Restart:Untalented Man



As the ships glided into the port, the sailors quickly went about their duties, pulling on ropes and adjusting sails to guide their vessels. The salty sea air filled their nostrils, and they could taste the salt on their lips.

Despite their exhaustion, they worked with a sense of urgency, eager to set foot on solid ground once again. Anchor ropes were thrown to secure the ships in place. As they docked, the gangplanks were lowered. 

The troops clambered down from the side of the ships onto the stone docks. With their feet thudding against the hard ground, they stretched their limbs. After days at sea, they feel relieved to be standing on solid ground.

The port was a bustling hub of activity with the presence of merchants and sailors. The noises of clattering carts, creaking ropes, and chatter of people filled the air.

Braun and Wagner stood at the helm of the ship, watching Blande's army unloading goods from the ships. With curiosity, the admiral asked, "Are you going to initiate the attack right away?"

"No," Braun shook his head. He made a change to the initial plan. "I'm planning to let them rest for today. Taking them to war when they're not fully recovered can be a fatal mistake. We need them in top condition if we're going to succeed." He then asked Wagner, "What about you?"

"Me?" Wagner lost in thought for a moment, "I plan to take a tour of the city before returning to the north. I wish you a successful conquest, General."

"Alright, take your time exploring the city," said Braun before getting off the ship. He then turned to face his soldiers and spoke to them. "We will march to war tomorrow. Take advantage of this time to be emotionally and physically prepared. Now, move to the city!"

Braun's words echoed through the soldiers' minds. The soldiers cheered as they were relieved to get a day to recuperate after the exhausting and terrifying voyage.

Some of them were eager to explore the city, while others simply want to sleep all they. They had to admit it, sleeping in rocking ships was not comfortable at all.

While maintaining their discipline, the soldiers organised themselves into columns and started to march orderly. Ignoring the locals who watched with interest, they moved in the direction of the city gates.

The soldiers arrived in the city and were greeted by the vibrant daily life of Harlington. The streets were filled with colourful market stalls that offered a wide range of products, while the children's laughter added liveliness as they dashed through the crowds. 

Albeit tempting with the arrays of merchandise, the soldiers focus on getting to the barracks that are located on the opposite side of the city.

....

Somewhere in the middle of the ocean,

The fleet belonging to the Principality of Barlia doesn't have it easy either.

They sailed for days, buffeted by rough waves and harsh winds.

Finally, after enduring storms and treacherous seas, the fleet anchored approximately 5 nautical miles from the shore of Cerdeaux.

In contrast to their ally, the Principality of Barlia had a more aggressive approach to territorial expansion.

This is the second time the Principality of Barlia sent their troop to the south. Another 50,000 soldiers, led by Sarika's superior were about to land. 

Currently, General Victor Shena is waiting patiently for the republic's response to grant permission for his army to land.

Although Barlia's intelligence network is aware of their awaited arrival, he has ultimately chosen to send someone to meet the president in hopes of speeding up the process.

The general expects President Walter to immediately give a green light.

It doesn't matter to him whether he makes an independent decision or he consults with their security board.

He believes even the president is well aware of the potential consequences he'll face if he disobeys.

His confidence stems from the fact that Barlia has significant influence in the republic. If Barlia wishes to, it can exert great political pressure on the republic and even threaten to intervene if the president disobeys.

"Sir! There's a small ship approaching us." shouted a crew member from the crow's nest.

On the deck, Victor who was lying on his beach chair and basking in the sun opened his eyes. He stood up and stretch both of his arms, letting out a yawn "Finally! Just how long do they need to take to send a reply? I'm tired of waiting."

The general prepared to receive the official envoy from the republic on his ship.

He put on a facade of readiness, projecting his stern and imposing image, which he believed was necessary to maintain his authority in front of the envoy.

The seasoned envoy, who has been working since the era of the Cerdeaux monarchy felt a sense of apprehension. The small ship he was on gradually approached Barlia's warship.

A written order was sent from the president's office to him with a task to relay Cerdeauxia's message of agreeing with Barlia's request. 

As a who loves his country, he found this order to be ridiculous. And so, he went to President's office to voice his concern.

The envoy recalled the conversation he had with the president. It wasn't a pleasant one.

"Mr President, I must speak with you about this order to allow a foreign army to pass through our soil," he said firmly. "I think it is a terrible mistake, and it'll only cause us trouble and danger down the road."

President Walter shook his head dismissively, "I assure you the order you receive is not a mistake." He said firmly, "This is a necessary move to maintain our alliances. We can't be seen as uncooperative by our neighbour."

For quite some time, he couldn't understand why the young president would be hellbent to maintain a relationship with Barlia.

To make things dicey, even people in the security council give their approval which shocks him. It was far easier than passing a bill benefiting the people.

He suspects there has been some sort of dealing in the background.

Nevertheless, who is he to pry too much?

Even so, he still protested. "But Mr President, this decision will only spare us an extra time. Sooner or later, they will turn their eyes on us. At that time, Cerdeauxia would be attacked by three sides; from Eikadir in the north, from the sea in the east and from land in the west."

Walter looks at the envoy with a stern expression. "Reginald, I appointed you for your vast experience to replace Andrew, the former President Matthew's envoy. However, it seems to me that you are still trapped in the past," 

The president continue, his finger tapped on the table. "This is no longer a monarchial era, and the North-South War has long passed. We have forged a friendly relationship with Barlia. The principality have repeatedly mentioned that their interest is not in our coastal land but in the vast flat land behind us."

"But, don't you think we should—" President Walter cut him off impatiently. "Enough, old man! The decision has been made and your concern is irrelevant. You may leave now if you've nothing to say." 

Reginald sighed as he realized that his efforts to convince Walter had been in vain.

Ever since Walter Thompson took office, the relationship between Cerdeauxia and Barlia improve by a leap regardless of public dissatisfaction.

Economically, the trade between the two countries does increases significantly.

But historically speaking, Cerdeuxian isn't that forgiving of what happened in the year 116 Paign Era. The invasion has changed the political and social landscape of this place.

With war once again rampaging throughout the land, the people of Cerdeauxia become highly sensitive to anything to Barlia.

Was the president not afraid of losing public support?

Did he trust Barlia's assurance too much?

Perhaps because the vast age difference between him and the president cause their thought process and priority unaligned. The younger generation seems to move on from the past so easily.

His mind can still vividly remember the end of the monarchial era, the harrowing execution of the Cerdeaux Dynasty and the beginning of the republic era. These events left an indelible mark on his memory.

Reginald firmly step onto the ship and was escorted to General Victor Shena.

The general scanned the envoy from top to bottom. He was an older man with a stout build, greying hair and a wrinkled face. Despite his weathered age, he seems to be full of vitality with his eyes sparked with wisdom.

"So, state the decision made by your president," Victor demanded with impatience. He didn't bother to ask for the envoy's name.

"The president agreed to let you pass through our country. However, I must inform you that it comes with the condition that you exited our country in three days. If you break this condition, we'll consider you an aggressor and take appropriate action." he said firmly, giving Victor a subtle warning.

Victor chuckled dismissively at the warning. His lack of concern was plastered all over his face. There's no reason to take the envoy's words seriously. Even so, he still reassures the old man albeit in a playful tone. "Don't worry, Sir Envoy. You've my promise."