Chapter 15

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 7

Chapter Title: Departure for the Battlefield

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Leona was resting in her barracks when she heard a commotion outside.

Stepping out, she saw soldiers packing up their gear.

She'd heard the army was on the move soon.

Leona hurried to the Crown Prince's tent.

At the entrance, Barts was directing men with barked orders.

"Barts."

"Ah, Lady Leona."

"Is the army moving out?"

"Yes. His Highness will depart shortly. He's preparing now."

Leona hesitated a moment before asking,

"To the battlefield?"

"Yes."

Leona's face darkened.

She hadn't expected combat this soon.

She knew the Crown Prince would triumph unharmed in this war, yet the thought of him heading into battle stirred deep unease.

"How far is the battlefield? Is the armor polished? What about the weapons? May I check them once more?"

Leona fired off questions without pause, then flinched as a heavy hand pressed on her head.

Turning, she found the Crown Prince's hand atop her crown.

"Your Highness..."

Kamin pressed firmly on Leona's head before releasing it.

"Stop fussing and go dry your hair properly."

"Your Highness, are you leaving now?"

"Yes."

Kamin sent Barts to fetch his gear.

Leona stared in shock at the Crown Prince's attire.

"Your Highness, you're not going to battle like that, are you? Where's your armor?"

The Crown Prince wore only a black tunic and cloak—no protective gear at all.

He looked ready for a casual outing, not war.

Leona circled him anxiously, repeatedly asking about his armor.

Kamin looked down at her with annoyance.

"You're like a wild spirit. Stay still."

"Your Highness."

"I'll just observe from afar."

"Even so..."

Leona gazed up at him, her face etched with worry.

Kamin chuckled softly.

"Don't make that face. It makes you look ugly."

"Your Highness."

Kamin tilted his head back and let out a long whistle.

Nacha, playing in the woods, heard it and galloped toward the camp.

The sentries at the entrance spotted the massive red horse charging from the forest and swiftly opened the stockade gate.

They'd been briefed: clear the way anytime for the Crown Prince's horse.

Nacha crossed the camp rapidly, stopping before Kamin.

Kamin stroked Nacha's neck, checking her condition.

Soon, Noel and Barts arrived with the saddle and packs.

Kamin fitted the saddle onto Nacha's back himself.

As he moved to load the packs, Nacha suddenly shifted her legs.

"Nacha?"

Nacha trotted straight to Leona, ignoring her master's bewilderment.

She nudged Leona's head lightly with her muzzle.

Leona realized Nacha was asking about her hair ribbon.

"The ribbon? It got dirty, so I washed it."

Leona caressed Nacha's cheek, whispering worriedly.

"Nacha, take care of yourself. Promise? You mustn't get hurt..."

Nacha nodded and snorted softly.

Kamin watched their touching farewell with a sour expression.

"Nacha, come here."

No matter how many times Kamin called, Nacha didn't budge.

Finally, Leona led her back to him.

Kamin secured the packs and poked Nacha's cheek.

"Keep forgetting who your master is? Want a hellish training session? Huh?"

Nacha tilted her head innocently, then rubbed her cheek affectionately against Kamin's.

Kamin could only let out a hollow laugh at her antics.

Just then, Glenn, Hunt, and Lloyd gathered before the Crown Prince's tent.

Kamin ordered Glenn and Hunt to begin the march ahead.

They saluted and departed. Kamin beckoned Lloyd closer.

"Viscount Lloyd."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Do you know why I'm leaving you here?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I know my role is to guard the supply depot."

"Mm. And..."

Kamin's gaze shifted to Leona.

Lloyd caught the hint and added,

"I'll protect Lady Leona without fail. No need for concern, Your Highness."

Leona's eyes widened at that.

Kamin ignored her reaction and extended his hand to Barts.

Barts promptly presented the sword.

Kamin tucked it loosely at his waist and mounted Nacha.

Soldiers were forming ranks to march out of camp.

All wore light black garb, proceeding on foot.

Only mounted officers led from the front.

Kamin watched the ranks form, then turned to Leona.

