Chapter 3

"Whoa!"

Dandalion supported Ginova's collapsing body with one hand. The Lostco soldiers cheered at his victory. In truth, however, it was not an easy win. Evidence of the fierce battle was clear from the countless scratches on his armor. Ginova's armor was in the same state, a testament to the intense struggle.

"Your Majesty, you are unharmed!"

Staff officers ran up to Dandalion with smiles on their faces. Dandalion handed Ginova's light body to them, and as he did so, he sternly instructed them:

"Do not tie him up. Treat him as an honored guest."

"Yes, sir."

Dandalion watched as several staff officers carried Ginova away. Then he turned his attention to the defensive position built by the Antalya army. It was eerily silent, which made him suspicious. With a voice that carried well, he declared:

"Your prince is in our hands. Surrender!"

There was no response, not even a murmur. Thinking it was a trap, Dandalion ran forward. When he saw the scene, he let out a dry laugh.

"Haha... ha..."

The defensive position of the Antalya army was empty. They had used spears, helmets, and even the bodies of their fallen comrades to make it look as if they were still there. It was no wonder it was so quiet.

Dandalion realized everything. The one-on-one duel with Ginova was a decoy to draw his and the entire Lostco army's attention. While their focus was on the duel, the surviving Antalya soldiers had quietly retreated.

Thinking of a pursuit, Dandalion shook his head. They were near the border, and the Antalya soldiers had likely already crossed into their own territory. The sun was already hidden behind the mountains. Chasing them in the dark, in a foreign land where they had no familiarity, would be reckless.

Moreover, Dandalion had no time for such things. As Ginova had warned him before the duel, he needed to deal with the dungeon that had caused the stampede. They had managed to escape.

"Got us good!"

On a small hill near the border, looking in the direction of the Kingdom of Antalya, Dandalion shouted. He felt no frustration or disappointment, only amusement. He hadn't expected to feel so cheerful when he first received the news of the Antalya army's movements.

---

The news of the Antalya army's movement reached Dandalion in the imperial capital of Gargando, the Empire of Lostco, on February 16, 635 of the Imperial Calendar. The Empire of Lostco and the Kingdom of Antalya had a five-year non-aggression pact, and this year was the third year of the agreement. Dandalion, however, was not surprised. Treaties between nations were often broken. He immediately convened an emergency meeting and summoned the key figures.

"But to move the army at this time..."

"Antalya is a southern country from Lostco's perspective. It must already be quite warm."

"No, rather, they probably expect our movements to be slow."

"Then we must show them their mistake."

Dandalion immediately ordered his direct command army to prepare for deployment. The direct command army was the standing army of the Empire of Lostco, numbering 100,000, all of whom were elite soldiers feared by neighboring countries.

This 100,000 was the number of combat troops. The total number of the organization, including rear support, was naturally much larger.

The next day, after entrusting the affairs of the capital to his eldest son and crown prince, Gerald, Dandalion led 3,000 cavalry of the direct command army south. There was already a division of 10,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry stationed in the former Duchy of Frisia, and they were already preparing for mobilization. Dandalion first joined this unit, and another 15,000 reinforcements were expected to arrive.

When Dandalion's forces numbered 15,000, the 50,000-strong Antalya army had not yet entered the empire's territory. This was not because the Antalya army's march was slow. The intelligence network of the Empire of Lostco was fast, and Dandalion, initially leading only cavalry, had a high speed of movement.

Thus, Dandalion and the Lostco army successfully awaited the Antalya army led by King Garelran II. By not giving the invaders the freedom to act, they achieved a significant success. In fact, the Antalya army had not even managed to carry out any minor plundering.

Of course, the disparity in strength was significant. Dandalion expected a difficult battle until the reinforcements arrived. However, his prediction was wrong. On February 26, 635, after a single clash, the Antalya army retreated without much resistance.

The ease of their retreat made Dandalion initially suspect a trap. Thinking they might lure them in and then annihilate them, he did not pursue the retreating Antalya army. After sending out numerous scouts to investigate the movements of the Antalya army and receiving their reports, he was stunned. There was no trap; the Antalya army was genuinely retreating.

"What did they come for?"

"I don't know. But we shouldn't let them go just like that."

Dandalion nodded at the staff officer's words. The Lostco army pursued the Antalya army and approached the defensive position held by Ginova. Internally, he had expected a boring battle, but the outcome was delightfully amusing, and he was in high spirits.

"... So, what is the damage to our army?"

"173 dead. 1,678 injured, of whom 256 have lost limbs and cannot return to the front lines."

That night, after capturing Ginova, Dandalion received a report from a young staff officer in his tent. Upon hearing the losses of the Lostco army, he muttered, "Hmm," and stroked his chin.

"A reduction of about 2,000 from the number of participants."

"Considering we were attacked from behind by the stampede, it was rather fortunate."

"I understand. It's all thanks to that boy."

Smirking, Dandalion said, "That boy" clearly referring to Ginova. Thanks to his offer to fight together and the time he bought for reorganization, the Lostco army suffered minimal damage.

No one in the camp felt ungrateful for his actions. Many soldiers believed they had survived thanks to his decision. Dandalion's staff officer, however, sensed that Dandalion had more than just gratitude for Ginova.

"You seem to have taken quite a liking to Prince Ginova."

"Indeed. I might even consider giving him my daughter in marriage."

Dandalion laughed. He had a daughter who was thirteen this year, the same age as Ginova, so his words were not entirely a joke. The young staff officer managed a strained smile.

Dandalion remembered the moment Ginova stood up, shaking his legs, with a dignified and resolute look in his eyes. He was decisive, skilled in martial arts, and compassionate towards his soldiers.

