Chapter 16

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 8

Chapter Title: Chapter 5

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On the third day after the Crown Prince departed from the camp, a portion of the troops returned late in the evening.

Leona rushed toward the camp entrance as soon as she heard the army was back, searching for the Crown Prince and Nacha.

But the one she anxiously awaited was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, amid the weary soldiers shuffling in, she spotted a bound barbarian prisoner.

The prisoner stood out starkly from imperial citizens in appearance at first glance.

The soldiers dragged the prisoner roughly into the camp.

Leona's gaze followed the barbarian out of curiosity before she stopped herself.

Right now, confirming the Crown Prince's safety came first.

Just then, Viscount Lloyd and Edmond appeared.

The commander of the returning unit saluted Lloyd and informed him there was a message from the Crown Prince.

Lloyd invited the commander to his tent to hear it, then spotted Leona.

Hoping to impress her, he suggested she join them to hear His Highness's message.

Leona hesitated.

"Is this something I can hear? If it's a secret order from His Highness, I won't listen."

Lloyd realized his carelessness and subtly signaled the commander.

The commander stepped forward at once, assuring her it was fine for Leona to listen.

Leona accepted Lloyd's invitation with relief.

Soon, they all moved to Lloyd's tent together.

In the presence of Lloyd, Edmond, Leona, and Barts, the commander first detailed the battle at the Misen River.

Only then did Leona learn the Crown Prince had clashed with the 13th Har.

Knowing from her past life that the Crown Prince had made a secret pact with the 13th Har, Leona was startled to hear he had attempted to assassinate him.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince's scheme had failed.

The Crown Prince's forces had let the 13th Har's army escape, capturing only one enemy prisoner.

As everyone sighed in disappointment at the battle's outcome, Leona secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Is His Highness all right? He wasn't injured in the fighting?"

Leona asked worriedly upon hearing the Crown Prince had personally captured the ferocious barbarian.

"Yes. His Highness is unharmed. Not a single scratch."

"That's a relief."

Leona relaxed her tense expression and gave a small smile.

Edmond watched her face before asking the commander,

"Why has only part of the army returned? Where is His Highness?"

"Originally, we planned to leave half the troops upstream to guard the river and bring the rest back to camp. His Highness judged that force sufficient for defense, believing the enemy wouldn't attempt a crossing for a while. But on our way back, we received word that the enemy had tried crossing upstream, leading to a skirmish. After fierce fighting, the enemy retreated, but we suffered heavy losses. So His Highness sent us back with the prisoner and returned upstream with the remaining forces."

The commander finished by relaying the Crown Prince's order to supply horses and rations upstream.

Leona asked the commander about the required quantities, obtained Lloyd's permission, and took him to meet the quartermaster.

Barts followed Leona as well.

Edmond looked incredulous as he asked Lloyd,

"That woman handles logistics too?"

"That woman? Mind your tongue around the Chief Maid Supervisor!"

"No, but..."

Edmond irritably scratched his head.

"Even if she's from the Imperial Palace maids' office, this is a battlefield. It's not her domain."

"Domain? Her influence rivals a viscount's title."

"That much?"

"Of course. She basks in His Highness the Crown Prince's favor—the man next to inherit the throne. You're aiming for an official post, aren't you? It'll do you no harm to stay on Leona's good side."

At Lloyd's earnest advice, Edmond stared in astonishment, speechless.

Leona consulted the quartermaster and arranged to transport supplies early the next morning.

The quartermaster rushed to assemble the transport personnel, and Leona stepped aside to avoid hindering him.

On her way back from the supply depot to her tent, Leona paused at the sound of a commotion.

Soldiers had gathered in one corner of the camp, buzzing excitedly—it seemed the barbarian prisoner was there.

Leona suddenly grew curious.

She'd heard Katago Tribe horses resembled their tribe members; she wondered if the prisoner truly looked like Nacha.

Leona turned and slipped through the crowd of soldiers.

It was dark since the sun had set.

Torches lit the camp, but they couldn't fully dispel the forest shadows.

Thus, the soldiers didn't notice Leona among them.

The prisoner was bound to a large wooden post, surrounded by gawking soldiers.

"That thing's a real viper. Even injured, it tried escaping multiple times, so His Highness broke its legs outright."

"Looks vicious from the start. And it's a woman?"

"A woman? Really?"

"Barbarian women are brutally ugly. Look, she's got a lump on her forehead."

"Ghastly. No different from a beast."

"Ugh... terrifying. I hear barbarians always get revenge. Is this okay? What if she curses us?"

