“We’ll pass through Saidor on the border and cross into the territory beyond. From there, we’ll head to Gid and then gather at Valshad. It’s best to arrive early and assess the situation firsthand.”
“Do you think our pace is appropriate?”
“Yes, it is.”
The old knight riding alongside Yuri was named Raymond. Technically, he was a knight under Genard’s command.
But Yuri had no intention of treating him differently.
“If you have anything to say going forward, don’t hesitate to offer your advice.”
Raymond was seasoned—battle-hardened and knowledgeable about fighting orcs.
“Understood.”
He seemed like he had more to say and gestured subtly.
“Go ahead.”
“Forgive me if this sounds presumptuous…”
“It’s fine.”
Raymond cleared his throat before continuing.
“I saw you block His Majesty’s sword at the send-off ceremony. You must be quite skilled, Your Highness.”
“And yet?”
“On the battlefield, life and death can hinge on a single moment. Please, be as cautious as possible when you fight.”
He spoke seriously, worried that Yuri’s youthful recklessness might lead to trouble.
His words could have offended someone sensitive, but he spoke frankly nonetheless.
Yuri liked that about him.
“Thank you for the advice, Sir Raymond.”
He had expected that, since Genard sent him, he might cause trouble—but it seemed there was no need to worry.
“Did Genard give you any special orders?”
“No.”
“Really?”
“Even if he had, the battlefield is always unpredictable.”
Yuri smiled wryly.
“Yeah. What would that guy know?”
“Cough…”
They continued their march and soon entered Saidor.
This was the domain of the notorious border count, Jaime Theodore.
“He won’t treat us coldly, will he?”
“Not a chance. The Saidor count is known to shudder at the thought of orcs.”
“That’s a relief.”
“But he’s not exactly warm-hearted, so I doubt he’ll offer much hospitality.”
Raymond’s prediction was wrong.
As they neared Saidor Castle, a large banner hung from a tree: “Welcome, Third Prince.”
Below it, Jaime’s herald awaited Yuri.
“Long time no see, Your Highness!”
A familiar face.
“Calcio Erancia.”
“Oh! You remember me, even after five years.”
“You left an impression.”
Yuri had met him once at a senate meeting—a man who spoke his mind confidently in front of powerful nobles.
“Count Saidor has been eager to meet you. It’s fortunate we have this chance.”
“Thank you for the warm welcome.”
“I’m sure the count will be very pleased.”
Yuri understood why they were welcomed here.
During the civil war in the Klein Duchy, Yuri had persuaded Fiore to support the duke. Thanks to that, the war ended early with minimal damage.
From Saidor’s perspective, Yuri was a savior who had spared the border from chaos.
“I’ll lead the way.”
Calcio took the lead, urging his horse forward.
Yuri followed, scanning the surroundings.
True to a region plagued by orcs, tall watchtowers and sharply pointed fences stood at intervals. Yet the atmosphere wasn’t tense.
Whenever they passed small villages, locals watched the army with bright expressions.
Soon, they reached the gray castle.
“This is Saidor Castle.”
The tall spires gleamed as sentries’ telescopes caught the sunlight.
While troops set up barracks outside, Yuri and the knights were escorted inside.
A banquet was prepared.
“Welcome.”
It was Yuri’s first time meeting Jaime in person.
In his previous life, he had only heard of his death.
Unfortunately, Jaime had been killed by orcs before the empire’s invasion.
“Pleasure to meet you, Sir Jaime.”
Jaime was tall, with gray eyes and a striking scar across his face.
His movements were calm, but a fierce strength radiated from within.
“It’s been a while.”
“Five years ago, wasn’t it?”
“You remember. Though you only saw me from afar.”
“You’re not exactly inconspicuous.”
“Ha ha ha…”
Jaime smiled warmly.
He had witnessed the moment at the ball five years ago when young Yuri had challenged the empire’s prince to a duel.
He knelt on one knee and kissed Yuri’s hand.
“I offer my respect. May you live long.”
