Chapter 155. Conquest (2)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

The conquest of Estia had been planned for some time. As a matter of fact, the reason they had visited Estia under the guise of peace negotiations had been partly in preparation for the invasion. But a date had not been suggested until now. Tension filled the conference room.

“But the spells…” Morga pointed out hastily.

“We’ll keep the Queen alive,” said Ishakan.

“……!”

That was totally unexpected. Morga stared at the King.

“Find all the spells cast on Leah before then,” Ishakan added. “And I’d like you to…”

Morga’s eyes widened as Ishakan explained his idea.

“Is that possible?”

Normally, no. But Morga thought it might be possible with Ishakan. It was worth a try. The sorcerer clenched his hands tightly. Ishakan’s path had never been easy. From the day Morga had begun serving him until now, the King had always traveled the impossible road. He had accomplished things others said he could never do, until he had finally taken the throne of Kurkan.

To Morga, Ishakan was a lighthouse. No matter how uncertain the road, he would always trust and follow him. He had no doubt that this time would be the same. Morga nodded firmly.

“I will do it,” he said.

“The warriors are ready,” said the chief of the bear tribe enthusiastically. “They may leave for war within a month.”

Ishakan’s eyes narrowed as he tapped the ashes out of his pipe.

“I don’t want massive, total war,” he said.

One of the tribal chiefs was about to ask why, but shut his mouth, belatedly remembering that the King’s bride was the Princess of Estia. She had sacrificed a great deal to protect that country, and it was falling apart. For her sake, Ishakan would try to minimize the damage when he conquered it.

“What if we capture the palace first, and then the country?” The chief of the fox tribe asked, and explained his general scheme. They would secretly gather troops near the capital, and then seize the royal palace in a single day.

The security in the capital had already been compromised by an influx of Tomari from all over the continent. The previously vigilant watch had been relaxed. Infiltration would be easy. Though Byun Gyeongbaek’s intervention could be troublesome, they could divert his army’s attention elsewhere while they captured the capital.

“However, an all-out war against Byun Gyeongbaek will be inevitable, ” Ishakan said with a broad smile. “She will tolerate it if it is only against Byun Gyeongbaek.”

Once everyone understood the general plan, they began to discuss the details. Each of the tribal chiefs was free to offer their opinion, and while they sometimes argued with each other, Ishakan always had the final word.

There were a variety of other subjects to be discussed aside from Estia, due to Ishakan’s long absence. After several hours, Ishakan decided to give everyone a short break. Putting down his pipe, he looked at the chief of the bear clan.

“I have heard that the dates from your territory are especially sweet and delicious,” he said.

“…Yes?”

“Bring some.”

“…….”

The tribal chief was frozen in place, with no idea what to say. Ishakan had never made such a request that before.

“I ca, I can, bring you anything you want…” The chief said belatedly, so shocked that he stammered.

“Select the most precious ones,” Ishakan said calmly, and added, “I’m not going to eat them.”

‘He will give them to his bride…’ The tribal chief, who quickly realized what he meant, quickly replied with determination.

“I will choose the most precious ones!”

Ishakan’s eyes curved.

“If you have anything delicious besides that, bring it. My bride has little appetite, so I’ll try to feed her more.”

There was a smile in his eyes at the thought of his bride. It was the first time any of the chiefs had seen him like this. Though he was superficially lenient to his subordinates, it was only to camouflage his savage nature, sharp as a sword. But now he looked as sweet as candy, the sword sheathed. The tribal chiefs exchanged glances, sharing the same thought.

They would bring everything delicious they had, if they had to invent it.

***