I Became the Commander in a Trash Game Who Copies Skills-Chapter 147 : Chapter 147

Chapter 147. Duo (2)
I did not publicly announce my departure.
One way or another, I am the Empire's war hero and the founder of this city.
The fact that Wolfskrig, which was merely a frontier, could develop this far is largely due to my reputation.
News that I am leaving for a distant place would cause considerable anxiety among the people of the domain.
First, the number of visiting merchants would decrease, which would lead to a decrease in immigrants, a drop in capital flow, a slowdown in the growth of the workforce, and a decline in industrial development.
I have no intention of ruining the domain I have prepared for years just by going on a trip for a few months.
Therefore, I made some preparations.
"You all know that I haven't shown myself much for the past few months. I'm sure you were curious about the reason, and I thank you for following without complaint."
The evening before departure.
I gathered people and held a banquet.
The invitations were limited to high-ranking officials with whom I directly interacted.
"The Wolfskrig Viscounty has reached a stable trajectory. This is all thanks to everyone's efforts in their respective positions. Personally, I believe the standard for a stable city is whether it runs well even in the lord's absence. That was the reason I reduced my inspections for the past few months."
In front of them, I spoke about the first preparation.
An adaptation period for my absence.
In fact, this was something I had prepared in advance.
The past couple of months.
From the point when more than a month had passed since the Emperor last showed himself, I reduced my inspections and revealed myself to the public as little as possible.
So that, in the event of a situation like the present, the domain could continue to function at a minimum even when my shadow was lifted.
Of course, in a class-based society, my vacancy cannot be completely filled.
Especially for the high-ranking officials who have direct interaction with me, they will feel the absence greatly.
This banquet is a kind of briefing held to reduce that.
I explained, holding a wine glass.
The gist was that the domain had stabilized sufficiently.
However, threats from the surrounding area still existed.
Therefore, for the next stage of the domain, I, as the lord, needed to increase my military power.
"...So, I plan to devote myself to training in the western forest for a few months. As you all know, do not speak of what you heard today outside. If there is a problem that requires my permission, contact me through the 2nd Battalion Commander."
A slight murmur.
And nodding heads.
The general atmosphere is affirmative.
Well, this is a reason that is convincing enough.
In this world where spells and miracles exist, it is not uncommon for the power of a domain to be proportional to the ability of its lord.
It is a well-known story that when the first Northern Archduke ascended to the position of Archduke while defending against the northern threats long ago, his personal military prowess was among the best in the Empire.
Who would refuse when the ruler of a city already famous as a war hero becomes even stronger?
"Now, then. Let us raise a toast. Thanking Luark for shining a light on the path Wolfskrig has walked, and may the light of blessing continue to shine here!"
I created a modest banquet atmosphere with food and drink.
Those who attended were commanders of company commander rank or higher, high-ranking officials from each department of the domain, high priests of the church, and other key figures of the domain.
From now on, their role is important.
They are the people who will actually run the domain even without me, and they are the ones who will create an alibi if my absence becomes prolonged.
Although I requested that the stories heard here be kept confidential, it would be strange if rumors didn't spread when so many people have gathered.
Rumors that will spread from them by word of mouth, such as 'the Lord of Wolfskrig is training in a nearby forest to become a great mage,' will serve as a suitable excuse for my absence.
It will also be a reason for the neighboring lords who were eyeing the domain to reconsider.
‘I’ve seen it every time, but he’s so thorough. So different from that rat.’
‘Are you talking about your former master who blew up one of that side's powers, Eyeball?’
‘...Could you not bring up painful memories? And that bastard is not my master. He’s a minion.’
Anyway, only a handful of people know the truth.
Olif, who will fill my vacancy, old man Brol, the Captain of the Guard and head of the intelligence agency, Bart, the head of the administration, Bishop Alina, Artillery Commander William, and 2nd Battalion Commander Karen. That's all.
