If he had someone in mind, there was no longer any need to worry.
"I intend to make the most of the Kasim mercenaries. There's no need to let them idle about with nothing to do right now, is there?"
Theodore was startled, as this was unexpected.
"But are they not mere mercenaries, not even nobles? Entrusting them with such an important mission given their status is......."
Duke Perstein shook his head as if to say that was not the case.
"Not at all. The one named Kasim, who serves as their commander, and the young knight named Mitchell have already received titles from Penslotte. According to the spies' reports, the King of Penslotte is showing considerable interest in them. Especially regarding the knight Mitchell, word has come that the Captain of the Penslotte Royal Knights has secretly designated him as a successor."
Theodore's face brightened considerably.
"Then it is possible. Astonishing. How did you come to think of such..."
"If we make them members of a diplomatic envoy and send them with appropriate gifts, Penslotte will surely provide sufficient troops and supplies. If my thinking is not mistaken, that is."
"How could there be any doubt? Then Penslotte is settled. Who do you intend to send to Terbia? As you know, Rosimus I of Terbia is quite a difficult man to deal with. Extremely belligerent and with a strong desire for conquest, he will not easily commit his troops."
Duke Perstein nodded as if in agreement with Theodore's analysis.
"That is a relatively accurate assessment. You are correct. He will never offer up his elite troops. Who knows, once the Trubenia campaign begins, he will likely scheme against Penslotte or Tezeros with the forces he has hidden away."
"There is ample possibility of that. With the main force gone, that would be the perfect opportunity to expand territory. Penslotte and Tezeros will no doubt be taking that fully into account."
"Precisely. The two kingdoms will likely determine the scale of their troop deployment based on the size of the forces Tezeros supports. Therefore, to gather troops, we must draw out as much as possible from Tezeros."
Theodore's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Do you have someone in mind?"
Duke Perstein's answer came without a moment's hesitation.
"I believe Count Williams is the only one capable of dealing with Rosimus. What do you think?"
A smile spread across Theodore's lips.
"I agree. At present, he is the most suitable person. He is not someone swayed by compromise or enticement, so even the cunning Rosimus I will have no choice but to surrender."
"It would be best to take roughly half of the Crossen Knights with him. With that much force, a show of strength is certainly possible. Since he cannot be overpowered by force, Rosimus I will have no recourse."
"Understood. I shall petition His Imperial Majesty and see the matter regarding Terbia through."
"That is the way. That stubborn fool listens to no one but the Emperor. Anyway, Tezeros remains... I would hear your opinion."
Theodore quietly met Duke Perstein's penetrating gaze.
"The King of Tezeros is a man who places exceptional importance on swordsmanship. Therefore, we must send someone of outstanding sword skill, but the problem is that we cannot send the deputy commanders of the Crossen Knights. Their abilities are certainly sufficient, but the issue is that Count Williams is going to Terbia. If one of his subordinate knights were to come to Tezeros, there is a distinct risk of offending the king's sensibilities. As you know, a subtle undercurrent of pride flows among the three kingdoms."
"So what is the point you are making?"
"It would be better to use your lordship's man. If you send the head of the Duke Knights, the King of Tezeros should not feel slighted."
A smile spread across Duke Perstein's lips.
"You mean Krovitz. I knew you would say that. In truth, I had also been considering Krovitz in secret. I only asked you because I felt hesitant putting forward my own man. Ultimately, I am in agreement with your opinion. There is no one more suitable."
"I shall look for someone suitable to accompany Commander Krovitz. And regarding sending the Kasim mercenaries, I will first discuss the matter with Kasim, their commander. I do not believe he will object."
"He likely won't. Ah, by the way, ask that black wizard holed up in the Imperial Memorial Hall for his opinion as well. He is such an eccentric character that it would be better to speak with him beforehand before proceeding."
Theodore gave a bitter smile.
"I shall do so."
"Then proceed with that understanding."
Having finished speaking, Duke Perstein rose from his seat. As the host had risen first, Theodore could not simply remain seated.
"I shall take my leave......"
"Take care. I shall not see you out."
"Yes."
