Terminally-Ill Genius Dark Knight

Chapter 211

211. Chaders Principality [2]

Most of the surrounding weak nations raised the white flag and surrendered as soon as they heard the name Reinhaver.

The reason? Well…

It’s because the power of the Reinhaver family is unmatched.

‘Moreover, due to the aftermath of this 'Imperial Throne Struggle’, I’ve even become the Emperor’s direct knight. Naturally, others would assume that the Reinhaver family and the Arkheim Empire have formed a mutually beneficial relationship.’

Anyone skilled in reading the situation would have already made that judgment.

The Reinhaver family.

The family I belong to has already reached the pinnacle of power, capable of doing anything.

Of course, this is merely a speculation made without foreseeing the end of Part 1, where Theo’s body will be possessed by a demon.

A predetermined future.

Stories don’t change easily.

To alter a raging current, more strength than usual is always required.

Fate occasionally tests humans, ultimately leading them to the worst predetermined outcome.

At least, that’s how it’s been so far.

I’ve modified countless chapters in my own way and tried to change the ending.

But the countdown to my death, the overarching premise, continues.

It’s safe to say that the final destination of this long battle is still far away.

That’s the reason I must keep moving forward.

Who can create an opportunity called 'next’ for a boy who is terminally-ill with limited time?

Only me.

Nox von Reinhaver.

If it’s not me, who crash-landed into this world, there’s nothing that can protect me in the worst situations that may come.

The same goes for my companions. They can’t fully protect me, and I no longer want them to get hurt.

Even if this goes against the identity Nox originally had, I now sincerely believe this is the best choice.

“Which nations are left now?”

“Ossel, Naymend, Sizelia kingdom, and some small cities. They’ve expressed their intention to unite and oppose Reinhaver. They’ve even spread baseless rumors, daring to call you, Young Master, a conqueror who forcibly seizes nations.”

Zitri’s voice, cold and heavy was filled with frost.

It was enough to upset Zitri, whose loyalty couldn’t be overstated, to see her master insulted.

I answered as indifferently as possible.

“From their perspective, it might be natural to think that way. After all, we’re trying to swallow up the nations they rule.”

“I can’t understand how they can think that way, even though their people are shivering in the cold, trembling under the constant threat of magical beasts, and receiving no help.”

Zitri’s voice grew stronger.

“They’ve already lost their function as nations. For the sake of the people of the Arkheim Empire, someone has to do this.”

“Right. I think so too. But someone will inevitably distort this story in their own way and rewrite it in their own manner. I can be the villain, the hero, or anything in between. But one thing is certain.”

I exhaled a white breath of steam before continuing.

“History will inevitably be written from the winner’s perspective. So we must win. Only the survivors have a future reserved for them. Just like how Garen and the first prince Louis von Arkheim died, while Emperor Penelope and I survived.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

I took a moment to organize my thoughts.

Zitri probably understood my meaning.

Right, wrong.

Even if it can only be expressed that way, the world requires far more modifiers.

“What about the allied forces’ troops? How are they?”

“They’ve reportedly gathered up to 10,000. But as I mentioned, they’re not in a state to fight effectively due to lack of proper provisions.”

I held a glove in my mouth and put it on, preparing for battle. Even though we’re dealing with a ragtag coalition, we must strategize and move carefully to minimize casualties.

After all, the people are innocent.

Why are the leaders refusing to surrender and opposing the Reinhaver family?

There’s only one reason.

‘It’s not profitable for them.’

No matter how small the city or kingdom, no one who once ruled freely would willingly bow their head to someone else.

Especially if that someone is the Reinhaver family, led by a boy who just turned fifteen and barely out of being a newborn. It’s only natural that they’d resist.

That’s why they must have thought.

— I can do it too.

— The rumors about Nox von Reinhaver must be exaggerated.

— If we unite our forces, we can take him down.

It’s a delusion born from ignorance of the continent’s political climate and world affairs.

But they genuinely believe it.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t just sit back and watch their nations crumble, right?

“Emperor Penelope said something similar. He called the Chaders region and the barren eastern lands ‘the shadow of the former Emperor’s past light.’”

At first, I was quite surprised by this.

Penelope respected his father.

A light who embraced his people with a heart of benevolence.

No one would dispute the achievements of the Sun King Esteban during his reign, and Penelope was no exception.

However, Penelope knows that his father gradually fell into ruin, earning the disgraceful nickname of the 'Foolish Emperor.’

His eyes holding a deep abyss, having lost their brightness.

I remember his face, not one of excellence but one steeped in darkness.

This region of Chaders is where the embers of the southern lands, which he failed to fully quell, still burn.

A place where fragile lives shine even brighter because they could shatter at any moment.

