Mo Yong-chan, who had been stiff even in front of Ragna, surprisingly showed proper courtesy to Hernando.
“Me?”
“Yes. Great Hero.”
“I’m Hernando, though?”
“It’s an honor to meet Great Hero Hernando.”
“Oh, yes. You’re the famous Mo Yong-chan of the Ten Strong, right?”
“Please, call me whatever you like.”
“I’ll call you Great Hero Mo Yong-chan, then.”
“A true hero recognizes another hero.”
They exchanged compliments with broad smiles on their faces.
Watching this from the side, Yuri felt deeply uneasy.
She stepped between them and asked, “What exactly is ‘Great Hero’ supposed to mean?”
“It’s a title given to outstanding people like this.”
“Why does the pronunciation sound so different?”
“No need to fuss over pronunciation.”
“…”
Yuri, dumbfounded, gave Hernando a sharp once-over. As always, he looked somewhat lacking. The way he scratched the back of his head didn’t inspire much confidence.
“What exactly are you basing this on…?”
“Perhaps you only see what you know. Ha ha ha…”
Yuri knew Hernando was a skilled mage, but she hadn’t expected Mo Yong-chan, one of the Ten Strong, to react like this.
“Well then…”
Yuri thought to herself.
I should have Kori dig up everything Hernando’s hiding.
In any case, Mo Yong-chan getting close to Briol wasn’t a bad thing. Clearing her throat, Yuri arranged for the two to talk privately.
“Well, if you two get along so well, why not have a proper conversation?”
“Good idea. Prepare the room.”
“Oh dear, Your Highness, since it’s come to this, why not bring some refreshments?”
“Shall we enjoy some drinks and good company?”
“Sounds perfect.”
Mo Yong-chan seemed already set on the plan.
He turned to the knights lined up, waiting their turn.
“Today’s over.”
Then he turned away.
The disappointed knights groaned, but Mo Yong-chan paid them no mind.
Yuri handed over her quarters so the two could talk in private.
Just before Hernando joined the conversation, Yuri grabbed his sleeve and whispered,
“Try to persuade him to stay in Briol after the alliance ends.”
“Hmph…”
Hernando shook his finger.
“When dealing with people, you must treat them as an end in themselves. You shouldn’t use them. Isn’t that the true spirit of a Great Hero?”
With that, he left with Mo Yong-chan.
Hernando, carrying Mo Yong-chan on his back, was incredibly frustrating.
“He doesn’t even realize this is necessary for the future…”
Yuri recalled her past life.
When the empire invaded, Hernando had left Briol but returned to help defend it.
He somehow broke through the empire’s mages’ dispels and conjured magic that engulfed the enemy in flames.
But in the end, Briol fell.
After that, no one heard from him again.
He probably wandered the world once more.
“If only Mo Yong-chan had been there, it would have been much better.”
Yuri looked away.
As Mo Yong-chan disappeared, the crowd began to disperse. Among them, she spotted a familiar face.
She waved.
“Sir Wolf!”
“Your Highness.”
It was Wolf Gain, commander of Liberta and Count of Abra.
He greeted Yuri warmly as he approached.
“I heard the rumors. You invited a foreigner from the Ten Strong. Truly impressive.”
“Invited? Well, he came disguised as a prisoner, but I guess the rumors spread like that.”
Admiration shone in Wolf’s eyes.
Yuri didn’t bother to deny it.
“As a fellow knight, I came hoping to find a clue to break through the barriers, but unfortunately, I missed the chance.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get the opportunity next time.”
“Really? Thank you so much.”
“It’s nothing between us.”
Yuri laughed heartily, then suddenly noticed Sven acting distracted behind him.
Sven was Wolf’s son—the same boy who had been caught gossiping about other nations and had his weaknesses exposed by Yuri.
Feeling her gaze, Sven awkwardly bowed his head.
Yuri placed a hand on his shoulder.
“So you’re here, Sven.”
“Ah, hello.”
Yuri smiled at Wolf.
“Both father and son are skilled—Liberta’s pride.”
“Not as much as Your Highness.”
They shared a hearty laugh, while Sven, caught between them, glanced around nervously and quietly stepped back.
“Since you’re here at our quarters, how about a sparring match? Not Ten Strong level, but still.”
“Huh?”
Sven’s eyes widened at Yuri’s suggestion.
Wolf was pleased.
“If Your Highness agrees…”
Though young, Yuri had already proven his skill.
Unlike other young knights who made names for themselves in tournaments, Yuri had pierced through the orc lines alone on the battlefield, risking his life.
His valor was known throughout the alliance army. People often said he would become the second Fiore Briol.
And with his royal status, this was a glorious opportunity for Sven.
“Oh, no, I’m fine…”
“No need to refuse, Sven.”
“Well…”
In the end, Sven took up the wooden sword.
“Son, learn a move or two from the prince.”
