Chapter 7

"Both Yelker and the female squire survived that situation!?"

Prime Minister Anselmi was initially surprised, but his mood quickly improved.

"Haha, what a good story. It's a rare and wonderful tale these days."

His aide, Vario, had a precise understanding of the misunderstanding.

"Prime Minister, I don't think it's wise to have preconceived notions."

"Huh? Isn't it the story of six knights risking their lives to protect the prince and a woman?"

Vario silently submitted the situation report from Yelker. It contained no mention of the six knights' heroics, only that the three of them had overcome numerous obstacles on their own. It even included stories that even a child would find unbelievable, and Anselmi's expression stiffened.

"...I've never spoken to Yelker directly, but what kind of person is he?"

"That's why you should drop your preconceived notions. It's possible that everyone involved is a scoundrel."

"Possible, you say? I find it hard to believe you haven't investigated yet."

"All six knights, the two female squires, and Prince Yelker have the worst reputations. The six knights, chosen by the Marshal or his close associates, are all harmful individuals."

"...No redeeming qualities, then?"

Vario continued, ignoring the Prime Minister.

"The two squires are from families that were dissolved during the recent civil war. Their character is unknown, but they seem to have many enemies. There isn't a single favorable report about them."

"How did they even become squires?"

"And finally, Prince Yelker. His reputation at the knight school is the worst. No one defends him. However..."

"Hmm?"

"Lord Dallens doesn't defend him, but he does evaluate him. He believes Yelker will likely become the strongest swordsman in Carelia within a few years. The character evaluation section is blank."

"Hmm... I suppose I'll have to meet him in person. Can we arrange a time?"

"It's impossible."

"What!?"

"The Marshal is strongly advocating for the Prince's treatment. It seems he's very upset that Yelker returned alive."

"No, that's just sour grapes."

"That's not the important part."

Yelker was summoned to the Marshal's conference room. The one who called him was the Deputy Commander of the Great Eagle Knights, and there were a few other military and civilian officials present. Yelker recognized a few of the military officials, but the civilians were completely unknown to him. However, it was clear that they all held high positions. The Deputy Commander spoke first, as if he was in charge of the meeting.

"Prince Yelker, I commend you for your efforts during the recent inspection. How dare Botvid draw a bow against Carelia, after all the kingdom has done for him."

Yelker responded, knowing it was a hollow gesture.

"Yes. It's unfortunate what happened to the six knights."

The Deputy Commander smiled at Yelker's response.

"Yes, yes, quite right. However, Your Highness, as a newly appointed knight with subordinates, you now have responsibilities. 'It's unfortunate' won't suffice."

Yelker remained silent.

"Of course, we, the Great Eagle Knights, have taken care of the families of the fallen. However, since they died protecting you, the compensation is quite substantial. If you had died, they would have blamed us for not protecting you, and we wouldn't have had to pay."

Yelker remained silent, knowing it was best to ignore such petty and unreasonable remarks.

"Instead of you, we, the Great Eagle Knights, had to handle various matters and incur expenses. Remember that."

Yelker bowed deeply.

"I am grateful for your consideration."

"Oh, no, no, no, no, of course not. In return, we have a new, honorable mission for you."

Yelker felt a bit relieved that it wasn't a punishment. He was more relieved that the country's system prevented him from being unjustly punished.

"The six knights who were lost, to honor their memory, an invasion of the Sarnare border region has been decided. We would like you to join the campaign."

Yelker was taken aback by the simplicity of the request.

"Furthermore, the Marshal's office believes that, as the one most responsible for the loss of the six knights, you should lead the charge. We want you to command a unit."

Yelker's eyes widened in surprise.

"Me, command a unit? But I don't have any soldiers, and I can't even gather them or provide their pay."

The Deputy Commander sighed and exchanged a glance with a nearby military official. They both sneered at Yelker.

"Is that how you fulfill your duties as a lord? No, I apologize. In that case, we will arrange the soldiers for you. You, who defeated thirty knights and broke through the Lanome Mountains, have nothing to fear."

The Deputy Commander spoke with a tone that left no room for argument.

"Is that clear?"

Yelker was glad he had become accustomed to facing malice at the knight school. He knew he must not simply nod in agreement with the Deputy Commander's wishes. There are times when you must speak up, even if it goes against the other person's intentions, as he had learned from his many failures at the knight school.

"I would like to know more about the internal situation of the army being sent to the border region. Under whose command will I be serving?"

The Deputy Commander's expression worsened at Yelker's response, which contradicted his prepared lines.

"Huh? The army? I don't think it matters much for you to know. You will be part of the Marshal's direct command, so you should ask them for details."

"Then how many soldiers will I have? Will I be commanding the Marshal's troops?"

"Ridiculous!"

The Deputy Commander slammed his hand on the table.

"How presumptuous of a newly appointed knight to command the glorious Carelian regular army, Your Highness!"

Despite the angry outburst, Yelker remained calm on the surface, though not necessarily inside.

"Even though I am part of the Marshal's command, which is part of the royal army, will I be commanding the troops arranged by the Great Eagle Knights?"

"One thing at a time! Are you that reluctant to join the campaign!? If you lack the confidence to command an army, we can't entrust our soldiers to a coward!"

Yelker bowed.

"I see. I didn't mean to appear cowardly, but if that's how it's perceived, I apologize. Can I join the campaign as an individual, then?"

The Deputy Commander suddenly became anxious, reacting to something in Yelker's words.

"N-no, if you're not being cowardly, that's fine. We can't waste the Marshal's goodwill, so please take command."

"If you say so, I appreciate it. Then, how many soldiers...?"

"Mercenaries! Veterans who have fought in many battles!"

"How many?"

"Five hundred! Any more would be too much for you to handle!"

"Thank you. I will accept the responsibility."

With those words, the Deputy Commander's angry expression turned into a sinister smile.

"Great! You'll accept it! Haha! Then, let me immediately inform you of your mission. You will lead the mercenary army as the vanguard to the border region and demonstrate the might of the royal army!"

Yelker couldn't immediately respond to the vague instructions.

"I have clearly informed you! That's all for today! The transfer of the mercenary unit will take place in ten days, and you should depart as soon as it's completed!"

The Deputy Commander stood up and urged the other military and civilian officials to leave. However, Yelker couldn't let the meeting end there.

"Wait. I still need information on the enemy forces, coordination with the main force, and supply logistics. And what do you mean by demonstrating the might of the royal army?"

The Deputy Commander turned back, looking annoyed.

"We are not idle. We will inform you of the details later."

The Deputy Commander left the room as if fleeing. The military officials mocked Yelker, while the civilian officials gave cold looks to both Yelker and the Deputy Commander. From their malicious attitudes, Yelker deduced that they still intended to kill him.