Chapter 77: The Prince’s Return (1)

The Allied Army departed from Valshard, crossed Gid, and returned to the continent.

The lord of Gid warmly received Yuri and praised his feats. They parted ways, agreeing to maintain a good relationship going forward.

It was time to disband the allied army.

Ragnar gathered all the troops, praised their efforts, and officially declared the army disbanded.

“You’ve all done a great job.”

As soon as Ragnar stepped down from the podium, everyone threw their helmets into the air and cheered. Yuri said goodbye to those he had bonded with.

Most had accepted the Empire’s invitation, so they would soon meet again.

“I’ll stop by Briol first.”

The knight Jose of Brusen declared he would accompany Yuri.

Yuri readily agreed. There was no reason to refuse the company of a knight destined to become one of the Ten Greats.

Jonathan, commander of Brusen, asked,

“Why so suddenly?”

“I want to keep training with Master Moyongchan, and if possible…”

Though he didn’t finish the sentence, his intention was clear. He likely had Fiore Briol, King of Briol and one of the Ten Greats, in mind.

Jonathan nodded.

“I understand. Stay for a while, your family is waiting. In Brusen, being responsible to your household is a principle.”

“Yes, sir.”

Yuri smiled as he welcomed him.

“Sir Jose, I know someone who would be a perfect rival for you. I’ll introduce you.”

“Really?”

“He’s as strong as you.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Fighting strong opponents was valuable, but competing with someone of equal skill greatly fostered growth.

Yuri knew the perfect rival: his master, Bernard.

Bernard might have had better technique and speed, but with Jose’s raw power, it was bound to be a close match.

“His name is Bernard. They call him the Demon of the Sword.”

“Oh!”

Then a question came to Yuri.

In his past life, Jose became one of the Ten Greats, but after Bernard left Briol, his whereabouts became uncertain.

He was someone who could have easily reached the same rank.

“Well, doesn’t matter.”

They’d never know now. Perhaps he had died stabbed in some corner of the world.

“Let’s go, onward!”

Yuri, just like during wartime, led the way as they returned to Briol. When they reached Saidore, near the border, citizens lined up and threw petals to welcome them.

Heime celebrated the fall of the orcs, though he remained skeptical about establishing forward bases to manage them.

“They’ll be back. Like cockroaches.”

A prediction that they would one day rise again. Hearing it from Heime made it all the more believable.

“What insufferable creatures.”

“Still, it’ll be a while. Thanks to you, Prince, I can spend my final years in peace.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

Yuri mentioned that Cory had been very helpful, to which Heime simply smiled.

When Yuri said he wanted to make Cory a mage, Heime gave some advice very typical of him:

“Keep a close eye on him. If he’s no good, don’t get attached.”

He warned him not to trust blindly. Yuri accepted the advice.

“I will. But I think Cory will be fine.”

“Yeah.”

Coming from Heime, who was so strict about orcs, it was a significant sign of trust in Cory. Finally, he offered a warning.

“So you’re going to the Empire.”

“That’s right.”

“Watch what you say and do. It’s not like Briol. That place is crawling with rats.”

His words held a clear subtext. The Empire, due to its size, was full of entangled interests and power plays.

But Yuri had a principle: No scheme survives a sword.

The petty schemes of mediocre men didn’t work against people like Fiore Briol or Moyongchan. One thrust settled everything.

Of course, the problem was that the Empire also housed the best swordsmen.

That’s why he needed to grow even stronger. To reach the level of those “beasts” lurking in the Empire.

“Thanks for the advice.”

“No problem.”

“Sir Heime.”

“Yes?”

“Though it may be too soon to say this…”

Yuri looked at him and spoke slowly.

“Your role isn’t over yet.”

It may have seemed like his duty had ended with the success of the allied army, but Yuri thought otherwise. Heime had lost his son because of the orcs.

But what if someone was behind those orcs, manipulating them? Just as Yuri had unfinished business, so did Heime.

“Do you still hate the orcs?”

“Of course.”

“Maybe… you should hate something else.”

To Heime, those words were incomprehensible. But he wasn’t the type to rush questions, nor did he underestimate the third prince who had led the allied army to victory.

He simply watched Yuri in silence.

Yuri smiled at the sight of the old man’s wrinkled face. Would that old knight find peace?

In his past life, wandering the continent, Yuri had met many like him.

People who only found rest in death. Sometimes not even that, if they died with unresolved burdens.

“Heime Theodore, Shield of Briol.”

That’s why the only thing Yuri could offer that honorable knight who had defended the border all his life was to ensure that death brought closure to his story.

“I’ll tell you who your real enemy is soon. It might be your last battle.”

Heime tilted his head and held Yuri’s gaze. After a moment of silence, he smiled.

With a look that seemed to say, “Thank goodness.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

***

In the distance, the royal castle of Briol came into view.

Yuri stopped his horse and turned around.

“Hey, everyone!”

Though it was a triumphant return, the expedition had been long. Everyone looked like a mess.

Yuri pointed to the castle and said,

“See that?”

Everyone looked. Beyond the barely visible walls, something floated in the air.

“What is that?”

“It’s called a hot air balloon.”

He never imagined seeing a hot air balloon in Briol at this time. It was probably due to the rapid rise of the Elaine Trading Company.

“It’s a Liberta invention. It uses hot air to lift things.”

“What’s it doing there?”

“What else?”

Yuri chuckled.

“It’s to welcome us.”

Beneath that balloon would be a welcome banner, and when they entered, petals would rain from the sky.

