Chapter 221: East & West Borders


    The Empires Eastern Region.


    There is one territory there that is not being ruled by an imperial noble.


    The Dwarven Autonomous Dominion.


    It is an autonomous territory given by Father to the Dwarves who immigrated to the Empire after their homnd was destroyed by Sokal.


    There are multiple mines in this vast territory of the Dwarves that produce many precious stones that can be turned into jewelry.


    With those precious stones circte into the Empires market, those who are fascinated by their beauty pay a hefty price for them while the craftsmen who witnessed their skill increase their effort in order not to lose against the Dwarves.


    With the Dwarves pocket enriched, the Empire also reaped many benefits.


    Father did a great job incorporating the Dwarves into the Empire.


    That is my destination.


    The ce is being protected by the mighty elite of the dwarves. Even inside the Empire, this territory is one of the safest ces. Another thing is that thew that governs this ce is different from the Empire.


    I know that Egor would be here to keep Sonia and her family safe.


    The ce I transferred to is a in house.


    When I took a step forward, I heard a voice from behind me.


    What, its you. If you areing then at least say hello.


    I dont want to hear that from someone who took my back before I could even say my greeting, Elder Egor.


    Even like this, I am guarding someone after all.


    I see. But since you are already in the Dwarven Dominion, isnt this a little too overkill?


    This ce is being protected by the Dwarven Warriors.


    The fearless Dwarven Warriors that strengthened themselves using the precious stones they mined are several times stronger than a normal human knight in terms of power.


    The reason why the Sokal empire chose to sacrifice Gianna as a temporary peace offering to the Empire is that they are afraid of the Dwarven Armys revenge with the Empire at its back.


    For an SS-rank adventurer like Egor to be so alert like this inside such a territory is an overkill.


    However.


    I wouldnt be this careful normally you know. The circumstances are a little special now.


    Special?


    Saying so, I probe the surrounding area with my barrier.


    Doing so, I found out that the number of Dwarves here was clearly smaller than usual.


    Moreover, there are almost none of the Dwarven Warriors here.


    What happened?


    The Dwarven King has decided to invade Sokal. He is now leading his army to the eastern border.


    Why did he choose this timing?


    Apparently, it was because the Empire weed the bigshot from Sokal to the ceremony at the capital. The King said that he can not rely on the current Empire to retake our homnd. I tried to stop him but he didnt listen to me.


    Egor sighed after he said so.


    It is a long-cherished wish for the Dwarves to take back their homnd.


    Thats why their action is not that strange. However, the timing is simply too bad.


    Do you think that the Dwarves will really manage to start a war?


    I dont think so. The Marshal of the Eastern Border should be able to stop him.


    The First Princess huh. Then it is in safe hands.


    Right. I heard that she summoned a nearby noble to help persuade the Dwarven King too.


    A nearby noble? Was it Duke of Reinfeld?


    I think thats the name. I only heard the hearsays so I am not that confident though.


    Egor said so andughed.


    However, I frowned at the strangeness.


    Would that Lize-aneue really summon Jurgen to the Eastern Front?


    Jurgen is certainly an excellent individual. Since Lize-aneue is not that good at persuasion, he would be a good pick to persuade the Dwarven King.


    However, would Lize-aneue do that?


    This is quite suspicious. The likely scenario would be that Jurgen heard about the situation and immediately rushed to her side.


    Actually, that might be the case here.


    However, something is still off.


    You worried about something?


    Yes, something along that line. Something will happen in the Imperial Capital soon. No, it is already happening. My hands are full. I want to borrow your help.


    I owe you after all. Of course, I will help.


    Saying so, Egor waited for my words.


    I can only ask one favor from Egor. it is something that I have to use carefully.


    Where I will direct him to. That decision will be very important.


    Should I ask him toe to the Imperial Capital? Or should I have him keeping his eyes on something else?


    After thinking for a while, I opened my mouth.


    AlrightI want you to head to the Eastern Border. If pushes to shove, I want you to forcefully stop the Dwarven King.


    I dont mind but I think that the Marshal would be able to stop him even without my help though.


    If he shed with the Marshal, the rtionship between the Empire and the Dwarves would worsen. The adventurers will be forced to dispatch if the security in the Empire deteriorates. The Empires adventurers are not that free.


    When problems are happening in the Empire, the adventurers will be relied on.


    Whether it be escorting the merchant or subjugating the monsters that came out of the forest, right now, the adventurers are having their hands full.


    They can not have any more problems on their te.


    Egor nodded to my words.


    Umu, that is certainly true. Then I will go. With me at the fort, it would be harder for Sokal to make a move after all.


    I am thankful for your understanding.


    Egor did not participate in the war between the Dwarven Kingdom and Sokal empire. It was both because he was an adventurer and the fact that he simply was not there when it happened.


