Chapter 120

After taking Aranova, the Black Company continued to advance northward with irresistible force, adding several more cities to Ratio’s domain.

And during that time, they never once encountered resistance.

The progress was so smooth, it was like passing through a highway. Things were going so smoothly that Theo even complained of anxiety.

“It’s hard to believe we’re at war.”

“Peaceful, isn’t it?”

“Yes. But I don’t like it. There should be a moderate amount of tension and vigilance. Everyone seems to have completely melted away.”

Theo’s expression was one of someone who wanted to shout, ‘Is this war? Is this war!’ but was holding it in.

Unfortunately, that was how it was.

Did I really only use bribery?

Absolutely not.

I also worked hard to create discord.

If I had to put it one way, what I did was just flick a spark into a room full of flammable materials.

And rightly so.

Even before the Black Company was hired by Ratio, the creation and hiring of mercenary companies was already in vogue in Apennia.

There were many reasons.

Old hostilities, regional sentiments, envy, contempt, and jealousy towards neighboring countries, and so on.

If they didn't wish to plunge a knife deep into their neighbor's belly, why would they invest in an army with expensive money?

Since their intentions were so blatant, of course, their neighbors did not stand still.

Only a fool would stand still while their neighbor sharpened their knives. They willingly jumped into the arms race.

It was around this time that Pope Astro hired the Black Company.

In terms of timing, she had caught the last train of the trend, but it was also the best decision she could have made.

The Black Company was the originator of the new wind in the Apennine mercenary industry.

This was because it was filled with a handsome mercenary commander and many talented people.

“Handsome?”

“What’s the problem? Why are you reacting to that of all things?”

“Please correct it to the handsome bodyguard of the mercenary commander.”

“You’re so full of yourself.”

Anyway, having received the report on the situation from Selvi, I seized the gap in the international situation and actively dug into it.

I distributed gifts to government officials of various countries and encouraged them to suspect their neighboring countries. I deliberately heightened tension, anxiety, and suspicion. I ignited old conflicts.

It would have been different if only one of them had hired a mercenary company. But everyone was ready to punch each other in the jaw.

With even a minor military action, a war could break out at any time, so it was only natural for them to be rigid.

Was that all?

With the information network that Selvi had built, I was constantly leaking baseless disinformation, so even if they didn't say it, they were probably very confused inside.

“It’s all thanks to Selvi’s hard work.”

“No wonder Selvi was in a bad state.”

“I did use him for a long time. It’s about time he broke down.”

“Uh oh. That’s not something you should say about a person.”

“It’s a misunderstanding. I’m always grateful to Selvi.”

Selvi had done an excellent job.

If it weren't for Selvi, I wouldn't have been able to come this far without any interference.

“Well, it’s been easy so far, but it won’t be from now on. You’d better be prepared.”

“Then a battle will finally take place.”

“Still, it’s best to avoid fighting as much as possible.”

“?”

Theo had a confused expression.

But there was a reason for it.

We had been recovering lost land along the optimal route that Eleonor had painstakingly worked out for several nights.

And the regions that Ratio had ‘recovered’ were all regions belonging to the ‘I hate Elance, Elance die, Elance sucks’ group.

That was why they had willingly accepted the Ratio army instead of resisting.

Because the benefits of siding with the Pope were greater than the benefits of siding with Elance.

When you thought about it, the emotional release from screwing over Elance was a benefit, and receiving the box of gold coins I distributed was also a benefit.

But the regions we would visit from now on were a different story.

From now on, it was an area where Florence’s influence was directly or indirectly felt.

This meant that there was more to consider when switching sides.

“What on earth do you mean by that?”

“Have you ever heard the saying, ‘If money can’t buy happiness, maybe you just don’t have enough’?”

“This is the first time I’ve heard it. Could it be?”

Theo’s head, which was often lazy but sometimes brilliant, figured out what I was trying to do.

“The best tactic is to win without fighting. We still have a long way to go, so is there any need to shed innocent blood already?”

If there was a lot to consider when switching sides, wouldn't it be enough to fill in the missing parts?

Moreover, even after distributing so much, there was still a lot of money left that Pope Astro had given me.

Was it because I hadn’t met a proper greedy person? Or was it because now was the time for a low-point buy?

“Look over there.”

I pointed ahead.

Viterbo, a city in central Apennia, was preparing to fight.

Although the soldiers on the city walls were in disarray as if they were not fully prepared, the fact that they were behind the city walls did not disappear.

“How long would it take to capture that city?”

“Conventionally, it would surely take days, or even months.”

“That’s right. But I don’t have time to waste here. I will definitely capture it in the shortest possible time.”

Capturing a city is not an easy task. In a game, you could just click on the attack button and throw your troops at it, but that's not possible in reality.

Siege warfare requires too many lives and too much time, and I don't want to do that.

Theo, who seemed very displeased with my confident ambition, replied with a sullen face.

“I’m worried that you rely too much on brilliant plans, Young Master. You’ll get into big trouble one day.”

“Let’s think about that when it happens. For now, we need to solve the problem in front of us.”

***

Viterbo was a city located on the border between Ratio and Florence, and it was a bat-like country that had actually survived by skillfully walking a tightrope between the two countries.

Currently, Viterbo was under the rule of the Vico family, and that Vico family had been won over by me and had promised their full support and cooperation.

The reason it was in the past tense was because the Vico family's actions were not what I had expected.

What I had hoped for was a quick surrender from the Vico family to take over their rule, not for them to close the city gates and resist.

Anyone could see that they were prepared to fight.

“Your Excellency. An envoy has arrived from Viterbo.”

“What envoy?”

“They wish to discuss surrender.”

“They’re talking nonsense.”

“Should I just send them back?”

