20demayo Chapter 187 Diary
Chapter 187 Diary
Chapter 118 Diary
Lisanro Luojia's diary (the handwriting is slightly messy, with some corrections and exclamation marks)
Date: 99AC, an autumn night, Location: the heart of Valantis, the master bedroom of a manor that had just been "requisitioned".
Good heavens, this is like the wildest dream ever! Gold! Jewelry! Exquisite porcelain! I now possess more wealth than I could have squandered in ten years as a carefree young master in Ries!
By the Lord of Light! With Tiberius and Commander Jules by your side, money and victory will seem to spring up from the ground!
Why do we always have to keep running?! My butt is practically worn smooth by the saddle! I just get to sleep in a comfortable bed with silk blankets and pillows, and before dawn I have to get up and continue marching.
Tiberius called it "strategic maneuver," and Commander Jules called it "survival strategy"—well, I admit they were right, since every time we left a place, the pursuers from Valantis would arrive shortly afterward.
Moreover, this is the first time I've ever seen a war fought like this! We're practically acting in a play!
Yesterday he was posing as a prisoner, today he has to pretend to be one of those Lannister mine owners! And tomorrow he has to remember he's Braavost's envoy—
Just how many wicked ideas does Tiberius have in his head?
But—can't I just enjoy the fruits of my victory?!
But—to be honest, this time, we were incredibly awesome. Following them, although we were exhausted like dogs, we always won and always made money.
I admire them more and more. Commander Jules is as resolute as a rock, always so calm; Tiberius, whose head is full of all sorts of cunning ideas, always manages to lead us to the fattest lambs to slaughter; even Vito, that old scoundrel with a lewd mouth, is like a different person on the battlefield, his precision is terrifying.
Perhaps—this kind of life, where you make money while running for your life, is a little bit more interesting than drinking and gambling all day in Ries?
Of course, just a little bit! If I had a choice, I definitely wouldn't take such a risk again! I think I've already traveled all the roads I was meant to travel and ridden all the horses I was meant to ride in my life!
Forget it, time for bed! Who knows, I might have to rush to another manor before dawn tomorrow! Hopefully, I'll be able to snag a softer pillow next time!
Jules Maud's diary (the handwriting is steady and powerful, and the structure is clear, more like a military briefing)
Contents:
The situation took a sharp turn for the worse. Scouts confirmed that the main force of Valantis had successfully crossed the disputed river to the east and returned to their homeland.
Its vanguard is less than ten days' journey from our current position. The real crisis is only just beginning.
The original plan has largely failed. The upper reaches of the disputed river and the disputed lake area have become a huge vortex of attrition due to the large number of troops from both sides gathering there. Food and supplies are being frantically absorbed, and the area is no longer a reliable retreat route or supply zone.
The situation at the downstream ferry crossing on the east bank is unclear, and there is a risk that it may have been reoccupied by the enemy or become a no-man's land. Moving south rashly is extremely risky.
The Mil people attempted to advance towards the disputed lake from the direction of Lake Mil, intending to create a diversion. This move—(the handwriting pauses slightly here)—is better than nothing; it might slightly distract the enemy and buy us some precious time, but we should not place too much hope on it.
The only viable direction at present seems to be to continue southeast, deep into the heart of Valantis, and even threaten its capital.
This is an extremely dangerous move, akin to holding a dagger to the giant's throat, forcing him to defend himself. But if the giant were to strike back, we would be reduced to dust.
The troops are in relatively good morale and have amassed a substantial amount of loot, but they are exhausted from continuous battles. They need to find an opportunity for a short rest and try to obtain more accurate information about the enemy situation and the crossing points.
Tiberius was under immense pressure; though he appeared calm on the surface, he was, after all, still a child. Lisanro was growing rapidly, and Vito was reliable. Johanna—she was fine; I had to keep her alive.
Tiberius Mode's Diary!
We're all doomed!
Damn it! The main force of Valantis has really returned! Thirty thousand fierce warriors! And what about us? A few thousand exhausted soldiers!
I'm actually closer to the Lorne River than to the controversial river!
What kind of logic is this? We're closer to the capital of Valanthi than their main army is?! This is the most absurd case of getting lost and marching in history!
My plan? My self-righteous "brilliant idea"?
Bullshit! Now it looks like it was suicide!
I was only thinking about dodging the knife behind me, and I didn't see that there was a bottomless abyss in front of me! What do you mean by putting yourself in a life-or-death situation? It's clearly like stuffing yourself from a small coffin into a much larger one, made of alloy and lead, and sealed tightly with copper nails!
Every time someone impersonates another and every time they rob someone, they are using up all their luck!
The Valantians aren't fools; they're just stunned! They're overwhelmed by all the information! Once they realize what's happening, it's only a matter of time before they surround and kill us thousands on this plain!
Head south? Are we even still able to control the ferry crossing? Who knows!
Heading north? That's tantamount to suicide!
Return west? The upstream ferry crossing is probably too narrow even for a mouse to cross now!
I can't sleep every night. As soon as I close my eyes, I hear the thunderous hoofbeats of the Valantius heavy cavalry charging, rolling over like thunder—are we even a handful of people enough to fill their teeth?
Good heavens, if the Seven Gods truly exist, please: let Uncle Jules' scouts bring back some good news! Even just discovering an undefended ferry crossing that will allow us to cross the River of Controversy and return to Riseland!
Or, let that Valantis commander Marcus be a hundred times dumber than Mario Ferrero! Or else—(the handwriting becomes somewhat comical here)
At the very least, let his buttocks be like Sevita's, chafed from riding horses so much that he can't command battles because of the pain!
