Chapter 75: Izell Lyurik (4)
Around 200,000 troops had gathered in the Eden Plain. Everywhere one looked, there was a sea of people.
For Carlyn, this was also his first time witnessing such a massive crowd. It was a majestic spectacle that seemed unbeatable.
He now understood what it felt like to be overwhelmed by sheer numbers alone.
From afar, the formations were indistinguishable, but upon closer inspection, the organization was clearly defined.
As expected of the Empire.
Duchess Lyurik had not responded up until the departure date. She couldnt be seen here either.
After meeting the First Prince, Carlyn heard the news that the Emperor had granted Duchess Lyurik freedom.
It meant she didnt have to participate directly in the war but could contribute to auxiliary forces when needed.
Some other nobles were in the same situation. Given the unusual circumstances, Carlyn naturally suspected there was a reason behind it.
It must have been the Emperors will.
It was nominally a choice, but there was likely a subtle pressure to participate later on.
If the plan was to intentionally use the soldiers of the noble factions aiming for power and loyalty to the Empire to exhaust themselves initially, while securing the loyalty of nobles who aligned themselves with the Empire, then it made sense.
One could even see these noble factions as part of the Emperors faction.
He probably asked for loyalty to the Empire over personal gains even after his death.
While pretending to be angry earlier, he was still ultimately taking advantage of Prince Rohalaks offer.
Of course, that anger wasnt necessarily fake, either.
Even so, she should have sent word.
Carlyn was convinced that Duchess Lyurik wasnt the type to let such rudeness pass.
Although there wasnt much time for correspondence to go back and forth, she was someone who would make judgments with that in mind.
Was someone interfering in the communication? That thought suddenly crossed his mind, but Carlyn shook his head.
It was unlikely. They must have used someone they could trust to relay the messages.
.
The princess stared to the south with a pensive expression. Following her gaze, all that could be seen were the mountain peaks at the edge of the horizon.
Though she might have felt restlessness or disappointment, Carlyn couldnt read any emotions from the princess.
Schurtafen.
Yes, Your Highness.
If she hasnt arrived by now, should we interpret it as a refusal?
Emotionless turquoise eyes turned to Carlyn. There was only one reason she was looking south.
The Duchess might have left a bit later after some consideration. It would also make sense if the letter hadnt arrived yet.
Since leaving the capital, Carlyn hadnt been in touch with Haisen, so he had no idea about the current situation.
However, personally, he felt like Duchess was on her way. It was more of a gut feeling. There were a few reasons to support this assumption.
This situation itself could be a test set by Duchess Lyurik.
But Carlyn hesitated to speak about this to the princess. It was also a positive assumption on Carlyns part.
The princess was only 16. Despite appearing nonchalant, the burden she carried must be substantial.
If the Duchess didnt arrive, either way, they would face a dire situation
Carlyn worried that holding false hopes might lead to even greater disappointment.
What should he do? Carlyn thought quickly for a short time and reached a conclusion.
Considering various possibilities, discussing it would be advantageous.
You think shes coming.
However, the quick-witted princess spoke first, having read Carlyns brief contemplation.
Its just a possibility.
Tell me, Im curious about your thoughts.
The princesss eyes as she said this seemed quite firm.
Its fine. For some reason, I also have a feeling that Duchess Lyurik is on her way.
Was she thinking along similar lines? Carlyns heart solidified at the princesss words. It seemed there was no need to worry.
Yes, I think so as well.
Perhaps sharing the same thought provided strength, as the princess offered a faint smile.
Though time is pressing, Duchess Lyurik is not the type to miss a reply. Especially in the case of refusal, even more so. It seems she hesitated while contemplating a positive direction before setting out late.
Is that your wishful thinking, or do you genuinely believe that?
Both.
Carlyn thought that the princess wanted to gain her own conviction in her intuition.
For a moment, the princess looked into Carlyns eyes.
I hope our thoughts are right, even if its not today
Would you be willing to wait a bit longer?
Here?
Yes.
It was something the princess couldnt comprehend. After all, with 200,000 troops about to move, time was of the essence.
Departure is imminent.
Wouldnt it be alright if we wait here for them to set out separately?
Hmm.
That seemed acceptable. It was, after all, the Empires land. The borders were still a considerable distance away.
Carlyn spoke up.
Theres nothing to lose.
Nothing to lose?
After all, if Duchess Lyuriks assistance isnt present in this war
Thats it.
The princess cut off Carlyns words.
Lets do that.
Are you saying this without even knowing the reason?
I trust you.
Her words were simple.
As you said, we never suffered a loss by doing as you said.
.
Lets go. We need to talk.
With determined steps, the princess moved toward where Rudehrn was. Carlyn quickly caught up and offered advice.
Soon, Rudehrn, along with the staff sent by the Emperor, who had been conversing, greeted the princess respectfully.
Your Imperial Highness.
Rudehrn, when is the departure?
In 15 minutes. I just sent someone, and it seems theres a discrepancy.
Can we delay it a bit longer?
Rudehrn raised an eyebrow and smiled.
Is it because of Duchess Lyurik?
Yes. As I havent received a response to my letter yet, Id like to wait a little longer.
The middle-aged Swordmaster remained silent for a moment. His gaze on the princess was unsettled.
He had observed conversations between the Duchess and the Emperor, and that was why he thought she wouldnt come.
Seeing that look, Carlyn became confident in his assumption. She only had the freedom to speak.
