Chapter 509
I Will See It Through to the End. (2)
“Lead us!”
“Ascend the throne!”
“Drive out the Salvation Church and save this kingdom!”
Zwalter was taken aback by the people's fervent response.
“T-This is….”
Even before reaching this point, nearly everyone he had encountered along the way had followed him. Zwalter had not turned them away, accepting them all.
He had already resolved to become king, so it was only natural to accept the people’s support. But to ascend the throne so blatantly this was never his intention.
“What is going on? I heard that Ghislain had secured the capital, but I never heard that it was in this state.”
Those who had accompanied Zwalter were just as bewildered. They had only heard news of the capital’s capture and the king’s execution.
The people’s enthusiasm was understandable. It would have been stranger if they didn’t rejoice over the tyrant’s downfall.
But for so many to voluntarily demand that he become king he had never expected this.
“What will the other nobles and lords think of this?”
Several nobles had responded to his call to arms, but none had yet agreed to Zwalter becoming king.
His proclamation had never stated his intention to take the throne it had only called for an end to the king’s tyranny.
His plan had been to depose the king, restore the former council, and follow the proper procedures to claim the throne. If he simply accepted the people's wishes now, he would have no defense against the nobles' backlash.
As Zwalter stood frozen in uncertainty, Claude, who had accompanied him to assist with administrative matters, spoke up.
“Marquis, the people are highly agitated right now. We must ‘stabilize’ them. May I take the lead for a moment?”
“Y-Yes, go ahead.”
Zwalter nodded readily. Claude cleared his throat a few times before stepping forward and shouting.
“I am Claude, the Chief Overseer of Fenris and the one currently assisting Marquis Ferdium!”
“Waaaahhh!”
At the mention of Fenris, the people erupted in cheers. Claude found it immensely gratifying.
Drawing strength from their response, he raised his voice even louder.
“I know your suffering well! How long have you endured the oppression of the tyrant? How much agony have you suffered under his cruelty? To free you as soon as possible, Count Fenris arrived first to strike down the king!”
“Waaaahhh!”
“As expected of Count Fenris!”
“He was the one who slew the tyrant!”
Claude, satisfied with their reaction, continued, scanning the crowd.
“And who is the father of Count Fenris?”
“Marquis Ferdium!”
“Who sent out the proclamation and raised an army for your sake?”
“Marquis Ferdium!”
“That’s right! Marquis Ferdium took up arms to save this kingdom, and his son, Count Fenris, was sent ahead to slay the king!”
“Waaaahhh!”
Zwalter blinked. This was supposed to be about stabilizing the people, but it felt more like incitement.
Rather than calming down, the crowd had begun standing up, raising their hands in fervent cheers. Their excitement seemed to have reached its peak.
Claude gestured dramatically to the crowd and shouted once more.
“I ask you again! While all other nobles cowered in fear of the king while they turned a blind eye to the suffering of the people who alone had the courage to rise and take up arms for this kingdom?”
Now, not only the people of the capital but even those who had followed them shouted in unison.
“Marquis Ferdium!”
“Then who is truly worthy of the throne? Who is the rightful ruler of this land, the one who truly cares for the people?”
“Marquis Ferdium!”
“Indeed! Thus, Marquis Ferdium shall be the new king of the Ritania Kingdom!”
“Waaaahhh!”
A fiery fervor consumed the crowd. Claude had effectively declared Zwalter’s ascension before all.
Ghislain had said as much earlier, but having it declared by someone in person carried a different weight.
“…….”
Zwalter wiped the cold sweat from his brow and looked at Claude. This was supposed to be about stabilization, yet he had managed to turn it into a festival.
Looking around, he saw nothing but smiling faces even among the knights and soldiers of Ferdium.
Observing the scene, Ghislain nudged Porisco’s side. It was a silent cue to drive the point home while the momentum was high.
Porisco quickly stepped forward and shouted.
“Listen, all of you! I am Porisco, the ‘Archbishop’ and ‘Holy One’ representing the Four Major Temples of the Ritania Kingdom!”
“Waaaahhh! The Holy One!”
Porisco’s reputation in the capital rivaled even Ghislain’s. As soon as he stepped forward, the crowd's cheers intensified.
“As the representative of the temples, I, the ‘Archbishop’ and ‘Holy One’ Porisco, recognize Marquis Ferdium’s ascension to the throne! This is both my will and the will of the Goddess! Any who oppose this are heretics! The coronation shall be held soon!”
“Waaaahhh!”
Porisco deliberately emphasized his titles multiple times. He was determined to engrain it firmly into the people's perception.
Faced with this overwhelming wave of support, Zwalter let out a breath of laughter.
Well, considering his son’s involvement, was there ever a time when things had proceeded through the proper channels?
He would have to personally seek the nobles’ understanding.
In truth, they would not be able to put up much resistance. None would dare oppose what the majority of the people desired. Besides, militarily, the other nobles were no match for Ferdium.