Theodore left the mansion and went straight to meet the Kasim mercenaries. He intended to lay out the situation honestly and ask for their cooperation. The mercenaries were immersed in training at the Duke Knights' training grounds. When he arrived at the training grounds guided by the Duke Knights, fierce shouts and the clash of swords assaulted his ears.
Clang. Clang.
A smile spread across Theodore's lips as he watched the mercenaries dripping with sweat, swinging their swords continuously. Thinking of them as Damon's comrades, he did not see them as outsiders at all, and seeing them devote themselves so earnestly to training, they seemed as though they would become a great force in the war to come.
Should a racial war break out, the performance of the Kasim mercenaries would be the most crucial. Only if they effectively suppressed the dragons could victory be contemplated. Of course, the main force would be the Bone Dragon and the Death Knight, but their role was by no means insignificant either. As Theodore approached, Kasim sheathed his sword and welcomed him warmly.
"Greetings. To what do we owe the honor of the Administrator's visit?"
"I have come with a request."
"A request?"
Theodore soon recounted the conversation he had with Duke Perstein. Upon hearing the circumstances, Kasim showed a very cautious reaction.
"We have no experience or knowledge whatsoever in undertaking a mission as important as that of envoys. Moreover, Mitchell and I have already received titles from Penslotte, so......."
"It is precisely because of that I ask. Since His Majesty the King of Penslotte regards you two so favorably, there should be little difficulty. Furthermore, a professional diplomat will accompany you, so you may leave all diplomatic matters entirely to him. Please accept this thinking of it simply as paying your respects to His Majesty the King of Penslotte."
Kasim's expression relaxed slightly. If the matter succeeded, it would be an opportunity to see his beloved wife. But Kasim remained cautious.
"Then it is something to consider. Would it not be better to first inform Damon and obtain his permission? In name I am the commander, but in substance, he is the one who......."
Theodore waved his hand as if to say there was no need to worry.
"I was planning to do so regardless. It is only natural."
Hearing Theodore's words, Kasim nodded readily.
"If Damon permits it, we shall do so."
"But what of this Mitchell......."
"Ah. He went out upon hearing that someone had come to visit, but you need not worry. He will not object either. If you wish, I shall speak with him beforehand."
"I would greatly appreciate it. Then I shall take my leave......."
Theodore turned around after giving a bow. Kasim watched his retreating figure for quite some time with a full smile. Because the anticipation of being able to see Matilda made him feel as if his heart would burst......
"Damn. Who could have come? There shouldn't be anyone here who knows me......."
Mitchell walked on, grumbling repeatedly. Perhaps because his training had been interrupted, he did not harbor particularly good feelings toward the visitor. Mitchell walked irritably, his face contorted in a scowl.
The guard who had relayed the message guided him with an extremely awkward expression.
"If it had been a woman, I would have sent her away without a second thought......."
According to the guard, the visitor was a middle-aged man of advanced years. He had come out because he felt he should at least meet him once, but he was hardly pleased. Since the man was apparently dressed as a traveler, he did not seem to be an agent of a princess trying to court him. Mitchell, who had been tilting his head in puzzlement, suddenly gave a bitter smile.
"Since when did I become so high and mighty?"
Mitchell treated the princesses who showed interest in him with particular coldness. Considering his past, this was truly an astonishing change. Had he not dreamed of romance with a beautiful noble lady since childhood? Noble ladies who adored him had lined up, but Mitchell had no desire to begin a relationship rashly. A special woman. Mitchell wished to meet a woman he could protect with his life, like Kasim or Damon, and begin a splendid romance. Of course, among the noble ladies courting him, not a single one had captured Mitchell's heart. Mitchell gave a bitter smile.
"They were all women full of vanity. I suppose following Damon around has raised my standards considerably."
As he walked, he arrived before he knew it at the mansion's main gate. Duke Perstein's mansion, where the Kasim mercenaries were staying, was as vast as the power its owner wielded. With more than half of the Duke Knights residing in the mansion, one could well imagine how large it was.
"This way, please."
The soldier guiding Mitchell approached a small side gate next to the main gate. The guards on duty took a stance of attention when they saw Mitchell.
Thud.
As the door opened, Mitchell walked silently.