To be honest, that’s why I took Chaders.

‘Because if I don’t save it with my own hands, it will disappear.’

Enough of the headache-inducing thoughts.

I calmly said to Zitri.

“I’ll minimize the damage as much as possible. It won’t be difficult, but make sure the preparations are thorough. There’s no reason to create unnecessary casualties.”

“Young Master Grain has already made the preparations. It seems they’ll be done soon… Shall we depart as soon as everything is ready?”

“Yes. I’ll lead the vanguard. Place the ambush troops and the encircling soldiers across the ridges, and let Prim command the remaining small squads. He needs some real combat experience.”

“I’m a bit worried about whether that Prim will do well though…”

“Well, don’t worry. Just watch.”

I said confidently.

Prim definitely has the ability.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t have put up with his ridiculous personality.

He’ll adapt soon enough.

If I find the right carrot, it’ll help him grow even more.

‘If I lose him here, where else can I find a unit with the [Genius of Command] trait? Besides, even though Prim’s personality is trash, once he’s loyal, he stays loyal to the end. That’s not bad.’

The problem is that he’s not loyal yet though…

At that moment, Zitri handed me a folder of documents.

Looking oddly proud.

“Still, in just a few days, so many nations have surrendered to you, Young Master Nox. In this barren and harsh southern region, this is truly remarkable. Congratulations.”

Of course, there’s still much to do, but I don’t mind the praise.

I casually brushed it off.

“There aren’t many who would refuse a massive amount of gold coins. Besides, the power the Reinhaver family holds now is immense.”

“It’s largely thanks to you, Young Master Nox. For a direct imperial knight to emerge from a Dark family is an unbelievable achievement. Your name is already being praised across the continent.”

“What praise ah… Those people must have too much free time…”

I grimaced, and Zitri laughed in response.

“Isn’t it a sign that people’s perception of you is changing, young master? I like it.”

“Well, it’s fortunate that there’s at least one person that likes it.”

“Nox! The army’s preparations are complete. Shall we depart now?”

At that moment, Grain’s voice came from a distance.

It seems we might finish things in Chaders earlier than expected. Not a bad thing.

“Are the supplies fully secured? In the worst-case scenario, we can’t rule out the possibility of them holding a siege.”

Grain, as if he’d been waiting, placed a hand on his chest and replied.

“Don’t worry. We’ve prepared enough food and potions to last three months. By the way, was it Erina? A commoner who can make such potions… She even managed to simplify the formula for mass-producing recovery potions. It’s incredible.”

“You’ve changed a lot, Brother.”

This is also a new development.

Grain von Reinhaver.

He was nothing more than Villain Extra #1.

A man who lived by his own will and never bowed his head.

He once thought commoners were no better than pests, but he’s slowly started to change and improve.

A warm smile spread across my face.

Is this what it feels like to have a brother who resembles me?

Suddenly, a small sense of fulfillment bloomed in this lonely world where I might have been nothing.

“Alright, let’s depart at the designated time. Any objections?”

**********

The Anti-Reinhaver Coalition.

Just as the name suggests, an army organized to oppose the Reinhaver family.

Risen for the safety of the people. To resist the narrow-minded and inferior offensive of Reinhaver..

Despite the grand cause, there were no soldiers loyal to the upper ranks.

As evidence, the coalition’s sentries were anxiously waiting for the Reinhaver army, unsure when they’d arrive.

“No, so when is that Nox guy supposed to attack?”

“How should I know? Just be ready. Do you think they’ll announce their attack? Damn it. Other nations have already surrendered, so what are we even doing here?”

“What can we do? The higher-ups are rotten… But we can’t just surrender and leave our families behind. Even if we die here, there’s no answer. What a miserable life.”

“Ah, damn it… If they’re coming, they should just come already. How long do we have to sit here…”

[Hmm.]

A mysterious voice interrupted the sentries’ conversation.

A voice they’d never heard before.

It sounded slightly youthful, but it was strangely filled with a bit of hostility. Why. The thought that something was off spread quickly among the sentries as a boy revealed himself.

Nox von Reinhaver.

The enemy of the coalition, the behemoth devouring the south.

[It seems you’ve been waiting for me.]

“Gasp!”

“E-Everyone, get ready! A voice came from somewhere…! It’s the enemy!”

As the sentry panicked, Nox, who hadn’t even fully revealed himself, cut in with a playful voice.

[I’ll give you a chance.]

Nox’s voice echoed loudly, reaching deep into the coalition’s ranks.

[Surrender now and open the gates, and I’ll spare you. But if you don’t…]

“S, Surrender?”

A small crack had already formed within the Anti-Reinhaver Coalition.