Chapter 018 Granthar:
Hugh gazed out over the vast expanse of Granthar before him. A sturdy fortress stood in the middle of the vast meadow, surrounded by dense forests that seemed to want to hide all the secrets within. A cold breeze blew, carrying the characteristic scent of damp earth, signaling that the rainy season was near. In the distance, the mountain range marked the natural border of the kingdom, giving off a profound sense of solitude.
Beside him, Saihan and Kevin stood with serious expressions. Since their journey began, not many words had been exchanged among them. The silence of the journey spoke volumes about the tension they were feeling. Granthar was not just a place to be inspected—it was a portrait of the overall security of the Skythia Kingdom. If Granthar fell, much of Skythia would lose its primary line of defense.
"As we suspected," Saihan said, breaking the silence. "The security here doesn't seem as strong as we expected."
Hugh nodded slowly. "We'll see how the forces inside are. Granthar is not a place to be left unchecked. This is a very vital point."
Hugh's eyes glanced towards the military camp not far from the fortress. The troops training there seemed poorly organized. Some soldiers looked listless, while others seemed more occupied with personal matters than training. The condition of the camp was far from what he had imagined for a strategic defensive stronghold.
"They're not ready," Kevin murmured, his tone uneasy.
Hugh looked further, carefully assessing the situation. "We'll investigate further. Whatever happens, we must find the root of the problem."
As they moved closer, the soldiers on guard gave them a salute, though there was a hint of doubt in their eyes. They knew who was arriving, but they didn't know what Hugh's arrival would bring.
After a moment, they reached the main gates of the fortress. The local commander, a stout man named Commander Grelan, was already waiting for them at the front. A sight not unfamiliar to Hugh—a leader who always tried to maintain his dignity, yet there was something missing behind Grelan's cordial smile this time.
"Duke Griffith, welcome to Granthar," Grelan greeted, his tone sounding more formal than usual. "We are ready to receive you and provide all the information you need."
Hugh observed Grelan for a moment, realizing that the smile wasn't entirely convincing. There was something odd in his demeanor—a tension that only those who had dealt with political intrigue for a long time could sense.
"We must conduct an inspection immediately. I want to see the condition of the troops firsthand," Hugh said firmly.
"With pleasure, Your Grace," Grelan replied. "Our forces here are ready, though some difficulties sometimes arise."
Hugh raised an eyebrow. "Difficulties? What kind?"
Grelan appeared slightly hesitant. "Enemy movements along the border… we haven't been able to confirm them clearly. Some reports arrived late, but we continue to stand guard."
Saihan, hearing this, immediately looked at Hugh. "It seems like something is being hidden." The look in Saihan's eyes said it all.
Hugh nodded, sensing the unease that Grelan couldn't hide. "We'll see for ourselves," Hugh responded to Saihan's silent observation.
Inside the fortress, the atmosphere felt heavier. The soldiers moved silently, many of them with their heads down or absorbed in their own tasks. As Hugh walked past the lines of troops, their gazes were split between respect and doubt.
After some time, they finally entered the meeting room inside the fortress. The room was simple, with a large table surrounded by chairs. On the table, various maps and military reports were scattered, though nothing seemed to be properly organized.
"Prepare the full report for us," Hugh said, stepping toward the table with a sharp gaze.
Commander Grelan nodded and began to present the report, but in a tone that sounded more nervous than usual. Hugh observed every detail, reviewing the data, and felt a growing certainty that something larger was looming.
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Initial Inspection & Military Assessment
Hugh walked with determination along the thick walls of Granthar, which stood strong, surrounded by lines of soldiers on guard at every corner. Despite the strong winds blowing from the north, nothing disturbed the firmness of his stride. Behind him, Kevin and Saihan moved quietly, following every step of their leader. The silence that enveloped the castle seemed to echo the tension that hung over the entire army, which had been on high alert for months.
"Commander Grelan," Hugh said without turning, his voice cutting through the still air. "Report."
Commander Grelan, who had been waiting with utmost respect, immediately responded. "Your Grace," he replied, with a tone of acknowledgment. "Our forces are ready. However, some sections of the border are not fully manned. The security at several points is still vulnerable, although we've reinforced the watch."
Hugh nodded slowly, his eyes sharply scanning every detail around them. "When was the last time your forces were inspected, Grelan?"
"A few weeks ago, Your Grace. We've sent small patrols to the more vulnerable points."
"Hm…" Hugh pondered. "Small patrols? Not enough for an area this vast." He turned and looked at the troops preparing outside the fortress. "I want all forces concentrated at more strategic points. We can't rely on small patrols alone. Focus our strength there," he said, pointing to a weaker spot.
