Episode 180
Though it was a war destined to shape the world’s future, the initial clash between the European and Mongol forces was surprisingly subdued.
Like the calm before a storm, neither side engaged in grandiose departure ceremonies or issued bombastic declarations of war.
After all, isn’t there a saying that using overly strong words can make you seem weak?
The Crusader-Islamic alliance and the Mongol army seemed to nonchalantly deploy their troops, as if to show that they didn’t consider each other worthy adversaries.
“You didn’t have to come along, you know. Yet here you are.”
“Your Majesty Richard, it’s only logical that I stay by your side to maintain the morale of the troops.”
Even if you pretend to be indifferent, you mustn’t actually become indifferent.
“Every battle hinges on the initial advantage. It’s not that I doubt Your Majesty, but securing a more decisive victory wouldn’t hurt, would it?”
“True, but I’m not sure if we’ll get the chance for such a decisive victory. It seems they’ve only sent enough troops to test the waters.”
“Even if their numbers are few, I’m sure all who were meant to come are here.”
The Mongols, who are most confident in battles on the plains, have sent only a probing force, avoiding a large-scale engagement.
The fact that they hesitated and watched us before moving their troops, quite uncharacteristic of the Mongols, gives us a glimpse into their mindset.
“The Sultan predicted that the Mongols would start cautiously, engaging in small skirmishes to gather information. I thought so too.”
“Indeed. And it seems things are unfolding just as you intended.”
No matter how extraordinary Genghis Khan might be, he’s not a mythical creature with three heads and six arms. He’s just a human with exceptional strategic and tactical skills.
His extraordinary level is indeed a problem, but it still means he doesn’t surpass the human realm.
In other words, the more exceptional someone is, the more cautious they become when facing an opponent who performs beyond human standards.
Saladin, Richard, and even Philip II all deeply agreed with my opinion and based their strategies on this fact.
“But I’m not sure if this is really okay. If we force a battle like this and lose, all our preparations will be for nothing.”
“Are you saying you don’t trust me? That’s a bit disappointing.”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you; I’m just worried. I don’t think there’s a commander who can defeat Your Majesty. But it’s a fact that they have formidable commanders too, and if we’re really unlucky, even Your Majesty could be in danger. Even if you can win 90 out of 100 times, there’s no guarantee the other 10 won’t happen.”
“By that logic, the same goes for war. Is there any war in the world that can be won without fail? Even with overwhelming national power, various variables can overturn the outcome.”
War and gambling are much the same.
If you only choose battles you can win unconditionally, you’ll end up making no choices at all.
I agree with that opinion in principle, but the reason I’m still worried is that I’m a stakeholder in this.
If I were just a spectator, I might be bursting with excitement for the upcoming dream match.
“What was that guy’s name again? Jebe? You said if the Mongols send someone, it would almost certainly be him?”
“Yes. Among Genghis Khan’s renowned warriors, he’s famed as the best.”
“They mainly shoot arrows, so he’s not just good with a bow?”
“He’s unmatched with a bow, and he’s also considered the top in martial arts.”
A duel between Richard, Europe’s mightiest knight, and Jebe, the Mongol army’s greatest warrior.
If this extraordinary clash between the East and West, who had no historical intersection, truly happens… can we be absolutely sure Richard will win?
Those who know Richard would say it’s not even worth pondering.
Even Saladin, who orchestrated various maneuvers for this battle, based his plans on Richard’s inevitable victory.
Philip II and Henry VI also assumed Richard would crush Jebe’s head and planned their strategies accordingly.
“How do you think the duel will go? I’d wager my finest wine that Richard will take Jebe’s head within 30 exchanges.”
“You’re betting on him lasting 30 exchanges? King Philip II, you hold the enemy in high regard. I’d wager my silverware that it’ll be over in 10 exchanges. It’s a masterpiece crafted by our Holy Roman Empire’s finest artisans.”
“Then I’ll compromise with 20 exchanges. I’ll wager a cart of spices as my stake.”
Criticizing them for making bets while others risk their lives might be fair, but it also shows their absolute trust in Richard.
And why wouldn’t they? While Saladin only heard rumors, Philip II and Henry VI witnessed Richard’s dominance on the battlefield firsthand.
