37-112

EP.112 Prinz’s Visit (2) 

The next day, Prinz rode around Yuno’s territory with Yunas, freely touring every corner. Smiling as he saw warehouses overflowing with food and lively, energetic residents, Prinz made his way to Yuno’s military training grounds. 

He had already been impressed by Cordelia’s two hundred-strong cavalry trained in the Teseito style, but upon arriving here, he was completely astonished. 

“Wow~ So this is why Yuno was so confident about joining the war!” 

In Prinz’s eyes, the soldiers sweating through their training looked even tougher than any he had seen before. 

Although their equipment was somewhat lacking perhaps due to the limitations of a local militia the energy and passion of the soldiers being trained left a deep impression on him, even from behind the wall. 

“This is amazing. If we just support them with proper arms, they could go head-to-head with the imperial army and win.” 

“Haha, that’s right. In one-on-one combat, they could take on any soldiers. Their physical conditioning is on par with knights.” 

Hearing a voice beside him, Prinz turned. 

“Oh? You’re... weren’t you the one who acted as interim commander for Yuno during the Streve battle? So you’re here?” 

“Yes, Your Highness. I’m honored you remember. I’m Mayer, captain of the territory’s defense and responsible for military training under Prince Yuno.” 

“Good to see you, Mayer. Your command back then was impressive. But to have trained the soldiers so well... was that your idea?” 

“No, I’m just following Prince Yuno’s guidelines for physical training. I’ve added some tactical and maneuver drills so they can respond appropriately in emergencies.” 

“Hmmm... I see. Still, it’s remarkable. I’ve never seen soldiers so passionate about training. How did you do it?” 

“Haha, we just gave them a little motivation. In each squad of ten, we select the fittest as ‘elite soldiers,’ give them an armband, and pay them 20% more than regular soldiers. We re-test every month, so the title can change. The lowest scorers get extra training every day, so everyone works hard.” 

“That was Yuno’s idea too?” 

“Yes. Prince Yuno always participates in training himself, leading from the front, sometimes joining field drills and rolling in the mud with the troops. He even wears a mana-sealing bracelet so he won’t use magic, and he’s never let anyone beat him in a run.” 

“Wow~ That’s just like Yuno. Amazing.” 

“Also, Prince Yuno promised to grant a noble title to any soldier who beats his record, so everyone gives it their all.” 

While listening to Mayer’s explanation, Prinz was inspecting Yuno’s army when he saw an enormous number of soldiers pouring out of the barracks, his eyes widening. 

“W-wait, how many troops are there? I guessed maybe a thousand, but with two hundred cavalry alone, this is...?” 

“We currently have 3,000 fully trained soldiers: 1,000 heavy infantry and 2,000 light infantry, organized into companies of a thousand. We’re also training 1,000 new recruits this month, but due to equipment shortages, they’re focusing on physical training for now.” 

“Hm... I can help with that. When I return, I’ll send surplus equipment via teleportation. Supplying gear for 1,000 light infantry should be doable. By the way, are there no archers? Well, I suppose it’s hard to train archers in a short time...” 

“With your support, we can quickly make them excellent soldiers. As for archers, we can deploy the mountain rangers from the Monster Mountains, so we excluded them. As you said, it’s hard to train archers quickly.” 

“You’d use the rangers? Wouldn’t that risk monsters invading the territory?” 

“Oh... we have mercenaries guarding our territory now...” 

“Mercenaries? You have large mercenary bands coming all the way out here? And with such a fine army, why hire mercenaries?” 

Having experienced firsthand how hard it was to gather mercenaries after his defeat to Heinrich, Prinz was amazed that Yuno had managed it. 

“Haha... If you visit the ranger headquarters, you’ll see for yourself.” 

As Mayer dodged the question, Prinz grew even more curious. So, instead of joining Yuno and Yunas for lunch as planned, he excused himself and rode quickly to the ranger headquarters at the edge of the Monster Mountains. 

“Your Highness! Why are you riding so fast? No wonder Prince Yuno is so impatient!” 

Mayer’s grumbling followed from behind, but Prinz ignored him and headed for the ranger outpost. 

“Halt! Identify yourself! No unauthorized entry beyond this point!” 