    However, this time he will be present. Even if the Sokal empire thinks that there is a gap in the Eastern Border defense, they will not be able to make a move so easily because of Egor.


    If Egor chooses to be a Dwarf first rather than an adventurer, no matter how strong their army is, it would be meaningless.


    In the worst case, the Empire might just begin a counter-invasion.


    With that line of thinking, it would make sense to have Egor keep his eyes on the Eastern Border.


    Well then, I will leave this to you.


    Umu, I epted your request. Butyou really are a busy man huh. Dont you want to say hello to her?


    Theres no need. You are taking good care of her right?


    Of course. Without relying on that child to guide me, I wouldnt be able to get to the border after all.


    WaHaHa, Egor happilyughed.


    After smiling at such Egor, I transferred away.


    Unfortunately, I have no time to rx.


    I stopped the capital once and immediately transferred to the West.


    My destination is the Duchy of Kleinert.


    I transferred in front of the mansion and quietly walked up to the gate.


    WHO ARE YOU!?


    SS-rank adventurer, Silver. I have business with the Duke of Kleinert.


    S, Silver!?


    The gatekeeper jumped back in surprise.


    He seemed to conflict a while but soon after he opened the gate and let me in.


    Ex, excuse my rudeness! The Duke has given an order to let you pass unconditionally!


    Thanks.


    Saying so, I went through the gate and entered the mansion.


    Even though it iste at night, the mansion is noisy.


    People are constantlying and going. Each of them makes a startled expression once they see me.


    Why is this ce so noisy today?


    While wondering so, I opened the door to Duke Kleinerts room.


    We have recalled the knights from the eastern part of the territory, sir.


    Hurry up. I need at least 5,000 knights here by the morning.


    Inside the room was Duke Kleinert in a suit of armor.


    When Duke Kleinert noticed my arrival, he told his men to leave us.


    Wee, Silver. Unfortunately, I dont have time to properly wee you. Can you briefly state your business?


    Thats more convenient for me as well. I dont have much time either. But before that, I need to ask you a question. What is all this fuss?


    Thats simple. The Western Border has contacted me that the Kingdom Army is making a suspicious movement. With the ceremony going on at the capital, their armys movement is unusual. The Western Border Defense Force judged so and contacted me. They are asking for reinforcement in case of emergency.


    I see, as expected of the border defense force. They really are excellent.


    I do have a question as well. Why does the Kingdom Army move even though Saint Leticia is still with us?


    I have to ask you to keep what I am about to say as a secret.


    Of course.


    -Assassination, their target was the Saint. The culprit was the Dark Elves. They infiltrated the castle by disguising themselves as the Elves representatives.


    Th, the Saint was assassinated!?


    Duke Kleinerts face turned blue as he stood up from his chair.


    I raised both of my hands to signal him to calm down.


    That is not the case.


    Tell me that sooner


    The assassination of the Saint was a diversion. The Saint was abducted. Prince Leonard is now pursuing them. The Kingdom is probably in the know. The fact that the Kingdom Army started to move is good proof of that.


    I think I am about to faint.


    Duke Kleinert looks up at the ceiling and puts his hand on his forehead.


    Well, even if the Saint is still alive, the point that she was abducted didnt make anything better after all.


    If Leo fails, the Empire will have to take the me.


    The rtionship with the Kingdom will never be repaired.


    I know that you are exhausted but we need to move to the matter at hands now.


    If I ask you to give me a break, would you?


    That would be impossible. There is a sign of revolt in the Imperial Capital.


    .Prince Gordon huh.


    Good answer. It is still only a possibility but the defense of the Imperial Capital is thin. If they nned on doing it then it will be tomorrow. I hope nothing happens but.if it is going to happen, there are only a few people who can protect the Emperor.


    I understand. If a revolt should ur, I will head to the capital.


    Im d that you are quick to understand. However, in the case of a full-blown revolt, I can not interfere. Be prepared. If I can move, I will open a portal for you to the Capital.


    No problem. I need to prepare my army for the Kingdoms possible invasion anyway. If time allows, I will talk to the other Lords as well. After all, if we all head to the Imperial Capital, there will be no reinforcement for Western Border.


    Duke Kleinert quickly decided on his future course of action.


    As expected of the Duke who earned the trust of the Emperor.


    Then I will excuse myself now.


    Silver. I do have one final question.


    What is it?


    Was it Prince Arnold who sent you? Even if it is you, there is no way that you can know so much about the Castles internal affairs. Can I take it as that Prince started to move?


    What if he did?


    Well, I only want you to give him my message. Please take care of my daughter.


    His face is smiling while his words are overflowing with trust.


    You seem to trust him a lot huh? That Dull Prince.


    I do not care how others see him. I simply trust in the Prince that my daughter believes in.


    I seethen I will tell him so.


    Saying so, I let out a small smile and opened the transfer gate.


    Like father, like daughter huh.


    With that thought in mind, I returned to the Capital.