"Scared? This brute's just big and cowardly."

"What? Hilarious. Do you know how much barbarian blood's on my hands?"

"Oh yeah? You?"

"Don't believe me?"

"I'd sooner believe the moon's square."

"What?"

The soldiers burst into loud laughter.

The man grumbled as his comrades mocked him.

The soldiers taunted him to prove his bravery right there.

"Fine! Fine! I'll show you how brave I am."

Fuming, the man drew his dagger from his belt.

"I'll make an example of that thing right now and raise our Imperial Army's prestige!"

"Ooh!"

The soldiers cheered him on.

The man strode confidently toward the prisoner.

The prisoner was covered in wounds and blood, but her eyes blazed fiercely.

As he approached, she ground her teeth and glared daggers.

The man faltered briefly at her killing intent but steeled himself, noting her restraints.

"Hmph, what're you gonna do, glaring like that?"

He gripped the dagger tightly, roughly yanking her hair to force her face up.

He waved the blade lightly before her face.

Even as the tip grazed perilously close to her eyes, she didn't blink.

His threats failing, the man's pride flared.

"Let's see if you're still so proud after I slice off an ear."

Then, the cheers from behind stopped abruptly.

The man assumed his comrades had fallen silent in tension.

Thrilled they were all watching, he puffed up.

"Everyone, watch closely!"

His dagger swung toward her right ear.

A small hand seized his dagger hand.

Startled, the man looked, then recoiled in terror.

"M-M-Maid Supervisor."

Leona swept the area with a cold gaze.

The soldiers shrank back a step.

Leona turned to the man with the dagger.

He hastily hid it behind his back.

"What's your name?"

Panicking, he stammered.

Leona ignored him and addressed the other soldiers.

"I'm ignorant of military law, so let me ask: Can a common soldier torture an enemy prisoner without a superior's permission?"

The soldiers bowed their heads and murmured,

"No."

Leona gave a cold smile and looked back at the man.

Color drained from his face.

"That's why I'm curious. Soldier, what's your name? You seem to have such authority to torture a prisoner His Highness captured himself. I can't not know your name."

"M-Maid Supervisor... I-I..."

"Your name?"

Leona asked flatly again.

Trembling in fear, he prostrated himself, begging forgiveness.

Leona pretended to ponder before softening her expression.

"This is your first offense, so I'll let it slide. But never repeat it."

"Yes. Yes, understood."

As Leona glanced at the others, they too swore it wouldn't happen again.

The soldiers soon slunk away under her gaze, leaving the area empty.

Leona sighed and approached the barbarian prisoner.

The prisoner sat bound to the post, her long limbs suggesting great height.

She eyed Leona sharply, then growled fiercely as Leona drew near.

Leona squatted at a slight distance, meeting her eyes.

"Hmm... How's your body feeling?"

The prisoner only breathed heavily, no reply.

"Don't understand Imperial tongue?"

Leona muttered, scanning the prisoner's body.

Bloodstains everywhere made wounds hard to assess.

Her wariness made examination impossible anyway.

Leona noticed a filthy bowl strewn nearby—likely her meal.

Untouched, the food inside was worse than garbage.

With limbs bound and bowl tossed, it was meant for her to eat like a dog.

Leona frowned instinctively.

Even for an enemy, this was too cruel.

"This isn't fit to eat."

Leona carefully pulled the bowl closer.

The food looked awful and reeked.

Standing with the bowl, she told the prisoner,

"I'll bring something else."

The prisoner bared her teeth and growled.

Leona turned with a wry smile.

Leona fetched fresh food, then sought the camp surgeon to treat the prisoner's wounds.

The surgeon complied without protest, grabbing his tools and following.

But at the site, the prisoner had lost consciousness.

Leona hurried over, touching her forehead.

She burned with fever.

"Surgeon, hurry."

At Leona's urging, he examined her.

He found and treated arrow wounds on her back and thigh; Leona mixed antipyretic in water and fed her.

Parched, the prisoner gulped it down semiconsciously.

As the surgeon splinted her ankle, he explained,

"Wounds are deep, but not life-threatening. Katago Tribe members are tougher and heal faster than imperials."

"Will the scars fade cleanly?"

"Scars?"

"She's a woman... Scars shouldn't remain."

The surgeon chuckled at her concern.

"Imperial women see scars as flaws, but this is a Katago warrior. She'll wear them with pride."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Leona absently touched her own abdomen, then snapped to and wrapped the prisoner in a thick blanket.

Packing his tools, the surgeon muttered admiringly,

"Impressive anyway. A female warrior... Unheard of in the Empire."

