Chapter 125: We Are Marching, But There Are Unwanted Guests
To subjugate the rebel Marquis Aiger, a hundred thousand soldiers led by Crown Prince Richard Aiwood marched southeast from the Royal Capital. Reports from spies sent ahead indicated that nobles from the Queen Dowager Faction had already gathered in Marquis Aiger’s territory, with enemy forces exceeding fifty thousand.
“I just heard from a knight that… it seems Marquis Aiger has no intention of fortifying himself. He appears to be setting up camp in the basin on the Royal Capital side of his territory, preparing to confront us head-on,” Rest Clover remarked.
As they advanced toward enemy territory, Rest received this information without even asking.
“Normally, the side with fewer numbers would be wise to fortify themselves. But… do you know? A siege is only viable with the prospect of reinforcements. A siege without the hope of aid merely postpones defeat, offering no chance of victory. It seems Marquis Aiger understands this well,” she continued.
“…I see,” Rest replied.
“In open plains, the larger Kingdom Army would have the advantage, but… they have already established their position, and we will be charging into enemy territory. Considering that their numbers are still increasing and they hold the geographical advantage… it would be foolish to underestimate this war, thinking it is guaranteed victory.”
“………… I understand. But… I have a question. Is it alright if I ask?”
“What is it? I’ll answer anything I know.”
“Why are you here… Yuri?”
Rest Clover, unfamiliar with riding a horse, was marching alongside Yuri Cattleya, who casually approached him. Yuri was a classmate from the academy and the daughter of the Knight Commander, Marquis Cattleya.
“I can’t believe it… did you come along? You didn’t sneak out without telling Viola and Primula, did you?”
“Ah, no need to worry. I left a note behind. It said, ‘I’m just going to take the enemy commander’s head.'”
“Doesn’t that make you even more worrisome?”
Yuri had been staying at the Rosemary Marquis House since the academy was closed, and Rest could easily imagine the worried expressions on the faces of the two girls.
“Moreover, you say you’re going to take the enemy commander’s head… do you intend to participate in the war?”
“Of course! That’s why I’m here!” Yuri declared, puffing out her chest as if to say, ‘What do you mean?’
Her ample bosom was accentuated by the light armor she wore.
“We’ve been learning martial arts and magic at the academy to confront the kingdom’s crises, right? Isn’t today the very moment for that? How can I possibly keep my honed body and skills hidden away?”
“That… does make some sense.”
“Ah, don’t get me wrong. I’m not blaming those who aren’t on the battlefield. Everyone has their roles based on their birth and position, and there are battles to be fought. For instance… Viola and Primula staying home to protect your place is their own form of fighting. Thinking ‘I’m on the battlefield, so I’m better than them’ is nonsense.”
“So… you mean to say that coming here is your way of fighting, Yuri?”
“Exactly! I have no position or title to protect. Therefore, isn’t it only right that I fight with abandon in times like these?”
“…………”
Rest searched for a reason to send Yuri back to the Royal Capital, but unfortunately, no convenient words came to mind. Yuri Cattleya was acting on a completely different thought process than Rest or the Rosemary Sisters. No matter what Rest said, once Yuri made up her mind, she wouldn’t waver.
“Um… excuse me, if I may?”
Dibble, who had been nearby, raised his hand to speak in Rest’s stead.
“The deputy commander of the Kingdom Army should be the Knight Commander, Marquis Cattleya. Is it alright for you to face your father?”
“Oh…!”
Rest let out a small cheer. Now that he thought about it, Yuri had been at odds with her father, which was why she had been living at the academy.
If he mentioned her father’s name, perhaps he could send her back.
(As expected of Professor Dibble… his insights are remarkable!)
“Hmm… that’s true. My father is in this army.”
Yuri’s expression tightened slightly, but the next moment, her face lit up with excitement.
“Well, it is what it is. If we meet, I’ll just have to accept it!”
“Y-You can give up that easily…?”
“Well… I did say I wouldn’t participate in the Monster Hunting Festival because my father would be there, right?”
Dibble’s face contorted, and Rest shared his confusion. Yuri, who was quite the musclehead, had indeed said she wouldn’t attend the festival because she didn’t want to see her father, who was coming as a guest.
“I… I just don’t like broccoli.”
“Huh?”
“It’s not good to be picky, and after coming to the Rosemary estate, Primula scolded me about it. Thanks to her rigorous training, I can now eat broccoli.”
“…………”
So, she was trying to say that since she could now eat broccoli, she should also overcome her dislike for her father?
“Is your father and broccoli really on the same level…?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll act as a volunteer soldier without causing any trouble for the Rosemary Marquis House, so you don’t have to worry about me.”
“……Honestly, I would feel more at ease if you were somewhere I could keep an eye on you.”
“I’ll move freely on the battlefield. If I manage to take down the enemy commander, I might even be honored like you, Rest!”
“…………”
“Wow! If that happens, my issues with my father will be resolved! If I establish a new household and become independent, I won’t have to deal with him anymore. Yes!”
“……Just do as you please.”
It seemed pointless to argue, so Rest decided to let her have her way.
“Please, just take care of your life… If you die, Viola and Primula will be heartbroken…”
“Hmm? Are you not sad, Rest? Even if I die?”
“Of course, I would be sad… You are an important friend.”
“I see… yeah, that’s right!”
Yuri’s face lit up with a goofy, dog-like smile.
“Then I shall do my best to survive! Let’s see who can achieve the most merit!”
“…………”
Just do as you please. Rest muttered that once more in his heart.