The Bastard First Prince Doesn't Want to Die-Chapter 204

[Translator - Jjescus ]

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Chapter: 204

"And, Grandfather."

"Yes, Your Highness, please speak."

I hesitated for a moment before revealing that many of the people I had brought with me from the Demonic Realm possessed supernatural abilities.

My maternal grandfather was too stunned to react; he simply stared at me.

"How could such a thing be possible…?"

"It would take too long to explain everything in detail."

With that, I chose to gloss over the specifics, confessing only the most critical points.

"All you need to know is that they must not fall into the hands of the Emperor of Huawei."

Hearing this, my grandfather stroked his beard thoughtfully, deep in contemplation.

"Should they be hidden away?"

I nodded and asked, "Do you have a method in mind?"

"If Your Highness does not wish to keep them close, I shall have them stay at the family estate."

The So family's estate was a secure place, filled only with those we could trust. It was also where the deposed Empress had spent several years of her childhood.

"That will do. I leave it in your hands."

Yet, there was one thing that troubled me.

Aro had the potential to become an exceptional shaman, possibly even surpassing a village chief in skill. Leaving someone with such talent idly in the peaceful So estate felt like a waste.

After a brief hesitation, I brought up Aro’s abilities to my grandfather. He was visibly taken aback.

"…If that is truly the case, would it not be better to send the child to the Northern Realm for training?"

His unexpected suggestion caught me off guard. Still, it was a logical choice. The Lord of Wolhan Fortress lacked an heir, after all.

Of course, the Northern Frontier placed great importance on bloodline, so it was uncertain whether Aro would be able to establish himself there. However, one thing was certain—she would be a valuable asset in their relentless struggles.

"But…"

If she were to live in Wolhan Fortress, she would surely be lonely.

It had not been long since she lost her grandmother—the one person she had relied on and trusted. To separate her from her people so soon…

Her face came to mind. One moment, her tear-streaked expression; the next, her fearful eyes.

Moreover, the Lord of Wolhan Fortress was far from a gentle person.

Unconsciously, I scowled.

"Please, Your Highness, I implore you to set aside personal emotions and make the right decision as a member of the royal family."

My grandfather's words brought the deposed Empress to my mind. I lowered my gaze and scratched the back of my head.

"Grandfather."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"…I apologize."

I looked down at the sword hanging from my waist. Was the deposed Empress's name not engraved upon its blade?

Noticing my gaze, my grandfather followed it and saw what I was looking at. His expression turned as if he had been struck.

"It seems I am not suited to be a ruler."

Then, I met my grandfather's eyes once more. His gaze wavered violently.

Silence followed. Then, as if fleeing, my grandfather left the room.

***

A heavy atmosphere filled the study of the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress.

Ever since the arrival of the Supreme General, an unusual tension had gripped Blood Cloud Fortress.

It was not in a bad way, but everyone seemed to carry themselves with greater caution. No one had instructed them to do so, yet it was as if they had all silently agreed upon it.

And this shift was not limited to within the fortress walls. Given the countless achievements and widespread fame associated with the name So Ik-gyeom, even the enemy nations that had long set their sights on Blood Cloud Fortress had gone unnervingly quiet.

The Supreme General’s presence had extended its influence not only inside the fortress but also beyond, reaching the surrounding regions.

Thanks to this, a fleeting moment of peace had settled in. However, the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress remained ever vigilant.

Of course, his current tension stemmed from a different reason than before.

Still, no one would be able to notice it. The seasoned Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress was never one to reveal his true emotions.

The moment he showed even a hint of apprehension, all the generals of Blood Cloud Fortress would feel a much greater burden.

Yet, at this very moment, his face was clouded with shock. His carefully maintained impassivity had crumbled, replaced by bewilderment.

For a fleeting second, the focus in his eyes disappeared, only to return just as quickly.

"Forgive me, but I must ask again. Did you say a preemptive strike?"

Facing him, Supreme General So replied in an expressionless tone.

"That is correct."

"And you personally came to the fortress for this reason?"

"No."

The Supreme General’s curt response only deepened the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress’s confusion. Could this be a direct command from the King?

After struggling to organize his thoughts, he asked cautiously, "Did you make this decision after assessing the fortress’s current situation?"

"It is not a decision—I am merely asking for your opinion."

"However, the fact that you bring up a preemptive strike suggests that you already lean toward that course of action, does it not?"

He understood why the Supreme General might say such things. But that did not make the situation any less difficult.

If they could strike Huawei first, it would break the deadlock of this prolonged conflict.

