The Terminally Ill Young Master is the Mad Dog of the Underworld-Chapter 267

[Translator - Pot ]

[Proofreader - Kawaii ]

Chapter 267: The Operation is Ready

"It would be best to discuss this while looking at a map."

We gathered in the count's castle conference room after dinner.

"As you know, Marquis Belorok's castle, which once bore the Webern name, is a strategic point located midway along the river. This means it can be approached by both land and water."

This was Kailan Webern's opportunity to explain his strategy.

As reinforcements and outsiders, we were there to receive the details of his plan.

"However, advancing by water will be difficult. The Marquis is no fool; he has already locked the sluice gates and installed numerous obstacles like stakes and chains."

Kailan marked numerous 'X's on the river within the map.

"Furthermore, if he abandons the harbor and locks the castle, it might only serve to attack 'another side of the castle.'"

"What if we blockade both the enemy's water and land routes and settle in for a long siege?"

Jeffrey asked on behalf of Siena and me.

"The Marquis's territory itself is so prosperous that he has abundant reserves of supplies. Moreover, dispersing our forces like that would only be a shortcut to being defeated piecemeal."

Kailan replied.

"While that's happening, if other vassals send reinforcements, we could end up being attacked from both inside and out."

In short, a prolonged siege was not a good strategy.

"Do you believe it's better to attack head-on and capture it?"

"Yes, More precisely, we need to make the enemy believe that's our intention."

I gave a small nod.

'The main point will come after this.'

Deception is the essence of war.

I was curious to see how meticulously a man seeking revenge had prepared his stratagem.

"If we push straight on, our forces are obviously insufficient. Nevertheless, we will set up camp on the plain in front of the city and deploy our main force to conduct a frontal siege."

At this point, I subtly observed Siena's expression.

She seemed puzzled but willing to hear him out.

"We will even prepare siege towers and catapults, pouring everything into the attack on the very first day. We'll make it look like a swift, decisive assault, driven by the reckless ambition typical of a young commander trying to break through head-on."

Kailan looked at Siena and me.

"It would be even better if the two of you could display your martial prowess during the siege. Attack fiercely, climb the castle walls, sweep through the enemy lines, and then retreat as if overwhelmed by superior numbers."

"Is this entirely for show?"

I asked, and Kailan nodded.

"If you can instill fear in the enemy, the tide of battle might turn, that would be ideal."

"That's not difficult. How many days should this feint last?"

A glint appeared in Kailan's eyes.

He seemed to realize that I understood his intention.

"I estimate three days would be appropriate. We'll continue the siege even at night to deprive the enemy of sleep, pushing them into a state of nervous exhaustion. After that..."

Kailan pointed his commander's baton at the river.

"A special force will infiltrate via the waterway, which the enemies have largely overlooked."

"And that special force will be Siena and me?"

"If you two would take on that responsibility."

I had surmised this, but there were still points to clarify, so I asked again.

"What about the enemy's defensive preparations that are already in place?"

"Before the operation begins, I'll send engineers ahead to dismantle the obstacles. This will allow you to infiltrate quickly along the river."

This time, Siena asked.

"What is the exact destination? Are we attacking the harbor?"

"No. Only feign an attack by setting the harbor ablaze, and then infiltrate the castle through a secret passage that we know of."

Kailan responded immediately.

"Among my long-time retainers, there's a guide who knows the harbors, river currents, and terrain of this area better than anyone. Only he knows the passage between the castle and the harbor."

"I see."

Siena understood.

"The two of you leading the special force should set fire to the castle's storerooms and, in the ensuing confusion, open the gates."

"And then the main force will enter through the main gate, I presume?"

"Yes. The enemy will fall into disarray, their command structure will collapse. At that point, they'll be nothing but a disorganized mob."

Kailan sneered.

"After all, about half of the troops the Marquis gathered are men who chase money. They value their lives above all else, so in such a situation, they'll be too busy fleeing."

"We should open a path for their retreat, then."

"My lord, you are incredibly quick to grasp things."

Kailan said with admiration.

"That's right. Then, only the Marquis's meager personal guard will remain, and he'll be trapped, either taken prisoner or 'unfortunately' killed."

"Hahahaha."

Ghir, who had been commissioned for that ‘unfortunate’ killing, chuckled subtly.

"However."

Kailan then refuted his own smooth prognosis.

"There's an element of instability."

"What is that?"

"According to intelligence I've received, the Black Society is assisting the Marquis. It's difficult to calculate how they'll act during wartime or how strong their forces are."

I laughed inwardly.

'These diligent bastards. They're causing trouble here too, aren't they?' Their name seemed to crop up everywhere, behind every conflict. They were like bothersome pests.

'I don't know if their target is me or Kailan.'

In the worst-case scenario, even if we were to lose, the Marquis would try to capture me or the young lady for ransom.

Considering the status Grunewald and Valkenhain held within this kingdom, and our interconnected positions at the beginning, middle, and end of trade routes, that was only natural.

'But the Black Society is the opposite. If they get the chance, they'll surely kill us.'

Of course, I had no intention of dying.

