Ch#241
# Shards of the Broken Glass Shoe
As soon as the Crown Prince left the tent, a roar of cheers erupted from outside. Although the heavy fabric of the entrance muffled the sound, it seemed he was delivering a speech regarding the departure for battle. When I stood dazed, staring at the entrance, the Shadow spoke in a low, whispering voice.
"Follow me."
He led me to the back of the barracks and lifted a flap of the tent, revealing several horses prepared in advance. A few grooms stood nearby, holding the reins.
The Shadow told me to mount a horse. Then, he led the way, galloping toward the west—the direction of the mountains.
We rode for about thirty minutes. The Shadow, who had guided me to the edge of a cliff where the battlefield was visible in its entirety, pulled the reins sharply to stop his horse.
I lightly patted my horse as it snorted and huffed, then stood beside him.
Below, the scene was already a chaotic tangle, but even at a glance, the Imperial Army seemed to have the advantage. However, the smell of blood wafting on the wind was so nauseating that it was difficult to keep watching.
Harrowing screams clung to my ears, making my head spin. Suppressing the rising urge to vomit, I turned my head away.
The sun was now heading toward noon. Witnessing a scene of slaughter—a literal cross-section of hell—under the stinging sunlight made simply standing there an ordeal.
Judging by the fact that he had brought me to the cliff, it seemed he had no intention of dragging me into the thick of battle, but since nothing was certain, I had to get used to this situation even now.
So, I forced back the bile and straightened my head. Never had I resented my good eyesight as much as I did at this moment.
Looking down from above, the tactics of the Imperial Army gradually came into view. The center was being pushed back, but both wings were advancing rapidly, seemingly with the intent to encircle the enemy's forces.
Yet even the center, which appeared to be losing ground, was fighting fiercely and holding firm at a certain line. Because of this, the Eriñus vanguards were only cutting through the front quickly; the rear was in disarray, unable to pick up speed. It looked as if orders were not being communicated properly.
But why did the Shadow bring me here?
I was curious about the Crown Prince's thoughts. If I were needed as a lucky charm, he would have had me stand by his side—since when had he ever cared about my safety?—and if not, the best course would have been to leave me at the barracks.
Yet he had gone as far as making me wear armor and bringing me to a cliff with a full view of the battlefield. I couldn't help but feel suspicious. What was my role? For a moment, I was confused.
Just then, a great shout rose from behind the enemy, and a force that appeared to be the Imperial Army suddenly emerged. Judging by the crest on their banners, it was the surprise unit that had departed at dawn.
Only then did the Eriñus realize they had been completely lured into an encirclement, and they struggled to break through the center quickly.
However, since the Imperial Army was already closing the entrance in the shape of a jar, retreating would clearly result in massive losses. They were truly trapped on all sides.
In response, the Eriñus began to push forward recklessly, placing the coffin containing the Emperor's body at the front. The soldiers didn't dare touch the area where the coffin was, fearing their weapons might strike the late Emperor's remains.
Taking advantage of that opening, the enemy's weapons flew mercilessly. Perhaps trying to mimic the Imperial lancers, there were barbarians at the front of the charge wielding sharp spears.
Behind them was an archery unit, covering the army by firing arrows incessantly like rain. Even as the Imperial Army gradually closed in, the enemies showed no fear, running wild like wounded beasts.
The resistance was incredibly fierce. However, it was only delaying the inevitable; it wasn't at a level that couldn't be suppressed. Amidst the dizzying tangle of friend and foe, people in Imperial uniforms became increasingly numerous. It was a stark contrast to the growing number of barbarian corpses scattered around.
At this point, even I, a novice in warfare, could tell the Imperial Army held the advantage. Just as the Crown Prince had said, everything would be over before sunset—with an Imperial victory.
The misfortune of the Eriñus was that they didn't know the Crown Prince had been gathering an army in preparation for rebellion for a very long time, and the Grand Duke had also been building his strength, meaning most of the private soldiers were in a state of excellent readiness.
Though it was a temporary alliance, once they joined their forces and aimed them at the barbarians, the enemy stood no chance. This was true even though the Grand Duke had been backing them. How could it be otherwise, when there was such a vast difference in the strength and development of their weaponry?
"His Highness has revealed himself."
The Shadow, who had remained silent, spoke while looking toward one side. I shifted my gaze to follow his.
The Crown Prince was at the very end of the battle line. I couldn't actually see his face, but I could tell because the flag symbolizing him had been raised.
But was that the same armor he was wearing earlier? Since many knights were standing densely as if to cover him, it likely was. The Crown Prince was calmly observing the state of the war. Occasionally, he spoke to the person beside him, giving instructions.
I turned my eyes again to search for the Grand Duke's flag. The Grand Duke's army was on the left, pressing against the flank of the Eriñus. They were pushing the barbarians hard, like an angry wave. Because of this, the jar-like formation was beginning to warp.
"The speed is too fast? Hmm..."