“Yes…”
Once the match was set, Sven steeled his resolve.
“Well then…”
Yuri smiled slyly.
He was always a bit hot-headed.
Not lacking in skill, it seemed he intended to return the favor for all the times he’d been bested. His intentions were obvious—and kind of endearing.
“I’ll let you take the first move.”
“Please take care of me.”
Sven charged eagerly.
One well-placed strike was enough to break his spirit.
“Ugh!”
“Strong hips, though.”
He had potential, but it wasn’t enough to match Yuri.
Aside from Laurent, no one his age could spar evenly with Yuri.
Yuri tapped Sven’s thigh and rear like teaching a child—just like Bernard did to him every day.
Sven’s cries echoed periodically.
“Huff, huff…”
He was already gasping for breath.
The pressure alone drained his stamina.
“Don’t just rush forward. Try shifting your center of gravity back.”
Yuri advised.
“Good basics.”
Surprisingly so.
Sven had learned well—no doubt thanks to his father’s careful training.
But that was all.
To rise higher, he needed to dedicate himself to swordsmanship.
Liberta wasn’t a large country. Sven seemed never to have met a rival worthy of sparking his competitive spirit.
After facing Laurent, who was better and of similar age, his mindset would likely change.
“Come to Briol often.”
“Huh?”
“Spar with Laurent. He won’t refuse.”
“Well…”
“Opening!”
Yuri struck Sven a few more times, then ended the spar.
Wolf expressed his gratitude.
“Thank you. For the ears you gave me then, and for all your kindness.”
“Ears? I don’t know what you mean.”
The orc ears were a secret. Yuri shrugged, and Wolf smiled, nodding.
“I must have been mistaken.”
“Battles will only get tougher. We have to help each other.”
“Of course.”
It hadn’t been so in her past life.
The alliance army had faced the orcs divided—and paid the price.
That was why Yuri worked to build good relations with other nations.
To fight Okua, the alliance had to pull out every bit of strength it had.
The next morning, a messenger woke Yuri.
She sat up in bed, brushing off Guilty, who was leaning against her as usual, and asked,
“Sorry to wake you so early.”
“No, it’s fine.”
Yuri had instructed that she be woken no matter what happened.
“What is it?”
“Well…”
Unexpected news came.
“Orcs have appeared. They’re flying a white flag.”
“What?”
A white flag meant no intention to fight. The orcs had sent envoys.
“When?”
“Just now. I saw the orcs entering and came straight here.”
“I have to go.”
Yuri got up immediately and headed toward the empire’s quarters to get the full story.
Ragna’s aide was waiting outside.
It was early, so the entire alliance army was still quiet. Yuri was the only commander who had come upon hearing the news.
“You came quickly.”
Nearby, three Komodo Drakes with white flags sat quietly.
“What’s going on?”
“The orcs sent envoys. His Highness has received them.”
“Just now?”
“Yes.”
As they spoke, the barracks door opened.
Three orcs walked out.
Despite being deep in enemy territory, they showed no sign of intimidation. Instead, they held their chins high, surveying the interior as if looking down on it.
Then their eyes met Yuri’s.
“Akuaakkai.”
That was the orc’s way of addressing Yuri.
He muttered something else with a sly grin, and the two orcs beside him chuckled.
It seemed to be an insult.
Yuri replied,
“Okudoku.”
The three orcs’ expressions shifted strangely.
It was an orcish curse she’d learned from Kori.
Though her pronunciation was off, the meaning got through. Yuri shrugged at the three scowling orcs.
“If you don’t want to die, bow your heads.”
“Akuaakkai. Akme gutu jaekura…”
“Okudoku.”
“Ughk!”
Ignoring the orcs, Yuri requested to enter the barracks where Ragna was.
A prompt reply came.
“Come in.”
Ragna sat at the desk, arms crossed, lost in thought. Even as Yuri entered, he didn’t look up, only nodding slightly.
“Not much of a sleeper, huh?”
“I sleep lightly. It’s a battlefield, after all.”
“Right, right. This is a war zone.”
On the desk before Ragna lay a single letter.
Though it was too far away to make out the details, it was clear the letter was written in the continental language. The audience must have ended quickly, as it seemed only the letter had been delivered.
Yuri spoke up.
“Your Highness, may I ask what the letter says?”
Ragna leaned back, resting his head against the chair’s backrest. Even sitting down, he seemed to look down on Yuri from above.
“Yuri.”
“Yes?”
Ragna’s eyes were tired.
“Why do you think I was made commander of the Allied Forces?”
It was an unexpected question.
“Well, Your Highness, it’s because you’re skilled in war…”
“Don’t give me the obvious answer.”
“Is there another reason?”
“Are you playing coy, or are you serious?”
For once, Ragna showed some emotion.
Yuri waited for his explanation.
“The Allied Forces are an honorable opportunity.”