A truly grand welcome ceremony.

“So fix yourselves up a bit. Don’t regret it later.”

The soldiers looked at each other and then started laughing.

“We look like a bunch of losers.”

“Wipe that gunk out of your eye already.”

Yuri gave them some time. The soldiers dropped their gear and cleaned up as best they could.

“Tuck your helmets at your sides so the castle ladies can see your handsome faces.”

The unit began to march again. Perhaps now they were finally starting to feel like they were home, because smiles of contentment spread across their faces.

The path back after a war was always filled with joy. Before long, they reached the castle gates.

A herald rode out on horseback and blew his horn with all his might. They hadn’t even crossed the gate yet, and already cheers and fireworks echoed from inside.

“Congratulations on your victory, Your Highness!”

The herald put away the horn, dismounted, and bowed deeply to Yuri.

“Thank you.”

“The people of Briol are eagerly waiting for you!”

“Not just me. They’re waiting for all of us.”

“Ah, yes! Of course. They’re waiting for all of you!”

Yuri slowly advanced into the city. As soon as he crossed the gate, colored papers began raining from the sky.

A crowd greeted them with excitement.

His black steed, who had been with him through the entire war, seemed to enjoy the welcome, slowing its pace while baring its gums.

Looking up, a long banner descended from the balloon along with the burst of fireworks, with a message written on it.

It praised their accomplishments in the war.

“Who prepared all this?”

Yuri let out a disbelieving chuckle. Since when did anyone in the palace care about these things?

“Hey, Jared!”

“Yes?”

“Why are you so stiff?”

Jared, clearly uncomfortable, stared straight ahead, completely rigid.

“Go grab some flowers or something.”

“What?”

“Or maybe a handkerchief from a pretty lady.”

“No, that’s…”

Yuri nudged his shoulder. Jared’s horse, as if it understood, began walking toward a woman in the crowd.

“No, no…!”

Surrounded by cheers, Jared gave in to the pressure and reached out his hand. The woman gave him a sky-blue handkerchief.

Jared even exchanged names before returning to formation.

“Not bad at all.”

Yuri teased, and Jared responded with a fake cough.

“And you, Your Highness? Just going to stand there?”

“I’ll pass.”

“Why?”

“Someone as popular as me shouldn’t show favoritism.”

“Ha…”

The soldiers, who only carried weapons and backpacks, were now adorned with flower garlands and handkerchiefs.

“Sir Jose.”

“Yes, yes, yes!”

Though not from Briol, Jose was thoroughly enjoying the celebration.

“There sure are a lot of beauties in Briol, huh?”

“Yes, truly… amazing.”

“Do your best. Guys like you are popular around here.”

“Huh?”

“What ‘huh’? Don’t play dumb!”

Yuri laughed and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

Jose tried to maintain a composed smile, but couldn’t help himself. He burst out laughing.

“I’ll give it my all! Hahaha!”

Yuri circled the castle and returned to the plaza where the departure ceremony had been held.

There sat Cedric and Joshua.

Cedric waved warmly. Joshua, always looking suspicious, shrugged like he was up to something.

Yuri looked up.

On the platform stood Fiore Briol.

Wearing the same indifferent expression as always. But Yuri sensed a flicker of emotion in his eyes.

Had he ever made his father proud before? As the troops lined up, the noise died down. It was time for the king to praise their victory.

Yuri dismounted and climbed the stairs to stand before Fiore.

“Hmm…”

Fiore looked him over carefully.

“You’ve grown.”

“Yes.”

At eighteen, he still had more growing to do.

“Well done.”

Fiore said this, glancing past Yuri’s shoulder.

“And you even brought an interesting guest.”

His tone sounded almost excited. He meant Moyongchan, who was standing at the back. It was the first time Fiore had shown any competitive spirit.

Yuri couldn’t help but laugh.

“Weren’t you the one who requested him?”

“Of course not.”

After a few exchanged words, they shared a brief embrace.

“Well done.”

“Thank you.”

Then Fiore officially declared Briol’s victory and the dissolution of the allied army.

“Congratulations to the great victors.”

And with that, he pulled something out. And sprayed it.

Yuri was hit full-on by the blast before he could dodge.

It was champagne. That triggered a shower of champagne and beer aimed at Briol’s army. The soldiers, surprised at first, soon erupted in laughter.

Yuri, with soaked hair, pushed it back with his hand.

“Who the hell planned this?”

“They told me not to say.”

“Huh?”

“They said you’d seek revenge.”

“Ah…”

Yuri laughed.

Only one person in the palace would say something like that. Glancing over, he saw Joshua trembling in his seat. But at least he’d been doing something these days.

“Well, whatever…”

Yuri looked around the messy plaza and smiled.

“It’s good to be back.”

***

Yuri wasn’t in a good mood.

“Do we really have to do this today?”

“Of course.”

“Surely there’s someone more suitable than me.”

“I’m sparring with Grandmaster Fiore tomorrow.”

“Come on…”

“So just grab your sword already.”

One of the conditions for becoming Moyongchan’s disciple was a serious duel after the campaign ended.

The welcome celebration had concluded and that evening there would be a festival.

But before Yuri could even rest, Moyongchan challenged him to a fight.

“Your Highness! I brought bandages and hemostatic potions! Let me know if you get stabbed!”

Ena, who Yuri reunited with after some time, was surprised by the sudden duel, but quickly brought supplies and cheered from the side.

“Pfff…”

Yuri sighed, rolled his shoulders, and said.

“Alright, Master. Today I’ll let you taste defeat.”