Chapter 139

'I guess bloodline is just something that can't be hidden.'

When Smith first heard Robron Welrose's candid feelings, he couldn't help but to think so. He had to view his soldiers as nothing more than mere tools, but only on the battlefield. In times of peace, Smith was known to care for the Welrose family's private soldiers more than anyone else.

But Robron Welrose was different.

"We are faced with a dire situation, brought about by my foolish mistakes. However, we didn't give up and ultimately achieved an overwhelming victory through sheer ingenuity. What would the family head think once he learns of this?" Robron asked.

"He would be pleased," Smith replied.

"Indeed. Discovering an unexpected side in his youngest son, whom he thought as only adorable. It would be quite the surprise for him." Robron managed a bitter smile at Smith's uneasy expression.

"Do you think I resemble the family head?"

"Yes."

"He's colder than anyone in official matters. And I, too, carry his blood."

"Yes, that's…"

"I'm sure you are disappointed, regardless of understanding my situation, because their deaths cannot be compensated for in any way."

"Are you implying that you won't pay out the consolation money?" Smith asked, referring to the compensation given to the families of soldiers who died during battle.

At the question of whether or not he would withhold that money, Robron burst into a hearty laughter. "How could I not? A moment's meanness might seem profitable, but from that day on, I would no longer be able to expect their loyalty."

"Then…"

"The families will receive the money. But that's it. Nothing can make up for their deaths. More than any consolation or comfort the money may bring, their families will miss their loved ones they used to share meals with."

Smith agreed with the sentiment that death couldn't be compensated with money. And that agreement made him even more puzzled.

He couldn't bring himself to voice the question. If death was such a cause for grief, why then had the situation been driven to this point?

"…"

'I just hope he's not gotten into some kind of self-grief.'

Smith hoped more than anyone that Robron's actions were sincere. That way, the soldiers might live, and that an end might come to this war, before it was too late.

"I'm sure you know what kind of person my eldest brother is," Robron broke the silence

Smith subconsciously listened to his deep voice.

"He is a person incomparable to what you have perceived in me. He is often said to resemble the family in his youth, isn't he?"

"That's true."

"He is cold and rational, yet warmer than anyone else in private. I felt the same way. And when the family head designated him as the official successor, I did not object at all. It seemed only natural."

"…I too was like that."

"How many years have I been playing the fool?"

"That's…"

Smith couldn't answer. It wasn't a matter of how many years.

Robron was twenty-three years old. As far as Smith could remember, Robron had always been a fool since he had become an adult.

"Have you always thought so?"

"Not…"

"Be honest."

"Yes."

"Do you remember how I locked myself in the study whenever I had time, starting three years ago?"

"I remember."

It started when he turned twenty. He was always at the forefront of the family's major events, but otherwise, he was always holed up in the study.

Of course, the real reason for it was to flirt with the maids of the house without being noticed.

"It wasn't just to kill time like a bum. I needed to create that image. An image so dismissible that no one in the family, no one in the marquisate would take me seriously."

Seojin had packaged Robron's behavior, content that could be seen early on in Robron's status window—as a kind of backstory. Seojin had constantly combined the clues found there, eventually coming up with a plausible story.

"And you remember what happened three years ago, Sir Smith."

It was back to the story of the eldest son, Diason Welrose.

Last year, when he went on a territorial inspection, he saw a starving boy stealing bread and beheaded him on the spot.

"What did you think?" Robron asked.

"He fits to be the family head," Smith answered without hesitation. Although he felt pity for the boy, that single act of punishment demonstrated the Welrose family's stance on crime.

But…

"Sure, the rate of crime dropped after that day. But it didn't last long."

Seojin knew that action had helped cement Diason Welrose's reputation, but it had no effect on the crimes within the territory.

"Such extreme punishment was only momentary. The lord of the territory can't deal with such minor things. Naturally, the previous standards were applied, and everything went back to how it was before. Moreover…"

Seojin chuckled. "That boy had been starving for days. If he hadn't stolen the bread, he would've died. It wasn't a problem that could be solved by drawing a sword."

"The dream you're harboring…"

"An ambition to further elevate our family's prestige? Yes, but I have personal ambitions too. That's why I'm doing this. And it's quite different from my brother's."

Seojin added, "Before trying to acquire more, I believe it's right to properly refine what I already have."

"You desire the family head's position?"

Without hesitation, Seojin nodded. "I do indeed."

***

Desiring the position of the family head meant a declaration to surpass Diason.

