Overgeared

“...Now I see.”

Earl Ashur realized as he watched Lauel execute all the prisoners of the Borneo army.

"The reason why the greedy and stupid Grid is able to solidify his position is due to this person.”

Lauel used the alliance with the Borneo army to not just occupy Patrian. He deserved to be accused, but it couldn’t be denied that he was excellent. Choosing the cruel means in order to achieve better results was especially great. Could Grid come up to his current position if it wasn’t for this person?

‘It wouldn’t have been possible.’

Earl Ashur denied it with certainty, making Bland speak.

"Father, with all due respect, Duke Grid isn’t incompetent. It’s true that Earl Lauel’s achievements are big, but his actions would be limited if Duke Grid was incompetent.”

“...?”

Earl Ashur felt that his son was strange after reuniting after two years. Bland had a bad relationship with Grid and was also held hostage by Grid, yet he acknowledged Grid?

‘Grid even took Irene from him. Now there are no grudges in his eyes...?’

Bland seemed to be brainwashed. How was he tortured? It was truly horrible. Earl Ashur made a heartbroken expression while Bland smiled brightly.

"Father, it’s nothing like you are imagining. I have been enjoying life in Reidan.”

“Bland?”

Earl Ashur was surprised. His son Bland could smile so brightly again after losing his mother and brother? After Irene married Grid, this kid definitely should be darker and more pained!

"What is life like in Reidan that you can make such a bright face?”

Bland told the truth to the confused Earl Ashur.

“Field work.”

"W-What?”

"I eat potatoes every day.”

“What?!!!”

Earl Ashur was furious. His precious son, a noble of Eternal, had to work in the fields like a serf? He was even eating potatoes like a pig! He had been living this hellish life!

“Ahh! Bland! You’ve gone mad at the end of your life!” Earl Ashur lamented and hugged Bland. “I’m sorry! Your life was ruined due to this foolish father!” Sob sob.

Bland handed a boiled potato to Earl Ashur who was weeping. A rainbow colored potato.

"I’m not going to speak any longer. Eat this potato. Your misunderstanding will be wiped out the moment you taste this.”

“This...”

eat the same pig food? Earl Ashur lamented. Bland determined there would be no progress in this conversation and acted. He shoved the rainbow potato into

"Heok!"

eyes shone as the pig food entered his

‘W-What is this?’

a new mana circle caused him to be stunned. As soon as it was inserted in his mouth, it melted and the taste was sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and refreshing.

excitedly to the shocked Earl Ashur. “Isn’t

delicacy with just delicious!? Yes! A heavenly flavor! The food of

"...”

had the same taste buds. Either way, it

***

Lauel arranged the situation and talked

spoke in a blunt manner with a potato in his mouth. "What are you planning to do in the future? Duke Grid will become hostile to both Eternal and Gauss. It is doubtful that Duke Grid can withstand the pincer

The countries we will become hostile to in this war aren’t

“The empire?’

over one million soldiers and the number of knights was close to 3,000. There were several great magicians as outstanding as Earl

you be hostile to the

to Earl Ashur with a firm

Empire is behind King

prove the cooperation between King Aslan and the Saharan Empire. Lauel was convinced there was a relationship with

relationship with the empire is changing little by little. The policies have started to become favorable towards the empire? They seemed so trivial that I and the

It was murky.

to the empire? Won’t I just die a

their army scattered due to insurgents in the south. It’s hard to get involved in matters of the north. I’m certain that there will be no direct

known that King Aslan borrowed the power of the empire in order to be crowned, and in return, implemented policies favorable to the empire? King Aslan’s position would be weakened

conclusion that King Aslan couldn’t announce his relationship with the

situation

“Isn’t this the basics?”

something that anyone can

thought about it for a

return to Eternal already. My base is too weak to build an independent force. I will serve Duke Grid. However, I

Lauel gave a friendly smile. Then he spoke to Earl Ashur with a gentle expression. "Always remember that your only mission

"I know."

How much had Grid grown to be able to make

want to

Grid disappeared the moment he learned that Bland had been living a healthy and happy life. Earl Ashur was full of expectations

is Duke

war against Patrian was an important event that would determine Reidan’s future destiny. Yet Grid hadn’t been seen at all during the war. How could he be away during such an important

replied. "Duke Grid is currently

“...?”

ears for

that's right. He is struggling alone to defend his territory

“Well... Something similar."