Kapitel 155: Thorn Fortress 1
Translator: Cinder Translations
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TL Note: Previously mentioned as Thorn Gate, it is the southern front where Giles' rebellion was being held off
The attendant knocked on the door of the room and upon hearing a "come in," he pushed the door open.
"Good morning, Sir!"
The attendant respectfully greeted the man standing inside the room, none other than Viscount Austen Klein.
The young viscount with brown hair smiled in response, "Good morning, Bowman."
From his complexion and meticulously groomed attire, it was clear he had been up for quite some time.
With a slightly reproachful tone, the attendant said, "You could have slept a bit longer, considering how late the meeting went yesterday, and now there's no need for you to stand guard on the city walls."
Viscount Klein shook his head, "As a knight, even without external constraints, I cannot relax my self-discipline."
Bowman felt infinite admiration in his heart; indeed, a gentleman strict with himself.
Bowman, the attendant, was the eldest son of a low-ranking knight's family near Thorn Fortress. Just turned sixteen this year, his father sent him to serve under the Dodges, whom he pledged allegiance to, at the age of eight, hoping to groom him into a knight. Bowman and a dozen other young companions spent eight years in the Dodges' family, where the Duke would personally instruct these knight seedlings in combat and equestrian skills during his leisure time, while the Duchess would take charge of their education in literature, etiquette, and other fields of knowledge.
This year, driven by Duke Giles' encouragement, a rebellion erupted in the south, and Thorn Fortress in the Dodges' territory became the first line of defense against the rebels' northward advance. Bowman, who had grown strong and sturdy, accompanied Duke Dodge to guard Thorn Fortress.
As the southern rebels were preoccupied with dealing with the royalist lords around them, they had temporarily not attacked Thorn Fortress. And since the Dodges' forces were insufficient to take the initiative, the Princess Catherine immediately dispatched a cavalry unit to rush over and help them defend the fortress.
After a tense period, they finally received bad news: the crystal-glare granary caught fire and suffered huge losses, so the kingdom's main forces could not head south for the time being and could only dispatch an advance team led by Viscount Klein to strengthen the defense of Thorn Fortress.
At that time, Duke Dodge recommended Bowman to Viscount Klein, who became an attendant and embarked on the second phase of his journey toward knighthood.
Viscount Klein extended both arms, "Thank you for your trouble, Bowman."
Bowman immediately said, "Not at all, it's what I should do."
Then he went to the armor stand in the corner of the room, took down a piece hanging on it, and helped the viscount put it on.
Actually, the armor on the stand was just a light armor that Klein could handle on his own, but helping the master wear armor was a duty of a knight's attendant, and it also allowed attendants to become more familiar with various types of armor. So during the first year of becoming an attendant, this was a must-do task for them.
Bowman very skillfully helped Klein put on the armor; he was already very familiar with the steps.
"This damned war really doesn't allow people to relax at all."
Klein complained inwardly. Actually, he didn't like the feeling of walking around in armor all day, but being on the front line, there was nothing he could do.
"Let's go, accompany me to have breakfast with Duke Giles."
The two walked out of the room one after the other.
Just as they reached the corridor, they ran into Viscount Leicester, who turned from the corner, the cavalry commander whom Princess had first sent to assist Thorn Fortress.
Viscount Klein greeted him first, "Good morning, Leicester. You've worked hard standing watch all night."
Attendant Bowman also immediately saluted him.
"Mm."
Leicester just nodded faintly, his face showing no expression at all.
Bowman couldn't help but inwardly complain once again, "Is this gentleman naturally poker-faced?"
He had never seen Leicester smile on ordinary days, whether towards subordinates, peers, or even the Duke himself; he always wore a cold expression.
Working with Leicester for many years, Klein had grown accustomed to this colleague's habits.
The three of them walked together towards the hall of the fortress, where Duke Dodge had invited them for breakfast.
As they walked, Klein asked, "Did anything happen last night?"
Just as he anticipated a simple "nothing happened," to dash his hopes, the answer was surprising.
"Yes."
Klein asked in surprise, "What happened?"
At this critical moment, the fortress couldn't withstand a full-scale attack by the rebels.
Leicester replied, "A scout covered in blood escaped back, but there were six others who went out with him to scout the enemy."
"Did he gather any intelligence?"
Leicester shook his head, "He passed out as soon as he returned. The medics treated his wounds, thankfully saving his life, but he hasn't woken up yet."
Klein showed sympathy, "May the Heavenly Father have mercy on him. Is this the first time you've encountered such heavy losses among the scouts? It seems they stumbled upon enemies far outnumbering them."
But then he wondered aloud, "Isn't timely discovery and assessment of enemy strengths and weaknesses a basic skill for a scout? Even if they encounter superior enemies, timely retreat should prevent such catastrophic losses. Were the scouts sent out this time all inexperienced?"
Leicester shook his head again, "No, they were all seasoned veterans, so this is a significant loss."
"It looks like we'll have to wait until he wakes up to get the full picture."
"Yes."
Soon, they arrived at the castle hall, where Duke Dodge was already seated, waiting for them.
"Apologies for the wait, Your Grace."
"No need for apologies."
Both immediately greeted the Duke.
Duke Dodge waved his hand, "It's alright, I just arrived here myself, and besides, we're still early from our agreed time. Please, come and take your seats."
After thanking him, they found their places at the table, with their attendants standing behind them, ready to serve upon their masters' call. Only after their masters finished their meal could the attendants begin their own breakfast.
While waiting for breakfast, Leicester reported to the Duke about the scout incident.
"Hmm... This is indeed a significant loss. Training a competent scout isn't easy, not like those farmers who just picked up spears after laying down their hoes."
The Duke seemed visibly concerned.
"Your Grace, my concern is that the enemy might be stepping up their counterintelligence efforts, eliminating our scouts to cover their large-scale mobilizations and true deployments. Therefore... this could very well be the prelude to a major offensive."
Klein voiced his assessment, and Leicester sitting beside him nodded in agreement.
Duke Dodge furrowed his brow, "Your concerns are not unfounded. The fortress must be prepared at all times. After breakfast, I will issue orders to inform all unit officers of this situation."
Klein further suggested, "The rebels have been stationed opposite us for a long time without attacking, which has relaxed some of the fortress's commanders. I believe you should summon all unit officers for a face-to-face briefing to emphasize the seriousness of the situation."
Stroking his beard, Duke Dodge silently admired the young man before him.
Before he could respond, a guard suddenly ran into the hall.
"The scout who returned last night has awakened. He says he has important information to report."
(End of the Chapter)
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