Chapter 38: Vanguard (1)

Yuri arrived at the archmage’s fortress.

In the hall where the banquet had been held, a long table had been set up, and the commanders of each nation were seated in their respective places. Yuri sat down silently.

Sybilla and Jonathan, seated at the table across from him, signaled to him with their eyes. Yuri gave a slight nod. The head seat remained empty, as Ragnar had not yet arrived.

The atmosphere was tense. Being the first meeting of the commanders, rather than greeting each other cordially, it seemed they had chosen to assert their presence in silence.

Though they had likely seen one another before, no one spoke.

Yuri, who had remained quiet, finally spoke as he looked beside him.

“Where are you from?”

Though not loud, everyone heard him. The one he addressed didn’t notice at first but then turned his head.

“Huh?”

“Which country are you from?”

“Oh, I…”

He placed a hand on his chest.

“I’m Wolf Gain, of Liberta. Count Abra.”

Yuri figured he was the father of Sven Gain, the one so skilled at badmouthing others behind their backs. It seemed they had come together, staking the fate of their house on this campaign against the orcs.

“And you, knight…?”

“Oh, I…”

Even if they were from different countries, royalty was treated differently. Yuri was direct.

“I’m Yuri Briol, third prince and commander of Briol.”

“I see. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Are you Sven Gain’s father?”

“How do you know my son…?”

His face filled with worry. The fact that his first reaction was concern suggested his son often got into trouble. For everyone’s sake, Yuri offered a harmless lie.

“We ran into each other and spoke briefly. He’s achieved impressive things for his age.”

“Haha…”

“He has remarkable energy. I’m sure he’ll do great things in this alliance.”

“You flatter me.”

The compliment about his son changed his expression. A smile appeared on his face. Seeing Yuri and Wolf conversing, the other commanders began to chat as well. Slowly, voices filled the hall.

The atmosphere had completely changed since Yuri arrived.

Wolf asked, “Did you speak to me on purpose? The mood has lightened.”

“We’re going to risk our lives together. What good is pretending to be serious?”

“That’s profound.”

“Not really.”

Yuri leaned back in his chair.

“If we fight in this state, we’ll all die.”

Wolf nodded firmly.

“I agree. Everyone is underestimating the orcs, and that’s dangerous.”

“Have you encountered them before?”

“Yes. I’ve faced them once. Back then…”

The two shared thoughts on the alliance. Unlike his son, the father had good judgment. The noise level rose and the room became lively. Because of that, no one noticed when the door opened or when someone entered.

Only when he took the head seat did the others begin to quiet down and turn to look.

A pair of deep blue eyes scanned the room. So clear they seemed to see right through one’s soul. His body was large and powerful.

Draped over his shoulders was a red cloak symbolizing the Empire, and embroidered on it, a golden lion curved with the folds of the fabric.

Half-brother of the Emperor and supreme commander of the alliance:

Ragnar Gustaf Granzainen.

“The atmosphere is good.”

He spoke.

“That’s why I entered quietly.”

His eyes swept across everyone. When they landed on Yuri, the young man felt a chill.

“Do you need more time to talk?”

No one answered. Ragnar nodded once and reclined in his chair.

“Then I suppose I’ll begin.”

At that moment, he released his aura. An overwhelming will emanated from him. The pressure that seemed to weigh down the air was a trait of the Imperial Golden Lion. The less experienced held their breath.

“I am Ragnar, supreme commander of the alliance.”

Thus Ragnar introduced himself, then let out a low laugh—for no clear reason.

“Well, this is how it turned out.”

Then he stood up.

It was like a mountain rising. All those present were renowned knights of impressive stature, yet Ragnar still stood out among them.

“I’ll say this now: I hate cowards. Since there won’t be real cooperation anyway, fight with valor. If anyone flees, I’ll cut them down myself.”

Yuri watched him.

Their eyes met. Ragnar studied him briefly, then looked away.

“I don’t care about your titles. To me, you’re all just knights. You’ll be assigned based on your abilities and rewarded according to your merit.”

Ragnar’s approach seemed fair. An army made up of soldiers from different nations wouldn’t unify easily. Better to have them compete. But that strategy only worked for the strong.

