Reasons for the War

"Perhaps you should have told me immediately!"

The Government Affairs Council Director—Old Ford, the Seal-Holding Chief Steward and Paul's father's steward—was somewhat displeased after learning that Paul's mother had returned.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't sure at the time! If this really was a scam, it wouldn't have been worth making you come all this way."

Paul did feel somewhat guilty. After all, Mr. Ford was the most senior retainer of the Greiman Family.

"All right. We have more important matters to discuss now."

Old Ford suppressed his urge to meet the former mistress of the household immediately.

"In no more than a quarter of a year, the Orcish army may enter the kingdom's Northeast Region. The source of this information... should be reliable."

The military and political leaders of Lakeheart Town had gathered in the conference room. Paul announced the shocking news to them.

"May the Father in Heaven bless us!"

Schroeder made a gesture of prayer.

When he heard from Paul that the Orcs were about to launch an attack, he seemed hardly surprised.

"When I was forced to leave Watchman Fortress, I knew this day would come sooner or later."

For many years, Schroeder had disliked mentioning his past at Watchman Fortress.

Now, he took the initiative to confide in Paul.

"The lords throughout the Northeast Region... could be said to be utterly dreadful. The Watchers Legion protected them, yet the lords regarded the legion as the Royal Family's spies sent to monitor them."

"Although they appeared as close as family on the surface, they were constantly guarding against one another in secret."

"And I was ostracized by all of them because I tried to expose their illegal actions—smuggling with the Orcs on the prairie. In the end, I had no choice but to leave the Watchers Legion