I didn't even tell Damas, who has been with me since the mercenary days, or Tambourine, who commands the church army, or even old man Poodle.
I finished the banquet and went to bed early.
On my way out of the lord's castle in the early morning, I stopped by the church.
There was someone who couldn't come to the banquet yesterday.
"Noble one."
A small prayer room.
Alina, who had been kneeling without even a cushion, slowly stood up.
Her face looked a little pale.
She had been fasting and praying since the day before yesterday.
"Please take care of yourself."
"I will."
"Although I know you won't listen to me telling you to be careful."
Alina smiled playfully.
She held out her hand, palm up.
Since there wouldn't be any poison or the like on it, I quietly placed my hand on top of hers.
"But that, too, is the path of a hero… and a chosen one."
“……”
"Lord of Heaven, source of all light. Your servant is here, so please, place your staff before him on his path ahead…"
Light pours down.
Into the windowless prayer room.
The pure white light that poured down from above enveloped me as if a curtain was being drawn.
And a notification window appears.
[[Warrior’s Insight] is deployed.]
[You have acquired a skill.]
[Miracle: Luark's Protection (Level 7)]
Honestly, I was surprised.
The protection of a deity, regardless of religion, is a level 7 skill.
Along with [Great Heal], which brings a half-dead person back to life, it is a representative proof of being a high-ranking cleric.
It hasn't even been a year since she learned the 6th-tier miracle [Divine Punishment].
"Last night, an angel of Luark appeared in my dream and bestowed a miracle upon me. I believe it is Luark's will to protect the noble one."
Right, she was a munchkin too.
"In any form, it will be able to prevent death once."
"Thank you."
"You should be thanking Luark, not me."
"Thank you."
"Clasp your hands. No matter how much of a believer you are in name only, you are still the sa… no, the noble one chosen by Luark. You must show the appropriate sincerity to God."
"...Thank you, Luark."
Did she know I was a Luark Church believer in name only?
Well, she hasn't been by my side for just a day or two, so of course she would know.
My meeting with the priest who was serious about proselytizing ended there.
I asked if she would accompany me to the dock, but Alina shook her head.
"My fast and prayer vow ends at midnight today. I must pray for the noble one's safe return."
Waiting would delay the schedule, so I left immediately.
When I came out in front of the church, Randal was waiting.
My only companion on this journey.
"Are you done with your business, Viscount?"
"Yes. Let's go."
It's time to leave the city.
***
The air by the river at dawn is cold and damp.
We steered the boat west along the Mainwolf River, which runs through the city.
Randal was at the oars, and I was at the helm, passing through the outskirts of the city through the fog.
There was no checkpoint.
I had arranged it beforehand.
"My lord, 3rd Battalion Commander."
As we left the city and moored the boat on the riverbank, a person who was waiting with horses greeted us.
It was Karen.
She handed over the reins.
Officially, Randal and I are leaving for training in the forest under her guidance.
The three of us rode west, and by the time the sun had fully risen, we arrived at the forest on the western edge of the domain.
We dismounted and went inside.
As we passed the entrance area, the sunlight gradually disappeared.
It is a forest with dense trees.
If we go deeper, we will reach the territory of the beastmen.
It's time to part.
"I will say my goodbyes here."
Karen said.
"Please return safely."
"If someone brings a matter that requires my permission, or if something happens for any other reason, contact me through the crystal sphere."
"Yes, I understand."
"If I don't answer the call, consult with Olif and handle it in my name."
Karen nodded.
"How are the Elf immigrants?"
"Everyone is doing well. Thanks to your concern."
"The promise to give the black forest as the territory of the Elven kingdom is still valid. Even if I can't return, if you tell Olif, he will support the subjugation of the beastmen."
Although I have no intention of not returning.
Nevertheless, preparing for unforeseen circumstances helps to reduce the anxiety of my subordinates.
Anyway, after this journey is over, I plan to proceed with the conquest of the black forest.
The Elf immigrants, who have gathered in sufficient numbers, will find their land and declare a new kingdom.
