Chapter 157: Conscription Order
In Hugos era,
A word that would have been heard by any knight or swordsman, once a back-alley idler, upon receiving their appointmentwithout exception. This lofty reputation extended not just throughout the empire but also to martial arts dojos at the far ends of the continent.
However, this was not particularly surprising.
Over the past 20 years, many had witnessed Hugos military might, and indirectly, there was hardly anyone who wasnt affected, at least to a minor extent, by those who owed their lives to him.
Of course, the achievements attributed to Hugo Prient were not solely his doing.
The administrative capacity built up over the past 500 years by the empire.
Facing the constantly invading demonic beasts from the Makal Mountains on its border, the empire did not implement conscription due to having an organizational system capable of the concentrated deployment of select troops, achieving miraculous exchange rates.
However,
The irreplaceable power vacuum during Hugos holiday had such an influential impact that it prompted a reorganization of the system built up over hundreds of years.
Could I have heard it wrong? A conscription order?
Lucia kept asking questions even during the welcome lunch break. In front of her, a piece of bread bitten off and soup with a skin formed on its surface were cooling down.
Could there have been a war? Or has the emperor, who lost his son, gone mad and declared war on neighboring countries?
You! Do you really want to get into big trouble?
But if thats not it, why issue a conscription order? If theyre gathering even young kids as troops, there must be some crisis, right?
Lucia surveyed the cafeteria slowly.
Whether it was the juniors Lucia belonged to or the seniors who always walked around with their necks stiff The usual view of the cafeteria was not the same, with shadows cast on the tabletops.
At the Imperial Academy, upper and lower juniors were distinguished by the name tags on their chests. It was natural for the upper juniors, who would have to respond to the conscription order next year, to appear more gloomy.
Didnt you hear anything?
Gracie sighed at Lucia, who kept looking around.
Hear what?
You live with Siriel, and your guardian is Lord Hugo.
Gracie whispered the last word cautiously, her worry for her naive friend growing.
Viewed with a malicious eye, this conscription could be seen as a disaster brought about solely by the unilateral actions of the Prient family.
Wasnt there anything different at home? For example have you suddenly started encountering the adults at home more often?
If youre talking about the adults at home
Lucia pondered for a moment, resting her chin on her hand. The day after she returned from the scorching desert, the most memorable encounter for her was the sight of her uncle bidding farewell to Siriel and Lucia as they headed to the academy.
A relaxed appearance of Hugo, which was impossible to see under normal circumstances. Unlike his always solemn expression, either swinging a sword in the training ground or not coming out of his office, the appearance of Hugo she saw that morning had an air of leisure as if there was some occasion, making him look like a stylish middle-aged gentleman.
Come to think of it. Lately, my father has been smiling a lot. It feels like theres a leisure Ive never seen before?
Publicly, Lucia was Hugos foster daughter and Siriels sister. Gracie, who was quite friendly, knew it that way too, so Lucia mentioned it, keeping that in mind.
Definitely, there has been a change recently. From the perspective of being a daughter, it seems like the family has become more harmonious, which is actually welcome. But why?
Thats why? Um, you seem okay, so Ill be honest.
Gracie spoke tartly.
The reason for the conscription order is that the existing expeditionary force is not enough to block the mountains at the border. Thats why theyve resorted to using the future human resources, the academy students.
Gracie did not say that this was entirely due to Hugos unilateral declaration of leave. She delicately conveyed what she had heard from her grandmother, Margaret Versailles, the head of the Versailles family.
Is the situation that serious?
Understanding Gracies words, Lucia showed a face full of concern. According to her friend, it seemed that all this situation unfolded solely because of Hugos holiday.
No matter how short on manpower, theyre still kids. Isnt it too harsh to have them face demonic beasts in dangerous lands? Why not ask for troops from surrounding countries like Lucerne?
Well? I think so too, but according to my grandmother, its not that simple.
Gracie shrugged, her expression puzzled. Deploying human resources that have yet to mature immediately to the battlefield could only be a consumptive strategy that sells off the future. Its unlikely that the current emperor, who has achieved the longest period of peace, wouldnt know that, yet for some reason, the emperor proceeded with the conscription order.
And this is a secret but
Gracie stuck close to Lucia and whispered in her ear.
Theres talk that the emperor has fallen into paranoia.
Refusing to let outside forces into his own home. Thats why he tried to manage with what he had, and it led to this situation.
That sounds really serious, doesnt it? Wasnt there anyone who opposed it?
