The Amber Sword

Chapter 100 – The guest from the Red Bronze Dragon Mercenaries (1)

Many things were going through Gaspard’s head when he saw Brendel again.

He had once hesitated in Bruglas over the decision to join the Amber Sword Mercenaries, but he chose not to go back to become a city guard. Still, even after his decision, he wavered as he traveled along with Leto and the others. They escorted various groups of refugees on their way to Trentheim, fought against bandits, and had a lifestyle that was much harder than when he lived in Fortress Riedon.

He did not know why he persisted.

But he did understand that the refugees who traveled with the mercenaries, who even hated him in the past, now greeted him with respect.

Their greetings did not change; it was Captain Gaspard.

There was something different now.

He realized that he could no longer throw away his current life or go back to what he used to be. Somehow along the way without him knowing, there was a word called ‘responsibility’ that was growing in his heart.

Trentheim’s rebellion probably had little effect on Count Randner’s overall situation, but this was a moment where Duke Arreck, as well as the Royal Faction, were pressuring the cunning old man. It was enough to get tired from dealing with them, and it a fire was burning in his backyard, he would have his hands full.

Lord Macsen’s utter defeat had sent off a warning signal.

His reputation must have gotten a beating for this rebellion to happen now.

[But a loss in reputation hardly means anything. Count Randner won’t ask for the other nobles for help because of the two factions watching him. His pride won’t allow it. Since Graudin worked with Madara, I won’t be surprised if Count Randner tries to borrow their strength again. Even before I came to Firburh, Madara was already interested in Sifrid. Considering Incirsta’s personality, he won’t give up easily. If Count Randner had an agreement with them, Madara will send out their army.]

“Any news of Madara’s movements?” Brendel turned to Ciel and asked.

“They are quite meek recently and seemed to have retreated out of Trentheim,” Ciel replied.

“Make sure you keep an eye on those damned bones. I suspect they were colluding with Count Randner even before the initial war started.” Brendel sighed.

[Incirsta should actually thank me. If I didn’t eliminate Kabias, he would actually get fewer resources.]

Brendel remembered Madara’s history quite well. Incirsta’s greatest trouble was from the Shadow Lords’ interference who did not trust him because of his inexperience. If Tarkus did not support him, then Incirsta would have trouble standing out in the War of the Black Rose.

[I’m getting sidetracked. I’m naturally willing to bolster my defenses and wait for the opportunity to fight back, but my opponent won’t give me this chance.]

(TL: 先为不可胜，待敌之可胜. The raws used these two sentences. It’s chopped up from Sun Tze’s 昔之善战者，先为不可胜，以待敌之可胜: “The people who are good at war would create conditions so that the enemies could not gain victory over them, and then they would wait till they find an opportunity to defeat the enemies.”)

“The scouts that were sent to Aouine’s southern armies at the borders. Did they managed to find them?” Brendel asked.

“Unfortunately, there is no news from the majority of them. The ones that sent back a reply gave useless information.”

“I see. Although, by the word ‘silent’, you mean they ran away and fled elsewhere.” Brendel laughed.

[There goes the plan on getting the support of the southern armies to curb Madara’s forces. It seems like I have to rely on my other plans…..]