Chapter 10 The Princess And The Crown Prince
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The office where General Kassandros left has now become a women-only space. Curtains hang on the windows leading outside, and all the guards are waiting outside the office door.
The reason why all the men, including the servants, were expelled is simple: it’s for the master of this castle, Lucia, to change. Lucia was wearing a custom-made government suit instead of a dress, but even in a pants style, she couldn’t wear armor on top. Well, to be precise, she could, but with the stiff fabric of the government suit, she couldn’t move freely, the armor wouldn’t fit properly, and she probably couldn’t fight satisfactorily.
When Lucia spread her arms, her exclusive maids skillfully removed her governmental attire. The thick fabric of the attire, which had retained heat, was swiftly taken off, leaving her in nothing but her undergarments. The cold air touched the skin that had been concealed, sending a shiver down her spine.
The black undergarments that enveloped her delicate white skin were simple, as there was no one special to display them for. However, even the most alluring undergarments would pale in comparison to her figure, becoming nothing more than a background prop.
Reflected in the mirror before her was a semi-nude body that maintained a delicate balance of softness and tautness. Beyond the beautiful curves of her breast, the faint vertical lines above her navel, and the toned abdomen, her long, supple legs extended. Was this form a sculpture crafted in pursuit of beauty, or perhaps a miracle bestowed by the divine?
Her muscles were not honed to captivate or to strengthen, but rather optimized as artistic masterpieces for precise swordplay. On the other hand, her seemingly lean physique retained moderate fat to endure prolonged periods of warfare… in other words, her body was neither that of a princess nor a swordsman, but that of a warrior surviving on the battlefield.
However, the reflection of that physical beauty in the mirror was only for a moment. The maids’ skilled hands were quick to undress and quick to dress. The garment known as “gambeson” is worn over the underwear, increasing the snugness of the armor and protecting the skin by absorbing impact. It is a custom-made, lightweight garment that excels in functionality by fitting tightly. On top of that, a jet-black armor made from processed dragon scales is being worn.
”Please tighten the right thigh a little more. It’s too loose like this.”
”Understood.”
Tightening too much or too little… That slight difference greatly affects Lucia’s movements. It takes time, but there can be no compromise. While her body, she makes fine adjustments.
”Excuse me!!”
As she doing so, someone is bursting into the office. It’s a girl clad in armor as well. Her name is Elaine, with a slightly assertive atmosphere and a hint of peach-colored beige hair tied up. She is one of Lucia’s personal knights and the daughter of a duke.
Elaine is the granddaughter of Louvin, a former captain of the Imperial Guard and the instructor of Lucia’s swordsmanship. She is seventeen, one year younger than Lucia, and has been one of the few friends she has spent time with since childhood. Their relationship can be described as sisterly. Elaine has also developed her talent for swordsmanship while training with Lucia, and has become a talented woman who has fought alongside Lucia in their first battle.
Unlike Lucia, Elaine has had a fiancé since childhood, and it seems that they meet whenever he returns to the imperial capital… However, Lucia, who has no interest in romance, never inquires further about it.
As Lucia continues to adjust her armor, she catches sight of Elaine in the mirror.
While Elaine had already gone to the city below the castle with Kassandros and had returned to gather information, Lucia, who had not yet left the castle, and with whom Elaine shares a deep bond of over ten years, must be eager to know.
And Elaine’s expectations were completely on point. So, the first thing that came out of Lucia mouth was a question directly related to the situation on the ground.
”Have the troops been assembled!?”
”Yes. Apart from the soldiers defending the walls, we have four thousand troops positioned in front of the tower. However…”
”However, what!?”
Lucia’s sharp interrogation pierced Elaine, who faltered in response. Elaine, looking resentfully in the direction of the tower, voiced her concerns with great seriousness.
”Upon going to the site myself, I realized that the location of the tower is unexpectedly within the civilian city, and there is no place for the troops to set up camp… So, we are currently clearing debris and demolishing undamaged buildings to create space for the troops to set up camp.”
”After all, it’s within the city walls. It would have been easier if it were in the plains outside the walls… But there’s no use complaining now.”