The princess spoke.
Its not a request to delay the departure of our forces. Could we leave a bit later?
The princess followed Carlyns advice. It was better to start with the big request so that the smaller one would seem trivial.
Rudehrn sighed.
Raymond, will that be okay?
Rudehrn asked the staff sent by the Emperor.
Raymond was nominally the commander-in-chief, but considering his participation in combat, he was practically the commander-in-chief.
Yes. Its the Empires land, so there shouldnt be any significant issues. However, you should depart within two hours of our departure.
Rudehrn nodded.
If you set out within two hours, it should be possible.
Thank you, Lord Rudehrn.
Two more hours. It wasnt a particularly long time. However, in any case, it would be beneficial in the end.
* * *
Exactly 15 minutes later, an army of 190,000 began its march.
Since they were originally a smaller force assigned to the rear, there was no need to rearrange their formations.
However, Carlyn didnt like the glances of the princes passing by. They displayed overt sneers, clearly having heard something.
Among them, the First Prince was relatively better. While it carried a tinge of pity for someone looking at a fool, it was still comparatively favorable.
The remaining 13,000 soldiers stood as a reinforcement. The imperial soldiers werent fools; they understood the situation of being the last ones standing.
Its okay. The morale cant get worse.
In the first place, morale couldnt be great. It wasnt as if they were only receiving poorly trained soldiers like last time.
The empire tends to distribute loot generously among its soldiers. Under the command of the princess, who had limited opportunities to amass wealth, their chances of losing their lives increased rather than receiving rewards.
People were swayed more by emotions than by reason. It wasnt the princesss fault, but mixed dissatisfaction would inevitably be directed at her.
Hence, the current grumbling among the troops didnt matter. Even if they had departed first, the situation wouldnt have changed.
But those guys are annoying, no matter the soldiers circumstances.
Carlyn glared at the plump-faced nobles and knights. They were different from the soldiers, as they had chosen to be here themselves.
His heart was not softened.
Ignorant fools who didnt realize that imagination and reality were different.
They might have placed bets on the princess possibly becoming an empress, but seeing the actual situation, it was likely that their prediction was incorrect.
Carlyn had foreseen this problem, which was why he hesitated to speak. But it was a consequence he could bear.
Carlyn glanced at the princess.
The princess gazed southward with a cold and resolute expression, enduring the wait.
She looked much better than Carlyn had thought. Perhaps Carlyn had been worrying too much. That was his thought.
A long time passed in anticipation. About 1 hour and 40 minutes. The soldiers rested as per their orders, murmuring softly.
Emmet approached.
Your Highness, we will start preparations now.
Very well.
Soon, the resting soldiers began forming their ranks. Faint grumbling could be heard.
Fortunately, only Carlyn using Winds could hear it.
Still, because of the authority of the royal family, they couldnt openly do so. Their throats would be slit immediately.
The remaining 20 minutes were spent preparing for the march. Until the given time ended, the horizon remained tranquil.
The princess withdrew her gaze and began to speak. Both hope and disappointment held the same weight, making her regret apparent.
At that moment, at the edge of Carlyns senses, he felt the current of wind. The vanguard consisted of cavalry and fluttering flags.
It was Duchess Lyurik.
They still had quite a distance to cover. Just before the march, Carlyn urgently turned to Erendil.
Before he could even speak, the princess was already looking at him.
Your Highness.
Schurtafen, can we wait a little longer?
Caught off guard by the unexpected words, Carlyns mouth hung open before he unknowingly smiled.
Yes. We just need to increase the marching speed a bit more.
An abrupt pause. Nobles, knights, soldiersnone of them were exempt from wearing plump faces.
The princess gazed southward again.
The moment of waiting might have been anxious, but it wasnt regrettable. She truly believed they would come.
However, a sense of disappointment remained.
Was it the right thing to do?
The princess pondered if she was needlessly wasting more time due to her lingering regrets.
Winds blew from the south and brushed past the princesss hair.
Familiarity caused the princess to chuckle. She had grown fond of the winds that greeted her in the palace recently, but who could have expected them to blow here?
It gave her a feeling that things might work out well.
And so, another 15 minutes passed.
Fifteen minutes was sufficient time to slightly diminish the princesss anticipation.
As the glances of the nobles standing beside her gradually turned colder, the princess sighed and turned her head.
In a fleeting moment as her gaze moved away, something caught her eye. The princess swiftly turned her head again.
And far away.
A flag fluttered above the horizon. The flag was soon joined by a few more, rising gradually.
Huh?
A dumbfounded exclamation slipped out amidst the troops.
Now, there were a dozen or so flags, and the forms of cavalry emerged over the horizon.
From a distance, the sound of low, resonant trumpets reached them grandly. It signaled an increase in speed.
Four figures raced from the vanguard. It was the duchess.
Upon arriving in front of the princess, the duchess dismounted and, immediately bowing one knee, greeted her.
Your Imperial Highness.
Duchess.
I apologize. There were some circumstances that caused me to be a bit late.
The duchess glanced up briefly. Her expression held a touch of hesitation about speaking here.
The princess smiled as if she didnt mind.
Its fine. Im truly pleased to see you now, Duchess.
I didnt realize you were waiting.
For some reason, I had a feeling that Duchess would come.
The duchess blinked her rounded eyes as she looked at the princess. From her gaze, Carlyn could read a positive undertone.
Author's Thoughts
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