Tower of Karma
Vol. 1 - Ch. 20 - Battle of Flanders (1): An Urgent Report

The newly reformed Carl Hundred, formerly known as the Carl Ten, continued their victorious streak. With a broader battlefield reach than when they were just a ten-member squad, their achievements naturally grew. William's strategy and combat prowess scattered the enemy, while Carl's charisma ensured their allies remained loyal.

Of course, bribes to colleagues and superiors were essential. If money could manipulate opponents to one's advantage, it was a small price to pay. Victories earned through skill and valor brought intangible rewards that mere gold couldn't buy—honor and reputation.

"White Mask?!"

"Too slow."

Swoosh—

The William Ten sliced through the enemy ranks effortlessly, targeting vital points. Their surprise attack came from the flank, catching the enemy off guard. They hadn't even imagined that William's squad had moved during the night, hiding in ambush.

"Unbelievable!"

Meanwhile, at the front, Frank, Ignatz, and the two squad leaders of the Carl Hundred fought valiantly. Who would suspect that it was all a ruse?

"Damn you!"

The enemy's Hundred Captain charged recklessly. A clash between cavalry and infantry—normally, cavalry held the advantage. The captain swung a spear down with all their might. William responded, his sword meeting the blow. The clash of blades echoed.

"Huh?"

The spear shattered—

"Nihiin?!"

In the same motion, William cleanly severed the horse's neck. He spun around.

"So, this is the 'White Mask'?"

The man was also bisected. Since their last encounter, William's combat skills had sharpened further. Despite being relatively new to the battlefield and recently starting a business, he was making remarkable progress. The confidence he gained elevated him.

Now, wearing his newly crafted mask, William Livius stood on the battlefield.

"The enemy commander—William Livius, the 'White Mask'—has been eliminated!"

The enemy soldiers broke, not only because their commander fell but also because they recognized the man behind the mask. Each fled in disarray. William chose not to pursue them.

"William, that was tough."

"You're exhausted."

Ignatz and Frank slumped down, drained. The surrounding foot soldiers were busy stripping weapons and armor from the dead. Weapons fetched a good price.

Once we accumulate enough gold, maybe I'll consider dealing in weapons.

Laurent's inability to handle weapons stemmed from lacking connections in the military. Currently, William's influence within the military was limited. Although his name was gaining recognition, he was still just a squad leader. However, that might change in the future. When it did, dealing with weapons would offer immeasurable advantages.

I'll oversee everything. To do that... I need to expand beyond gemstones and handle a wider range of goods.

William's mindset was akin to that of a general trading company. Not a manufacturer or specialized trader, but a comprehensive approach. If he could make all goods accessible only through him, it would elevate him beyond a mere king.

"Enough daydreaming about the future."

Focusing too much on distant goals would neglect the present. He needed to prepare for the next battle.

"Now, let's head back. Carl is eagerly awaiting our return."

"Agreed."

"Easy to imagine," Ignatz replied.

༺༻

Late! How much longer will you keep us waiting?"

Our irate knight was exactly as expected. Even Frank, Ignatz, and William couldn't help but burst into laughter. Seeing this, Carl grew even angrier.

"Don't be upset, Carl. We've eliminated the enemy. This means we've effectively secured this area."

Though small, conquering even a single piece of land held significant value. The Hundred's achievements weren't just about the number of enemy commanders they'd defeated; the captured territory mattered in the larger context. In that sense, this expedition had been highly valuable.

"Now, looking at it from Arcus, we've significantly expanded southwestward to Alnika. But perhaps we're sticking out a bit too far? Even against a small nation."

Lately, Carl had started voicing his opinions. It was a positive trend for him. William, too, appreciated that he no longer accepted strategies blindly but scrutinized their content and raised questions. Of course, if he became too clever, it could be troublesome—

"Agreed. So, no more advancing. This is our limit."

In truth, they had long surpassed the limit. Carl's Hundred had been pushed to the brink to achieve this lightning-fast march. If a counterattack came, it would be from here. And by then, William's squad wouldn't be here.

"That means we can finally return to Arcus after so long."

Frank's expression softened, and Ignatz breathed a sigh of relief. For nearly half a year, William and the others hadn't returned to Arcus. William, too, wanted to go back and fine-tune various aspects of his business.

However—

"Messenger! Conflict has broken out along the northwestern border with the Seven Kingdoms of Nederkus. The Carl Hundred must proceed immediately to the site and join forces with the local troops!"

Things rarely went as planned. Frank and Ignatz sighed. Carl wore a grim expression. Even beneath his mask, William felt exasperated.

"Unfortunately, our vacation is postponed. Let's prepare quickly."

Still, Carl and the others were soldiers. When orders came, they had to fulfill them, even if it meant pushing themselves beyond reason.

"Understood. The Carl Hundred will head promptly to Albas, along the Nederkus border."

These kinds of unreasonable demands were all too familiar to them.

༺༻

In the western part of Arcadia, bordering the nation of Albas, lies the fortified city of 'Flanders.' It was a major city in Nederkus and a hub for trade with the Seven Kingdoms of Arcadia. Currently, it was swarming with blue-clad forces.

Conspicuously parked in the central square was an unusually large carriage. Tethered to it were dozens of horses— and inside, sitting upon...

"So many boobs!"

The azure-clad noble, Rudolph le Habsbourg, the eldest son of the powerful Ducal House of Nederkus, was known as the quintessential playboy and problem child of Nederkus.

"Young master, what is the meaning of this situation?"

Rudolph was surrounded by breasts of all sizes – large, small, white, black, tan, yellow – a veritable 'collection.'

