Chapter 22

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 7

Chapter Title: Mock Victory and Northern Pursuit

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The day before the all-out assault, Makia led the vanguard and departed first.

Leona heard that the total attack was scheduled for the next day and diligently polished the Crown Prince's armor.

The Crown Prince watched quietly as she worked, and when she had buffed it to a gleaming shine, he told her that he wouldn't be participating in this battle, so she should stop wasting her effort.

Leona shot him a resentful glance when he wasn't looking, but the Crown Prince pretended not to notice her impertinent stare.

The next day, elite soldier units donned in full armor began departing from the camp one after another starting in the morning.

Shortly after the last unit left, Count Hunt Burnier's forces arrived at the camp.

The Crown Prince ordered Hunt Burnier's infantry to remain at the camp while only his cavalry would join the assault.

As a result, most of the soldiers headed to the battlefield, leaving behind some infantry, supply units, and the Crown Prince's personal guards to protect him.

With so many people gone, the camp felt eerily empty and quiet.

The Crown Prince summoned Jahankun to his tent and sent Leona outside.

Of course, he assigned her a guard so she wouldn't wander alone.

With nothing particular to do, Leona strolled aimlessly around the camp.

Thinking about the battle that would unfold tomorrow made her chest tighten with anxiety.

Leona occasionally glanced toward the direction the soldiers had gone and let out a sigh.

"Our army will surely win, so don't worry."

Her accompanying guard offered words of comfort.

Leona, lost in thought, was startled by his voice.

"Ah, yes. I was worrying needlessly."

Leona slapped her cheeks to pull herself together.

Worrying about the enemy? No, snap out of it.

She steeled her resolve, but it didn't last long.

Within her, the hope for an Imperial victory clashed repeatedly with prayers for everyone's safety afterward.

All Leona could wish for was that the Katago Tribe would surrender quickly, ending the battle without major casualties on either side.

Time passed inexorably, and as dusk fell, a messenger from Makia arrived at the camp.

The news he brought was that the moment the battle began, the Katago Tribe had fled in terror, and the skirmish had fizzled out inconclusively. They were now retreating northward at full speed without looking back.

The Crown Prince lavishly praised Makia's achievement and personally wrote a lengthy victory report to inform his father, the Emperor, sending it to the Imperial Palace.

Leona secretly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing there were no prisoners or wounded.

After what was barely a battle, Makia's forces returned to camp unscathed.

Makia wanted to immediately lead his troops in pursuit to annihilate the enemy.

But the Crown Prince used the excuse of rewarding the weary soldiers and threw a grand victory feast.

The soldiers gratefully thanked the Crown Prince for his grace and feasted on alcohol and meat through the night.

Makia sat beside the Crown Prince throughout the banquet, his face stiff as he silently accepted and drank the wine the Crown Prince offered.

The Crown Prince also toasted Count Hunt Burnier, praising his victory, and poured him a drink.

Hunt, moved, joyfully accepted the Crown Prince's wine.

As the night deepened, the feast grew rowdier.

The banquet hall, hastily set up under a large tent, was abuzz with noisy clamor.

While chatting with his officers from the head seat, Hunt suddenly realized Edmond was missing. He had seated him right beside him at the start, but somehow he had slipped away.

Hunt quietly excused himself and wandered the camp searching for Edmond.

Soldiers everywhere had lit fires and gathered in small groups, laughing and talking.

But Edmond was nowhere to be found.

Worried, Hunt headed to Edmond's tent.

Amid the dark tents shrouded in night, Edmond's tent alone emitted a hazy glow.

"Edmond?"

Hunt pushed aside the flap and entered, freezing in surprise.

Edmond turned around, pausing what he was doing.

"Count?"

"Edmond, what are you doing?"

"Packing my things."

"No movement orders have come yet. Why bother? It's a rare chance to show your face to His Highness. Come back to the banquet."

Hunt grabbed Edmond's arm to pull him along.

Edmond stood firm and spoke in a troubled tone.

"Count, I plan to leave the camp tomorrow."

"Leave?"

"Yes. Heading back to where I came from."

Hunt's gentle expression hardened instantly.

"What are you talking about? The war isn't over yet."

"From the look of our army's momentum and strength, victory is all but assured. I don't think there's anything more for me to do, so I'm leaving."

"Edmond."

Hunt called his name sternly.

Edmond scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.

"Count, I joined because I thought the Katago invasion posed a grave threat to the Empire. But it was all my misunderstanding. I've confirmed with my own eyes that our Empire is still mighty."

