translated_0127-第126話 大役を任されます

**Chapter 126: A Great Responsibility Bestowed**

The royal army, having arrived in the southeastern region of the kingdom 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 waiting.

The soldiers deployed along the gentle slope were more numerous than previously anticipated—likely around seventy thousand.

With the royal army numbering one hundred thousand against the rebel forces of seventy thousand, the royal army had the advantage in numbers, but the disparity was not overwhelming.

“There’s nothing but open ground in the basin… It doesn’t seem like they’re hiding any ambushes,” Diable remarked as he surveyed the battlefield from the hilltop. The expansive basin offered a clear view; there were no places to conceal troops. This meant a straightforward confrontation—a head-on clash was inevitable.

“Marquis Aiger certainly has a lot of confidence. Does he really think he can win by facing us directly?”

It was reasonable to expect that the royal army had the numerical advantage. Yet, instead of fortifying themselves, they chose to engage in open battle, selecting a location where subterfuge was impossible. It seemed almost foolish, bordering on arrogance.

“Marquis Aiger’s territory is predominantly flatland… While there are many places to deploy a large army, there are few spots to hide troops. Perhaps he intends to confront us here in the basin to prevent us from stepping foot into his lands.”

“Siege warfare requires reinforcements to be effective… Yuri mentioned that as well. Since they can’t fortify themselves, they have no choice but to fight on unfavorable terms…”

“If they had a fortress or stronghold, the situation would be different. However, building a fort in a place that isn’t a border area would be seen as an act of rebellion. Given that they’ve kept their intentions hidden until now, they likely have no other options.”

The reasoning was clear. In fact, Marquis Aiger had intended to use the Magic Hunt Festival to unleash the monster Subnock upon the royal capital. He had never planned for a direct confrontation, so it was no wonder he was ill-prepared.

“Moreover… sometimes, individuals can turn the tide of battle despite being outnumbered. Haven’t you learned that in your studies, Lord Rest?”

“The ‘Divine Spear’ Van Worley. The first king, Adamlet Aiwood. The ‘Divine Thief’ Jack All Woo…”

All of them were said to have single-handedly defeated armies of thousands and hordes of monsters. In a world where magic was commonplace, it was not unusual for a warrior to be capable of taking on a thousand foes. Commanders of knight orders or chief court magicians could easily slay a thousand common soldiers on their own.

(And besides… I could probably do that too. At least that much.)

While he wasn’t confident about taking on thousands, he believed he could handle a mere thousand soldiers by himself. Of course, he would never boast about it. He had seen enough of the disgrace that came from those who proclaimed, “I’m strong! I’m amazing!”—especially from his half-brother.

(Deeds speak louder than words. As long as I can produce results without boasting…)

“Lord 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 widened his eyes in surprise.

“Crown Prince…!?”

Standing before him was Richard Aiwood, the Crown Prince and commander of the royal army. The Crown Prince, slightly older than the Second Prince Andrew, approached with a gentle smile reminiscent of the king.

“You are the student who defeated the monster Subnock. I saw you at the award ceremony, but I must say, you are quite young.”

“Y-Yes! I’m honored!”

Rest hurriedly knelt, and Diable, along with the other soldiers nearby, followed suit. Beside Richard stood not only his knightly guards but also Marquis Cattleya, the commander of the knight order and his appointed aide. What could the Crown Prince want with Rest?

“Oh, please, there’s no need for such formality. I have a request for you,” Richard said.

“A request… for me, Your Highness?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Rest had inadvertently interrupted, but Richard merely nodded with a relaxed demeanor.

“Currently, our forces are facing the rebel army across the basin… and we will soon clash. At that time, I would like you to be the vanguard.”

“……!”

The term “vanguard” meant he would be the first to charge into battle. As a mage, it likely meant he was to unleash his magic.

“I wish to see the great magic you used to defeat the monster Subnock. I want you to strike the enemy with your most powerful blow to induce their disarray.”

Being chosen as the vanguard was a great honor on the battlefield. For the Crown Prince to entrust such a responsibility to a recently ennobled viscount indicated he had considerable faith in Rest.

“…Understood. I accept.”

With the Crown Prince giving the order, Rest had no choice but to comply. He remained kneeling, bowing his head respectfully.