How long had this struggle gone on? War had become such an everyday occurrence that the children of Blood Cloud Fortress simply assumed it was a natural part of life.

Whenever he witnessed such sights, the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. He resented himself for being unable to promise peace to the children.

But it wasn’t hesitation to launch the first attack that had prolonged this war.

How could victory be guaranteed? And could a victory built upon a mountain of corpses truly be called a victory?

The Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress swallowed a sigh. He cherished this fortress where he was born and raised, and he did not wish for anyone to be sacrificed.

Though he had long heard of Supreme General So’s achievements, he couldn’t justify sacrificing his own people just to add another triumph to the general’s record.

Of course, there was always the possibility that he was misunderstanding something. He needed to listen further.

However, now that Supreme General So had revealed his intent to escalate the war, no matter what followed, it would be difficult to take his words in a wholly positive light.

“The current stalemate exists because of an unspoken agreement.”

With that, the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress observed Supreme General So’s expression.

Given the general’s history of countless victories, he had expected a fiery temperament. Yet, the man before him was closer in demeanor to a scholar than a warrior. For someone like the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress, who had spent most of his time among battle-hardened soldiers, this kind of personality felt even more unfamiliar and difficult to grasp.

“Regardless of the broader conflict between our two nations, even the lords of the three fortresses along the Huawei Kingdom’s border do not wish for excessive bloodshed. That is why this stalemate persists.”

He clasped his hands together and rested them on the table.

“If we deploy additional forces, the enemy will inevitably do the same.”

“The Seopyung region is mountainous, making large-scale troop movements difficult. But if we were to capture the three border fortresses before reinforcements could arrive, would it not be possible?”

Beyond the border, the terrain of the Huawei Kingdom became even more rugged.

In comparison, Seopyung, where Blood Cloud Fortress stood, was practically a flatland. It would be difficult for enemy forces to move in large numbers.

At the very least, it would take time. The general was proposing that they strike first while they still had the advantage.

The Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress mentally pictured the map.

“It would take time to mobilize, and even if we moved swiftly, capturing all three fortresses would be a challenge. By the time we reach the third fortress, the enemy’s reinforcements will likely have arrived. Regrettably, General, I find your plan infeasible.”

“Hmm.”

“……Furthermore, I doubt His Majesty would grant his approval. When I previously petitioned for reinforcements, my request was denied.”

Hearing this, Supreme General So’s expression eased slightly, as if he understood.

“I had no intention of burdening you with that matter.”

“Ah, I see. I appreciate your consideration.”

The general gave a slight nod.

“If this stalemate were truly a matter of mutual agreement, then I wouldn’t have needed to come here.”

“That is not true. Your presence here alone has been of great help. It seems your reputation has instilled such fear that even enemy banners have ceased to appear on the horizon.”

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The Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress allowed himself a small joke, relaxing slightly. But the general remained as stoic as ever.

“I see. Understood.”

It seemed their conversation was drawing to a close. The Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress let out a silent sigh of relief.

But it wasn’t over yet.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Supreme General So spoke again.

“I am uncertain whether this prediction will hold, but if the enemy remains inactive for the time being, I will withdraw.”

The Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress widened his eyes in shock.

“What? Why such a sudden decision?”

“If, as you say, my presence alone is preventing an enemy invasion—”

The general trailed off, recalling what Yegyeong had told him.

Before they parted ways, Yegyeong had casually remarked that the moment Supreme General So withdrew his forces, the enemy would launch another invasion.

And this time, they would bring a force far greater than before.

They would not allow for another chance.

If Supreme General So had to return to Seopyung again, there would no longer be a Blood Cloud Fortress to defend.

He sank into thought. Based on what the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress had just said, it seemed even the fortress lords on the Huawei Kingdom’s side lacked the resources to summon reinforcements immediately.

Yet, Yegyeong’s unwavering certainty gnawed at him. He had spoken as if he were parting with someone who would soon perish.

What had given him such confidence?

“I will feign a withdrawal and lure the enemy into attacking.”

“A deception, you say?”

The Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress furrowed his brow.

Supreme General So nodded.

“Yes.”

“You believe the enemy will strike the moment you retreat?”

“I do.”

A flicker of unease crossed the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress’s face, but he quickly composed himself and asked, “If your assumption is correct… then we will have the perfect opportunity to annihilate them once they cross the border.”

“It is not my plan.”

“Pardon?”

Supreme General So replied evenly, “If this strategy succeeds, the credit belongs solely to Prince Ikwon.”

[Translator - Jjescus ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]