"Edmond, you can't go back like this. Seize this opportunity to earn merit, and you can advance to the capital easily—you know that."

"I'm sorry, Count. I'm not ready to enter official service yet."

"You...!"

Hunt raised his voice but read the resolve in Edmond's face.

Knowing pressure wouldn't sway him, Hunt let his shoulders slump.

"Sigh, you're not one to listen anyway... No helping it. But do you have to leave tomorrow?"

"Yes. I have matters to attend to..."

"Where to?"

"My hometown first."

"Will you stay there?"

"Not sure... I might set off traveling again."

Hunt patted Edmond's shoulder with regret.

"Fine. You're young; seeing more of the world is good. But don't wander too long—your talents are too valuable. Always remember the Imperial family and Empire have a place for you."

"I'll keep that in mind, Count."

"I told you to call me uncle..."

Despite Hunt's disappointment, Edmond only smiled awkwardly.

Frustrated by his stubbornness, Hunt shook his head.

As he turned to leave, something occurred to him, and he turned back.

"By the way, Lloyd said something odd."

"Pardon?"

"When we met Lloyd again upstream on the Misen River. He mentioned something strange. One of the search parties looking for His Highness in the forest witnessed something eerie."

"Eerie scene?"

"They found a massive hole in the ground in the forest, and the surrounding trees were withered and dead as if struck by drought."

"...I see."

"Lloyd described what the search party saw... I've never heard of anything like it in my life."

Hunt relayed what Lloyd had told him and asked Edmond's opinion on whether to report it to His Highness.

Edmond tensed inwardly but kept a calm voice.

"Hm... I've seen something similar before."

"Really?"

"Yes. It's called an 'earthquake'... A geological phenomenon that occasionally hits the southern regions. The ground shakes violently as if collapsing, then quiets. It can leave holes in the earth."

"I've heard of that, but... do trees around it wither and die afterward?"

"Sometimes, yes. Nothing to worry about. No need to inform His Highness."

"If you say so, that's a relief."

Hunt left with a brighter face, worries eased.

Edmond wiped cold sweat from his brow, then quickly pulled out writing tools and noted the location Hunt had mentioned.

The next morning.

Though dawn broke, most soldiers were still asleep, hungover from last night's feast.

The camp's morning was unusually quiet.

Leona rose early as usual.

The chilly morning air made her wrap her cloak tightly before stepping out, where she ran into Edmond in front of her tent.

As if waiting, Edmond approached her immediately.

"Good morning, Lady Leona."

"Ah... Good morning, Sir Edmond. Were you waiting for me?"

"Yes."

"What for...?"

"Please take this."

Edmond thrust out his hand.

Leona reflexively cupped her hands and received it.

It was a small silver badge.

Leona blinked at the thumbnail-sized disc.

"What is this?"

"A token of my sincerity."

At his answer, Leona extended her arm fully.

"No thanks. Take it back."

Edmond stepped back, refusing her refusal.

"Sir Edmond."

"Please accept it. You listened to my troubles and counseled me last time. Consider it thanks—no need to feel burdened."

"It burdens me plenty. I'll accept your sentiment; take it back."

Edmond was pleased by her reluctance.

He smiled kindly and persuaded her gently.

"Truly, no burden. It's not valuable as money or jewels—just a tool and token."

"Token?"

"Yes. An acquaintance of mine runs a small transport business in the capital, handling minor client requests too. His network and information are vast. If you ever face trouble, Lady Leona, take this badge to 'Laura,' a pawnshop in the central district. Show it, and you'll get help without paying."

Seeing her still hesitate, Edmond revealed he was leaving soon.

"Leaving?"

"Yes. No place for me in this war anymore. And I have personal matters."

Leona guessed he was off to resolve the issue he'd mentioned before.

"It's all I can offer you—I'm sorry if it's useless. But please, as a token of thanks."

Though troubled, Leona yielded to his insistence and accepted the badge.

Only then did Edmond bid farewell with relief.

After he left, Leona opened her hand to examine the badge.

Wondering where to keep the small badge, she noticed the intricate pattern engraved on it.

Leona examined it closely and flinched.

"Th-this..."

Her hand trembled.

Leona clutched the badge and ran toward where Edmond had gone.

His tent was already empty.

Rushing to the horse stables, she found he'd already mounted and left the camp.

Leona composed her hollow feelings and returned to her tent.

Alone inside, she carefully opened her hand to inspect the badge again.

The small round badge bore a delicate, complex pattern.

