Reincarnated as a Genius Prodigy of a Prestigious Family - Chapter 269

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Reincarnated as a Legendary Talent Genius of a Noble Family Episode 269

172. Eastern Territory, Land of Fierce Battle (4)

We had already contacted Leila’s older brother in advance.

Paradoxically, the safest place in this eastern territory is the village closest to the battlefield.

We decided to meet Leila’s older brother there, and that place was under his influence.

In other words, we could easily find a place suitable for entrusting the children.

“A monastery would probably be best, right?”

“Most likely.”

Taking the children with us wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t extremely difficult either.

Ernest unexpectedly played well with the children.

“Now then. Here’s a question! What is the largest mountain in the western region of the Empire?”

“Me, me!”

“Ah, I raised my hand first!”

The children quickly recovered their strength.

I suppose that’s just how children are.

Fortunately, none of the children were sick or injured, they were just hungry.

Starting with liquid food and gradually giving them things to chew, they quickly regained their vitality.

“He’s playing with them well.”

“Right. I was worried they’d be gloomy the whole way.”

Leila watched the scene with satisfaction and suddenly said,

“You did well, Dane.”

“I just did what needed to be done.”

“Even necessary things require ability to accomplish. Ernest or I couldn’t have done it like that.”

Leila turned her gaze back toward the children and Ernest playing.

“Hmm, honestly… I had no particular thoughts about the eastern territory other than the impression that it’s where my big brother is. But I think something has changed.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’m going to ask Father as soon as we return. How we can end these kinds of incidents in this eastern territory.”

From a realistic perspective, the situation in this eastern territory would be difficult to resolve in a short time.

The aftermath of long warfare continues, and unless the localized conflicts and barbarian tribes that are the fundamental causes disappear.

Or—

Unless the Emperor stops merely declaring a ‘unified Empire’ in name only and implements policies that truly make it so.

“If Priscilla had come, she really would have cursed up a storm.”

“She really would have.”

Responding to Leila’s muttering, I suddenly recalled the fellow who had been watching us from the mountain dwelling earlier.

He had followed us from the capital all the way here.

Neither Leila nor Ernest had noticed.

If I hadn’t received assassination lessons from Mother, I probably wouldn’t have either.

What kind of fellow is he, and what’s his purpose?

Rather than posing a threat, I decided to leave him be for now.

Capturing and beating him up is one method, but it’s better to quietly observe and figure out his purpose.

He can also be used for cleanup purposes like just now.

“But Dane, what will happen to those mountain bandits from earlier?”

“Well. The Imperial Army will probably capture them all.”

“You called the Imperial Army?”

“Even if I didn’t, someone would have.”

Leaving behind Leila who was tilting her head in confusion, I approached Ernest.

“Let’s get going soon.”

“Oh, okay. Just a moment. Let me just announce the answer to this question. Now, the name of the western desert is the ‘Dulke Desert’!”

“Ugh! I knew that!”

“What do you mean you knew! You got it completely wrong!”

“Geez, I really did know!”

Children are indeed children.

It’s unfortunate, but it would be difficult for us to take responsibility for everything.

“The monastery will take good care of them, right?”

“If Sogress and Termion make the request, certainly. And if we show a little sincerity.”

“Sincerity?”

Money exists to be used at times like this.

We resumed moving, matching the children’s pace.

Fortunately, nothing else happened to delay us further during the journey.

“We’ve finally arrived.”

And at last, though a bit later than scheduled, we safely arrived at a village called ‘Diarc’ near the eastern battleground.

“It’s quite lively?”

“Right. I thought everyone would be war-weary since it’s near the battleground.”

Both showed surprised reactions.

“They’ve each adapted to war in their own way.”

In fact, unless defeats continue, even battlefields where combat directly occurs don’t have particularly bad atmospheres.

Of course, they’re not living positively because they’re truly ‘happy,’ but still, if you’re going to live anyway, isn’t it better than being depressed?

Everyone naturally learns their own way of getting by.

“We have some time left, right? Let’s go to the monastery first.”

We had arranged to meet Leila’s older brother, Owen Termion, at the village entrance in a few hours.

“Come on, let’s go now.”

“Mm-hmm. Big brother. Where are we going?”

“…”

Having grown attached over those few days, Ernest seemed unable to bring himself to leave.

I told him to keep his attachment moderate.

But how could that be easy?

With that personality of wanting to be endlessly kind to people he’s become close to.

Leila also seemed regretful and sorry, though not as much as Ernest.

But we had to go.

For the sake of these children too.

“Young Master Dane Sogress…?”

“Yes. I’m not here on family business.”

I then met with the abbot and explained the whole situation.

“Ah. Such things happen frequently. Especially here in the eastern territory. The Empire officially declared the end of the war, but… their war continues.”

“That’s why I’d like to make a request.”

While saying this, I handed over money that, though an extremely small portion of what I’d earned so far, would be sufficient until these children grew up.

“Th-this much?”