"Therefore, if you take on the special force's mission, you might face unexpected and dangerous situations."

"If we feared such things, we wouldn't have come to the battlefield."

I retorted.

"A dangerous mission also means greater rewards and honor upon success. There's no reason to refuse."

"...Is that so?"

Kailan bowed his head to me.

"In some ways, this is merely a war I've instigated out of personal vengeance, yet the two of you, who carry the noblest bloodlines, are risking yourselves. I, too, will certainly not shy away from the most dangerous situations."

I nodded.

"This undertaking requires us to trust each other and venture into a perilous situation; it's a battle we can never win without trust."

Therefore.

"Let's first share our stories over a drink. It would be good if this could be a time to exchange opinions on the operation and share our personal tales."

Kailan then asked.

"Haven't you already had dinner?"

"So, we'll have a late-night meal instead."

I was still hungry.

***

Liliet, Kailan's fiancée, also joined us for drinks.

"One day, he suddenly picked wildflowers in the field and made a wreath. Then he told me that for our wedding, he would absolutely place his ancestor's tiara on my head..."

"Actually, I went around the black markets to find that tiara for her."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. My sword instructor is an eccentric man, so he gave me many different assignments. The merchant I found was a swindler selling fakes, though."

"For a person who did that to join our fight, one can never truly know how things will turn out."

We chatted about various things, strengthening our camaraderie.

"Ever since I was young, I've heard endless stories about my ancestors' greatness, and how, despite that greatness, they still met their downfall. Sometimes I resented them, and other times, I was proud."

"When did you start dreaming of revenge?"

"Since I was a child. But I think I seriously decided on revenge when I started to love Liliet. I felt I couldn't make her happy while burdened by the stigma of a fallen clan."

"...That's a romantic story."

As we shared our individual stories, we freely exchanged opinions on the operation.

"You mentioned sending the engineers to remove obstacles before deploying the special force, but I think equally important is targeting the outposts stationed intermittently." \

I said.

"It would be good to send covert agents ahead to clear the path for the special force."

"That's a good idea, now that you mention it."

"Next..."

I pointed to the Svaltalfar's genius assassin brothers.

"While we open the castle gates and set fire to the storerooms, if the two genius assassin brothers first strike at the command center and assassinate the officers and commanders, it will further increase the chaos."

"So, cutting off the head beforehand."

Drak said, having been quiet until now.

"It's not difficult. Shall I go for the Marquis's neck right away?"

"I think it would be better to do that after we've slowly cornered the Marquis."

"Then let's do that."

Drak nodded obligingly.

"Working with you, I've found there's generally no loss in following your lead. You seem to have a natural military talent, so I'll respect that."

Then Siena expressed concern.

"How do you plan to deal with the Black Society's presence?"

I held up two fingers.

"Ghir and Drak, you two should infiltrate the enemy lines and then join our side."

I folded one finger and looked at Rudgarda.

"And I think it would be good if the 6th Commander could join the special force and take on the mission of setting the harbor ablaze."

"Then, as the rear guard, I'll enter the castle and strike the Black Society from behind?"

Rudgarda asked, and I nodded.

"This way, while Lady Siena and I act as the anvil, enduring the Black Society's attacks, the three of you will appear behind them and smash their heads in."

"...That's all well and good, but the phrasing is a bit crude."

Siena grimaced.

"My apologies."

I corrected my Karzan-like expression.

"You will act as the hammer, piercing the enemy's rear and crushing them."

Kailan then nodded.

"Excellent. We will depart tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" I set down my wine glass.

"Then I suppose this is where I stop drinking."

I'd likely throw up if I rode a horse with a hangover.

***

While Karzan was absent, the Bisakino Brotherhood's readiness to withstand attacks from Verdzig and the Black Society was truly at a wartime level.

"Zizek, go get some rest. You look tired."

"Can I?"

"You need to rotate out."

To prepare for night raids, Zizek and Nagan were both short on sleep from guarding the command center day and night.

"Then I'll go catch some sleep."

"Anything unusual?"

"Rob says there have been minor movements from the Black Society's side, but nothing too alarming yet."

Nagan leaned his sword against the table and asked, "What about Young Master Verdzig and the Pawelmoon?"

"The Red Mist Alliance sent someone an hour ago, and they say the situation is a bit unusual."

"...Is that so?"

A deep furrow appeared between Nagan's brows.

"It seems Schelde is indeed focusing on recovery after being defeated by the Boss. The possibility of him making the first move seems relatively low."

"It looks that way to me too."

"But honestly, the Second Young Master is scarier."

If he could dismantle the Pawelmoon with just three people, it meant he could do the same to the Bisakino Brotherhood.

"All we can rely on is Brother Knut and the Godfather of Red Mist Alliance."

"Right. But it won't be easy for them to move either while Kreutzel is acting as Boss's substitute."

Zizek sighed.

"It seems we haven't been discovered yet, but this is really making me nervous."

"Don't worry, our forces aren't that weak either."

Nagan asserted with determination.

"Let's just hold out until news of victory arrives."

From afar, a red bat silently observed them.

[Translator - Pot ]

[Proofreader - Kawaii ]

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