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Many of them could have lived out their lives in peace without ever engaging in war. There was no imminent threat of foreign invasion, a food crisis causing mass starvation, or the destruction of industries due to a large-scale economic blockade. Despite the absence of such urgent threats, they were here.

Many of them would be wounded, spilling their entrails, writhing, and dying either today or tomorrow. Knowing the dangers, they still came here, either willingly or through conscription. They could have lived and ended their lives peacefully. It seemed like an inexplicable, irrational, mysterious supernatural phenomenon. Yet, one part of my mind, understanding the workings of society, considered it a natural occurrence.

The enemy was deployed in a very standard formation from a military standpoint. They formed a fairly wide and thick horizontal line in the center, with cavalry positioned on both flanks. However, there were no cavalry on the enemy’s left wing. They were hidden in the forest about three kilometers to the rear. These troops weren’t hiding to remain undetected as an ambush. Their presence was known through reconnaissance by Eagles.

Epitaph Palazzo likely didn’t think they were well hidden. Usually, having no cavalry on the left wing was unthinkable, so if they were hiding, it would likely be a small detachment for deception, just as I would do. By hiding in the forest, at least their numbers were obscured by the canopy, making it difficult to gauge how many cavalries were deployed. In reality, it was unreadable. Considering the initial force of 120,000, even though the numbers had likely decreased, it wouldn’t be surprising if about 10,000 cavalries remained.

The terrain was mostly flat from where the forest ended, and the residents of the northern royal capital had cut down the vegetation for firewood, leaving a wide-open area with no cover.

As I passed over the enemy camp, I scattered some papers from my bag. They fell gently. It seemed a subtle wind was blowing from the south to the north. Calculating the distance they would be carried, I released more papers from a bit further south, ensuring they fell nicely over the enemy’s heads. I then began to release a large number of papers into the wind.

The ten Eagles following behind me continued the task, scattering papers from different positions. The battlefield sky became filled with a shower of papers. It was beautiful.

When I returned to the Hou Household’s headquarters, I mounted a Galloping Bird and moved to the front line. I rode from one end of the formation to the other, as if conducting an inspection. There was no time to stop and give individual encouragements, but I rode as proudly as possible, having the Hou Household’s war banner displayed prominently by my attendants.

On the right wing was the Hou Household army, the left wing consisted of the army led by Tigris Hamon and the Rube Household troops, and in the center were the elite troops led by Dimitri Daz and the gunmen of Gin Toga. The battle line, about five kilometers long, seemed both long and short.

The gaps between the various units were narrow, and there didn’t seem to be any significant issues. I rode back again. Among these forces, the weakest was probably the one led by Tigris. This army had absorbed half of the Noza Household’s troops, but their intense training had only lasted about a month and a week. Even if they had been pushed to the limit, that period was not enough. It was a more worrisome element than Dimitri’s thinnest troops. Well, if they broke through, the reserve troops would handle it, I thought.

As I was on my way back, I heard the sound of a trumpet from the enemy’s side. I kicked the Galloping Bird’s belly and lifted myself off the saddle. Speeding up, I returned to the headquarters building on the northern edge of Sibyaku. It was just an ordinary house, but outside the building, numerous Galloping Birds and eagles were tied up, ready to relay messages.

We chose this location because it was the highest building close to the Hou Household headquarters. The roof had been flattened and stairs installed. Despite being only about six meters high, it was sufficient to see over our lines and into the enemy’s.

After handing the Galloping Bird’s reins to a soldier, I shouted,

“Hey, flag bearers! All troops, advance on foot! No change in the plan!” (Yuri)

The flag bearers, who had been on standby, raised the pre-prepared flags on poles planted on the battlefield. Seeing this, the eagles in the sky dropped ropes.

The ropes had lead weights at their ends, and flags were attached in succession along the ropes. The inertia from the Eagles’ flight caused the ropes to curve, but they generally served their purpose as flagpoles as practiced. I could see the three Eagles, flying over the right wing, center, and left wing, dropping the flags in succession like a game of telephone.

