“Ha-ha! Of course. How could I object?!”
We found the archduke in the dining room. No sooner had I asked to use the portal than he let out a hearty laugh and gave me his permission.
“If that’s all it takes to cheer you up, Mel, then it’s a small price to pay!”
“Ngh… I know I’m being selfish, Grandfather. You don’t need to rub it in…” Melza pouted. She looked embarrassed.
Ah-ha-ha. She’s the most adorable girl in the whole world.
“Are you sure you want to ask every soldier, my boy? I’m sure if you just explained what you’re doing, they would accept it without complaint…”
“No, that won’t do. I need to earn their recognition and respect.”
Yes… I won’t be able to forgive myself if I simply rely on the archduke’s name to get whatever I want. Besides, there will no doubt be other military expeditions in the future, and I need to get off on the right foot with everyone.
“Well! You’re a stubborn one, my boy!”
“Wah!”
“But I rather like that side of you,” the archduke said, ruffling my hair with his calloused hand. “Well, then! How about we head off to the barracks once we’ve finished breakfast?”
“Yes! I’m looking forward to it!”
“I-I’m coming with you!” Melza added, hurriedly raising a hand.
The archduke guffawed. “I don’t think I’ve ever gone to war so happy!”
“Sorry to keep you.”
After breakfast, I changed into my military uniform and headed down to the entrance hall, where Melza and the archduke were already waiting for me.
“Oh… You look very dashing in your uniform, Hugh…,” Melza said, her face pink.
“Y-you think so…?” I stammered, and looked away in embarrassment.
“I do. Well, let’s get going.”
“Yes!”
The three of us boarded a carriage and headed north of the Imperial Palace, to the barracks housing the archduke’s forces.
There were only around three thousand soldiers deployed within the imperial capital. Most of the empire’s troops were stationed in border regions or areas rife with monsters. Of course, keeping your troops close to the front lines was one of the most foundational lessons of military tactics… But that said, all of the three thousand soldiers stationed in the capital were highly skilled warriors under the archduke’s direct command. Their military records were said to be spotless, composed of victory after victory.
Professor Monica, the so-called Red Reaper, was among their number.
“We’re here!” the archduke exclaimed.
Outside the carriage window, we could see a long, tall fence surrounding an unusually vast plot of land. It was here that the Southenklein Empire’s most capable forces were based.
“Oh? I thought you would be more impressed, son…”
“S-sorry… I’ve actually been here once before, in my first life…”
I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the archduke, who was clearly disappointed. The last time I was here, I had been dispatched to assassinate the archduke’s right-hand man… But I decided it best not to mention that part.
As the carriage passed through the gate and we entered the barracks grounds, the officers and men lined up in formation and raised their swords in salute. Their well-coordinated movements spoke to their exceptional skill and strength.
“…These men will eventually be under your command, Hugh,” Melza said.
“Mmm. But they won’t follow you until they’ve accepted you as their leader, my boy. Keep that in mind.”
“Yes…”
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
No matter what, I would earn their recognition as the archduke’s successor…and as Melza’s husband.
Once the carriage came to a stop, we stepped out to greet the soldiers.
“Attention, everyone!” bellowed the archduke. “As you know, we’ll be departing from the capital in three days to subdue the bandits plaguing our border with the Kingdom of Orléans. Let’s make sure we’re ready.” The archduke paused there and motioned for me to join him. “This man is my granddaughter, Meltreza’s, fiancé…in other words, my heir. Not only will he be joining us, he’ll be taking command during the expedition. Look forward to it! …Now then, Hugo…”
I nodded, then turned to look over the soldiers lined up in formation.
Ha-ha… Their expressions haven’t changed, but I can see the skepticism in their eyes.
I understood their doubt. As far as they knew, I was just some young man engaged to the archduke’s granddaughter, joining the military to add a little luster to my credentials. They probably suspected I’d try to take all the credit for myself, too.
So, first things first…I had to try to change that perception. If I couldn’t, there was no way they would agree to me using the portal to visit Melza. With that goal in mind, I began.
“My name is Hugo Grenville, and I’ll be joining this expedition to root out the bandits plaguing our border. I’m only fifteen, but I’m looking forward to working with you all,” I said, bowing. “…Some of you may find it difficult to accept me. You may think I’m here simply because I’m engaged to His Grace’s granddaughter… But let me say something right now.” I paused there and rested a hand on the hilt of the saber at my waist. Pulling out the blade and raising it high, I declared, “I’ll be putting my life on the line by your side, and I’ll demonstrate that resolve with my sword. I hereby challenge you all!”
“…?!”
At this, even the seasoned officers let out astonished gasps. Those words were probably the last thing they’d expected to hear.
“Excuse me. May I have a moment?” A tall officer, looking rather intellectual in a pair of glasses, stepped forward.
I recognized his face. He was the archduke’s right-hand man—the brains behind his military conquests, and the man I’d assassinated here during my first life.
Sir Oliver Portland, vice commander of the archduke’s forces.
“As you may already know, we are the empire’s premier force,” he said. “If a squad of regular soldiers took up arms against even one of us, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“……”
“Forgive me for saying this,” Sir Portland said with a shake of his head, “but I don’t see how you can possibly expect to stand toe to toe with us.”
It was as though he was rejecting me before he’d even given me a chance.
“Perhaps you’re correct… But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re right,” I answered.
“Oh…?” Sir Portland’s eyes glinted behind his glasses.
“Instead of debating the point, maybe it would be faster to test out our skills,” I suggested.
“…I only warned you for your own good… But very well. Men!” he bellowed, his voice filling the grounds. “Those who wish to challenge Hugo Grenville, step forward!”
At this, the soldiers all stood up straight—and close to two hundred answered the call.
“I hope you don’t regret this, Hugo Grenville,” Sir Portland said coldly.
“Of course not. I issued the challenge myself,” I answered with a fierce grin.