37-116

EP.116 Yuno Army’s Rapid Advance (2) 

After easily capturing Graim territory, Yuno gathered his soldiers and praised their efforts. 

“Everyone! Well done. Today’s victory was easy because the enemy was unprepared, but it was only possible because you all endured the tough training with me.” 

At Yuno’s speech, the soldiers, recalling the grueling training of the past months, looked proud, though some couldn’t hide a wry smile at the corners of their mouths. 

“With this victory, we’ve fastened the first button well. You’ve worked hard in training, and I’ve ordered that the food stores of Count Graim be used to provide you with a special meal. All except those on watch can eat and rest well! I’ll even allow a little drinking. Enjoy this relaxation while you can, because you won’t get it again for a while.” 

Snap! 

With a snap of Yuno’s fingers, Graim’s soldiers, now in charge of cooking, brought out huge amounts of food and distributed it to the troops. 

Though prepared by Graim’s soldiers and not much different from what Yuno’s men usually ate, the ingredients were of noble quality, and plenty of seasoning had been used, so the aroma made the soldiers rush to devour the food. 

“S-slow down!! There’s plenty for everyone!” 

The squad and company leaders tried to calm them, but faced with the food, the soldiers ignored orders and just kept eating. 

“You can eat as much as you want, but alcohol is limited to two cups per person! Anyone caught drinking more will be executed according to military law!” 

“If you eat too fast and get sick, you’ll be running laps until you vomit it all up!” 

When company commanders Macmorin and Gerard, embarrassed to have Yuno see their men like this, drew their swords and tried to restore order, the soldiers slowed down a bit. 

With food and drink in their bellies, the tension of their first deployment faded, and the fatigue from marching all night caught up with them, so one by one they collapsed and fell asleep. 

Watching his men, Yuno asked Mayer with a grimace, 

“Did I not feed the soldiers enough before, Mayer?” 

“It’s not that, sir… but soldiers are always hungry, aren’t they? Hahaha.” 

Yuno, realizing again the morale-boosting power of food, gave Mayer further instructions. 

“Well, that makes sense. Always make sure rations are generous. Since we’ll be targeting enemy supplies, we should have plenty of food, right?” 

“Yes, don’t worry. We’ll share any surplus with local residents to win their support. Civilian cooperation is key to guerrilla warfare.” 

“Good. I’ll head east as planned Mayer, I’m counting on you here.” 

“Whew~ After this war, I just want a reward and to really retire…” 

“La la la, I can’t hear you~~ Isabella, get the teleportation ready~” 

“Sir? Sir!!” 

Mayer kept talking about quitting, but though Yuno had many talented subordinates, he hadn’t found a strategist and commander as good as Mayer, so he had no intention of accepting his resignation. 

‘Maybe someone better than Mayer will come along one day… but why let him go when I could have two great strategists?’ 

Ignoring Mayer’s protests, Yuno and his group teleported to Windrage territory. 

Their vision darkened and then brightened, and they saw many nobles bowing, with a red carpet at their feet and knights lined up on either side, saluting with their swords. 

“Welcome, Third Prince. We heard you were coming and have been waiting.” 

As Yuno’s group stepped forward, Marquess Duca, the third-highest noble in Prinz’s faction after the Duke of Windrage, bowed before the teleportation circle. 

“Haha, I appreciate the sentiment, but was all this really necessary? It’s a busy morning everyone, return to your posts. Just one person, please guide me to my brother’s office.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

Though a grand welcome had been prepared, the nobles looked dissatisfied at Yuno’s lukewarm response and returned to their duties. 

‘That Third Prince’s reaction is strange…’ 

‘Did Prince Prinz really persuade him? If we make him commander and he betrays us, what then?’ 

‘He’s been an enemy of Heinrich since the palace days, but he still came all the way here…’ 

‘Well, who can resist power? We may claim to follow Prince Prinz for justice, but who knows about Prince Yuno…’ 

‘Ha, are you really fighting for justice? You’re just here because there’s no place for you with Heinrich.’ 

‘Hey, watch it ’ 

Hearing the nobles’ whispers, Yuno couldn’t help but smile wryly. 

‘So even the nobles following my brother aren’t really here for justice. I knew it, but hearing it out loud is sobering… though not everyone is like that… like that one.’ 

Yuno’s gaze landed on a young noble watching him intently. Realizing this was his guide, Yuno approached first. 

“Are you the one to guide me to my brother? What’s your name?” 

“Greetings, Third Prince. I’m Viscount Leberkin, Prince Prinz’s strategist.” 

“Ah, so you’re the bold adviser who sent my brother to fetch coffee. He’s told me about you. I look forward to working together.” 

Leberkin shook Yuno’s hand firmly. 

“Yes, likewise, sir.” 

“Let’s go. If there’s a food stall on the way, can we stop? I haven’t eaten since last night and I’m hungry.” 

‘Hmm~ Just as Prince Prinz said, he doesn’t stand on ceremony with subordinates… I’ll have to observe more, but my first impression is good.’ 

Watching Yuno buy bread at a stall and share it with his group, Leberkin pondered. 

Yesterday, when Prinz returned from Teshidanikana and announced he was making Yuno supreme commander, the whole faction was thrown into turmoil. 

Many nobles objected, but Prinz insisted, pointing out the strength of Yuno’s forces and that it was Yuno, not himself, who had truly led the Streve campaign. 

Some disappointed nobles left the alliance with their troops, but Prinz did not change his mind. 

Leberkin and the other strategists were just as surprised, but knowing Prinz’s keen judgment of people, they decided to work alongside Yuno and judge his abilities before the real war began. 

“Brother! I’m here!” 

“Oh! Yuno, welcome. I heard you took Graim territory without trouble. That’s a good first step.” 

“Yes, brother. From today, as your army’s supreme commander, I’ll do my best.” 

“Haha, don’t overdo it from the start. You might run out of steam later.” 

“No, I’d like full authority over the soldiers’ training from now.” 

“Not just command? Can’t you just have the officers handle training?” 

“No, please gather all troops in Windrage territory not on the eastern front, and assemble them in one place for training.” 

“All of them?” 

Most of the troops here were private soldiers brought by nobles, who already disliked the idea of a young Yuno as supreme commander. Demanding all their men for training before the war would surely provoke resistance, but since Yuno insisted, Prinz couldn’t refuse. 

“Well… if it’s too hard, I’ll gather them myself. You brought me here, so if the nobles come crying, please handle them.” 

“Crying to me?” 

Prinz cocked his head at Yuno’s mysterious words, but Yuno just smiled and didn’t explain. 

Yuno also requested authority over food distribution for the troops. Prinz, deciding to go all-in, granted Yuno written authority over the food stores. 

“Thank you, brother. I’ll make sure to bring you victory.” 

“Haha, just your feelings are enough. I don’t know what you’ll do, but I’ll trust you to the end. And I’ll make sure you become emperor!!” 

The brothers shook hands again, their eyes meeting as they reaffirmed their determination to win. 

Having gotten all the permissions he wanted, Yuno left the office with a satisfied smile and returned to his assigned room.