Zwalter closed his eyes. Who would have thought that a poor frontier lord like him would rise to such heights?
It was all thanks to his son, of course. But he had never imagined he was so beloved.
After a brief silence, he slowly spoke.
“I am, but a humble man. All I can do is stand with you. But if it is your will….”
The entire city fell silent, holding its breath in anticipation of his next words.
With a warm smile, Zwalter declared to all.
“I shall be this kingdom’s king.”
“Waaaahhh!”
The crowd erupted in jubilation. At last, the tyrant was gone, and a new king had risen.
Marquis Ferdium’s renown had already spread far and wide. Even in the harsh lands of the north, his people had remained loyal and refused to flee all because of his benevolence.
Even before Ghislain had demonstrated his abilities, Zwalter had been revered as a wise and just lord.
The people knew this well, and thus, they could not help but rejoice.
Watching the scene, Belinda sniffled and wiped away her tears. Ghislain grinned beside her.
“What, crying again? You’ve been getting teary a lot lately.”
“How can I not cry when he’s suffered his whole life, only to finally become king? I just wish Lady Annette could have seen this.”
“Didn’t you oppose their marriage?”
“I did at first. Honestly, what was there to see in the marquis back then?”
Belinda had not liked Zwalter in the beginning.
He had been nothing more than a poor noble from the frontier. And yet, he was to marry Annette, who wielded power equal to that of a king and was the strongest in the kingdom?
Who wouldn’t oppose such a union? It was only natural.
The younger Belinda had grumbled about it countless times.
― "What do you even like about him? He’s poor and can’t even fight. He’s not from a prestigious family, nor is he particularly handsome."
Each time, Annette would respond with a gentle smile.
― "What you see on the surface isn’t everything. He’s a good man."
At first, Belinda couldn’t understand. But after spending many years together in Ferdium, she came to realize it.
His character was nobler than anyone else in the kingdom.
Zwalter treated the elderly and children, men and women, nobles and slaves all with the same fairness.
His sense of responsibility was immense. No matter how difficult things became, he never abandoned his people. He dedicated his life to protecting them.
The people of Ferdium trusted such a lord and followed him to the end, even at the cost of their lives.
Every noble had mocked and ridiculed Zwalter, but only Annette had seen that side of him.
And in the end, Zwalter ascended to the highest throne in the kingdom.
Though he owed much to Ghislain, there was no one more fitting for the position of king.
‘Lady Annette must be watching from the heavens.’
Belinda smiled at the thought.
Annette was surely smiling warmly, seeing that the man she had chosen had risen to become the most noble and exalted in the kingdom.
Zwalter and the Ferdium forces marched proudly toward the royal capital.
For now, the coronation was postponed. The entire kingdom was in chaos, and the duchy’ armies were on the move. There were far too many urgent matters to address.
"Lower the tax rate and distribute food generously. Also, inform the nobles that, for the time being, they should follow our lead. We will settle disputes later."
Although Zwalter had declared his intent to rule in accordance with the will of the people, he had not yet secured the nobles' consent.
If others used that as a pretext to rebel, only the duchy would benefit. For the time being, he had to appease the nobles.
Fortunately, the nobles of the capital sided with Zwalter.
"Marquis of Branford has issued a statement in support of the new king!"
"Marquis Maurice McQuarrie has also made the same declaration!"
"Count Aylesbur and Count Norton as well…."
The major nobles who had long steered the kingdom all issued statements of support as if they had arranged it in advance.
Of course, they had not personally stepped forward. They had merely made announcements through their representatives but even that was a significant show of strength.
As long as he had the support of the church and the capital’s most influential nobles, the provincial lords would find it difficult to voice their dissatisfaction.
That bought him some breathing room, but it was far from Zwalter’s only problem.
"Haa, there’s just too much to do."
Ruling a frontier territory was entirely different from managing an entire kingdom. The nobles who had followed the previous king had plundered so much that the kingdom’s finances were in complete disarray.
Ghislain stepped in to assist with that issue.
"We’re rounding up all the ones who ran off with their wealth. Fenris will continue sending support. You’ll also need to replace all the administrators Claude can help with that."
"Yes, we need to stabilize things quickly if we want the people's lives to improve."
"Countess Mariel Aylesbur and Lady Rosalyn of the Marquis of Branford will also assist in governing the nation."
After eliminating the king, Ghislain had first gone to see Rosalyn and Mariel. The two had greeted him with great joy.
Their capabilities were already well-proven. They would be of immense help in bringing stability to the kingdom.
"Leave financial management to them for the time being. Just don’t entrust anything to Claude."
"…Understood."
The administrators from Ferdium would also come to help. Although Albert had taken on the role of royal treasurer, Mariel and Rosalyn would serve as joint treasurers alongside him.
For matters beyond finances, Claude would lend his experience from managing Fenris, so there was no major concern. While it would take some time, things would eventually stabilize.
After roughly sorting out the urgent matters, Ghislain spoke to Zwalter.
