FVN Chapter 51 51 A Task from the Grand Duke: The Borderlands Crisis
Chapter 51 51 A Task from the Grand Duke: The Borderlands Crisis
"I was planning on bringing you anyway," William said, smirking. "You're the only one available at the moment. If I left you behind, who else would I take?"
"Wait, you're not bringing me?" Hans asked, feigning offense. "I thought I was part of your trusted aides too!"
"You're staying here. I'm not about to leave the estate completely empty. Unless, of course, you're willing to learn swordsmanship and accompany me to the battlefield?"
"The battlefield?"
Hans straightened immediately, his voice taking on a grave tone.
"As your loyal servant, I shall guard the estate in your absence!" he declared with great solemnity.
William chuckled. Unlike Hugo, Hans had zero interest in rushing into danger. A steady, peaceful life was clearly his priority.
"But what exactly is this about?" Hugo murmured.
William sifted through his past life's memories.
Nothing.
No recollection of an incident like this surfaced.
It wasn't surprising—after all, in his previous life, he had been nothing more than a lowly guard in House Hern.
The true affairs of nobility had never reached him.
If I want to understand what's happening, I'll have to hear it directly from my father.
Having reached his conclusion, William rose from his seat and made his way toward the family dining hall.
There was still some time left before the gathering, but in such affairs, it was always better to arrive early.
A heavy silence hung over the dining table.
William tapped his fingers against the polished wood, the soft sound the only thing cutting through the stifling air.
How amusing.
He and his two brothers—Jordi and Joshua—had all arrived at the exact same time.
Under normal circumstances, a silent battle of wills would have unfolded, each of them trying to assert dominance.
But today, none of them dared to cause a scene.
Their father would be here soon.
And the Grand Duke's presence was enough to suppress even their usual clashes.
Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long.
"You're all here," Sigmund Hern stated as he entered the room, his deep voice filling the space. "You must be hungry. Eat first."
He had arrived earlier than expected.
William noted the fact with mild amusement. It seemed even their father had anticipated this tense atmosphere.
With the Grand Duke present, the meal passed quickly.
The weight of his words settled over the table.
The current forces in Bornholm weren't enough.
William, Jordi, and Joshua all knew what was coming next.
"Tristan requires reinforcements," Sigmund stated. "One of you will be sent to assist him."
Neither Jordi nor Joshua spoke.
They understood the implications immediately.
Whoever was sent would not be taking command.
Tristan had already assessed the situation.
The one sent to assist would serve under him, acting as his support.
And in the worst case?
Even if they contributed significantly, all achievements might be attributed to Tristan instead.
It was a political dead end.
"Must it be one of us?" Jordi finally asked, carefully. "Would it not be enough to send an elite knight division to support our brother?"
Sigmund's expression turned cold.
"No," he said, cutting him off immediately.
"Sending more troops could provoke the surrounding lords. If they perceive it as a military buildup, they may retaliate—demand explanations, or worse."
"Then... we could explain it to them," Jordi suggested. "Most of those lords are only barons or viscounts. Father, do you really need to concern yourself with their opinions?"
Sigmund's eyes darkened.
"And if His Majesty himself questions it?" he asked. "If the Emperor demands to know why I am amassing forces along the borders... what answer will you give him?"
Jordi fell silent.
Because if the Emperor took notice...
That would be a far greater problem.
Even as a staunch supporter of the Emperor, House Hern could not afford to move its forces lightly.
The deployment of troops was always a delicate matter.
Jordi had attempted to argue his way out, but his reasoning had collapsed beneath the weight of the Grand Duke's words.
Joshua, seeing his brother falter, quickly stepped in.
"If we go without any soldiers, what difference will it make?" he asked hastily. "We won't be much help on our own."
Sigmund's gaze remained impassive.
"There are plenty of mercenaries in the region," he stated. "Bornholm is a volatile land—conflicts break out frequently, even beyond the issue of monsters. If one of you hires the mercenaries already stationed there, you'll have the numbers you need."