While sacrificing himself as a prince might be questionable, in that situation, he would have either died or been captured. Considering that, the outcome was the best possible. Dandalion thought he was truly impressive.

"So, how is that boy doing?"

"According to the report, he has not yet regained consciousness."

"Hmm. I reiterate, treat him with respect. Treat him as an honored guest."

"Yes, I will ensure it. Now, for the next report..."

The night grew deeper. Ginova regained consciousness the next morning.

---

When Ginova woke up, he found himself in an unfamiliar tent. Lying on a warm bed, he remembered his defeat by Dandalion. He slowly sat up and looked around the tent, tilting his head. A water jug and bucket were provided for washing his face. He was a captive, but the tent was surprisingly high-quality.

"Prince Ginova, have you awakened?"

"Yes, I just woke up."

Called from outside the tent, Ginova answered reflexively. After answering, he thought, "Oops," but it was too late. "Excuse me," the Lostco soldier said, entering the tent.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I'm fine."

"That's good to hear. I have brought breakfast for you. Please enjoy it."

The Lostco soldier handed Ginova a tray with bread and butter, meat and vegetable soup, and a dessert made from compressed dried figs. Considering this was a battlefield, it was quite a feast. Ginova took it with some hesitation.

"Thank you. So, um..."

"After you finish breakfast, I will take you to see the Emperor. He will likely answer any questions you have."

"Okay."

"Yes. I will wait outside the tent. Please call me when you are ready."

With that, the Lostco soldier left the tent. Ginova watched him leave, somewhat dazed. Alone in the tent again, he muttered:

"What's going on...?"

Despite being a captive, the Lostco soldier had been quite friendly. The tent itself was also high-quality. His status as a prince might have something to do with it, but it still didn't feel like the treatment of a captive. However, this was his first time being captured, so he had no past experiences to compare it to.

"... It's delicious."

Regardless, Ginova decided to eat the meal. The food was quite tasty.

After finishing breakfast and getting ready, Ginova called the Lostco soldier who was waiting outside. The soldier led him to Dandalion. As they walked through the camp, Ginova remembered a rumor and asked:

"I heard that Emperor Dandalion eats the same food as the soldiers during the march. Is that true?"

"Yes, it's true. The food I served you was the same as what the soldiers eat. Did it suit your taste?"

"Yes, it was delicious. Still, the Lostco army eats well."

"Well, even though we are near the border, we are still within the empire. The supply lines are more stable compared to foreign expeditions."

Looking around, the expressions of the Lostco soldiers were all bright. Ginova thought it was because they were eating well.

Eventually, they arrived at the largest tent in the camp. The Lostco soldier informed Dandalion of Ginova's arrival and led him inside.

"Ah, Prince Ginova. Welcome. Please, take a seat."

When Ginova entered the tent, Dandalion, seated at the back, greeted him with a cheerful smile. There were about ten other staff officers in the tent, sitting cross-legged. Ginova was invited to sit in the middle, directly in front of Dandalion. A mat was laid out for him.

Ginova straightened his back and carefully made his way to the center. The ground was quite soft, likely covered with several layers of carpet. He slowly sat down and crossed his legs.

Ginova looked directly at Dandalion. Dandalion's short, neatly trimmed fiery red hair, deep-set eyes, and well-defined features made him look much younger than his 47 years, more like he was in his late 30s. Ginova's father, Garelran II, was 42 and younger than Dandalion, but if you only compared their faces, Dandalion would look younger.

"I am Emperor Dandalion I of the Empire of Lostco."

"I am Prince Ginova of the Kingdom of Antalya."

In response to Dandalion's confident introduction, Ginova bowed without hesitation. Satisfied with his response, Dandalion nodded and smiled. They exchanged a few pleasantries.

"By the way, the surviving Antalya soldiers seem to have escaped successfully. We sent out scouts this morning, but they found no trace of them."

"That's good to hear."

Ginova let out a sigh of relief. Despite being a captive, he was genuinely happy that his fellow Antalya soldiers had retreated safely.

"Now, Prince Ginova. I have brought you here to thank you. Thanks to you, our army avoided catastrophic damage. I am deeply grateful. If you have any requests, please speak. I will do my best to fulfill them."

"Then, could you please honor the Antalya soldiers who died fighting the monsters? It would be unbearable to leave them unburied."

After thinking for a moment, Ginova made this request. He knew asking for his release would be futile. He chose a reasonable request based on common sense. Dandalion nodded calmly and replied:

"Understood. They are also our comrades-in-arms. I promise to give them a proper burial. Is there anything else?"

"Then, may I ask one question?"

"What is it?"

"What are your plans for dealing with the dungeon that caused the stampede?"

Determined, Ginova asked. Dandalion muttered, "Hmm," and smiled with interest. Understanding Ginova's intent, he answered:

"The dungeon that caused the stampede seems to be a recent one. We have sent scouts to locate it. Once its position is determined, we will use the forces here to conquer it."

"I see. Then, I wish you good luck."

Ginova said this with a relieved expression. He had been concerned that Dandalion might launch a counter-invasion into Antalya territory. However, Dandalion said he would not do so immediately, prioritizing the dungeon.

Seeing Ginova's relieved expression, Dandalion nodded. Then he brought up the second and more important topic for which he had called Ginova.

"Now, Prince Ginova. I also have a question for you."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Are you a Saint Marked?"

Dandalion's gaze became sharp. The staff officers, who had not considered this possibility, widened their eyes and looked back and forth between Dandalion and Ginova. Under their gaze, Ginova only smiled ambiguously.