Chapter 50: Promise (2)

Even in front of Ragnar, who usually acted haughty, Moyongchan bowed courteously to Hernando.

“Me?”

“Yes, great warrior.”

“My name is Hernando, you know?”

“It’s an honor to meet the great knight Hernando.”

“Oh, right. You’re the famous Moyongchan, one of the Ten Greats.”

“Feel free to call me informally.”

“Then I’ll call you Great Knight Moyongchan.”

“A great knight always recognizes another.”

The two praised each other with broad smiles. Yuri, watching from the side, felt distinctly uncomfortable.

He stepped between them and asked,

“What’s with all this ‘great knight’ stuff?”

“That’s what you call someone as outstanding as him.”

“And why does your pronunciation only get weird with me?”

“With you, it’s not worth worrying about.”

“…”

Yuri gave him a sharp look from head to toe.

As always, Hernando had that unreliable air about him. Scratching his neck didn’t inspire much confidence.

“What does he even see in him…?”

“One sees in others what they know how to recognize. Ha, ha, ha…”

Yuri already knew Hernando was a powerful mage, but he hadn’t expected someone like Moyongchan, one of the Ten Greats, to respond this way.

“In that case…”

Yuri thought. He’d have to ask Cory to squeeze as much information as possible out of Hernando.

In any case, Moyongchan leaning closer to Briol was a good thing. Yuri cleared his throat and invited them.

“Well, if you two get along so well, why don’t you have a private chat?”

“Good idea. Prepare a place.”

“Oh, prince, in that case, shouldn’t we bring some refreshments?”

“How about we drink and share some culture?”

“Sounds perfect.”

Moyongchan seemed fully decided. He turned to the knights still waiting in line and said,

“That’s all for today.”

The knights groaned in disappointment, but Moyongchan didn’t care. Yuri gave them his tent so they could talk in peace.

Just before entering, Yuri grabbed Hernando’s sleeve and whispered,

“Try to convince him to stay in Briol after the war.”

“Oh…”

Hernando wagged a finger.

“When dealing with people, you must be sincere. If you try to use them, you’ll lose your way. That’s what defines a true knight.”

And he walked off with Moyongchan. Watching Hernando win Moyongchan over was exasperating.

“As if I don’t know what he’s doing for the future…”

Yuri recalled his past life. When the Empire invaded, Hernando returned to help defend Briol.

He was the one who pierced the enemy’s dispersal spells and burned their troops with synthesis magic.

But in the end, Briol fell. After that, he never heard from him again.

He probably continued wandering the world.

“If Moyongchan had been there, things would have been different.”

Yuri looked away.

Now that Moyongchan was gone, the crowd began to scatter. Among them, Yuri recognized a familiar face.

He waved.

“Lord Wolf!”

“Prince.”

It was Wolf Gain, Count of Abra and commander of Liberta.

He approached, greeting him warmly.

“I heard rumors. That you invited a foreigner from the Ten Greats. What a feat, Your Highness!”

“Invited? Well, yes, I suppose…”

Though Moyongchan had arrived on his own pretending to be a prisoner, the story had already taken a life of its own.

Admiration was evident in Wolf’s eyes. Yuri didn’t bother correcting him.

“Since I’m also a knight, I thought maybe I’d get some insight to break through my own limits. But unfortunately, I came too late.”

“Don’t worry. Next time, I’ll personally create the opportunity for you.”

“Really? I greatly appreciate it.”

“Between us, that’s the least I can do.”

Both laughed heartily.

Then, behind him, Yuri noticed Sven trying to keep a low profile. Wolf’s son—the same one Yuri had caught murmuring gossip about other countries.

Sensing Yuri’s gaze, Sven awkwardly bowed his head.

Yuri placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Well, here you are, Sven.”

“G-good afternoon…”

Yuri smiled at Wolf.

“Father and son, both talented. Liberta must be proud.”

“With your permission, Your Highness.”

They both laughed again. Meanwhile, Sven tried to discreetly step back.

“Since you’re here, how about a duel? Even if you’re not one of the Ten Greats?”

“Huh?”

Sven’s eyes widened. Wolf gladly accepted.

“If the prince proposes it, how can we refuse…?”

Though still young, Yuri had already proven his skill.

Unlike other young knights famous only from tournaments, he had broken through the orc lines alone.

His feat had spread across the allied army. It wasn’t uncommon to hear that he might be the next Fiore Briol.

And since he was of royal blood, it was an honorable opportunity for Sven.

“I-I’m okay…”

“Don’t worry, Sven.”

“Uhh…”

Eventually, Sven picked up a practice sword.