I have to keep a straight face—I'm the "brain trust," I can't panic. Uncle Tiberius relies on my judgment, Lisanro relies on my persuasion and is doing very well every day, even that Ironman named Sevita looks at me like I'm a goose that lays golden eggs.
And those guys from the Lightning Legion, Habro, Dmitri, and Lezapo were all relying on me for encouragement—but I was fucking scared!
(Handwriting slightly steady) Maybe—maybe the situation isn't so bad? After all, we're still moving, still creating chaos—but really?
We're all going to die!!!
Vito's Notebook (written on a few crumpled pieces of parchment, with crooked handwriting, interspersed with simple drawings and slang)
Date: ————Who the hell remembers the exact date?
Hahaha! I've never fought such a lavish battle in my life! We have so many gold coins we could skip stones on the water! Before, we had to share even a small amount of money with the guild leader and teammates, but now?
Now my pockets are stuffed full! But he's been running around way too much. In the morning, the River Bend Lord; at noon, the Dornish bandits; and in the evening, the Wildlings of the North—that little brat Tiberius, he's really got a lot going on! But it's good, he's got the Volantis running around like crazy.
Jules was still as steady as ever, except his brows were furrowed so deeply they could trap a fly.
That kid Lisangluo, surprisingly, didn't complain about being tired or overworked, and even knew to share the profits with his subordinates. That's interesting. It's just that he always sneaks into women's beds at night; I need to remind him to be careful, lest he die on a woman's belly one day.
The funniest one was Tiberius, acting like a little adult, giving orders with complete composure. But I saw him staring at the map in the middle of the night, muttering to himself, saying we were all going to die—
Kid, it's okay to panic, there's nothing shameful about it. I've fought half my life, and I'll still panic when I need to.
But honestly, this battle was fought in a really damn weird way!
But—that was exciting! Much more interesting than arguing with those idiots in controversial territory. I just wonder if I'll be sleeping in bed next time, or just taking a nap on horseback.
Johanna Swin's Notebook (written in neat handwriting and elegant language, in a small, hardcover notebook that she always carries with her)
Today I passed through a vineyard, the scenery was quite beautiful, and if it weren't for the smoke and dust in the distance, I would almost forget that I was in a dangerous situation. This is what war looks like, which I never imagined, and it is completely different from the songs and legends.
Lord Jules — (pauses slightly) His caution and decisiveness, like the most accurate compass, guided this perilous ship through the fog.
Every tactical deployment, seemingly simple and unadorned, always manages to secure victory at the most crucial moments. This is true military genius, far superior to the reckless brutes in epic tales who only know how to charge into battle.
Tiberius—is astonishing. His thoughts soared like a wild horse, and those seemingly absurd disguises and propaganda became our strongest armor.
Perhaps it was the pressure that brought out his wisdom and—cunning beyond his years? Today I have to play his sister-in-law (a fictional noblewoman from the Trident River region), and tomorrow I may be Lord Vito's sister, or Lord Lisanro's cousin, or that distant female pirate from Sevita.
This unusual experience gave me a new understanding of human nature and performance.
I witnessed fear, greed, and exhaustion, but also discipline, courage, and—humor? (It was a rare and amusing sight to see the rude Mr. Vito and the rigid Commander Jules trying so hard to put on an act.)
This was completely different from everything I had learned in Stonehelm. Here, there was no absolute glory, only survival and victory;
There are no permanent allies, only constantly changing identities. It's cruel and real.
I still felt fear, but even more so, a strange desire to learn. I wanted to see the truth of this war, to understand Lord Jules' decisions, and to figure out just how many bizarre ideas Tiberius still had in his head.
There is no single heroic epic here, only a complex picture woven from the wisdom of survival, strict discipline, and—the most straightforward desire for wealth.
It was rough and cruel, yet possessed a strange power. I began to understand why these soldiers were willing to follow them, to create their own legend on this unfamiliar land. But, I wondered, would the final chapter of this legend be a triumphant return, or—(ink dot, words unfinished). May the gods bless them.
Sevita's "Diary" (edited by the captured scholar, but still retaining a large amount of the original text)
(Date: Sometime after I became rich)
Fuck, that was awesome!
That idiot from the Valantis navy deserved to drown! No, not deserved it. If I had known the story would turn out this way, he wouldn't have survived a single night!
Thank goodness! If it weren't for that damned god's eyes! If he hadn't suffered such a crushing defeat! If his head hadn't been kicked by a donkey! Would I have been able to make such a fortune here? My bastards and scum who followed me all have pockets bulging, so much so that even silk is too stiff to wipe their butts with! They have so many gold coins that their horses are getting heavy, and they have to melt them down to pawn them before they can fit them in their bags!
Fantastic! This is what the Iron Citizens should be doing! Following the ancient path, letting the sword speak for itself!
Of course, the captain (Tiberius) also received a military salary—let's just accept it; the ancient road is the ancient road, and military salary is military salary. At worst, I'll work for him for a few more years.
They can run so fast! Like they're being chased by hounds! But considering this bag full of gold coins—I'll let it go! Next time, I'd better rob a place with soft beds and big-butt girls!
Riding a horse on land is absolutely inhuman! My buttocks and thighs are practically rubbed raw; it's even worse than being tossed around in the wind and waves!
But! Regardless, Tiberius is the most amazing captain I've ever seen. His brain is so sharp it's like he's been kissed by the Drowned God; he even managed to steal money doing things like this! Anyone who didn't know better would think I was acting in a play.