ARCHDEUS

FIEF WAR(1)

The news of the fall of Revouille City was much spread faster than usual. Most likely it was due to the news that informed the massive influx of refugees leaving the city. Since the fief war began, outbound migration has continued. Moreover, it is done by the people of the group. In other words, those who run away from their county or city are people who have strong enough capital so that it is clear information, especially about the state of Rovouille City, can be easily spread due to the relations of those people.

Even less than a week since his fall, Alex and the others have received similar news from traders on their way from Otilia. Alex's group and the merchants accidentally meet. Alex's group was about to head for Otilia, but the merchants were on their way from Otilia to Fertiphile.

Alex is getting off his horse. He was wearing his pride magic armor, besides that he was equipped with a magic sword on his waist and a magic bow hanging on his back. These three pieces of equipment were items that Harol bought during a hunting event to welcome the natalis dies of the 22nd Fertiphile Alliance. All three were weapons with high-class item rankings.

While Alex is stretching his body, Regis still remains on top of his beloved drake.

In addition to the two of them, of course, there are several others in this group. Among them was Otto, the head of the county security and his two subordinates, a senior knight named Latvh, and the other a young knight named Cathan. Both of them were knights who were once a group with Alex on some condition. Latvh was once Alex's subordinate when they ran Merry and Alven's rescue operation from the kidnapping. While Cathan once partied hunting with Alex. Fortunately these two men were not included in the army convoy that Harol had brought to the Duchy of Sandwealth. So when Otto saw the reports of these two men having been with Alex, then Otto also included them.

In this campaign, 200 troops from Fertiphile were deployed. But except for Lavh, Otto, and Cathan, the troops deployed were non-class troops. That was because the main troops of the county had been parachuted into the Duchy of Sandwealth to face a battle with the Ibeltia Kingdom that could at any time explode.

Then there was the Orion party which was a platinum-ranked adventurer party. They consist of Barnard, Lilac, Urien, Arlenne, Cilvy, and Atlya.

The next were Clotildy and Joan and the 18 knights of Otilia.

Lastly were the servants and some non-class soldiers who were not too many in number.

There are at least 250 people in this group. Although it seems very little for a military aid, but this can be said to be an extraordinary help.

First, they brought a platinum-plated adventurer party even with the party's leader who was an orichalcum adventurer. This was already a very great help considering the platinum adventurers could be said to have strength equal to or even stronger than the Royal Guard possessed by the kingdom. That is, these six people were much stronger than the average knight or mage who was in the county.

Second, they also brought a drake rider. Yup right, it's Regis.

Drake is a highly regarded magic beast. Although much weaker than dragons, drakes are still dragonoid creatures so they are still very much feared.

Alex quietly glanced at the drake.

"Does he have a name?"

Regis was surprised by Alex's initiative to talk about something as trivial as this. To Regis' knowledge, people like Alex usually don't talk too much and tend to stay out of the fray. Therefore, with Aex's question, he answered eagerly.

"Sure, you can call him Draco."

Alex no longer continues the conversation. He did not want to say pleasantries like questioning the sex of the drake because as an archdeus he had the ability to distinguish the sexes of all existing creatures.

Draco is a young male drake. It looks pretty amazing but unfortunately Alex is no longer too interested.

Using drake as a vehicle was more than enough to signify someone competent in the war.

Unfortunately Alex is not willing to waste energy to become a master of war or something stupid.

As for the reason why Alex deliberately took part in this war was ...

Unexpectedly, Regis also got off his mount. He tied the drake chain to a large rock. Usually for this kind of business will be carried out by his men. But this time he did not bring a single subordinate.

Regis went to where Alex was standing and quietly asked.

"I've been wondering all along. You are a person who does not want to interfere in complicated matters. I guess you definitely have a goal to go help Otilia right?"

"Everyone has their own interests."

Alex did not answer any deeper.

Regis chose not to continue the talks. He decided to leave and instead spoke to Otto.

Otto certainly understood this call from Young Master Morhust so he swiftly walked to the place and immediately gave a military salute.

"What about our purpose? Revouille has fallen and we may not have to go there" Regis said.