The orcs weren’t weaker than the alliance. That’s why, in his past life, the alliance had failed.

Yuri closed and opened his fist.

“Any questions?”

Ragnar asked.

In the silence, Yuri replied.

“Yes.”

Ragnar looked at him. The other commanders turned their attention to him as well.

“What’s your question?”

Though his voice was gruff, Yuri didn’t mind. He knew Ragnar’s personality well. He was, after all, the uncle of his ex-girlfriend.

Yekaterina had told him many things. Ragnar liked those who were resolute.

He respected people who, in addition to being strong, were confident. Even if they lacked skill, he valued those who held their heads high.

He disliked the capable who acted like cowards.

“What is the Empire’s assessment of the orcs’ strength?”

At the question, Ragnar smiled.

“Kid, who are you?”

“I’m Yuri Briol, commander of the Briol army.”

“Briol, huh…?”

Ragnar tilted his head, then, as if suddenly remembering, stroked his chin.

“Ah, that’s right. You’re the one Georg mentioned. How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

“A brat who hasn’t even shed his fuzz is a commander.”

Several chuckled softly at his comment. Ragnar shot them a glare.

“Still, that brat is better than many others.”

“……”

“Better than those who didn’t even dare to speak.”

The targets of his rebuke lowered their heads silently. Ragnar rose from his seat.

“Of course. One must know what they’re fighting. Unless everyone here already knows? Do you have more information than the Empire?”

Ragnar circled his chair and placed both hands on Yuri’s shoulders. It felt like an ancient tree had rooted itself in the earth.

“I’ll be brief. An orc named Okua has appeared. He subjugated the three largest tribes and is rapidly devouring the others. His power threatens the entire continent. That means we have little chance of winning.”

The hall fell silent. But it wasn’t fear of the orcs—it was fear of Ragnar.

No one really believed they could lose to orcs.

Yuri closed his eyes. That’s why he had to be here personally. If he wanted to change the future, he had to act with his own hands.

“I’ll send more detailed information separately. Kid, was that enough?”

“Yes.”

Yuri nodded.

Though Ragnar gripped his shoulders tightly, he showed no pain and even smiled.

“That’s enough.”

Yuri was trying to win Ragnar’s favor to gain his trust and eventually advise him.

Ragnar spoke.

“We depart the day after tomorrow.”

It was a sudden announcement.

“The orcs have set up camp near Valshard. We could simply retreat, but I have no intention of doing so.”

Ragnar didn’t avoid battle.

“This will be the alliance’s first battle. The vanguard…”

Yuri felt the weight on his shoulders increase.

“Do you want to lead it, Yuri Briol?”

All eyes turned to him. Just from their stares, he could read their thoughts. Everyone wanted to be at the front, to kill orcs and earn glory.

Yuri wasn’t thrilled by the idea. The vanguard would inevitably suffer casualties. Depending on his decision now, more lives would fall under his responsibility.

“Yes.”

But he answered.

“I’ll gladly lead the vanguard.”

After all, there was no future where everyone lived happily. He had come here to fight a war.

Allies would die, and even more enemies would fall.

***

The moon had risen once again into the sky.

Yuri was lost in thought, watching the fire crackle. A red silhouette danced in his dark eyes.

He was so silent that no one dared speak to him.

“Your Highness.”

Someone finally broke the silence and called out to him.

“It seems like you have a lot on your mind.”

Laurent approached and sat down beside him. He threw a log onto the fire and asked,

“Is it because of today’s meeting?”

“Who knows…”

Yuri shook his head.

“Not particularly.”

“Then what is it?”

“I’m waiting.”

“Waiting for what…?”

At that moment, a soldier approached. Yuri, noticing his presence, brightened. His somber expression lit up.

“Your Highness. Here it is.”

“What took you so long?”

“Preparation took a little longer than expected…”

“Good work.”

What Yuri received was a food tray.

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

“Of course I am.”

“Get one for him too. Bring a tray for Laurent.”

“Understood.”

The soldier ran back and returned with another portion for Laurent.

“Was all that just about the food?”

“I was just waiting.”

“And here I thought…”

They began eating together. Ever since the knights’ privileges had been abolished, everyone had grown used to eating the same common meals.

