Marquisate, Delo and Gervainen.

Their condition was evidently poor. Their faces were pale, and the bandages wrapped around their bodies were soaked with blood.

Additionally, Master Gervainen’s left arm was missing below the elbow.

“Both of you, go and rest.”

Following the Marquis’s command, the two Masters weakly bowed their heads and left the room. A thud was heard outside, indicating that one of them had collapsed.

However, the Marquis did not blink an eye and asked his adjutant.

“Have the casualty reports been compiled?”

“Yes, sir. Significant casualties were incurred in the recent battle and subsequent retreat. Out of the 60,000 troops, there were 15,000 casualties, including the deceased. 20,000 were captured, and 5,000 deserted. Thus, combat-ready personnel are estimated to be just under 20,000.”

Murmurs spread through the room. Losing 40,000 troops and two Masters in a single engagement was an unforeseen and catastrophic loss.

“Silence!

“…….”

The Marquis’s stern warning brought silence to the room.

“What about the retreat?”

“We are organizing a retreat centered around the Central Army. We should be able to reach the outskirts of the capital within three days.”

“Hmm.”

The Marquis closed his eyes briefly, gathering his thoughts.

‘We intended to draw them closer to the capital from the start, but the losses were greater than expected. Incompetent fools.’

He had anticipated that the 4th Prince’s side might have undisclosed Masters. Therefore, he had ordered his knights to avoid direct confrontations as much as possible and lure the enemy.

Regardless, the overall plan hadn’t derailed. Marquis McNeil rose from his chair and walked over to the map of the terrain in the center of the room.

“We will settle this battle here.”

Thunk.

The Marquis stabbed a dagger into the map and table.

Kerden Plains.

A vast expanse of open land a little ways from the capital, Thurium. Apart from a small river and clusters of woods, nothing obstructed the view.

“Are you considering a pitched battle? Our current forces might be insufficient for a direct confrontation.”

One of the tacticians asked cautiously, and the Marquis nodded.

“We will not be short of troops. The main forces from the Marquis’s estate are heading here as we speak. This battle will end the war! Prepare a detailed plan and present it.”

“Yes, sir!”

The officers and tacticians gathered to begin a full-scale planning session. Watching them with cold eyes, Marquis McNeil turned and left the room.

Their plans were merely supplementary. The real strategy had been set in motion long before the war.

‘Hudson. You should have abandoned your greed and taken my hand.’

If he had, he could have lived out his days enjoying the status and privileges of a noble family. The word ‘defeat’ seemed nonexistent in the Marquis’s mind as he walked away.

*

“…Hmm. So, he wants a pitched battle? It seems he’s lost his touch after not being on the battlefield for so long, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Hahaha, indeed. It appears he hasn’t properly assessed the situation. This will work in our favor, won’t it?”

“A siege in the capital would be detrimental to both sides. Prepare accordingly.”

“Understood, my lord.”

4th Prince’s camp.

Count Randal’s forces were marching towards the capital with their entire army. Their numbers had swelled to 350,000, with no more opposition in their path.

Reports indicated that 70,000 to 80,000 reinforcements had departed from the McNeil Marquisate.

‘Even so, that brings their total to 200,000. We have the advantage in both soldiers and knights, not to mention we’ve matched them in Master numbers.’

Count Hudson felt confident about any Master confrontations.

‘The Sword King might be a challenge, but Clifford? He won’t be difficult. This is my chance to show who’s stronger.’

Previously, the kingdom had prohibited duels between Masters. With so few Masters, any injury could have widespread repercussions, entangling various families in conflicts.

But now, those restraints were off, and it was time to see who truly was the strongest.

‘Kerden Plains, huh.’

Count Hudson’s lips curled into a grin.

(To be continued)