"Female warrior..."

Rolling the words in her mouth triggered a strange sense of familiarity.

What is it?

Alone after the surgeon left, Leona wiped the prisoner's cold sweat.

As she dabbed her forehead, Leona mulled "female warrior" repeatedly.

Something nagged at her, just out of reach.

She shook off the distraction and focused.

Wiping stains from the prisoner's cheek, Leona spotted a tattoo under her eye.

Having seen Katago script before, Leona examined it curiously.

"Katago letters... A name?"

"It's a title."

Startled by the sudden voice, Leona jumped.

Edmond stood right behind, looking down at her.

"Edmond?"

"Ah, sorry. Did I startle you?"

He shrugged apologetically.

"It's fine. You can read Katago script?"

"Yes. I have broad interests..."

Edmond sat beside her casually.

Leona showed interest in his words.

"You said title?"

"Yes."

Edmond pointed to the tattoo and read it aloud.

"'Gauda'—title for a great warrior."

"Gauda..."

Past-life memories flashed.

Leona scrutinized the prisoner's face and asked Edmond,

"Are there many Gaudas among Katago women warriors?"

"No. It's not easily earned. Only warriors passing perilous trials get it. A 'Gauda' is rare even once a century in their tribe. To my knowledge, she's the only current one."

"Ah..."

Then it's certain.

Leona swallowed dryly.

In her past life, she'd heard rumors of "Warrior Gauda."

After the Crown Prince's deposition, as the Empire's fortunes waned.

Katago invasions resumed, ravaging the northwest; pleas for reinforcements flooded the capital daily.

Leona had focused on the Imperial Grandson then, ignoring the crisis.

But she'd heard of the "barbarian female warrior, demon Gauda."

Legends said no blade of grass survived her path; she was infamous for cruelty and mercilessness.

Yet one difference separated this prisoner from past-life Gauda.

Appearance.

Rumors described past Gauda as one-eared, face scarred hideously.

This Gauda's ears and face were intact. For now.

Edmond noticed Leona's grave look.

"What's wrong? A problem...?"

"Nothing. Even so, for a woman to fight in war and earn 'great warrior'—impressive. I respect her, enemy or not."

Edmond nodded in agreement.

Leona wiped fresh sweat from the prisoner's brow.

Her intervention had altered Gauda's fate.

Leona couldn't predict the ripples.

For now, she hoped it wouldn't hinder the Crown Prince's future.

Chahu slowly regained consciousness from the cool sensation on her forehead.

Lifting heavy eyelids, cold water touched her lips.

It tasted sweet as honey.

Thirsty, Chahu opened wide, gulping eagerly.

But too little entered.

She wanted to drink herself, but her arms wouldn't move.

Helpless, she tilted her head back for more.

A flood poured in.

She swallowed frantically.

Thirst eased.

Chahu sighed, blinking slowly.

Her blurry vision cleared, filled by a pale face.

Shocked, she stiffened.

"Feeling better?"

A brown-haired, blue-eyed girl asked kindly.

Only then did Chahu realize she lay cradled in an imperial girl's arms.

She tried rolling away but groaned in pain.

"Ah, careful."

The girl helped her lean against the post.

"Treated your wounds. Stay still to heal faster."

Chahu checked her body.

As said, bandages covered injuries.

Pain in her broken leg had lessened; she felt lighter.

Hands still bound behind, but legs free.

No longer tethered directly to the post.

The binding rope was lengthened, connected loosely.

Chahu glanced at the smiling girl, then surveyed around.

It was morning now.

Enemy tents faced her; a high palisade loomed behind.

"Gauda?"

Chahu glared sharply.

The girl pointed under her eye.

"Read your tattoo. Can I call you Gauda?"

No response; the girl paused, then asked,

"Gauda, you're with the 13th Har's army? Close to him?"

She watched intently, missing no reaction.

Chahu showed none.

"Hmm... Language barrier?"

The girl shook her head with a long sigh.

"Hungry? I'll get food."

She gestured emphatically before leaving.

Chahu waited till she vanished, then strained her arms.

Regrettably, the ropes were tough and secure.

Escape wouldn't be easy.

Meanwhile, at the camp entrance, sentries fussed.

The Crown Prince's horse had appeared alone.

Panicked at the riderless red steed, they opened the gate.

But it lingered outside, milling about.

"What's wrong? It used to come and go fine."

"You lead it in."

"Wanna die? Only His Highness and the Maid Supervisor can touch it."

As they shoved responsibility, the red horse bolted inside.

