Chapter 11

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 6-2

Chapter Title: Permission to March

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Kamin stopped by his office briefly after lunch.

He sat at his desk to handle documents from the Chief Supervisor's Office, read the one on top, and let out a long sigh.

As always, Leona's request was the first to greet him.

"She's so persistent..."

Kamin skimmed the request with one eye.

Leona's plea to accompany him on this campaign always cited the same reason: to protect the Empire and His Highness the Crown Prince on the battlefield.

"What a grand justification."

It was so absurd he couldn't even laugh.

Kamin crumpled the request in one hand and tossed it into the air.

The paper ball hit the office door and fell to the floor.

Just then, the door opened, and Jahankun entered.

Jahankun picked up the paper.

"It's trash."

Kamin gestured toward the wastebasket, but Jahankun unfolded it and read the contents.

Kamin ignored him and turned to other documents.

Soon, Jahankun sat on the guest sofa and tossed out a comment.

"Why not grant it?"

"What?"

Jahankun waved the paper.

"It might turn out as she says."

"Ha! Is war a game to you?"

"It is to you."

Kamin clamped his mouth shut at Jahankun's retort.

"Isn't it?"

"What's gotten into you? Meddling in this."

Jahankun smiled in lieu of an answer and pulled a pomegranate from his pocket to eat.

Kamin watched him coldly for a moment before returning to his approvals.

"Are you worried about her?"

Jahankun asked suddenly.

"Worried?"

Kamin threw down his pen and stared straight at Jahankun.

Jahankun was focused on picking pomegranate seeds.

"Hey, Jahankun."

"Aren't you?"

"Why would I worry about that woman?"

Jahankun turned to meet Kamin's eyes.

"Then why reject her request outright?"

"......"

"Weren't you curious about her true nature? This could be your chance to see it."

Kamin scowled in silence.

Jahankun shook his head with a small laugh.

"Well, your opinion doesn't matter anyway. She's already fully prepared."

"What do you mean?"

"They built her a separate room inside a supply wagon. Bed, desk, all furnished—looked more comfortable than the Crown Prince's own carriage."

"What?!"

Kamin jumped up, kicked open the door, and stormed out.

Leona packed the attendant's uniform Barts had given her into a trunk. Then she spread a blanket over the simple bed and wiped the floor dust with a wet rag.

A few days earlier, she'd asked Org to prepare a space for her inside the tent wagon.

She'd only asked for a place to lie down, but Org's enthusiasm had turned it into a full inn room.

Leona had been startled at first upon seeing the wagon interior. But since it was done, she decided to travel in comfort and accepted Org's kindness.

After cleaning her future quarters spotlessly, Leona stepped down from the wagon with a satisfied heart. She tossed the dirty rag into a bucket and straightened the tent flap when a massive shadow loomed from behind.

Leona spun around in surprise.

"Your Highness...!"

The Crown Prince stood before her.

Leona forgot to greet him in her fluster and just gazed up blankly.

Kamin ignored her completely and glared at the tent wagon.

The Crown Prince's escorts watched from afar with curious eyes.

"Your Highness, what brings you here..."

Kamin shoved past Leona and entered the wagon.

Leona sighed in resignation.

Miranda watched worriedly from a distance.

Leona forced a smile to reassure her.

After a long silence, Kamin emerged from the wagon.

He stood face-to-face with Leona and shot her a piercing glare.

With no room for excuses, Leona knelt and bowed her head.

As she meekly awaited judgment, the Crown Prince's heavy breathing filled the air.

Meanwhile, Leona racked her brains furiously.

Her plan to sneak onto the battlefield in a supply wagon had been exposed; she needed another way.

Moments later, Kamin spoke.

"...Fine. I permit it."

Leona couldn't believe her ears and snapped her head up.

"Your Highness?"

"You want it so badly? Then come with me on campaign."

At the unexpected approval, Leona joyfully bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you!"

"I'm glad you're so pleased."

Kamin looked down at her beaming face and snorted coldly.

Today, for the first time in ages, the Imperial Palace's main gate stood wide open.

Traffic was blocked on the grand avenue connecting the palace gate to the capital's city gate, and residents swarmed like clouds to line the roadside.

At Revival Palace, directly facing the main gate, the Crown Prince's departure ceremony was in full swing.

Afterward, he would exit the palace and pass through the avenue.

The citizens waited with blue flowers to cheer on his army.

Leona left the palace early to retrieve her bag from the inn.

With everyone out watching the ceremony, the streets were quiet.

As she exited the inn with her bag, cheers erupted in the distance.

Sensing the Crown Prince had left the palace, Leona quickened her pace.

Supply wagons for the army waited before the city gate.

Upon arriving where they clustered, Noel greeted her.

"Lady Leona, there you are! Where have you been?"

Leona pointed to her bag.

"Picking up some women's essentials."

Noel's innocent face flushed as he imagined what she meant.

"A-anyway, hurry onto the wagon. We're departing soon."

