It was easy to understand why. Since this meeting had been scheduled, he’d been complaining that every little thing he said was just going to get nitpicked. With his territory currently in danger, he was more irritated than usual. Prince Albert seemed somewhat upset by his response, but the king quickly intervened.
“That has been acknowledged. I was made aware of Viscount Yanga’s wrongdoings at the last meeting,” said the king before asking Count Gentoh to continue.
The count let out a sigh and picked up the report. “First of all, a horde of werewolves has been spotted in the wake of the refugees fleeing from Yanga’s territory. While we do not have a specific number, it seems to be somewhere between two hundred to three hundred. Probably on the lower end of that scale.”
There were voices of both disbelief and doubt—they still seemed to doubt the report. Count Gentoh frowned, but he didn’t seem too bothered by their response—he appeared to have expected it.
“It’s difficult to determine the exact number, so I wouldn’t bother asking for details if I were you,” he added.
“Are you at least able to work out the number of werewolves slain?” one of the attendees asked. They were implying that the remote regions couldn’t do a job so simple, but that thought was laughable. If it were a number we could count, then we wouldn’t be here worrying about the remote regions getting attacked. The central region lords still couldn’t accept the reality of what’s been going on.
“There’s more than we can count, you see,” Count Gentoh replied.
His response probably didn’t make much sense to the doubtful lords. It was hard to imagine demons—or humans, for that matter—being at such a number that you couldn’t determine how many there were. It took me a little while to understand too. But, well...it was coming from Ash, after all.
“We managed to intercept the horde by using our new weapon stationed at our completed fort. Fortunately, our forces only suffered light casualties, although there could have been more severe injuries or fatalities before or after the battle.”
There were a few attendees snickering in response. I could tell what they were thinking: if we were going to lie, why wouldn’t we at least try and make it sound believable with some exaggerated numbers? The outcome of the battle no doubt sounded a bit too convenient.
I couldn’t let them continue thinking of this as simple child’s play, so it was time for me to throw my hat in the ring. I gently raised my hand. The king nodded, giving me permission to speak.
“I have something to add to His Excellency Count Gentoh’s report. I have received some information from Head Priest Birkan. As you are all aware, with the exception of those born and raised outside of the capital, the Church sends priests out into the territories.” This time, my source wasn’t from Sacula. If those in attendance had heard this information from Prince Albert and the central region lords, it definitely would have come across as if Sacula was lying. The lords’ expressions changed upon realizing this information was coming from me—a known supporter of Sacula.
“According to Church’s intel, there were between two hundred to three hundred demons in the Yanga region, and there were fifty dragons. They also concluded that the dragons flew toward the mountains while around half of the werewolves flooded into Sacula,” I continued.
A few still doubted me, but I told them to take it up with the Church. You should just go confirm it yourselves. At the very least, that’s what Father Birkan was doing. While he was friendly with Sacula—or rather, with Ash—he wasn’t spurring such a large organization to action because of that alone. He used his authority within the Church to secure evidence and confirm it for himself. When Father Birkan said that he would verify the facts, he was insinuating that doing so would be helpful for Sacula, and that was exactly the case. I’ll be sure to tell Ash what Father Birkan has done for us. Birkan had been pestering me to do so, after all. He knew that Ash would be sure to reward him generously as thanks.
It seemed they were finally starting to realize that the number of demons Count Gentoh had reported was in fact correct.
“Count Sacula, you said just before that your house didn’t sustain much damage.”
“Yes, that’s correct. Raising an army was a drain on our resources, however, we did not lose any men in the battle. Our military strength remains unchanged,” Count Gentoh responded. We didn’t need to spend time trying to convince the remaining skeptics. Instead, since we are estimating the ramifications of the demon attack, the royal family needs to be thinking about compensation.
“The problem lies not with Sacula but with the Yanga region. From what we have heard from the refugees, it seems that all villages and a few cities have been all but destroyed,” Count Gentoh explained.
“Have you been able to confirm that fact?”
“We should be sending out a scouting party to the region but unfortunately, with everyone busy with the refugees, we’re short of hands. Ah, Your Majesty, could we send a scouting party from Sacula to the Yanga region?” Count Gentoh asked.
“Since we have yet to receive any official report from House Yanga, sending a scouting party is about all we can do. I do not see anything wrong with it,” the king responded.
“Quite so. They will simply be going there to confirm the situation firsthand,” confirmed Count Gentoh. “Sacula plans to continue taking in refugees and offering them protection.”
“Protection?”
“Yes, protection. We at Sacula have decided to provide them with food, clothing, and shelter.”
It was probably best to ignore those who seemed to think that was an idiotic thing to do. It was better to take note of those whose faces changed color upon hearing his declaration. Like, for example—you guessed it—Prince Albert.
“Wait, Count Sacula. The citizens of Yanga’s territory aren’t your citizens.”
That was the response from someone who didn’t want House Sacula gaining more power than they already had.
“I am very aware. Hence why I said that we would protect them, meaning that we will take them in temporarily until the situation in Yanga’s territory settles down. The refugees have empty stomachs and nowhere to go. A lot of people in my region could not bear to leave them like that.”
“So, it’s not that you’re planning to rob Yanga of his civilians before slowly dismantling the region in order to usurp the viscount?”
Count Gentoh looked at Prince Albert like he was an idiot. Even if he were planning something like that, it’s not like he would just outright admit to it. But even then, what would Prince Albert even try to do about it, if it were indeed the case?
“Speaking for Sacula, we all just want the situation in the Yanga region to be resolved. If you are that doubtful of our intentions, we can stop helping the refugees, but it’ll be your words that condemn them. Would that be all right with you?” responded Count Gentoh. If Albert wanted to complain, then he’d have to be prepared for the resulting banditry and violence to forever be associated with his name. Not to mention that if that were to happen, the royal family would lose all its reputation.
“I’m not saying that. House Sacula is a very honest family. I was just making sure there was no ill intent.”
“Thank you for your concern,” Count Gentoh sneered. It was obviously an excuse. Prince Albert should have backed down after that, but, having felt slighted, instead continued to fuel the flame.
“However, come to think of it, won’t this be a large burden for House Sacula?” Prince Albert responded in an attempt to feign concern. Ah, now he’s done it. Count Gentoh looks about ready to punch him.
“You are correct. It will indeed be difficult to accomplish alone, Your Highness.” I quickly interjected. Count Gentoh probably wouldn’t have punched him, but I jumped in just in case. “That is why Head Priest Birkan has offered to lend Sacula his aid in accordance with the teachings of the three gods. I am moved by the Church’s mercy, and with all due respect, I plan to donate to the budget for this venture myself.” I glanced at Count Gentoh as I said that. I needed him to know that this is why I brought him here.