The 3rd Prince of the Fallen Kingdom Returns

19. Vanguard (1)

Yuri had arrived at the Mage Tower.

A long table was placed in the hall where a banquet was once enjoyed, and the commanders of each nation were seated at their spots.

Yuri quietly took his seat.

Across the table, Sybilla and Jonathan exchanged glances, to which Yuri nodded slightly.

Ragna has not yet arrived, leaving the chief seat vacant.

The atmosphere was heavy.

Since it was the first meeting of the commanders, they chose to build their presence rather than exchange friendly greetings.

Although they must have seen each other’s faces before, they pretended not to recognize one another.

Quietly, Yuri turned to the person beside him and opened his mouth.

“Where are you from?”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was audible to everyone.

The other person turned his gaze, realizing Yuri was addressing him.

“Pardon?”

“Which country are you from?”

“Oh, I’m…”

He placed his hand on his chest.

“I am Wolf Gain from Liberta, Count Abra.”

It seemed he was the father of Sven Gain, known for this notorious backtalk.

Seeing that father and son had come together, they seemed to have staked the fate of their family on this invasion against the orcs.

“And you are…?”

“Oh, I am…”

Even if the countries were different, royalty was treated differently. Yuri immediately began speaking informally.

“I am the Commander of Briol, Prince Yuri Briol.”

“It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Are you Sven Gain’s father?”

“How do you know my son…?”

Anxiety settled on his face.

From his immediate concern, it seemed his son caused trouble often.

For everyone’s happiness, Yuri offered a harmless lie.

“We happened to become acquaintances somehow. He seems to have accomplished a lot at a young age.”

“Hahaha…”

“He seems very motivated. I’m sure he’ll accomplish something great in this allied army.”

“You flatter me.”

After praising his son, his expression relaxed into a smile.

As Yuri and Wolf continued speaking, the other commanders began to engage in conversations as well.

Gradually, the room filled with the sound of dialogue.

The atmosphere was entirely different from before Yuri had entered.

Wolf asked, “Did you speak to me on purpose? The frozen atmosphere has thawed.”

“We are comrades who must fight for our lives together; holding unnecessary weight here does no good.”

“You are quite thoughtful.”

“Thoughtful is an exaggeration.”

Yuri leaned back in his chair.

“If we go to fight like this, we’ll all end up dead.”

Wolf nodded vigorously.

“I agree. Everyone is underestimating the orcs, but that shouldn’t be the case.”

“Do you know about the orcs?”

“Yes, I have faced them before. At that time…”

The two shared their opinions about the allied forces. Unlike his son, the father was easier to talk to.

Voices grew louder, and the room became progressively more boisterous. Thus, when the door opened and someone entered, people did not notice.

It was only when he sat at the chief seat that conversations ceased, and all eyes turned.

Bright blue eyes surveyed the crowd.

Eyes so clear they seemed to reveal all secrets.

In contrast, his physique was large and robust.

On his broad shoulders, he wore a red cape symbolizing the imperial family, with a golden lion’s emblem creased along the folds.

The half-brother of the Emperor and the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces.

Ragna Gustaf Granzayen.

“Seems like the mood is good.”

He opened his mouth.

“So I entered quietly.”

His eyes swept across those gathered.

For a moment, Yuri felt a chill when his gaze landed on him.

“Does anyone need more time to talk?”

No one answered.

Ragna nodded alone and leaned against the backrest.

“Then I suppose I can begin my speech.”

Simultaneously, he released his aura.

An overwhelming intensity burst forth. The pressure suppressing the surroundings was a feature of the Sage Lion Technique, symbolizing the Empire.

Those of lower status inhaled sharply.

“I am Ragna. The Supreme of the Allied Forces.”

Ragna spoke, then chuckled lowly. It was an inexplicable laugh.

“Well, that’s how it turned out.”

He stood up.

It felt as if a mountain peak had risen.

Everyone gathered here, all renowned knights of great stature, still found Ragna exceptionally tall.

“I despise cowards. Cooperation is futile anyway, so fight bravely. I’ll cut down anyone who flees.”

Yuri looked at him.

Their eyes met.

Ragna scrutinized Yuri for a moment and then turned away.

“No matter what titles you hold, they mean nothing to me. You’re all just knights. You’ll be given roles fitting your abilities, and merits will be recorded and rewarded.”

Ragna’s judgment appeared reasonable.

Forces gathered from numerous nations do not blend easily. It’s better to let them compete.

But this method was reserved for the strong.

