"But to just stand by and let the enemy Daimyō escape…"
Even without the nobles shouting orders, the soldiers felt it was a bitter pill to swallow.
"Whether the decision is right or wrong is for the commander to answer for," the general with the great blade said coldly, shaking his head.
"But regardless, we belong to the military — not as hounds for the nobility!"
"..."
After a long silence, the other soldiers finally lowered their weapons and abandoned the pursuit.
"Who the hell does this man think he is?!"
The nobles felt utterly humiliated, but without any real power to back their words, they could only stamp their feet and sputter empty threats of revenge for later.
"Who is he?"
Aoi was also curious. To find such a capable and fierce general serving in a small nation like the Land of No felt like finding a precious gem buried in mud.
"His name is Belle."
Just as Aoi was wondering, a man dressed like a low‑ranking official stepped forward, bowing obsequiously.
"Master Gen — though Belle is only a junior officer, he is unmatched in courage, and has both strength and wits!"
Aoi nodded faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Then he narrowed his eyes and smiled softly. "And you… who are you?"
"I am Yenn, a friend of Belle's," the man answered openly, without hiding anything.
A capable man…
Aoi thought for a moment, then shook his head. More accurately, he has all the makings of a skilled schemer and courtier.
Just then, the young officer Belle marched toward Aoi, still holding his great blade.
"Monk — don't think I was helping you out of kindness. I only followed your order because you are the commander!" He bared his teeth fiercely.
"But if I ever find you issuing reckless, foolish commands in the future, I will make you pay for it with my own hands!"
With that, he gave his weapon a swing and turned away again.
A truly straightforward man… Aoi mused. In less than a minute, he managed to offend both sides completely. What a talent for social relations!
Seeing this, Yenn quickly fell to one knee, bowing deeply. "Master Gen, please do not take offense at Belle. He has been a bit simple‑minded since childhood…"
"A hot‑blooded, honest warrior and a smooth, cunning little official — and yet they are friends," Aoi chuckled. "Now that is quite an interesting combination."
But both of them were people he could use.
"I know what you are hoping for," Aoi said suddenly, cutting off Yenn's apologies.
"And I am willing to give you that chance."
"A chance?"
Yenn kept his face calm, but inside he was already bursting with excitement. The reason I came forward to curry favor with him was exactly for this kind of opportunity!
On the surface, it looked as though Aoi had made a foolish mistake by letting Sagi, the Daimyō of the Land of Birds, escape.
But Yenn knew better: anyone who could set such a trap and wipe out thirty thousand enemy soldiers in one go could not possibly be that careless.
I am gambling on this…
"Exactly," Aoi smiled and shook his head. People like Yenn were common enough — ambitious, greedy, self‑serving, and loyal to nothing but their own interests.
Yet Aoi was more than willing to give such men a chance. Because when driven by ambition, they are capable of becoming utterly ruthless and daring.
And this world needed people who dared to be ruthless.
Aoi pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it over. "Go to the Land of Birds and spread the contents written here far and wide. Do that, and you will get everything you desire."
"Go… to the Land of Birds?"
As Yenn took the paper, his expression shifted in shock. Only now did he realize: every single step of this war had been anticipated by Master Gen from the very beginning.
The early defeats, the sudden turnaround in the Gorge of No, and even Sagi's escape — all of it had been part of the plan!
And the key to the entire scheme lay right here, on this single sheet of paper.
Gulp…
Yenn swallowed hard. Fear twisted in his gut, but it was quickly overshadowed by thrill. If he succeeded, everything he had ever dreamed of would be within his reach.
__________________
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