Chapter 69: Punitive Expedition (5)

Chapter 69: Punitive Expedition (5)

Carlyn, dressed in his attire, furrowed his brows. The imperial soldier uniform had been prepared the previous evening.

In the northern region, the frosty morning dew still clung, bringing a chilly and uncomfortable dampness against his skin. The nauseating smell was no different.

Carlyn held his breath to avoid the stench and neatly laid the sword given to him by the emperor beside him.

Named Moonlight, the sword was conspicuous when used at night. Even on a night with minimal moonlight, it stood out.

Now he had only a regular longsword, a short sword, and a dagger. Just in case, he also had a smoke bomb.

With a sharp inhale, Carlyn tapped the ground.

Quickly.

As it was guessed that the second and third princes would move past midnight, the first prince and the princess began their movements around 9 oclock.

Since the scouts had been dealt with, there were no precautions to take.

In terms of timing, the princess would soon reach the third princes camp. It would likely be the same for the first prince.

Carlyn increased his speed a bit more. In the lightless night, the wind stirred. It was a wind at gale-like speed.

And so, when Carlyn arrived, the first prince was already in the midst of attacking the second prince.

Am I slightly late?

Carlyn checked the time and tilted his head. The first prince had moved faster than expected. It was natural to feel uneasy about the possibility of information leaking when attacking.

Fires began to break out in various corners of the outer tents. Amidst the chaos mixed with screams, the clashing of metal was countless.

Since the outside was dark, Carlyns entry was not a problem. He approached using the Winds to sense movement.

Carlyn focused on his target.

Two Swordmaster candidates and one of the princes attendants.

The one in the front would actually become a Swordmaster in the future. He was the first princes right arm, making him a difficult opponent.

He was the one who needed to be dealt with first among the two knights.

The first prince and the two knights were on the front lines. The attendant was staying in a safe position at the rear.N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

Lets take care of the back.

Carlyn made a decision. Although there was chaos, it wasnt yet the right time to aim for the front.

The attendant was also a prime target. He played the role of the princes brain. He was the one who would receive the title of duke in the future.

Due to the fires everywhere, the field was now illuminated with shades of crimson.

As it was a surprise attack, most of the fallen soldiers on the ground belonged to the second prince.

Identification was possible due to the clothes tied around the helmets of the first princes soldiers.

Carlyn surveyed the battlefield using the Winds. The mounted attendants were gradually advancing along the front lines.

Beside them was one of the princes bodyguards. His status might be good, but he wasnt worth worrying about.

Carlyn pulled a spear from a fallen soldiers hand. He slowly moved behind the tent, walking in the corners of her field of vision.

This was a fight that aimed for an instant. A calculated distance. Carlyn held the spear and waited. The attendant was getting closer.

Now.

Carlyn pulled his right arm, holding the spear, backward. The muscles expanded and contracted, his fingertips scraped the shaft.

With a thrust, he also tapped the ground. Sense replaced the wind.

The space between the two tents was hardly wide enough for a person to pass, but it posed no problem.

Assisted by the Winds, the spear was hidden in that confined space, tearing through the air with explosive speed. Yet, it remained soundless.

When Carlyns foot touched the ground, the spear was already beyond the gap between the tents.

The bodyguard realized the danger a bit too late. The spear had already pierced the future duke.

Keok-!

Sir Missen!

The remaining inertia of the lodged spear caused it to vibrate harshly. The weakened body collapsed to the side.

A shout burst out a beat later. Carlyn didnt look back and kept running.

Passing four tents, the soldiers of the second prince came into view. Distinguishing friend from foe was no longer relevant.

Amidst the chaotic mass of soldiers, Carlyn approached his target.

Hey! Who are you! Where are you from!

The call to him reached his ears, but he ignored it and continued.

Perhaps they had received orders not to chase after him. No one pursued him again. Just as he slipped behind a tent, four soldiers of the first prince appeared.

He drew his sword. One by one with a single strike each. It took less than 2 seconds to dispatch them all.

Carlyn quickly changed his helmet and turned toward the corner again.

Now the soldiers of the second prince were swarming in. The decision to engage alone, a normal but misguided judgment.

After dealing with the soldiers, Carlyn ran towards the first prince as if being chased.