“Wait! Someone! Arrest her!” (Myaro)

There was a commotion inside the headquarters building. It was Myaro’s voice. Something must have happened. I entered the headquarters building.

“Stay back!” (Myaro)

The one causing the commotion inside was Tillet.

‘What on earth was going on?’

In the middle of the room, she had drawn a black blade.

‘Dangerous.’

“Guards! Quickly, restrain her! She’s gone mad!” (Myaro)

Inside the building, Tillet stood with a black dagger, surrounded by guards from the Hou Household. Myaro was on the outside, directing the guards.

‘What the hell?’

“What’s going on, Tillet? Have you betrayed us?” (Yuri)

I asked, half expecting it to be a joke.

“Yuri-kun, she— Yes! Quickly, capture her!” (Myaro)

“No!” (Tillet)

Completely opposite statements from both of them.

‘What on earth is happening?’

“What’s this about? We’re in the middle of a war.” (Yuri)

This was not the time to be witnessing a family squabble, much less a rebellion or assassination attempt.

‘For Tillet to betray me at this point would be tantamount to treason against the state. Not impossible, but highly unlikely.’

“I just want to make a report!” (Tillet)

“What are you thinking?! Are you out of your mind?!” (Myaro)

Myaro was shouting with an intensity I had never seen before. It didn’t seem like she was joking. If Myaro had the same physical strength as Tillet, she would have undoubtedly used force to silence her. That was how enraged she seemed. At first, I thought they were having an argument, but on second thought, it was strange for Tillet and Myaro to be quarreling.

“If you have a report, just make it. What’s going on here?” (Yuri)

“I need to speak with you alone. There’s a problem here.” (Tillet)

“No! It’s dangerous! Stop this!” (Myaro)

Tillet seemed calm, while only Myaro was furiously upset.

“Myaro, quiet down for a moment. This is the headquarters in the midst of a decisive battle. You don’t need to shout. I’ll hear your proposal.” (Yuri)

“Ugh…” (Myaro)

Myaro’s face twisted in agony. It was the kind of expression that might be described as chewing on bitter insects.

‘I still couldn’t grasp the situation. If Myaro were anyone else, I might think she was desperately trying to stop Tillet from exposing some grand betrayal she was planning.’

“So, what is it? Given the circumstances, speaking alone might be difficult.” (Yuri)

“Understood.” (Tillet)

Tillet agreed.

Tillet sheathed the black dagger and threw it into the corner of the room, effectively disarming herself. Then, she began undressing.

“Hey, what are you doing?” (Yuri)

Ignoring me, Tillet took off her top and then her bottoms, standing barefoot on the floor in her underwear, with her chest bound by a sarashi.

Sarashi Wrap

“Is this enough? Go ahead, tie my hands.” (Tillet)

She waved her hands, now behind her back, to the guard. Not waiting for the guard to tie her up, I grabbed Tillet by the upper arm and dragged her to the corner of the room.

“What are you trying to do? Do you realize what situation we’re in?” (Myaro)

This is the command center during a war. Whatever she intended, starting to strip was absurd.

“Speak quickly. You may not realize it, but I’m the commander of this decisive battle. I’m busy.” (Yuri)

Though there was still some time before the armies would clash, I couldn’t afford to be distracted by this nonsense.

‘In cavalry battles, the timing of commands is crucial. A delay of even a minute can cause catastrophic losses to our side.’

It was like a conductor leaving the podium in the middle of a performance to break up a domestic dispute. I needed to get back to directing the battle as soon as possible.

“Ki—” (Tillet)

The moment Tillet began to speak, something leaped from the side and wrapped around my head.

“Whoa!” (Yuri)

“Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh!” (Myaro)

‘What the hell?’

I forcefully detached Myaro, who had jumped at me, and instead of pushing her away, turned my body to hold her head against my stomach, muffling her with my hands.

