Chapter 31

Collusion with the Imperial Family and Rebellion!?

There’s no way we can win! I’m done dealing with that idiotic prince!

We’re siding with Princess Roselia!

And with that sentiment, Knight Cyclmira and his companions were apparently on their way to Torunia Castle.

They were direct vassals of Count Couranbel, but since they had once sworn loyalty at my feet, they were also my subordinates.

So, by the norms of this world’s society, their actions weren’t something to be condemned.

…Though they certainly wouldn’t be praised either.

"I had intended to rush over… but I never expected to fall behind. As expected of Princess Roselia."

To think they’d act within just a few days of Count Couranbel’s rebellion!

And to cross a mountain range with so few!

Such swift action! Incredible decisiveness! So brave!

As expected of Roselia!!

Knight Cyclmira and the others were getting all fired up.

Ugh… hmm…

Let’s just keep quiet about how I’d been mentally spiraling at Torunia Castle for weeks and was planning to run away.

"...It seems there are a few people I haven’t met before."

"Haha! But they’re all people you can trust."

Most of the knights were familiar, but there were a few new faces.

Apparently, Knight Cyclmira had been going around gathering knights who were dissatisfied with Count Couranbel.

Even if they hadn’t met me directly, it seemed they believed that with Cyclmira vouching for them, they’d be accepted into the cause.

It was like when a friend’s friend randomly shows up to hang out.

I guess that really does happen...

"Then please introduce them to me later."

Personally, I’d rather not act alongside people I don’t trust, but this wasn’t the time to be picky.

At my words, Knight Cyclmira looked visibly relieved and slowly knelt down at my feet.

"Princess Roselia, please allow us to fight under your banner."

"I accept. I entrust my fate to your swords. I’ll be counting on you."

It was a brief exchange, but this sealed their participation.

Now they were officially allies.

I couldn’t help but let out a breath of relief.

"This isn’t the place to have a proper discussion. May we use your castle as lodging?"

"Of course, gladly."

I’ll leave the coordination to Knight Sanbragg and the others.

I’m exhausted.

I just want to wash the dirt off and sleep in a warm bed.

"Then please lead the way."

"Yes. However... Princess Roselia..."

Knight Cyclmira hesitated with his words.

Wondering what was wrong, I noticed that several of the knights behind him—ones I hadn’t met before—seemed eager to speak with me.

They were all among the knights I was meeting for the first time.

…Yeah, I can pretty much guess what this is about.

"Oh? ...Is something the matter?"

"...Princess Roselia, I beg your pardon for making such a request in this setting, but... please, may I offer a kiss to your beautiful feet?"

One of the knights stepped forward and spoke.

I was thoroughly exasperated.

I get that they want to solidify their position and maybe it even benefits me, but still…

Shouldn’t there be some... tact?

"...Very well. Delawear."

"Yes."

Delawear knelt down and untied the laces of my military boots.

As I pulled my foot free, it revealed a foot stained brown with mud.

It hadn’t been washed in days, and it had been sealed inside those poorly ventilated military boots. In more ways than one, it was... a truly unfortunate situation.

"Please."

"I am most grateful."

The knights, looking pleased, kissed my feet one by one.

I’m sure they smell awful.

I really hope this doesn’t become a rumor...

---

Five days had passed since Count Couranbel started the rebellion... On one particular night, in a knight's domain under Count Couranbel’s fief, two knights were arguing.

"Father! I cannot act ungrateful!!"

The one who made this claim was a young knight in his mid-twenties. He was approaching his father with an air of challenge.

"Princess Roselia witnessed my wedding with my wife. Meanwhile, that little man didn’t even send a congratulatory letter! If we abandon Princess Roselia now, it would disgrace our name as knights!!"

In response to his son’s argument, his father—Knight Niahel—shook his head.

"I understand your feelings. We do owe Princess Roselia."

Knight Niahel was a man whom Roselia had once nicknamed "The Knight with a Bad Back." She had attended his son’s wedding as a witness. Since he had received help from Roselia to add prestige to his son’s wedding, he owed her a debt.

For this reason, Knight Cyclmira had extended an invitation to fight under Roselia’s banner. However, after much thought, Niahel had declined.

"But we cannot join the fight. We are neutral."

"Why not?!"

