37-122

EP.122 The Decisive Battle for the Empire’s Fate (2) 

When news arrived that Heinrich’s main army had reached within five days of Windrage territory, Prinz and Yuno convened a meeting with all commanders and staff. 

“Heinrich’s army is about five days from our territory. Since we’re outnumbered, we’d planned to defend the castle, but since you’re now supreme commander, Yuno, I want your opinion.” 

“My view is that we should fight a field battle.” 

“Why? Can you explain?” 

In response to Prinz’s question, Yuno stood and pointed at the castle walls outside the window. 

“First, Windrage Castle isn’t suited for defense. Since the Lipfil Fortress holds the eastern front, there was no need to build this as a defensive stronghold. The walls are low, and there aren’t many fortifications, so we wouldn’t gain much advantage from a siege.” 

“I did think it was worse than Streve when I remembered that battle, but still, defending is always better than going out to fight, isn’t it? And we’ve added a lot of defenses.” 

Even as Prinz argued, Yuno didn’t back down. 

“These past two months, I’ve trained the soldiers for open battle. Most of them couldn’t even shoot an arrow before, so a siege wouldn’t go well. But if we go out and seize favorable terrain, we won’t be at a disadvantage.” 

As Prinz pondered, Yuno continued. 

“Most importantly, we have to minimize civilian casualties to gain the people’s support. The people have suffered enough from the war with Teseito. If they suffer more, they’ll resent us, too.” 

With Yuno’s explanation, the commanders and staff already aligned with his strategy smiled confidently, and Prinz nodded as he looked at his subordinates. 

“Very well. You’re the supreme commander, so I’ll leave it all to you. I guess I was worrying for nothing.” 

“No, brother. This is a fight with the lives of everyone here, 20,000 soldiers, and the fate of the empire at stake. Of course you should worry.” 

Prinz approached Yuno and extended his hand. Yuno took it, and the brothers exchanged a firm handshake, showing their resolve. 

Three days later, on a plain 30 km from Windrage territory  

Yuno had split his 20,000 troops into four units of 5,000 and set up a defensive line, standing at the front as the imperial army and its dust cloud approached in the distance. 

“Whew~ That’s a lot. Looks like about 40,000?” 

“Probably. All three corps are here. We should have attacked the 3rd corps before they joined up. Seeing such a huge army is overwhelming.” 

“Haha, back then our troops weren’t ready. Even if we’d won, the losses would have been huge.” 

“Now I understand what you meant about our troops not being ready. Looking at that army, I’m not afraid at all I’m confident.” 

“Right? Endurance is national strength. Our soldiers won’t tire easily on the battlefield and will fight more aggressively.” 

Yuno and Viscount Leberkin discussed the coming battle as they watched the imperial army form up. 

“They must be exhausted from the march. How about a night raid?” 

“Their commander is Derian. He seemed capable at Streve. I doubt he’ll let his guard down at night. A half-baked night raid would only tire our men; better to fight head-on.” 

“Then how about this?” 

Leberkin whispered his idea to Yuno, who approved and gave the order. 

“I’ll leave that to you. I’m going to meet with Derian.” 

“Pardon?” 

“Well, we were comrades in the last battle. I’d like to see him before we fight.” 

Yuno, carrying only a white flag, rode out. 

“Your Highness!! The supreme commander himself can’t go as a messenger! Come back!!” 

“Hahaha, there’s no law against it. I’ll be back soon.” 

“Your Highness!!” 

Leberkin shouted after him, but Yuno just waved and continued toward the enemy camp. 

Soon, Yuno disappeared into the imperial camp, announcing himself as a messenger, and Leberkin could only sigh deeply and return to his own lines. 

At that time, in the imperial camp, Baron Derian, the army’s supreme commander, was told that an enemy envoy with a white flag was approaching and ordered him brought in. 

“Hm… Are they admitting defeat? That would be convenient.” 

Baron Hasau, the 1st Corps commander, said, but Derian shook his head. 

“No, I doubt it. I took a look earlier, and their discipline and calm eyes are unusual for private soldiers. I don’t know how, but they’ve brought elite troops.” 

“Still, they’re outnumbered two to one. And if it’s quality, our legionnaires are better. The survivors from Streve and Zenon are the best in the west.” 

Baron Ziegvalt, the 4th Corps commander, was right, and Derian nodded. 

As the commanders talked, word came that the envoy had arrived, and Derian ordered him in. 

They frowned at the envoy’s confident stride through the enemy camp, but when the light revealed his face, all the commanders froze. 

“Haha, it’s been a while. How have you all been? Derian, I heard you were made a baron congratulations.” 

“T-the Third Prince? W-why are you here…?” 

They had expected Yuno might join Prinz, but never imagined the prince himself would come as a messenger, and were shocked. 

The commanders instinctively bowed, but Yuno waved them up and had them sit. 

“I’m commanding Prince Prinz’s army this time. Since we’re fighting as enemies, I wanted to greet my former comrades before the battle.” 

“Wow, Your Highness as supreme commander… We hadn’t heard, since no news came from Windrage.” 

They had no idea how to react to Yuno, who had led them to victory at Streve. 

“Relax. To you, I’m just a rebel now, right?” 

“How could you say that… We…” 

“I understand. As imperial soldiers, you have to serve the emperor, Heinrich. Soldiers shouldn’t meddle in politics, so you’re doing the right thing. I understand why you have to point your swords at me.” 

“…Thank you, Your Highness.” 

“But since we don’t recognize Heinrich as emperor and see you as the enemy, we won’t hold back. That’s why I came.” 

“Yes, Your Highness. We’ll do our best to win.” 

Yuno offered his hand, and the commanders shook it with a smile. 

“But I have a proposal for you.” 

“What is it, Your Highness? If it’s possible, we’ll consider it.” 

“If I win, surrender cleanly. Don’t think of suicide.” 

Derian and the commanders exchanged glances and thought it over. 

“We understand. If we lose with twice the numbers, we’ll be executed if we return to Adria anyway. We don’t plan to throw the fight, so be prepared.” 

They remembered the nobles Heinrich had executed in the council chamber and accepted Yuno’s proposal. 

“Good. If I lose, I’ll surrender cleanly too. See you on the battlefield!” 

“Yes, Your Highness. See you there.” 

After the meeting, Yuno glanced around the imperial camp and returned to his own. 

“Wasn’t that the Third Prince?” 

“The one who took Streve single-handedly?” 

“Come on, you believe that rumor?” 

“No, it’s true! I was in the 5th Corps at Streve. Look, here’s my campaign badge. I saw it myself he was swinging a giant log and smashing Teseito soldiers’ heads… Ugh, and now we have to fight him?” 

“…Is that really true? Ugh…” 

Yuno’s visit had an unexpected effect. 

The 1st and 2nd Corps, and survivors of the 5th, who had witnessed Yuno’s feats at Streve, spread the story, and fear spread throughout the imperial army. 

From the outset, the imperial army’s morale was drastically lowered.