Reincarnation into the Barrier Master

A month later, Linos was visited by a messenger from the Heedata Empire.

The messenger came not to the capital of Agartha, but to the residence of Rinos in the imperial capital. Moreover, it was his brother-in-law, the Duke of Vilas.

Surprised by the sudden visit, Rinos and his wives welcomed Vyrus.

"No, I'm sorry to have intruded upon you so suddenly."

No, I don't mind. What's going on?

"Actually, I have a secret favor to ask you."

"A private favor?"

At that moment, Rico, who was standing next to Linos, changed his appearance. She was clearly angry. Vilas senses this and waves his hand hurriedly.

"Sister, no!　It is not what you are imagining."

"I wish that were the case, but ....... It's you. You'll make the same mistake again ......"

"The same mistakes?"

Vilas coughs a little, as if embarrassed, when Linos shows a curious expression on his face. Rico continues to look at Vilas sharply.

Trying to change the mood, Vilas straightens his posture and turns to face Rinos and the others again.

"To tell you the truth, we have received a request for reinforcements from the Seifand Empire. Furthermore, the letter stated that they would like to request reinforcements from the Kingdom of Agartha through our country.

"The Seifand Empire?"

"...... your mother's family."

Without a pause, Rico opens his mouth. As if he had been waiting for her voice, Vilas took a map from his pocket and spread it out on the table.

My Heedata Empire is here. The Seifand Empire is a country on the continent across the sea to the northeast.

"Oh ...... this is right next to the continent where the Kingdom of Burial is located?"

Yes, that's right. It is located right next to Ride Island.

"So, the closest way to get there is from Dorga?"

Yes, it is. From Dolga, it takes about two weeks to reach Sand, the capital of the Safan Empire.

"Two weeks?　It's going to take a long time. ......"

"Yes. The Seyfant Empire is a big place, and the Gerard Mountains that run through this continent are over 5,000 meters high. It would take many days to cross them.

"High mountains or ....... So, it's going to be tough to get around. Unless they dig a tunnel through the mountain.

Actually, there is a tunnel.

"Oh, I see."

But it is dug by hand, so its size is limited, and a large army would suffocate if it were to enter.

"I see, so you can come and go, but you have to go to ......."

That's right.

So, what about sending reinforcements?

From the sea. The best way is to go overland from the port city of Mykal to Sand, the capital of the empire.

And even then it would take two weeks?

"Yes. ...... The currents are fast in this area, and they run from north to south. It is a long way from Dorga to Mical, and even if we kept rowing, it would take quite a long time."

"So how far do you want us to send reinforcements?"

Here. This is the Castle of Khaza, which borders the Kingdom of NONO.

"Oh, I've heard of the Karza Castle.

It was Matkal who spoke up. All eyes were on her.

"I have heard that it is an impregnable castle with high walls piled with stones."

That's right. This time, while the castle was being renovated, it was suddenly attacked by the Kingdom of NONO. Originally, the two countries had been skirmishing near the border, but recently they signed a cease-fire agreement and things have been relatively quiet. ......"

Why did they suddenly attack us again?

"The Imperials have begun renovations on this castle. They were in the process of dismantling the stone piles and piling new stones when they were attacked.

"Ah, they saw an opportunity. That's pretty wild, considering the ceasefire agreement. So, what's the status of the war?

"The Empire is holed up in the castle with an army of 1,000 men, led by Commander Heizer. The Kingdom of Nono, which surrounds the castle, is attacking with 5,000 men. The empire is sending out an army of 10,000 from the capital.

"...... I see. By the way, does this Karza Castle have a water supply?"

"Water ......?　It's a little ...... for me."

"That area is mountainous land. Perhaps there will be good water.

Matkal opens his mouth. She is holding her beloved son Falco in her arms, swaying slowly from side to side. Linos smiles at her and slowly looks down at the map.

"So, I guess this castle will hold."

"I'm not so sure about that. The Kingdom of Elsmo, NONO's neighbor, has sent reinforcements. Their number is about 20,000.

"Twenty thousand?　That's a little ......."

Linos folds his arms and thinks. The numbers are almost double. There were issues of equipment, morale, and skill level of the army, but in terms of numbers, the Safan Empire did not stand a chance.

"Yes, that is true. As Safando's letter acknowledged, there is a strong possibility that the enemy's aim is not limited to Karza Castle, and if they are not successful, they will overtake Karza Castle and close in on Sand in the Imperial City."

"What is the size of the Seyfant Imperial Army?"

If we put all our forces into it, it would be about 50,000 men.

"Fifty thousand, huh? That's not much to lose.

Yes. We think so, too. But if Karza Castle is overtaken, the Safanid Empire will suffer a heavy blow. After all, this castle is surrounded by a large granary. ....... If it is trampled by warhorses, the empire will be hard pressed.

"I see. Even so, 10,000 Imperial troops are on their way to help at Karza Castle. ....... The damage to the crops alone would be substantial."

"But if the country is lost, all will be lost. We have to do something about it. ......"

Rico opens his mouth with a sad expression on his face. Linos folds his arms again and thinks.

"So, what exactly is it that you want from me, your majesty?　If you've sent Duke Vyrus in person, does that mean you want me to give you reinforcements?"

"If possible, I would like your brother-in-law to work for me."

"Well, what do you want me to do?"

"Yes. I have made a very long introduction, but I would like to ask the King of Agartha to help us to defend the castle of Khazah. The Safan Empire is the largest supplier of warhorses to our nation. Our marital relations are now broken, but we still wish to maintain friendly relations with this country. So says His Majesty."

"So you're a force ......."

Linos looks at Duke Vyrus with a stunned expression. He, too, looks at Linos with an indescribable expression.

"Just because you call it power, doesn't mean it has to be military power, does it?"

"......, you say?"

I'd like to share my wisdom.

"That's a good idea. That's what Linos is all about.

It was Rico who opened his mouth. She clasped her hands together in front of her chest and continued to speak with a cheerful expression on her face.

"If Heedata and Agartha's army responded to our request for reinforcements, they would be able to save the Safand Empire, but this would cause a devastation in the country, and if they were not careful, it could lead to an even bigger war. Instead, if we can settle this battle successfully by applying our wits, the damage will be minimal."

As Rico spoke, Linos looked up to the heavens with his arms folded. An indescribable silence fell over the place.

"......I understand."

In a manner that could neither be described as resignation nor determination, the Duke of Vilas bowed his head slowly and apologetically.

"I have only one request. If you have a map of the Khaza castle, I would like to see it.

"Yes, sir. It is probably in the Miyagi archives. I will look for it.

At Vyrus' words, Linos sighed heavily.