At that moment, Leona unclenched her tightly balled fists and poured out the words she'd held back.

"Your Highness, above all, your royal person is paramount. Stay as far from the fighting as possible, keep escorts close. Battlefields breed unforeseen perils. Never let your guard down, always watch your surroundings. Blind blades or arrows can strike from anywhere—be ever cautious."

She knew he wasn't one to be easily harmed.

From her past life, she knew his feats and prowess.

Yet worry gnawed at her relentlessly.

Kamin looked stunned briefly, then burst into laughter.

"Must've been hard holding back all that nagging."

"Your Highness."

"I hear you. I'll heed your words, so obey my orders too."

"Pardon?"

"Don't stray from the camp center. Barts, watch her. Trail her and ensure she doesn't wander."

Barts affirmed confidently.

As Leona gaped in dismay, Kamin smirked crookedly.

"Behave until I return."

With that, he departed camp.

Leona nearly chased after him but recalled his order and halted near the entrance.

She stood there long after his figure faded and silence fell over the camp.

As afternoon waned and the sun dipped, twilight settled over the forest.

Soldiers, knowing nights brought sharp chills, bundled up early and prepared fires.

Viscount Lloyd was sorting military reports in his tent when a subordinate reported.

The squad dispatched to destroy the Tegoya bridge had returned.

Lloyd went out personally to greet them.

"You're back. Good work, Edmond."

Amid burly men, Lloyd praised the sole slender, refined young man.

Edmond saluted Lloyd, then scanned the camp.

"Many soldiers are missing. Has His Highness already left?"

"Indeed. Shame—you just missed his wise presence."

"Really?"

"His Highness has profound tactical insight. You'd be amazed at his plan."

Curious, Edmond inquired further. Lloyd invited him to the tent for details.

They headed there side by side.

En route, a blue-ribboned girl dashed past.

A young man chased after her urgently.

"Lady Leona! No farther."

"This is fine."

"His Highness said stay at the center."

"This is the center."

"A hundred paces from His Highness's tent isn't center."

"Barts, His Highness didn't specify. I can't follow your arbitrary limit."

"Lady Leona..."

"Give me three hundred paces? Please?"

"Please, me. Or I'll get scolded."

They tugged at each other, whining.

Edmond stared at Lloyd in bewilderment.

"A woman in camp...?"

Lloyd whispered,

"His Highness's favored maid."

"What?"

Edmond yelped in surprise, halting Leona and Barts's banter.

Leona spotted Lloyd and nodded. He approached, dragging Edmond.

"Viscount Lloyd."

"Lady Leona, Barts."

Lloyd introduced Edmond.

"He was on a vital mission, just returned. Meet Edmond, attendant from the Imperial Palace, Barts, and maid Leona. Greet them."

"I'm Edmond. Pleased to meet you."

"First time."

Edmond bowed politely; Barts and Leona reciprocated courteously.

Lloyd elaborated,

"Distant kin to Count Hunt, a prodigy in the northwest. Skips exams for continental tours despite family hopes, eccentric. Joined upon hearing of the Katago incursion."

"A key talent, then."

Barts praised, but Edmond stared fixedly at Leona.

Leona touched her cheek flustered.

"Something on my face?"

"N-no."

Edmond smiled awkwardly and stepped back.

Lloyd excused them and led Edmond away.

Edmond stole glances at the blue-eyed girl trailing Lloyd.

Rasyn, thirteenth son of Katago chieftain Cher Taru Han, advanced quietly.

13th Har's guard warrior, Taram, followed.

Rasyn joined Chahu by the riverbank, shoulder to shoulder.

Chahu, a Katago female warrior, matched his height perfectly.

Both had red hair, dark skin, and two small horns on their foreheads.

They wore leather garb with ornate patterns.

Rasyn, denoting his 'Har' status, wore a gold-thread band on his forehead, long braided hair trailing down his back, silver ornament at the tip.

Chahu's hair was similarly braided, unadorned, but she wore a silver necklace.

