[watisit]

Originally Posted by Okashira

Spoiler:

Judging by the covers, volume 5 & 6 should be the border war on Balud's territory, and the guy he is fighting is probably that almost rival character that gets introduced later.

The king grants Balud a province to govern due to his many achievements throughout the arcs, and the king did this half trolling since that territory is a pretty dangerous almost dead zone with a bunch of chaotic circumntances like has no trade and infertile land that always ready to attack neighbor nation (the same that invaded Cornellius terrain early on, in fact many of the enemy characters are trying to avange Torus or have a personal grudge on Magotte).

It's softly implied that the king is giving test after test to Balud to see how he solves grave crisis, in case he ends up as royalty or getting the crown (one of the princesses went madly in love with him after he saved her and nursed her back to health). It's also hinted that the nobles that are aiming for that princess and dislike the upstart Balud are going to wage a civil war eventually (considering the competence and trollability of the king, he might even expect this and sees it as a chance to cleansing the closet, time will tell ).

As I recall

Spoiler:

One of the princess of his motherland ran away to join him, even if it meant being disowned.