Commander Grelan nodded respectfully, accepting the order without hesitation. "Of course, Your Grace. I'll give the orders immediately."
Hugh gazed into the distance, toward the darker horizon, where the far border stretched out. He knew that the threat would soon come. Not just from the outside, but from within as well. The sound of swords scraping echoed in the background as the troops began to move with discipline.
Kevin, walking beside him, broke the silence. "Duke, it seems like we're facing more than just a normal threat. There's a lot of tension that isn't visible."
Hugh nodded, continuing to gaze toward the horizon. "I know, Kevin. And I want all of you to stay alert." His eyes shifted to Saihan. "Make sure every part of the fortress is rechecked. There must be no gaps."
Saihan saluted and immediately moved to carry out the order without speaking.
"After this, I want a closed meeting with all the commanders," Hugh continued. "There's much to discuss, and our time is running out."
Commander Grelan immediately responded, "Your Grace, we will be ready at any time."
Hugh raised his hand, signaling to stop. "Don't rush. First, make sure we are prepared for any possibility. I will not face the enemy with half-hearted strength."
Kevin nodded, and together with Grelan, they began their journey to inspect the troops in greater detail, devising a more thorough plan.
As Hugh stood alone, staring at the solid walls of Granthar, he could feel the impending threat drawing nearer, like the wind suddenly shaking the castle.
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Observations by Saihan and Kevin
After ordering the troops to move, Hugh decided to personally oversee the military strength of Granthar. As a leader, he always believed that personal observation was the best way to assess a situation. However, this time he entrusted two of his most trusted allies—Kevin and Saihan—to conduct a deeper evaluation of the preparations underway.
"Sai, Kevin, you both come with me. We'll inspect the northern part of the fortress," Hugh commanded firmly, his voice authoritative as usual. Without a word, the two immediately followed, staying behind their leader with synchronized, orderly steps.
As they made their way toward the northern section of the fortress, the atmosphere in Granthar grew increasingly tense. The soldiers moved with discipline, but something couldn't be hidden—the tension radiating from every face. They knew the threat they faced was not a visible enemy but something far harder to predict.
"What do you think, Sai?" Kevin asked, his voice low but attentive, trying to start a conversation after several minutes of silence. "There's something off here, isn't there?"
Saihan, who was usually quiet and preferred to act rather than speak, nodded slowly. "There are many concerns that aren't visible. It's clear that the troops in the northern sector aren't fully alert. They're just moving because of orders, not out of vigilance."
Kevin furrowed his brow. "I feel it too. Too many of our troops are hesitant, and that could be a huge problem."
Hugh, overhearing their conversation, only glanced at them briefly. "There's no room for hesitation here," he said flatly, his voice growing more forceful. "Vigilance is key. We won't let the enemy slip in."
They continued moving, heading toward a more secluded part of the fortress. There, some soldiers were seen arranging their gear with a lack of enthusiasm, as if there was no sense of urgency in their actions. Kevin and Saihan exchanged glances, both realizing that something needed to be addressed immediately.
"This can't be left like this," Kevin said, his tone now louder. "If our troops act like this on the battlefield, we'll lose before we even fight."
Saihan nodded. "I'll speak to the commanders here. They are the ones who need to ensure this army gets back on track."
Hugh looked at both of them, and while he knew that this issue couldn't be solved with just one observation, he also knew that the first step was recognizing the problem. "Do that. But remember, we don't have much time. Every action must be taken as quickly as possible."
They continued their inspection through other sections of the fortress. Every corner they checked revealed even more obvious irregularities. The soldiers looked exhausted, and their morale was decreasing, even though they knew how crucial their role was in the defense.
When they returned to the command center, Kevin and Saihan had much to report to Hugh. "Duke, there's a problem that needs to be addressed immediately," Kevin said bluntly.
Hugh raised his hand, signaling for them to sit. "Explain."
Saihan, who had been mostly quiet, finally spoke. "The troops in the northern section aren't fully prepared. They're more focused on their daily routines than the threats at hand. We need to increase their awareness, or they'll become easy targets for the enemy."
Kevin added, "Moreover, their fighting spirit is declining. This could become a major problem if it's not addressed soon."
Hugh sighed deeply, looking at his subordinates seriously. "This is a weakness that cannot be allowed. These troops aren't just fighting to defend the fortress, but to defend the kingdom. We will hold a meeting with the commanders to reaffirm our goals. Don't let doubt ruin our discipline."
Kevin and Saihan nodded, knowing that this decision would bring about significant changes for their success moving forward.
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