The Forgotten Field - Chapter 226

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 226
It took less than two weeks to reach the southern edge of the Jotungar Mountain Range. The lengthening days had dramatically increased our daily travel distance.
As I cautiously guided my horse along the steep mountain path, I spotted the military encampment nestled between the valleys and pulled back on the reins.
At the end of a gentle downward slope, tall wooden palisades and watchtowers stretched out in a long line. As I approached, the sentries hurriedly pushed the gates open on both sides to clear the way.
“You’ve arrived, Grand Duke!”
The soldiers lined up beside the checkpoint raised their spears in unison and stood at attention. Passing through their ranks, I surveyed the campsite densely packed with military tents and asked.
“Has anything noteworthy occurred during my absence?”
“Well, that is…”
The soldier hesitated, unable to answer readily. My eyes narrowed as I handed the reins to the stable master.
“Has some problem arisen?”
“A messenger from the Northern Alliance arrived at dawn today.”
A young aide wearing a surcoat embroidered with the House Sierkan crest spoke up on behalf of the frozen soldier.
“We haven’t yet received precise details about what news he brought, but it’s clear something extraordinary has occurred. The emergency conference that began this morning is still ongoing.”
My brow furrowed.
If Heimdal, cornered as he was, had finally launched a full-scale offensive, I could simply commit the rear support units to the front lines. The fact that discussions were prolonging meant a far more complicated problem had emerged.
“I should head directly to the command center. I’ll leave the return procedures to you.”
Leaving brief instructions with Beirov, who followed me into the barracks, I immediately crossed the campsite toward the large tent where the banners of several houses were planted.
At that moment, sharp voices rang out. The commotion made it impossible to discern exactly what was being said, but fierce argument was clearly underway.
I swallowed a heavy sigh and stepped into the tent.
“What is all this commotion about?”
“Your Grace!”
Darian sprang to his feet at the sight of me, his face brightening.
“When did you return? I thought you’d be staying in Kalmor for several more weeks…”
“I’ve just arrived back.”
I cut short Darian’s lengthy explanation with a sharp gesture and glanced around the interior of the conference hall.
House representatives, high-ranking knights from the Imperial Army, and a young nobleman who appeared to belong to the Northern Alliance sat around a long table.
Recognizing the man as a member of Bleston House, I narrowed my eyes.
His name was Cedric, if I recalled correctly. The youth, with the characteristic pallid complexion of a northerner and deep crimson eyes, looked up at me with an expression that seemed to suppress his rage.
“How fortunate that you’ve arrived. I was hoping to ask what Your Grace thinks of this absurd situation.”
“Mind your disrespectful tone! The person you’re addressing is the ruler of the Eastern Territories!”
The cavalry warrior from the Eastern Territories seated across from him shouted in an elevated voice.
I raised one hand to silence him and naturally took my place at the upper dais of the table.
“Tell me what this is about.”
“It appears the Crown Prince unilaterally broke off the betrothal.”
Darian spoke up on behalf of the seething Cedric Bleston.
He continued in a somber tone.
“And then he immediately led the Imperial Army into the interior of the Jotungar Mountain Range.”
“The Northern Alliance took the lead in suppressing the rebels because we believed it would help us restore our relationship with the Imperial Family.”
Before I could even react to this shocking news, Cedric Bleston pressed forward with a sharp voice.
“But the Imperial Family has thoroughly deceived and insulted our house. Tell me, Your Grace—do you think we should submit to the Imperial Family while enduring such humiliation?”
“Stop this pointless blame. This crisis stems from the Crown Prince’s unilateral actions alone—it is no fault of Grand Duke Sierkan.”
A nobleman who had been sitting in silence interjected with a grave voice. He was the commander of the forces dispatched from the Southern Region.
The man with his hands clasped on the table continued speaking with measured calm.
“What matters now is our response going forward.”
“The Northern Alliance Forces have no intention of taking the front lines.”
A young nobleman from the north stated this firmly.
“We will not withdraw our forces immediately, but we will never serve as the vanguard in suppressing the rebels, as originally promised.”
“The Northern Alliance bears the original sin of rebellion against the Imperial Family. Should you not actively commit to suppressing Heimdal to atone for that transgression?”
“We have already paid that price through this incident.”
The young man countered through gritted teeth.
“My house has suffered an irredeemable disgrace. My sister was abandoned alone before the Altar while hundreds of nobles watched, and the name Bleston has become a laughingstock throughout the entire Empire!”
“Enough of your grievances.”
Barcas, pressing his temple with one hand, fixed the man with a cold, piercing gaze.
“This is not a place to air your house’s grievances. This is the command center of the Imperial Allied Forces. If you cannot speak befitting this chamber, I suggest you hold your tongue.”
The young man’s face flushed instantly.
Barcas rose slowly from his seat.
“I understand the situation. Leave only a minimal garrison force and move the army immediately toward the Jotungar approach.”
“For what purpose are we moving?”
A middle-aged knight who had maintained silence until now spoke up. He was the commander of the forces dispatched from the Western Region.
“Are you attempting to dissuade the Crown Prince, or are you moving to support him in attacking Heimdal?”
“That depends on the circumstances.”
Barcas replied flatly.
“If we succeed in catching up to the Crown Prince before the main battle commences, I intend to drag him by the collar and place him before the Altar by force.”
No one objected to this irreverent statement. Only then did several nobles swallow hard, realizing his mood had plummeted to its depths.
Barcas swept his gaze coldly across their stern faces before adding with chilling finality:
“But if the worst comes to pass… then I will have no choice but to make a choice.”
“A choice, you say…?”
“The Crown Prince or the Empire. I will decide.”
The dangerous declaration left the conference hall in shocked silence. Barcas left them behind and exited the tent, then issued orders in a resolute voice.
“Prepare for immediate departure! I will tolerate no delay whatsoever.”
* * *
Barcas led the allied forces northward without hesitation.
The Imperial Elite Forces under the Crown Prince’s command had already breached the Gorge and reached the midpoint of the Jotungar Mountain Range, standing at the very threshold of the rebels’ stronghold.
To catch up, I had no choice but to minimize the forces and maximize speed.
I divided the troops, sending the vanguard ahead while the main force followed at measured intervals with caution.
After traveling for some distance, I spotted an army positioned in an open basin and raised my hand to halt the charging columns.
The banners of the Imperial Army fluttered in the dim twilight.
“We’ve caught up!”
Edrick Lubon, rushing up from behind, let out an exclamation tinged with relief. Yet I could not readily share his sentiment. Even from this considerable distance, it was unmistakably apparent that the Imperial Elite Forces had been significantly reduced in numbers.
“It seems the worst has indeed come to pass.”
Beirov exhaled his final, anguished breath.

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