The orcs are no weaker than the allied army. which is why the Allied Forces failed in his past life.

Yuri clenched his fist and then released it.

“Any questions?”

Ragna asked.

Amid the silence, Yuri opened his mouth.

“Yes.”

Ragna looked at him. Subsequently, the other commanders followed with their gaze.

“What is the question?”

His voice sounded fierce, but Yuri was unfazed.

He knew Ragna’s personality. If he had to say, Ragna could be considered an uncle-in-law from a past relationship.

Yekaterina had shared a lot about him.

Ragna liked confident individuals.

He preferred those skilled and dignified, or if not skilled, those who held their heads high.

Rather than the skilled but cringing, he preferred the lacking but confident.

“What does the Empire think about the orc’s capabilities?”

Yuri’s question made Ragna smile broadly.

“Little rascal, who are you?”

“I am Yuri Briol, Commander of the Briol Forces.”

“Briol.”

Ragna tilted his head, then stroked his chin as if recalling something.

“It turns out you’re the one Georg spoke about. How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

“A fresh greenhorn commanding, whose down hasn’t even fallen.”

His words elicited soft laughter from a few.

Ragna glared at them.

“Yet, this greenhorn seems better than the others.”

“…….”

“Better than those who couldn’t even speak.”

His pointed remark made the subjects hold their tongues and lower their heads.

Ragna stood up from his seat.

“Logical. You need to be aware of the enemy you’ll fight. Or does everyone already know? Have you gathered more information than the Empire has?”

Ragna walked behind the chair and placed both hands on Yuri’s shoulder. It felt like an ancient tree had taken root.

“I’ll keep it brief. A guy named Okuah has appeared. He’s subjugated all three major tribes and is rapidly assimilating the rest. His power is substantial enough to threaten the continent. It means our chances of winning aren’t very high.”

The hall went silent.

But the silence stemmed more from fear of Ragna than from concerns about the orc’s power.

No one truly contemplated losing to the orcs.

Yuri closed his eyes.

This was what made his return necessary.

To change the future, he had to accomplish it himself.

“More detailed information will be sent separately. Little rascal, does this suffice?”

“Yes.”

Yuri nodded.

Despite Ragna’s firm grip on his shoulder, he didn’t show a hint of pain and even smiled.

“It’s sufficient.”

Yuri’s efforts to endear himself to Ragna were to earn his trust, enough to offer suggestions.

Ragna spoke.

“We depart in two days.”

It was a sudden announcement.

“The orcs have camped not far from Balshad. We could just turn back, but I don’t want to.”

Ragna wouldn’t shy away from battle.

“Our first engagement as the Allied Forces. As for taking the lead…”

Yuri felt the weight on his shoulders intensify.

“Will you do it, Yuri Briol?”

All eyes gathered.

Their gaze spoke volumes. They were individuals eager to slay orcs and earn recognition. Every one of them desired to be at the forefront.

Yuri wasn’t particularly thrilled about Ragna’s proposal.

Being at the front inevitably leads to casualties. Depending on the decision, more lives would rest on his shoulders.

“Yes.”

Still, Yuri answered.

“I will gladly take the lead.”

There was no future where everyone lived happily.

He had come here to wage war.

His allies would die, but the enemy would perish in greater numbers.

* * *

The moon hung in the sky once again.

Yuri sat in contemplation, staring at the flickering campfire. The red silhouette danced over his dark pupils.

He was silent and deep in thought, creating an atmosphere discouraging interruptions.

“Your Highness.”

A voice broke the silence, calling out to him.

“You seem lost in thought.”

Laurent approached and sat beside him. He picked up a piece of firewood and tossed it into the fire, asking.

“Is this about the meeting earlier today?”

“Perhaps…”

Yuri shook his head.

“Not particularly.”

“Then?”

“I’m waiting.”

“For what…”

Just then, a soldier approached.

Yuri, sensing the presence, glanced at the soldier and broke into a smile. His somber expression brightened.

“Your Highness. Here it is.”

“Why so long?”

“Got delayed due to preparations…”

“Well done.”

What Yuri received was a tray of food.

“Aren’t you eating?”

“Uh, I need to as well.”

“Ask him to get it for you too. Have him bring Laurent’s share.”

“Yes, sir.”

The soldier hurried back to bring rations for Laurent as well.

“Were you so serious about the meal?”

“I was merely waiting.”

“I thought…”

The two sat side by side and began eating. Since making no exceptions for meals, the knights also acclimated to the standard diet.

“There are many stars in the sky.”