"Princess Roselia will retreat from Torunia Castle. For a time, Count Couranbel will be the victor. If we side with Princess Roselia, we don’t know what could happen."

From Count Couranbel’s perspective, any knight who sided with Roselia would be a traitor, subject to execution. Even if Roselia were to emerge victorious in the end, it would be meaningless if they were executed afterward.

Knight Niahel’s judgment was that, in order to avoid risking the ancestral land and his life, it was unwise to ally with Roselia.

"Couldn’t there be a possibility that we could fortify ourselves in Torunia Castle? Or perhaps take action against Count Couranbel…?"

"The court knights would never choose that option."

Knight Niahel said with a look of disdain.

"They have no land to protect, unlike us. Their position is only secured by their proximity to their lord. If they lose Princess Roselia, they will be ruined. That’s why they will never let her go. They won’t make any decisions that risk losing Princess Roselia."

The knights who ran the court wielded enormous power, but as knights, they were still of noble rank. Many had no lands of their own and relied on privileges or salaries from their lords.

Their power was nothing but borrowed from their lord.

That’s why the court knights feared losing their lord more than anything.

"Princess Roselia is being raised by the court knights. With her biological parents absent, she will trust the words of her foster parents… That’s why she’ll choose to retreat."

Knight Niahel’s expression twisted with bitterness.

He didn’t hate Roselia; on the contrary, he had a favorable view of her. But he despised the court knights.

"Ultimately, this war is a foolish family dispute within the Burks family. It’s none of our concern. We have no obligation to take part."

From Knight Niahel’s perspective, there was the thought, "Why should we fight for an inheritance dispute within the Burks family?"

He couldn’t understand why they should risk losing their ancestral lands for a war that brought them no benefits.

"As knights, our duty is to protect the land and carry on our bloodline. Things like love or loyalty… don’t be fooled by these foolish ideals of the world. Chivalry is something to uphold, not something to be manipulated by. We can fulfill our duty to Princess Roselia without joining the war. She won’t hold it against us."

Knight Niahel was a vassal of Count Couranbel.

By remaining neutral and boycotting participation, it would still be seen as support for Roselia.

Roselia would appreciate that, but she could not be in a position to criticize it.

"But, Father…"

"Even so, if you were to rush to Princess Roselia’s side, then I will fight under Count Couranbel’s banner."

"Father!? But that would mean the Niahel family…"

"Even if we are split in two, as long as one side survives, we can leave land and blood to our children."

Parents and children. Brothers and siblings. It was common in this world for families to split and fight on different sides.

The logic was that it was better to fight each other than for the entire family to sink together like a shipwreck.

"...I understand, Father."

The son, who wasn’t prepared to fight his father to the death, had no choice but to give in in the end.

Relieved that his son had come to an understanding, Knight Niahel sighed in relief.

It was at that moment.

"My Lord! A woman who appears to be a knight is requesting an audience with you!"

A male servant made such a report to Knight Niahel.

A knight in these circumstances? Knight Niahel grew more cautious.

"What’s her name and appearance? Who is she a messenger for?"

"Her name is Sheik Sarius... A woman with pink hair. She claims to be a messenger from Princess Roselia."

That’s impossible, right? The servant tilted his head in confusion.

However, upon hearing the name, Knight Niahel’s eyes widened.

"Isn’t she the daughter of the head chamberlain!? Let her in immediately!"

Sheik Sarius. She was the daughter of Sarius, the head of the financial affairs of the Duke of Budoudarl’s household.

Moreover, she was one of Roselia’s handmaidens and favorites.

"It’s been a while, Knight Niahel. It’s been since the wedding, hasn’t it? How is your back holding up?"

The woman who appeared was around twenty years old with pink hair.

Her armor was stained with mud and blood.

Despite the sarcastic remark from Sheik, Knight Niahel responded without hesitation.

"Lady Sheik. You seem to be in good health, I’m glad to see it. I would offer you some tea, but… considering it’s so late, you must be carrying an urgent message. Let’s hear that first."

Knight Niahel’s polite demeanor caused Sheik to smile happily.

"Thank you for your consideration. Now then, I bring a message from my mistress, Princess Roselia. 'Couranbel Castle has fallen into my hands. I will now crush the remaining enemies underfoot. Assemble under my banner immediately, or you will be regarded as an enemy.' That’s all."

