Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 439: To Mediate

Riz continue, "Gather one hundred of our soldiers and tell them to prepare for a mission. I want you to lead this unit to Larkish and be a mediator on my behalf."

One hundred sounds like the right number. It struck a balance. The size is not too small to be dismissed by both Inver and Inverloch and not too large to evoke a sense of threat.

"What if they refuse our suggestion?" Samuel asked.

"Then, we will be committed to join the war against the side that did not agree with the term," Riz said with conviction.

The young king believes his words hold strength to a considerable extent.

Based on his observation, the Kingdom of Inver will definitely agree.

As for the Inverloch Empire, they have spent so much energy and resources on this war. They can't afford to engage in another one.

Inverloch's probability of agreeing on his term is high but not definite. Also, Riz is well aware of Inverloch's attitude toward his kingdom. They are cautious.

In case they refuse, Riz does not mind fighting an exhausted army and taking one or two of their cities.

"I understand." Samuel nodded. Having nothing else to ask, he stood up from his seat, probably going to make some arrangements for his departure.

....

It didn't take long for Samuel to assemble one hundred soldiers and horses, all fully equipped with weapons and rations.

The soldiers currently stood in formation, awaiting instructions.

Looking at the serious and disciplined soldiers before him, Riz nodded approvingly. "You all don't need to look so serious. You're not going to war, so relax a little bit. This mission is a quick one. It will end before you know it."

Words from the king work like a spell. The tense atmosphere instantly dissipated.

Turning toward the governor, Riz said, "Since you're ready, then quickly depart. I don't want this matter to drag on."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Samuel took the lead, climbing onto his horse and urging it southward. The soldiers followed closely behind.

Within a few minutes, the cityscape gradually shrank away, fading from their sight as they ventured further from the Baroks.

There's no time to waste.

Although the king ordered him to go to Larkish, he was merely pointing in a general direction based on the information he had. As for the exact location, it remains ambiguous.

They, including the messenger sent by Isaac, were completely ignorant about what was happening in the meantime.

Hopefully, Larkish has not yet fallen. If the city falls, the chance for the war to end will decrease significantly.

Why? Because Inverloch had a breakthrough after so long. It would be foolish to stop. They may think twice once they heard Ryntum's threat. But the risk is worth taking.

"Let's increase our pace. Be sure to keep up, soldiers," Samuel commanded.

"Yes, sir!" came the unified response from the group of a hundred soldiers behind him. The urgency in Samuel's voice resonated with them and they adjusted their pace accordingly.

Since they took a route to Larkish by crossing the kingdom of Inver, the journey would be rough. They had to go through rugged terrain in the south then change direction and go eastward.

The road network in Inver was not as developed as Ryntum. And most of the journey required them to move eastward.

Samuel's initial intention was to reach Larkish by going through Ryntum's territory, specifically by moving eastward first and then going southward.

That way, the journey would be much faster since the road eastward in Ryntum's territory is flat, wide and well-connected.

However, Riz disagrees. If he follows Samuel's suggestion, the soldiers will emerge on the Inverloch Empire's side instead of Inver.

It may cause Inverloch to misunderstand, thinking that they gained support from Ryntum. Moreover, Samuel will have a hard time convincing the empire to stop.

But, Ryntum appears on Inver's side had a desirable effect. The aim is to show that his kingdom is leaning toward siding with Inver if the conflict continues.

Samuel's presence on Inver's side can also be considered a deterrent for the empire.

Inverloch will not act rashly. They will be more prone to accepting his term. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

....

After three days of pushing the horses to the brink of death, Samuel and the contingent of soldiers finally arrive at Larkish.

Thankfully, the city hasn't fallen. The Inver are also anxiously awaiting Samuel's arrival so their way in was smooth and unhindered.

Samuel takes a chance surveying the city. A heavy sigh escaped him. "This place can hardly be called a city anymore."

The scene that greeted them was one of utter chaos.

The streets were in disarray. People moved hurriedly to and fro with a tense face. Materials and belongings were scattered haphazardly along the streets, adding more to the disorderly atmosphere.

Rather than calling Larkish a city, this place resembled more of a disorganized logistic hub.

Samuel simply hopes this circumstance is temporary and everything will return to normal.

"It's quite shocking, isn't it?" A voice asked.

"I'm sorry?"

"Coffin used to be an item rarely seen in public. Now, it is littered everywhere. The once flourishing city has turned into a city of death."

"If we consider the scale of war this place is currently facing, I don't find it surprising at all. A lot of cities in Ryntum have been in this kind of situation. Everything will go back to what it used to be. So, don't worry."

"I appreciate your kind word sir..."

"My name is Samuel Lazo, mayor of Baroks-Nyirdi Province." He reached out his right hand and offered a smile to the man he was talking to.

"So, it's turned out Ryntum sent a mayor. Nice to meet you, Mayor Samuel. I'm Duke Jean Yolger, the Inver's minister of war." Right after his self-introduction, Jean asked, "Can I take your presence as a sign that Ryntum will help us?"

Samuel smiled, "We are here to end this war, not joining it."