Chapter 103: Off to Lease!
A few days have passed since then, and Natalia-san has been coming over to play every day.
Her target is Yuri. She’s been boldly declaring that she wants Yuri as her little sister. Though, mentally speaking, Natalia-san is more like the little sister.
Thanks to her, I’m still in Leben even though the Imperial Army has started to move.
Of course, I’ve been conducting reconnaissance, so I’ll make it in plenty of time, but it’s about time I left. So, I informed Ignat that I’d be leaving Leben for a while.
He repeatedly asked if it was really okay for him to be living so peacefully, but I convinced him by saying, “I’ll work you hard once I can trust you, so for now, just take it easy.”
I’m taking forty soldiers led by Genzou-san.
I was a bit anxious about whether it was okay to take so many, but it seems the number of soldiers in Leben has increased without me noticing, and there are now close to a hundred Leben soldiers alone.
It’s true, I now vaguely recall telling the captain in Leben to increase the number of soldiers.
However, they’re apparently quite weak and can only be relied upon for menial tasks, so it was decided that ten of our soldiers would be left behind as a precautionary measure.
This time, our destination is close, so we’re traveling by land.
Lease is a battlefield, so Raku and the others are staying behind.
It had been a while since we traveled in a way that included camping out, so, conversely, it felt a bit refreshing.
And so, after all that, we arrived at the town of Lease.
When I saw it from the sky, it had a desolate air about it, but now it was overflowing with people.
Vendors were shouting their wares, creating a lively, bustling atmosphere.
Is this what they call a wartime boom, I wonder?
We stopped by the lord’s manor to first greet the lord entrusted with this place. It turned out that the Listol Count Family had been put in charge.
I felt a bit heavy-hearted, but as an allied nation, we couldn’t just pass through without a word, so we reluctantly stopped by.
“Well, well, for the prince of the Belfast Kingdom to personally join the battle.
It is most reassuring that you seem to be properly considering our friendly relations with Lestall.”
The one who emerged was an older man with a small mustache.
Both Genzou-san and Yuri were exuding a tense atmosphere.
“If you truly think so, then it was worth coming.
Today, I’ve come in a hurry to request permission to pass through to the fort. Would that be alright?”
I don’t know what kind of person this man is, but I have no intention of being indebted to him here.
To be perfectly frank, I’d rather avoid even eating a meal here.
Even though I have Elixirs, I just plain dislike eating in a place where I can’t feel at ease.
“That is, of course, acceptable, but… ‘in a hurry,’ you say?”
“Yes. According to the information we’ve gathered, the Empire has already begun to move.”
“Oh…? May I inquire about that information…?”
There was no particular reason to refuse, so I agreed, and we moved to the reception room.
Afterward, I only conveyed the information that an army exceeding thirty thousand had mobilized from the Imperial Capital.
“Where did that information come from…?”
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously, remarking that all the borders were supposedly sealed.
“I’d like to keep the source confidential.
The information war has already begun, so we don’t know where the Empire’s ears might be.
It concerns the lives of my comrades, so please understand.”
“That is troubling… very troubling indeed.
If you conceal information in such a manner, Prince, suspicion will inevitably be cast upon you, you know?”
As Count Listol spoke with an utterly condescending expression while fiddling with his small mustache, I was thoroughly convinced. ‘Ah, he really is that guy’s father.’
Isn’t it normal to sometimes be unable to reveal information sources in the first place?
Even if we’re allies, this is still another country. Is he an idiot?
I mean, if I could say it, I would, but if the information source reached the Empire, Ignat’s family would probably be held responsible.
Wait a minute…
Is this information actually okay to share?
I did get information from Ignat, but ultimately, this is information I confirmed by flying there and seeing it for myself.
If that’s the case, then fine.
But just saying it plainly is somehow irritating, so I’ll give him a deliberately provoking answer.
“It’s quite alright. King Lestall would understand how we could detect the army’s movements. I have properly informed His Majesty, after all.”
“In that case, why conceal it here?”
“Isn’t that just as I stated at the beginning?”
I offered a sweet smile and tried to provoke Count Listol.
Uncharacteristically, Genzou-san was looking down on him with a smirk.
“That is all the information I have, so I shall take my leave quickly. Excuse me.”
“What! Our conversation isn’t over ye—”
As Count Listol stood up and reached a hand towards me as I was about to leave the room, Genzou-san grabbed his arm, stopping him.
“To lay a hand on our country’s prince, what is the meaning of this, I wonder?”
“Wh-what are you saying! To claim I laid a hand on him just now is too tyrannical!”
“Oh…? You don’t even comprehend that your own behavior is out of line?
To grab a member of royalty to stop them—you would have no grounds for complaint even if you were cut down for it.”
Genzou-san, firmly gripping the Count’s arm, looked down at him, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
He usually maintains such a reserved demeanor; I wondered if something had happened between him and the Listol family. Despite my slight curiosity, I called out, “That’s enough, Genzou-san. Let’s go.”
I can’t afford to put a crack in the alliance, after all.
If I, the one who told everyone to endure this alliance, were to cause such a problem, I’d probably be completely ostracized.
