Book 7: Chapter 3

Book 7: Chapter 3

Im so full

Falanya let her face relax, melting into happiness, taste buds satisfied, and grimacing in pain from her stretched stomach. The carriage gently swayed as it slowly made its way forward.

You ate too much, replied her guard, Nanaki, dryly.

But it would have been rude if I didnt indulge myself when they gave me such a fine welcome. Falanya pouted.

Until just a short while ago, she had been enjoying the hospitality of Princess Lowellmina in the Imperial Palace in the capital. In addition to a lavish meal at the banquet, there had been musical and cultural performances. It was a display of Imperial excellence. Falanya had been ready to stand her ground in the Empire, but this almost threw her off her center.

The Empire is incredible. I mean, look at all these people in this city. Falanya looked out the carriage window to see people going about their day. The princess had previously visited Mealtars, a city in the middle of the continent, but it couldnt compare to the energy here.

Trade united Mealtars, but the Imperial Capital of Grantsrale didnt seem united under a single principle, other than complete madness.

But it has as much charm as Mealtars, strangely enough.

Something in the chaos spoke to her. Falanya could feel the city pulsing with energy.

Or maybeit makes me realize Natra is in the boonies.

Mealtars and Grantsrale were two of the most prosperous cities on the continent. They made those of her beloved home seem, well, a bit shabby.

N-no! Thats not true! The economy has been good since Wein became regent, and weve expanded our territory! Even our population has been on the rise!

Natra had seen great progress in the past several years. But it still didnt compare to the activity here. Falanya thought about this before asking the servant across from her a question.

Hey, Nanaki, what do you think of this city?

It seems hard to guard.

She should have known he would give her an unemotional response.

Come on. Anything else?

Seems like it has a lot of hiding spots.

Falanya leaned forward and pinched Nanakis cheek in protest.

What was that for?

Nothing. Falanya gave no indication of stopping.

Nanaki guessed he must have touched a nerve. He knew shed grow bored if he just let her get it out of her system, but he glanced out the window and spoke to her instead.

You should sit down.

No. Im punishing you for not saying what your master wants to hear.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Save that for later Were almost there.

No sooner had Nanaki said this than the carriage jolted. He caught Falanya as she lost her balance. Myah!

Told you so.

Hmph. In his arms, Falanya averted her gaze. Fine. Ill forgive you this time.

Should I jump for joy?

No need. Let us be off. Falanya righted herself before following Nanaki out of the carriage.

This area was known as the Noble Quarter. All around them were mansions. Virtually no citizens roamed its streets.

And now, Falanyas delegation stood before one of those many estates.

Weve been expecting you, Princess Falanya, someone called out.

Several people stood there waiting. At the forefront of these presumed servants was a man with a dignified air.

Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Silas. Princess Lowellmina has granted me the honor of entertaining you, Princess Falanya.

Lowellmina had arranged for Falanya to stay at this manor during her time in the Imperial Capital. This man called Silas had to be an aristocrat, and his estate his own. The delegation had originally booked rooms in the state guest house, but Lowellmina sent them here.

Thank you for your warm welcome, Sir Silas. Falanya bowed.

Silas smiled. Such words are wasted on me. As a Flahm, I can think of no greater honor than greeting both Prince Wein and Princess Falanya at my residence.

Wein had stayed with him while he attended school in the Empire undercover. They had a solid relationship only because Wein had protected Silass people. Lowellmina guessed it would be better for Falanya to stay here, seeing how she loved and respected her brother.

Falanya was thrilled about spending her trip in the very same mansion as Wein.

During my stay, will you tell me all about my brothers time here, Sir Silas? Falanya asked, burning with curiosity.

Silas nodded. But of course, Princess Falanya. Let us go inside. Such conversation may be too long to conduct while standing.

Falanya became bashful. My apologies. Im getting a little ahead of myself.

Think nothing of it. It seems Your Highnesses get along well with each other. It brings me great happiness as a Flahm. Please, right this way.

At Silass prompting, Falanya entered the building. Locked in her heart was a curiosity about her brothers past and prayers for his well-being.

Lets go over the basics, Wein said, spreading a map across the table. First, Demetrios goal is to become Emperor, and his siblings want to stop him. Some conditions must be met for one to sit on the throne.