“Thank you. You don’t look well.”
“I was injured fighting orcs.”
His voice was slow, as if he struggled to catch his breath.
There were rumors he had damaged his lungs in battle.
“Take care of yourself. You’re a precious shield for Briol.”
He smiled hoarsely and slowly rose.
“Your kindness is appreciated.”
Yuri took the seat of honor, with Jaime and the other knights flanking him.
The meal was heavy on meat. The aroma of freshly cooked food whetted their appetites.
“Please, eat.”
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
Though not seasoned with exotic spices like in the palace, the natural flavors shone through.
For Yuri, whose memories were steeped in mercenary life, this kind of meal was a welcome comfort.
It brought back memories of the field.
“The food is excellent. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes…”
The knights exchanged puzzled looks. This wasn’t the refined taste of nobility.
Jaime was not a man of many words.
The meal passed quietly. Wine was served but only sipped in small amounts.
Jaime finally spoke.
“Your Highness, have you ever faced orcs in battle?”
“I have…”
Yuri had cut down countless orcs as a mercenary, but not in this life.
“…Not personally, but I’ve studied them extensively.”
“Studied…”
Jaime chuckled lowly, a metallic sound accompanying his laugh.
“You came prepared, it seems.”
“Of course.”
Yuri’s gaze passed over Jaime to the other knights.
“How many here have actually fought orcs?”
Only a few, including Raymond, raised their hands. Most were young knights with little experience.
“And among those who haven’t, who has studied orcs?”
Jarred shot his hand up. Most remained silent.
Yuri shrugged.
“See, Sir? That’s why I have to study too.”
Jaime laughed again, louder this time.
“Leading by example. A rare virtue.”
“I hear you still lead the charge against orcs yourself.”
“My reasons are different…”
His expression was blank, but his eyes gleamed with amusement.
“You will fight them endlessly. But before that…”
Jaime’s lower eyelids twitched faintly as he spoke.
“May I offer you some help?”
Yuri followed Jaime down a spiral staircase into the depths below.
Torch-bearing knights trailed behind, their flickering flames casting restless shadows.
“What kind of help do you mean?”
“Saidor has always fought orcs.”
Jaime’s face shifted with the changing light, revealing different expressions.
“We had to learn about them.”
They passed several underground levels until they reached the bottom.
A tunnel swallowed the darkness ahead.
Jaime led with a torch, revealing iron bars on either side.
A prison.
As the knights followed, the scene inside became clearer.
“Ugh…”
“Arrgh…”
Animalistic cries echoed. Prisoners with severed tongues huddled in the cells.
Yuri watched Jaime’s solitary, precarious figure move forward.
“Sir Jaime.”
No response.
With Jaime pressing onward, the knights hesitated, and the tongueless prisoners cowered on either side.
Yuri steadied his heart.
Suddenly, Jaime stopped.
The iron door was locked.
“This is it.”
Jaime said, glancing back just as hurried footsteps approached.
Calcio pushed through the knights and stepped forward.
“Count, why come here all of a sudden…?”
“The key.”
“I brought it. But why here…?”
“It’s necessary.”
Jaime snatched the key from Calcio’s hand and slid it into the lock.
The mechanism clicked and clanked.
“Let’s go in.”
Beyond the door, darkness lingered.
Jaime disappeared inside first. Yuri followed.
One by one, hesitant footsteps entered after them.
Jaime hung a torch on the wall. Sparks flew, and lanterns mounted on the walls flared to life.
The interior was revealed.
A large hall cluttered with square steel cages.
“Ah…”
Someone groaned.
Unimaginable things lay within.
“Orcs…”
The word echoed.
Yuri looked at the nearest cage.
A dark shape sat slumped inside. Its massive bulk made it look like a huge quadruped resting.
“Yes.”
Jaime strode up to the cage and thrust his longsword through the bars.
Everyone was startled by the sudden move.
“Hey!”
The black figure reacted swiftly, trying to snatch Jaime’s hand.
