Chapter 14

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 7-2

Chapter Title: Ambush in Tegoya Forest

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Count Hunt, the lord of Goyad, turned around with a tense expression on his face.

Dozens of elite soldiers clad in armor stood rigidly behind him.

The stiff postures and hardened expressions of the troops conveyed a palpable tension.

The young count in his thirties swallowed dryly and turned his head to gaze ahead.

Dust clouds rose in the distance.

Hundreds of cavalrymen were approaching at high speed.

A silver flag fluttered vigorously at the forefront of the cavalry unit.

Count Hunt couldn't make out the flag clearly, but he knew well what was emblazoned on it.

A blue hawk with a red dot. The crest of the Crown Prince would be there.

"They've arrived."

Viscount Lloyd, standing beside him, spoke up.

Count Hunt nodded toward Viscount Lloyd before urging his horse forward.

Viscount Lloyd and the elite soldiers mounted their horses and followed behind the count.

The Crown Prince's army drew steadily closer.

Soon, Count Hunt spotted the Crown Prince right in the center of the opposing formation.

Unlike himself, who was fully armored, the Crown Prince wore light everyday clothes.

His black hair fluttered in the wind, and his figure riding alongside his horse exuded a nomadic freedom.

As the distance narrowed somewhat, Hunt reined in his horse and dismounted.

Lloyd and his elite soldiers swiftly dismounted as well.

The Crown Prince's troops gradually slowed and came to a halt before them.

Count Hunt and Viscount Lloyd stepped forward, bowing deeply to the Crown Prince.

"We pay our respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince received their bows while remaining mounted.

Hunt looked up at the Crown Prince and was inwardly startled.

He had seen the Crown Prince once at the investiture ceremony, so he already knew the man had an impressive physique. But back then, in formal attire, he hadn't realized it fully. Today, the overwhelming presence emanating from his appearance was tremendous.

Hunt felt intimidated by the Crown Prince's sharp gaze and robust frame. It was as if he were facing a savage beast.

As Hunt stared at the Crown Prince in a daze, Lloyd cleared his throat and spoke.

"It is an honor to meet you for the first time, Your Highness. I am Lloyd, sent in place of Count Bay."

"Hm. I received the letter. Count Bay's illness is severe?"

"Yes. The count is deeply regretful that he cannot join the campaign himself..."

"No need for lengthy explanations. His intentions are obvious enough."

Kamin cut Lloyd off with a sneer.

He was well aware that Count Bay had sent the loyal retainer Lloyd in his stead to avoid risking himself.

Lloyd bowed his head deeply in shame.

"Count Hunt."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

"How fares the task I assigned?"

"Ah, yes. We've already established the First and Second Camps at the designated location, and the two counts are stationed at the Second Camp ahead of us."

"Well done. Then we'll head straight to the First Camp. Lead the way."

"Pardon?"

Hunt's face went blank again.

"Is there a problem?"

"N-no, not at all. It's just... the journey must have been arduous. Wouldn't Your Highness prefer to rest at my castle for the day?"

Hunt pointed toward his distant castle and extended the invitation.

"No need. We're going to the camp immediately."

Kamin refused firmly and ordered them to guide the way.

Hunt summoned a soldier familiar with the paths and placed him at the front to lead.

Soon, the Crown Prince's army and Hunt's soldiers began marching.

Hunt sent a messenger to his castle to cancel the banquet preparations, then rode beside the Crown Prince.

As they headed toward the forest, Hunt glanced sideways at the Crown Prince's troops.

Despite the nonstop ride from the capital to Goyad in just three weeks, every soldier's eyes were sharp and their energy high.

Hunt had heard much of the Crown Prince's guard and the New Moon Cavalry's reputation, but today he was newly impressed.

Tegoya Forest was an ancient woodland boasting vast expanse.

Existing since primordial times, the trees densely packed within were mostly centuries-old giants.

The underbrush was thick, and tree roots protruded from the ground like an interlaced net.

Flanking this massive Tegoya Forest on both sides were rugged mountain ranges.

The Hamel Empire, in its early days of expansion, had crossed Tegoya Forest.

Judging it an easier path than scaling the mountains, they chose it—but traversing the forest was no easy feat either.

