While Marquis Branford gathered the kingdom's army and prepared for the expedition, Ghislain spread out a map and began marking the locations of the rifts.
"We can't miss this opportunity. We have to move as quickly as possible."
In the era of tribulations, all of humanity had to unite and fight together. Everyone had to prepare as one. However, the situation hadn't allowed for that level of persuasion until now.
If he had tried to explain this before, people would have dismissed him as a lunatic.
Thus, Ghislain decided to prepare alone and lead the kingdom through sheer power if necessary.
"Thanks to Ravier, things have turned out well."
Dragging the royalist faction into conflict with the Duchy wasn't an easy task. He had prepared himself for an exhausting ordeal.
But the information from his previous life, his preparations thus far, and the enemy's mistakes had all aligned perfectly at just the right time. This was as close as he could get to divine intervention.
"First, I need to stabilize the Kingdom of Lutania."
Although the rifts in other regions were important to humanity's fight, the Kingdom of Lutania was his base, making it far more critical.
Convincing other kingdoms would inevitably take time, so he needed to eliminate as many rifts within the kingdom as possible.
Only then could Ghislain ensure he could fight for as long as necessary.
"This one is definite… and here too… was there one here?"
When Lutania was invaded, the rift locations had been identified. However, Ghislain couldn't remember every rift that had appeared and disappeared during his early years as a fledgling mercenary.
For some reason, the enemies had opened a significant number of rifts even in the southern region where the Duchy resided.
'While destroying those raised the Duchy's favor among the people, the damage was immense. But we must assume they don't care about such things.'
These were enemies with incomprehensible goals, plotting conspiracies beyond rational thought. Judging them by common sense would be foolish.
Still, the Duchy had managed to defend many southern fortresses and castles. In hindsight, it seemed like everything else had been sacrificed as offerings.
"It's all coming together now."
Combining the knowledge from his previous life with the conspiracies he'd uncovered in the present, many questions began to make sense.
Ghislain marked locations on the map, not only in the Kingdom of Lutania but also across the continent, as best as he could recall.
While he couldn't map every rift with perfect accuracy, he remembered most of the famous ones from the tribulations and those that had persisted through the One-Year War.
When Ghislain presented his completed map to Marquis Branford, the marquis frowned.
"Hm… Are you saying there are this many in the kingdom?"
"Yes, I'm almost certain."
"If we investigate these locations and find nothing, even the credibility of the information we just discovered will be compromised."
"There's a high chance they'll be there, so trust me. And if not, it can't be helped. The Four Great Religious Orders are already involved, so the situation can't worsen."
"That's true, but…"
As he scrutinized the map further, Marquis Branford tilted his head.
"Is it true that there are none in the North?"
"Yes, there are none."
"Why?"
"Because I'm there."
"…."
The marquis let out a deep sigh. This guy had been doing so well lately that it left him with no room for rebuttal, and that somehow made it even more irritating.
Ghislain, fully aware of the marquis's thoughts, feigned ignorance.
The real reason was likely the Forest of Demonic Beasts, but since that area was under his control anyway, his statement wasn't entirely false.
There was still much he didn't know about the Forest of Demonic Beasts, and there was no need to share unnecessary information, especially when the enemy's intentions remained unclear.
Although Marquis Branford looked somewhat uneasy, he nodded.
"Fine, let's start with the closest location."
"This one is a small, remote village. It's not even properly marked on the map."
"We won't need too large a force then."
When Ghislain saw the army Marquis Branford had assembled, he couldn't help but look exasperated.
The kingdom's army of 10,000, along with 100 knights of the marquis's household and 200 kingdom knights, stood in formation.
It was a bit… excessive for investigating and attacking a small village.
Ghislain couldn't hide his incredulity as he spoke.
"At this rate, people might think we're heading into a territorial war."
"When a lion moves, its majesty must engulf the world," Marquis Branford replied with a matter-of-fact expression. It was a show of the true power of the kingdom's most influential noble.
They couldn't openly investigate the West or South, so Marquis Branford and the kingdom's forces set their sights on the nearest village from the capital.
At first glance, it was a peaceful village. However, as soon as the kingdom's army surrounded it, the villagers revealed their true forms.
Rip! Rip! Rip!
Their human skin tore away, revealing grotesque creatures underneath. It was a horrifying sight for anyone to witness.
"What, what is this?!"
"There really are strange creatures here!"
"These things are even more disgusting than the last monsters!"
Even Marquis Branford and the knights of his household, usually unshakable, were visibly startled.