“Mmmmmm! Mmmmph!” (Myaro)

“Now, speak while you can.” (Yuri)

” Carol-sama is in critical condition.” (Tillet)

‘—What?’

“Say that again.” (Yuri)

‘Did I mishear?’

“Carol-sama is in critical condition.” (Tillet)

As Tillet uttered these words, Myaro stopped struggling and seemed resigned.

“Right now, at this very moment?” (Yuri)

“About a week ago, her health took a turn for the worse. But this morning, consciousness was finally lost.” (Tillet)

“You idiot. Why didn’t you report your deteriorating condition?” (Yuri)

‘I told you to report immediately if her condition worsened. Why was this promise not followed, and why is news of her critical condition coming now?  Maybe she’s lying.’

“I believe it was Carol-sama’s decision. She said disrupting your last day before the decisive battle with a visit would be akin to treason against the state…” (Tillet)

“And are you suggesting I go to Carol’s place now, leaving behind 60,000 troops?” (Yuri)

“I am not serving the country. I am serving Carol-sama.” (Tillet)

‘The state’s welfare is irrelevant. Is Carol’s temporary happiness more important than winning this decisive battle?’

“That’s why I relayed the message, despite knowing it was foolish.” (Tillet)

“You fool.” (Yuri)

I let go of Myaro’s mouth.

“Yuri-kun, I’m sure it’ll be okay. Please stay calm.” (Myaro)

My head was spinning.

‘Now, at this moment, should I abandon 60,000 soldiers and go to Carol’s place?  Ridiculous.  These troops are here because of me. I’ve worked tirelessly to save this country. The culmination of my efforts is upon us.  And now you want me to throw it all away and go to Carol? Even if Carol were alive, even if I could talk to her, she’d ask me if I won the decisive battle. Would I lie, paint a false picture of her final moments, and let her pass away in happiness?

Ridiculous. Don’t hesitate. The decision was made from the start. I don’t have the luxury of pondering. Every minute of hesitation worsens the situation. Decide. If you’re satisfied, deal with it later. Choose the path with the least regret. There’s only one option. It’s already decided.’

“You all.” (Yuri)

I glanced around the room at all the soldiers.

“What you heard now is to remain confidential. If anyone speaks a word outside, even if we win this battle, you’ll surely regret it. If you value your lives, keep your mouths shut.” (Yuri)

‘My temporary royal authority has been fully delegated to Carol. It’s unrelated to the command structure of the Hou army, but it’s different for the Tigris army and the Rube Household, who were entrusted with the left wing. If news spreads that Carol has died, it could create division in some command structures. This is a crucial point that could bring defeat to us.’

“If there’s anyone listening outside this room, they better be prepared. No one will lose their life over a careless word that’s not worth a copper coin…” (Yuri)

I deliberately spoke with a slightly louder voice than when Tillet spoke earlier. My senses were sharpened to that extent.

“If you understand, please respond.” (Yuri)

As I said that, the soldiers replied one by one.

“Tillet.” (Yuri)

“…What?” (Tillet)

With eyes filled with hope, Tillet looked at me. I clenched my fist and struck his cheek with all my might. Tillet, who was smaller compared to me, flew off and hit the wall.

“Ugh— What was that for?” (Tillet)

“That was Carol’s anger. You’ve just trampled on Carol’s feelings.” (Yuri)

‘This guy, in the face of Carol’s imminent death, trampled on something she had endured so much for. Carol had made sure no news reached me to keep me from faltering, and now, because of his rampage, this mess. They lose their sanity when it comes to serving their master. Carol must have become critically ill, and they lost control in their extreme emotions.’

“The Carol I know wouldn’t want me to abandon the soldiers here and come to her. Now, I’ll take command.” (Yuri)

I ascended the stairs and went up to the rooftop.

—

TLN: The picture here is only for reference. It’s definitely not mine. Thanks for the picture.