First, they must be related to the Emperor by blood, Ninym said. Second, they must undergo a ritual baptism that ensures their ascension is accepted by the ancestral spirits. Last, the Emperor-to-be must announce a coronation ceremony that will be held before the public.

Wein nodded. The baptism takes place in the largest lake on the continentVeijyu Lake, right by the city of Nalthia. After the upcoming Emperor is cleansed there, he and his followers head for the Imperial Capital of Grantsrale to the southeast.

When the previous Emperor was about to ascend to the throne, the masses allegedly assembled by the road, pushing their way to catch a glimpse of him as he traveled between the two cities.

The journey from the old capital of Nalthia to the new one at Grantsrale took several days on horseback. This slow trip was meant to parade the new Emperor and show him to the masses.

In that case, Demetrio has to make his way to Nalthia, Wein continued. Which is why he mobilized his faction and left his territory.

Demetrios territory was contained mostly to the west of Nalthia. In between the two cities was Bellida, where they were currently stationed. To the east was Nalthia.

But isnt Nalthia occupied by Prince Bardloche? Ninym placed a pawn over the territory.

After Demetrio announced that he intended to be Emperor, Bardloche acted quickly, rallying his forces to take Nalthia for himself.

Their march had been something out of this world. Bardloches territory was adjacent to Demetrios domain in the north. Everyone had assumed Bardloche wouldnt be able to organize his soldiers and reach Bellida before Demetrio. But instead of waiting for his troops to assemble, Bardloche had given orders to press forward to their target city, collecting his scattered soldiers en route.

That was how Bardloche reached Nalthia before the eldest prince, who took the normal approach of assembling his army before departure. Bardloches method made sense only because his faction consisted of military personnel.

Demetrio might consider skipping the baptism and speed-run it to the coronation ceremony in the capital. Except stationed there is Prince Manfreds army.

Wein took a pawn and placed it over Grantsrale. To the north of Demetrios territory was Bardloches domain. And Manfreds area was in the south. Though Manfred lagged behind his other brothers, hed managed to mobilize his troops, too.

At the moment, Demetrio and Bardloche have more soldiers, Wein said. But its only a matter of time before Manfred has an army big enough to rival them.

If Prince Demetrio had dispatched some of his soldiers to the capital, they might have made it before the youngest prince arrived at Grantsrale.

But Demetrio had chosen to lead his troops to Nalthia first. After all, the baptism was critical to protect his legacy. Bardloche, however, had taken it first, and Manfred had mobilized his own army while Demetrio frantically weighed his options.

Okay, but Demetrios faction is made of conservative aristocrats, Wein argued. If they slight Imperial customs, thats as good as knocking aside the tradition of the eldest son taking the throne. They wont go back on tradition when its part of the reason he can take the throne.

Factions were such a bother. Sometimes they called for the leader to change his mind and bend to the factions will, just so he could stay in command. Like Demetrio, Bardloche and Manfred must have had hard times wrangling in their respective factions.

I wonder what Prince Demetrio intends on doing next, Ninym commented.

Good question, Wein thought as he looked up.

Well, I guess hes got no choice but to battle it out with Bardloche.

We should challenge Bardloches army now! shouted a young man participating in the meeting.

The room was packed with all kinds of people, young and old, all supporters of Demetrios faction. Their leader sat at the head of the table.

The longer we wait, the stronger Bardloches defenses will become. Hell make a horrible enemy! Not to mention, Manfred is bolstering his troops. If were careless, both armies might come for us!

It was safe to say his assessment was on point. At all angles, it was obvious that Demetrio had made enemies of the two princes and that they were at a significant disadvantage, two against one. It made sense to take on one of the princes while the other was still preparing for battle.

We just dont have enough manpower, an elderly man said cautiously. Bardloches army is strong. Until were prepared and know we can win, I know it wont be pretty.

You think we have time?! Weve already placed our wager! We cant wait until were certain of our victory! Thatll never come! We wont win if we dont even try!

You need to reel it back. We still have allies who arent here yet. Its not the right time to mobilize.

The other participants seemed to agree. These conservative members of Demetrios faction were the cautious type.

Well? What do you think, Your Highness?! The young man directed his attention to Demetrio, who had been sitting there in silence.

As all the aristocrats eyes gathered on him, the prince spoke out. How many soldiers do we have at the moment?

About twelve thousand, Your Highness, someone nearby politely replied.

And those of my foolish brothers?