“There are a lot of stars in the sky.”

“We’re on the plains, after all.”

“They say our unit’s food is the best.”

“Seems like it.”

Yuri and Laurent turned their heads at the same time. They sensed a presence approaching.

“Huh?”

It was Maryrose, the lady of Valshard and current Archmage.

She was accompanied by Jonathan of Brusen.

“Is that food?”

Maryrose’s eyes widened when she saw the trays Yuri and Laurent were holding. To a noble, soldier food looked pitiful.

“Yes.”

“You eat the same as the soldiers?”

“That’s right.”

“Do they do that in Brusen too?”

“We eat separately.”

“Why does everyone in Briol eat the same?”

A royal eating the same as common soldiers wasn’t typical.

“Why so many questions?”

“I’m a mage, remember?”

Maryrose walked around the tents and pointed to the one bearing Briol’s royal standard.

“You live here?”

“That’s right.”

Maryrose darted toward the entrance and pulled the curtain aside. The austere interior was revealed.

“What are you doing?”

“Just having a look.”

She peeked inside. Yuri nudged Laurent’s shoulder.

“Get her out of there.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Laurent quickly stood up and approached. But before he could stop her, Maryrose had already backed away and shrugged.

“Done. I saw everything.”

“The commander’s tent is a restricted area.”

“Come on, we’re on the same side.”

“Are you sure?”

“Am I going to ally with the orcs or something?”

“It wouldn’t be that surprising.”

“I judge a lot by appearances, you know.”

Maryrose leaned forward, looking at Yuri.

“Did you know that a person’s room reflects their inner self?”

“Then your room must be a mess.”

“Quite the opposite! It’s full of shiny jewels. But you… your tent is spartan, your food’s plain… and they say you always charge at the front in battle.”

“Did you investigate me?”

“Just heard things around.”

Maryrose smiled.

“Why do you live like this?”

Depending on interpretation, it could be seen as an impertinent question. Jonathan quickly jumped in to defuse it.

“Uh, I was wondering the same thing. Honestly, it’s admirable. Truly an example. Ha ha…”

“No one would blame you for enjoying some luxuries. You don’t have to live just like the soldiers.”

Yuri frowned. Maryrose wouldn’t stop talking, and he couldn’t eat.

“They say not even a dog should be bothered while eating…”

“But you’re not a dog.”

Maryrose sat across from him. Just then, a soldier arrived with another tray. Jonathan accepted it, but Maryrose shook her head. Sitting across the fire, she stared at Yuri.

“I’m just curious. If you answer me, I’ll help you the day after tomorrow.”

“How?”

“With magic. I’m better than that Hernand guy. Did you know I’m an archmage?”

Yuri paused mid-spoonful.

“Ugh…”

His face said it all—she was a nuisance. He silently looked at Maryrose.

“Do you really want to know?”

“Yes.”

“It’s nothing special.”

“I don’t mind.”

“You’ll be disappointed. Will you still help me with all your strength?”

“I promise to act in good faith.”

“All right.”

Yuri said,

“I’m going to die the day after tomorrow.”

Everyone looked at him in surprise. Yuri gestured with his chin toward the soldiers’ tents across the fire.

“Someone’s going to die the day after tomorrow. We’re going to the front. It was my decision, and because of it, there will be more wounded and more dead.”

He stood up.

Even though he had returned in time, he hadn’t lived long enough to say he understood life and death. And maybe because of that, he understood it even less.

“I’m not planning to get sentimental. But I won’t deny the truth either.”

In the distance, they could hear soldiers laughing. Even with war looming, life carried on. Yuri looked up at the sky.

The stars were shining in alignment. If someone had sent him back in time… what did they expect of him?

“I’m just trying to do the bare minimum of what’s right.”

It was an unexpected confession. Maryrose tilted her head. Jonathan looked stunned.

Who would have thought that the third prince of Briol, usually so insolent, thought that way? Laurent closed his eyes and murmured something. Then he stood up.

“Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

“The day after tomorrow, I will fight by your side.”

“I’m fast. You sure about that?”

“Absolutely.”

Laurent placed a hand over his chest.

The fire’s flames were reflected in his eyes.

“I, Laurent Flandre, will fight by your side until the end.”