Chahu bore a unique mark: a white tattoo under her left eye, absent in others.

Geometric, it read 'Gauda'—'Great Warrior' in Katago script.

Chahu eyed the rushing river intently, murmuring,

"This water's clean."

Rasyn nodded.

"Yes. Pure."

"We need clean water. This land."

Rasyn saw her clench her fist and embraced her shoulder.

"Chahu, you're my deputy before my mate. Conserve yourself. Don't charge first."

Chahu touched her tattoo.

"I'm the tribe's Gauda. Gaud'as don't flee. I'll lead us to victory."

Her tone brooked no argument.

Rasyn sighed, hugging her tightly.

The Crown Prince's army marched through the night, reaching the Misen River upper reaches by noon next day.

Kamin stationed troops in the forest away from the river, ordering rest. He summoned commanders for detailed orders.

His plan:

'Set traps at a forest point.

When 13th Har's army reaches the Misen, hide and wait for crossing.

Once a third crosses, some troops raid.

Others ambush near traps.

Engage briefly, retreat, lure into traps.

Once trapped, all forces encircle and assault.

Meanwhile, assassins in hills target 13th Har.

His death sows chaos. Finish trapped foes, cross, hit remnants.

If Katago flee, don't pursue—secure prisoners.'

Commanders brimmed with victory hopes.

Kamin assigned roles, scouted for trap sites.

Rest ended; napping soldiers rose.

Glenn and Hunt led men to sites, set traps, trained lures.

Scouts reported enemy ETA.

Lure squads near river changed clothes, hid in brush.

Remainder ambushed trap perimeter.

Kamin took three guards uphill.

His vantage overlooked river and traps perfectly.

Now, wait.

Next afternoon, Katago reached Misen upper reaches.

13th Har Rasyn organized ranks, consulted Chahu on crossing.

To counter ambushes, send vanguard first to scout opposite bank.

Thirty warriors selected.

Chahu suddenly volunteered to join.

Rasyn objected.

"You're deputy. No."

"Bad feeling. I'll check personally."

Rasyn fell silent—her instincts unmatched.

"Empire didn't just destroy bridge and flee. Crossing's prime ambush time. They're prepared."

"More reason you stay. Let vanguard scout."

"Can't trust them."

"They're elite."

"Not like me. If hidden, I'll sense."

Chahu was resolute.

Rasyn relented, but bolstered vanguard to fifty including her.

Vanguard crossed mounted.

Per Rasyn's urging, Chahu stayed rear.

They entered opposite forest cautiously, scanning slowly.

Chahu inhaled deeply. No anomalies, yet unease lingered.

She trusted her gut.

Soon, her horse Araha halted abruptly.

"What is it?"

Chahu scanned while stroking Araha's red mane.

Araha sniffed ground, pawed it.

"Halt all!"

Chahu dismounted, examined earth, found dirt-caked rope fragment—mundane.

But fresh, and Araha scented it.

She held it to Araha's nose.

"Araha, track."

Araha sniffed, nosed ground tracing.

Far off, Kamin watching clicked tongue.

"Trouble brewing."

Guards puzzled at his mutter—foes distant, details indistinct.

Araha veered toward thickets.

Chahu followed, drawing blade; vanguard gripped weapons.

Hidden Imperial spotted approach, position compromised.

No time to hesitate.

Enemy blades imminent.

Imperial drew buried sword, struck first.

Chahu parried leisurely, yelled to warriors,

"Ambush!"

Imperials emerged successively.

Skirmish erupted.

Katago mounted, Imperials faltered quickly.

Imperials clashed briefly, fled.

Excited Katago pursued swiftly.

As they closed,

Archers ahead loosed, hindering.

Katago swatted arrows, chased.

Trailing Chahu sensed peril,

"Wait! Something's off!"

Too late.

Ground collapsed; Katago and mounts plummeted into pits.

Horses' agonized neighs followed.

Pits bristled with spikes.

Horses impaled, bled out.

Warriors wept blood-tears.

Ambushers rose, roared, charged.

Across river, Rasyn heard cries, knew disaster struck vanguard.

