TOPWL 184

Before he could respond, a freckle-faced man with bright orange hair answered for him.

“Must be a new recruit. Didn’t expect them to send in someone so pathetic when they said we’d get reinforcements.””

“They’re basically just telling him to go die.”

“Still, that one looks decent, at least,” said another member, glancing at Shane.

After that, they no longer spoke to Yudit. The beatings for those who had fallen behind had resumed. Once the twentieth lap was passed, most of the knights dropped out, and Yudit began to stand out even more. It was only natural, surrounded by burly, bearded men, a small and soft-looking figure like his managing to hold out drew attention.

“Still, the kid’s holding up well.”

“Yeah, but one hit and he’d go flying.”

“Looks like the type the enemy would be extra fond of.”

“You’re not one to talk, Nel.”

“Watch it. Unless you want your nose broken.”

Shane frowned at the stream of crude remarks. Yudit shook his head at him. There was no need to stir up trouble when only a few laps were left. Besides, they were no longer chasing the ones still running, but taking their bats to those who had already collapsed. With that, the pace of the runners had slowed significantly, making it easier for Yudit to keep going.

That man really had a knack for beating people. He avoided the bones and critical areas but went to town on the rest, and the sound of the blows was oddly satisfying.

Eventually, after completing his thirtieth lap, Yudit came to a stop. His heart was thudding like a separate creature, and the back of his throat tasted metallic. His clothes, both shirt and trousers, were soaked through. He’d definitely have to change before heading to the marquis’s estate. The man who had been watching the finishers’ faces one by one gaped in disbelief when he reached Yudit.

“Your Highness…?”

Apparently, the man had recognized him from somewhere. Yudit gave him a sheepish smile and offered a greeting.

“Good to see you.”

“Are you really Prince Yudit?”

“Yes, I am.”

At Yudit’s confirmation, the man’s expression shifted strangely.

“I am Noban Eslad, Captain of the Ninth Order.”

“Yudit Friedrich Adenauer. A pleasure to meet you all.”

The others looked just as dumbfounded. Even if it was temporary, it was ridiculous to see someone of higher rank than the captain receiving punishment.

“But why… were you running with the recruits?”

“Well, I quite enjoy watching a good fight. It felt wrong to sneak away by myself, so I joined in for solidarity.”

At Yudit’s answer, Noban looked as though his head hurt. The ones being punished stared blankly at Yudit as well. Then someone shouted,

“He’s a real man!”

A whistle followed, but it quickly died down. Someone must have thought it was out of line and stopped it. After a moment of consideration, Yudit smiled toward the direction the voice had come from.

“Thanks.”

The others realized that the atmosphere wasn’t as hostile as expected and began clapping. However, some still remained silent. That was understandable. The person who now held sway over their lives was a fallen prince. The fact that they weren’t openly hostile was fortunate in itself.

“Let’s not stand around out here. Please, come inside.”

Noban’s face was stiff as he spoke. Yudit nodded and followed him.

The moment he sat down, his thighs started throbbing. Seeing how drenched and exhausted Yudit was, Noban looked troubled.

“I’ve heard the news. I understand you’ll be taking command of our order. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Likewise, it’s a pleasure.”

“But why the formal tone…?”

Noban looked uneasy as he brought it up.

“Ah, is that not appropriate?”

Yudit, in truth, wasn’t used to speaking informally. In the imperial palace, everyone except for a few servants had to be addressed with formality. In the back alleys, he had to use polite speech to keep his identity hidden. Because of that, it didn’t come naturally for him to drop honorifics with older men like Noban.

“Your Highness, you are our commanding officer. Since I’m in a lower position, it is proper for you to speak informally.”

“I understand that the title of commander is mostly nominal. I imagine I’ll be relying on you quite a bit, so wouldn’t mutual respect serve us better?”

Noban opened his mouth to object, but then shook his head.

“In the military, hierarchy must be clear. Without that, discipline breaks down. I insist.”

“Hmm, understood. Or rather–got it.”

Noban sighed heavily, as if there was a long road ahead. Yudit offered him an embarrassed smile.

“When will we be ready to deploy?”

“In three days. We’ve deployed forces in several regions, and we’re short on rations. We’re procuring more from other areas.”

“I see. And also…”

Yudit hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

“I’m sorry.”

“…I beg your pardon?”

“I’ve never been in a war. I haven’t experienced its horrors. It must be uncomfortable having to take orders from someone like me.”

“……”

“The Ninth Order is your creation. Your people. I’ll help where I can, and follow your lead where I should. I just hope you’ll teach me well.”

Noban seemed to ponder Yudit’s words for a moment before nodding.

“Your Highness, you’re not like the other princes.”

“In a good way, I hope?”

At Yudit’s question, Noban’s lips curled into a faint smile.

“Of course.”

“Good to hear.”

“The men have been given leave. They’ll return sometime tomorrow.”

After a pause, Noban knelt before Yudit. Caught off guard, Yudit looked down at him in surprise.

“I informed everyone that Your Highness would be taking command.”

“It’s true, so why would that be a problem?”

“Because of that, a few members left the order. I didn’t stop them. I offer my apologies.”

Only then did Yudit understand what those comments earlier had meant:

“Must be a new recruit. Didn’t expect them to send in someone so pathetic when they said we’d get reinforcements.”

“They basically just sent him to die.”

Looking at Noban kneeling before him, Yudit didn’t feel like blaming him.

“Please don’t do that. Stand up. This sort of thing makes me uncomfortable.”

Yudit held out his hand to Novan. After a moment of hesitation, Novan took it and stood.

“If they refuse conscription, wouldn’t they be punished under military law?”

“Yes. But once they quit the order, separate draft orders are issued and they’re reassigned elsewhere.”

“Then it shouldn’t cause too many issues. That’s a relief. How many left?”

“About fifty so far. But there may be more who don’t return. I estimate around thirty will be lost.”

“How many do we have remaining?”

“One hundred and fifty knights. Two hundred and thirty cavalry and infantry. Fifty archers. Seventy support staff, including medics and quartermasters. A total of about five hundred.”

Yudit let out a short sigh. It was fewer than he had expected. He’d assumed there’d be at least seven hundred, maybe close to a thousand. His expression darkened, and Noban spoke up.

“We’ll replenish our numbers.”

“But likely with squires, trainee knights, and regular soldiers, right?”

“…Yes.”

A proper knight was worth ten common soldiers in battle. To have too few knights was a serious blow. Yudit sighed again.

“Nothing we can do now. It’s already happened. We just need to find the best way to recover from it.”

Noban lowered his head. Seeing a man like Noban bow to him didn’t sit well. After a moment of thought, Yudit spoke again.

“The biggest issue is probably the unrest this caused among the troops. How about we ease that by holding a meal together? A welcoming banquet that also doubles as a send-off.”

“…That’s a good idea.”

“Great. Is there a place big enough for everyone to eat together?”

“Yes, though…”

Novan trailed off in an awkward tone.

“It hasn’t been used in a long time. It’s filthy. It’ll take at least a full day just to clean it.”

“Aren’t there people assigned to cleaning?”

“Usually the soldiers handle it, but they’re all on leave right now…”

“In that case, leave it to me.”

At the sudden voice, Yudit turned his head. Selena was standing beside him in riding attire. Shirt and pants, which felt unfamiliar enough that Yudit blinked in surprise. She’d been given time off to visit her family after spending so long up north. Her unexpected appearance caught him off guard. Selena gave a confident smile.

“Sorry I’m late. I’m here to serve you properly now.”