"My Lord, Young Master Fertiphile said to me to wait for My Lady's words."

"Oh ...."

Regis reflexively saw the only luxurious horse carriage that was in their convoy.

Inside the horse-drawn carriage was Clotildy.

But Regis had no idea how the person was doing at the moment.

Especially when she heard that her city had fallen and her mother had disappeared.

Clotildy's condition was one of the reasons why their convoy had stopped at this time.

As for another reason is to determine the location of the latest destination because Revouille has fallen.

Clotildy doesn't come out even when dinner is almost ready.

The bonfire was already lit and everyone had been sitting around it.

The waiters had already picked up the food and were ready to serve it on the table.

Alex and Regis were great nobles so of course they sat in the priority seat. But there is one more seat that is still empty.

This is the place where Clotildy sits.

Alex actually doesn't really care whether the woman wants to eat or not. But according to ethics, they had to wait for all the grand nobles to sit in their respective seats before they could finally eat.

It was fortunate that it did not last long that Clotildy finally appeared.

"I apologize to My Lords for my delay" Clotildy said.

Alex and Regis just said no problem.

The two of them were unable to see Clotildy's face as the woman continued to lower her gaze.

But those two people didn't care much either so they didn't say anything.

Today's dinner was in an awkward atmosphere of silence.

No one is chatting. Even after that, they decided to go straight to sleep. As for determining the new goal, they would discuss tomorrow exactly when Clotildy's condition had improved a little.

***

Currently, the enemy side had managed to seize control of most of the county territory.

Much of the south and north has now fallen to Peter. As for the western and central regions had become their bases.

Today, only the eastern part of the country remains under the rule of Otilia.

However with the absence of the countess no one can coordinate the troops here.

The eastern region consists of and 2 baronies, among which are the Barony of Orbelin and the Barony of Deboville. Supposedly with the central government vacant, the leadership of all the lowly noble warriors would be under the wings of the Viscount. But unfortunately there were no nobles with the title of viscount in the eastern region and even the entire baron had left his domain as a result of the summons from the countess. So now there is a power vacuum and a big question mark about who should lead these baronies.

The Town of Honore, County of Otilia.

In the mayor's office there is a great debate between all the nobles who are here.

Currently the two nobles who became the two main axes were arguing over the command leadership of the soldiers.

"My Lord! listen to me, this time the county has fallen! This debate was nothing more than a useless waste! As a rule, the leadership of the soldiers must be given to me."

Victor Francois Deboville, the eldest son of the Baron of Deboville stood confidently before all the nobles.

"I object! My Lord, you have no military background, besides, you also only have a background as a businessman. Under such conditions, it is impossible for you to lead all of us who have richer knowledge and experience."

Stephen Bouvier Orbelin, the eldest son of the Baron of Orbelin.

As said, the Deboville family was a non-military noble family.

They have the power and honor because of their strong financial support.

The Baron of Deboville itself was classified as a knight with inconspicuous abilities. Even too weak for a noble class. While all his children were ordinary people who were unable to use the aura or mana. Were it not for their noble titles, the Deboville Family had long been considered a wealthy commoner family.

This condition was known to Victor. He had long wanted to be a warrior but unfortunately he was not a talented person.

his aura and mana were known to be too few.

As a result he was only known as the successor of the family business rather than as a warrior.

To this day they have not found a common ground on the issue of command positions.

"My Lord, I agree with Young Master Orbelin's words. Your background does not allow you to be able to lead our entire army."

"I also agree with Young Master Orbelin and Sir Artha."

This time two non-peerages like the baronet also gave their advice.

"Based on the talent and ability I possess, I am willing to run for supreme commander for our noble warriors."

"You're too confident Young Master Deboville, I also feel you're too young to lead the squad" Victor said.

What constrained Stephen was his age that was too young at the moment. He was only 13 years old and had not even performed the maturity ceremony. So even though he was gifted at using aura, Stephen was too young to enter the war let alone take command.

This discussion continues. Some nobles may eventually experience moderation by cooperating with each other and succumbing but the other nobles still stick to their wishes.

The situation still did not give a bright spot until they heard the news that there was a drake in front of the city gate.