212: Chapter 114: Square Banner Knight_3 212: Chapter 114: Square Banner Knight_3 Baron Eriv nodded, “The servant who betrayed me may not have had the courage to lie under torture, but what he knows may not be the truth.
And had you not saved Adelina, had you not known the true alien origin of the sedative.
If Adelina had really faced tragedy…In my anger, unable to find any other suspects at the moment, I might have really been taken in by the ruse.
After all, whether Baron Gunnar is the mastermind behind this or not, I don’t mind condemning him to a thousand cuts.
At that time, it wouldn’t just be about vengeance, I would also need to give a clear explanation to my wife’s family.”
The Baron leaned back in his chair, suppressed his years of new grudges and old hatreds towards Gunnar, and continued to speak to Leon, “But now that Adelina is safe and I’m aware of the origin of the sedative that was impossible to trace, coming from the allies of Kantadar, what’s more important is that my head is clear, not clouded by hatred, pain, and anger.
Put yourself to the test, Leon, the enemy is clearly unaware of what happened in Nightmare Forest, and of our grand plan which will make me endure my anger no matter what.
If the enemy assumes that I’ve simply withdrawn my troops from the front lines out of sheer hatred to settle scores with Gunnar, which party benefits the most right now?”
“Sir, I don’t know much about the current situation, nor do I know who the Farolis family has made enemies with…”
Leon stroked his chin, hesitating, “But on the surface…if you were to send out your troops and come into conflict with Baron Gunnar, even involving yourself and his allies.
Then surely many of the Kosos County’s siege troops at the front line would be drawn into this conflict, so, would the Kantadar people benefit the most?
Could it be that the enemies of Mamor County have planned this conspiracy?”
Baron Eriv nodded in agreement, “Looking at it now, especially since you recognized that the sedative came from the allies of Kantadar, this naturally comes closer to the truth.”
“But that’s not enough.” The Baron stood up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the busy construction in the Eastern part of Selva.
“The enemy knows about my grudge with Baron Gunnar and managed to bribe someone close to me, infiltrate the castle, a deed that surely isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision just because of this war.
They must have planned for a long time.
The Death Soldiers haven’t returned, they don’t know whether Adelina is alive or dead.
They’re definitely watching my reaction, there must be their people in Farolis City.”
Baron Eriv turned back, revealing a sly smile.
“So I decided to use their own strategy against them.
After receiving the report from you and Balfe, I immediately withdrew our troops from General Trolsa, under the pretext that my wife had been murdered…
and the killer must pay.
Of course, I didn’t tell Trolsa who the suspect was, and upon returning to Farolis, I held a grand burial ceremony for a few unfortunate guards who were victims, with the pomp of a noble lady’s funeral.
Right now, only a few people I trust know that Adelina is still alive, and I have taken them all out…”
Leon fully understood Baron Eriv’s meaning, “You’ve concealed the fact that your wife is alive in order to make the true conspirators reveal themselves?
Since you haven’t declared your suspicion of anyone, only the real plotter would guess that you are preparing to take dramatic action against their scapegoat, Baron Gunnar!”
“Exactly, but it doesn’t matter whether those people in the shadows will further incite Gunnar and intensify the conflict.
What’s truly important is not just to bring the despicable conspiracy to light.”
Baron Eriv’s gaze returned to the window, casting over to the South.
“Fortunate for us that you saved Adelina, turning misfortune into opportunity, I had a reason to pull my troops from General Trolsa, and I did it without drawing the other nobles’ suspicion due to the troop movement and logistical efforts.
That means I now have twice the available military strength originally planned for the southern campaign—Archers Castle must be mine.”
Having finished, he returned to the desk and sat down sideways, once again looking at Leon.
“However, besides resolving these disturbances, it is still necessary to ensure Adelina’s safety.
I will have to lead the troops in battle and cannot always take care of her, so now I can only trust two places.
Either I send her back to her father, but that’s too far, or…
I place her in Selva.”
“Selva?” Leon was taken aback.
Baron Eriv smiled, “Yes, the people around you have clean backgrounds, otherwise I wouldn’t believe that such a significant event as the Cursed Land’s dissipation has been kept secret until now.
So this is the place I feel most assured about right now.
After I set out, Selva is close to the South, so I can react quickly if something happens.
Don’t worry, no pressure on you.
The supply camp will have a standing military force, and in case of an emergency, you can take Adelina to the East.
But normally, it’s best for her to stay in Selva.
Military camps are foul places, and I certainly can’t settle my wife among a bunch of coarse men.”