Chapter 151: Time of Turmoil: Marquis Raven 1

The Eighth Army, my Viper militia, and I left the Royal Capital for the Marquis Raven territory.
The Eighth Army and I were in the forefront of our column, starting with the running dragon corps, then the cavalry corps, and supply wagons bringing up the rear.
The Viper militia rides among the cavalry corps, also on horseback.

The Marquis Raven territory is around a day’s ride east of the Royal Capital.
On the way, we found a carriage carrying Raven family servants.
We captured them and searched the carriage, but we only found maids and other servants.
It seems the Marquis abandoned the slower carriage to flee on horseback.

“Are we going to go toe-to-toe with the Raven militia?” Patrick

“What, a slugfest?” Mirko

“Could be a head-on collision soon, but I don’t want to stumble into them.” Patrick

“What’s the plan?” Mirko

“I’ll come up with something.” Patrick

We move at the speed of the carriages for now…

Two horses are galloping down the road, one carries a small gray-haired man and a slender, short man, Marquis Raven and his son.
After a messenger informed the Marquis about the failure of his rebellion, he packed up his belongings and abandoned his mansion.

“I was so close to becoming the King’s grandfather!” Marquis Raven

“Father, don’t lose hope yet! I’m sad we can’t go back to our territory at the moment, as that would be tantamount to suicide! What should we do next? I warned you this was a dangerous strategy, why didn’t you bring in more Anti-Royalist forces? You rushed this whole thing and pulled me into this mess!” Son of Marquis Raven

“Don’t be so defeatist! We’ll just contact other members of our faction, join up with their militias and resupply, they see what happens! Many of our faction members live in the Eastern area of the Kingdom, we could always encourage them to lead a secession from the Kingdom…” Marquis Raven

“What about the Eastern Army? They regularly defeat wyverns, how can we win?” Son of Marquis Raven

“The Eastern Army is specialized in defeating monsters, not human armies! We can manage!” Marquis Raven

“Well, if something doesn’t happen, I’ve wasted my life.
I guess I’ll cooperate to save my skin.” Son of Marquis Raven

“Henry told us that ‘This is the ideal time, there won’t be a better chance!’” Marquis Raven

“You took him at his word and look where we are now!” Son of Marquis Raven

“You’re a pain in my ass!” Marquis Raven

Around noon the following day, the Eighth Army arrived at the Raven territory.
The gates of the capital city are tightly closed and there are many guards stationed on the walls.
We observe the situation from a safe distance.

“Well, it’s turned out like this…” Patrick

“Lieutenant Colonel, stop philosophizing and can you give us some orders?” Mirko

“Call up Wiley, Van Pelt, Hontas, and Elvis.
I need to meet with them.” Patrick orders

Hontas is the commander of the supply corps, he’s a chubby 40-year-old man with blue hair and blue eyes.
Elvis is the commander of my Viper militia, he’s a handsome guy, about 180cm (5ft 10in) with long brown hair and blue eyes, around his early 30’s.

“Well, what’s the plan?” Hontas

“No matter what we do, if they’re that alert, it’ll turn into a siege.” Patrick

“I guess so, should we try a tunnel?” Wiley

“That could take a good while, plus we would suffer damage if it collapsed on us!” Van Pelt

“Are there any people from this city in the Eighth Army? The Viper unit doesn’t have anyone.” Patrick

“Huh, I don’t know.” Mirko

“Then ask around.” Patrick

“Lieutenant Colonel, there was one.
Hey!” Mirko

I’m Private Genie, sir! I come from a farming family that lives in the city.
My parents and two brothers are currently living over yonder.” Genie

“Ok! Private Genie, can you tell me about how the city is laid out and such?” Patrick

“Yes! Well, where do I begin?” Genie

“Please start with the walls and major buildings…” Patrick

Private Genie answered all my questions about the city.

“Is this really going to work?” Mirko

“Well, do you have a better idea?” Patrick

“Won’t the Lieutenant Colonel be in danger?” Private Genie

“If anybody else goes with me, they’ll get spotted and ruin the whole plan.
Watch for the signal, black smoke as usual.” Patrick

“Yes, sir.
Good luck!” Mirko

Let the sneaking mission begin!