Naturally, they have no choice but to be confident in his victory.
This absolute trust is a shared value among not just the commanders but all the soldiers.
As the Mongol vanguard approached, kicking up dust in the distance, our troops tightened their grip on their weapons, showing no fear or tension.
When Richard drew his sword and stepped forward, the soldiers erupted in thunderous cheers, chanting the name of the war god who would bring them victory.
“Uoooooh!”
“It’s His Majesty Richard! His Majesty is stepping onto the front lines!”
“Let’s crush those cowardly Mongols!”
How many people can ignite their army’s morale to a boiling point just by standing on the front lines?
It’s no wonder even rational figures like Saladin and Philip II place their absolute trust in him.
“Cowardly Mongols! Is there a warrior among you who dares to face our king?”
“Come out! Come out! Come out!”
Though a bit awkward, the soldiers shouted the chant they had memorized with such enthusiasm that it echoed loudly enough to be heard from afar.
If the enemy pretends not to hear and charges into battle, we’ll ride this momentum to sweep them away. If their commander steps forward, Richard will easily dispatch him, boosting our morale even further.
In a situation where both sides have sent only small forces to gauge each other’s strength, such momentum and individual prowess can have an even greater impact.
It’s a win-win situation, but there’s one minor issue.
And that is…
Boom! Boom! Boom!
“Uooooooh!”
The cheers from the other side are just as loud as ours.
The presence of a heroic figure who can stir their army’s spirit just by stepping onto the battlefield isn’t exclusive to our side.
Just as those who know Richard can’t imagine his defeat.
Those who know Jebe on the other side can’t fathom him losing either.
As the enemy commander rode out confidently, as if on cue, our soldiers couldn’t help but react with disbelief.
“Look at them! They come running as soon as we call them out?”
“Do they have some pride after all?”
“Let them be. They’ll come to their senses once their heads are smashed.”
In the war against Khwarezm, many who confidently stepped forward like that ended up with their heads smashed.
No, not just many—every single one of them met their end.
To our soldiers, the enemy commander who emerged so confidently probably looks no different from the Khwarezm foes who lost their heads.
If I didn’t have prior knowledge about them, I might be watching this moth flying into the flame with a smirk on my face.
“Your Majesty, I have no doubt about your victory, but please don’t let your guard down. Consider him the most dangerous opponent you’ve ever faced.”
“I was planning to do just that. Since his archery skills are said to be exceptional, I should prepare…”
In a one-on-one duel, it’s rare to see someone shoot an arrow unexpectedly, but we’re dealing with the uncivilized barbarians of the steppes.
As Richard began to check his armor once more, Jebe, watching from afar, raised his quiver high for all to see and then dropped it to the ground.
Whether it meant he wouldn’t resort to cowardly archery in a duel or that he didn’t need arrows to defeat Richard, the provocation was undeniably effective.
“Oh… so that’s how it’s going to be.”
Irritated by Jebe’s performance, Richard clicked his tongue and then discarded his heavy armor, throwing it to the ground for the enemy to see.
“If he wants to fight on equal terms, I should oblige. It would have been better for his pride to blame the loss on the difference in weapons.”
A true one-on-one duel with no excuses for defeat.
In the suffocating tension, I handed Richard his favored spear after making the sign of the cross.
“May fortune be with you.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back.”
Even in this situation, he rides off as if he’s just going for a stroll.
Watching him, it’s hard to imagine him losing to Jebe or anyone else.
I shouldn’t worry… he’ll win. He has to win. Absolutely.
Meanwhile, in the Mongol camp.
“Hey, do you think Jebe can win?”
“Of course, Great Khan. Those weak Europeans are no match for Jebe.”
“Right? Even if they call him the Lionheart or whatever, he’s still just a man born and raised in Europe. He can’t possibly stand against Jebe, who’s been hardened by life-and-death battles on the steppe.”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Genghis Khan himself had come to the front lines to encourage his trusted lieutenant.
Alongside him was Subutai, eager to assess the true strength of the Crusaders.
The moment was approaching when their overconfidence would clash, neither of them entertaining the thought of defeat.