Chapter 262 – Regarding the War

＜From the Perspective of a Bernada Noble＞

「Exile… you say?」

「That’s right. We’ll pretend to obey King Henry on the surface, while secretly preparing to flee to another country. Once the war begins, we escape abroad amidst the chaos.」

One of the nobles spoke in a trembling voice.

「But… isn’t that an act of betrayal?」

「You think it’s loyalty to die in a losing war? Is that supposed to be the pride of a Bernadan warrior?」

The marquis snorted.

「I have no loyalty to some brat like Henry. If he wants to die, he can die alone. I’ve always disliked the way he treats the nobility coldly. Glaston was far easier to work with.」

He couldn’t say it openly now, but he was a supporter of Glaston.

At that moment, another noble expressed concern.

「But… would any country even accept us if we sought asylum? They might suspect us of being spies.」

The marquis answered.

「It won’t be a problem. In exchange for asylum, we’ll offer up intelligence on Henry and Bernada. That should be enough to secure residence rights.」

The other nobles murmured in admiration.

And so, they began putting their escape plan into motion.

However….

Their scheme was already under surveillance by Vais and Lena…

And before long, each of these nobles would be purged by Henry’s hand.

-0-

＜Henry’s Perspective＞

One month later.

The royal castle.

「Now then.」

I looked around at the senior officials gathered in the audience chamber and spoke.

「Let’s begin discussing preparations for the war. First, we need to anticipate the enemy’s movements.」

Chancellor Timeria leaned forward.

「Your Majesty. According to reports from the intelligence division, the Kingdom of Galastone and the Lake Nation of Farnetta have begun mobilizing their forces.」

「What about the Forest Nation of Rilincross?」

「They haven’t shown any major activity yet. Most likely, they’ll serve as rear support.」

I see.

So, the ones who will actually carry out the invasion are Galastone and Farnetta.

「Let’s form our strategy assuming both countries will attack simultaneously. However, there must be a difference in their scale.」

I turned to Chancellor Timeria.

「Between Galastone and Farnetta, which one do you think will be the main force?」

「Galastone, without a doubt.」

She replied instantly.

「Among the three, Galastone has the greatest military strength. And knowing the Galastone king’s personality, he’ll insist on taking the lead.」

「Agreed. That king can’t stand not being number one.」

I summarized the situation.

「Here’s how I see it, the Kingdom of Galastone will lead the invasion of Bernada with its main army. Meanwhile, the Lakeside Nation of Farnetta will launch a coordinated attack from another direction. Their aim will be to divide our forces.」

「I believe that’s exactly how it will play out as well.」

Chancellor Timeria affirmed.