“Son, learn everything you can from the prince.”

“Yes, sir…”

Once the duel was set, Sven showed resolve.

“Then…”

Yuri smiled. That boy always had a bit of a temper.

And although he wasn’t untalented, now he wanted to vent all the frustration he’d bottled up. His intent was obvious—and almost cute.

“I’ll give you the first move.”

“Thank you, prince.”

Sven charged without hesitation.

One strike was all it took to break his will.

“Ack!”

“You’ve got rather firm glutes.”

Though talented, he still couldn’t match Yuri. Among his peers, only Laurent was on his level.

Yuri smacked his thighs and butt like teaching a child.

It was the same thing Bernard did to him every day. Sven’s screams echoed at regular intervals.

“Huff, huff…”

He was already gasping. Just being in front of him was exhausting.

“Don’t charge head-on. Try to keep your center of gravity back.”

Yuri advised.

“You’ve got a solid foundation.”

To his surprise, it was true. Sven had learned well. Probably thanks to his father’s persistent training.

But that alone wasn’t enough. To reach greater heights, he needed to devote himself to the art of the sword.

Liberta wasn’t a very large country. Sven likely didn’t have many rivals to challenge him.

If he met someone like Laurent—stronger and the same age—it would change his mindset.

“Come to Briol from time to time.”

“Pardon?”

“Train with Laurent. He won’t turn you down.”

“That…”

“Careless!”

Yuri gave him a few more hits and ended the duel.

Wolf expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you. And also for that ear incident last time. I keep receiving favors from you.”

“Ear? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The orc ear incident was a secret. Yuri shrugged, and Wolf smiled with a bow.

“I figured as much.”

“Harder battles are coming. We have to support each other.”

“That’s how it should be.”

In his past life, it hadn’t been like that. The allied army had faced the orcs divided—and paid the price.

That’s why Yuri now made sure to maintain good relations with the other countries.

To face Okua, the allied army had to surpass its limits.

***

The next morning, a messenger woke Yuri.

He sat up in bed. As usual, he picked up Guilty, which was leaning nearby, and asked,

“Sorry to disturb you so early.”

“It’s fine.”

Yuri had already given orders to wake him immediately if anything important happened.

“What’s going on?”

The message was unexpected.

“Orcs have appeared. With a white flag.”

“What?”

The white flag indicated they had no intention of fighting. The orcs had sent an envoy.

“When?”

“Just now. I ran here as soon as I saw them enter.”

“Then I have to go.”

Yuri got up right away and headed to the Empire’s camp to find out more.

Ragnar’s aide was waiting outside.

It was so early the entire allied army was still silent. Among the commanders, Yuri was the only one who had come after hearing the news.

“You got here fast.”

Not far off, three komodo drakes sat calmly, each bearing a white flag.

“What exactly happened?”

“The orcs sent an envoy. His Highness received them.”

“A moment ago?”

“Yes.”

Just as they finished speaking, the camp gate opened. Three orcs walked out.

Despite being in the middle of enemy territory, they showed no fear. In fact, they held their chins high, surveying everything arrogantly.

Their eyes met Yuri’s.

“Akuaakkai.”

It was how the orcs referred to Yuri. One muttered something with a malicious grin. The two beside him chuckled.

Clearly an insult.

Yuri spoke.

“Okudoku.”

The orcs’ expressions changed instantly. It was an orcish curse Yuri had learned from Cory.

Even if his pronunciation wasn’t perfect, they understood. Yuri shrugged, mocking them.

“If you don’t want to die, bow your heads.”

“Akuaakkai. Akume gutu jaekura…”

“Okudoku.”

“Ukak!”

Yuri ignored them and requested entry to the tent where Ragnar was. The reply came immediately.

“Enter.”

Ragnar was seated at a table, arms crossed, lost in thought. He didn’t even look up when Yuri entered, only nodded slightly.

“I see you don’t sleep much.”

“I don’t sleep much. We are on a battlefield, after all.”

“Yes, you’re right. This is war.”

On the table in front of Ragnar was a letter.

From afar, the contents weren’t visible, but it was clearly written in the continental language. It looked like the meeting had been brief, and the orcs had only left that letter.

Yuri asked,

“Your Highness, may I ask what it says?”

Ragnar leaned back in his chair. Though still seated, he gave the impression of looking down on Yuri.

“Yuri.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ragnar looked tired.

“Do you know why I was made commander of the allied army?”

The question caught him off guard.

“Because Your Highness is an expert in warfare…”

“Don’t give me the obvious answer.”

“There’s another reason?”