But Jaime anticipated it, twisting the blade and slicing off its arm.
Drip, drip—blood fell.
“This is an orc.”
Jaime brandished his bloodied sword at his guests.
“They lie still, pretending to be dead, then bite at your pants leg.”
The orc in the cage growled. Other orcs in nearby cages responded.
The hall filled with savage howls.
Jaime grabbed a crossbow from the wall and fired a bolt into each cage that made noise.
“Silence, all of you.”
Who would have thought there’d be an orc in Count Saidor’s quarters?
Only then did Yuri notice the torture devices tucked away in the corner.
He couldn’t help but laugh.
Jaime Theodore was even crazier than he’d expected.
“Sir Jaime, is this your gift?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you.”
Jaime fixed his gaze on Yuri, then slowly bowed his head.
“It’s an honor.”
The heavy breaths of those overwhelmed by Jaime’s madness grew rougher.
Yuri could guess what they were thinking.
He had felt the same way at first. Even though he wasn’t one to be bound by chivalry, the madness of war had worn him down.
Honor.
It changed its shape depending on the time and place.
For Jaime, who had lost two sons to orcs, honor must be something far more brutal and desperate.
Yuri glanced back.
Most of the grim-faced men were young knights.
“You,” Yuri said, pointing to one with a youthful face.
“What’s your name?”
“Simon Pesch, son of Baron Wolf.”
“Say exactly what you’re thinking right now.”
Simon looked between Yuri and Jaime before speaking.
“I don’t think this is necessary. It feels excessive.”
“That’s understandable.”
Yuri nodded. Jaime nodded as well.
“Jaime.”
“Yes?”
“Open one of the cages.”
“Understood.”
Everyone looked puzzled as Yuri pointed at Simon.
“Fight the orc.”
“What?”
The knights murmured among themselves. Yuri smiled faintly and asked Simon again.
“Are you confident?”
Simon nodded firmly.
“Of course. I am a knight of Briol. I won’t lose to some orc.”
“I like your spirit.”
Calcio unlocked the cage but wore a worried expression.
“Are you sure this is okay?”
“There’s more than one knight here. What’s there to worry about?”
“Still…”
“Don’t underestimate them.”
“Yes.”
Jaime watched Yuri closely.
He said it was his first time seeing an orc too, yet he remained calm like a seasoned knight. On top of that, he managed all these knights with ease.
His composure was unnervingly natural.
“Indeed…”
Yuri addressed Simon.
“Simon.”
“Yes.”
“Put on your helmet.”
“Yes, understood.”
As soon as Calcio opened the cage, he stepped back cautiously.
The orc inside was smaller than the others. A recently lodged crossbow bolt stuck in its arm.
“Ha…”
Simon drew his sword and stood before the cage. His face was tense but he didn’t flinch.
The orc stayed still inside the cage.
Jaime chuckled.
“Orcs are a cunning breed.”
Then Jaime muttered something in what sounded like orcish.
The orc that had been sitting up responded. It stood and stepped out of the cage.
“Ah…”
Those seeing an orc for the first time gasped.
It was about a head taller than an average man, but its bulk was two or three times wider.
Its brown skin looked tough and beast-like. Instead of a nose, there was just a hole, from which a constant stream of pus dripped. Yellowed fangs jutted out, and its lips twitched with every breath.
The sheer intimidation radiating from its hideous face and massive frame was overwhelming.
“So that’s an orc…”
Simon hesitated, then took a step forward.
Suddenly, the orc shouted something and dropped to the floor.
“…”
Simon was taken aback. Anyone could see it was begging for its life.
Repeating words no one understood, the orc pressed its head against the ground.
Simon let out a bitter laugh.
“What on earth is going on?”
He shrugged and looked back at Yuri.
“Fighting a prisoner like this was never right. This is unnecessary killing…”
Before he could finish, a sickening crunch echoed through the room.
The orc had leapt up and smashed Simon’s head.
The helmet crumpled, and blood poured from his nose.