I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house.
“Shall we reschedule for another day…?”
“No, sorry. I’m fine… Please give your report.”
I quickly let go of Arte’s tail.
Wolf approaches me and hands over the bundle of reports he was carrying under his arm.
I clear the documents spread across my desk and make space for Wolf’s report.
Some parts are smudged with snow, but the faint warmth of the paper tells me how carefully Wolf had handled it.
Once I spread the report out, Wolf begins his explanation.
“From what I have investigated, the Gustav Warriors of the North have begun marching southward.”
“In this winter? Also, if they are coming from the north, they must cross a large river, right?”
I ask, and Wolf nods, pointing at a simple map in the report as he continues.
“They do need to cross a large river to move south. However, at certain points where the current is slower, the river’s surface has frozen over, allowing for military movement.”
“I see…”
So they had been waiting for this season. With the bitter cold and barren lands of the north, they are unfazed by winter military operations.
The nobles who have been attacked must be completely helpless. With recruitment nearly impossible in the snow, their only option would be to barricade themselves in their castles and wait for winter to pass.
“Their goal is food, isn’t it?”
“I believe so.”
I read through the report as I listen to Wolf’s explanation. Instead of advancing towards a single point, they are spreading like mold, covering everything in their path.
Several minor noble families have already been wiped out.
Even those barricading themselves in castles must feel as if they are slowly being strangled. Their surrounding villages are being raided, and even if they survive until spring, they might not have enough food or manpower to recruit new soldiers.
For now, they are targeting nearby areas for food. But once supplies run out… they might push further south.
If that happens, they could clash with our faction.
However, not everything about this situation is bad. If the northern region falls into chaos, it could disrupt the encirclement, making it easier to break through.
That’s just wishful thinking, but the situation isn’t entirely unfavorable.
The worst-case scenario would be if the northern warriors joined forces with the encircling factions, but that is unlikely. Given their history of being conquered and incorporated into the kingdom, they harbor deep resentment towards the kingdom’s nobility.
Negotiating an alliance in exchange for food… is probably impossible. The only way to join forces with them would be to surrender and come under their rule.
Sigh… There’s nothing I can do for now.
“Erich.”
“Yes.”
I call out to Erich. As he approaches, I hand him all of Wolf’s reports.
“Make copies and send them to my father.”
…Hey, don’t give me that resentful look. I have other work to do too, you know.
Even though Father is working on his own plans, sharing information won’t hurt.
“…Understood.”
After watching Erich return to his seat, I turn back to Wolf.
“Good work.”
“It is an honor, my lord.”
Wolf bows his head.
From this angle, I can clearly see his ears twitching… I kind of want to pet them, but I resist the urge.
Then, I remember something.
I had promised Wolf that I would grant him a wish once he completed his mission.
“Have you decided on your wish? I’ll grant it as long as it’s within my power.”
“Ah, about that… Could I ask you to clear the room?”
A private request.
It must be something he doesn’t want others to hear.
But refusing would imply that I don’t trust him, and I do trust Wolf.
“Alright.”
I turn toward Erich, who had returned to his desk.
“Erich, let’s take a short break.”
“Understood.”
Erich stands up and instructs the other knights to leave the room.
Now, what about Arte?
I glance at Wolf, silently asking if Arte should leave as well.
Wolf catches my meaning and looks at Arte.
“Arte… Step out for a while.”
“As you wish, Chieftain. If you’ll excuse me, Duke.”
“Ah.”
Arte bows and exits the office.
I watch her leave.
Unlike Wolf, she uses the door instead of the window.
I suppose that’s something he trained her to do.
I stand up and walk to the corner of the room to retrieve a tea set.
“Bring a chair, Wolf.”
“No, I am fine as I am…”
“Are you planning to repeat what happened last time?”
Sitting on the floor isn’t the worst thing, but it does make your backside cold.
Hearing this, Wolf gives a resigned smile.
“…Understood.”
He fetches a chair.
I check the temperature of the teapot.
It’s a bit lukewarm, but I can’t be picky.
Ideally, there would be a fireplace in the office, but with so many documents around, that’s not an option.
Instead, the maids periodically bring in warmed tea.
Carrying the tray with the teapot and two cups, I return to my desk.
As I walk back, I try to guess what Wolf’s wish might be.
It’s probably something related to the beastmen…
Could it be food?
Well, I guess I’ll just have to ask.