The surrender request from Burkhai was accepted, and the legions started to withdraw sequentially.
Of course, the 7th Legion was the first to head back home. They’d fought through countless battles and, let’s be honest, they’d been the main contributors to this glorious victory.
To be frank, I sort of wanted to stick around and observe how things unfolded. I was genuinely curious about Burkhai’s alliances with Porland and Caden. But since both my name and the Princess’s were on the withdrawal orders, there wasn’t much I could do about it.
“Hnnngghhh!”
Beside me, Kaya yawned dramatically while riding her horse. Watching her brought back memories of a certain battle scene not too long ago—an image that still sends chills down my spine. There she was leading the 7th Legion, literally massacring the Burkhai army. And the craziest part? She returned completely unscathed despite wading through such chaos.
Yeah, I remember the first thing she said after crawling back covered in bl**d: “I disciplined all those who hurt your neck, bro. Now you can discipline me.” Kaya’s my bodyguard, and though I was technically in danger (because an arrow came too close for comfort), I decided there wasn’t much point in punishing her. Besides, who could possibly scold someone who just wiped out half an enemy army while protecting their prince?
The reason why the tide shifted so dramatically in favor of the 7th Legion lies with Kaya. Her relentless and almost supernatural prowess turned the tide entirely in our favor. Scolding her would’ve only damaged morale and made for an awkward situation.
“Bro.”
“Hmm?”
“Let me see your wound.”
Again? Didn’t we go over this before we left? It’s almost healed! How many more times do I have to tell you to stop wrapping bandages like there’s no tomorrow?!
“It’s fine, Kaya. You really don’t need to worry.”
“But what if it gets worse?”
“Trust me, the wound won’t get worse.”
Kaya wouldn’t stop fussing unless I swore it was fine. If it were only her doing all this, maybe I could handle it. But even the princess insisted on making sure I was fine. Honestly, I’m feeling quite embarrassed by all the attention.
How could they fuss over me when so many soldiers were injured? The amount of fresh bandages I’ve used is ridiculous. People might mistake me for having a hole in my neck or something. Sure, I bled a bit, but it wasn’t serious—no vital arteries were harmed.
“Are you really okay?”
“Yeah, Kaya. Look, thanks to you wrapping the bandage and putting on the ointment so carefully, it’s healed up nicely, hasn’t it?”
“But there’s still a red mark, bro!”
“It’s healing. Honestly, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Finally, after my sincere persuasion, Kaya conceded and handed back the extra bandages. Honestly, where was she even keeping all those things?
“Hohoho, what a wonderful sibling relationship.”
The princess chuckled as she rode beside us. She said she enjoyed watching our sibling bond, contrasting it with her contentious relationship with her own brother. She joked that if she weren’t the Empress’ daughter, she might have been able to enjoy something similar.
“Your Highness, her name is Kaya.”
“Yes, she is fifteen years old.”
“That’s right.”
“And she was truly magnificent in the battlefield. The feats you accomplished were astonishing. Everyone in the legion, me included, were left speechless watching your ridiculous skills.”
Ah yes, Kaya was no joke. Especially during that scene when she single-handedly wiped out multiple knights in one go. The Burkhai army’s morale plummeted as ours soared to the skies!
“To be honest, I didn’t expect things to go this smoothly.”
“God favored the Empire and His Majesty the Emperor.”
“And of course, God also sent you.”
“…”
I AM NOT A MASTER STRATEGIST! If they found out that an amateur like me was being called such, history’s greatest tacticians would surely rise from their graves to beat me to d*ath with military treatises!
Anyway, the moment of silence passed as I turned to look at someone else nearby—the prisoners joining the 7th Legion back to the capital: the Prince and Princess of Burkhai.
Apparently, this was part of the agreement for accepting their surrender. They’d tried to delay the process by suggesting they’d send the royals later, but the Empire wasn’t having any of that. After all, once our legions retreated completely, they could easily go back on their word.
First, it was clear that the Empire didn’t trust Burkhai to fulfill their promises. Second, by tagging along with the victorious 7th Legion, these two served as living proof of our complete victory. As much as it pains them, the Empire intends to display them publicly as trophies of this conquest.
As a byproduct, this would further reduce the power of Burkhai in the eastern region. With them decimated and their rivals like Porland and Caden growing stronger, the three kingdoms will undoubtedly engage in a fierce game of political chess moving forward.
Now, the Prince? He looks decently composed. Clearly aware of his predicament, he manages to maintain his composure without being overly timid. He’s fulfilling his role as the Prince of Burkhai to the best of his ability.
However, his sister—the Princess—doesn’t look as collected. She’s constantly glancing around nervously, clearly terrified. Can’t blame her. Who knows if she’ll ever see her homeland again.
