Reborn As Noble Chapter 1259: Dark Smirk of Ambition ( 1259 )

Northwest of Mathrias Region.

A commandeered structure in a town adjacent to the border served as General Mulkas’s provisional command center. The once-magnificent assembly hall was now occupied by his officers, with some engrossed in counting heaps of gold coins strewn across the table, while others relaxed with contented smiles.

Seated at the head of the table, General Mulkas, stroking his bushy mustache, wore an expression of distinct self-satisfaction. He reclined in his chair, one hand on his considerable belly, his eyes alight with avarice.

Ooh~

I can scarcely believe it.

I possess this much wealth now.

He cast a glance at the piles of gold before him, accumulated from the steep levies imposed on the subjugated territories.

Had I comprehended the potential for such riches, I would have initiated this endeavor years prior.

With this fortune and the armaments procured from Viscount Dasmen, I shall augment my forces, transform them into a formidable private army, and thereby amplify my profits exponentially.

He reached out, scooping a handful of gold coins, allowing them to cascade through his fingers with a pleasing chinking sound, a sinister smirk gracing his lips.

I am affluent!

What plans shall I devise with this bounty?

Ah~ First, I shall enlist additional recruits. Given our new flintlock muskets, I ought to establish a specialized unit for their deployment and ensure rigorous training.

He stroked his chin, his gaze sharpening with burgeoning ambition.

I ponder if my newly equipped cannon detachments and musket regiments can finally breach River Elsin and Timberland Pass.

Upon securing these territories, we will gain access to a confirmed site unearthed by Viscount Dasmen’s exploratory teams—a rich gunpowder deposit.

Viscount Dasmen consented to a profit division favoring him by 60-40.

However, once my military strength is sufficiently established, I will compel him to accept an equitable 50-50 split.

And when Rolland is utterly vanquished, I shall assume the mantle of this region’s new sovereign.

He emitted a low chuckle, shaking his head.

Hah. What a foolish lord.

Far too preoccupied with his daughter, his populace, and sustenance for the indigent. He genuinely presumed allegiance could be purchased with fair compensation and benevolent actions. Observe the outcome.

He should have prioritized dominance. And wealth. And absolute command. Does he truly believe that people remain devoted merely due to considerate treatment? Allegiance is secured through currency, dread, and the enticement of greater gain. Not through gentle discourse and satiated appetites.

Mulkas grinned wickedly, his eyes blazing with hubris.

He directed a dark, sidelong glance toward one of his officers.

"Bankar?"

"Yes, Sire?" Bankar responded with a smirk, his voice laced with fawning eagerness.

"Where is the dispatch from the captain entrusted with leading the assault on River Elsin and Timberland Pass? Hmm?"

"Ah, Sire. We have yet to receive any communiqué from the messenger. Furthermore, we commenced our advance only yesterday. I anticipate positive tidings shortly. After all..." Bankar smirked with unwavering confidence, "we possess armaments that those simpletons lack. Captain Bhujar and his remaining loyal soldiers stand no chance against our advanced cannons and muskets."

"Excellent, excellent. Once we have secured that territory, merely taking down the lord himself will be a swift affair." Mulkas turned his attention to another officer, who was methodically arranging stacks of gold coins into precise columns, handling the wealth as a child might a cherished toy.

"Lurzan?"

"Yes, Sire?" Lurzan looked up from his examination of the gold.

"Any updates from our dispatched contingent?"

"Ah... Sire refers to the team we dispatched to apprehend Lord Rolland’s youngest son from the Beastkin Kingdom?"

"Precisely. Any news?"

"Ah... I offer my apologies, Sire, but it appears securing him presents a challenge. The Beastkin Royal Palace prohibits our delegation from '${persuade}' him to return."

"Hah? Could we not simply fabricate a document, employ a forged missive from Rolland, and assert that his father has summoned him back."

"That has already been attempted, Sire. However, the Royal official within the Beastkin Nation declined to validate it. They stated the document’s seal did not correspond with the official record they held."

"Damn it!" Mulkas clenched his teeth, his fist striking the table with force. "Our strategy to entice him out and eliminate him once he departs Beastkin territory is entirely obstructed. Those wretched beasts presume superiority over humans simply due to their vast military might!"

"We have already deployed our intelligence operatives and our assassin corps to address this predicament. Perhaps we shall receive favorable intelligence from them soon."

Mulkas uncorked a fresh bottle of premium wine, meticulously pouring the deep crimson liquid into his goblet with a look of smug satisfaction. Placing the bottle back on the table, he took a long, deliberate draught, savoring the exquisite flavors of prosperity and dominion.

"Regardless. That youngster is doomed regardless. Once his father perishes, he will possess no influence, and consequently, no entity will have a rationale to extend protection. The Beastkin Royalty will find no imperative to safeguard a lost scion of a defunct lineage."

"That is indeed accurate, Sire," Lurzan concurred, his voice dripping with obsequiousness. "Upon Lord Rolland's downfall, his son will be nothing more than an abandoned cur. The Beastkin will not squander their assets on him."

Mulkas smirked, stating, "For the current objective, our focus remains on conquering the remainder of Mathrias." His gaze then shifted to Bankar. "Bankar."

"Yes, Sire?" Bankar responded.

"See to it that more soldiers are recruited to bolster our borders," Mulkas commanded, his smirk widening. "One can never be sure when that foolish Viscount Dasmen might attempt to betray us."

"Consider it done, Sire. We have already enlisted an additional two thousand new recruits. The majority have been dispatched to bolster the primary assault force at River Elsen and Timberland Pass, and should be arriving shortly to aid the offensive. Regarding our current territories, our standing forces are diligently maintaining the borders and ensuring control."

"Excellent, excellent. However, we require even more manpower. The greater our numbers, the swifter we shall crush Rolland's loyalists. We cannot afford to be outnumbered when the decisive moment arrives."

"Rest assured, Sire. I have already made arrangements to recruit further from the local towns. Furthermore, we are compelling some of the populace to enlist, offering them attractive salaries and pledging a share of the spoils once the capital falls. Those who resist... well, they soon learn that defiance is not an option."

A hearty laugh escaped Mulkas as he raised his goblet. "In due time, our strength will surpass all other regions! I shall ascend to become the most formidable lord within the Human Kingdom! Upon the success of this endeavor, every one of you shall receive handsome rewards. I shall not forget those who have stood by me!"

The officers surrounding the table erupted in cheers, their glasses and bottles clinking in jubilation. Gold coins were strewn across the table as they indulged in drinking and feasting, their boisterous laughter echoing through the occupied building.

Until.

A subtle whirring sound emanated from the distance.

"Hmm?" Mulkas's eyes flickered upwards towards the ceiling, his brow knitting in a frown. "What is that sound?"

( End Of Chapter )