Bardloche’s faction had expanded its army in preparation for the decisive battle. Quality among the newcomers varied, and most were either inexperienced or weak. It was, therefore, the duty of commanding officers like Glen to make them more capable before the big day, even if only by the slightest margin. Bardloche’s fate rested in his military. Neglecting to improve these soldiers would see the war effort crumble from the inside out. Although Glen considered himself inexperienced, he couldn’t refuse an order to prepare the troops.
How much pressure will this put on them?
As a servant approached, Glen’s thoughts turned to his two troublesome friends.
“Captain Glen, you have a visitor.”
“A visitor? For me?”
“Yes, someone named Lianne is currently in the manor reception room.”
“…!”
Glen’s cheeks flushed, an exceptional rarity. Unable to contain himself, he prepared to dash off but, remembering his appearance, he changed direction. Glen grabbed a bucket from a nearby well, poured water over his head, and made for the barracks without bothering to dry.
He hurried into his private officer’s quarters, wiped himself down with a cloth, and took out a formal outfit. After quickly donning the clothes, Glen examined himself in a mirror for a second. Deciding he would suffice, he made his way to the manor beside the barracks.
Glen stood in front of the door to the reception room and took one small breath. He gave the door a light knock before opening it.
“I’m sorry for the wait, Lianne!”
“Sir Glen.”
The woman’s delicate features were the very picture of a sheltered maiden, or perhaps a doll. However, the moment she laid eyes on Glen, she lit up, making her unmistakably human.
“You haven’t kept me waiting at all. Rather, I apologize for suddenly imposing on you like this.”
“How could I ever consider a visit from my fiancée an inconvenience?”
Glen’s family belonged to the lowest class of nobility in the Empire, and arranged marriages were a common political strategy among the aristocracy. Glen and Lianne were a typical example of this. Lianne’s and Glen’s families had decided the two would wed. Unsurprisingly, such unions often disregarded romantic feelings, but…
“Sir Glen, your hair is damp.”
“Ah, sorry. I was training.”
Lianne took out a handkerchief and gently patted Glen’s hair, and the man was only too happy to allow it. If the pair’s expressions were any indication, they didn’t object to their betrothal in the least.
“So, Lianne, what brings you here today?”
The military training ground was purely a male sphere and no place for a lady like Lianne. However, Glen always welcomed a visit from his fiancée.
“Actually, I heard rumors there’s to be a large-scale battle.”
Glen wasn’t surprised. Although the anticipated clash had not been announced to the public, Bardloche’s faction was gathering as many soldiers and resources as possible. Something like that couldn’t go undetected. Anyone with the slightest intelligence could deduce that something big was about to happen.
“I’m sorry for not telling you. As you’ve heard, Prince Bardloche will sortie his forces in a decisive battle against Prince Manfred and Princess Lowellmina. I will take part as well.”
“That’s…” Lianne trailed off. She was undoubtedly aware of the troubles that faced Bardloche’s faction. An omen of failure loomed in place of anticipated victory.
“The location hasn’t been determined yet, but the land surrounding the Imperial Capital will likely become a battlefield. You should evacuate to the countryside as soon as possible. It would help put my mind at ease.”
Glen gave Lianne a rare smile to dispel her fears as best he could. Unsurprisingly, his attempt appeared to be in vain.
“…I apologize for involving you in my family’s circumstances, Sir Glen,” Lianne muttered solemnly.
The meaning of her words was clear. Lianne belonged to a family of low-ranking aristocrats, and she had relatives among Bardloche’s top leaders. Her family and her fiancé’s had no choice but to follow Bardloche’s decisions.
However, the Second Prince’s faction was presently waning, and Lianne’s sense of obligation had her trapped on a sinking ship.
“That’s not true, Lianne.” Glen gripped her hand as he gently explained himself. “I would likely have joined Prince Bardloche regardless of your family’s situation.”
“But…why?” she asked.
Her fiancé fell silent for a few moments. He wasn’t searching for an answer but instead for the right words. “I have friends who serve under Princess Lowellmina and Prince Manfred, respectively.”
“Friends?” she repeated with a tilt of the head. “In that case, shouldn’t you be joining one of—”
“You’d normally be right. However, we’re a bit different,” Glen explained, nostalgia entering his voice. “We’ve walked the same path, held each other’s hands, and stood side by side. There is no denying our friendship. However, we all wonder who would win if we came to blows.”
“…”
“We want to prove who is superior as well as test our limits. Thus, our best bet is to challenge those we respect, those who mutually recognize our strength. It might sound presumptuous, but that’s why I cannot say the three of us have been thrown into a civil war. In reality, we’re using it.”
Lianne blinked in astonishment, and Glen couldn’t blame her. After all, such impulsive behavior was undoubtedly difficult to comprehend. Especially since he was putting his life on the line.
“Sir Glen, do you intend to battle your two friends and win?”
“That’s right. However, the challenge won’t end there,” he said. “One of my old friends is a cut above the rest. He was outstanding even back in the old days, but he’s already shown the world his true talent in this era of unrest… Once the Empire is done fighting itself, I’ll take him on.”
Perhaps, Glen thought. We’ve always wanted his—Wein’s—approval.
Glen was well acquainted with the frustration. Wein had been watching from afar since the group’s academy days. Lowellmina and the others had surely realized as well that, while he was certainly their friend, Wein never once demonstrated a need for camaraderie.
Glen resented him. It was so humiliating. Whenever he and Wein were together, he wanted to grab the prince by the collar and shout, Notice me!
This civil unrest was the perfect opportunity. Once the Empire crowned a new ruler, it wouldn’t be long before the nation went to war with Natra. Glen’s victory over the Third Prince and Second Princess would prove that he had the skill to challenge the dragon.
“…I’m not quite sure what you mean, Sir Glen.”
Lianne’s voice was timid. “However, I can tell how much those friends mean to you. I must admit that I’m quite jealous.”
Glen chuckled quietly at the confession. “Don’t worry. They always have and always will be friends and nothing more. You’re my only love, Lianne.”