Chapter 249: Conscription Order

Chapter 249: The Call to Arms

The Wushan Fortress spanned a vast expanse, its grounds teeming with structures, and along its northern perimeter stood a square tower.

Here, hundreds of messenger birds were bred, arriving and departing daily, forming a vital communication hub between Wushan Fortress and the outside world.

On May 26th, it became the busiest day of the year.

The liaison officer, Carollina, sealed the letters written overnight by officials and tied them to the birds’ legs before releasing them.

As each bird soared into the sky, word of the Polant Bandits’ occupation of Chishan Town would spread swiftly.

The nobles and knights knew: war was coming again.

Last year, the Wushan Domain had been forced into a retaliatory campaign against the Black Gold Brotherhood, who had plagued the southeastern border.

This year, the same necessity arose—only now, the enemy was the Polant Bandits, stirring chaos along the southwestern frontier.

No one could recall when the Wushan Marquisate had become trapped in this endless cycle of raids and reprisals.

Though the nobles grew weary, they no longer found it surprising.

Over the years, some had even come to regard these two factions as training grounds for experience and glory—those who distinguished themselves might even be granted a fief.

For instance, last year’s reclaimed lands, though several were distributed by the Hyde family, two were bestowed upon valiant knights, elevating them to the rank of new barons.

Such campaigns met little resistance among the nobility.

Viskin’s summons would reach every noble within one or two days—swift enough—but the mobilization of each lord would take far longer.

The lesser nobles needed time to assemble their troops, gather provisions, and prepare supplies—this could not be rushed.

Fortunately, the Polant Bandits were no great threat. Drawing from past experience, such a mobilization would take roughly two weeks, followed by another month to reach the front.

Thus, the noble alliance would arrive at Stone City by mid-July, with actual combat likely beginning by late July.

Though the situation in Stone Domain was dire, this timeline could not be shortened. One could not expect knights to gallop across the land with nothing but a horse and a sword.

Yet, Stone City would not be left to fend for itself alone.

To prevent the conflict from worsening, Toru dispatched Deputy Commander “Philip Kent” of the First Knightly Order the very next day, along with five knightly squads, bound for Stone City.

That afternoon, another messenger bird arrived with fresh letters from Stone Domain.

In response to Viskin’s inquiries, Corien provided a detailed account of the defeat, outlining the current state of Stone City and Chishan Town.

According to Corien, the five knightly squads led by Deputy Commander Hahn had failed to secure Chishan Town.

Their negligence allowed the enemy from Kassiel Town to launch a night ambush undetected.

By the time Corien arrived at the outskirts of Chishan with his remaining squads, the battle was nearly over—Hahn and his men had been slaughtered, and the attackers, upon spotting Corien’s forces, turned upon them with renewed ferocity.

Outnumbered and facing a Golden Knight, Corien could only fight his way backward, eventually retreating to Stone City, grievously wounded, with only a remnant of his force intact.

He had feared Stone City would fall—but the Polant Bandits, strangely, made no attempt to press their advantage. Instead, they withdrew directly back to Chishan Town.

“Perhaps their goal was merely to seize Chishan’s iron mines,” Raning mused, setting down the letter. “Once achieved, they had no reason to press further.”

After all, the territories seized by the Polant Bandits contained no iron deposits.

Why pay low prices to Corien and his ilk when they could simply seize the mines and extract the ore themselves? Not only would they save a fortune annually, but they could also sell the surplus for profit—double gains.

Moreover, Stone City was a baron’s stronghold, fortified by terrain. To launch continuous assaults without rest after a single battle would cost the Polant Bandits dearly.

Yet Raning still could not fathom it: Had they never considered the inevitable retaliation from Wushan Fortress?

Or were they truly so shortsighted, clinging to the mindset of “strike while you can, hold as long as you may”?

Raning harbored deep skepticism.

“Since you’ve decided to go to the front, I’ll assign Toru and Kabir to assist you. And Marven will likely join as well.”

Rulans stroked his cane as he spoke.

“Viskin’s coalition will reclaim Chishan Town without difficulty. This time, go to learn. Observe. Listen to their counsel—let their experience guide your actions.”

Raning nodded.

He had no clear understanding of how warfare functioned in this world—was it strategy and tactics, or did armies simply meet at a set time and place, then charge headlong into chaos?

He needed to see, to learn.

Raning knew all three men Rulans named—and held good relations with each. Communication would not be an issue.

Yet one of them, he felt, was unsuited for the front.

“Will Sir Toru also be going to the front?”

The First Knightly Order was permanently stationed in Wushan City—not only to maintain order, but to protect the fortress and Rulans himself.

Now that the deputy commander had departed for Stone Domain, if Toru left too, who would guard the fortress?

Could Rulans still fight if attacked?

“Are you worried someone might try to assassinate me?” Rulans chuckled, offering Raning a reassuring glance.

“Rest easy. I’m not so easily killed. Besides, I’ve already summoned Melonicca.”

Raning understood. The marquis had already planned.

Melonicca was commander of the Third Knightly Order, a veteran Golden Knight who had served Rulans for decades. He currently stationed his order southwest of Wushan Town, near the border.

Raning had never seen him in person; his predecessor had only encountered him occasionally at the Wushan Town Arcane Academy.

Even at Rulans’s birthday banquet, Melonicca had sent only his son to offer congratulations—he himself had not come.

Not because he was busy, but because he was peculiar.

He disliked crowds. He detested banquets.

It was said Rulans had once intended to grant Melonicca a noble fief—yet he had refused, content to remain a titled knight, showing no interest in governance or land management.

But regardless of his eccentricities, his strength and loyalty were unquestioned.

Once Rulans transferred him from Wushan Town, the fortress’s security was assured.

Raning set aside his concerns and gleaned further intelligence on the Polant Bandits from Rulans.

After two days in Wushan Fortress, he mounted Karllos and returned to Wushan North Domain, preparing for war.

(End of Chapter)