“No. I should at least meet them and hear what they have to say.”

If they simply wanted to raise their price and bet, I would consider it as them proving their worth.

If they had belatedly decided to switch sides to Florence, then the only thing a traitor would get was death.

If they were testing the waters to see which side to join, then they had no eye for the bigger picture, so the crime of insolence would apply, and again, only death.

A moment later, a member of the Vico family entered the command tent. He was a young man who looked a few years older than me.

He was an individual who hardly seemed suitable for diplomacy. It could be misunderstood that the Vico family was looking down on me and had deliberately sent a young person.

I sat a little crookedly and greeted the envoy. The envoy, who had entered the tent, seemed flustered by my younger-than-expected age, but soon bowed his head.

“Greetings, Duke Gryph. I am Ludovico of the Vico family. I have come to discuss peace.”

“Yes. Ludovico. What is your business? I thought we had already reached an agreement.”

“That is correct. We certainly did.”

“But?”

“But the Vico family wishes for a slight change in the previously discussed terms of surrender.”

You want to change your mind?

“Let’s hear it. What are the conditions?”

“We wish to have the Vico family’s rule in Viterbo recognized. If you agree to that point, we are willing to open the city gates.”

A conditional surrender, not an unconditional one.

It wasn’t just a matter of raising the ransom or asking for more bribes.

The Vico family had revealed their intention to do whatever they wanted in Viterbo for a thousand years without any interference.

And that was an unreasonable demand that went beyond the existing agreement.

“Ludovico. Do you know whose army I am leading?”

“…The army of His Holiness Pope Astro.”

“That’s right. We are the Pope’s army. And I am His Holiness' representative. Would you dare to utter the words you just spoke in front of His Holiness?”

I wouldn't.

If I did, the Pope would surely come to cut off my head with an axe.

Likewise, Ludovico’s face turned slightly pale, as if he had also recalled the notorious reputation of the Warlord Pope.

“How could we, who live off the land of the Lord, harbor disloyal thoughts towards his representative? However, our Vico family does not wish to negotiate with His Holiness, but with Your Excellency.”

SLAM!

I slammed the table with force.

The table vibrated.

“What is the reason for saying such things to me? Does Viterbo look down on me? Is that why you’re acting like this?”

You think I'm a pushover?

I pretended to be angry and acted out my rage.

But Ludovico, while trembling pitifully, steadfastly stated his business. As if he hadn’t come as an envoy for nothing.

No. That trembling could all be an act. He could be a master of acting.

“No. How could we disregard the renowned Duke Gryph?”

“Then?”

“We simply think that the situation has changed a lot from before. If you listen to what I have to say, I believe Your Excellency will be willing to adjust the conditions.”

“The situation has changed? What do you mean?”

“According to the information we have obtained, Florence's army is moving south.”

It was unexpected.

I thought Florence would move someday, but they had moved too quickly than expected.

“When are they scheduled to arrive?”

“I don’t know. But if Your Excellency attacks Viterbo, they will probably arrive before the city falls.”

“Hmph.”

I snorted as if in disgust, and Ludovico said pleadingly.

“For the sake of the citizens of Viterbo, please show mercy. The Vico family’s heart has always been with His Holiness the Pope, but the citizens were fundamentally close to Florence. If we were to suddenly change our minds, the citizens would not understand.”

“You need a justification?”

“This is not a loss for Your Excellency either. The Vico family has ruled Viterbo for a long time. We can surely help Duke Gryph in the future.”

When I brought up the Pope’s name, Ludovico skillfully used public opinion as a shield.

And then he presented the benefits I would gain if I helped the Vico family come to power.

His method of applying moderate pressure and then offering a moderate carrot was quite skillful.

To be so bold even in front of the fearsome name of Pope Astro in Apennia must mean that he had something to rely on.

That would surely be Florence.

For now, I'll pretend to think about it.

“I will discuss that matter with my subordinates. For today, you may return.”

“Understood. I pray that you make a wise decision.”

I watched Ludovico leave and then said to Theo.

“Gather the officers. We’re holding a meeting.”

“Understood. But first, please give me your hand.”

“My hand? Why my hand?”

“You’re injured.”

“What? Ah. Damn it.”

My hand that had slammed the table was swollen. I must have been too engrossed in my acting.

While waiting for the officers to be summoned, I had Theo treat my hand.

You might think it’s strange to get injured just from slamming a table hard, but it’s true.

Is getting angry not for everyone? Is even anger not permitted for this body?

Why is this system or whatever so crappy? Why on earth does my strength not increase no matter what I do?

“Ah! Ouch, ouch. Theo, wrap the bandage gently. I think I broke a bone.”

“How can you break a bone with just that? At most, it’s probably just a crack.”

“For real. I’ll bet my entire fortune on it.”

I can't bet my family, because I don't have one.

Theo looked at me pathetically.

“Then why did you hit the innocent table?”

“I couldn’t just hit the envoy, could I?”

“Next time, don’t do that. Just hit the person.”

“?”

What was he saying?

“Do you think a nice person like me can hit people?”

“Lately, I’ve been wanting to punch you more and more. Would you allow me just once?”

“No, absolutely not. If you hit me, I’ll become a flat squid. But I can’t win even if I hit other people.”

“That’s true. But if you get hit, I can go and hit them for you.”

Is… that so?

While I was dazed by the shameless logic, Theo finished wrapping the bandage on my hand.

“There. It’s done. Don’t get hurt again.”

“I’ll try my best.”

“You and your words…”

A murderous glint flashed in Theo’s eyes. This time it was real. I quickly called the officers into the tent to avoid an incident of questionable violence from occurring.

“Alright. The meeting will now begin! Everyone, come in! Hurry! Quickly!”