Noel reached for her bag but yanked his hand back upon touching hers, startled. Leona chuckled at his naivety and declined his help.

Noel was the Chief Attendant Servant of Crown Prince Palace. Selected alongside Barts and Leona for the campaign escort.

He wasn't even a close attendant, and at 19 with little experience, but his strength and stamina made him the top pick among attendants.

Leona boarded her private-room wagon alone and organized her bag.

Cheers grew louder, peaking soon after.

Leona peeked outside by lifting the tent flap slightly.

Blue flowers swirled everywhere as crowds shouted the Crown Prince's name in anticipation and excitement.

She spotted him in the distance.

Astride Nacha in silver armor, the Crown Prince exuded majestic authority.

The imperial citizens, seeing his imposing figure, already proclaimed victory and cheered in delight.

Leona watched warmly, then thought of the Emperor.

How would the aged Emperor view this fervent adoration for the Crown Prince?

Having known him in her past life, Leona doubted he felt pure joy.

Soon, the Crown Prince's procession passed the city gate.

"Depart!"

The supply commander signaled.

Starting with the Crown Prince's supply wagons, they filed out of the city.

Leona gazed at the receding capital through the tent gap for a long time.

"Halt! Halt! Lunch here. Prepare the meal."

The fast-moving supply wagons stopped.

Leona jumped down quickly and caught her breath.

Despite taking motion sickness medicine, dizziness lingered. It would take time to adjust.

Calming her stomach, she headed for the Crown Prince when she spotted Barts retching.

Noel, looking fine, patted his back.

Leona fetched medicine from the wagon.

"Lord Barts, motion sickness pills. Take some."

"Lady Leona... thank you..."

"Rest quietly, Lord Barts. Noel, I'll attend His Highness; you look after him."

"But..."

"It's fine."

Leona tied her hair high.

Only then did Noel notice her outfit and gape.

Gray shirt, gray pants, white vest—a perfect attendant's uniform.

"That getup..."

"Ah, skirts are inconvenient, so I changed. What do you think? Decent?"

"Uh..."

Ignoring Noel's reply, Leona dashed toward the guards, saying she'd find His Highness.

A blue headband, ponytail woman in men's clothes sprinting away captivated the men's gazes.

Spotting the Crown Prince unbuckling Nacha's saddle, Leona veered back to his supply wagon.

To puzzled Barts, she made excuses and grabbed casual clothes and a cloak from the wagon before vanishing like the wind again.

Kamin removed the saddle and stripped the horse armor from Nacha's head and back.

Nacha had been fitted in silver armor for the ceremony march.

Knowing Nacha hated constraints, Kamin prioritized him over his own armor at the first break.

"You endured well this far. Feel better now?"

Nacha shook his long neck and went to graze on his own.

To speed travel, Kamin ordered all to remove armor.

He tossed his helmet and began shedding his.

Casey approached to help, but Kamin recoiled and shooed him away.

Under the armor was a leather vest and limb guards.

Kamin stripped those too, leaving only his white undergarments.

He looked around for clothes.

Then Leona appeared with casual wear.

"Here, Your Highness."

Kamin eyed her dubiously.

"...What's with that getup?"

"To serve you properly, I dressed like this."

"...I see."

Men stared in shock, but Leona ignored them and dressed Kamin.

Kamin marveled at her shamelessness.

"Shall I bring food?"

"I'll eat with the men—no need. Just handle Jahankun's."

"Understood."

Leona organized the Crown Prince's armor and went to find Nacha.

Nacha grazed apart from the others.

Sensing her, he approached first.

"Tired from running?"

Leona stroked his back and fed him secretly packed apples and pomegranate.

After fruit, Nacha headed to the water. Leona grabbed rations from a supply wagon and sought Jahankun.

He traveled separately, following behind.

He rested alone, away from the group.

"Lord Jahankun. Your meal."

Jahankun took the tray.

Spotting the plain, oil-free food, he gave Leona a questioning look.

As if asking how she knew his tastes.

Leona pretended ignorance.

"Enjoy."

Ignoring his gaze, she went to eat lunch.

Two units mobilized under "Crown Prince Army": Blue Hawk Unit and New Moon Cavalry—both elite pride of the Empire.

Yet they didn't mix, like water and oil, operating separately.

Even marching or eating, Blue Hawk stuck together, New Moon apart.

This suited their leaders' personalities.

Blue Hawk Captain Glenn was affable and lenient; his men friendly and approachable.

New Moon Captain Makia was rigid and strict; his men taciturn and stoic.

So contrasting, the soldiers were distant and awkward.

Kamin ate with Glenn and Makia to discuss the route.

But Makia's stone-like presence made it tense.

Kamin vowed inwardly to eat alone henceforth.

As he set down his spoon, Leona promptly offered cold mint tea.

Kamin didn't take it and asked bluntly.

"Not made with ditch water, right?"

Leona blinked innocently, feigning confusion.

Kamin recalled her antics but couldn't resist the tea—crisp and cooling, just his taste.