A soldier suddenly lunged at Carlyn, aiming to thrust his spear.

What, whats this?

Damn it! I got lost!

You scared me!

The soldiers gazes brushed past him, but no one looked deeply into the darkness of the battlefield.

Despite the fires lighting up the surroundings, it wasnt easy to see faces within helmets. Carlyn asked.

Sir Varner! Do you know where Sir Varner is?

I dont know! Deal with these guys first!

Carlyn shouted the name of the first princes white horseman and pretended to look for someone again.

Now he was close to the Swordmaster candidates.

Of course, Totuns issue, who succumbed to the poison due to his ability, is a problem. But managing the subordinates is also your responsibility.

The Emperor, finished speaking, turned his gaze directly to the second prince with an uncomfortable expression.

Secondborn.

Y-yes.

The voice of the second prince trembled in his response.

Foolishness. Didnt you anticipate that?

I apologize.

The second prince barely managed to hold back from saying he didnt expect the first prince to join hands with the princess.

She was the daughter of the woman accused of poisoning their mother. This was not sibling rivalry, but betrayal.

But! We didnt do anything to Totun!

.

Tsk, the Emperor clicked his tongue loudly enough to be heard.

Losing the most soldiers and knights, and even having their provisions stolen, the disgraceful second prince couldnt continue his words.

Thirdborn.

Yes.

Are you a knight?

Yes?

The Emperors gaze was sharp.

I asked if you were a knight.

No.

Yet you were engrossed in the combat before you? Impulsiveness is the root of all evil. War requires a long-term perspective.

Yes

The voice of the third prince, answering, trembled thinly. He seemed to be barely containing his resentment.

The Emperor thumped the desk with his fist.

The loss of forces is greater than expected. Is it because you cant command, or because youre inadequate?

The Emperor looked around the room. The faces of everyone were caught off guard at the word inadequate.

The army is not yours yet. They are mine.

No, if you considered them your own, you wouldnt have done that. Even if you were told to wage war among yourselves using those forces, would you have used them like that? You treated them as others, using them recklessly.

The wrinkled Emperor showed the size of his anger with his gaze. The three princes remained silent.

Only then did the Emperor look at Erendil.

In that aspect, Fourth, you were the best. Even if the results were slightly lacking, you managed to bring everyone back intact. Knowing how to think ahead is important.

Though the second place was lacking, in the Emperors eyes, apart from the first place, the rest were all the same.

Erendil slightly lowered his head.

Thank you.

Yes. Have your thoughts changed?

The princess locked eyes with the first prince. A message passed between them.

Yes.

The eyes of the second and third princes filled with astonishment. Faces that seemed to say, Daring to aim for our positions.

It was only by restraining their anger that they held their positions. Their angry eyes conveyed their feelings. The Emperor continued speaking with a composed face.

Well thought.

The expressions of the second and third princes turned even more unpleasant with the praise. Only the first prince remained composed.

Since there was already a promise.

The Emperor looked at the guards standing behind his children. However, his expression remained unchanged.

Youve gone through a lot, carrying these inadequate ones around.

All the knights bowed their heads. It was praise, but it was also criticism that they didnt support well.

The Emperor sighed and turned his head.

Now go away. Youre a disgrace to look at.

The audience stood up from their seats. Erendil was the first to bid farewell and left the room.

The gazes of the second and third princes. It was clear that trouble would arise if they left late.

Until they arrived in front of the princesss chambers, no one spoke. Still, the atmosphere was fine. She was the only one who received praise.

Your Highness, youve endured much until now. Now, please rest.

The princess, who nodded slightly, looked at Carlyn.

Schurtafen, come in for a moment. Shall we have some tea?

Yes.

Emmet looked at Carlyn and the princess who entered together with a worried expression.

In reality, they were discussing matters, but to the middle-aged knight, it looked different.

Young and beautiful men and women having private conversations were common. It didnt seem like this in the beginning.

Emmet pondered whether he should talk to Carlyn separately but thought it might not be a bad idea after all.

In the past ten years, this was the first time the princess had gotten so close to someone, and Carlyn, who Emmet had been observing all this time, wasnt someone who would behave sternly.

Emmet decided he should talk to Carlyn separately, no matter what.

Author's Thoughts

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