The Shadow muttered lowly, stroking his chin with his hand as if he wasn't the only one thinking that.
If a jar cracks, the water inside is bound to leak out, and the Shadow seemed concerned about that part.
If it were a place commanded by someone else, I would have brushed it off, thinking they had a plan, but I was uneasy because it was where the Grand Duke's flag fluttered. It almost looked as if he were trying to open an escape route for the Eriñus.
As time passed, a crack began to form on the side commanded by the Grand Duke. Perhaps because they had pressed too hard and their formation had broken, enemies were gradually leaking out through the distorted flank. The tangled battlefield was extremely chaotic, with no distinction between friend and foe.
However, there was an even faster sign of change. The enemy army was shrinking inward, creating a situation where the center and the tail were about to be split.
The Imperial forces at the rear—the troops where Knight Halverd was likely active—continued to dig in as if to cut off the middle. This happened even more swiftly than the crack on the Grand Duke's side.
As a result, corpses were piling up. The horrific scene where life and death were divided was fiercely intense.
But how long did I have to stand here looking down? The nausea from the blood was one thing, but the constant exposure to the sun made my head dizzy. I felt my physical strength reaching its limit.
Before I knew it, the Shadow had returned to silence, staring at the sky as if waiting for something.
A moment later, a large bird flapped its wings in the distance and descended toward us—specifically toward the Shadow. The Shadow whistled lowly, guiding the bird to land on his forearm. It was a majestic hawk with sharp eyes.
The Shadow took out a rolled-up note from a small tube attached to the hawk's ankle. After reading it for a moment, he crumpled the paper, put it in his mouth, and swallowed it. The hawk soon soared high into the sky and vanished into the distance.
"Let's head down this way."
Had he been waiting for a signal? Suddenly, a cheer of "Woah!" erupted from below. The Crown Prince was personally leading the army and moving.
*Oh, you fool!* Why would he personally step out instead of staying put? I couldn't understand him crawling into the middle of the war, knowing the Grand Duke was targeting his life.
When I didn't move while staring down, the Shadow urged me again. I gazed at the Crown Prince heading into the front lines one more time before reluctantly turning my horse.
Behind me, the cheers of the soldiers echoed without end. The scent of blood was growing thicker.
***
The Shadow took a circuitous route through a narrow forest path. Even though enemies might have been lying in ambush in various places, his pace was bold, as if he had checked the area beforehand.
I followed him, galloping blindly. When we had covered a long distance over what felt like hours, and my buttocks and thighs were beginning to ache, the Shadow finally stopped the forced march.
The place we arrived at was a clearing with several temporary tents set up.
There were soldiers and knights there dressed more lightly than the army at war—though they were still fully armored—and most of them radiated an aura as sharp as a sword.
A soldier ran out quickly and took the reins from the Shadow and me.
The Shadow led me to the tent set up in the very center.
I walked according to his guidance, glancing around. Several boxes stamped with the crest of House Bischwaldz were lying around a campfire.
I happened to see a soldier take bread and jerky out of a box and hand them to another soldier.
Previously, Bird had mentioned that a merchant ship of House Bischwaldz had moved secretly without the family's permission; seeing this, I felt I understood in what sense the Crown Prince had used them.
When I entered the tent, a servant waiting inside handed me a letter. It was stamped with the crest of House Rosan. I immediately opened and read the letter.
『To my dear Sise.
If you are reading this letter, it must mean you have safely arrived at the base. I am truly relieved. Sise, unlike me, has a very frail and delicate nature.
First, I have some unfortunate news. House Bischwaldz was attacked and left in ruins. It was Pulkeer's doing. No, since the Grand Duke condoned it, it would be more accurate to say they did it together. They promised Count Kieran that they would give him Roena and House Bischwaldz, but they couldn't find her, and since Sise and your younger brother were alive and well, it was very bothersome to them. So, they framed one of the direct descendants of House Bischwaldz and committed this horrific act. What's surprising, however, is that the Empress knows about the promise the late Emperor made to Sise. I don't know who told her, but it can be said to be a very unfortunate thing for us.
The only silver lining is that no rumors have circulated about her finding any documents or taking Lady Roena. Yes, I have Lady Roena. I found her locked in an attic.
When I saw the young lady after a long time, she was in a very unstable state. Even now, she rejects and suspects my touch like a cat. For the sake of stabilizing her mind, I should contact Madam de Lavallière, but the Empress's eyes are so sharp that I haven't even been able to try. So, please understand that I am also hiding her in a secluded room of the mansion. And that it is not intentional. Now, by this point, you probably have one question. Yes, to be honest, I actually knew all of this.
However, His Highness is out on the battlefield and Mel is not by my side either, so I couldn't stop her with my power alone. Because no one tries to think deeply about the difficulties of House Bischwaldz.
Oh, yes. Even my father didn't realize the importance of House Bischwaldz. So I requested help from His Highness, and His Highness called you there.