After expanding its territory, the empire spent a long time carving a road through the heart of Tegoya Forest, creating Tegoya Road.

Tegoya Road was the sole, swiftest passage through the forest.

The Crown Prince's party entered Tegoya Forest via Tegoya Road.

The cavalry and carriages raced along the well-paved road for some time before halting at a certain point.

From there, they had to leave the path and venture into the woods.

The Crown Prince's army and Hunt's private troops turned eastward and entered the forest.

The soldiers initially rode their horses.

But as they delved deeper, the terrain grew rougher.

The ground was uneven, the path sloped, making it increasingly difficult to control the mounts.

Eventually, the soldiers dismounted and led their horses on foot, while the supply bearers parked the wagons and shouldered the provisions, proceeding afoot.

Barts and Noel joined the supply bearers to handle the Crown Prince's important items separately.

A guide soldier led at the front, followed by the Crown Prince, Makia, Glenn, Hunt, and Lloyd.

Hunt eyed the horse the Crown Prince was leading with curiosity. He had heard rumors, but this was his first time seeing a Katago Tribe horse up close.

As if sensing his gaze, the Crown Prince's horse shot Hunt a fierce glare.

Startled, Hunt quickly averted his eyes and spotted an unfamiliar figure.

A boy in a cloak with the hood pulled low trailed behind the Crown Prince.

His slight build had made him utterly unnoticeable amid the others until now.

His frame didn't look like a soldier's at all, piquing Hunt's curiosity about his identity.

Suddenly, the Crown Prince thrust his hand backward.

As Lloyd and Hunt hesitated awkwardly, the cloaked boy swiftly placed a canteen in the Crown Prince's hand.

The Crown Prince drank and handed the canteen back to the boy.

The boy tucked it away and trotted after the Crown Prince.

At first fixated only on the Crown Prince's back, the boy's gaze gradually widened to his surroundings over time.

Distracted by the forest scenery, the boy began lagging behind the Crown Prince's group bit by bit.

Kamin, memorizing the terrain as he walked, halted when Nacha tugged at the reins, looking back.

Kamin followed Nacha's gaze.

As Kamin turned his head, the others behind him naturally followed suit.

Soon, everyone's eyes fell on a small figure sprawled face-down on the ground.

Kamin sighed deeply and retraced his steps.

The march paused momentarily.

"What are you doing?"

Kamin grabbed the figure by the scruff and hoisted them up.

The hood fell back, revealing the boy's face.

Hunt and Lloyd were shocked to realize the "boy" was actually a young woman with long hair tied up.

"When entering a forest, you need to watch your step."

"My apologies, Your Highness."

The girl grinned sheepishly, and Kamin clicked his tongue lightly.

"Keep up properly."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Kamin strode back to his position, and the halted march resumed.

The girl hurried to catch up and stuck close behind Kamin.

Hunt and Lloyd exchanged glances.

A woman on the battlefield?

The Crown Prince's concubine?

They communicated wordlessly with their eyes, casting curious looks at the girl.

Suddenly, she whipped her head around. Meeting her gaze abruptly, Hunt and Lloyd flinched.

The girl stood straight and greeted them.

"Hello. I am Leona, the Crown Prince's close attendant maid."

Three hours after trekking through the forest, the Crown Prince's army finally reached the First Camp.

The encampment was on slightly elevated ground, offering clear visibility in all directions.

What should have been dense woods had been cleared by felling trees, surrounded by a long wooden palisade to form the camp.

As the Crown Prince entered, the waiting soldiers saluted.

Kamin scanned the interior and nodded in satisfaction.

Hunt guided him to the center of the camp.

A tent for the Crown Prince had been erected there.

Hunt tried to escort him inside, but Kamin refused with an annoyed look.

Kamin mounted Nacha and ordered Makia and Glenn.

"Makia, Glenn, you have one hour to rest. I'll scout the surroundings and return. Assemble at the command tent for the strategy meeting in one hour."

Leona asked urgently.

"Your Highness, when will Captain Stan and Casey return?"

Kamin replied with an "Ah."

"As of today, I permit Stan and Casey's return."

"Thank you."

As Leona rejoiced as if it were her own affair, Kamin snorted and tugged the reins toward the entrance. Seeing this, Glenn cried out in alarm.