She knew what it signified.

She'd first seen this pattern in her previous life.

In her past life, to uncover weaknesses of Imperial Palace figures, Leona had used various intelligence networks outside the palace.

Realizing the power of information, she grew curious about the Empress's past.

The Empress never spoke of her life before entering the palace.

Even her confidante Leona knew nothing of it.

Rumors abounded—commoner, foreigner—but nothing substantiated.

Out of curiosity, Leona commissioned every network she dealt with to investigate "Biota Helsian's" past.

None succeeded, citing lack of ability.

Then, one leader tantalized her: There was one group with the capability—"Sandcastle," a secret organization.

Sandcastle spanned the Empire, foreign kingdoms, and barbarian tribes—an underground network so vast nothing was beyond its reach.

He offered to connect her; Leona eagerly recommissioned.

Failure again—Sandcastle outright refused.

Still, Leona admired their power and tried everything to trade with them.

Higher fees, other requests—all rejected.

Their threshold was impossibly high.

In her past life, Leona never even knocked on Sandcastle's door.

Yet now, the key to that door lay in her hand.

In the most unexpected way.

Leona wondered about Edmond's true identity.

Only insiders possessed this pattern, and it wasn't given lightly.

Perhaps he was a member.

Whatever the truth, the badge was immensely useful to her.

Fearing loss, Leona hid it deep within her clothes.

Three days later, scout reports arrived.

The Katago Tribe army had left Tegoya Forest and was marching north relentlessly.

The Crown Prince spent one more day under the pretext of reorganizing, then ordered pursuit northward.

Dry northern winds made the white veil flutter.

Leona reined in her horse, removed her veiled hat.

The wind was especially fierce today.

Leona tied the hat to her saddle and wrapped a cloth below her eyes, covering nose and mouth.

A month since leaving Tegoya Forest.

Chasing the Katago Tribe, the Imperial army had reached the borderlands.

Endless plains stretched everywhere.

Occasional low hills or small woods, but mostly vast fields.

Some soldiers, new to the frontier, struggled with unfamiliar scenery and fickle weather, but morale remained high.

En route, the Imperials clashed twice with the enemy.

Each time, foes fled without proper fight.

Thus, the soldiers were confident of victory.

Leona, horse halted, admired the view.

The broad草原 filled her with liberating openness.

Fondling the reins, she gazed longingly at the horizon.

Now adept at riding, she yearned to gallop freely across those plains.

"Leona!"

Startled, Leona turned.

Ahead, the Crown Prince beckoned her with a finger.

Leona hurried her horse to his side.

Even side by side on horseback, Nacha's size made their heads differ greatly in height.

Leona looked up at the elevated Crown Prince.

"Your Highness."

"Didn't I tell you to stay by my side?"

"The hat was bothersome, so I..."

"Don't take your eyes off the formation, not even for a moment."

As if reading her mind, the Crown Prince warned.

Leona pouted beneath her cloth but replied politely.

"Yes, Your Highness. I'll be careful."

The Crown Prince scanned her sharply.

Leona bit her lip inward and lowered her eyes meekly.

Moments later, the Crown Prince kicked Nacha's flank and advanced; Leona swiftly followed.

When the sun reached midday zenith and heat peaked, the army halted.

Soldiers pitched tents to escape the sun and prepared lunch.

Leona dismounted skillfully and reported to the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, I'll check the tent for your rest."

"No need. Barts and Noel are there. Stay put."

Kamin suddenly offered Leona his canteen.

Assuming it was to refill, Leona took it and headed to the supply wagons.

"I'll be right back."

"Where to?"

"Pardon? To fill the canteen..."

"It's for you to drink."

"Ah... I have my own, Your Highness."

"Didn't your horse drink it all during the last break?"

Kamin crossed his arms and nodded for her to drink.

"...Thank you, Your Highness."

Leona unwrapped her cloth and quenched her thirst with his canteen.

Meanwhile, supply personnel brought a large water barrel and set it before Nacha.

No water sources nearby, so even horses drank from rations.

Kamin watched Nacha drink, then called Makia.

Makia arrived with Stan in tow.

Kamin spread a map, pointing to a spot.

"There's a small lake here. Half a day's ride. Supplies may run short before the border fortress, so send men to fetch water."

Makia confirmed no mark on the map and asked.

"How do you know of a lake here?"

"I've visited the border before. Learned of it by chance."

Makia scrutinized the map, then looked toward the direction.

The Crown Prince handed the map to Stan.

"Gather men and go."

"Pardon?"