He mounted hastily.

Taram blocked.

"No."

"Out of way! Chahu's in danger!"

"13th Har, remember your station. Your fall dooms us."

"But!"

"Chahu's fine. She's Gauda. Trust her."

Rasyn eyed watching warriors.

Their lives, tribesmen's fates rested on him.

He gritted teeth, calmed.

"Send scouts across. Full army battle ready."

"Yes."

Warriors drew arms.

Rasyn gazed forest pleadingly for Chahu's return.

Imperials outnumbered vanguard.

Chahu bellowed retreat; warriors, mad with grief over horses, ignored, fought suicidally.

"Retreat, you fools!"

Chahu dashed about on Araha, shouting.

"Die pointlessly, and tribesfolk lose homes! Think of families! Kill them all?"

Warriors regained senses.

Chahu ordered,

"Retreat! I'll clear path—go!"

Katago disengaged.

Imperials pursued; Chahu blocked.

Imperials targeted Araha first.

Araha leaped arrows, trampled them.

Atop bucking mount, Chahu unshaken.

She exploited gaps, shattered formations.

Dozens couldn't touch her.

Kamin marveled,

"One against a hundred."

He glanced at 13th Har across river.

Then arrows flew at Rasyn.

One grazed his throat.

He staggered; horse reared.

Taram grabbed him aghast.

"13th Har!"

Dozens more from hills.

"Ambush in hills! Protect Har!"

Taram dismounted hugging Rasyn.

Hundreds shielded with shields.

Taram laid Rasyn down, checked.

Wound shallow, fortunate miss.

"I'm fine."

Rasyn clutched throat, rose.

"13th Har! Seek cover first."

"No. Chahu's not back."

"Enemies in hills. They could strike here."

Arrows rained ceaselessly.

Taram urged retreat.

Rasyn wavered.

Abandon Chahu? Expose army?

"13th Har!"

"Full retreat... for now."

Army withdrew riverward to forest.

But Rasyn stubbornly stayed by river for Chahu.

As Taram argued, scouts and vanguard survivors returned.

Rasyn brightened, then paled—Chahu absent.

"Chahu?"

He seized a warrior.

"Deputy covered us, stayed behind."

"Left her alone?"

"Traps took our horses. But her Araha's fine—she'll follow."

Rasyn stared blankly across river.

No sign of Chahu.

Dread surged.

He stepped toward river.

Guards restrained; Taram soothed.

"Trust Chahu. Never failed you. She'll return safe."

Rasyn agreed.

She never disappointed.

Partner through perils, great warrior.

She'd return.

"You're right. Chahu's fine. I trust her."

Taram seized moment:

"Stay, you risk injury—she'd blame herself. For her, preserve yourself."

Rasyn yielded, rejoined army in forest.

Kamin scowled.

Imperials couldn't take one warrior, 13th Har lived, enemy retreated.

Plan failed utterly.

Kamin sighed deeply, accepted defeat.

Chahu shook off pursuers with fierce swings.

As Imperials dodged, Araha vaulted over, toward river.

Kamin snatched bow from guard, mounted Nacha.

"Your Highness!"

Ignoring, Kamin spurred down slope.

"Can't let prize escape."

Galloping, he nocked arrow, drew, loosed at her back.

Arrow struck true; Chahu screamed, flung airborne, crashed below mount.

Araha wheeled back.

Chahu struggled up, reaching for saddle.

Another arrow pierced her thigh.

She collapsed again.

Chahu eyed arrow's path.

Imperial on Katago horse charging— the Crown Prince.

"Araha, flee. He won't spare you."

Araha refused.

"Go! Watch you die? Flee!"

Chahu struck Araha's leg, wailing.

Araha finally fled.

Crown Prince arrived.

Chahu straightened swiftly, sat proud.

Kamin loomed mounted.

"'Gauda'... high-value catch."

Chahu hid shock at her identity's revelation.

They glared silently.

Imperials arrived, encircled, blades at her neck.

Kamin ordered,

"Don't kill. Take to camp."