"Your Highness, please wait a moment. We'll provide an escort shortly..."

"No need."

"Your Highness!"

Kamin rode out of the camp without looking back.

Worried, Glenn dispatched subordinates to follow the Crown Prince.

Makia, having received prior instructions, ordered his men to unpack and rest.

Glenn consulted Hunt and assigned soldiers to tents.

The supply unit stowed the provisions in storage.

Leona, Barts, and Noel moved the Crown Prince's personal items into his tent and arranged them properly.

Hunt's tent for the Crown Prince was lavishly decorated, showing evident effort.

Inside, it was hard to believe this was a battlefield.

Leona inwardly clicked her tongue and cleared out useless items like vases and sculptures. Then, considering the Crown Prince's movements, she completely rearranged the bed, table, and other furniture for easy navigation.

As she finished tidying, Leona suddenly thought of Jahankun and wondered if he had been properly assigned a tent.

She excused herself from Barts and stepped outside.

Spotting Count Hunt, she approached him.

"Count."

"Ah, Lady Leona."

Knowing she was the Crown Prince's close attendant maid, Hunt treated her with utmost respect.

"Count, what of the tent for Jahankun, the Crown Prince's guest?"

"Ah, no worries. We've prepared one for him."

"Your consideration is appreciated. Thank you."

As Leona turned to leave, Hunt hurriedly stopped her.

"That said, we haven't set up a tent for you, Lady Leona. We didn't expect a lady to be coming..."

"So I have no place to sleep tonight?"

"No, we're erecting one now. Please wait just half an hour."

"If possible, near His Highness's tent."

"Yes, that's what we're doing."

"Thank you for your attention, Count."

"It's nothing."

As the two concluded their warm exchange, Viscount Lloyd approached.

"Lady Leona."

"Viscount Lloyd."

Lloyd greeted her and handed over a ledger he held.

"Please take this."

"What is it?"

"It's... the inventory list of camp supplies."

"I see."

Leona calmly accepted the ledger.

Hunt looked back and forth between them, baffled.

"I was just on my way to the supply chief. Thank you for bringing it."

Leona bowed to Lloyd and returned to the Crown Prince's tent.

Hunt stared blankly at her retreating back before asking Lloyd.

"Why give that to the maid?"

"I went to hand over camp management to His Highness's supply chief earlier, and he said to give this ledger to Lady Leona."

"Huh?"

"His Highness's army supply records are also kept by her."

Hunt was utterly perplexed.

"Why is the maid handling supply duties...?"

Lloyd pulled Hunt close and whispered.

"His Highness places immense trust and favor in that maid."

"Hm?"

Hunt perked up his ears.

"Why else bring a maid to war? Apparently, he can't focus on anything without her attendance."

"No way, really?"

"Straight from the supply chief. Young as she looks, she's exceptionally capable in many areas. She managed the unit's internal affairs during the entire expedition here. Her authority is so great that even the fierce New Moon Cavalry turns into lambs before her."

"That impressive...?"

Hunt and Lloyd exchanged meaningful glances, thinking the same:

Best not to get on the bad side of the Crown Prince's close attendant maid.

An hour later, the Crown Prince returned.

Kamin immediately convened the strategy meeting.

In the command tent sat the Crown Prince, Count Hunt, Viscount Lloyd, and the unit commanders.

Commanders from Hunt's and Lloyd's armies also attended.

The men gathered around a large round table.

A map of Tegoya Forest lay atop it, marked with the imperial army's camp positions.

On the map, the First Camp was in the forest's east, the Second Camp across Tegoya Road in the west.

Kamin drew his baton and pointed to Tegoya Road crossing the forest.

He tapped the entrance linking to Goyad, then slowly traced northward along the road.

The baton's tip halted at the road's midpoint.

"There's a bridge here."

Two mountain ranges flanked Tegoya Forest, their rivers flowing into it as the Miser River from the east and the Renen River from the west.

The long Miser River crossed the forest's east, passed the center, and met the Renen in the west.

A bridge spanned where the Miser crossed Tegoya Road.

Built by the empire when constructing the forest road to ford the Miser.