"This is the first real opportunity I have gotten. As you know, Sir Smith, until now, there was more harm than good in showing any of my ability."

Meaning, if he had crudely displayed his ability, he would have been met with mediocre resistance rather than recognition. No matter what he did, Marquis Welrose never had given Robron a chance.

"Even leading this territorial war is thanks to the family head not putting much weight on this matter. But the difference now is…"

"If you gain merit, you will be recognized."

"Exactly. Even if it is a play to them, this is still a battlefield."

Smith then began to form a rough picture in his head. 'It's ideal. I want it too, but I don't know if he has the capability. And whether or not he is being sincere.'

A couple of modest achievements weren't enough to challenge such a position. If Robron lacked the ability, this would end as just a futile ambition that would cost the lives of hundreds of soldiers.

"What will you do once you become the family head?"

"That's obvious. I will step in for matters of honor. In my land, starving to death—"

"Commander," Smith boldly interrupted Seojin, "I don't know what it feels like to be a starving child, without food to eat. Do you?"

"I do not," Seojin answered without hesitation, then emphasized, "But I intend to learn."

"Even if it means starving yourself?"

"We are born different. The lives we have experienced are so different. Such actions will never help me understand their hearts."

"Then…"

"A lord must oversee from above, not go down and stand beside them. I will never understand their hearts. That's unrealistic idealism."

Smith listened quietly. These clear-cut values must have been honed by Robron over the years.

"As the lord, the most realistic way to rule is to display great interest in lowly matters from a high place, with the utmost concern."

"The sacrifice of the few for the many…"

"I won't say it's right. Nor was it even unavoidable. I'm not that great of a person, that's why I told you: It is for my egoistic, self-centered reason."

Smith nodded, and Seojin added, "Their deaths are because of my greed. Because of my inability to find another way out. That weight will always be on my shoulders."

"Do you regret it?"

"I do not regret it. I can't become a leader if I allow myself to be crushed under the weight of my guilt. But I mustn't forget their sacrifice."

"If I may ask one last question."

Seojin nodded.

Smith asked indifferently, "Why are you telling me this?"

"A two-fold question. I'll answer one by one. First, I have realized that you share my thoughts, and you're also the best at handling the 'people' of this land."

That was the reason for his sudden display of candor to Smith.

"Also, you don't follow my two elder brothers. Your loyalty lies only with the family head, right?"

"That's correct."

"Now the second answer. I can candidly reveal my true feelings to you because, whatever you say, no one will believe it."

"Are you sure?"

"If you truly told everyone, I would simply return to the castle and boast that I, Robron, am great and worthy of recognition. What would my family think seeing that?"

Smith had no rebuttal. No matter how trustworthy he was, Robron's usual behavior wouldn't lead them to believe in such a changed image.

"Commander."

Smith exhaled deeply and said, "I'm very perplexed right now to be honest."

"Don't rush to answer. Just observe me a bit more."

Seoiin spoke emphatically.

Quest: In Front of the Battlefield's Flag has been updated!

A new episode added by the player!

The episode is too lengthy! The episode has been adjusted to an appropriate length!

Trait Enhancement Quest: [Intimidation] rewards are doubled!

For the first time since the test began, Seoiin encountered a welcome message.

***

-The atmosphere hasn't changed. They utterly disregard you, not even remotely concerned about losing.

-The soldiers too?

-It's a completely different vibe from your side. They're just thinking about how to spend their money after this is all over.

In the Marquis Middleline's camp.

Flappy, who had arrived early to observe the mood, reported her findings. It was an atmosphere free of any surprises, predictably flowing from point 1 to 10.

'It must be because of how strong Robron's image is. Any slight concern over the war probably vanished right after the first battle.'

He was a commander who lost half his forces in just a few hours of the first battle. Tension was an impossible luxury.

-Hmm, what about Tron?

-He's quite earnest. Surprisingly, the soldiers are responding well, though the higher-ups still aren't paying much attention to it.

The plan to send Tron was executed flawlessly. Since it was Robron, the opposing commander accepted them into his forces without hesitation. They even received extra pay for joining at the minimum wage.

Mercenaries who defected due to their commander's incompetence. A mere embellishment could elevate one's own achievements.

-Just a little bit longer left to wait.

The groundwork was being laid gradually.

'I've also secured this.'

Inside the commander's tent, next to Seojin laid an enormous silver hammer. It signified that the preparations for this grand deception were almost complete.

Seojin was the director, and all that was needed now was an actor who could brilliantly bring the role to life.