That’s right, once it has happened, no amount of words can change the situation. If this had been a man-made disaster, there would have been someone to blame, but the current state, which can be considered a natural disaster, requires action toward resolving the situation rather than complaints. That’s the only way forward.
”Distribute money and use the people as needed. In any case, hurry up and construct the fortifications. And in the worst case scenario, make sure the soldiers consider the possibility of combat in narrow alleys.”
In group combat, the formation is crucial. There are various formations throughout history and different commanders have their own preferences, but the formation is what maximizes the offensive power, defensive power, and coordination of the group based on the numerical strength. To establish this formation, which means moving in an orderly manner, it is necessary to have a spacious area. It is impossible to coordinate even if the soldiers are lined up on two roads with a few buildings in between.
Since they don’t know the enemy’s numbers and capabilities, and their own forces are determined, they must ensure that their forces perform at their best, even if it’s just a little. So────
Lucia opens both hands and then close them. After adjusting the grip of the sword handle several times, draw it from the scabbard, swing it lightly a few times, and then return it… She asks further while checking the fit of her gauntlets.
”Is there something wrong with the tower?”
”Not yet. It’s just that the absence of anything makes it eerie, like the calm before a storm… The morale of the soldiers isn’t particularly high.”
Low morale wasn’t desirable, but it wasn’t surprising. Their current situation was like desperately stacking sandbags by the side of a swelling river, not knowing when it might burst its banks. Even battle-hardened soldiers, who feared no battlefield, might want to flee if told that foes of a different caliber might overflow from the tower reminiscent of a divine realm.
”I’ll also have Al sent to the imperial capital to carry as much rubble as possible locally. And inform me immediately if anything happens.”
”Understood.”
Watching Elaine bow and leave the office briskly, Lucia slowly exhaled. Then she met her own eyes in the mirror. In those eyes and countenance, there was no trace of fear. Confronting oneself ablaze with extraordinary determination and conviction, she nodded slightly. Then she turned her back to the mirror and left the office.
And Lucia hurried towards Alfred’s waiting bedroom.
The ols capital city of Lemar, which used to flow like a great river, is now wrapped in a buzz of activity. Even the servants passing by Lucia in the hallway do not bother to kneel leisurely. They simply nod and then return to their given tasks.
”Al, it’s Lucia. I’m coming in.”
Arriving in front of the guest room on the upper floor of the castle, which Alfred uses as his bedroom, Lucia knocks on the wooden door three times. Without waiting for a response, she boldly announces herself and then forcefully pushes the door open.
Inside the room, several guards assigned to Alfred are packed in, and one of them even drew his sword towards the door, but then returned it to its sheath upon seeing Lucia’s face. The relatively small bedroom was enveloped in an extraordinary sense of imminent danger. It would have been preferable to be on an average battlefield where the enemy’s identity is known. That’s why the guards emanated tension from every fiber of their beings, like the taut string of a bow.
In the midst of such a heavy atmosphere, Alfred, with an anxious expression, peeked his face from behind the soldiers lined up.
”Aneue, have you learned anything about that tower?”
”I don’t know. But there are voices saying that they have seen figures inside that tower. If it comes to a battle with an unknown army, this castle will be in danger. So, you should return to the imperial capital.”
”What about you, Aneue? What will you do?”
”As the emperor’s child, and as his representative, I have a duty to stay here and protect the old capital.”
”But I…”
”That is not possible.”
Almost reflexively, Lucia raised her voice as if pushing Alfred away, and Alfred flinched. Lucia, who realized her outburst and calmed down, and Alfred, who widened his eyes in surprise rather than fear, locked eyes.
It was no wonder Alfred was surprised. Lucia rarely shouts at Alfred like that.
As her older sister, Lucia loves Alfred more than anyone else and cares about him. But at the same time, she also believes that Alfred is the future emperor before he is her younger brother, and that she is a vassal whom she serves. She has not forgotten that.
Therefore, Lucia has never deviated from the relationship between master and vassal, such as scolding Alfred. Also, although she may lead, she has never been able to follow, which is a commandment within Lucia and her own. It was a rule.
”Listen, Alfred… listen carefully.”