"The Miser flows beneath this bridge. It's deep enough that it can't be crossed without the bridge."

Kamin turned to Hunt.

"Count Hunt. A few days ago, I ordered the bridge destroyed before the Katago could cross. What's the status?"

Hunt straightened and reported.

"Yes, upon receiving the order yesterday, I dispatched men immediately. It should be destroyed by now."

"No scouts back yet?"

"No, but they'll return within the hour at latest."

Kamin nodded and pointed the baton northward along Tegoya Road.

"If the bridge is down and the road blocked, the Katago have three possible actions."

Kamin glanced at the commanders, prompting predictions. Glenn spoke first.

"To cross the river, they'll head upstream where it's shallow. The Katago will move east."

"That's the first predicted route."

Kamin agreed with Glenn and looked to Makia.

Makia offered another possibility.

"Judging by their movements so far, they've thoroughly scouted the terrain. If they know Tegoya's layout, they'll go west."

Makia indicated the map's west.

"Northwest from Tegoya Road, they'll hit the Renen River."

The Renen flowed east from the west mountains before bending south, merging with the Miser in the southwest to form the broad Mir River flowing into Goyad.

"To cross, they'll go upstream first. But from Tegoya Road, the Renen upstream is closer than the Miser's. Crossing west to Renen, then south to Goyad for a ferry across the Mir saves much time. So, high chance they head west."

"Second predicted route."

Kamin concurred.

"Last possibility—who will say?"

He looked around, but they scratched heads or averted eyes, hesitant.

Kamin provided it.

"The Katago army might split in two."

All listened intently.

"As you know, they have two commanders, each controlling half the forces independently. Faced with options, they might divide and move separately."

The commanders nodded in agreement.

"Whatever they choose, my strategy is one."

All eyes fixed on Kamin.

He smirked faintly.

"Hit them from behind."

The listening men looked baffled for a moment.

Kamin pointed east with the baton.

"First, if the full enemy force goes east. Our First Camp waits at Miser upstream, ambushing as they cross. Second Camp crosses Renen to strike their rear."

He shifted to the west.

"Second, if they go west. Second Camp ambushes at Renen upstream as they cross. First Camp crosses Miser for their rear. And finally... if they split..."

Then, a soldier entered and saluted.

"Report: Scouts have returned."

"Bring them in."

The scout entered and reported to Kamin.

"Milord, the enemy has split east and west. Investigation shows 8th Har's forces heading west, 13th Har's east."

Kamin smiled.

"Third case it is."

He ordered Makia.

"Makia, take the New Moon Cavalry to the Second Camp."

Leona finished arranging her tent and stepped outside.

Upon touching the ground, she stretched and looked skyward.

The sky was clear blue, the sun blazing.

She had thought it chilly entering the forest, but midday brought real heat.

Feeling the stark day-night temperature swing, Leona began inspecting the camp.

Soldiers' gazes followed her everywhere.

The maid from the Imperial Palace was a novelty; they stole curious glances.

Ignoring them, Leona roamed freely, meeting the supply chief midway to learn the camp layout, troop numbers, and organization under his guidance.

Nearing lunchtime, the supply chief left to oversee cooking.

Leona wandered alone again.

Suddenly, a foul odor assaulted her nose.

She traced it.

There, in a camp corner, soldiers washed clothes in a muddy puddle—the source.

Closer, the stench intensified.

"What are you doing?"

Leona asked abruptly.

The near-naked soldiers froze at her appearance.

She approached further.

"Ah, you can't come here. It's filthy..."

In that instant, Leona slipped on soft ground without checking her footing.

She tumbled into the puddle with a loud splash.

"Gasp!"

The soldiers froze pale.

Leona struggled alone, barely lifting her head out.

"Ptoo, ptoo. What is this?"

Finally, one soldier snapped to and helped her.

"Are you alright?"

The others rushed to lift her.

Leona's face and clothes were caked in mud.

Seeing her state, they panicked, apologizing profusely and urging her to wash up.

Leona showed no intent to leave, instead curious about their task.

"More importantly, what are you working on?"

They hesitated before explaining.

"His Highness the Crown Prince's orders."

"His Highness?"

"Yes. He ordered us to mix wild animal dung and fallen leaves into the mud and soak our clothes in it."

