Reincarnated Aristocrat Chapter 169: Canale Crisis

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　We had gathered our troops and were preparing to join Clan-sama’s army.

　As we had expected, the lack of funds affected the number of soldiers we could mobilize.

　The number of troops that can be dispatched will likely be considerably reduced, as some troops must be left to fend off Sights’ attacks.

　Well, Clan-sama may have enough soldiers, and what they want is not troops but talented people who can think of offensive tactics. They probably don’t have high expectations for the number of soldiers in Canale, which doesn’t have a particularly large population.

　It seems that the number of troops against Alcantes is much higher than this, but Basamark’s soldiers will definitely not be weak at all.

　It may be a winnable battle, but it may not be an easy one to win. If we can make it an easy battle to win with our efforts, Clan-sama’s reputation will increase.

“Ars-sama, we’re ready to move.” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu reported.

“Okay, let’s get started immediately…”

　Just as I was about to give the order, someone came in, looking flustered.

　Ben is the messenger from Shadow. Ben basically doesn’t change his expression at all, but he looks a little flustered at this moment.

　Looking at his expression, I suddenly have a bad feeling.

　I don’t think he brought good news.

“What happened?”

　When I asked, Ben calmed down a bit, became expressionless as usual, and reported in a light tone.

“The state of Sights is gathering soldiers. The place where they are gathering is Plaid County, next to Canale County. Currently, their purpose is not clear, but there is a high probability that the army will invade Canale. This is the most probable outcome.” (Ben)

“Wa… what?”

　I was really surprised.

　I knew that Sights might come to Canale, but I didn’t know that they would come at this moment in time.

　Moreover, it is said that they have been gathering soldiers.

　I don’t know how many they have collected, but there is a possibility that they will seriously attack Canale.

“How many soldiers are there?”

“Approximately 80,000 strong?” (Ben)

“Haha… 80,000…”

　Too many.

　It is not a number that can be compared with Canale’s alone.

　The opponent may be planning to conquer Canale and then the whole of Messiaen.

“Anyway, the march has been canceled. I will send a letter to Clan-sama immediately. After that, I will start an emergency war council.”

“Understood.” (Ben)

　I was thinking about how to make a name during the battle, but now I was thinking about how to defend my territory.

　Anyway, I returned to my room and hurriedly wrote a letter to Clan-sama.

　I wrote in the letter the situation and then a request to send reinforcements if possible.

　I have my retainer send it.

　After that, Ritsu, Mireille, and Russell are gathered to hold an urgent war council.

“Well, it’s a big deal, isn’t it?” (Mireille)

　Mireille said so with the feeling of an uninvolved carefree individual.

　As usual, she always lacks a sense of urgency. It seems like she’s enjoying the thrill somehow.

“It’s not the time to be so carefree. We’re in big trouble!” (Russell)

　Russell’s face was quite pale as he gives a very legitimate opinion.

　Originally, like Russell, it is normal for me to panic.

　However, I don’t think Mireille’s attitude is wrong, because it is true that we get to feel some sense of security with her easy-going attitude.

“If Shadow’s report is correct, it’s definitely not a number we can handle on our own. We’ll still have to wait for reinforcements.” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu said so in a relatively calm manner.

　It was obvious. It is impossible to deal with 80,000 troops with Canale alone.

“The question is how many reinforcements will come…” (Mireille)

　Mireille murmured.

“Isn’t there a good number? Canale isn’t that important, but it’s geographically close to Clan’s current base, Sempler. It’s clear that it will pose quite a threat if we are conquered.” (Ritsu)

　Mireille immediately refutes Ritsu’s opinion.

“It’s a nice idea. Sights have sent 80,000 troops to Canale because they are confident that they will almost certainly benefit from the invasion. Given that, they will do everything to invade. There is a high possibility that it has been pushed by some hand.” (Mireille)

“What do you mean some hand…?” (Ritsu)

“Maybe the Sights has teamed up with Basamark. I don’t know what the deal is, but Basamark will probably do something in response to the movement of Sights. Perhaps Clan will be forced to respond. If he’s forced to respond, it will not be possible for them to send a large number of reinforcements.” (Mireille)

　Mireille’s thoughts were strangely persuasive.

