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...”

What son would invite his father to eat the same pig food? Earl Ashur lamented. Bland determined there would be no

"Heok!"

Ashur’s eyes shone as the pig

‘W-What is this?’

was inserted in his mouth, it melted and the taste was sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and refreshing. It was as if all the

shocked

you express this precious delicacy with just delicious!? Yes! A heavenly flavor! The

"...”

truly thick. Bland and Earl Ashur even had the same taste buds. Either way, it was the birth of

***

arranged the

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 attacks of two kingdoms, even with the protection of Marquis

“There is a part you are overlooking. The countries we will become hostile to in this war

“The empire?’

They had 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

Earl Ashur with a firm

Saharan Empire is behind

things prove the cooperation between King Aslan and the Saharan Empire. Lauel was convinced

reminds me... Recently, the relationship with the empire is changing little by little. The policies have started to become favorable towards the empire? They

It was murky.

to the empire? Won’t I just die a dog

due to insurgents in the south. It’s hard to get involved in matters of the north. I’m certain

kingdom. They might have to give a tribute to the empire, but there were few kingdoms with full autonomy like Eternal. What if it was known that King Aslan borrowed the power of the empire in order to be crowned, and in return, implemented

to the conclusion that King Aslan couldn’t announce

the situation of the

“Isn’t this the basics?”

that anyone

Ashur thought about it for

is too weak to build an independent force.

Lauel gave a friendly smile. Then he spoke to Earl Ashur with a

"I know."

had Grid grown to be able to make talented people

to

a healthy and happy life.

Duke

event that would determine Reidan’s future destiny. Yet Grid hadn’t been seen at all during the war. How could he

"Duke Grid is

“...?”

doubted his ears for a moment

that's right. He is struggling alone to defend his territory against those who threaten

“Well... Something similar."