“Not sure if you’re naïve or just playing dumb.”

For once, Ragnar showed clear emotion. Yuri waited for his explanation.

“The allied army is a glorious opportunity.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Then why did I end up in such a valuable position?”

“Sounds like there’s a political angle.”

“Exactly. You may not know this, but I don’t get along with the Emperor.”

Very few on the continent could refer to the Emperor simply as “the Emperor.”

Ragnar, an imperial prince, was one of those few—now seated in front of Yuri.

Ragnar tilted his jaw with disdain.

“The Empire has many loyal dogs willing to take this role and hand all the glory back to the Emperor. So why send me?”

“Perhaps because your skills made you the most suitable.”

“Sure, I was suitable. But the Empire isn’t guided by logic. When something seems logical, it’s because the Emperor twisted it to make it seem that way.”

Yuri nodded.

From the start, the allied army had been formed to fail. The Emperor knew Okua would defeat them.

Yuri was convinced the Empire had made a secret pact with the orcs.

“You’re saying this is all a trap?”

In his past life, Ragnar was blamed for the defeat of the allied army and lost all his power. The Emperor took complete control of the Empire.

Ragnar, too, had been a disposable piece.

“Take a look.”

Ragnar handed over the orc’s letter.

Yuri let out a short breath.

“This is…”

“Yes.”

The content was shocking. It said the Emperor had made a pact with Okua and advised Ragnar to retreat or become the scapegoat.

The sender claimed to be an anonymous force opposing Okua.

Yuri turned the letter over. There wasn’t much written. Just a short warning.

“What do you think of this?”

Yuri chuckled. A vile move.

He looked up at Ragnar’s face. His expression, once tense, relaxed into one that matched Yuri’s.

Yuri said,

“I knew it would be a tough war, but it seems more complicated than I thought.”

Ragnar leaned forward and clapped lightly.

“Exactly.”

The two shared a long laugh.

“It’s nice when someone understands. Yuri.”

“Thank you.”

“Whether it’s a real faction or one of Okua’s tricks, our course of action doesn’t change.”

“Right.”

No matter the truth, retreat wasn’t an option for the allied army. In fact, that might be exactly what the Emperor wanted.

“Your Highness, may I make a suggestion?”

“A suggestion?”

“It’s best we talk outside…”

Yuri and Ragnar exited the tent.

The three orcs were mounting their komodo drakes. The black-armored imperial knights watched them warily, but the orcs were completely relaxed.

They chatted among themselves, carefree.

“What’s your idea?”

“Shall we eliminate them?”

“Yes.”

Yuri didn’t underestimate orcs. They were capable of worse than humans.

If Okua had another trick, and that letter fell into the hands of someone in the army during a crisis—

Someone would remember it at the worst moment.

Morale would collapse. The army would fracture.

They’d start distrusting each other and looking for a way to retreat instead of fighting.

“Best not to leave them a way back.”

Yuri approached the orcs.

The imperial knights tried to stop him, but Ragnar signaled them to let him through.

The orcs shouted something as Yuri came closer. Likely a taunt.

But when they saw he wasn’t stopping, their faces twisted.

“Akuaakkai! Murkan ormetun!”

“Shut up.”

Yuri jumped instantly.

With just a few slashes, he beheaded the speaking orc. The other two panicked and yanked the reins to flee, but Yuri didn’t let them escape.

He caught up, stabbed one in the back, and ran his sword through the last one’s abdomen.

The three orcs were eliminated in a blink.

The imperial knights stirred. They knew the third prince was skilled, but they hadn’t expected this.

Even Ragnar murmured in surprise.

“He’s improved this much already…?”

Yuri didn’t stop after killing them. He decapitated the corpses. Not a princely act.

“Give me a hand?”

He called two imperial knights. He calmed the komodo drakes, loaded the decapitated corpses onto them, and stuck a flag into one’s neck.

Then he wrote a word in orc blood on the white flag.

“Okudoku.”

A curse Cory had taught him. Even if written in the continental language, they’d get the message.

“Go.”

Yuri kicked the komodo drake, which began walking back the way it had come.

The beasts, as smart as horses, would return to their sender.

The brutal massacre and provocation were instant. The imperial knights stared at Yuri with a mix of fear and awe.

Ragnar approached and said,

“I thought you were prudent, but you’re more aggressive than I expected.”

“I made a promise.”

“Ah…”

Ragnar nodded with a smile and threw his arm around Yuri’s shoulders.

As they watched the three orcs disappear into the distance, now with flags instead of heads, Yuri muttered,

“They’re going to pay the price.”