　It’s certainly a little unnatural for Sights to move now.

　If they made a deal with Basamark and want to defeat Clan-sama together, Mireille is definitely in the right.

　Well, it’s not a confirmed fact yet. It is not unreasonable to say that Sights simply attacked to occupy Messiaen.

　If Clan-sama responds when Basamark begins to move, then reinforcements cannot be sent to respond to their problem, Mireille’s hunch will surely come true.

“I think my teacher’s hunch is correct. Basamark is said to be good at strategizing, and I am wondering if he could probably go this far.” (Russell)

　Russell agreed with Mireille’s opinion.

“I don’t know what will happen, but I think we should move in the worst-case scenario. We have to be able to protect Canale alone without reinforcements.” (Ritsu)

“If that happens… How should we defend?”

　To my question, the three were silent.

　Even with the wisdom of these three people, it seems that it is not easy to think of a way to repel 80,000 troops.

“Well, that’s impossible. Canale not only has few soldiers, but the city also has a poor defensive capability. It doesn’t have very powerful magic weapons on the walls. If the opponent really comes to attack, it may take a year at the longest. Waiting for Clan-sama to defeat Basamark and send reinforcements.” (Mireille)

　It means fighting to earn time…

　It is up to us, but… is that the only move?

“I have another plan.” (Mireille)

“What?”

“Surrender to Sights early. The enemy will first send a letter asking for our surrender, and if we surrender accordingly, your life may be saved. The boy’s power will also be wanted by the Governor of Sights. If they take you in properly, they will be able to advance. Since Sights will flank Clan, they will be invading the Sempler, so if you play an active part in that battle, I think that you will be able to earn enough achievements. You may continue to rule the territory as it is.” (Mireille)

　It was a proposal to betray.

　Certainly, doing so may save the lives of me and my vassals.

　The risk doesn’t seem that huge either.

　I’ve always thought about the survival of the Louvent family first and foremost, so I would have to include it as one of the options, but I was reluctant.

　One reason is that I personally liked the personality of Clan-sama.

　He was a big man, and he didn’t lie.

　He also rewarded me handsomely.

　He also has a high opinion of me.

　It is unknown whether the Governor of Sights will evaluate this much.

　Besides Clan-sama, there is also a promise with Lemail-sama.

　He seems to have pledged allegiance to Clan-sama.

　To turn against the clan in the territory where he took over from Lemaire seems like a very heartless act.

　I came to a conclusion.

“Mireille, I don’t want to surrender if possible.”

“Boy, do you think you’ll be betraying? This time I’m talking about the case where reinforcements will not come or if they are too few. It disqualifies you as a lord to not be able to provide reinforcements at the request of your vassals. Isn’t it? If the opponent comes at you with numbers that are too large to win, and you surrender when no reinforcements arrive, it is their entire fault, and surrendering is not considered betrayal or a blow to your family name.” (Mireille)

　When I was told that, I was a little moved, but I didn’t change the conclusion I had once decided.

　Ritsu and Russell had some sympathy for surrendering.

　It was a bad idea to let them pass without resistance, but they seemed to think that surrender was unavoidable when it came down to it.

　I don’t want to fight until I die … If I am about to be defeated, surrendering is the best way to save the lives of my vassals, my family, my future wife Lithia, the people living within the territory, and myself. It may be an action I have to take.

“This is only if there are no reinforcements at all. I’ll wait for Clan-sama’s reply first, and then we can send troops to the border of the province. Can you do it right away?”

“We were originally planning to go to war, so we can move the troops right away. Let’s quickly set up a camp in a key location.” (Ritsu)

“I will leave the instructions of the soldiers to Ritsu. I am counting on you.”

“I understand.” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu gave his affirmative and went to give orders to the soldiers.

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