Stan glanced between Crown Prince and Makia in surprise.

Unhappy as vice-commander to handle logistics.

But Makia nodded sternly, so Stan accepted without protest.

Leona stared blankly at Stan's stiff departing figure.

In a few days, the army would reach the border fortress.

Not identical to her past life, but similar flow.

Katago lost in Tegoya Forest, fleeing to their lands; Imperials pursuing.

Soon, Katago would cross the border.

In past life, they surrendered formally after.

Then secretly met 13th Har and Crown Prince to draft a "friendship treaty."

Leona had seen it, judging Crown Prince unlike Emperor—lacking hostility toward barbarians.

Keeping Nacha, Jahankun proved his affinity.

But Emperor discovering would be bad; Imperials' prejudice strong.

Leona guessed that background led to secret treaty.

What now?

Leona glanced at Crown Prince.

He'd rejected prior peace offers.

Yet not aggressively pursuing.

During chases, he dawdled often.

Makia begged to send his unit ahead.

As if deliberately letting escape or avoiding battle, leisurely pursuit let Katago slip away.

What did Crown Prince and 13th Har discuss in the forest?

Perhaps...

Then Crown Prince met her eyes.

"Something to say?"

Startled inwardly, Leona calmly replied.

"Your Highness, the sun is fierce. Shall we move under the tent?"

"Yes."

In the tent prepared for him, Barts was laying mats.

Leona hurried to assist.

Once bedding ready, Crown Prince shed cloak, shoes, jacket, and lay on the mat.

"Brew some iced tea."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Barts naturally left at the order.

Crown Prince closed eyes, exhaling hot breaths.

Leona sat beside, fanning him.

His furrowed brow relaxed in the cool breeze.

Pitying his heat-prone body, Leona felt sorry for him.

Fanning his face and torso evenly, she looked around.

Tent open-sided, only roof covered for shade.

Soldiers' tents surrounded; non-cooks rested in shade.

All in simple uniforms, but midday heat hard.

Yet none removed jackets—Crown Prince's order for discipline.

Seeing exhausted soldiers flapping tops, Leona looked back at Crown Prince.

Bare-chested confidently, he lay half-naked.

"Your Highness."

"Hm?"

"The soldiers seem sweltering. Perhaps relax dress code...?"

"Hm?"

His low rumble conveyed displeasure.

Leona pleaded earnestly.

"Just during rest, allow casual attire to ease their hardship..."

"Casual?"

Kamin snorted, opening eyes.

"They'd run naked thinking it's fine."

"It's hot; a little leniency..."

Kamin sat up abruptly.

Leona flinched.

Kamin stared seriously; Leona blinked confused.

Kamin tilted head suspiciously.

"Does a man's bare body not faze you?"

"Pardon?"

"Even if they stripped before you?"

"Uh... I..."

Suddenly, Leona realized.

The rule protected her as a woman.

Grateful for his consideration, Leona smiled.

"I'm used to it."

"...Used?"

Kamin's tone chilled.

Leona, sensing misunderstanding, hurried to explain.

"Attending Your Highness exposes me to your form often. Men's nudity doesn't discomfort me."

Leona declared boldly, chest out.

Kamin narrowed eyes.

"So my bare body doesn't faze you?"

"Of course not. I'm your maid."

Her dismissive wave oddly irked Kamin.

"I mind not at all, so relax their rules."

Kamin turned away, lying sideways gruffly.

"Enough. I don't want to see those louts naked."

"Ah... Yes..."

Realizing it was for her, Leona blushed embarrassed.

She fanned her face hastily.

"Ugh, so damn hot!"

Kamin irritably flung off his pants.

They flew, landing on Barts' head as he brought tea.

Movement halted until water foragers returned.

Temporary camp set up right there after lunch.

As sun set, plain temperatures plummeted.

Nights here winter-cold opposite days.

Soldiers built sturdy tents, prepared firewood.

Evening brought biting cold to open fields.

Yet Crown Prince, claiming heat, stayed in undergarments.

No brazier allowed inside.

Leona fretted over cold risking illness, holding his clothes.

Whatever soured his mood, he stubbornly refused despite her pleas.

"Your Highness, it's cold. At least the cloak."

"Annoying."

"Your Highness..."

"Put it away."

Leona eyed Barts pleadingly.

Barts, standing aside, grimaced and shook head.

If she failed, no chance for him.

Kamin sulked on bed.

Leona's thick blankets for bed? Tossed to floor.

Unreasonably grumpy.

