Chapter 164: The Final Service

(Perspective: Count Waterford until halfway through, then switching to a third-party perspective.)

I ordered the knights to prepare to sortie in order to intercept the massive horde of monsters. While waiting for preparations to be completed, I looked back on recent events.

The Imperial Prince said that without food, soldiers cannot fight monsters. Now that it is said, it stands to reason. Until now, I believed that agriculture should be left to commoners, and nobles should simply polish their skills in swordsmanship and magic, but perhaps that was an antiquated way of thinking.

Without Lord William‘s wheat, my subjects would have starved. And without the medicine he created, many subjects and soldiers would have lost their lives to tuberculosis. If a massive horde of monsters like this had attacked in such a state, we wouldn’t have even been able to put up a fight.

Believing that protecting the people with swords and magic was the duty of an Albion noble, I once objected to His Majesty’s intention to give Lord William an important position based on his Production Skill. Now, I see that was a narrow-minded act of folly.

Then, thinking of my foolish son, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh. It seems I made mistakes in my son’s education as well. Taking pride in protecting the people with sword and magic is fine. But to despise those who possess skills other than sword or magic is unthinkable.

My wife passed away, and I pitied my son for losing his mother at such a young age. I took no concubines nor a second wife, so I have no other children. Because of that, I ended up spoiling him—that was my failure. My wife may be lamenting in heaven.

“Your Excellency, preparations for the sortie are complete.” A knight who has served me for many years came to report. “Umu. Then let us decide the formation.” I placed my son, whom I could no longer trust, in front of me so he would not run away.

I have fought monsters many times before. Thinking that this might be my final battle makes me somewhat sentimental. I closed my eyes and spoke within my heart. Your Majesty, this is my final service.

Opening my eyes, I stepped forward in front of the gathered knights. And I raised my voice. “Everyone, let us go!”

“”Oh!!”” The knights responded with a war cry.

The news that a massive horde of over a thousand monsters had attacked reached the Royal Knights stationed in the western part of the Kingdom. The knights hurriedly headed to the Waterford territory to provide aid. Since the highways in the western Kingdom had been paved by Will‘s workshop, they were able to advance faster than before.

The knights continued to race along the maintained road. They wanted to avoid the fall of the Waterford domain capital, Torvaen, one of the major cities in the west, at all costs.

“Thank goodness. The capital is safe.” Arriving near the city and seeing the castle walls surrounding the capital intact, the Royal Guard commander leading the Royal Knights breathed a sigh of relief.

Passing through the castle gates, a knight serving as Count Waterford‘s adjutant welcomed the Royal Knights. “You did well to come to our aid.”

“We heard there was a massive horde of over a thousand monsters, so we hurried. Since the capital is safe, does that mean you drove the monsters away?” “We managed to fight until the monsters retreated. However, they will likely attack again.”

The Royal Guard tightened his expression. “Is that so? Then we shall intercept them next time. By the way, where is the Count?” The adjutant’s expression distorted for a moment.

“His Excellency the Count fell in battle.” “What? Count Waterford, that veteran warrior?” “Yes. After slaying many monsters, His Excellency saw that many knights had been wounded. He charged into the enemy alone and met a heroic end.”

“I see… I apologize that our relief did not make it in time.” “No, we understand that you hurried. My Master, who always valued protecting his subjects, would surely be pleased in the afterlife that you arrived to save us before the capital fell.”

“We will do our utmost to defend the capital. So, who will be His Excellency’s successor?” “His Excellency’s son also lost his life. There is no one else to succeed the Waterford house.” “My word…”

Then, the Count’s adjutant handed the Royal Guard envelopes sealed with beeswax. “These are His Excellency’s final letters. One is addressed to His Majesty the King, and the other to Margrave Fairchild.”

“Would it not be better for you to deliver them to His Majesty and the Margrave yourself?” “No. I left the front lines only to convey the situation to the Royal Knights and to hand over His Excellency’s letters. Now that this is fulfilled, I will stand on the front lines. I have no intention of going to the Royal Capital as a messenger.”

The Royal Guard thought to tell him to value his life, but seeing the adjutant’s expression, he realized it would be futile to stop him. “Then, I have certainly received them. I will make sure they are delivered to His Majesty and the Margrave.”