"Why?"

"We don't know exactly..."

No one did.

Embarrassed, one added hastily.

"Anyway, it's very important."

"This?"

"Yes! Essential for the war, he said."

"Hmm..."

Leona puzzled over the Crown Prince's intent but couldn't fathom it.

"Um... Lady?"

"Yes?"

"Please go wash up..."

"Ah."

Only then did Leona realize her wretched, stinking state.

"Well... since I'm already like this, I'll help."

"Pardon?"

Leona rolled up her sleeves eagerly.

"You said it's important? Let's get back to it."

Kamin instructed Makia.

"Leave armor and horses here, take only a sword and head southwest. A guide will show a shortcut to the Mir River upstream. A boat awaits there."

He glanced at Hunt.

Hunt responded promptly.

"Yes, transport vessels are ready."

Kamin nodded and continued.

"Cross by boat, march nonstop—you'll reach Second Camp tonight. It'll take 8th Har's army at least two days to Renen upstream, so position first and ambush. Don't get too close. Ambush squad at least 100 paces from the river. Katago send scouts before crossing. Remember: their horses have noses keener than dogs'."

Kamin strode to the tent entrance, calling Hunt.

"Guide me to the clothing processing site I ordered earlier."

Hunt hurried ahead.

The commanders followed Kamin out after Hunt.

En route, Kamin cautioned Makia.

"Deceive Katago horses' noses for a successful ambush. Notes: Ambush squad 100 men max. Others 500 paces from river. No armor. Especially ambush squad—bury swords in earth. I've prepared clothes; change into them for ambush. Second Camp has them too—go see what they are."

The stench grew as they neared the camp's edge.

Hunt and Lloyd pinched noses but dropped hands under Kamin's cold glare.

They arrived at the filthy mud pit.

Soldiers soaked in it, dirtying clean clothes.

Spotting the dignitaries, they halted and straightened.

Kamin said.

"To fool Katago horses, I tinkered with the clothes. Stink now, but sun-dry and wearable."

Kamin eyed Makia's stern face teasingly.

"Fight in filthy rags, no armor—alright?"

"For victory, nothing's impossible, Your Highness."

Makia's eyes gleamed at Kamin.

"Your answer... inspires confidence."

Kamin wrapped up awkwardly and inspected.

Satisfied with results.

About to praise Hunt, Kamin frowned at a notably small soldier.

Child soldiers? He glared at Hunt.

The tiny one hid behind another.

Kamin realized instantly.

He pointed.

"You... what's that getup?"

Hunt et al. puzzledly examined the indicated mud-caked figure.

Soon, blue eyes blinked; a soft "Your Highness."

Everyone recognized Leona.

"Why are you in there?"

Kamin glared fiercely.

"I... slipped by accident. Thought I'd lend a hand since I fell in..."

Leona smiled bashfully but shut up under his glare.

"Get out. Now."

Kamin growled lowly.

Leona assented and struggled to the edge.

But mud clung, clothes heavy—progress slow.

She face-planted after a few steps.

"Lady Leona!"

"What are you waiting for? Help her!"

Hunt and Lloyd berated subordinates.

Commanders jumped in, chaos in the mud to rescue her.

Kamin watched, pinching his furrowed brow.

After checking the clothing site, Kamin returned to the command tent to wrap the meeting.

Dismissing all but Makia, he added.

"When over half the enemy crosses, have ambush squad target their horses. Horses are family to them—they'll lose composure. Lure the enraged foe into woods, then unleash full assault."

Makia visualized, asking.

"The enemy remaining river-side?"

"Handled separately. Hid a force in west mountains at Renen upstream to strike their rear."

"A force...?"

"Border guard."

Makia looked lost.

"Weren't they... annihilated?"

"Most forces lost, but I sent men to gather scattered survivors. About 300, each elite as captains."

Makia was genuinely shocked at the meticulous prep.

"Sandwiched front-rear, Katago panic. No respite—crush them."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Makia bowed deeply.

After sending Makia, Kamin summoned Jahankun.

Handing a sealed letter with his seal.

"Deliver to border guard, then return here immediately."

Jahankun took it silently and left.

With Makia and Jahankun gone, Kamin felt relieved.