“Yes.”
“How do you think someone like me ended up in such a prestigious position?”
“Sounds like politics to me.”
“Exactly. I don’t know if you’re aware, but I’m not on good terms with the Emperor.”
How many on the continent could simply call the Emperor “Emperor” without fear?
Not many.
And one of those few was the man sitting right in front of Yuri.
Prince Ragna.
He tilted his chin with a crooked smirk.
“There are plenty who could have been sent in my place. Loyal dogs ready to give all glory to the Emperor. So why do you think I’m here?”
“Because Your Highness’s abilities are fitting for a commander?”
“Sure, I’m qualified. But the Empire doesn’t work that way. Whenever things seem to flow logically, there’s always some scheme by the Emperor behind it.”
Yuri nodded.
The Allied Forces were formed from the start to fail. The Emperor knew Okua would defeat them.
Yuri was certain the Empire had made a secret pact with the Orcs.
“So you’re saying it’s a trap?”
In his past life, Ragna had taken responsibility for the Allied Forces’ failure and relinquished his power. The Emperor then took full control of the Empire.
Ragna was a discarded pawn.
“Look at this.”
Ragna handed over a letter from the Orcs.
Yuri let out a low, bitter sound.
“This is…”
“Yes.”
The contents were shocking.
Since the Emperor had made a secret pact with Okua, the letter warned Ragna not to become a scapegoat and to step down.
The sender claimed to be an anonymous faction opposing Okua.
Yuri flipped the letter back and forth.
It was brief—a simple warning.
“What do you make of it?”
Yuri laughed softly.
A despicable ploy.
She looked up and studied Ragna’s face. His previously tense expression softened, and soon his eyes mirrored hers.
Yuri said, “I thought this war would be difficult, but it’s going to be even harder than I imagined.”
Ragna leaned forward again and clapped his hands.
“That’s exactly it.”
They shared a long, quiet chuckle.
“It’s good to be on the same wavelength, Yuri.”
“Thank you.”
“Whether that faction really exists or it’s just Okua’s trick, our task remains the same.”
“Yes.”
No matter the circumstances, retreat was not an option for the Allied Forces. Perhaps that was exactly what the Emperor wanted.
“Your Highness, may I make a suggestion?”
“A suggestion?”
“First, outside…”
Yuri and Ragna stepped out of the barracks.
Three Orcs were mounting Komodo Drakes. The Empire’s knights, clad in black armor, stood guard, but the Orcs paid them no mind.
They chattered among themselves, clearly relaxed.
“What do you think?”
“Are you suggesting we deal with them?”
“Yes.”
Yuri did not underestimate the Orcs. They were a breed capable of cruelty beyond humans.
If Okua pulled more tricks, and the letter’s contents leaked to someone in the Allied Forces…
When the war grew difficult, someone would remember that letter.
Morale would plummet, the Allied Forces would fracture.
They’d start doubting their own comrades instead of the enemy, seeking ways to retreat rather than fight.
“Better to have no backdoor at all.”
Yuri strode toward the Orcs.
The Empire’s knights tried to block her, but Ragna gestured sharply, clearing the way.
The Orcs on the Komodo Drakes shouted something as Yuri approached—likely taunts.
But when she kept coming, their faces twisted in displeasure.
“Akuaakkai! Murkan Ormetun!”
“Shut up.”
Yuri leapt forward.
With a few swift swings of her sword, one Orc’s head flew off. The other two panicked, pulling their Komodo Drakes’ reins to flee, but Yuri was relentless.
She chased them down, stabbing one in the back to bring it down, and plunged her blade into the other’s abdomen.
In an instant, all three Orcs were subdued.
The Empire’s knights murmured in surprise.
They knew the eighteenth prince was skilled, but to this extent?
Even Ragna muttered in disbelief.
“Has your skill improved that much…?”
Yuri didn’t stop at killing the Orcs. She beheaded them.
Her actions were shockingly ruthless for a prince.
“Help me with this.”
Yuri called over two Empire knights.
She calmed the Komodo Drakes and burned the headless Orc corpses atop them.
Then she stuck the flags the Orcs had brought into the severed neck stumps.
Finally, she wrote a word in blood on a white banner.
“Okudoku.”
An Orc curse she’d learned from Kori. Though written in the continental language, the Orcs would understand.
“Go.”
Yuri kicked the Komodo Drakes, and they turned back the way they came.
Clever animals like them would return to their masters.
The brutal slaughter and shocking insult had been swift.
The Empire’s knights looked at Yuri with a mix of fear and awe.
Ragna approached and said, “I thought you were cautious, but you’re more extreme than I expected.”
“I made a promise.”
“Ah…”
Ragna nodded knowingly and clapped her on the shoulder.
Yuri watched the three Orcs disappear into the distance, the flags fluttering behind them.
“They’ll pay the price.”