Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 111: Speculations and Conspiracies

Urmiscole kos Zevlen, son of Count Quarnone kos Zevlen, marches at the fore of the army column alongside the second and third sons of Marquis Klousbauk kos Donnoristo. The two brothers are the leaders of the army in place of their father, who is meeting with King Rikuto for further actions. This marching column consists of five brigades of soldiers numbering 20,000 in total. They are marching to the Grand Duchy of Stalvaltan to verify the status, since messengers and scouts that have gone into the Grand Duchy have not returned.

"Could you believe it if that old hag has finally turned traitor?" asks the elder brother.

"It's a wonder it hasn't happened sooner. You know which family she comes from, right?"

"Of course. She only escaped the noose herself because she was already married."

"And, she didn't even plead for her father's life. Despicable."

The two brothers chuckle, and the older brother jokes, "As if you would for our father."

"Not if it meant one of us were to be inheriting the marquisate." They both chuckle again.

Curious, Urmiscole asks, "Do you mean the Grand Duchess, my lords?"

The younger brother smirks at him deviously. "Not for long, at this rate."

"If you must know, she has already been suspected of treason by his Majesty. The only question is if she surrenders peacefully to our investigation or tries to fight back. After all, she's apparently hoarding a secret technology and blackmailing the kingdom for exorbitant funds, which is why the crown's debt has suddenly skyrocketed."

Urmiscole nods as he listens, though he finds that last part odd. His cousin is one of the mages that was summoned to the castle, and he heard through her that the project they were working on was extremely expensive, though they had success in its completion.

Also, it doesn't make sense how a vassal territory could 'blackmail' the kingdom for funds. If it's for defense of the kingdom, it's usually a give first, and then negotiate payment after victory.

"What is that?" asks the younger brother as he points ahead.

Urmiscole looks to where he's pointing, and there appears to be simple wooden signs with humongous white faces and large lettering in red. At the top of the signs is a coat of arms that looks to be a female figure with large triangular horns or ears and a large, wide tail. At a glance, it looks like she could be a shenwulf, but it's different, and it's only a silhouette.

As they get closer, the words become clear to all three of them, as well as anyone else behind them close enough to read.

"[Warning: You are now entering the Grand Duchy of Stalvaltan, sovereign territory of the Fievegal. By order of her Greatness, Empress Hekate fell Lawson, trespassers and invaders who pass beyond this point will be eliminated. No exceptions. Trespass at your own risk.]"

The two marquis brothers laugh. "Look at that, elder brother! Looks like the Grand Duchess has betrayed the kingdom after all."

"Indeed. Such a pathetic threat."

"Didn't every soldier sent to the Citadel return safely?"

"Yeah. It's obviously a bluff." Without even stopping, the brothers keep pace as they march. "We'll establish camp once we're within a day's march to the old capital of the Grand Duchy."

As they ride, a second pair of signs on either side of the road add another foreboding message. "[Warning: You have trespassed onto Grand Duchy territory. Here begins the true territory of the Fievegal. Go no further. You have been warned.]"