She said as Lucia got down on one knee and looked Alfred in the eye. She put her hand on her shoulder and looked directly at Alfred with a serious gaze.
”Alfred Ravendora Harenamereta. You are the crown prince. As your father’s only son, you will succeed him as emperor. On the other hand, I am one of three daughters. I have been hailed as a princess general. After all, there are two other people to replace me.”
Alfred’s shoulder trembled.
’It is no wonder,’ Lucia thought, and slightly lowers her gaze. Despite behaving bravely, Alfred is only twelve years old. He is in the midst of an abnormal situation where even seasoned soldiers tremble in their armor, as if it were their first battle.
Normally, it wouldn’t be strange for him to start crying… However, Alfred is not being controlled by fear. He is trying to overcome it and move forward, trying to think about what he can do.
He is a strong child. This strength is exactly what the future empire needs… and Lucia’s determination burns even brighter. But at the same time, the regret that had been in her heart for so long overflowed from her mouth.
”If only I hadn’t said something like going on a trip like this. It is my fault for taking you out of the imperial capital and putting you in this situation. Please forgive me.”
”No, Aneue just listened to my selfishness. Besides, no one could have anticipated such a situation. Aneue doesn’t need to apologize.”
”Thank you”
As a child, he would have been cried just by seeing a bird take flight. But now Lucia felt a different kind of emotion witnessing Alfred’s undeniable growth, fitting for the next emperor. She felt an overwhelming heat rise within her, causing her to slightly lower her gaze. However, she knew that shedding tears here could be interpreted differently, so she suppressed the overflowing emotions and once again focused on Alfred with a serious expression.
”Do you understand what I’m saying?”
”…Yes, I understand. But please, promise me.”
”What is it?”
”Promise me that you will come back alive.”
His demeanor was not that of a child, but rather that of a future emperor, exuding the dignity even of his father, King Frederick II. There was a slight regret in Lucia’s heart that she might not live to see the day when Alfred, having grown further in body and spirit, would inherit the crown from his father. However, it was precisely because she felt Alfred’s growth that a conviction welled up from the depths of Lucia’s being that her life was worth risking for.
”Understood”
She couldn’t promise. She couldn’t even say that this might be their final parting. She could only nod as if to evade the situation, feeling ashamed and pathetic at her own inability. Lucia, with a deep breath, turned her back.
”Yes, Aneue, take care.”
Alfred’s voice pierced her back. Rather than adorning it like a badge of honor or a medal, it seemed to simply reveal his true feelings… This struck Lucia’s heart even more. From the wound, a hot feeling rose to her throat as if blood were seeping from it, so Lucia walked away as if fleeing.
”Oh, that’s right.”
As she reached for the door handle, something she had forgotten to convey suddenly came to her mind.
”That’s right, please give a message to father—”
It was a message for her father in the imperial capital. Assuming that the situation regarding the appearance of the tower had already been conveyed to the imperial capital by a fast horse, she wanted to buy some time, and during that time, she wanted the entire army to protect the empire and Alfred… She turned on her heel to convey this, but then…
Lucia’s gaze fell upon an empty floor. Just five seconds ago, Alfred was supposed to be there, but he was nowhere to be seen.
”Al!? Alfred!? Don’t tease me… Where did you go!? Al!!”
Neither the servant who was supposed to have been standing by the wall with unwavering eyes, nor the soldiers who had been protecting him, noticed a thing until Lucia screamed. Suddenly, as if he had never been there from the beginning, as if the source of Lucia’s determination had been denied by the gods, only Alfred disappeared from this world.
Even Lucia, with all her composure, became agitated. She crawled around, peering into every nook and cranny, from behind the curtains to inside the wardrobe and under the bed, calling out his name, but there was not a single trace.
It was right after she had frantically searched under the carpet, her face contorted in frustration, not having the slightest idea of what had happened.
In Lucia’s heightened senses, sharpened to their limit so as not to miss any clue, she suddenly felt a sharp gaze, like that of a predator scrutinizing its prey, pierce into her right shoulder.
”Who is it!?”
Just as Lucia turned around and shouted, her field of vision went dark. Amidst the interrupted consciousness, she heard the eerie monster making a creaking noise.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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