The Another World Grimoire

Chapter 2.7: Niatan Wicked Duke Verdum

The bustle in Dynoseus City was proceeding as usual. Routines such as trade and simple industrial sectors, as well as services, have graced the city since it was founded centuries ago. Even though it was night, the crowd was always in the center of the city. Residents still roam along the city's trails.

However, all of this is not seen in the Maureville Fortress, which is the seat of Duke Verdum as ruler of Rehobot. Duke Verdum's territory this time was guarded by a hundred troops in the outer courtyard and the entrance gate, given how vast the fortress complex was. Indeed, Duke Verdum was planning something no intruder should hear. Tight guard of that size was appropriate. Moreover, Duke Verdum was a person with a military background.

In the main castle room, Duke Verdum accompanied by several other nobles who had the same military background as Verdum was seen gathering at a large table. Behind Verdum is a map—map containing the noble territories of Narcius— and Verdum is seen holding a pointing stick.

“So,” Duke Verdum started the conversation, “I gathered all of you here in order to re-discuss the plans we received from the House of Hobart regarding the continuity of Monster’s Domain. Of course, we as the ruler of the Duchy of Rehobot was assigned by the King to ‘securing the region’ which will be the place where this adventurous event takes place. First of all, for the Eastern Operation of the Continent, Earl Ramund.”

A handsome man stood up from his chair. His eyes looked fierce, evidenced by the scar on his eyebrows. He used zirah— and Duke Verdum— was Earl Ramund Ersenel, ruler of the Ersenel region adjacent to Chloe Village.

“About the Eastern Continent Operations, we will plan to do so tomorrow. However, we need permission to access Duke Manuel's territory. Of course, you are, Duke Manuel will not lose his territory—only the baron-class nobles will lose their territory in this event if the adventurers manage to conquer the monsters in the region—with the recollection that we have already recorded that which to be captured were Baron Yules, Baron Hordringer, Baron Formossus, and Baron Werderich. Total there are four baronies.”

Earl Ramund explained what his duties were. The remaining three nodded slowly including Verdum.

“It looks like it will run smoothly, yes, Mr. Ramund. We're waiting for a fresh breeze from your operation. Next, Earl Navis.” Verdum spoke again.

“Good. For the operation in the south there is no problem. But, the problem is we need a little more supply, considering the Rehobot region in the north of the continent is very far away to reach the south, Mr. Verdum.”

Verdum nodded small. “Good. That'll be taken care of soon. Now, it's time we'll discuss in the Rehobot region. The names of the barons that would lose their territory were Baron Brochus, Baron Tom, and Baron Oliver.”

“As I recall, Baron Oliver's territory is now protected by Duke Mondels.” Earl Navis added. “This means it's not Rehobot's responsibility anymore.”

“That's why we will keep attacking him, on charges of treason.” Verdun sparked a sneaky. “Again, Baron Oliver's territory includes only Chloe and a few small villages around her. The area is certainly not very broad. Maybe the distance of the village to another village is only two steps from the border alone.”

“We have sent three scout knights to observe the situation there. Oh!” Duke Verdum then saw a knight standing before the door of the main room. “Will it be, Sir Grots? Login.”

He was one of the knights of the Rehobot Order, Edwin Grotts.

“Report, Mr. Verdum. Our scout squad at Chloe has declared through Telepathy Magic that the village can already be attacked. How are our next steps, Mister?”

Duke Verdum grinned. He raised his wine glass parallel to his eyes. “ Won't be exciting if we blindly them right now. Besides, we still have ten months left. Just make a small ‘game’ first. We'll tease them all these ten months.”

“But, if left unchecked, they could have surpassed us.”

Earl Ramund and Earl Navis nodded at Grots' suggestion. Of course it could be a concern because there will be an opportunity for Chloe's people to improve the quality of her defense.

“They won't be able to rival us, Sir Grots. I'm going to build a massive force for this. Look at our fleet now! We already have ten thousand well-trained troops under my own supervision. Fifty knights of Oliver are just ants to them. Also, with our small ‘game’, can interfere with their strength.”

Sir Grotts seemed to be unable to comment. After all, Duke Verdum was a stubborn person. He's very hard to resist. Only her daughter has so far been able to oppose her outspokenly.

Sir Grotts then bowed in reverence. “As you wish, Mr. Verdum. Then, I go first.” Sir Grotts left the room.

Duke Verdum was still staring at his wine glass resplendently. He was confident that all his military aggression would go smoothly. He stared at the moon whose light shone on the small window above the room. Earl Navis and Earl Ramund were confused by Duke Verdum's behavior. But who cares? Duke Verdum was a man of military competence. Victory must have been easy. He then laughed a little while smiling slylyly.

“I will win this operation. Just look at it later!”