But entering his tent soured his mood upon seeing Leona.

She stood in a corner; as he sat at the table, she approached and bowed politely. Freshly bathed, water dripped from her bound hair, wetting her clothes.

It irked him.

Leona placed mint tea before him.

Kamin ignored it, glaring at her.

Leona cautiously probed his mood.

"Your Highness, is something troubling you?"

"What?"

"You seem displeased."

Kamin rubbed his face calmly.

"Good eye. I'm in a bad mood. Know why?"

Leona tilted her head thoughtfully.

"The meeting go awry?"

"No."

"The tent not to your liking?"

Kamin sighed long.

"No idea at all?"

"...No."

"You. It's you."

"Me?"

"No clue what you did wrong? Think you did well?"

"What do you..."

"At the clothing site earlier!"

"Ah, that was an accident..."

"If accident, climb out fast—not frolic with half-naked men?"

"I didn't frolic..."

"Insolence!"

Kamin bellowed, claiming damaged dignity.

Leona was baffled, knowing he cared little for maid conduct or princely decorum.

Seeing no remorse, just blank stare, Kamin deemed her hopeless and banned her from roaming camp.

Scolded thoroughly, Leona left dazed.

Worried Barts and Noel waiting outside comforted her instantly.

Barts insisted they'd handle lunch service; she should rest.

Embarrassed, Leona hurried away.

Felt damp hair and hem.

She undid her high bun, combing with fingers.

Breeze slipped through, cooling refreshingly as she headed to her tent.

Someone blocked her path.

"Oh, Vice-Captain Stan."

Stan wore his usual grumpy face.

Assuming business, Leona waited.

But he said nothing.

Leona spoke first.

"Something with me?"

Stan coughed awkwardly.

"Our New Moon unit moves to another camp soon."

"Safe travels."

"No, I..."

More to say; Leona waited.

"That time... last time..."

But he trailed off.

Frustrated, Leona twirled her hair idly.

Droplets fell from brown strands.

Stan stared at the wetting ground, then blurted.

"Don't scamper about."

"Pardon?"

As Leona looked up, Stan stared straight.

Coolly, bluntly:

"This is battlefield. Don't wander recklessly and cause our troops harm."

Leona blinked slowly, nodded; Stan left very pleased.

Leona muttered at his back.

"Everyone acting weird today..."

Meanwhile, Kamin ordered Barts to assemble elite archers outside camp and set targets.

Barts returned after.

Kamin followed him to site.

Glenn, Casey, Hunt, Lloyd awaited.

Men eyed Kamin eagerly.

Their sparkling anticipation made Kamin inwardly lament his fate.

Deep breaths to compose, Glenn and Lloyd reported tasks done.

Kamin brushed off casually, eyed archer ranks.

Some 200 sturdy men.

Kamin requested bow from Barts.

Barts swiftly provided bow and arrows.

Kamin walked to targets.

Soldiers watched curiously.

Targets at ~100 paces.

Kamin nocked, drew—lowered.

Ordered soldiers move targets another 100 paces.

They did; now tiny dots.

Kamin drew again.

All held breath.

Release—arrow streaked; thud.

Nearby soldier yelled hit.

Archers cheered in awe.

Kamin addressed.

"Any confident to match that distance, step up."

They eyed each other warily.

Kamin offered prize.

"Hit, ten gold nyang."

Archers surged forward greedily.

Some skilled, some overambitious.

Kamin let all challengers ~100 try.

Only ~10 hit precisely.

Most fell short.

Kamin awarded hits, rewarded near-misses.

Total: 50.

Called Glenn.

"Send selected archers to Miser upstream. Change to soiled clothes, weapons only bows/arrows. From today, cross Miser, hide in mountains."

"East mountains?"

"Yes. Battle at Miser upstream. They lurk, descend at battle start, scan for targets."

"Targets...?"

"Their commanders. Mission: kill 13th Har."

Glenn gasped.

"First shot must hit. Test them more, pick best for first arrow. Hitting 13th Har devastates enemy morale."

Glenn nodded.

"Urge caution: hide, observe, find commander first. Strike when guards distracted."

"Understood, Your Highness."

Glenn departed; Kamin told Hunt to prepare post-lunch march.