What can we do even if its serious? Including my grandmother, the seniors are all at a loss with His Majesty. As a student, I just follow what the adults tell me to do.
Gracie stuffed the last piece of bread into her mouth and stood up. Lucia, having glanced at the cold food, similarly crammed a piece of bread into her mouth and followed Gracie.
A week later,
An out-of-place tea party was held in the mansions training hall.
The incongruity didnt stem from the aroma of tea or the enjoyment of sweet cakes, but rather from the fact that the participants werent lively girls, but instead had enormous hands. These hands lifted the tiny, delicate teacups with care.
These tea leaves were a souvenir from my last holiday. I wanted to hear your opinion on them.
Hugo smiled gently at his nephew, whom he hadnt seen in a long while.
Ah, well its good? Its not bitter, nor is it bland
Shiron found himself in an unexpected meeting with Hugo in broad daylight.
Then Im relieved. Its a hobby I picked up late in life, so I was worried it might be too late to talk about it openly.
Its a hobby, isnt it? As long as Uncle enjoys it, isnt that what matters?
Right, well said. As long as Im satisfied, thats all that matters.
Hugo laughed heartily and elegantly placed his teacup down.
Ive been rushing through life without a moment to enjoy such a hobby. Im thankful its made me see life anew.
Should you be thankful? Hobbies naturally arise when you have spare time. Since youve decided to take a break from the knights for a while, I dont think anyone would mind if you have a hobby or two.
Shiron looked at Hugo with a wry expression. Before him was not a warrior in blood-stained armor, but a warm-looking middle-aged man finding leisure right after retirement.
Warm.
That was the impression Shiron had of the man before him.
But by any chance, arent you practicing anymore?
Practicing? Why bring that up all of a sudden?
Its just it seems youve gained some weight.
Ah! Indeed, Ive started to put on weight here and there lately; youve noticed too.
Its not just some weight.
Shiron looked at Hugo with a sour taste in his mouth.
Hugo of just a week ago and Hugo now seemed too different.
Where had the lean warrior gone, and why was there a chubby uncle next door? Of course, he was taller than Shiron by a head and probably weighed more than an orc chieftain, but still, by appearance
This is really delicious!
Latera, having finished off the cookies on the plate, smiled brightly. Hugo, pleased, stroked Lateras head. In the span of a week, the affectionate angel had seamlessly blended into the Prient household.
Im glad it suits your taste.
Its not just about suiting my taste. Ive never tasted cookies this delicious before. The honey-preserved pancakes and jelly I ate in Brahham were tasty, but this feels like Im traveling to a new country.
Ha ha. The little lady speaks so beautifully. Here, try this as well.
Hugo, seemingly out of nowhere, placed a new plate in front of Latera.
Chocolate-coated cakes and tarts topped with various fruits. Lateras eyes sparkled as she savored the taste.
How is it? Its a new creation of mine.
Really, um, delicious!
Latera, with chocolate and cream around her mouth, gave a simple yet heartfelt opinion, and Hugo, uncharacteristically, twisted his body in shyness at receiving praise. Shiron was taken aback by this sight.
Youre baking now?
I learned a bit from the chef. With so much free time, I felt like trying something new. Does it seem strange or anything?
Not at all. I think its fine to have one or two domestic hobbies like this.
Shiron smiled awkwardly at Hugo, feeling he had somewhat understood why Hugo had put on so much weight.
Isnt this a bit too relaxed?
Shiron had hoped for Hugo to rest, but not to become irreversibly slothful. Thus, he decided to bring up a topic he hadnt really wanted to discuss.
Um Im sorry to ask.
Hm? What is it?
Has there been any talk of the next expedition? Either from the palace or within the knights?
Ah, that. People have indeed come asking a few times. Begging me to participate in the next expedition.
Hugo chuckled at Shirons cautious inquiry.
But I turned them all down. Its annoying when people tell someone whos resting well to do this and that.
Uh. Werent you just taking a break for this one expedition?
Of course, that was the plan. But theres so much to do. Theres Johans retirement ceremony, and I promised my wife another trip.
The trip could wait until after the next expedition
I thought about that, but summer travel and winter travel are different. If we postpone the next expedition, well end up seeing similar scenery, and I dont feel like it.
I see.
Of course, I plan to participate properly in the expedition after next. I need to manage my weight and reorganize the knights.
Hugo reassured Shiron, but Shiron had a feeling Hugos late-life crisis wasnt going to end anytime soon.
This doesnt look good.
Shiron sighed, feeling uneasy about the unexpected situation.
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