I've been freeloading at Windward Fortress for two weeks now. Even with my thick skin, I can't stay any longer. I'll probably bid farewell to Alto in a few days.
Speaking of Alto, that imperial decree has weighed heavily on him lately. It's clear he's torn over whether to follow other lords and declare independence.
Alto? Probably not.
I've spent time with him and sense no ambition. If he has any, it's just to keep his people fed and clothed.
He's a truly good man. But in both Earth's and this world's ancient histories, such people always get crushed by cruel times.
"Good morning, Mr. Sass."
"Huff, morning, Chining. Where's Mr. Alto?"
"...His Lordship is still in his room."
"Still worrying, I suppose."
"I'm truly dull-witted here and can't ease His Lordship's burdens."
Chining's brow furrowed involuntarily as he spoke.
Chining is fiercely loyal to Alto. This loyalty goes beyond gratitude—he's accepted Alto as his lord from the heart.
As for me, I feel little about it.
This collapsing nation will plunge into a long chaos. The common folk will suffer most.
These peaceful days won't last. I wonder how old Tren's steward is faring. The capital is surely the most chaotic place.
I knew calm wouldn't endure. But I never expected chaos to come so fast—so fast it chokes you.
The very next morning.
While Chining, Alto, and I chatted in the hall, urgent footsteps and muffled shouts echoed nearby.
A scout burst in.
"Report... report! Leahdon's army spotted less than thirty kilometers from Baha Balm's border. Their target... is likely... Windward Fortress."
He gasped out the words, clearly sprinting nonstop.
The moment he finished, all three of us shot to our feet, faces grim.
"Why attack us..." Alto murmured, utterly bewildered. But I had guesses.
"Leahdon's lord plans to swallow territories before others react. After independence, he needs quick strength."
"Such a move?! Won't others unite against him?"
"Once he wins, the few southern lords can't stir trouble."
Alto grasped the urgency after my words.
"How confirm it's Leahdon's army?" he asked the scout.
"I saw Leahdon cavalry..."
Each region has elite troops. Leahdon cavalry is their pride—offensive masters. One elite unit crushes several ordinary ones.
"Give conservative numbers."
"Thirty thousand... five thousand Leahdon cavalry..." The scout trembled speaking it.
(Leahdon's capital alone holds 40,000 souls, nearly a hundred villages under it—two million total.)
Alto's face turned ashen. Chining looked equally grim.
"Huff, Mr. Alto, how many troops does Baha Balm have?" I asked seriously, dropping my usual carefree act. Calm analysis was key now.
"Only eight thousand." Alto sounded desperate.
A terrifying gap...
"But I'll still fight... to protect my people." Invading armies never just battle—they plunder and harm civilians.
"My lord! Reinforce the walls now!" Chining urged.
"No! Starting repairs now traps us before the enemy arrives!" I opposed him firmly. Li Guangbi said this at Taiyuan's battle. With enemies hours away, wasting time on walls is folly.
"Gather people to pile earth and bricks inside the walls for battle repairs!"
"Chining, see to it." Alto accepted instantly—he had no better plan. His face stayed clouded. I needed to give him hope.
"Hey, Mr. Alto." He looked at me, confused.
"Why can't eight thousand beat thirty thousand? Don't despair. Hold hope, and all Baha Balm will stand behind you."
The youth before him radiated fierce confidence, making Alto pause.
*[Right! Why not? Emperor Uller triumphed against stronger foes again and again—never gave up!]*
"Chining, can I trust your strength completely?" I didn't know his power, but we had no choice.
"On the battlefield, I fear no one!"
"Huff, reassuring. Mr. Alto, give the order!"
"Hah, Chining—prepare for battle!"
