WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator: Abood

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ Friedrich's Battlefield

Chapter 24: Audience

"Count Matthias von Hosenfeld. Your presence is welcomed. I thank you for answering the summons."

"Your Highness, Crown Princess."

As the two entered, Crown Princess Claudia rose to receive Matthias personally. Though Friedrich kept his gaze respectfully averted, he could feel the shift in the room as she stood.

Since this was not a formal audience with the king but rather a private meeting with royalty, Matthias gave only a courteous nod.

Friedrich bowed much deeper as he stood beside him. Even as he straightened, he avoided meeting Claudia’s eyes directly.

He maintained a proper posture, gaze lowered, while still taking in the room’s details. It was one of the royal chambers used for private audiences with nobles. A single round table stood in the center, flanked by two solid and finely crafted chairs, unadorned yet unmistakably refined.

Behind Claudia stood two royal guards. A few steps further back waited attendants, likely aides and servants.

“Let me ask at once. Is that young man your retainer?

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Claudia’s question was met with a crisp reply from Matthias, who turned toward Friedrich as he spoke.

This is it.

With that thought, Friedrich dropped to one knee and bowed his head low.

“It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Friedrich, sworn retainer of the House of Hosenfeld. I am deeply humbled to be granted the privilege of appearing before Your Highness, Crown Princess.”

“…I see.”

Claudia’s voice, tinged with a hint of intrigue, reached his ears.

Perfect. His form, tone, and wording were flawless. Or so Friedrich believed.

“Friedrich the retainer. Raise your head.”

At her command, he rose and looked upon Claudia’s face for the first time.

He had seen her from afar at the enlistment ceremony. That same radiant golden hair. Eyes sharp with strength. Her expression brimmed with unwavering confidence. Even the air around her felt different, charged, and commanding.

At just twenty-five, she already handled the practical affairs of the entire kingdom. So this is what it means to hold power, Friedrich thought. This is the presence of a ruler.

“At the enlistment ceremony, you were at the end of the knight cadets' line, weren’t you? I remember that crimson hair of yours.”

“I am honored, Your Highness.”

Claudia’s tone was gentle, and she even wore a slight smile, yet Friedrich’s nerves remained taut. He focused on keeping his face steady, determined not to let tension show.

“I’ve heard you were raised from orphan to retainer less than a year ago, and yet you carry yourself quite calmly. And your greeting was impeccable. One without proper upbringing could not recite such words so smoothly from mere memorization... Judging by your manner and speech, you already appear a fine knight.”

Claudia then turned her gaze to Matthias.

This one has always been remarkably sharp, even for a commoner raised as an orphan. My retainers who oversaw his knightly and etiquette training, all say his capacity for learning is exceptional.”

“So it’s not just the result of good instruction, but a testament to the young man’s own talents as well… Retainer Friedrich.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As Claudia turned her gaze back to him, Friedrich quickly braced himself.

“I’ve been told that you rallied the people of the small city of Volga and defeated a band of brigands. Rather than simply meeting their assault head-on, you laid a trap and executed a full encirclement. It’s hard to believe a commoner pulled off such a feat. An impressive achievement.”

“With all due respect, the success of the operation was only possible because the people of Volga stood together. I did what I could, but—”

“Would that effort include falsely claiming to be Lord Hosenfeld’s illegitimate son to benefit from his name and reputation?”

“…Regarding that matter, while it was an impulsive decision in a moment of desperation, it was a careless act that nearly brought dishonor to Count Hosenfeld’s name. I have no excuse. I am deeply grateful for the Count’s leniency and intend to atone by serving him, the Royal Army, the Royal Family, and this kingdom with everything I have.”

All his effort to keep his face composed was shattered by Claudia’s sudden strike. Sweat rolled down his temple as he gave a swift, steady reply. Watching him, Claudia let out a quiet chuckle.

“I see. So that’s your unguarded face. Still, based on your response just now, it’s clear your mind works quickly.”

Was she teasing him? Or testing him? Friedrich’s eyes darted for a brief moment as the thought crossed his mind.

“Friedrich. If I’ve offended you, I apologize.”

“Not at all, Your Highness.”

An apology from royalty was far too weighty. Bowing his head, Friedrich felt a jolt of panic rise inside him.

“I can see that you’re sharp. But intellect alone doesn’t make a good soldier… Friedrich, half a year ago you were a commoner. Now you’re a knight, a soldier of the Royal Army. So tell me… what do you fight for?”

