Chapter 74: Izel Lurik (3)

The expedition was set for two weeks later. The assembly point was Eden Plain in the western part of the Empire.

I was to march with the assigned soldiers from the capital and join forces with the troops of the supporting nobles.

I spent this time with considerable anxiety.

The reason was that the princess had sent a letter to Duke Lurik, but no reply had come.

It was a letter expressing gratitude if he would stand on our side in the war against the west, though not expecting a reply. I didn't expect there to be no response at all.

It was a matter of courtesy to send a reply, whether it was acceptance or rejection.

'It seems he hasn't made a decision yet.'

Duke Lurik wasn't the kind of person to be so rude as to refuse by not responding.

While I hoped for a positive response, I couldn't be certain.

After all, he hadn't promised support. His words about observing didn't necessarily mean he would help.

The princess knew this, which is why she had a worried look lately. However, for the sake of propriety, she didn't rush him.

Even without Duke Lurik's support, we could still wage war, but it would be a significant challenge.

The reason was that the number of soldiers the emperor had assigned us was too small.

'From our perspective, it's quite unreasonable.'

The Empire's military force, including the conscripts and private armies of the nobles, is about 300,000. This number has decreased due to the lack of major wars for a while.

In contrast, the estimated number of troops in the west is about 170,000. Originally, it was more, but the number has decreased due to the civil war.

The Empire plans to deploy about 200,000 troops for this war.

The emperor has given 10,000 soldiers each to the prince and princess and instructed them to obtain the rest from the supporting nobles.

As a result, the First Prince has 50,000, the Second Prince has 35,000, the Third Prince has 25,000, and Erendil has 13,000.

Even the 3,000 soldiers were barely obtained due to the lack of support from the nobles.

The remaining troops and nobles not aligned with any faction are under the command of Ruedern.

Overall command also belongs to Ruedern, the general-in-chief. We are merely under his command.

'Based on the results of the last suppression campaign, we were given priority in battle.'

In simple terms, it's the priority to decide where to be deployed and what role to play in battle.

While we would prefer more soldiers, objectively, this is also an enormous privilege.

It allows us to choose good battlefields. That's why the princess and I are waiting for Duke Lurik's response.

No matter how much we think, it's impossible to establish a proper battle plan with just 13,000 soldiers.

Even with the priority in battle, it's not a number that can express a willingness to participate first.

While other princes are securing achievements, we can only follow Ruedern's main force.

If we gain Duke Lurik's support, the impact will be significant.

Even if we set aside the immediate achievements in this war, our future actions will change.

'There are quite a few nobles who follow Duke Lurik.'

This means we can significantly elevate the princess's position among the nobles.

It could even create a real possibility of vying for the imperial throne.

While we could try to secure more soldiers, it wouldn't be worth it.

They wouldn't be enough to make a significant change, and accepting any random noble's support wouldn't be good.

Just as we were about to set out without a response, the First Prince summoned me separately.

On an evening of a rest day, I arrived at a high-end restaurant with a guide. There were no outsiders.

'Two bodyguards and two women.'

One was by the prince's side, pouring wine in a luxurious manner.

The other was waiting in the restaurant corridor, probably for me. A hollow laugh escaped me.

"Sit down."

As soon as I greeted and sat down, the prince signaled to the bodyguard. As expected, one of the women walked out.

I glanced at her but didn't linger.

"I'm fine."

The prince looked at me in silence, his eyes sharp.

'How dare you refuse what I offer?'

Instead of me, the woman standing next to me fidgeted. The woman on the opposite side rolled her eyes.

"Tsk."

The prince clicked his tongue.

"I meant to talk slowly."

"I would appreciate it if you could get to the point."

The atmosphere turned cold with my words. The bodyguards' gazes were menacing.

"You were like this last time too. You said you would go to the second if I refused. You're still as bold."

"..."

The prince waved his hand when I didn't respond.

"Both of you, get out."

The two women, who were tense, hurriedly retreated. The prince picked up the wine glass in front of him.

"Let's get straight to the point. In this war, Erendil should join under me."

Hmm. This was inevitable since I proposed a deal to the prince. But I didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

Actually, this isn't a good thing for the prince either.

A short-sighted decision. Is it because I killed his confidant? It must feel like losing a head.

"Since you're already helping me, it shouldn't be a big problem."

"I can't do that."

The prince frowned.

"Why? With your troops, you can't do anything. If it's about achievements, I'll divide them myself."

"It's not about that."

"I don't understand. Is Erendil suddenly coveting the imperial throne?"

I almost laughed.

"I have three personal reasons why I can't, but I can't say them."

"You! Are you...?"

"Your Highness is not my lord, and this decision should be made by the princess."

His eyes were fierce, and the intent to kill was clear. I spoke calmly.

"To be honest, I don't know why Your Highness called me. I'm just a bodyguard, nothing more, nothing less."

If I, who came from Haisen, am seen as manipulating the princess by others, especially the princes, it would be bad.

All decisions should be made by the princess, and I should only offer occasional advice.

"You don't seem to believe what I said during the suppression campaign. It was the princess's decision then. I only offered advice."

The prince was silent for a while, looking at me with trembling pupils.

I could see him barely suppressing his anger. He looked like he wanted to kill me.

"Is that so? Then let's go."

The prince suddenly said after a brief silence, standing up and urging me.

"What are you doing? Get up. We're going to Erendil to ask for his decision."

* * *

The prince walked confidently. He seems to trust his own judgment more than my words.