Our spies have reported Bardloche has just under ten thousand. It seems Manfred has around five thousand.

Hmph

Even our presence in this city has been a point of contention. That strange prime minister is also outraged, Ive heard.

If were not careful, we might look like a rogue army fighting against the Empire. Prince Manfred might devise such a scheme.

Prince Demetrio doesnt want to see Nalthia engulfed in a sea of flames either, seeing that he wants to rush through the ceremonial baptism here. I believe he will agree upon the decided location.

Bardloche spoke up. Is there any chance the citizens of Nalthia will interfere?

Its unlikely. They might be unhappy, but they dont support Prince Demetrio. They seem angry about the fact that weve stopped the ritual from proceeding, which is the same thing as snubbing our noses at their landmark feature.

It was like how Bardloches faction of soldiers was proud of their military power and achievements. The people of Nalthia were proud of being born and raised on sacred ground.

Just then, one of the leaders chimed in with a smile.

In that case, they wont have any grounds to complain if Prince Bardloche undergoes the ceremony.

In that instant, the air in the meeting room felt off.

Thatis one possibility, but

A meek response. All the other leaders looked uncomfortable.

Bardloche broke the tension. Were stationed here to uphold our moral duty to stop Demetrio and his attempts to become Emperor by force, leaving no room for discussion. Manfred is cooperating with us for that very reason. Lets not do anything reckless here.

Everyone else gulped in unison.

Yes Forgive me, apologized the leader, but the air remained heavy.

Bardloche sighed. Well stop here for today. You are dismissed.

They started to stream out of the room, including Glen, who had been silently watching over the proceedings. Just as he was about to leave, however, he heard Bardloche murmur.

Any more than this, and well be in trouble I must hurry

What could that mean? Glen thought about it for a while, but it went unanswered in his mind.

Shortly after, Demetrios army showed up on the outskirts of Nalthia. He had demanded that Bardloches army withdraw from the city, but the middle prince refused.

This marked the beginning of the battle between Demetrios fifteen thousand soldiers and Bardloches nine thousand fighters.

From the beginning of the struggle for succession until now, the three Imperial princes had done their best to avoid armed conflict. The reason for this was, of course, because they were brothers. They couldnt just kill each other. Well, that wasnt exactly right. They were more concerned about civil war breaking out and having to deal with intervention from the Western nations.

It was sensible, even when viewed in the most unfavorable of lights. Theyd engaged in smaller skirmishes edging on the verge of conflict, of course. Theyd mobilized armies to restrict one anothers movements. The younger two princes had competed in Mealtars, but the three brothers had never fought head-on.

This was the day that would change. Prince Demetrios and Prince Bardloches armies were about to fight in a battle that could change everything.

Move forward! Keep going! Eyes ahead! The enemy is just there!

Hold out! Knock em back! We can stop their advance if we just get through this!

The battle took place on a plain, a distance away from Nalthia, just as planned. It lasted several days. A combined total of well over twenty thousand soldiers risked their lives, crossing swords and literally dyeing the ground red with their blood.

Fast-forward to the present

On the battlefield were typical sights and sounds: pained screams, angry shouts, clashing swords, footsteps, piles of corpses. It was in Bardloches favor.

Your Highness, Glens unit has broken through the enemys central defenses!

Send one of our reserves to follow him up from behind. Make sure the enemy doesnt fill the hole that we just ripped through with their soldiers. Use it as an opening for our men to rush in. Bardloche barked out his instructions from his stronghold in the rear. How is the melee on our right flank going?

Weve reorganized our battle formation and are pushing back the front line!

Send our remaining reserves to our right flank. Tell the left flank to focus on defense. Well crush the enemy from the right before they decide to retreat.

Understood!

After hed issued orders for a while longer, Bardloche looked at the man next to him. Have we won, Lorencio?

I would warn against letting down your guard But were practically guaranteed victory, as Your Highness has said.

It wasnt wishful thinking. Demetrios forces were larger at the start of the battle, but they were losing people at the hands of Bardloches soldiers, who had undergone considerable training. At dawn on this day, they were matched one-to-one.

And now, Bardloche was overwhelming Demetrio on every front. The roles were undoubtedly reversing. There was no reason why he couldnt win this battle when he had the advantage in both soldiers and skill.

I suppose my one concern is that man.