“Please use it for the children, and I couldn’t ask for more if it’s used to improve this monastery’s environment.”

“…How can I be so grateful. Hehe…”

The abbot seemed even slightly moved.

“Actually… lately there have been many cases of people secretly coming at dawn to abandon newborns and run away, or children suddenly showing up saying their mom and dad suddenly disappeared.”

Wiping away tears, unable to continue speaking, the sight was pitiful.

This is the reality of war.

Even though it’s over, for those who experienced war, another war continues in its cruelty.

Does the Emperor know this fact?

Perhaps he doesn’t even know.

Or maybe he knows but turns a blind eye.

The logic of the world cannot look after each and every individual person, but…

Still, there are things that must be done.

Even if it’s just me alone like this.

“It must have been difficult for you.”

“Still, it gives me strength. Because you came to visit like this.”

It’s not like I’m saying I’ll become a saint or anything now, but…

At least I should know how to empathize with things I’ve experienced myself, shouldn’t I?

“Rather than this, if it’s alright for a moment, I’d like to give a blessing for the future journey to Sir Dane Sogress and his companions.”

The monastery is officially affiliated with the temple.

But even if it’s not affiliated with the temple, wishing for good fortune in the future is something anyone can do.

“Then we’ll ask for your favor.”

I smiled gently.

Hoping that the children entrusted to this place would grow up safely and meet a bright future.

Somehow, it seemed like I was gradually getting used to this atmosphere.

The 3rd Prince, Edward, wiped away the blood from the battle with the barbarians he had just participated in and returned from.

“Phew.”

Edward let out a long sigh.

This time too, it had been a difficult battle.

The barbarians are fast, powerful, and warlike.

So he could easily cut down one or two, but when several attacked together, there was no answer.

Just now, he had gotten injured on his shoulder while facing two simultaneously.

Fortunately, with the priests’ immediate healing, it healed cleanly enough to leave no scar, but it left a bitter taste.

“As expected, nothing goes as I want.”

Sir Onet had also left now.

Because he couldn’t stay by his side forever.

A few escort knights who had followed from the Imperial Palace were with him, but they were only escort knights after all.

“At least several years here… I wonder?”

What was the Emperor’s intention in sending him to this place where this endless battle occurs?

That person whom he had started recognizing as Emperor instead of Father at some point.

Surely he wouldn’t hope for him to die here, so ultimately he must want him to achieve something, realize something, or produce results—

“This won’t do.”

The conclusion Edward had reached after staying here for several months was this:

This war does not end.

No, it must not end.

“There are many who profit from this war.”

The officially ended war.

However, the conflicts with the barbarians and local battles with Drenik that had continued since right after the founding.

War requires supplies, and it’s merchants who provide those supplies. And those merchants usually belong to trading companies operated by noble families.

“If harmony were achieved.”

Edward muttered words that would make anyone sneer if they heard them.

Harmony with the barbarians.

Is that even a possible story?

The barbarians want farmland.

Farmland where they can no longer wander and continue a stable life.

But the Empire does not permit this, so conflicts with the barbarians break out.

What about Drenik?

The official war has ended, but they’re trying hard to find fault through local battles.

Alteon is the same.

More than ten years have passed, but it’s a situation where war could break out again anytime if both sides put their minds to it.

“Did His Majesty… send me to resolve this?”

Before that, I want to ask.

Does the Emperor truly want this ‘war’ to end?

And one more thing.

With Owen Termion, an outstanding commander of the Eastern Territory, already present, what should I do?

I came here as an advisor, not as a commander.

So strictly speaking, I’m the commander in Owen Termion’s absence, but…

Could I do it?

Could I command and control all those soldiers and lead battles to victory?

“Dane. What would you have done?”

Edward muttered today too, thinking of his friend, Dane.

Well, he had received contact a few days ago anyway.

Leila’s older brother, that is, Owen Termion, the commander of this eastern front, was coming to see him.

And incidentally coming to see him too.

“I shouldn’t show only a dark side.”

He is a prince.

A prince who has just begun to spread his wings.

So, he must become stronger.

He cannot show weakness.

“I should go once Sir Termion returns.”

Edward decided to put his mind at ease.

But—

“Your Highness, there’s urgent news from the 3rd watchtower.”

The situation wouldn’t leave him alone.

“Come in quickly.”

The person who entered was a messenger.

The tension that rose just from the fact that a messenger who should have gone to Owen Termion under normal circumstances had come to him.

As soon as the messenger entered, without even catching her gasping breath, she connected the urgent communication.

“This is Edward Danter. Speak.”

—Your Highness. This is the 3rd watchtower. The barbarians’ posture is very unusual right now.

“What?”

—At least five hundred troops are gathering beyond the forest.

“…!”

At least five hundred.

The barbarian forces that had never exceeded a few dozen at most until now, were actually five hundred?

“I’ll go right now.”

Edward jumped up.

With Owen absent, a situation requiring some decision was approaching.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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