“I'll be heading out now. I hear the battles on the southern front are becoming fiercer.”
At Ghislain’s words, Zwalter’s expression showed a hint of concern.
“Be careful.”
“Don’t worry. This time, I’ll make sure to put an end to it.”
Ghislain smirked.
The Northern Army was currently engaged in battle with the duchy on the southern front. He had to hurry and join them.
Once the duchy was eliminated, the Ritania Kingdom would quickly regain stability. After that, all that remained was to eradicate the Salvation Church scattered across the continent.
Zwalter gave a firm nod.
“Alright, depart immediately. The Ferdium Army and the Kingdom’s forces will follow right behind.”
There were no longer any threats to the capital. Zwalter planned to send all troops to the southern front, leaving behind only a minimal security force.
Since moving together would slow them down, Ghislain and the Mobile Corps would once again move ahead first.
As they departed, the people of the capital cheered loudly.
“Claim victory once more!”
“Drive out the duchy and the Salvation Church!”
“Goddess, bless the Fenris Army!”
Amidst the enthusiastic cheers, Ghislain and the Mobile Corps sped toward the southern front like a storm.
At the same time, the Ferdium Army and the Kingdom’s forces, led by Randolph, also began their march south.
* * *
The Western Army and the allied forces were stationed at a fortress on the southern front, waiting. Their mission was to join the Northern Army and block the advance of the duchy.
The supreme commander of the southern front was Gillian. For now, he was the most experienced and suitable for the position.
The duchy could not afford to miss this opportunity. If they struck the rear while the Ferdium Army was fighting the Kingdom’s forces, they could inflict massive damage.
They couldn’t just sit back and allow the Kingdom’s army, which they intended to use in the future, to be annihilated.
As soon as news arrived that the Ferdium Army and the Fenris Mobile Corps had headed for the capital, the duchy immediately mobilized 200,000 troops and began their northward march.
The two armies clashed the moment they met.
The Delfine Forces, led by the Kingdom’s Strongest Swordsman, were far stronger than any opponents they had previously faced.
Kwaang! Kwaang! Kwaang!
Magic spells and boulders from catapults rained down from both sides. The superhumans of the Salvation Church launched large-scale attacks from the air.
Even with Vanessa, a 7th-circle mage, and hundreds of other mages combining their strength, they couldn’t completely block the enemy’s magic.
“Hold the line! We can hold them!”
Under Gillian’s command, the soldiers fought valiantly.
Their forces also numbered 200,000. With both sides evenly matched, the duchy couldn’t break through easily.
Though the Salvation Church’s priests gave their side a numerical advantage in superhumans, the superhumans of the Northern Army were exceptionally powerful individuals.
As the battle dragged on, both sides suffered increasing casualties. The Western Army and the allied forces, who were less well-trained, suffered the heaviest losses.
As Gillian grew frustrated with the mounting casualties, Kaiyen, who led the Delfine Forces, was also deep in thought.
“If the Count of Fenris has personally mobilized, the Kingdom’s army won’t be able to stop him.”
Count Palantz had to protect the royal family. It would be difficult for the Kingdom’s army alone to hold off the sudden advance of the Ferdium Army and the Fenris Mobile Corps.
To stop them, they would have to gather all the Kingdom’s forces in one place, but they weren’t likely to make such a decisive move quickly.
Before long, reports arrived that more and more of the Kingdom’s forces were surrendering to the Ferdium Army.
“Damn it…”
Kaiyen clenched his teeth. The Kingdom’s military strength was steadily shifting to the enemy’s side.
If all of them regrouped at the southern front, even if they won, their own side would suffer massive losses.
Bad news continued to pour in.
“The lords… they’re heading here? Not to the capital?”
“Yes. It seems they received a proclamation from the Marquis of Ferdium and decided to side with him. Ferdium has requested their assistance in blocking our forces.”
After all the casualties they had inflicted on each other, the enemy was now receiving reinforcements. If things continued this way, the tide of battle could turn against them.
However, retreating now would mean having to shift to a defensive stance, which was unacceptable.
‘We just need to crush them before the Count of Fenris arrives.’
If that happened, dealing with the rest would be much easier.
“We’ll have to push harder and finish this quickly.”
While Kaiyen was mulling over his dilemma, the Northern Army was in high spirits.
They gladly welcomed the reinforcements arriving one by one. The more troops they had, the easier it would be to defend their position.
However, not all lords were welcomed without reservations.
As Gillian watched the approaching army, he clenched his teeth while maintaining an outwardly neutral expression.
He slightly bowed his head toward the figure leading the troops at the front.
“You’ve arrived.”
“Yes, it’s been a while.”
Amelia did not hide her irritation as she returned the greeting. Behind her stood an army of 50,000 from Raypold.
Knowing all too well the reason for Amelia’s foul mood, Gillian couldn’t relax.
Once again, Ghislain had used a mix of threats and persuasion to force her into joining them.