Upon hearing news of a massive outbreak of mutant monsters across the Findlay territory, the emperor urgently summoned the imperial knights. After discussions, it was decided that Duke Yelling, who commanded the second order, would remain in the capital to protect the imperial palace while the other orders were dispatched to prevent the disaster in Findlay territory. Duke Wicksvil was appointed as the overall commander of the dispatch mission.
“There are four types of mutant monsters that have appeared: stealth, charge, flying, and swarm. The forces in Findlay territory have driven the monsters into this forest for now.”
It was at the entrance to the forest on the outskirts of Findlay territory. In a makeshift tent, Duke Wicksvil distributed reports to each commander and continued speaking.
“The fifth order will take on the flying and stealth monsters in the north. Since both defense and offense are crucial for the charge-type monsters, the fourth order will take care of them. Finally, the first and third orders will take on the swarm-type monsters. First Princess, please command the first and third orders.”
“…Understood.”
Duke Wicksvil allocated the personnel in a familiar and swift manner. Since the first princess Rebecca and the second prince Ferand usually acted as one, no one questioned his decision. However, this seemingly obvious decision irritated Ferand.
Am I supposed to clean up after my sister again? Thinking of the second concubine, who was madly injuring herself, made him grind his teeth.
Ferand raised his hand towards Duke Wicksvil with bloodshot eyes. “I will take the third order and handle the stealth-type monsters.”
“…What?”
“Wouldn’t that be more efficient? Even if you’re a duke, trying to deal with both the flying and stealth monsters will only increase casualties. It would be better for me to lead the third or—”
“No.” But Duke Wicksvil shook his head firmly before Ferand could finish speaking.
Ferand, enraged, slammed the table and stood up abruptly. “Why won’t you even listen…!”
“Are you asking why? Because Your Highness suggested it not for efficiency but for your own honor.”
Duke Wicksvil was known for his constant smiling to the point where his eyes were barely visible. This casual and light demeanor was unlike that of a typical duke, and he often clashed with the always serious Duke Yelling, except in matters concerning his daughter. But Duke Wicksvil was not smiling now. He was no fool who would smile even at those blinded by greed in wartime.
Staring icily at Ferand, he said. “Your Highness has always been with the first princess. The two of you have consistently worked together, so it’s more efficient and safer for the two well-coordinated orders to move together to eliminate the swarming monsters. Even if you first eliminate the leader to prevent further reproduction, the number of remaining offspring will still be enormous.”
“That’s—!”
“And Your Highness will be safest next to the first princess.” His emotionless words cut through Ferand like a knife.
Rebecca glanced at Ferand, who clenched his fist silently. “Duke, that’s enough.” She quietly tried to stop the duke. But he did not stop speaking.
Duke Wicksvil continued with a cold face. “Don’t sacrifice the knights of the third order for a foolish pursuit of honor.”
“…”
“Do you understand?”
Ferand gritted his teeth silently. His jaw was visibly tense.
Eventually, he left the tent without a word. Rebecca gave a slight nod to Duke Wicksvil and followed him out.
Duke Wicksvil, as if nothing had happened, smiled again. “I wish for the Third Prince good fortune. Let’s meet again at sunset.”
“Take care as well, Duke.”
* * *
Each order dispersed immediately after the commanders’ meeting to deal with the mutant monsters they were assigned. The swarming mutant monsters this time were said to resemble spiders with ten legs, which disgusted the knights.
Rebecca walked at the front alongside Ferand, reviewing the materials given by Duke Wicksvil. “They become stronger and more frenzied if they consume blood and flesh, so burn the corpses or move them behind friendly lines to prevent chaos… Ferand, you handle any corpses I don’t manage to deal with.”
“…”
“Ferand, are you listening?”
“…”
Rebecca spoke again, but Ferand stubbornly kept his eyes fixed straight ahead. She was about to frown and speak when she remembered Ludwig’s words before they left.
“We shouldn’t provoke the second prince any further. While we can’t stop the second concubine, Your Highness must at least soothe the second prince. Don’t provoke him until he no longer harbors any resentment towards you. Don’t reprimand or interfere too.”
Ludwig had been closely watching Ferand since he began meeting people at his whim. So he had noticed how deeply Ferand resented Rebecca and warned her.
Hold it in… Rebecca took a deep breath to suppress her urge to scold Ferand. After some thought, she spoke cautiously. “Ferand.”
“…”
“It’s true that you were born with less mana, but that doesn’t mean you lack combat skills. Reduce the time you spend wandering outside and focus more on training. You’ll surely be able to move independently next time.” Rebecca tried to speak in the kindest voice she could.
Ferand, who had been treating her like she didn’t exist, finally stopped and turned to her. Thinking he was finally listening, Rebecca continued, satisfied.
“I will help you train. You can impro—”
“Stop.”
But Ferand only paused because he was too dumbfounded. He swept his hair back with a hand, smiling bitterly.
What? Born with less mana and not training, just wandering outside? Help? Isn’t she just using me? The simmering anger inside him finally exploded.
Losing his temper, Ferand screamed at Rebecca, forgetting the knights were watching. “I am not an idiot who can’t do anything without you! I am not a tool for your benefit!”
“Ferand, you…”
“If you’re so worried about the lives of the third order knights, I’ll go alone. Don’t try to interfere with my life.”
“What kind of nonsense is that!”
Rebecca raised her voice, but Ferand summoned a low-level spirit and disappeared into the forest mist in an instant. He sensed Rebecca trying to chase after him, but he gritted his teeth and ran swiftly to escape.
You think I need to be by her side to be safe? I’ll show you that you’re wrong, Duke.
Rebecca seemed to think Ferand had been wandering outside aimlessly, but he had been meeting people and training diligently in his own way. As a result, he had significantly increased the number and duration of spirits he could summon. This newfound confidence and his resentment towards Rebecca spurred him on.
Ferand soon stopped at the entrance to a cave where the swarm-type monsters were said to be hiding.
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Honestly, good for him. I hope he wins. Maybe he’s a bit emotional but no one has ever seen him as his own person before. Go show everyone Rebecca is a doody head and you’re better off without her! Thanks for the TL! ✨