Chapter 91.

Having heard the news, five foreigners went to try and dissuade Earl Drachen, but they were punished for insubordination as well.

Kim Woo-Young had so desperately tried to contact Marquis Reinhardt and Commander Mangsk, but was rebuffed under the pretext of them being in a confidential meeting. In reality, they had locked themselves in the conference room and were being briefed on the commotion caused by Seon-Hyeok.

So you mean they were beaten up, right?

Hearing the marquis question, the messenger hesitated before answering in the affirmative.

Ugh. I thought he mightve become somewhat useful after previous events, but he still has a long way to go. Those foreigners deserve to be torn to shreds for their crimes, but hes too soft.

Puzzled, Commander Mangsk looked at the marquis. He wondered why the marquis was saying this now after telling Seon-Hyeok to lead the foreigners.

Of course, insubordination in a time of war is a crime immediately punishable by death, but isnt it a bit much to summarily dispose of foreigners under royal protection?

The commanders words were informal and friendly, suggesting that the two men were already on close terms. The marquis attitude in responding was likewise gentle, as though addressing an old friend.

Thats precisely the problem. The foreigners are too aware of that fact. They werent always like this, but they became useless after a while.

Because the royal family directly managed and supported the foreigners, the commanders on the front lines were unable to handle them properly. Even if the foreigners committed crimes or made mistakes, their commanding officers needed to request disciplinary action through the royal family, and as such, they often looked past any transgressions.

Even if theres some loss of life, if Seon-Hyeok killed one or two of them as an example, the rest mightve come to their senses. However, I dont think thatll come to pass. Whether its because theyre from the same world or because hes just soft, its a shame he stopped at a beating.

The Mangsk commander shook his head as he watched the marquis click his tongue while expressing his disapproval of Seon-Hyeoks decision.

But why do you care about him so much? Why is the marquis, who should be busy worrying about the safety of the royal family, concerned about the actions of a noble from the frontier?

The commanders line of questioning was oddly sharp.

Oh? Look at this old man being on edge. Looks like youre afraid Ill bring Earl Drachen back to the capital?

Thats not something for you to say. Youve already taken five talented figures from the western territories.

It was evident that the commander was concerned about the marquis recruiting Seon-Hyeok to the Royal Knights.

I dont have plans to do that yet. Dont worry about such useless things.

Yet? That means you might do so someday.

The commander voiced his displeasure at the ambiguous response.

Again, you have nothing to worry about. And seeing his actions right now, I dont think Ill want to take him in the future either. A Royal Knight needs to be willing to cut down his own father if necessary I dont have any intention of recruiting someone so soft.

Hearing the marquis words, the commander was at a loss whether to be happy or displeased at Seon-Hyeok failing to meet the knights high standards.

Then I will believe you. I was unnerved because you take valuable people from the west back with you every time you visit.

The marquis slowly got up from his seat, knowing that staying meant listening to the commanders complaints.

The earls rampage should be coming to an end by now, so lets get moving.

It was clear the marquis was just trying to avoid an uncomfortable conversation, but the commander got up to follow. The old commander was just as curious to find out how Seon-Hyeok had exacted punishment on the foreigners.

Oh? I guess I spoke too soon.

Marquis Reinhardt let out a sound somewhere between admiration and lamentation as he saw the ten foreigners laid out like laundry in one corner of the training grounds.

When he first heard the reports, he believed Seon-Hyeok was trying to discipline the foreigners in moderation to bring them under his wing. For that reason, he had mocked Seon-Hyeoks complacency thinking that the foreigner was making matters worse by improperly handling the disobedient and arrogant group.

However, Earl Drachens actions were neither soft nor clumsy enough to cause potential trouble in the future.

I thought hed beat them up to a certain point, but he turned them into complete rags. Considering the extent of their injuries, some of them might be crippled for life even if they actually survive.

As the marquis commented, the foreigners charged with insubordination were in critical condition. To set an example for the rest, they were left half-dead and untouched by priests under the strict orders of the earl.

This is great. The commander of an army should be strong enough to exact this level of discipline. Insubordination needs to be stamped out so that you dont end up with a knife in your back later.

The marquis burst into laughter when he saw the ten foreigners teetering between life and death after being coddled by the royal family.

But its still a bit heavy-handed. If he had killed one or two of them as an example, things might not have escalated to this point, and the losses could have been reduced. Hes still clumsy and has much to learn.

Do you think Earl Drachen wasnt aware of that?

Commander Mangsk answered with a knowing expression when he heard the marquis words.

Commander, are you suggesting that the earl knew this and intentionally reduced his manpower?

The marquis came out fiercely, as though he was ready to question Seon-Hyeoks irresponsible behavior if the commanders suggestion proved to be true. On the other hand, however, the commander continued to be relaxed.

Seems like youve been stuck at the capital for too long, marquis. Or maybe its because youre from the Central Army yourself?

What do you mean?

It remains to be seen whether our forces will be weakened by these foreigners absence.

The commander wanted to suggest that bringing inexperienced and unprepared foreigners into battle would only serve to limit the Adenburg combat ability.

Shouldnt they be given a chance like Earl Drachen himself? They could be trained into usable knights if he had just made an example of one or two and used the rest, but how could he have been so short-sighted

Marquis Reinhardt.

Commander Mangsk cut off the marquis words.

Youre overlooking something. How many soldiers need to be sacrificed for their development? Moreover, this war isnt going to be fought within our borders, but in enemy territory. If they act out there like they did here, the losses we suffer will be beyond comprehension.

The commander gave a displeased look as he gazed at the foreigners laying motionless, unable to even groan.

He wont lose. Earl Drachen is as capable as his reputation suggests. Hell manage even with these foreigners.

Isnt that enough, then? These foreigners are worthy of developing, even at the cost of others lives.

In contrast to their previous cordial interactions, the commander and the marquis now went directly at each other.

It seems like you still have much to learn about Earl Drachen, marquis. Do you remember how and where he started?

The marquis did not respond.

He started not as a captain or a knight, but as an ordinary cavalry rider. He fought and rolled in the mud with the other riders. For him, soldiers are companions and comrades, not lambs to be sacrificed when the need arises. Do you really think hed use the soldiers entrusted to him for the development of these foreigners?

The commander was resolute. He was convinced that no one cared more about the common soldier than Earl Drachen, as he started at the bottom himself. Seon-Hyeok would naturally focus more on the survival of his subordinates than on having these foreigners grow and make wartime contributions for their personal advancement.

Dont forget. The battleground is not a playground for superhuman beings.

***

Just like you, Im also a noble. There might be a difference in our rank as nobility, but you still cant treat me recklessly. After all, Im not a member of the Western Army, but rather answer directly to the royal family.

Seon-Hyeok had laughed at Kim Woo-Youngs choice of excuses. He could not believe how moronic this foreigner was. It was truly incredible.

Lee Eun-Seo, the mage, might have been arrogant, but she did not act carelessly. Ahn Yoo-Jung, the summoner, had the self-restraint to consider the political situation before acting.

But Kim Woo-Young?

He was unable to judge the gravity of the situation during a time of war, and