And Thus… It All Comes to an End - Chapter 10

“The enemy army has arrived!”

The scout’s cry tore through the tension. A young soldier, shrouded in dust and breathing raggedly, rushed in. Deep within his face, smeared with sweat and mud, his eyes burned with a steady flame. It wasn’t fear; it was the light of mission.

“Our defenses?”

“Ma’am! Lord Gareth has already completed the troop deployment!”

Following that report, a low, steady voice resonated from the depths of the tent.

“Lady Luciana, the enemy’s approach has been confirmed. The front lines, the flanks, and the retreat paths—all have been calculated. Please, be at ease.”

Gareth looked across the map, his face etched with sunburn and old scars. The light traced the edges of his armor, reflecting a dull glint. His presence held the weight that only those who truly know the battlefield possess. Within my own chest, a sense of resolve as Commander-in-Chief naturally welled up.

“The enemy’s movements are within our expectations. I shall take the vanguard and strike them down without fail.”

“I’m counting on you.”

Stepping outside, the cold wind bit at my cheeks. The pre-dawn sky still held a pale ultramarine hue, and white mist flowed across the plains. The scent of iron mingled with the breeze. It was the scent of war. Far off, beyond the horizon, a black banner swayed ominously.

“…They’re here.”

The voice that slipped from my lips held neither fear nor agitation. There was only the resolve of reaching this moment after a long period of preparation.

“Lady Luciana, your command to march!”

Gareth’s voice made the air vibrate.

I slowly raised my right hand, looking down at the camp spread out below the hill. Countless spearheads glinted in the morning sun. The wind died down, and for a moment, the world held its breath.

‘To those who never cease their efforts, grant further strength. To those who swear to the Goddess to protect this land, its people, and its future, let victory descend.’

My voice spread like the clear chime of a bell, echoing in the hearts of the soldiers.

“March!”

“OOOOOOOOOOOH!!!”

The earth trembled. Shouts and the pounding of hooves merged as the wind whipped up. Gareth raised his sword high and cried out sharply.

“All units, follow my lead! Encircle the enemy and pin them down! Protect Lady Luciana’s banner at all costs!”

In response to that command, the soldiers’ voices layered upon one another. The battle lines surged like a wave, shaking the grasslands as they moved. Gareth stood at the fore, piercing into the heart of the enemy formation.

Spears flashed; shields shattered. He swung his blade without a moment’s hesitation, parrying enemy strikes and shouting the next set of orders.

“Right wing, fall back! Left wing, ready spears—now! Pincer them!”

Responding to his voice, our formation converged beautifully. The soldiers moved as a single body, trained over many years. The moment the enemy vanguard crumbled, Gareth spurred his horse and broke through in a single burst.

He was like a blade of black iron piercing through a storm. His fearless sword, inspiring his comrades’ morale, changed the flow of the battlefield. The moment the azure banner fluttered high, the curtain on the war was truly raised.

The battle began like a storm and ended in a quiet hush.

The white mist of dawn cleared by noon, and by the time the sun passed its zenith, the outcome was certain.

“Push them back!”

Though shouts still flew, the enemy no longer had any momentum. The Valdenian units led by Gareth closed off the enemy’s retreat with efficient movements, calmly proceeding with the suppression. His precise leadership had stabilized the front lines time and again. Each time, the soldiers rallied, shouting, “Look to Lord Gareth’s back!”

Surrounded, the enemy soldiers gradually let go of their swords and sank to their knees. A breeze brushed over the silence that had returned to the battlefield. A troop of cavalry secured the flanks, and a messenger loudly proclaimed the demand for surrender. All sound stopped, as if it had been a lie.

The medics moved the wounded swiftly, and organized treatment began. I stood on the high ground, looking down at the captured soldiers.

“Even if it was expected, to send troops without so much as a herald—”

The anger was certainly there. But my reason quietly kept that anger in check.

I returned to the tent and immediately picked up the quill sitting on my desk. With every stroke of the pen, my heart grew more composed. I would avoid useless provocation. My demands would be realistic, ensuring I didn’t completely strip the opponent of their dignity.

It is regrettable that troops were dispatched without prior notice. If you wish for the release of the prisoners, I demand appropriate reparations for the damages incurred.

A short message.

“Gareth, bring the captured Knight Captain to me.”

Before long, the Knight Captain was led in. His armor was deeply gouged, his hair matted with sweat and blood, and his face was a mix of mud and fading dignity. I could see his shoulders trembling as he knelt.

“I am taking all of your subordinates as prisoners. However, I will not harm them needlessly. The wounded will be placed in the care of the medical corps.”

Hearing my voice, the Knight Captain gasped and shut his eyes tight. His lips trembled slightly.

“…You have my thanks.”

I held out the letter.

“It states that I seek reparations. Deliver this to the Royal Capital. You must bring the reply back yourself. Ensure you convey my demands and my will to the King without fail.”

The Knight Captain finally raised his face and looked me straight in the eye. His forehead was wet with sweat, his lips cracked.

“I understand.”

I nodded and ordered his release. The Knight Captain mounted a swaying horse and galloped away toward the Royal Capital.

The fabric of the tent fell back into place. I stood there for a long while, perfectly still.