**Chapter 125: We Are Marching, but Unwanted Company Follows**
To quell the rebellion led by Marquis Aiger, a hundred thousand soldiers, commanded 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. Instead, he appears to be setting up camp in the basin near the Royal Capital side of his territory, preparing to confront us head-on,” Rest Clover remarked.
As they advanced into enemy territory, ‘she’ provided information without Rest even asking.
“Normally, the side with fewer numbers would be wise to fortify themselves. But… do you know? A siege only works if there’s a chance for reinforcements. A siege without the prospect of aid merely postpones defeat, offering no chance of victory at all. It seems Marquis Aiger understands this well.”
“…I see.”
“In open plains, the larger forces of the Kingdom Army would have the advantage. However, they have already established their position, and we will be charging into enemy territory. Considering that their numbers are still growing and they hold the geographical advantage… it’s unwise to underestimate this battle as one we can easily win.”
“……….. I understand. But… may I ask you something?”
“What is it? I’ll answer anything I know.”
“Why are you here… Yuri?”
Rest Clover, riding an unfamiliar horse, was approached by Yuri Cattleya, who casually struck up a conversation. She was a classmate from the academy and the daughter of the knight commander, Marquis Cattleya.
“I can’t believe it, but… did you come along? You didn’t sneak out without telling Viola and Primula, did you?”
“Oh, there’s 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 it even more concerning?”
Since the academy had closed, Yuri had been staying at the Townhouse of the House of Marquis Rosemary, and Rest could easily imagine the worried expressions on the faces of the two girls.
“Moreover, you’re planning to take the enemy commander’s head… does that mean you’re intending to participate in the war?”
“Of course! That’s why I’m here.”
Yuri puffed out her chest as if to say, “What do you expect?” Her ample bosom was accentuated by the light armor she wore.
“We’re learning martial arts and magic at the academy to confront the Kingdom’s crises, right? Isn’t today the very moment for that? Why should we keep our honed bodies and skills locked away?”
“That’s… a fair point.”
“Ah, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not blaming those who aren’t on the battlefield. Everyone has their role according to their birth and position, and there are battles to be fought. For instance… Viola and Primula staying behind to protect your home is their way of fighting. To think, ‘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…?”
“Exactly. I have no title, no position, and nothing to protect. So, isn’t this the time to fight with everything I’ve got?”
“………..”
Rest searched for a reason to send Yuri back to the Royal Capital, but unfortunately, his mind couldn’t conjure such convenient words. Yuri Cattleya operated on a completely different wavelength from Rest and the Rosemary Sisters. Once she set her mind to something, she would not waver.
“Um… excuse me, if I may?”
In the silence that followed, Diable raised his hand.
“The vice commander of the Kingdom Army is supposed to be the knight commander, Marquis Cattleya. Would it be acceptable for you to meet 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 run away to attend the academy. If he mentioned her father, perhaps he could send her back.
(As expected of Diable-sensei… your insight is remarkable!)
“Hmm… that’s true. My father is in this army.”
Yuri’s face twitched slightly, but the next moment, her expression brightened.
“Well, it is what it is. If we meet, I’ll just have to accept it!”
“Y-You can give up that easily…?”
“Well… didn’t I say I wouldn’t participate in the Magic Hunt Festival because my father would be there?”
Diable’s face contorted, and Rest raised an eyebrow in confusion. Yuri, who was rather… no, extremely brawn-over-brain, had indeed stated she wouldn’t attend the festival because she didn’t want to face her father, who would be attending as a guest.
“I… I just don’t like broccoli.”
“Huh?”
“It’s not good to be picky. After coming to the House of Rosemary, 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 issue with your father on the same level as broccoli…?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll act as a volunteer soldier without causing any trouble for the House of Rosemary, so you don’t need to concern yourself.”
“…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 be honored just like you, Rest!”
“………..”
“Wow! If that happens, my conflict with my father will be resolved! If I establish a new house and become independent, I won’t have to deal with him anymore. Yes!”
“……Just do as you please.”
It seemed futile to argue, so Rest decided to let her have her way.
“Please, just make sure to value your life… If you die, Viola and Primula will be heartbroken…”
“Hmm? Wouldn’t you be sad too, Rest? Even if I died?”
“Of course, I would be sad… You’re an important friend.”
“I see… yes, that’s true!”
Yuri’s face lit up with a friendly smile, reminiscent of a big, goofy dog.
“Then let’s do our best to survive! Let’s compete to see who can achieve the most merit!”
“………..”
Just do as you please. Rest muttered that once more in his heart.