Chapter 126: Entrusted with a Great Task
The Kingdom Army, having arrived in the southeastern region where Marquis Aiger resided, established their encampment atop a hill at the boundary of his territory. On the opposite hill, across the basin, Marquis Aiger was already lying in wait.
The soldiers deployed along the gentle slope were more numerous than previously anticipated. There were likely around seventy thousand of them.
The Kingdom Army boasted a force of one hundred thousand against the Rebel Army’s seventy thousand. While the Kingdom Army had the numerical advantage, it was not overwhelmingly so.
“There’s nothing in sight across the basin… It doesn’t seem like they have any hidden ambushes,” Dibble remarked, gazing down at the battlefield from the hilltop. The expansive basin offered a clear view, leaving no place to conceal ambushers. This meant… a straightforward clash. A head-on confrontation was inevitable.
“Marquis Aiger certainly has a lot of confidence. Does he truly believe he can win by engaging us directly?”
It was reasonable to assume that he was aware of the Kingdom Army’s superior numbers. Yet, instead of fortifying himself, he chose to fight in the open, selecting a battlefield where tricks and traps were impossible. It bordered on foolishness, beyond mere arrogance.
“The Aiger territory is mostly flatland… There are many places to deploy a large army, but few to hide troops. Perhaps he intends to confront us here in the basin to prevent us from stepping onto his land.”
“A defensive battle requires reinforcements… Yuri mentioned that as well. Since he can’t fortify himself, he has no choice but to engage in open combat, even if it puts him at a disadvantage…”
“If there were a fortress or stronghold, it would be a different story. However, building a fortress in a place that isn’t a border area would be seen as an act of rebellion. Given how they’ve kept their intentions hidden until now, they likely have no other options.”
The reasoning was clear. After all, Marquis Aiger had intended to use the Monster Hunting Festival to unleash the Magical Beast Sabnock upon the Royal Capital. He hadn’t anticipated a direct confrontation from the start, so his lack of preparation was understandable.
“Moreover… sometimes, individuals can defy the odds on the battlefield. Haven’t you learned that from your studies, Rest?”
“The Council of Sages’ ‘Divine Spear’ Van Wally. The First King Adamlet Aiwood. The ‘Divine Thief’ Jack All-Who…”
All of them were renowned figures said to have single-handedly defeated tens of thousands of troops or magical beasts. In a world where magic was commonplace, extraordinary warriors were not that rare. It was entirely possible for elite forces like the Knight Commander or the Court Mage Director to take down a thousand foot soldiers on their own.
(And besides… I could probably do that too. At least that much.)
While he wasn’t confident about taking down tens of thousands, defeating a mere thousand soldiers alone seemed feasible. Of course, he wouldn’t openly boast about it. He had seen enough of the embarrassment that came from those who proclaimed, “I am strong! I am amazing!”—especially from his half-brother.
(Deeds over words. If I can produce results without saying a thing…)
“Sir Rest Clover. There you are.”
As Rest pondered while gazing at the enemy camp, a voice called out to him. He turned to see the speaker, and his eyes widened in surprise.
“Crown Prince…!?”
Standing before him was Richard Aiwood, the Crown Prince and commander of the Kingdom Army. He was slightly older than the Second Prince Andrew, and he approached Rest with a gentle smile reminiscent of the King.
“You are the student who defeated the Magical Beast Sabnock, correct? I saw you at the award ceremony… You are remarkably young.”
“Y-Yes! I am honored!”
Rest hurriedly knelt, as did Dibble and the other soldiers nearby. Beside Richard stood his bodyguard, along with Marquis Cattleya, who had been appointed as the Knight Commander and his aide. What could the Crown Prince want with Rest?
“Ah, please do not be so formal. I have come to ask you for a favor.”
“A favor… from the Crown Prince to me?”
“Indeed.”
Rest, unable to contain his surprise, interjected, but Richard merely nodded graciously, unperturbed.
“Currently, our forces face the Rebel Army across the basin… It will not be long before we clash. At that time, I would like you to lead the First Charge.”
“……!”
The “First Charge” referred to the individual who would be the first to charge into battle. As a magician, Rest was expected to unleash his magic at the onset.
“I wish to see the great magic that defeated the Magical Beast Sabnock. I want you to strike the enemy with your maximum firepower and induce their panic.”
Leading the First Charge was considered a great honor on the battlefield. For the Crown Prince to entrust such a task to a young Viscount freshly awarded his title, there must have been significant reasoning behind it.
“……I understand. I accept.”
With the Crown Prince’s command, Rest had no choice but to comply. Remaining on one knee, he bowed his head respectfully.