Kamin glanced sideways at Leona.

Still holding clothes by bedside.

He had endurance for bare cold, but unaware Leona worried.

He knew his pettiness but couldn't shake it.

Odd—angry she saw him as non-male? He'd valued her straightforwardness.

Injured pride?

Traveling world, countless women tempted him.

Even palace maids flirted.

Most drawn to looks, strength, wealth, status.

Never from Leona.

Kamin crossed arms, reviewing her behavior.

Touching him in service, never blushed.

Even veteran maids shy; she impassive, dutiful.

Upon reflection, her detachment toward men bordered transcendence.

Could it be...

Kamin jolted up, shocked possibility.

"Leona."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Leona brightened, hoping change of heart, approached.

"Do you lack interest in men?"

"Pardon?"

"Don't you feel attraction to males?"

"Pardon?"

Leona couldn't grasp his intent.

Kamin thumped chest frustrated, suddenly thought of Chahu.

From new angle, her tie to Chahu suspicious.

Sticky scenes imagined; spine chilled.

Kamin pulled Leona's arm from bed.

She knelt at his feet naturally.

"Barts."

Barts caught eye signal, exited promptly; flap closed.

Alone now.

Leona saw bad color, worried.

"Your Highness, unwell?"

"Question."

"Ask away."

"In the forest... you and Chahu, nothing happened?"

"Happened how...?"

"Alone... physical closeness..."

Kamin trailed off awkwardly.

Leona couldn't comprehend.

"Your Highness, what troubles you?"

"I mean!"

Kamin lowered unintended loud voice, chose words carefully.

"Some people prefer same sex over opposite. Are you... like that?"

Feeling interrogative, Kamin averted eyes.

Awkward air thickened.

Kamin held breath unwittingly.

Waiting, throat tight, anxious.

Idly drummed knee, coughed.

Time dragged.

No answer.

Impatient, Kamin peeked.

Leona gaped blankly.

"Pardon?"

Long-delayed reply.

"You... didn't understand?"

"I did... but unexpected you'd wonder that..."

"So?!"

Patience gone, Kamin snapped.

Leona hesitated, relented.

"I... don't know."

"What?"

Kamin paled; Leona oblivious, pondered alone.

"Never liked anyone... Am I that way...?"

Hearing her mutter, Kamin shouted desperately.

"Don't jump conclusions!"

Kamin rose, pulled her up.

Softly admonished.

"Little experience makes self-knowledge hard. You're a lifetime maid, sworn body and soul to the Imperial family. You mustn't be drawn to anyone, male or female. Right?"

"...Yes."

"Good. Always mind duties and responsibilities."

"Yes, Your Highness. I'll devote myself fully to serving you."

Satisfied, Kamin patted her shoulder.

"So, Your Highness."

"Hm?"

"Allow me to fulfill my duty now."

Leona offered his clothes.

Kamin reluctant but relented, letting her dress him.

As she adjusted, Leona sniffled.

Kamin immediately had Barts bring a brazier.

As warmth spread, Makia and Glenn sought Crown Prince.

"What is it?"

"Your Highness, message from Count Hunt Burnier."

Kamin looked surprised.

Hunt had gone to scout border fortress yesterday per order.

Too soon arrived; what mid-route messenger?

"Bring him."

Messenger entered bowing, knelt center, offered letter from bosom.

Barts took, gave to Kamin.

Kamin read, passed to Makia.

Glenn peeked beside.

"Traveler?"

Letter: En route to fortress, found collapsed traveler on road.

Had Imperial ID, identity confirmed, but suspicious in borderlands now; bound him.

Snake-bitten, unconscious, unqueryable; Hunt asked disposition.

Kamin stroked chin, asked messenger.

"His ID here?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

Messenger offered dark wood plaque.

Kamin examined front-back.

IDs noted origin, name; material indicated status.

"'Wayne Hudson'..."

Kamin tossed to Glenn.

Glenn caught, inspected.

"Capital native. Commoner."

Passed to Makia.

Makia gave letter/plaque to Barts, asked messenger.

"His belongings?"

"Clothes and some food only."

"Snake bite serious?"

"Yes. Medic says poison spread; life critical."

Makia turned stoically to Crown Prince.

Glenn eyed inquiry.

Kamin indifferently ordered.

"Take to fortress while alive; if dies en route, dump body roadside."

"Understood!"

Messenger saluted, departed hastily.

Next day, Stan returned with water.

As army prepared resume march.

Scouts chasing Katago brought news.

Enemy had finally crossed border.