"...What?"

"Here is the letter from Princess Roselia. Please have a look."

Sheik handed a letter to Knight Niahel.

The seal on the letter was unmistakably Roselia’s crest, sealed with wax.

Knight Niahel hurriedly broke the seal and checked the contents.

The letter was quite brief, essentially summarizing, "Hurry and bring your troops to Couranbel Castle."

"Wh-what is going on…? Princess Roselia was at Torunia Castle just a few days ago. If Couranbel Castle has fallen… What has happened to the Count?"

"I cannot discuss the details of the battle with someone whose loyalties are unclear."

"Ugh… but without knowing the situation, we cannot make any rash movements…"

"Yet the fact that I am here, standing before you now, doesn’t that give you your answer?"

Sheik, Roselia’s favorite, was now here, in this very place.

This meant that Roselia was undoubtedly in the Couranbel Count’s territory.

"I must inform the various regions of the Princess’s victory, so the tea will have to wait for another time. I hope this will not be the last time we meet. Farewell for now."

With that, Sheik calmly bid her farewell and left the castle in quick strides.

After watching her leave, the son turned to face Knight Niahel.

"Father… For now, I think our priority should be to head to Couranbel Castle and assess the situation."

"Hmm, you’re right. …No, you remain here at the castle."

"Father! At a time like this…"

"I will head to Couranbel Castle."

Knight Niahel finally stood up, his decision made.

---

Six days since the outbreak of the civil war.

I was in the audience hall of Couranbel Castle, attending to knights who had come from various regions.

“This time, I have come to offer my congratulations. Congratulations, Princess.”

“Thank you, Knight Niahel.”

The one bowing deeply before me was none other than the knight who had suffered from back pain some time ago.

He seemed to have aged a bit since then.

“By the way, how is your back? It might be best not to overexert yourself.”

“N-no… Well…”

“I was just joking.”

Now, why was I, at Couranbel Castle, teasing an elderly knight? To explain that, I would need to take the story back to the time when I crossed paths with Lord Delbran in the mountains.

First, after having a meeting with Knight Cyclmira about the current situation, it became clear that Couranbel Castle was underdefended.

The total number of knights mobilized by Count Couranbel was one hundred. Of those, seventy were with him, heading to capture Shumishion Castle, leaving only thirty knights at the castle.

The defense of the castle relied on the firstborn, who had magical power just below that of a count, and the second son, who had the rank of a baron.

That was the situation.

This was, in a sense, an unexpected but fortunate turn of events for us.

This was because the total number of knights held by the Couranbel family, as vassals, was around two hundred.

No matter how disinterested they were, at least one knight from each family would be sent, so we had expected a total of at least two hundred knights.

But it turned out to be only half that number—one hundred.

In other words, more than half of the knight families had boycotted the war.

It was like holding a fan meeting where half the seats were empty.

It should be noted that the number one hundred referred to the knights alone.

Typically, knights bring about ten common soldiers as their attendants, and other soldiers such as peasants and mercenaries are also mobilized.

It seems Count Couranbel has compensated for the small number of knights by increasing the number of common soldiers. As such, there are one thousand soldiers at Couranbel Castle (with thirty knights), and about two thousand (with seventy knights) at Shumishion Castle.

Including Knight Cyclmira, there are twenty traitor knights. The thirty knights I brought along as attendants for my escape bring the total to fifty.

In comparison, Couranbel Castle is defended by thirty knights, but the total number of soldiers is one thousand. Moreover, there is one count-level knight and one baron-level knight present.

Despite the disparity in military strength, an excited Knight Cyclmira suggested, “Let’s attack Couranbel Castle! We can take it now!!”

Naturally, Knight Sanbrag expressed his reservations.

While the fighting power of common soldiers is negligible compared to that of knights, a thousand soldiers would still pose a considerable threat. If they are armed with anti-magic gear made from silver, we would be helpless if surrounded.

In the first place, for an attack on a castle, it is desirable to have at least twice the enemy’s strength.

Even if we only compare knights, we don’t have double the number, making it quite a reckless proposal…

However, Knight Sanbrag’s opinion was overturned by Knight Cyclmira’s next statement.

“I know of a secret passage that leads into the interior of Couranbel Castle.”

