The allied forces departed from Valshard, passed through Gid, and returned to the continent.
The lord of Gid greeted Yuri warmly and praised his achievements. The two agreed to maintain a good relationship moving forward before parting ways.
It was time to disband the allied army.
Ragna gathered all the troops, commended their hard work, and officially declared the dissolution of the alliance.
“Everyone, well done.”
As Ragna stepped down from the podium, the soldiers cheered, tossing their helmets into the air.
Yuri took the time to greet everyone he had come to know during the campaign.
Most were planning to accept the Empire’s invitation, so they promised to meet again soon.
“I’ll be stopping by Briole on the way,” declared Jose, a knight from Bursen, who insisted on accompanying Yuri.
Yuri gladly accepted. There was no reason to refuse a future Ten Strong knight who volunteered to come along.
Jonathan, the commander of Bursen, asked, “Why the sudden change of plans?”
“I want to spar more with Moyongchan, and if possible…” Jose trailed off, but Yuri understood the implication.
He was thinking of Fiore Briole, the king of Briole and one of the Ten Strong.
Jonathan nodded. “Understood. Your family’s waiting, so don’t stay too long. That’s the Bursen way—never neglect your home.”
“Of course.”
Yuri welcomed Jose warmly. “Sir Jose, I know just the right sparring partner for you.”
“Really?”
“He’s about your level.”
“That’s good to hear.”
While facing a high-level opponent is valuable, competing against someone of similar skill is often the best way to grow.
Yuri knew the perfect match: his own master, Bernard.
Though Bernard might have the edge in technique and speed, considering Jose’s immense strength, their bouts would be fierce.
“There’s Bernard. They call him the Sword Demon—he’s obsessed with the blade.”
“Wow…”
Suddenly, Yuri felt a twinge of doubt.
Looking back on his past life, Jose had become one of the Ten Strong, but Bernard’s whereabouts had been a mystery since he left Briole.
Bernard was someone who could have easily stood alongside Jose among the Ten Strong.
“Well, whatever.”
Of course, no one could say for sure now.
He might have wandered off and died from a sword wound somewhere.
“Alright, let’s go!”
As in the war, Yuri took the lead and headed back to Briole.
When they reached Saidor, a border town, the residents lined the streets, showering them with flower petals in celebration of their triumphant return.
Jaime was glad the orcs had been defeated but was skeptical about the plan to establish forward bases to manage them.
“The orcs will come back. They’re like cockroaches.”
He predicted they would eventually multiply and return.
If anyone said that, it was Jaime—it felt like a certainty.
“Those pests are truly relentless.”
“Of course, it’ll take a long time. Thanks to you, Prince, my twilight years will be peaceful.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
When Yuri said Kori had been a great help, Jaime just smiled.
When Yuri mentioned turning Kori into a mage, Jaime offered his characteristic advice.
“Keep watching. If it doesn’t feel right, let go.”
In other words, don’t trust blindly. Yuri accepted his counsel.
“Still, I think Kori will be fine.”
“Yes.”
Jaime nodded.
Considering his attitude toward the orcs, this was a generous assessment.
Before parting, Jaime gave Yuri a final warning.
“You’re heading to the Empire, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Be careful with your words and actions there. Unlike Briole, the Empire is full of rats.”
It was a pointed remark.
The Empire’s vast size meant tangled interests and rampant scheming.
But Yuri had one principle.
No one stands before the sword.
No matter how many petty schemers there are, could they stand against the likes of Fiore Briole or Moyongchan? One strike of the blade ends it.
The problem was that most of the skilled swordsmen were gathered in the Empire.
So he had to grow stronger quickly—to be on equal footing with the monsters lurking there.
“Thanks for the advice.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Sir Jaime.”
“Yes?”
“It might be a bit early to say this, but…”
Yuri looked at him and spoke slowly.
“Your work isn’t over yet.”
Though the allied forces had achieved unprecedented success, it might seem like Jaime’s mission was finished—but Yuri thought the opposite.
Jaime had lost his son to the orcs.
But what if there were those pulling the strings behind the orcs?
Just as Yuri had unfinished business, so did Jaime.
“Do you still hate the orcs?”
“Of course.”
“Maybe there’s more you should hate.”
Jaime didn’t understand, but he wasn’t the type to ask lightly, nor did he underestimate the third prince who led the alliance to victory.
He simply looked at Yuri quietly.
Yuri smiled at the old knight’s weathered face.
Would this aged warrior ever find peace?
In his past life, wandering the continent, Yuri had seen many like him.
They only found rest in death. And if grudges remained, sometimes even death couldn’t soothe them.
“Jaime Theodore, the Shield of Briole.”
So the only honor Yuri could offer this lifelong border guardian was to help death bring his life to a proper close.
“I’ll tell you who your true enemy is soon. That will probably be your final battle.”
Jaime tilted his head, meeting Yuri’s gaze.
After a moment of silence, he smiled—a look of relief.
“I’ll be waiting.”
In the distance, the royal castle of Briole came into view.
Yuri stopped his horse and turned around.
“Hey, everyone.”
Though it was a victory march, the expedition had been long. They all looked worse for wear.
Yuri pointed toward the castle.
“See that?”
Everyone’s eyes followed his finger. Beyond the faintly visible castle walls, something floated in the air.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a hot air balloon.”
Yuri hadn’t expected to see one in Briole at this time. It was probably thanks to the early growth of the Irein Trading Company.
“It was invented in Liberta. It uses hot air to lift things.”
“Why is it there?”
“Well…”
Yuri chuckled.
“To welcome us.”
