Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Episode 62: Prelude to War

Amidst the watchful eyes of the McLain command, including Logan, the envoys boldly proclaimed with an arrogant demeanor.

Our Fereta demands the return of the eloped vassals and, as compensation for preventing future occurrences, we claim the Teslon Plains adjacent to the Fereta territory and the newly developed wastelands to the southwest.

We, Sylvan, demand dominion over Teslon Castle and the transfer of the northwest part of the newly developed wastelands.

Logans predictions were spot on.

The envoys had the audacity to utter such ludicrous demands.

They wanted an entire castle handed over and half of the newly developed lands. Their claims were no different from an outright threat, essentially challenging McLain to war.

What do you think?

Logan sent a look that asked whether his predictions werent correct, to which Patrick sighed softly and nodded with a serious expression.

The signal descended to Commander Heinke below the platform.

With a hardened expression, Heinke stepped forward and shouted loudly.

Are Sylvan and Fereta proposing warfare against McLain?

Insane!

How dare they!

Have they lost their minds, declaring such nonsense here?!

Simultaneously, 30 knights lined up in front of the hall stepped forward in unison to protest.

One of them even hastily drew his sword, and the atmosphere in the hall became deadly in an instant.

The envoys hesitated for a moment but soon came forward more confidently than before.

There is no rule that permits threatening an envoy, my lord! If you truly do not wish for war, I urge you to withdraw your knights.

We are the ones threatened here. When faced with a challenge, how can we refuse? McLain does not fear war.

But, contrary to their belief, Patricks attitude was even more resolute.

The envoys expressions stiffened at this unexpected response.

McLain would not leave a single blade of grass alive. Do you truly wish for such destruction?

You must be under the illusion that we will yield under pressure, Baron?

The mustached envoy from Sylvan and the fox-like man from Fereta shifted their tone to a more overt threat.

The knights standing behind them only slightly widened their eyes but remained seemingly unfazed.

It was clear they still believed they held the advantage.

Maybe its time to crumble their foundation.

Thinking of how enjoyable it would be to see their reactions change, a frosty smile formed on Logans lips.

Fugitives fleeing tyranny are not bargaining chips. Father, we have no need for negotiations with these individuals.

With a decisive word and step forward, all of McLains knights drew their swords in an instant.

Only then did the envoys expressions vastly change.

Are you, are you serious about going to war?

Are you mad? Do you want to die?!

Their roaring was met with only mocking smiles from the McLain knights.

The envoys reacted sharply in the face of such ridicule.

You, you people

Are you out of your mind? Its war if it comes to this! Do you think McLain will survive?!

While the Fereta fox hesitated with a stern expression, the mustached man from Sylvan yelled out as if in desperation.

At that moment, Logan eagerly responded.

Ho-ho? Mad? How brazen you are. Daring to point fingers and hurl insults at this lands lord? Are you in your right mind?

No, no, that was you who

Logan didnt bother to listen anymore and continued forward.

Stop him!

Unable to ignore the escalating threat, the envoys guardian knights rushed to the forefront.

But Logan was quicker.

Instead, he focused on what was currently necessary for himself and for McLain.

The crux of the matter is how quickly Sylvan falls.

Yes!

There was no one who thought this conversation absurd, not the speakers nor any who listened in.

Their overflowing confidence accelerated the McLain Knights charge ever faster.

When McLains Knights Battalion reached Teslon Castle, nervousness was naturally expected among the soldiers ordered into combat readiness during their regular training.

However

Regular soldiers, excluding those on duty at McLain Castle, number 1,389. The mercenary corps adds another 313. All are armed and awaiting orders, reported Kai, excitement overtaking any semblance of tension.

Youve done well. Until the next orders, they can rest.

The stone bolt cavalry that had turned last years territorial wars upside down had now quintupled in strength.

With the addition of the father and knights who had attained higher realms by mastering the Blood Iron Sword, their confidence was well justified.

Sylvan and Fereta, whichever it is, one of them will easily fall.

Of course, battling both didnt seem losing, but there was no need to do so, hence it should not be done.

It wasnt merely about minimizing the damage that the war would bring.

If we integrate Sylvan and Fereta, we would have five castles in our domain, equating to territories comparable to the border counts.

It wasnt necessarily the case that a larger territory guaranteed an increased title, but the moment it happened, both factions of the first and second princes would be desperate to pull McLain to their side.

The focus of those central factions must not be drawn here to the southwestern countryside, at least until the civil war.

So Logan worked hard to create even a pretext for war.

Immersed in these thoughts.

there is good news, came a voice.

Looking up, Kai still hadnt left the room.

Logan had to inquire, driven by curiosity from the look on his face.

Hm? Good news?

Victor has become a force user. Hes been waiting to report directly to you.

Aha! Finally!

With an involuntary rise to his feet, Kai sighed softly and opened the door.

Although he could guess why that look was on his face, there was no time to give it thought now.

Right before the opened door stood a somewhat flushed Victor.

Logan sir, I

No need for long speeches, show me.

His eyes, each a different hue of red and blue, blazed with energy. Then suddenly, a dim grey mist emitted from his figure.

A unique force color, not at all inferior to Logans golden hue.

Yet, it was also the mark of Victor, the noble slayer from the past life.

Ha. Haha. Its true. In just two years

The resplendent talent that had risen from mere slavery to a force user in the previous life remained unaltered in this one.

Victors growth felt like a signal that all would turn out well, and Logan couldnt hide his joy.

Two days after arriving in Teslon, just as Logan started to wonder about the delayed response, the anticipated communication from Sylvan finally arrived.

[We express profound regret at the blatant disregard for legitimate protest and the threatening use of force by McLain]

Much like McLains previous communication, this lengthy message was full of courtesy and decorative language.

But stripping it down to the bare essence:

If you dont want war with the Sylvan-Fereta alliance, hand over the escaped vassals, remit ten million gold each in reparations, and give up the Teslon Plains. You have one month.

McLain responded immediately and clearly without delaying:

[Doubt surrounds the legitimacy of your protest, given the insolence displayed in our territory]

Putting the verbiage aside, the core message was:

Stop babbling and fight!

Right after, a massive cavalry troop numbering nearly 1,800 charged from Teslon Castle towards the northwest.