That was a bombshell revelation. But when I thought about it, it didn’t seem entirely strange.

Originally, his father had served as the head knight during the reign of the previous Count Couranbel. Though he had fallen out of favor with the current count and was dismissed, it seemed that the knowledge of the castle’s internal structure and secrets had been passed down from father to son.

“There is no need to worry about anti-magic gear either. Count Couranbel has been secretly selling silverware for the past two years.”

It seems that Count Couranbel’s finances are in even worse shape than we had imagined.

I thought, how could he even consider starting a war in such a condition? But then again, perhaps it was precisely because of this situation that he was hoping for a major reversal.

I’ve also heard that Count Couranbel has a hobby of gambling (though apparently, he’s bad at it).

Still, even with all that, Knight Sanbrag remained reluctant.

The lack of common soldiers (human shields) to protect me in case something goes wrong, and the uncertainty of whether Knight Cyclmira’s information was reliable, were the two main concerns.

“Is it reckless to attack Couranbel Castle? Is it too dangerous?”

In response to my question, Knight Sanbrag replied, “I wouldn’t go as far as to say reckless.”

If it’s not reckless, then it’s worth taking the risk.

I decided to go along with Knight Cyclmira’s proposal and attack Couranbel Castle.

To make a long story short, we won decisively.

The common soldiers were terrified of my magic, and in their panic, they actually hindered the enemy’s movements.

The enemy knights had low morale, and even before the battle began, some had already started to surrender.

The sons of Count Couranbel didn’t surrender until the very end, but they were constantly on the defensive and never attempted to engage in a proper fight.

It was anticlimactic.

In hindsight, we probably didn’t need to take that difficult route. We could’ve just mobilized all our forces and attacked Count Couranbel head-on from the start.

Well, I suppose that’s easy to say in retrospect.

At any rate, I’ll make sure history books record it as “The victory of Princess Roselia, achieved through her courage and strategy. Everything went according to plan.”

History is written by the victors.

The fact that I was crying and saying “I have no idea what to do…” at Torunia Castle will remain a secret for generations to come.

Well, the Barks family head is me, so I guess I am the last of the line.

That being said, I honestly don’t have any right to blame Knight Niahel.

If things had gone differently, I might have ended up fleeing to the north myself.

“You don’t need to be so formal. …I’m just happy that you stayed neutral, and that you’ve come to aid us now.”

“Ha ha... I’m grateful for your kind words. I will work even harder to repay your kindness, Princess.”

“Your words are reassuring.”

That said, there’s still a matter of making things clear.

“In the next battle, I’ll entrust you with the first strike.”

“Ha ha!”

With that, Knight Niahel bowed deeply to me, then kissed my feet in a gesture of loyalty.

---

“Was the way I handled that situation acceptable?”

After welcoming Knight Niahel, I asked Knight Sanbrag this question.

Personally, I felt a bit like “I attended your wedding, and this is how you repay me...”

However, Knight Sanbrag had advised, “It’s necessary to make things clear, but we should treat him with proper courtesy,” so I had proceeded with a polite response.

“Yes. The fact that the cautious Knight Niahel has joined us is significant. We can at least sway many of the knights from the Couranbel territory to remain neutral, if not fully on our side.”

Knight Niahel is well respected by the knights of the surrounding regions. The fact that he defected from neutrality to join our side seems to have a greater impact than if a hot-headed knight like Cyclmira had done the same.

“Right now, the knights are being sent out to spread the word of your victory and achievements, Princess. If things go well, we may win this war without even having to fight.”

“...Spreading the word? That feels a bit embarrassing.”

“Oh? Why would that be…? Given such a great military accomplishment, I would think it’s something to be proud of.”

I shook my head in response to Knight Sanbrag’s words.

“Honestly, I can’t claim to have done anything worthy of pride as a military achievement... I’ve shown a rather shameful side of myself to everyone.”

Overall, I felt like I had been more of a hindrance than a help. I wondered if the knights alone could have won without me.

“Please don’t be so humble... Indeed, it might not have been the most glamorous of victories,” Knight Sanbrag said with a gentle smile.