He must have judged that Erendil is not aggressive.

He probably wants to show Erendil's flustered reaction to me and get a clear answer here.

Still, I wasn't worried. I trust Erendil.

I didn't make a promise to make the princess the emperor for no reason when the game started.

I just changed the situation and gave timely advice; Erendil is a capable person.

However, I didn't like the situation of walking with the prince.

I almost never liked the third prince during the game, and now it's like a lowlife overstepping his bounds.

"Your Highness, Prince."

"We're here to see Erendil."

The two bodyguards who had just taken over looked at me with incomprehension as I was with the prince.

I shrugged, a form of protest.

Soon, we were led to the princess's reception room. Erendil's eyes were similar to the bodyguards'.

His frown suggested he was full of complaints. I hope he's not misunderstanding.

"Join under me in this war."

Erendil tilted his head and looked at me, as if asking if it was my suggestion.

I shook my head.

"With your troops, the only way to help me is this. It's a number that can't even deter the second and third, let alone secure achievements."

The prince tapped the table with his fingers.

"Moreover, it's a war against the outside, so we can't attack each other. If we unite, we can secure achievements with priority. I'll make some concessions to you."

The prince spoke unilaterally, his age difference making it seem like a complete demand.

The First Prince is over thirty.

I conveyed my refusal with my eyes.

Absolutely not. If we join under the First Prince, there's a high possibility our troops will be used as a discard.

"Is that why you came at this late hour?"

"Yes. I thought this guy was your head and called him separately, but you make all the decisions. He only offers advice?"

"Shurtaffen is right."

Erendil supported me, but the prince ignored it.

"So, what's your answer?"

"I refuse."

"Give me a reason. Was your promise to help me a lie?"

"No."

"Then why?"

The prince asked, frustrated. Erendil picked up his teacup, the steam having decreased.

"First, there's a high possibility that the First Prince will use my troops as a discard."

"Do you not trust me?"

"I don't trust the battle, not you. Can you be sure of victory in every battle, even if we win the war?"

"What...?"

"In a risky but necessary battle, or a battle where we need to retreat due to a trap, I'll be at the front."

The prince tried to say something, but the princess was faster.

"Would you stand at the front to save me? You can't abandon the soldiers, and my life would be in danger."

There was no rebuttal. Naturally, no one could rebut this.

The princess glanced at me. I couldn't nod openly, so I showed support with my eyes.

The princess continued with a blank face.

"Second, because our alliance being public won't benefit us."

I could feel a bit more confidence in her voice, which wasn't just my imagination.

"Our alliance should remain hidden, a temporary necessity."

"Why?"

"Can you handle it if the second and third form an alliance?"

"Of course. It's sufficient. I've carefully selected the troops this time too."

It's not wrong. The 50,000 troops were carefully selected. The First Prince is currently in a dominant position.

"No. It's precarious. What if Lady Lurik sides with the second and third? What if the First Prince makes a big mistake?"

It was a good way to talk. Ending with a question makes the other person think.

The prince looked clearly dissatisfied.

"The alliance between the second and third can't last."

"Of course not. But dividing into two sides is dangerous. Can you predict the movements of the nobles?"

The First Prince and the princess, the Second Prince and the Third Prince.

To some, the latter might seem more likely. The nobles' hearts could easily be swayed.

Even if their thoughts differ, they might side with the Second and Third for personal gain, aiming to exploit their division later.

"I'm a trump card on your path to the throne. And that card should be played at the right time."

She's doing well. The details may differ, but the reasons are similar to what I thought.

"You should help me, not the other way around. It's beneficial if some of the nobles who might side with the second and third stand with me."

"What if you develop a desire for the throne?"

"Is that even possible?"

"..."

At this point, the possibility of the princess becoming the emperor is almost zero, no matter how positively you look at it.

In fact, it's the same in the future. The gender barrier in this world is clear. A duchess might be possible, but a queen is not.

Thus, the prince's silence meant agreement. The atmosphere had already shifted.

"And lastly, I can't officially stand with you until the end of this conflict."

"What do you mean?"

"At the banquet, Mother almost drank poison. Don't you know?"

The princess looked disappointed, and the prince hurriedly shook his head.

"No. I know. It was Father's attack on our maternal family, right?"

Indeed, it was natural for the prince's side to make that judgment.

"It was also a warning to me."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you know Father's character? Those who don't participate in the war..."

"Shouldn't enjoy the benefits either."

Erendil nodded. The prince looked doubtful, probably gauging the truth of the princess's words.

"Father won't sit idly by. If I, who allied with you, drop out, the second and third will gain more strength."

"Hmm."

"Don't worry. I'm content with a decent territory in the north. Tax and conscription benefits, and the freedom to marry. That's all I want."

The tea had already cooled during the long conversation.

The prince, thirsty, emptied his teacup without regard for etiquette and turned to me.

"...You're right. I misjudged my brother."

I nodded slightly in response.

"I agree with part of what you said."

The prince said it as if defending his pride.

"Tell me what you need. If it's something to deter the second and third, I'll help within my means."

"Thank you."

"However, keep your promise."

"I hope you do too."

The prince looked at me and the princess alternately, then left the room with a somewhat defeated back.

About ten seconds later, the princess, who had been silent, took a deep breath and exhaled shakily.

She must have been very tense. Our eyes met. Her teal eyes seemed unusually transparent today.

"You did well."

"I knew it."

I just needed your confirmation.

The princess muttered softly. Though not loud enough to hear, the wind carried the words.