The air shifted as Claudia asked her question.

There was weight behind it now. Pressure.

Another test.

Sensing it, Friedrich answered without delay.

“To become someone of worth.”

“I see. So… honor and advancement.”

Claudia’s murmur came without expression.

Friedrich froze.

Had he said the wrong thing?

But before he could think further, Claudia offered him a soft smile.

“I don’t consider that a shallow reason. The Royal Army is a bureaucratic institution. Knights and soldiers alike are human beings, we all have our reasons for joining. I understand that. But the way you phrased it... ‘To become someone’... that’s intriguing. Many soldiers want to be knights, many knights wish to be ennobled. But you didn’t say that. You said you want to become someone.”

Her gaze swept him from head to toe, slow and deliberate, as if to measure his very soul.

“Indeed, if you serve in the army, you might someday distinguish yourself, maybe even etch your name into the pages of history. You could become a hero of the kingdom, like Lord Hosenfeld here. But that kind of honor lies beyond the edge of death. War is never without risk. And you were just a commoner. Intelligence doesn’t always come with the courage to face death. So tell me, are you not afraid of battle?”

“…I can’t say I’m unafraid. To say I don’t feel fear, knowing my first real battle could come at any moment, that would be a lie.”

As he spoke, he felt the tension inside him slowly ease.

It was the same feeling he’d had six months ago, when Matthias had asked him something similar.

He wanted to speak. He wanted to be heard.

“However, there exists a feeling that surpasses even that. I came to know of it last year, when the bandits drew near. To perish as one among the nameless masses, as a powerless lamb, forgotten in a remote corner of the world. To die having become nothing without ever receiving even the chance to strive toward becoming something. The mere thought stirred within me a deep, searing anger. Such a fate was intolerable. And if overcoming that fate demanded staking my life in battle, then I resolved to fight. That is the conclusion I reached.

“So, you truly did stake your life in battle… and defy your fate.”

Claudia spoke, meeting Friedrich’s gaze head-on.

“Anger can become a powerful driving force. One who has transformed that anger into resolve, and with that resolve, overcome fear… such a person can surely face the terrors of future battles as well. To question someone who has already crossed the line between life and death about fear of war, that was foolish of me.”

Claudia gave a self-deprecating laugh. Friedrich responded with a quiet smile and a slight shake of his head.

“Let me ask a different question. This will be the last. Friedrich, retainer of House Hosenfeld, a knight, and a soldier of the royal army. By what means do you intend to become someone of worth?”

“…A righteous victory.”

After a brief pause for thought, Friedrich gave his answer.

“I… came to know many heroes through books. And I realized that they all shared something in common. The first, of course, is that they achieved great victories. The second is that they all fought for a just cause. They fought for their cause, triumphed, and protected what they believed in. That, I came to understand, is what makes a hero. I too as a soldier of the kingdom and as a knight, wish to be someone who contributes to a righteous victory. If I remain true to that path… then perhaps, one day, I may become someone of worth.”

Friedrich finished speaking. He did not avert his gaze, nor did he shy away from the strength and pressure emanating from Claudia’s eyes.

“…Very well.”

Claudia spoke, placing a hand firmly on Friedrich’s shoulder.

“I summoned you out of curiosity, but I’m glad we met and spoke. Friedrich, I will remember your name. I look forward to seeing what you’ll achieve.”

“Your words honor me beyond measure. I will devote myself entirely to living up to your expectations.”

“Good. Then… you are dismissed for today. You’ve done well. I’ll be speaking with Lord Hosenfeld now, wait for me in the adjacent room.”

“As you command.”

Friedrich saluted and turned on his heel with composed, precise movement.

The door closed behind him as he stepped out of the room, guided by the official who had brought him there.

In that instant, a wave of exhaustion suddenly swept over him. The tension he had forgotten returned all at once. His shoulders felt heavy, his face stiffened, and he exhaled deeply.

He had been scared. He had spoken so freely and boldly, how had he managed to avoid making a fool of himself?

No, perhaps he only thought he hadn’t. Maybe he had said something utterly disastrous without even realizing it. The thought alone made his face go pale.

“Please, don’t worry. I thought you answered most admirably. Well done.”

“…Thank you very much.”

Friedrich gave a stiff smile in return to the official, who offered him kind words with a faint, sympathetic laugh.

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