Up to this point, the other party is clearly at fault, so there’s no issue.
Or rather, I haven’t done anything wrong.
Right now, there wasn’t even a need for excuses, so deciding it was safest to stop here, I briskly left the place.
As I coolly boarded the Beast-Drawn Cart, Genzou-san bowed his head.
“Given the circumstances, that was problematic behavior. I deeply apologize.”
“No, on the contrary, it might have been good. A show of force is necessary for those types of people.
You stopped at a point where it wouldn’t cause problems for the alliance, so I think it was a job well done.”
Yuri nodded repeatedly, and we shared a moment of understanding with a mutual “Right?!”
But when I asked Genzou-san why he had been so angry, it seemed he knew about the Julian Ristol incident and had gotten angry on my behalf.
He knew details I hadn’t even told the generals, so when I asked where he’d gotten the information, the girl next to me—Yuri—raised her hand.
Ah, I see.
Of course, it’s only natural she’d know the details.
As we continued talking, the base camp soon came into view.
It was the main encampment, situated just before the fort.
As far as the eye could see, countless tents were pitched, and various flags were raised.
“Where’s ours, I wonder?” I said, looking around for the flag bearing the design that was flown at Belfast Castle.
“It’s over there, sire,” Genzou-san said. Following his gaze, I saw a familiar flag raised off to one side. We veered off the road and moved the Beast-Drawn Cart forward to join them.
Upon entering our encampment, I was surrounded by familiar faces.
They noticed me right away and guided me to where the general was.
“Y-Your Highness, you’ve arrived already?!” the general exclaimed in surprise.
Inside, besides Roosevelt-san, were Viscount Dora and other senior members.
“Yes. The Empire has made its move.
I believe we still have about two days, but I thought I should come and assess the situation.”
“Their numbers…?” he asked. When I replied, “I believe there were at least thirty thousand,” he frowned, his brow furrowing with a troubled expression.
“Well, this time we also have twenty thousand troops, and we’re here as reinforcements.
Of course, just watching from the sidelines won’t be possible, but as long as we demonstrate our usefulness, there shouldn’t be a problem with repeatedly providing support from the rear to some extent.”
That’s right, there are twenty thousand of us here alone. Apparently, another five thousand are still to come.
“By the way, is Pops still in Mildrad?”
“No, if all went according to plan, he should have returned to the castle, sire. It’s problematic for the King to be away from the castle for too long, after all.”
He returned to Belfast. That’s a relief.
Well, my Pops is strong too, so even if assassins came, he’d probably turn the tables on them.
“Um, what should I do for now? I should go pay my respects, right?”
“Indeed. It doesn’t have to be right this instant, but you should announce your arrival and meet with Marquis Randall before the battle begins.”
Ah, so Marquis Randall is the commander-in-chief after all. He is Lestall’s strongest, after all.
If it’s Riana-san’s father, I can rest easy. I should also go and thank him for saving me.
And so, I immediately announced I was going. Guided by the general and Roosevelt-san, we paid a visit to the Marquis Randall family’s encampment.
Apparently, they were in the middle of a meeting. Apart from the soldiers, six middle-aged men in military uniforms lined up to greet me.
My heart was pounding a bit, but I was relieved to find that half of them were acquaintances.
“Well, well, for the Prince himself to grace us by joining the battle.
I am Falt Zell Randall, entrusted as the commander-in-chief for this campaign.
I look forward to working with you.”
“You are… I’ve heard a great deal about you. I am Louis von Belfast.
I am indebted to your daughter, Lady Riana, for saving my life.
To the Marquis Randall family, I offer my deepest gratitude once more.”
He had a youthful appearance, but since he was entrusted as commander-in-chief, I assumed he was probably her father and bowed deeply. However, he replied by thanking me instead for protecting his daughter.
“If we’re talking about having our lives saved, then I’m in the same boat. I never imagined you were a prince.
I apologize for not being able to thank you properly then. Allow me to express my gratitude as well. Thank you.”
Prince Riley said, bowing his head with an elegant gesture.
“No, no, I’ve already received thanks from His Majesty. More importantly, Your Highness, is it alright for you to participate in the battle?”
“That goes for both of us, doesn’t it? Well, I can’t fight, though…”
“Does that mean your role is symbolic, or perhaps that of a strategist?”
Even as a symbol, his presence is meaningful enough.
The soldiers will likely be fired up, thinking they absolutely cannot lose or retreat.
I’ve heard from His Majesty that Prince Riley is excellent, so he might also be capable of serving as a staff officer.
“No, I can’t quite manage something on the level of a tactician, you know. But I have formulated a plan to some extent.”
The Prince replied with a bright smile.
Even though it was likely his first battle, I was made to feel that he possessed considerable courage.
“Um, Sensei and Viscount-sama, you’ve joined the battle too, haven’t you…” When I sent a glance their way, they made sour faces.
I wondered if it was because they were forced, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
“This is a public setting. There’s an order to greetings, you know,” Sensei informed me, and I, startled, turned back.
