Irregular Curved
Chapter 3: Preparation for War

Miasma is a cursed existence.

As the soil blackens, the animals will move away in search of habitat elsewhere. Just because of its existence, the area around it would become barren which was no longer possible to be reburied in any way.

Heron village also did not escape the consequences. Located a little away from the wide main street, Heron Village can be said to be a good village to act as a relay connecting the border fortress with the nearby post town.

When he realized it, not only regret, anger also arose in Light's mind because no officer affiliated with Count Allain reported on the plundered condition of the village.

Not that Light and Count Allain himself—Jade Allain— underestimated the problem, but it was natural that the border became the place of small-scale proxy battles. Whether it was in any country, it was only natural for one or two frictions at the border to occur.

However, it is different if it involves miasma. That meant the other party intended to utilize the monsters in battle or sabotage as their large-scale assault would occur in the near future. In addition, the party that triggers the appearance of the slightest miasma will be severely sanctioned by church authorities.

"There's a traitor in Allain's house."

All ears of the listener agreed without the slightest rejection of Light's statement.

"But, doesn't that mean they have a direct connection to Drenzig? If they saw profit and loss, it was impossible for them to do something that stimulated the empire in ways that could lead to church intervention even if they were the higher-ups of the Arcadia Kingdom."

Light's words have the truth. Even though they were hostile to the empire, it was impossible for the high-ranking of the kingdom to make the church an enemy. Arcadia did not have that much power even if they had the support of a great empire like Drenzig.

"What are you going to do, Young Master?" Eld asked worriedly. If we do not take further action, it is not impossible if the House of Allain will be destroyed even when Jade is still the owner of the house.

"No. nothing. It's impossible for me to do anything because I have no influence there." Light showed a smile of disappointment.

Despite that, Light refused if he would be sacrificed in vain like this. Hearing what the enemy had done to the residents of Allain Region, Light's heart was torn apart. He was trying to at least make his people live safely before he died.

Two days had passed and they arrived at the border fortress as per the forecasts. As far as the eye can see, there is the Rhine— Rivera large river on the south side of the fortress—as well as a distant plain stretching on the north side.

The location of the fort is not strategic for the empire like this actually because Arcadia is the original owner of the fort, before the region was captured by Corthia hundreds of years ago.

Set in a forest and the Rhine Mountains lined up neatly behind it, the plains seemed to be made as a suitable place for the meeting place of troops.

Of course, it was not an empty land without anything. Contains several plantations of fruits, vegetables, and wheat, it may be said that the security of the area around the fort is much better when compared to the villages that are a little far inland.

The predecessor of Count Allain really intended to make the land around the fort more productive, and the results can be felt to date.

Far from what Light imagined, even though it was a fortress, the hustle and bustle of economic activity could be juxtaposed with a post town. Guaranteed security due to the weaponry of the fortress, the imperial soldiers appointed directly to protect the border over the jurisdiction of the head of the knight order, all those comforts made the economy around the fortress even more flourishing.

However, Light was facing a wave of anger from the merchant guild representatives as well as the garrison leader who had full power over the fortress and the surrounding area.

"What do you mean we have to dam the Rhine River for a month?!"

Rejection comes in many ways, both from soldiers and government officials. Although these borders were factually ignored by the palace, they were still people who were under the imperial family directly.

Light with a straight face, he decided to spit out words that were impossible to break while taking out red inked parchment with a magic seal, "In accordance with the decree of His Majesty the Emperor dated September 25, 1162, His Majesty the Emperor gave the mandate to Count Allain— which was represented by me— to stem the Arcadia attack within an unspecified time limit."

True to its meaning, it shows Light is the king in this place.

"Does he mind?"

"T—no..." Some were pushed back, some others could only swallow their saliva. This naturally, Light's position made it possible to not only take their heads, but also their families in 3 generations if they rebelled.

"After all, do you know how the small villages south of the fort are today?" Light asked sharply.

"Huh?! What the hell is going on? I don't see any strangeness, you can see all their daily transactions happening as usual in this fortress." The highest-ranking man attempted to refute when Light was about to file a complaint.

"So, thank you, your words are enough for me." Light knew that there were three possible meanings for the old commander's words.

Some possibilities include the infiltration of an Arcadia or Drenzig spy posing as a soldier or government official and falsifying transactions in the report so that the top brass of the fort do not feel any strange. Another possibility is that some government officials inside the fort have taken bribes to falsify reports. Otherwise, perhaps the old commander in front of Light was just trying to cover up his ignorance by throwing out lies.

It is very convenient for Light if it is the last possibility, but it will be very dangerous if the first possibility has occurred.

"If you want to know the truth, go through the villages in the jungle. Report to me whatever you see there." Not wasting any time, Light left the office and ordered his slaves to dam the river. The order to raise the riverbed had also been given by Allain just as the day he arrived at the border fortress.

"Ah, right." Light momentarily paused his steps, not turning around as he felt it was just a waste of time, "I revoked all your authority in this fortress, General Garnet. And also, Guild Head..."

The old man who served as the head of the merchant guild could only remain silent, restraining his frustration from being exposed.

"Evacate this fortress of all the civil factions within three days, you don't want the neutrality of the Merchant Guild to be doubted, do you?"

"... As you command, General." The Guild Head lowered his head and shot a respectful tone with a moment of delay. Be humble even though everyone knows that he is very upset.

Light stepped out followed by his subordinate old officers.

A vengeful look, Garnet kicked the table very hard. There was a feeling of fear, some young officers looked trembling. Never once did Garnet's subordinates see him in anger.

Just look, boy!

You will surely regret it!

......................