He downed three cups.

"Captain Glenn, yours is jasmine."

"Oh... thank you."

Glenn accepted gratefully.

Leona offered the last to Makia, but he'd refused in advance.

"I'm good."

She paused mid-handover.

Makia glared distastefully then turned away sharply.

Leona withdrew with a wry smile.

"Understood, Captain Makia."

Glenn fidgeted, noticing her subdued tone.

"Watch yourself, Makia."

Kamin warned sternly.

"Someone might slip a snake in your bedroll tonight—stay vigilant even sleeping."

"Soldiers don't sleep deeply on march. No worries, Your Highness."

Makia missed the point entirely.

Kamin and Glenn pitied him; Leona quietly cleared cups nearby.

Night fell on the first day.

The Crown Prince Army camped in a field.

Blue Hawk: ~150 knights and squires.

New Moon: ~500 without squires.

Plus ~100 supply, 45 wagons. Total ~770.

Needing space, Glenn and Makia split forces.

Lower ranks/supply forward; elites/Crown Prince supply rear.

Kamin banned tents until destination.

Night bivouac in bedrolls to save time.

Soldiers efficiently leveled ground, lit fires.

Barts and Noel prepared the Crown Prince's bedroll by the fire.

Meanwhile, Leona opened her wagon tent wide and cleaned.

Her wagon was placed near camp.

With side tent open and lamp lit, her room was fully visible.

Busy soldiers froze upon seeing it, mesmerized by the novel setup, then depressed comparing to their own spots.

As they gawked between awe and envy, Leona glanced out.

Caught men startled away hastily.

Leona sprayed insect repellent, hung mosquito netting at the entrance, and descended.

Casey whistled passing by.

"Wow... Lady Leona's bed is top-notch. Jealous."

Leona asked where His Highness was.

Casey replied somewhat deflated.

"He's off to meet Lord Jahankun."

Leona tucked a small bundle under her arm and headed to the Crown Prince's bedroll.

Central camp spot.

Flanked by Glenn and Makia's.

They sat by fire chatting with subordinates.

Leona sprayed repellent around the Crown Prince's, then set up netting.

Glenn signaled a subordinate, who rushed to help.

Makia watched displeased and grumbled.

"Such pointless fuss."

Glenn and Blue Hawks paled.

Leona glanced at Makia but continued as if unheard. Finished just as the Crown Prince returned.

Kamin frowned at the netting.

"Overkill. Why bring this nonsense?"

Leona eyed his scolding mildly.

"Shall I take it down?"

"It's in the way, so right—"

A mosquito landed on Kamin's neck.

He slapped it reflexively.

Smack! echoed loudly.

Heavy silence followed.

Leona broke it first.

"Remove the netting, Your Highness?"

Kamin cleared his throat hastily.

"Leave it."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Leona opened the netting and guided him in.

As he lay in the bedroll, she secured the edges meticulously, then bowed.

"I'll withdraw now, Your Highness."

"Mm... yes."

Kamin coughed again and closed his eyes.

Leona approached Glenn softly.

"Captain Glenn, shall I spray your bedroll?"

"Ahem, yes, much appreciated."

Glenn accepted awkwardly.

Before she moved, a Blue Hawk took the spray and did it for her.

Returning it, Leona went to Makia.

"Captain Makia, yours too?"

Politely.

Makia refused curtly.

"No need."

"...Yes. Good night."

Leona bowed listlessly, shoulders drooping.

But turning away, her expression brightened instantly.

As she hurried to her wagon, someone called.

"Maid Officer! Wait!"

A New Moon soldier from Makia's group.

Leona recognized the neat young man and greeted warmly.

"Captain Jonathan."

Leader of New Moon's top 1st Legion, of five legions.

Jonathan paused, surprised she knew him.

"Something to say, Captain Jonathan?"

"Ah! Well..."

He composed himself and apologized politely.

"Forgive our captain's rudeness. He dislikes women on campaign, so he's curt. No intent to insult you. He's..."

"I know."

"Pardon?"

"Captain Makia seems inexpressive but is a good man."

Jonathan brightened.

"Thank you for understanding, Maid Officer."

"Call me Leona."

"Yes, Lady Leona."

His unusually amiable tone for New Moon earned Leona's smile throughout.

Parting, she recalled past-life Makia.

Makia. New Moon Cavalry captain. Empire's greatest swordsman.

Hero revered for countless feats, who fell protecting the Crown Prince.

When the Empress framed him for treason, only Makia defended him to the end, proving innocence desperately.

The Empress wouldn't tolerate it.

She branded Makia a traitor colluding with the Crown Prince.

Imprisoned and tortured, his limb tendons severed.

After Crown Prince's exile, Makia was cleared but crippled.

He resigned his title, left with family.

Had Makia fought, the Empire wouldn't have fallen so easily to the alliance.

Thus, Leona didn't mind his treatment.

He was the fortress guarding Crown Prince and Empire.

Even if he scorned or insulted her, she'd treat him with utmost respect.