Transmigrated as Baron, Married with my Lovely Maid-Chapter 47

"What about the transfer of our troops here?" I asked.

"Regarding that, our troops have secured all of Ventura’s armor. Although its armor is significantly stronger than ours, our troops must train regularly to become accustomed to using it. We still need about a month for that, Baron Atreus..." Alex replied.

"How many of our soldiers who are already accustomed to the Ventura troop’s armor can patrol here? Five days from now, I mean..."

"...probably around 200 soldiers, Baron Atreus. The remaining 400 soldiers likely need some adaptation training first, and I’ve planned for them to train in the Vermillion territory."

"Good. I agree with that. Just do it somewhere else, since I’m sure you know Duke Archer Aerilus will be coming here," I replied calmly, then turned my attention to Countess Azalea.

"Countess Azalea, explain to us again about Duke Archer Aerilus’s constraints when he comes here," I requested.

"Yes, Baron Atreus. Duke Archer Aerilus does possess a powerful connection magic with the three main parts of King Bahamut that were sealed in this land. More or less, Duke Archer can instantly teleport to any location where King Bahamut is sealed, one of which is the secret chamber of the golden palace of Aaren, where King Bahamut’s body is sealed. However, this privileged power is unique and limited to Duke Archer, so he can’t brings troops or guards with him when he instant-transports to this location while conducting surveillance. Furthermore, he can only do this once, with a seven-day interval between his last instant-transportation. Based on the timeframe of his last visit, Duke Archer’s arrival is most likely in five days." Countess Azalea explained slowly, prompting Alex and Cecile to think for a moment.

"...if Duke Archer finds out this place has been captured, I’m afraid he’ll not only mobilize his troops but also enlist King Victor Dragomir’s help in reclaiming the golden mountain of Aaren. With such a combined force, we likely won’t be able to match him," Cecile responded.

"Yeah... even though I have the dragon, The Great Wyvern, and the golem, Terra, it still doesn’t seem strong enough to face King Victor Dragomir’s full army. It’s too risky," I chimed in.

"Then we’re still following your idea, Baron Atreus. We’ve already taken most of the gold and Azure Crystals you requested to the Vermillion Territory. Although there aren’t many Azure Crystal Crafters in the Vermillion Territory, the abundance of Azure Crystals we’ve obtained will likely encourage many new Crafters in our territory, Baron," Alex said.

"That’s good news for me. If possible, I’d like us to have more Azure Crystal Crafters in the Vermillion Territory so we can develop high-tier armor and weapons independently in our own territory, Alex," I said calmly.

"Yes, Baron Atreus... but I’m still thinking about the risks that might arise when Duke Archer arrives here."

"What risks?"

"I’m worried that Duke Archer will realize that a lot of gold and Azure Crystals are missing from Aaren’s Golden Mountain, and he somehow will realize there are a group of people who conquered Aaren’s Golden mountain."

"About that, I don’t think you need to worry too much," Countess Azalea suddenly interjected.

"Duke Archer rarely checks how much gold and Azure Crystals are in Aaren’s Golden Mountain because all he cares about is King Bahamut’s body sealed there. Every time he comes here with his magical privilege, he only monitors King Bahamut’s body, then he returns to his residence. That’s all," Countess Azalea continued to explain further.

"Well... it seems that with that reasoning, it’s still perfectly safe for us to take the gold and azure crystals into our territory, Alex. Just make sure the gold and azure’s crystal are not too greedy so as not to raise suspicion on the duke," I reminded him.

"Understood, Baron Atreus." Alex bowed respectfully.

Five days from now, some of my troops will patrol here, disguised as Ventura’s troops so that Duke Archer won’t suspect that Aaren’s gold mountain has been taken over by Vermillion.

So far, all my plans have been going smoothly without any significant hitches.

However, when I saw the anxious and troubled look on Cecile’s face, it seemed like she was hiding something.

"Cecile... is there something you wish to discuss?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"O-oh...n-no, Baron Atreus...! "Everything is going smoothly according to the baron’s orders..." Cecile replied hurriedly.

"Are you sure about that? I mean... if you have any difficulties on your mission, you can-"

"I-I still can, Baron Atreus...! Just trust me...! I’ll take my leave first to make sure the Assassin squad is ready to become Ventura’s undercover squad, Baron Atreus...!"

Cecilia quickly lowered her head without looking at me.

I saw her panicked and slightly pale face, as if she didn’t want to show it.

I didn’t suspect Cecile because I knew she wouldn’t betray me.

However, I could sense that Cecile was hiding her anxiety.

I guess I’ll have to ask her again about her pent-up troubles another time.

"Proceed according to our plan, Alex, Countess Azalea. Stay focused and spirited, all of you. We’re racing against time, and we have five days left. Make sure all our instruments of power are ready to deceive Duke Archer later."

"Understood, Baron Atreus...!" Countess Azalea and Alex said in unison.

*

Five days had passed so quickly, and from my latest observation this morning, all of my soldiers assigned to stay in the golden mountain of Aaren were already wearing Ventura troop armor.

They were also accustomed to carrying out daily activities like Ventura troop troops on the golden mountain of Aaren, so Duke Archer wouldn’t suspect anything.

Alex and Cecile were also disguised in Ventura armor, scattered throughout the golden mountain of Aaren.

I had purposely positioned them far away from the palace because Duke Archer would likely become suspicious if he saw them.

This time, Countess Azalea and I walked down the palace hallway to the elevator, which magically transported us to the secret cave where King Bahamut’s body was sealed.

"Countess Azalea, there’s actually something I’d like to ask you..." I said as we arrived at the secret cave where King Bahamut was sealed.

"About what, Baron Atreus?" the Countess asked. Azalea, walking slowly, followed behind. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"About Sheiza. Even though we’ve hidden her in a special place, I’m still a little nervous, worried that Duke Archer will find out that his daughter is unconscious. I mean... what kind of father never asks about his daughter, right?"

"Heheh... it seems you’re being too positive about my husband, Baron Atreus. He doesn’t care about us. Every time he comes here, all he thinks about is King Bahamut sealed here, without asking about the two of us who have sacrificed so much here for so many years."

Hearing Countess Azalea’s answer in such a sad and somber voice, it seemed I wouldn’t have to think any further about Sheiza when Duke Archer arrived.

The two of us continued walking until we stopped right in front of King Bahamut’s colossal body, watching the blue magical light slowly glow in front of it, forming a magical circle that I knew would be a teleportation gate.

In a matter of seconds, I immediately donned my hooded invisible cloak, concealing my physical presence and magical powers.

Before me, Countess Azalea stood tall, facing the flash of blue light that grew brighter as the magical teleportation gate opened.

From there, a man in silver armor and a red cape descended.

His gaze was stern, his black hair with white sides, and his thick mustache were Duke Archer’s trademark features.

Countess Azalea bowed respectfully to him, but Duke Archer only stared at her coldly.

So far, he hadn’t noticed my presence, even though he was only about 3 meters away.

However, after only five steps, he looked at the direction where I belong.

His piercing gaze made me feel like something had landed on my chest.

Damn it.

Had my invisibility failed?

Did he know I was here?