The person who had come was someone completely unexpected to Mitchell. A look of shock rose upon his face.
"F-Father."
The visitor was none other than Mitchell's father, Hales. Was it not his father Hales, the Captain of the Guard of the Kingdom of Carsel, standing there with a weary expression? A smile spread across Hales's face.
"How good it is to see you healthy, Mitchell."
"Father."
Without a second thought, Mitchell embraced his father tightly. Having forgotten about him for a long time only to meet him so suddenly, he was indescribably glad. The guards watched the fervent reunion of father and son with anxious hearts. Among them, the one who was especially breathing a sigh of relief was the guard who had brought Mitchell.
'Thank heavens. He was so poorly dressed that I nearly sent him away before changing my mind. If I had, it would have been a disaster. To think I would have dared to slight the father of the hero Sir Mitchell......'
The guard shuddered, perhaps because the very thought was terrifying.
"But Father, what brings you here......."
At Mitchell's question, Father Hales's eyes suddenly grew cold. In that instant, Mitchell felt a chilling shiver. There was only one thing that happened when his father showed such eyes. Surely enough.
Swish.
Hales, his fist clenched tight, threw a punch straight at Mitchell's head without a word. But Mitchell, who had already risen to the rank of Sword Master, had reached the stage where the mind moved the body. Moreover, after suffering from Yuliana's surprise attacks, how much had his reflexes improved? Hales's body, which had swiped through empty air, staggered.
"Wha- This brat......."
Mitchell reached out and steadied his father, who was about to fall. A faint smile lingered on his lips.
"Father, what meaning is there in using violence against a fully grown son?"
"This brat dares avoid his father's fist just because his head has swelled?"
Though he feigned a threatening tone, Hales's face was filled with pride. It was a moment where the hardships he had endured traveling to the distant Crosse Empire melted away. During his time in Pelsentin, Hales had listened to the tales of the Kasim mercenaries' valor until his ears nearly fell off.
They had already slain two dragons and fought against an Ancient-class dragon that had invaded Pelsentin, defeating it magnificently. The valor of the Kasim mercenaries had become legend.
And yet his son Mitchell was a member of such an incredible mercenary group...... Though he had been somewhat disappointed that Mitchell had not become a knight, Hales had let go of those feelings. Seeing his son, whom he had only thought of as a child, boldly carving out his own path, he could not help but feel a swell of pride in his chest. Hales, watching Mitchell with eyes full of affection, opened his mouth.
"I heard that you have become a Sword Master. Is it true?"
"Yes, Father."
"Can you show me the achievement you have attained?"
Without a word, Mitchell drew his sword.
Fwoosh.
As he infused mana into it, the sword took on a bluish hue. A moment later, a blinding light began to surge from the blade. It was a completed Aura Blade, said to be usable only by a Sword Master.
At the sight, tears streamed down from Hales's eyes.
"You have grown so much, Mitchell."
Mitchell sincerely bowed his head to Hales to express his gratitude.
"It is all thanks to you, Father. If I had not undergone such harsh training since childhood, I could never have reached my current level. Honestly, when I was young, I resented your strict education greatly. But now, not at all. I am at a loss for how to express my gratitude to you now. But I promise you one thing. I will not be satisfied with my current achievement and will continue to devote myself to training, determined to become a Grand Master. And I shall show you that form, Father."
At Mitchell's earnest words, Hales finally began to sob.
"You rascal. I thought only your skill had grown, but your character has grown even more. To be honest, when I sent you away, I was deeply regretful. I had judged that while your skill was sufficient, your mental cultivation was severely lacking. But that was merely this father's misjudgment. You have become a fine swordsman with no fault to find in both body and mind......."
Smiling, Mitchell embraced his father tightly.
"You must be tired. Please come inside. There is something I must tell you, and I must introduce you to my comrades as well."
"I have heard of your comrades. Let me have a look at them."
Mitchell replied proudly.
"They are comrades who can lay down their lives for one another without hesitation. You will be satisfied when you meet them."
"Yes, yes."
Unable to compose his emotions easily, Hales could only nod. Mitchell walked slowly with his arm around his father's shoulders. Several quick-witted guards rushed forward to take Hales's luggage and followed behind.