“But even covered in mud, gritting your teeth and pushing through the mountains, I was deeply moved by the sight of you, Princess. Few nobles can get down in the mud alongside their knights. This victory was something only you could have achieved. You should be proud.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. The fact that knights like Cyclmira and Niahel joined you is also a result of your tireless efforts, Princess. Please, take pride in that.”

“...Then, I will take pride in it.”

But there were still many things to reflect on.

Next time, I want to win more smoothly.

Speaking of next time...

“The defeat of Count Couranbel’s army... is one thing, but the real problem is the Imperial Army.”

The situation within the Couranbel family is in tatters. The Count himself is currently stuck between the defense forces at Schumision Castle and us.

We could easily defeat him if we sandwich him in between.

“I’ve heard reports that the enemy’s forces are larger than we anticipated.”

It seems the Imperial Family had thoroughly prepared for this war. They’ve been utilizing river transport to bring in large amounts of supplies.

In a world where the general principle is “logistics should be locally sourced,” the fact that they are shipping supplies all the way from their homeland shows just how serious they are.

It almost seems like they were expecting my father’s defeat from the very beginning.

In truth, the Imperial Family had originally been targeting the Osen Count’s territory.

If anything, the real story is that they had been preparing to strike the moment there was an opening.

“Is it possible to fortify our defenses even now? For example, we could send Baron Lazabel to Osen Castle.”

"Since we can't spare troops from Torunia Castle, we'll have to rely on the other lords."

Count Lazabel has supported me from the beginning, and I trust him.

Above all, he is the strongest general in our kingdom.

"I understand your concerns, but we cannot afford to neglect our preparations in the north."

According to Knight Sanbrag, the most pressing concern at the moment seems to be the Larknoll Duchy.

If Duke Larknoll aligns with the Imperial Family and leads a large army southward, our chances of victory would drastically decrease.

"Count Lazabel must be tasked with holding off Duke Larknoll if necessary. Sending him to Osen Castle is a poor decision."

"But there is a ceasefire agreement, isn't there? ...And doesn't attacking us offer little benefit to him?"

In the short term, there might be some advantage.

However, if he were to act in a way that benefits the Empire, he would lose the trust of the kingdom’s lords, leaving him isolated.

In the long run, the disadvantages would outweigh any short-term gain.

"People don't always act rationally. You should know that from Count Couranbel's actions."

"But Duke Larknoll is a rational man, isn't he?"

Duke Larknoll, though seemingly erratic, often makes surprisingly sensible decisions.

He avoids battles he can't win, battles that don’t benefit him, and battles that are too risky.

In fact, he was quite reluctant to engage in the war against the Cartaria Duchy.

"Duke Larknoll may be rational, but his successor, Lord Thor, may not be."

"Is that so? I thought he was more level-headed than his father..."

"Lord Thor is infatuated with you, Princess. You never know what he might do."

"What do you mean?"

I know that Thor likes me.

But surely, if that were the case, he wouldn't do something to make me dislike him, would he?

"...You may not know, Princess, but in the Larknoll Duchy, there is an old custom of 'kidnap marriages.' There is no guarantee that Lord Thor will not follow this ancestral tradition."

"Huh...?"

I tilted my head in confusion.

Are you saying that Lord Thor might lead an army, invade, and abduct me to force me to marry him?

That can't be...

"Heh, if he thinks that highly of you, Princess, it would be quite flattering."

"...Princess?"

Knight Sanbrag raised an eyebrow, seemingly disturbed.

Was that too inappropriate of a remark?

"Just a joke. Lord Thor is an honest man. He would never do such a thing."

He did protect me during the hunting competition, after all.

Yes, I can sense the weight of his feelings, but his approach is sincere.

But it seems that Knight Sanbrag doesn’t see it that way.

"...On a more serious note, we've received reports from Count Lazabel about unusual troop movements in the Larknoll Duchy."

Well, if a war breaks out in a neighboring country, it's natural for them to fortify their defenses.

I don't think that's anything strange...

Isn't he being too suspicious?

"Princess, I understand that you have feelings for Lord Thor. But that has nothing to do with the war. If the situation calls for it, please set aside personal matters and focus on the battle."

"I-I don't have feelings for him..."

I was just saying that I trust Lord Thor and that there's no reason to be overly suspicious of him...

But I was getting embarrassed, and I couldn't bring myself to speak again until Knight Sanbrag changed the subject.