“What are you staring at?”
Suddenly, the Princess herself turned her head in our direction when the Empress leaned over. After observing the Prince and Princess, the Empress tilted her head back towards me, curiosity lighting up her eyes.
“Are you perhaps… smitten with the Princess?”
“Your Highness?”
“It’s okay; I’m only half-serious. But it is true that you’ve been staring at her quite intently just now.”
“That’s…”
It wasn’t about her looks at all—it was entirely different. Before the Empress could jump to conclusions, I clarified my reasons.
“Isn’t it pitiful? The both of them.”
“Ah, I see. Humanely speaking, yes. But from another perspective, it’s not entirely bad.”
“Since they’re more than mere hostages?”
“Exactly.”
The Empress nodded in agreement. There’s no way the Emperor casually requested the Prince and Princess without deeper intentions. They’re not simple pawns—they’re tools to cultivate a pro-Empire faction within the Burkhai royal family.
“In the future, they will be treated very well here in the Empire—much better than what they’re facing back home.”
“With time, Burkhai will become unstable, and possibly even the current king and crown prince’s positions might be compromised. The next targets might very well be the other princes and princesses.”
The Empire, of course, will treat the pair with dignity due to their royal status. It makes it easier for us since we can’t treat them harshly. Additionally, by fostering an affinity for the Empire within the royals, the Empire can gain much more leverage.
“Even if they don’t develop true feelings for the Empire, it won’t matter. Once labeled as pro-Empire back in Burkhai, they will forever be seen as such.”
Thus, the royal siblings will disrupt Burkhai’s political scene even further.
“Still, Kael. Aren’t you even a little tempted?”
“Your Highness?”
“Isn’t the Princess rather pretty?”
Am I being teased or is she feeling jealous? If it’s teasing, I can just go along with it. Otherwise? Hmm, better nip this in the bud just in case.
“To be honest, to me, Your Highness is much more beautiful.”
Objectively, as part of the Imperial nobility, this was a perfectly reasonable response. Who on earth would dare compare the Princess of Burkhai to the Empress of the Empire?
“Well, this is sudden, but… I’m pleased! Ho ho ho!”
Glad to hear it, Your Highness.
The 7th Legion finally crossed the border into eastern territory. A warm welcome awaited them from the local populace.
“7th Legion! 7th Legion!!”
“WAHHHHH!!”
Men cheered, women threw flowers, children ran alongside them, clapping their hands, and elders watched with approving smiles. This isn’t just because the locals view them as heroes—it’s also because representatives of the Emperor greeted them, praising their efforts and granting them abundant food and a well-deserved rest.
“Lord Kael Klauwitz?”
Next, someone approached me after arriving in the east with an Imperial decree.
“Here I am.”
“The Emperor himself has granted you a special reward.”
A special reward? This was unexpected. Normally, rewards are handed out after all legions return. Why would I receive something early?
“His Majesty, in particular, admired your achievements and personally ordered this fine wine to be delivered.”
Wow! To my knowledge, only the highest-ranking legion commanders receive something like this after securing great victories. Imagine my surprise to be receiving wine from the Emperor myself!
‘…Hmm.’
A sudden thought crossed my mind. I’ve never tried this before. Now that I’ve received this gift and we’re near a suitable water source—it must be fate, right?
“Excuse me.”
Before doing anything, I need to confirm. Best to avoid any unnecessary complications.
“Is this wine truly a gift from His Majesty?”
“Yes.”
“A reward for those who have served the Empire loyally?”
“Yes, Lord Kael.”
Then let’s wrap up the 7th Legion’s journey in style, shall we?
The soldiers of the 7th Legion were gathered near the riverbank.
Word spread quickly that the Emperor Himself had sent a gift of wine to Lord Kael. The high-ranking officers knew all about Kael’s contributions. They understood how his plans shaped the success of the campaign.
But for the common soldiers, Kael remained just another nobleman’s offspring—albeit slightly more known for being the sibling of a battlefield legend.
“This is a gift from His Majesty.”
That moment changed everything.
“Huh? What?”
This was a gift from the Emperor, making it extremely precious. It should be treated with utmost respect and reverence. But there stood Kael, tipping the fine wine into the river!
“How could I possibly drink such an honor alone when surrounded by the brave warriors who made it possible?”
He urged the soldiers to join him. They all deserved it after such hard-fought battles. There’s no harm in sharing, especially when the Emperor would surely understand the gesture.
Soldiers erupted in laughter. One by one, they rushed to the riverbank.
This victorious journey back home filled with anticipation combined with Kael’s spontaneous but considerate gesture created a powerful bond. Hundreds of soldiers transformed back into energetic youths.
Yes! This is a gift from the Emperor Himself!
Let’s drink it all, every last drop!!
