Translator: CinderTL
Seeing the king lost in thought, Rupert Walter continued, "Of course, Your Majesty, I advise against rushing into this matter."
His tone was calm, but tinged with the cautious wisdom of experience. "While granting the Yellow Earth Plain to Earl Hal Duke serves the greater national interest, Marquis Grayman has invested considerable manpower and resources in that territory. Announcing such a decision without consulting him first could breed resentment."
He turned his steady gaze to Rodney XVIII. "Therefore, I suggest we first gauge the Marquis's reaction by treating this as a tentative proposal. For instance, Your Majesty could personally write a letter acknowledging Hal's military achievements, mentioning the future arrangements for the Yellow Earth Plain, and asking for the Marquis's opinion."
"This approach," Rupert explained slowly, "will allow us to gauge the Marquis's attitude and leave room for future adjustments. If he objects, we can offer reassurance; if he acquiesces, we can proceed smoothly."
Rodney nodded slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes.
"You're right," he said slowly. "Though Paul is loyal to the kingdom, if we don't explain our reasons for this, he's bound to feel the Royal Family doesn't trust him."
His voice grew firm. "Let's settle it this way. I'll write to him personally later. The tone must be gentle, but our intentions must be clear."
He scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on Rupert. "I don't want Paul to misunderstand, but we can't let the balance of power be disrupted."
Silence fell over the hall. Several ministers nodded in agreement, while Rupert bowed slightly, a smile playing on his lips.
Just then, a thunderous roar of cheers erupted from outside the palace, shaking the entire structure.
"What's happening?" Rodney frowned, immediately ordering the Captain of the Guard, "Go see what's going on outside."
A moment later, the Captain of the Guard returned in haste, a look of surprise on his face.
"Your Majesty, it's Prince Yuriko! He's returned victorious with the Royal Knights!"
The announcement sent the entire meeting hall into a frenzy.
The guard described the scene in the Royal Capital: the streets were packed with cheering crowds, flags waved, and ribbons flew. People from all directions poured into the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the prince.
"I heard..." the guard captain continued, "that the prince's Knight Order was the first to breach Windbreath Fortress and subdue a large number of Orc prisoners."
"Oh?" Rodney raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Earl Merlin cleared his throat softly and whispered, "Your Majesty, I've heard that the fortress walls were breached by the New Army's combat engineers using gunpowder. The pre-assault bombardment had also crushed the defenders' morale, leaving few willing to resist when the Royal Knights stormed in."
Rodney remained impassive, merely nodding slightly. "Tell me the full story."
As the Minister of Intelligence recounted the events, the king quickly grasped the truth. The Crystal Glare Legion, composed of the Kingdom's New Army and the Royal Knights, had been tasked by Paul with recapturing Windbreath Fortress. When they breached the walls, Harrison had deliberately ceded the credit for the victory to Yuriko to preserve the Royal Family's honor.
But now, Yuriko clearly intended to claim this "first victory" as his personal trophy.
"Before the main force of the Knight Order returned, many advance members had already entered Crystal Glare," the Captain of the Guard continued. "Posters were plastered throughout the city, recounting the prince's heroic deeds, and even bards were singing his praises."
Rodney XVIII's most trusted ministers clearly resented Prince Yuriko's recklessness, openly exposing his flaws before the king.
Rodney gazed out the window, a complex smile playing on his lips.
He knew his younger brother well—Yuriko was passionate, impulsive, and so hungry for glory that he bordered on vanity.
"He's back," Rodney murmured, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Let him bask in the glory."
He turned back to his ministers. "After all, he did win the battle."
The streets of Crystal Glare were already ablaze with excitement.
Sunlight bathed the stone-paved streets in a golden glow. Prince Yuriko, clad in silver heavy armor trimmed with gold, his breastplate emblazoned with the Royal Family's intricate crest, and a crimson cape billowing gently in the breeze, rode atop a tall, magnificent white stallion. The horse's mane was neatly combed, and its saddle was adorned with silver ornaments symbolizing glory. He moved forward slowly, a confident and satisfied smile on his face.
He rode atop a tall, majestic white horse with a neatly combed mane and silver ornaments adorning its saddle, symbols of glory. He moved forward slowly, a confident and satisfied smile on his face.
The streets on either side were packed with people of all ages and genders, waving flags and bouquets with fervent excitement. Children darted through the crowd, pointing excitedly at the prince, while elders murmured, "Look, it's Prince Yuriko returned!"
"He was the first to charge into Windbreath Fortress!" someone shouted.
"The prince saved us!" another voice replied passionately.
The crowd's enthusiasm threatened to set the street ablaze. Young women, holding flower baskets, cheered as they showered Yuriko and his knights with blossoms. Petals fluttered in the wind, landing on the prince's armor and his triumphant face.
Yuriko straightened his back, his smile never faltering. He occasionally raised his hand to wave to the crowd on either side, each gesture graceful and elegant. His eyes shone with a light—the light of a hero, the light of one admired by thousands.
"They love me," he thought, his smile widening unconsciously. "They truly love me."
Behind him, the Royal Knights, also in full ceremonial armor, marched in perfect formation, their armor gleaming in the sunlight as if bathed in the glory of victory.
At the end of the street, the golden spire of the royal palace shimmered in the sun, as if awaiting the triumphant climax of this victory parade.
Yuriko gazed at the palace, a symbol of power and glory, and an irrepressible surge of pride welled up within him. He had returned, crowned with glory and victory.
The parade continued, with cheers echoing through the streets and flowers and applause merging into a sea of jubilation.
But as the procession slowly advanced, a low murmur of unease rippled through the crowd.
At first, it was just a few startled whispers, but soon it escalated into a chorus of suppressed gasps.
"What is that?"
"They... they're not human!"
Behind the Royal Knights, a new contingent slowly came into view.
Their steps were heavy, and though their armor was crude and uneven, it exuded a raw, primal power. Most striking were their towering frames, thick limbs, prominent cheekbones, and bestial eyes.
Orcs!
(End of the Chapter)
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