“My apologies,” I said, facing the two individuals I hadn’t yet spoken with.
“I am Count Hold Seales, Holy Knight, commander of the Kingdom of Lestall’s army. For your reinforcements to Belfast this time, I offer my deepest gratitude.”
“We’re all acquaintances, but allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Viscount Borg Oldam. A pleasure to work with you.”
“I am Holy Knight Owen. I have been granted the rank of Baron, but I do not yet have a family name. I served as Prince Rui’s instructor in Oldam. A pleasure.”
“Holy Knight Shinzou. I hold the rank of Viscount, and like him, I have no family name… I am.”
Not having a family name decided meant he was the one who had received the peerage himself.
His speech was hesitant, and I strongly felt he wasn’t used to these kinds of situations.
He seemed a little younger than Sensei, perhaps.
For some reason, he was someone I felt a sense of affinity with.
Looking at the Marquis, Sensei, and Viscount Oldam, they were likely some of Lestall’s most prominent knights.
Since it was my first time meeting Count Seales and Viscount Shinzou, I introduced myself again, and then I was prompted to take a seat.
I immediately stated that I had confirmed the army’s departure, intending to share information.
“What!? Seriously, they’re already here!?”
“Yes, I don’t know the exact numbers, but from what I saw from the sky, it looked like around thirty thousand…”
General Razbel glared at the surprised Viscount, saying, “Hey, you just said yourself this was a public setting,” but I interjected, “The greetings are over, so it’s fine now, isn’t it?”
After that, I heard about the flow of events leading up to the start of the battle.
Apparently, after both sides finished deploying their formations, the generals would exchange words.
They would deliver the set phrase, “We do not permit your march through the Kingdom of Lestall. If you do not withdraw immediately, we will resort to military force,” and the battle would commence after hearing the enemy’s response.
The Marquis said it was like a ritual to make the soldiers understand that battle was inevitable, even though it was already clear it would come to that.
“There is one thing I must tell you. I apologize to your side, but we have a traitor among us…”
Prince Riley nodded at the Marquis’s words and continued.
“It’s Count Listol, whom we entrusted with the defense of Lease. I believe there’s a nine out of ten chance he’s connected to the Empire. Therefore, I’m thinking of having him lead the vanguard, but things might get a little chaotic at first.”
At those words, Roosevelt-san furrowed his brow.
“We will not cause your side any trouble,” Prince Riley continued. “If we push him towards the enemy side, even if he raises the banner of rebellion, we will crush him ourselves.”
“No, that’s not it, Marquis Randall,” Roosevelt-san interjected. “When Count Listol shows his betrayal, would you allow us to strike him down with our own hands?”
The Marquis turned a surprised gaze towards General Razbel as well, but he also nodded.
“Now that the alliance is formed, I was planning to give up on it, but the Listol family is the Prince’s enemy. That’s natural, right?”
“No, General, I’m alive, you know?”
I continued, “Besides, the family has nothing to do with it,” but Yuri cut me off with, “Rui, please be quiet!” and she too had solidified her intention to participate in the battle.
“Honestly, that would be helpful, but are you sure?” Marquis Randall asked. “Marquis Hestia is also sending reinforcements to Lease.”
“So that means the House of Marquis Hestia is also an enemy… What are their numbers?”
“Neither their numbers nor their strength are significant. About fifteen hundred. Those sent to Lease, that is…”
From there, the discussion between the General and the Marquis continued, and they talked about our group’s role.
It was decided that we would provide support by reducing enemy numbers with long-range attacks using guns.
The Marquis was somewhat perplexed by the peculiarity of our attack methods, but he said that if we could demonstrate their usefulness at the beginning, he wouldn’t mind us taking that position.
“In that case, it’s convenient that we can demonstrate it in the battle against Count Listol’s army, which you say are small fry.”
When I replied so, Prince Riley looked troubled. When I asked, he said he was thinking about how to adjust his planned strategy because of this deviation.
Upon asking, I learned that his plan was to send them as the vanguard, and his men, hidden within, would attack the Imperial Army, forcibly dragging them into combat.
“Ah, in that case, let’s definitely go with that! If the enemies fight each other, that’s the best outcome.”
“Are you sure?” Prince Riley directed his gaze towards the generals, but I replied before they could say anything.
“It doesn’t matter. My motto is ‘cherish life,’ after all.”
“Right?” I said, looking at my companions. The General scratched the back of his head, Yuri pouted, but Roosevelt-san, while sighing, showed a gentle expression.
“Indeed, Prince Rui-dono has always been like that,” Yuri said. “It’s a bit dissatisfying, though, since they’re not an opponent that makes me feel like my life is on the line.”
“Nah, it’s fine,” Razbel chimed in. “We can just watch him become an isolated, helpless clown and calm our nerves.”
I mean, in the first place, my thought is that the family has nothing to do with it. That’s different from the common sense here, so I couldn’t get their agreement.
However, since he’s apparently a traitor colluding with the enemy, I have no hesitation in striking him down.
If Prince Riley was going to arrange everything up to that point, I wholeheartedly welcomed it, and so I listened to the plan he had prepared.