Though, before that, I requested that he supplement the troops since I would be looking after Sise, Sise's mother, and even her younger brother together. It seems His Highness felt it was safer for you to be by his side.
But I'm not sure if that was truly the best way. What do you think, Sise?
Ah, are you resenting me right now? You might even hate me. I understand. I certainly would have if I were you. You're probably thinking that you wish I had said at least one word before you left.
But if I had spoken honestly, Sise wouldn't have wanted to leave the mansion. And we would have met a true tragedy. So please, understand me.
I am still your faithful friend and I love you so much. Please do not doubt my sincerity. Because for me, the most important thing was your life.』
I stopped reading the letter there and squeezed a part of the paper, crumpling it. I couldn't even manage a hollow laugh at the long-winded excuses.
While it was a relief that she was keeping Roena confined, hiding facts she already knew could not be generously overlooked as "acting for my sake."
She always said with her mouth that she was my true friend, but at decisive moments, she moved in a way that benefited the Crown Prince. The fact that Lady Roshan was completely infatuated with the Crown Prince was nothing short of a great misfortune for me.
Breathing heavily in resentment for a moment, I read down the rest of the letter. Two-thirds of the text was an explanation for why she hadn't informed me of the fall of House Bischwaldz. Skipping past that part, there was talk about the war.
『The Grand Duke isn't the only one who moved the Eriñus. We also joined hands with them. There's no way there wouldn't be those within a tribe forcibly sewn together by force who harbor dissatisfaction toward the chieftain.
So, His Highness recruited the most ambitious among them and gave orders to betray the barbarian chieftain during the final battle.
If that went well, the war should be over with the Empire's victory by the time you arrived at the barracks. The late Emperor's body would have been safely returned as well.』
So this was the reason the Crown Prince had fearlessly stepped forward. Lady Roshan wrote that the Crown Prince would naturally hold a victory banquet tonight.
Her speculation was that he would have no choice but to do so, both because the Emperor's body had been found and to comfort the soldiers who had suffered so far.
And also that the Grand Duke was aiming for that very time. Since there was no way a relaxed and sagging army could protect the Crown Prince.
But was the Grand Duke such a simpleton that his moves could be read this easily? The man I saw was a very cunning fellow. He was also someone who had meticulously prepared for rebellion for a long time.
Something I didn't know must have happened between the Crown Prince and the Grand Duke.
Something where they read each other's moves, prepared, and repeatedly fell due to unexpected trial and error, eventually reaching this point.
The problem was that there was no one to tell me that. I just had to watch anxiously for the Crown Prince to become the winner.
Look even now. Hadn't I stood blindly on a cliff and then run here as the Shadow led? Not being able to move proactively was incredibly frustrating and infuriating.
『It seems Pulkeer will also raise an army to match the Grand Duke. There are signs of it. Ah, can you believe it, Sise? Our destiny is decided during the transition from midnight to the following dawn. But the final victor will be us. Sise, I believe so.』
The rest of the words were filled with telling me to take care of myself until we met again. At the end of the letter was a sentence stating that she would do her best to help rebuild House Bischwaldz once the rebellion was suppressed.
Well, would the Crown Prince just stand by and watch that?
When I seemed to have finished reading the letter, the servant standing nearby brought a candle. Was I supposed to burn it?
I held the edge of the paper to the flame. I felt an indescribable emotion as the letter burned instantly and became a handful of ash.
"Rest," the Shadow said to me.
I asked how long I was to rest. If Lady Roshan's letter was correct, the army stationed here surely had to arrive at the Border Count's Castle before midnight. There was no time to spend so leisurely.
"No word has arrived yet."
Was the war not over yet? Or was the communication being delayed? Or was there something more than that?
I sat in the chair the servant had prepared and slowly leaned back. Before I knew it, time had passed enough for the sunset to be sinking outside.
The servant brought food, but I didn't feel any hunger. Even though I hadn't had a sip of water from morning until now. I just tapped the chair with my fingers, quietly lost in thought.
Would the Grand Duke really move according to Lady Roshan and the Crown Prince's thoughts? If so, for what reason would he take an action that was so easily guessed?
There is nothing as frustrating as acting according to their plans while not holding as much information as Lady Roshan.
Since it was the final war with the destiny of the Empire at stake, much work had been done under the surface, and although it had come to an end today, I still couldn't draw the overall picture, like a puzzle with missing pieces.
Wait, come to think of it, they said the Grand Duke was pressing Pulkeer. That's why the Empress kept doing things that went against the Grand Duke's wishes. Her attempt to join hands with Count Kieran was for that very reason.
Setting up an angle of confrontation when they should be joining forces... Was it a tragedy created by each other's greed, or a scheme from the Crown Prince's side? Ah, I really don't know.
It was when I was sighing and holding my aching head. The Shadow entered and spoke in a small voice.
"We will depart in a moment. So please get ready."
"What about the war?"
The Shadow answered naturally, as if my question were obvious.
"Naturally, it is our victory."