Flashing in Bardloches mind was the image of the foreign prince in Demetrios army: a man named Wein, the last person on the continent that anyone would disrespect.

According to our reports, he has been far removed from the war council. He wont be able to speak up, even about his best strategies, so his efforts are all for naught. In fact, Demetrios forces have done nothing beyond our expectations.

Hmph

If anything, Prince Wein might come here with a small army to launch a surprise attack on our stronghold. But the fortifications around Your Highness are impregnable. Even if they attacked with several thousand men, we could hold out until reinforcements arrived.

Even the most fiendish tactician wouldnt be able to turn this battle around. This was Lorencios conclusion. Bardloche was certain who would win and who would lose.

But if that was true, why did he feel indescribably anxious?

Were dealing with Demetrio here. I wont feel this way once I haul him in front of me, Bardloche murmured, the haze in his heart clearing.

His troops would bring Demetrio to himdead or alive. Then this would be settled.

At that exact moment

Hmm? He swore he heard the sound of a gong from the other side of the battlefield, followed by a round of cheers. His eyes widened.

A messenger came rushing toward him. I have news! Demetrios army has begun to retreat!

What? Bardloche exited his tent and took a sweeping view of the battlefield. Just as the messenger reported, Demetrios forces were indeed attempting to fall back.

Your Highness, this is our chance to pursue them, Lorencio suggested.

Bardloche contemplated it for a few seconds and nodded. Tell every commander: Well attack from behind and break their spirit to keep fighting. But dont chase them too relentlessly. Theyre still Imperial citizens.

Understood! The messenger scrambled once again toward the battlefield.

Bardloche watched him out of the corner of his eye before glaring at Demetrios retreating army.

So he ran before I could destroy his right flank.

Is something bothering you?

The Demetrio I know refuses to admit mistakes or defeat. I thought hed never retreat, even as the noose tightened around his own neck, but

The eldest prince might be that way, but he must have some brilliant advisers. Either they gave him a stern warning or dragged him off the battlefield themselves.

Bardloche said nothing. They were the victors. His troops might manage to capture Demetrio. Even if the prince slipped away from their grasp, he wouldnt have many soldiers after sustaining such a blow.

Demetrio had asked for a decisive battle, and hed lost. Any sort of comeback was beyond all reality.

As Bardloche thought this, he felt something tugging at his heart. He felt like he could see a shadowy, unknown figure flickering in the corner of his eye.

The units pursuing the prince shall return around nightfall. As soon as they come back, well make a formal declaration of our victory and tally our fruits of war.

Right. Bardloche nodded, trying to blow out the dark smoke filling in his chest.

In the end, his troops were unable to capture Demetrio.

Far from it, in fact. The core members of Demetrios faction had all fled to safety. Based on their choice of escape route and obstacles left for Bardloches men at critical junctures, it was as if Demetrios army had planned on retreating since the very beginning.

Then

It was a tragic scene.

In some unknown corner of the forest, the injured and defeated survivors of Demetrios army were assembled.

The sun had set. Darkness settled over them. Men made fires as small as possible to prevent their pursuers from detecting them, clustering around to steal what little warmth they provided. The smell of sweat and blood was thick. There was no sign that the stifled moans and tearful cries would stop anytime soon.

Demetrios army had lostdestined to go down in history in the worst way. One could only guess how many soldiers had escaped Bardloches army in pursuit. Only exhaustion and despair colored their faces.

So, Wein started dramatically, taking this situation into account. Do you feel like lending me an ear now, Prince Demetrio?

Wein and Demetrio faced each other inside the only prepared tent.

I admit your plan allowed us a narrow retreat, Demetrio said, looking at Wein with an annoyed glare.

Back when Bardloches forces had cornered them, Wein had whispered to Demetrio:

You can still escape if you go now.

Although hesitant, Demetrio chose to follow his advice. Using the escape route prepared by Wein, they were able to shake off their pursuers and flee to safety.

But that wasnt the reason why Demetrio had run away.

Socan we actually win?

Wein had whispered one more thing in his earthat this wouldnt just save his life. He claimed Demetrio had a chance at victory by retreating here.

Of course. Wein flashed a grin, illuminated by the flickering flames outside the tent, which made his shadow look devilish.

Everything is already set. If a commanders job is to win, a politicians job is to turn losses into gains. Why dont we teach Prince Bardloche this lesson until he tells us hes had enough?