WeTried Translations

Translator: Nemui

Editor: Nemui

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◈ Friedrich's Battlefield

Chapter 139: The Reinforcements Join

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From late winter onward, Claudia remained at the front as supreme commander, leaving internal affairs to Alexia and the senior retainers in the capital.

Two weeks before the expected decisive battle, she stood east of the camp on the main road with Gustav and a small escort.

They were waiting for the Rigald reinforcements.

At last, banners appeared on the road.

The imperial banner of Rigald. The banner of the imperial house.

Claudia narrowed her eyes slightly.

"He came himself."

Crown Prince Edwin rode at the head of the column.

When the imperial party reached the waiting Edelstein delegation, Edwin dismounted and bowed with the courtesy due to a sovereign.

"Your Majesty Claudia. Four thousand five hundred reinforcements from the Rigald Empire have arrived."

Claudia's mouth curved into a faint, troubled smile.

"I welcome the Empire's aid. But I believe the number changed."

"It did."

Beside Edwin stood a familiar man. Christopher Langford, who had completed his obligations in the Empire, had returned with the reinforcements.

"Marquis Langford," Claudia said. "Your activity in the Empire was excellent."

"I merely performed my duty as ambassador and as an imperial noble, Your Majesty."

"A duty that achieved more than expected."

Christopher bowed.

Claudia turned back to Edwin.

"Before you rest, explain. The original promise was three thousand archers. Later, a hawk arrived saying it had become four thousand archers and five hundred cavalry. Why?"

Edwin's smile contained a trace of embarrassment.

"Unexpected consequences."

"Of what?"

"Of Marquis Langford's story, first of all. Thanks to him, there was no noble opposition to supporting Edelstein. But when imperial nobles were ordered only to support the expedition, many objected."

"Objected to supporting us?"

"Objected to only supporting you. They wished to participate."

Claudia stared at him.

Edwin continued.

"The announcement of your engagement to Prince Dustin also helped. The argument became that if the imperial house and Edelstein's royal house were to be joined by blood, the Empire must repay its debt as one Empire, and must exceed the expectations of its friend."

"You announced the engagement to prevent me from retreating, and it strengthened our aid."

"You also spread the engagement and the aid loudly in Edelstein to raise morale and excite imperial noble pride."

"I merely shared happy news."

"Of course."

They smiled at each other like diplomats who both knew exactly what the other had done.

"In the end," Edwin said, "we accepted noble troops who came at their own expense. That added one thousand archers and several hundred knights. For the dignity of the imperial house, we could not send only archers after that, so the imperial army added cavalry. Total strength, four thousand five hundred."

"The Empire repays its debts."

"Yes. This is proof."

Claudia looked at the long column. Trained imperial archers, noble soldiers, and cavalry had crossed the sea and land to stand on Edelstein soil.

"I accept the spirit of a strong and proud Empire."

Later that day, Friedrich received a report at the Ferdinand Regiment headquarters.

"An imperial officer requests an audience with you, Commander."

"Who?"

"Viscount Chester Carlisle."

Friedrich's face brightened despite himself.

Chester had fought beside him during the mission to protect Marchioness Melinda and her daughter. He entered the headquarters in imperial uniform and bowed formally.

"Count Hosenfeld. It is an honor to meet you again."

"Viscount Carlisle. We fought together. Outside public settings, Lord Hosenfeld is enough."

Chester smiled.

"Then please call me Chester as before."

"Gladly. I heard you came with the cavalry."

"His Imperial Highness appointed me commander of the cavalry sent to Edelstein. I suspect the story of our joint battle had some influence."

"Only some?"

"I hope my ability had some influence as well."

"It did. That story was persuasive because the man in it was worthy of praise."

Chester's expression softened, then became serious.

"The responsibility is heavy. But yours is far heavier."

"Both of us changed positions quickly."

"Far too quickly. Less than two years ago, we were only trying to escort a marchioness safely. Now we stand before a battle that may decide the west."

"Life moves without asking."

"So it does."

Chester extended his hand.

"I do not know the full plan, but I am certain you are involved. We will do our utmost for our friend. I am proud to fight beside you again."

Friedrich clasped his hand.

"So am I."

The reinforcements had joined.

Now the decisive battle drew near.

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