Sentries sent word to Viscount Lloyd.

The horse snorted, wandering freely.

Imperial soldiers assumed the Crown Prince's return, ignoring it.

Unhindered, it reached the prisoner.

Spotting Chahu, it rushed over, nuzzling her cheek joyfully.

[Araha? How did you...]

Chahu gaped at Araha's arrival.

Nearby soldiers witnessed it.

"That's His Highness's horse, Nacha, right?"

"Looks like it."

"Why there?"

"Feels kinship with Katago?"

"What if the prisoner harms it? Someone separate them."

Soldiers exchanged looks; the lowest rank drew the short straw.

He approached cautiously.

"Nacha... good boy..."

Araha stood still, then bit his collar and flung him down as he touched the reins.

Others screamed; Araha kicked wildly at them.

Terrified, they fled.

Araha swiftly plucked a dagger from the dazed soldier's bosom.

Leona, carrying food for the prisoner, tilted her head at the uproar.

Rushing soldiers spotted her and hurried over.

"Maid Supervisor!"

"What?"

"Hurry! Nacha's rampaging."

"Nacha? His Highness is back?"

"Seems so. Please calm it."

They snatched her bowl and urged her on.

Confused, Leona followed.

The prisoner's spot teemed with gathered soldiers.

They parted for Leona.

She glimpsed the red horse's rear amid the crowd.

Prisoner hidden by its body.

Leona quickened her pace through them.

Soldiers kept distance from the horse; Leona entered the open space alone.

"Nacha?"

The horse twitched its hindquarters but didn't turn.

Leona sensed oddity.

"Nacha?"

She circled to its head.

As she neared, it lifted its head, eyes meeting hers.

"Huh...?"

Instantly, Leona realized it wasn't Nacha.

Shocked, she backed away.

Suddenly, the prisoner vaulted onto the horse.

In a blink, she yanked Leona up before her.

Soldiers gawked, muttering dumbly.

Viscount Lloyd arrived.

"Leona!"

He drew his sword, ordering,

"What are you doing? Rescue Leona now!"

Soldiers snapped to, encircling the horse.

Chahu gripped Leona tightly, pressing the dagger to her throat.

Lloyd paled, shouting,

"No! Stop!"

"Stay back. Or she dies."

Chahu spoke Imperial clearly.

"A-alright! Got it!"

"Back off."

Lloyd urgently withdrew the soldiers.

"There? Release the hostage. Now."

"Open the camp gate."

"Release first."

Chahu smirked coldly, pressing the blade tighter.

A thin line of blood appeared on Leona's skin.

Lloyd shuddered, pleading,

"Stop! We'll do anything. Just don't harm her."

"Gate. Open."

Lloyd had soldiers open it.

"Follow, and she dies."

Lloyd nodded heavily, reiterating no pursuit.

Chahu scanned warily, slowly guiding Araha to the entrance.

Leona, desperate not to be taken, punched Chahu's wounded thigh hard.

Briefly, Chahu's grip loosened.

Leona tried throwing herself off.

But Chahu struck her neck first.

Leona went limp, unconscious.

Chahu secured her, signaling Araha.

Araha bolted powerfully.

"No!"

Lloyd chased, but by the gate, prisoner and Leona were gone.

He tore at his hair, whimpering,

"I'm dead. I'm done."

Edmond arrived, steadying staggering Lloyd.

"What happened? Prisoner escaped?"

"What to do... His Highness will kill me."

Barts and Noel rushed up.

"Leona taken hostage? True?"

Lloyd despaired, covering his face, sobbing.

"Pull yourself together, Viscount. That prisoner's vital—we can't lose her. Pursue now."

Lloyd shook his head at Edmond.

"No. Leona's life..."

"A maid's life over this? Battlefield weighs priorities."

"B-but..."

"His Highness values the prisoner's trail over a maid. Send pursuers!"

Edmond pressed Lloyd.

Lloyd glanced at Barts.

Barts averted his eyes, lips twitching.

Finally, Lloyd hastily formed and dispatched a pursuit unit into the forest.

Soon after pursuers left, a messenger from the second camp arrived.

Makia's army had routed the 8th Har's forces in a great victory.

Supplies and horses for upstream were ready.

Lloyd decided to send the messenger with them to report to the Crown Prince.

But how to break the escape news left him fretting.

Edmond volunteered to go explain personally.

Lloyd gratefully begged him to plead their case.

The first camp's gates swung wide.

Troops and supplies departed amid bustle.

Unseen eyes watched covertly.