The Paradise Elves are periodically sending letters of protest, but I don't care.
By then, Wolfskrig will have been reborn as a full-fledged industrial city, and we will be ready to fight the Elves.
"Please take this for the road."
As I was about to leave after saying my goodbyes, Karen put a small pouch in my hand.
I opened it and found it full of twisted doughnuts sprinkled with white sugar.
"It's that bread from back then. I made it to commemorate the production of white sugar at the sugar workshop."
"I'll enjoy it."
"The sugar-addicted evil gods? Pfft, yes, I put in their share too."
‘The main wife! That elf is the main wife!’
‘Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock...’
‘Master, I know it's not like the rats' system of one husband and fifty wives, but I know the Empire allows polygamy. The Elven culture is monogamous, but there are exceptions for royalty…’
‘Kiiiing, kking! Kking!’
“……”
I walked through the deserted forest in silence.
Ignoring the chaotic noise from the dizzying subspace with a long-trained composure.
Having Randal as a companion has its advantages in many ways.
His military prowess, worthy of the nickname 'Immortal', is one thing, but from what I've experienced so far, he's not a man of many words.
A suitable companion for me, who doesn't particularly enjoy unnecessary chatter.
My head is already ringing because of the flour-addicted statues. Imagine if someone like old man Brol or old man Poodle was my companion.
How much they would have chattered, breaking this quiet dawn air…
"Viscount, when's the wedding?"
"?"
"Don't Imperials have to have a grand ceremony to become husband and wife? We just need to share a tent."
"…?"
"Am I wrong? Is it enough to just live together here too? Well, culture has changed a lot, they say. Then I'll change the question. The elf? Or the priest?"
Shut the hell up.
***
"Your Majesty."
"."
"The 2nd tunnel defensive line has been attacked. The damage to the mage force is severe."
"Aren't there two mages from the Red Magic Tower in the 5th tunnel? Send them to the 2nd tunnel."
"However, Your Majesty, the 5th tunnel is also in a difficult situation."
"Shrink the defensive line. If the 5th tunnel retreats, there's a narrower bottleneck, right? Tell them to hold there."
The knight's .
The Emperor's command.
"Your Majesty, then the 5th tunnel defensive line will be too close to here. Your Majesty could be in danger. Please do not do so and preserve your royal self."
“……”
"Bishop Castro said he heard the voice of an angel saying that the remaining members of the Secret Knight Order are coming to rescue Your Majesty. I also have strength, and so do the other knights. Some sacrifices will be inevitable, but we can still escape."
The knight's dissuasion.
The Emperor's silence.
"Frozen Knight, Yula Katran."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Do you think I am defending this place because I have no way out, because I have been captured by those rats?"
“……”
"It's the opposite. I am not captured, I am holding on. Using myself as bait. If I cannot hold out here, or if I flee to the surface, where will they go? They will immediately attack the Imperial Capital. Won't they?"
"...That is correct."
"The Imperial Capital is not ready for war. No, it would be more accurate to say that the Empire is not ready. For now, Gabir is gathering troops. I have to buy him time."
"Understood."
The Emperor's persuasion.
The knight's acceptance.
"There is no need to be gloomy. Here, look at this. It's a spoil of war I took from them. A sacred relic of the theocracy. What color is this orb here?"
"Black… no, it is a faint gray."
"The one Marquis Ricardo had warns of impending misfortune. This one, on the contrary, shows hope as a probability."
“……”
"I'm not one to trust the things of the theocracy, but this was black until last night. It only brightened a little this morning."
"By that you mean…"
"Yes."
The Emperor smiled.
The knight thought.
Perhaps because of his characteristic bright blonde hair and blue eyes, that smile seemed to shine even in the darkness.
Those clear blue eyes were looking up.
As if looking at the sky that would be visible from the distant surface, from somewhere in the sunless subterranean city.
"It means that our hope has departed from somewhere."