"Mmph, I'm getting buried in boobs! Squeezing attack!"

"Kyaa, Lord Rudolph is naughty!"

"Yes, Rudolph is naughty!"

Observing this scene with a bemused expression was Rainberka ri Patrizida, one of the Three Nobles of Nederkus, the sole woman among them and one of the few allowed 'color' within the predominantly blue Nederkus army.

"I inquire as to why you have meddled with Arcadia. Our nation currently has no reason to engage with Arcadia, and doing so may unnecessarily expose vulnerabilities to the southward Saint Lawrence, the superpower Galias beyond it, and the Seven Kingdoms of Estard with which we share borders."

Rudolph continued to mindlessly grope the breasts. Rainberka's words no longer registered.

A vein throbbed on Rainberka's forehead.

"The point is where the momentum lies. It's not with the newly ascended Ostberg, the reclusive Saint Lawrence, the superpower Galias, or the conservative, stability-focused Nederkus and Estard. The youthful vigor is with Arcadia. If we don't strike now, it may become a major obstacle down the line. Surely you've analyzed it that way, young master?"

Another vein appeared on her forehead. Turning abruptly, she drew her sword in a flash—

"Whoa there. I came when summoned. This treatment is harsh."

A dark-clad man had drawn his sword to parry Rainberka's. Rainberka's swordsmanship was among the finest in the land, yet this man effortlessly blocked her.

"Silence, base-born wretch. It is the height of impudence for the likes of you to speak so freely with the young master and myself, when you are not even worthy to meet our gaze. You would be well within your rights to have your head severed here and now."

"Ooh, scary scary. Go ahead, try it if you dare. I became a mercenary because I hate that kind of oppressive class divide. It's gotta be on equal terms. Otherwise, I don't take the job."

Behind the dark-clad man stood two others, their killing intent palpable. They were clearly skilled warriors— not opponents to be taken lightly.

"...But that guy's my guest. If you keep mouthing off, I might just have to kill you."

Somehow, Rudolph had enthroned himself amidst the breasts, surveying the scene imperiously. Rainberka's face paled.

"M-my apologies, young master. I overstepped my bounds."

Rudolph's warm, playful gaze had been replaced by cold, emotionless eyes. Rudolph was moody by nature, and those who incurred his displeasure would face his wrath, no matter how unreasonable— for he held the authority of the Habsbourg dynasty and the trust of the royal family.

"But equal to me, huh? You've got guts, 'Black Wolf' Volf. You'll have to rack up some impressive results to be considered my equal. You understand what that means, don't you?"

"Understood, Lord Rudolph le Habsbourg, the 'Azure Noble.' We're professionals, so you can count on us to deliver. Say, can I get a piece of that bosom action? Preferably a nice big one."

Rudolph chuckled wryly. Rainberka trembled.

"No way. These are all mine. But... there is one man I want you to kill. If you do that, I'll let you have one of the breasts."

Volf looked surprised. It was unthinkable for Rudolph to part with his prized possessions. But Rudolph was now offering one as a reward.

Likely, this battle was a stage set for that purpose.

"The 'White Mask,' William Livius. If you defeat him, I'll give you a breast. Oh, I'm so magnanimous! My generosity surpasses even the gods!"

'The White Mask' — Volf smiled. The mysterious man whose reputation had been rising lately, with his striking white hair and mask. Undefeated on the battlefield so far, retreating only when he sensed a lost cause. Volf had been intrigued by 'The White Mask' as well.

"Well then, with your permission..."

Volf pointed to a woman.

"What?! Don't be absurd! Of all people, to refer to me, Rainberka ri Patrizida, as a mere 'breast'!"

Rainberka, one of the Three Nobles of Nederkus, a position akin to a general or supreme commander in other nations.

"Wow, Rainberka's price is high. Looks like you've got something to look forward to, Volf."

"Of course. My undefeated record on the battlefield remains unchanged."

"...I've heard, though, that in Ostberg you..."

"That doesn't count. I still won overall. Anyway, I've got some preparations to make. Wait for me, my busty darling."

With that, Volf and his men departed the carriage. Left behind were the seething Rainberka and the breast-surrounded Rudolph.

"Surely you don't intend to hand me over, young master?"

"Yup. If they defeat him."

Rainberka deflated from her previous rage.Rudolph continued to casually grope the breasts.

"That's how valuable he is. Arcadia's current momentum is undoubtedly because of him. Ever since he appeared, the atmosphere in Arcadia has changed. Likely, Carl von Taylor is just a puppet. I'd never even heard his name before he became his subordinate. He's on a different level than Gilberto or Hilda. But right now, the most vigorous hundred-man unit is Carl's."

Rudolph's hand stilled, and he began biting his nails— a sign that he was using the sharp mind that his close associates knew he possessed.

"If we strike now, we may still be able to defeat him. But if he becomes a hundred-man commander, then a legion commander, or even a general... I doubt Nederkus would still be standing by then."

Rudolph suddenly grabbed the neck of a nearby tanned-skinned woman. She moaned and convulsed, her expression contorting grotesquely.

"So I'll kill him now, by any means necessary..."

Rudolph's face was devoid of any warmth as he crushed the woman's neck. He felt nothing, even as she collapsed lifelessly. To him, women were merely decorations. The only value that mattered was his own.

"Well, I'm in the middle of a breast festival, so I'll leave the rest to you. Oh, and be sure to restock the supply of breasts while you're at it."

"As you wish."

Seeing Rudolph burying his face in the breasts, Rainberka felt a sense of dread. As usual, there was no choice but to obey.