“I’m Mayer! Here’s my ID badge check it.” 

Though they knew each other’s faces, William, having been told by Yuno that the crown prince might visit, had ordered the rangers to follow protocol strictly. Prinz was once again impressed by their discipline. 

‘It must be because Yuno rules here everyone does their job so well. If Yuno became emperor, he’d surely make the whole empire like this.’ 

This impression was reinforced as the rangers checked his ID and pretended to be surprised, deepening Prinz’s belief in his brother. 

“Your Highness, welcome! I’m William, leader of the Teshidanikana mountain rangers.” 

“Good to meet you, William. The rangers are certainly well-disciplined. Thank you for your service guarding the empire’s borders.” 

“Thank you, Your Highness. It’s not just me; everyone in the territory works hard. The rangers guard the border, and the people support us, so we can protect this place with confidence.” 

“Haha, that’s true, but your contribution is still great. Don’t be too modest.” 

“I’ll keep that in mind, Your Highness.” 

William led Prinz to inspect the anti-monster weapons and the rangers’ equipment at headquarters, then back to his office for tea. 

“By the way, Mayer said the rangers could serve as archers for the territory in an emergency is that really okay?” 

“Yes, he’s right. Even if we leave our posts, powerful mercenaries hunting monsters in the forest are on our side.” 

“Mayer mentioned mercenaries but wouldn’t say who they are. Who are these mercenaries? Mercenaries go wherever the money is they’d prefer city jobs to the forest...” 

“Haha, since you’re curious, I’ll introduce them now. Please wait a moment.” 

William excused himself, went to the window, and blew a small whistle hanging around his neck. 

Piiiiiiiiiii!! 

After the shrill sound echoed, Prinz felt a huge vibration under his feet. 

“W-what’s this? Are monsters attacking? Isn’t that whistle attracting monsters?” 

But none of the rangers in the office reacted, and others outside were just playing ball, leaving Prinz puzzled. 

“Kuwaaaaaa!!” 

With a huge roar, three giant trolls appeared outside the window, and Prinz drew his sword in alarm. 

“What are you doing? Those are trolls!! Get rid of them immediately...” 

“Grr! Long time no see, William! Why did you call me? I haven’t heard from Lord Yuno or Lady Miri.” 

But when the largest troll spoke human language and shook hands with William, Prinz’s jaw dropped. 

“Nice to see you, Ajin. It’s nothing urgent Lord Yuno’s brother wanted to meet you. Shouldn’t you be on good terms with your lord’s brother?” 

“Grr, that’s true. Nice to meet you. I’m Ajin. Even though you’re Lord Yuno’s brother, I only serve Lord Yuno and his female, Lady Miri, so I won’t bow.” 

A giant troll speaking human language and claiming loyalty to Yuno, then demonstrating a martial feat with his axe at Mayer’s request, left Prinz so shocked by the existence of a master-level, talking troll that he fainted on the spot. 

“Y-your Highness!! Please wake up!!” 

“Grr! Lord Yuno’s brother is too weak! Shouldn’t he eat more meat?” 

“Ajin! Not now. If something happens to him here, who do you think will be blamed? Go get some cold water, now!” 

Thinking Miri would scold him, Ajin rushed off, fetched water in his huge hands, and splashed it on Prinz’s face. 

“Pfffft!!! Huff, huff... Ah, Mayer... sorry. I guess I’m weaker than I thought... A troll speaking human language, wielding sword energy with an axe... I must have been dreaming. Haha.” 

“Grr! Lord Yuno’s brother, you should train your body more! If you want, I’ll share some ogre meat with you.” 

“Heeeek!!” 

Realizing it wasn’t a dream, Prinz felt his already weak heart nearly give out again, but Ajin brought some calming herbs to help him recover. 

‘Whew~ Really... This Balkan no, the strongest territory on the continent is right here. I never imagined a territory with five masters, 4,000 elite troops, 500 veteran rangers, 200 Teseito-style cavalry, and even a 30-strong troll unit...’ 

Thinking even his own 20,000-strong army might not guarantee victory, Prinz realized that personally coming here to bring Yuno to his side was a masterstroke, and began to plan his revenge against Heinrich in detail.