Beneath the balloon, a banner with a welcoming message was likely hanging, ready to shower flower petals when they arrived.
It was an extravagant welcome ceremony.
“So, everyone, tidy yourselves up. Don’t regret it later.”
The soldiers glanced at each other and began to laugh.
“We won the war, but we look like a bunch of refugees.”
“Go wipe the sleep from your eyes.”
Yuri gave them time.
The soldiers set down their gear and did their best to clean up.
“Make sure the ladies of the castle can see your handsome faces. Helmets go under your arms.”
The unit moved again.
As the reality of their return sank in, smiles of contentment spread across their faces.
The road home after war was always a happy one.
Soon, they reached the castle gates.
A herald on horseback blew a loud horn. Even before they passed through the gates, cheers and fireworks erupted from inside.
“Prince, congratulations on your victory!”
The herald sheathed his horn, dismounted, and bowed deeply to Yuri.
“Thank you.”
“The people of Briole have been waiting for you!”
“It’s not just me—they’ve been waiting for all of us.”
“Ah, yes! Everyone’s been waiting for you all.”
Yuri slowly guided his horse inside.
As they crossed the gate, colorful confetti fluttered through the air.
A huge crowd welcomed them.
His black warhorse, who had fought alongside him, seemed to savor the celebration, slowing its pace and baring its teeth in a grin.
Looking up, fireworks exploded as a long banner descended from the hot air balloon.
It praised their achievements.
“Who prepared this?”
Yuri gave a wry smile. Was there anyone in the palace who cared about such ceremonies?
“Hey, Jared.”
“Yes?”
“Why so stiff?”
Jared, unused to this kind of situation, stood rigidly, staring straight ahead.
“Go get some flowers or something.”
“Huh?”
“Or at least a handkerchief from a pretty lady.”
“No…”
Yuri nudged his shoulder.
The horse Jared rode seemed to understand and began walking toward a woman standing among the crowd.
“No, no…”
Amid the cheers, Jared was swept up in the moment and finally reached out. The woman handed him a sky-blue handkerchief.
Jared introduced himself and returned to formation.
“Not bad.”
Yuri teased, and he just cleared his throat.
“Prince, aren’t you going to get anything?”
“I’m good.”
“Why not?”
“As a popular guy, I can’t show favoritism.”
“Ha…”
The soldiers, who had come with only weapons and backpacks, were now adorned with flower garlands and handkerchiefs.
“Sir Jose.”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
Though not from Briole, Jose was thoroughly enjoying the festivities.
“There are a lot of beauties in Briole, aren’t there?”
“Yes, truly. Wow…”
“Make the most of it. Guys like you are popular here.”
“Huh?”
“Why ask again?”
Yuri laughed and patted his shoulder.
Jose tried to keep a straight face but failed, breaking into a wide grin.
“I’ll do my best! Hahaha!”
Yuri circled the castle once more and soon returned to the square where the departure ceremony had been held.
He spotted Cedric and Joshua seated there.
Cedric smiled gently and waved his hand, while Joshua shrugged with that same look, as if he were still scheming something.
Yuri lifted her gaze.
Fiore Briol stood on the podium.
His face was as indifferent as when they had left. But Yuri could sense a faint emotion flickering in the corners of his eyes.
Had she ever made him feel proud of her?
As the troops lined up, the crowd gradually quieted down. It was time for their king to commend the victory.
Yuri dismounted and climbed the steps to stand before Fiore.
“Hmm…”
Fiore scrutinized her.
“You’ve grown taller.”
“Yes.”
At eighteen, she still had room to grow.
“Good work.”
He said that, then glanced past her shoulder.
“And you even brought an interesting guest.”
His voice held a hint of excitement. It was because of Moyongchan standing back there.
It was the first time Fiore had shown such a competitive spark.
Yuri smiled.
“Is this an order?”
“Not at all.”
After some light conversation, they shared a brief embrace.
“Well done.”
“Thank you.”
Then Fiore officially declared the victory of the Briol army and the end of the allied forces.
“Congratulations to the great victors.”
With that, Fiore pulled something out.
And sprayed it.
Startled, Yuri got caught in the spray.
Champagne.
That was the signal for champagne and beer to be sprayed from all directions toward the Briol troops. The soldiers, initially taken aback, soon burst into laughter.
Yuri brushed her wet hair back and said,
“Who on earth planned this?”
“They told me not to say.”
“Huh?”
“They said you’d get revenge.”
“Ah…”
Yuri chuckled softly.
There was only one person in the palace who would say something like that. When she glanced over, Joshua, seated nearby, flinched.
Still, seeing that he had planned even this event, it seemed he had been working hard all along.
“Well, anyway.”
Yuri looked down at the chaotic square and smiled.
“It’s good to be back.”
Yuri wasn’t in a good mood.
“Do we really have to do this on such a fine day?”
“Prince.”
“There are better opponents than me, aren’t there?”
“I’ve arranged to learn from Master Fiore tomorrow.”
“No…”
“So, you just draw your sword.”
One of the conditions Moyongchan had set when Yuri became his disciple: after the allied forces disbanded, they would have a proper duel.
The lively victory celebration was over, and a festival was scheduled for the evening.
But before Yuri could even shake off his fatigue, Moyongchan grabbed him, insisting on a match.
“Your Highness! I’ve prepared hemostatic agents and bandages! Let me know if you get stabbed!”
Ena, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, seemed surprised by the sudden duel but quickly brought the supplies and cheered him on from the sidelines.
“Phew…”
Yuri sighed, rolled his shoulders, and said,
“Very well, Master. Let’s taste some bitterness today.”