Ghislain shouted to the stunned group.
"They aren't very strong! But their blood is poisonous, so keep your distance while fighting! Knights, protect your bodies with mana!"
Thanks to Ghislain's guidance, the knights and soldiers quickly dealt with the mutants. Since they had been hiding in a small village, their numbers weren't overwhelming.
A few crusaders who appeared to be in charge were also present but stood no chance against such a large force.
Looking at the corpses of the monsters and mutants, Marquis Branford gritted his teeth, trying to suppress his anger.
"To think such grotesque creatures would appear. That means somewhere in this village, there must be the bodies of thousands of our citizens."
He raised his hand and spoke to Toleo, the commander of the knights.
"Tear up every inch of this land."
"As you command."
With 10,000 soldiers and 300 knights, along with a few royal mages accompanying them, they didn't simply tear down the houses and dig. They literally razed the entire area in an instant, showcasing the terrifying power of numbers.
"We've found something!"
Once everything was leveled, the hidden space was quickly discovered.
After the knights secured the area, Marquis Branford descended with his guards.
"Ha…"
The moment he entered the underground space, Marquis Branford let out a deep sigh.
A sickening stench filled the air. The sight of the grotesque magic circle and thousands of corpses piled like trash was utterly appalling.
Even the knights who had entered before him and those who followed after were unable to hide their expressions of horror.
But none were more shocked than the priests of the Four Great Religious Orders, who had come as witnesses.
"This… this cannot be!"
"They're devils! No, they must be devils themselves!"
"To think heretics who deny the Goddess were running amok like this!"
The priests were louder than anyone else, ranting and raving in terror.
Deep down, they were afraid. Some verses in the scriptures of the Four Great Religious Orders bore a resemblance to what they were witnessing.
[Beasts never seen before shall rise from the abyss, leading the land to ruin. These strange beasts shall be paid in the blood of men, repaid according to their works. What is opened cannot be closed, and what is closed cannot be opened…]
"This incident must be what is written in the scriptures! If we don't stop this, the age of apocalypse will truly arrive!"
"But they haven't risen yet, have they? Maybe this magic circle is only causing mutations."
"Do you feel that vile energy seeping into your body and still say that? Regardless, these heretics must all be executed!"
The interpretation of scripture often depended on hindsight. As such, the priests began a theological debate, each quoting from their respective texts.
Ignoring them, the others focused on dismantling the magic circle and clearing away the corpses.
Marquis Branford couldn't contain his fury. While everyone's attention had been on the Duchy, such atrocities had been occurring within the kingdom. Worse, no one had even known.
With eyes brimming with killing intent, he turned to Ghislain and asked.
"Ghislain."
"Yes, Lord Marquis."
"Judging by the number of corpses, this has been going on for years. And you say there are many such places in this kingdom and across the continent? No matter how strong a hidden heretical group is, they couldn't have done this for so long without being discovered."
"You're correct. They have powerful allies helping them."
"In the Kingdom of Lutania, it must be the Delphine Duchy."
"That's correct."
"The other kingdoms must also have nobles backing them."
"You're likely right, Lord Marquis."
Whatever their goal, it was clear that the Salvation Church and the Duchy had joined forces. The Duchy must have actively assisted the Church in its endeavors.
Marquis Branford nodded.
"It must have started when rumors spread about Duke Delphine going into seclusion and losing his mind."
Duke Delphine had been absent from public view for a long time. Given the Duchy's power, they could have supported the Salvation Church all that time.
The Duchy's blatant ambition for the throne had drawn everyone's attention, completely blinding them to anything else.
Everyone had been so focused on the potential for civil war that they hadn't had the capacity to ensure the safety of the kingdom's citizens.
"But it's truly baffling. How could no one notice so many people disappearing?"
"They likely came mostly from the South and West. And they must have abducted just enough not to draw attention."
Vagrants, the poor, travelers, adventurers, drifters, mercenaries, bandits, and thieves—all were prime targets who could disappear without a trace.
The South was entirely under the Duchy's control. There would have been no problem in supplying a steady flow of humans.
The Western Marquis Rodrick was notorious for his disregard for human life. Whenever the Duchy requested, he could easily send prisoners or slaves in large numbers.
"Then they should have kept it confined to their own territories. Why extend this to areas near the capital and other regions…"
"They were likely collaborating with groups planning to incite unrest during the civil war."