The 13th Har, 'Rasin,' hid in the woods, observing imperial movements.

Anxiety sweated his sword-gripping hand.

He yearned to storm in and rescue Chahu.

Imagining her tortured burned him inside.

But Taram insisted waiting for night.

Rasin agreed.

Darkness was key to success.

Thus, he anxiously awaited time's passage.

Soon, Taram brought unexpected news.

[13th Har, good news. Chahu escaped.]

[What?]

Rasin gripped Taram's shoulders.

[True?]

[Yes. Scout just returned. Overheard enemies: this morning, Chahu took a key figure hostage and fled.]

Rasin exhaled, beaming.

[As expected of Chahu. True Gauda.]

[What now?]

[She'll head upstream to rejoin us. But enemies hold it. Knowing that, she'll detour east mountains, cross elsewhere.]

[Agreed.]

[We follow her likely path. Hurry, catch her pre-crossing.]

Taram nodded, whistling long.

His guards emerged from brush, joining him.

"Ugh..."

Leona rubbed her throbbing neck.

Trying to rise dizzied her.

She lay back, breathing steadily.

Pre-faint events replayed.

Clutching her forehead, she sighed in self-reproach.

A little caution could've prevented this...

"Hoo..."

Leona listened, then peeked.

Golden sunlight filtered through dense leaves first.

She sat up slowly, scanning.

Deep forest, trees everywhere.

The barbarian female warrior was here too.

Spotting Gauda opposite, Leona froze.

Gauda stared silently.

Neither averted eyes; it became a staring contest.

Soon, Gauda looked surprised.

"They called you Maid Supervisor. Bold. Not afraid?"

Leona wryly smiled.

"I am. But I don't think you'll kill me now."

"Right. You're useful. So, not yet."

Gauda tossed something at Leona.

It landed between her legs: an unknown fruit.

Like a green apple, but smaller.

"Eat."

Leona hesitated; Gauda sneered, rising and biting a similar one while pacing.

Leona pondered Gauda's limp.

Had Gauda escaped in past life too?

Failed then, succeeded now due to her meddling?

What impact on the war?

Impossible to know.

Regretting possibilities was pointless.

It was done.

Leona trusted the Crown Prince's ability.

He'd win this war regardless.

The issue: how it unfolded.

If past and present diverged, the pact with 13th Har might not happen.

Thus, rashly saving 13th Har was risky.

Observe, then plan.

For now, survive. Leona resolved.

"First..."

Survive.

Leona bit deeply into the fruit.

Surprisingly tasty.

She devoured one in two bites, calling,

"Gauda, more? This barely touches hunger."

Gauda stared, exasperated.

By her tenth fruit, a red horse appeared.

Leona's eyes widened.

First Katago horse besides Nacha.

Examining, its eyes differed from Nacha.

Yet both shared tribe traits, similar looks.

No wonder soldiers confused them.

The horse approached Gauda directly.

Panting heavily from hard run, nostrils flaring.

Gauda stroked it, murmuring in Katago tongue.

Leona perked ears.

Unknown language, but repeated word.

"Raha...? Horse's name 'Raha'?"

Gauda glared fiercely.

Leona smiled innocently, awaiting reply.

Gauda's venomous eyes didn't faze her smile.

Gauda tsked first, looking away.

Leaving the horse, she moved elsewhere.

Leona sidled to the red horse.

Familiar like Nacha despite stranger.

"Hi? Raha, want this?"

She offered the last fruit.

Araha snorted dismissively, turning away.

Leona pouted, eating it herself.

Meanwhile, Gauda tidied: buried fruit seeds, checked traces.

[Araha]

Called, Araha went promptly.

"'Araha,' huh..."

As Leona repeated, Gauda rolled Araha on her seat.

Unusual sight.

Leona realized, watching idly.

"That erases scent. Like our prince's Araha-like Nacha, so masking trail. Right?"

Gauda praised, surprised.

"Not bad. Maid."

"Name's Leona."

Leona approached, asking to be called Leona.

Gauda frowned down at her amiability.

"Won't free you for that."

"I know. I'm good at judging situations. No naive hopes of quick release. You hold my life; cooperating ensures survival."

Leona stated calmly.

Gauda eyed her coldly.

The tiny imperial girl showed no fear before her kidnapper.

Gauda mounted Araha.

Leona extended arms willingly.

Gauda smirked faintly.

Grabbing her hands, she seated Leona before her.

"I'm Chahu. Call me Chahu, Leona."

Chahu whispered low in Leona's ear, then gripped reins with one arm, encircling her waist firmly with the other.