“Since we’re on the plains.”

“I guess our division’s meals are known to be delicious.”

“It seems that way.”

Yuri and Laurent both turned their heads. They sensed the approaching presence.

“Well?”

It was Marirose, the Mage Lord and owner of Balshad.

She was walking with Jonathan from Brusin.

“Is that your meal?”

Marirose widened her eyes, looking at the trays of food Yuri and Laurent had.

They were crafted with care for ordinary soldiers’ rations, yet they appeared insignificant to a noble.

“Yes.”

“You eat the same food as ordinary soldiers?”

“Indeed.”

“Does Brusin do the same?”

“We have separate arrangements.”

“Why does Briol eat the same meals?”

For royalty, especially a king’s blood, to consume the same food as common soldiers was unusual.

“Why so many questions?”

“Because I’m a mage.”

Marirose straightened her back and twirled around the tent. She pointed a finger at Yuri’s lodging, where the flag of the Briol family was hoisted.

“Is this where you stay?”

“Yes.”

Marirose hurriedly dashed and flung open the curtain at the entrance. The dreary interior of the tent was revealed.

“What are you doing?”

“Just looking.”

Marirose peered inside, her head tilted inquisitively.

Yuri nudged Laurent.

“Get her out.”

“Yes, sir.”

Laurent immediately stood and approached.

Before he could intervene, Marirose closed the tent and turned back, shrugging with her hands behind her back.

“Sightseeing complete.”

“A commander’s tent is a restricted area.”

“What’s the big deal? We’re allies.”

“Are you sure?”

“Why would I be on the orc’s side?”

“You never know.”

“I judge people a lot by their faces.”

Marirose leaned forward, looking down at Yuri.

“Did you know? A person’s room reflects their inner self.”

“Your room must be a mess then.”

“On the contrary. It sparkles with jewels. Meanwhile, Your Highness’s room is bleak, and you eat simple meals. I’ve heard you also fight on the frontlines, right?”

“Did you spy on me?”

“I just hear things.”

Marirose chuckled.

“Why do you live that way?”

Depending on how it was perceived, it could have been an offensive remark.

Noticing the situation, Jonathan, as the third party, quickly jumped to mediate.

“I, I’m curious too. Why do you live so frugally? You truly set an example, indeed an inspiration. Haha…”

“No one would fault a prince for eating well. There’s no need to do just as the soldiers do.”

Yuri frowned.

Marirose was chattering away, making it hard for him to eat.

“They say even a dog isn’t bothered while eating…”

“You’re not a dog.”

Marirose plopped down across from Yuri.

At that moment, a soldier came with a tray. Jonathan accepted it, but Marirose shook her head.

With the campfire between them, Marirose gazed intently at Yuri.

“I’m curious. If you answer, I’ll help you the day after tomorrow.”

“How?”

“With magic. I’m better than that Hernando here. I’m the Mage Lord, after all.”

Yuri paused with his spoon.

“Sigh…”

He seemed troubled. He quietly studied Marirose.

“Are you that curious?”

“Yes.”

“It’s nothing special.”

“That’s alright.”

“You might be disappointed, but would you still help with all your strength?”

“I’ll adhere to the principle of faith and sincerity.”

“Understood.”

Yuri spoke.

“I’ll die the day after tomorrow.”

His sudden statement drew everyone’s attention.

Yuri jerked his chin at the soldiers’ tents beyond.

“Someone will die the day after tomorrow. We’ll strike the enemy from the frontlines. I decided this, and because of it, more will die and get hurt.”

Yuri stood up.

Although he had returned, he hadn’t lived long enough to claim he knew much about life and death. If anything, he knew less.

“I don’t plan to wallow in sentimentality. But neither will I deny the truth.”

Laughter from the soldiers reached them from somewhere beyond. Life moved on, even on the cusp of battle.

Yuri looked up at the sky.

Stars gleamed in alignment.

If there existed an entity that had sent him back, what would it wish for him?

“I’m merely fulfilling the minimum duty I owe.”

It was an unexpected confession.

Marirose tilted her head.

Jonathan wore a dazed expression.

Who would have imagined Briol’s Third Prince, seemingly acting on whims, harbored such thoughts?

Laurent muttered something, eyes closed. Then he stood.

“Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

“The day after tomorrow, I will stand by your side.”

“I’m fast. Are you confident?”

“Absolutely.”

Laurent placed his hand over his chest.

The flickering of the campfire moved to his pupils.

“I, Laurent Flandre, will stand by Your Highness till the end.”