Explaining the existence of the rift wouldn't have been convincing, and even if it were believed, it might have caused complications later. At worst, it could lead to disagreements at crucial moments.
Thus, Ghislain offered a vague explanation. Eliminating the potential rift sites as quickly as possible was the priority.
Marquis Branford, still struggling to suppress his fury, spoke through gritted teeth.
"For now, I'll eradicate all the sites within my area of influence as quickly as possible. I'll also send messengers to inform other kingdoms about the current situation and locations. What are you planning to do?"
Marquis Branford was not one to ask for others' opinions when making decisions. But Ghislain was now an exception.
Without him, the royalist faction would not have seized this chance to retaliate.
"I'll return to my territory immediately. Marquis Rodrick won't take long to act."
"Do you truly intend to fight him alone?"
"Marquis Rodrick has already distanced himself from the Duke faction. That makes it easier for me to fight him without hesitation. Lord Marquis, focus on destroying the magic circles and preparing for the fight against the Duchy. They won't have many options left now."
"Understood. I'll do just that. However, if you falter in your fight against Marquis Rodrick, we'll intervene."
Marquis Branford's firm promise brought a sly grin to Ghislain's face.
"Thank you for your offer, but that won't happen."
Seeing Ghislain's confidence, Marquis Branford gave a faint smile. In the past, he would have scoffed at such bold claims.
But now, he found himself feeling differently. Though he was still concerned, he also felt a sense of anticipation.
Somehow, he couldn't quite imagine this man losing.
Suddenly, he realized why his perspective on Ghislain had shifted.
Marquis Branford looked at Ghislain, his gaze warmer than it had been when they first met.
'Now I understand you, at least a little.'
He had once thought Ghislain incomprehensible, someone who seemed to live recklessly, always on the edge. That lack of trust had lingered.
But he realized it had been a mistake. Ghislain had his own plans, and his motivations weren't rooted in selfish ambition or lust for power.
Now, he felt he finally understood what Ghislain truly wanted.
Smiling, the marquis gave a slight nod and spoke.
"May victory be yours, Count Fenris."
Ghislain blinked in surprise for a moment before returning the smile and replying.
"I wish for your victory as well, Lord Marquis."
After bidding farewell to Marquis Branford, Ghislain left with his knights. Fenris would now have to wage war against Marquis Rodrick.
With the royalist faction now bolstered by the strength of the Four Great Religious Orders, they should be more than capable of eliminating the rift sites within their territories.
Watching Ghislain's departing figure, Marquis Branford spoke in a low voice.
"Toleo, after this war, I don't think Count Fenris will need to come asking me for anything anymore."
"What do you mean? If he needs something, he'll surely rush straight to you. These days, he doesn't even hide his intentions."
"Why would he need to? He might as well just take what he wants."
"S-Surely you don't mean… My lord, are you saying…"
As Toleo stammered, Marquis Branford let out a hearty laugh.
"Yes, I've decided to make Count Fenris my true successor."
"My lord! But the heir to your territory is already your son!"
"My son? Do you think that boy, holed up in the East, is fit to govern the kingdom's affairs? He's less capable than Rozalin. The others are no better. It'll be a blessing if they can just inherit the marquisate without trouble."
"Count Fenris isn't loyal to the royal family. If the war ends in victory, he could become more dangerous than the Duchy."
"I know. But I can't find anyone as capable as him. And I think I finally understand why he's fighting so hard."
"What is it, my lord?"
"Responsibility."
The unexpected answer left Toleo bewildered.
Count Fenris was infamous for being reckless and causing chaos wherever he went.
While he had been cooperative with the royalist faction recently, his reputation as a scoundrel couldn't be erased so easily.
To claim that such a man was driven by responsibility seemed utterly unfitting.
If Branford had called him a rogue, Toleo would have readily agreed. But the marquis continued with a gentle smile.
"I know this because I've lived with the same sense of responsibility. He's willing to do anything to protect his territory—his family, his friends, his many subordinates, and his people."
"…."
"So far, I've seen that he refuses to abandon anything he's carrying on his shoulders. He's an incredibly greedy, stubborn, and relentless man."
"Then… what is your intent, my lord?"
Marquis Branford suddenly burst into laughter and replied.
"Yes, that's why if I entrust the kingdom to him, he'll become its guardian. And that's enough for me. He won't go out of his way to sever the royal family's line, after all."
The marquis looked strangely at ease.
Because of the existence of Ghislain Perdium.
At last, he could allow himself to dream of retirement.
[T/L: Please support me and read 385 extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]