Chapter 198: It’s Going to Be a Sleepless Night (3)
First, the flag I was holding pierced through the chest of a cavalryman.
My flag, which was rushing forward at a merciless speed, must have contained an immense amount of power. I pushed the soldier, pierced through the chest, for about 20 meters before letting go of the flagpole.
My right arm felt like it would break, but it proved that my training hadn’t been easy. I could hold my sword and charged forward, splitting the 18th Legion of the Imperial Capital like a wave.
A cavalry lance is aimed at my chest. The tremendous force generated at the moment of collision could pierce my body, even if the tip of the lance was somewhat blunt. However, my sword never allowed its owner to be injured.
The sword, which fiercely deflected the blade to the side, extends slightly towards the neck of the rider, whose arm moved simultaneously. There’s a thud and something catches, but the resistance disappears immediately. The sword conveys the feeling of cutting through the wind, just like before.
“Don’t back down! Forward-!”
Nothing can stop our allies, who have already gained momentum. I heard the cavalry shouting towards where my voice could reach them.
A storm of rough shouts and excited voices rushes in.
I didn’t look back. I didn’t think about how many were following me. I just felt that the breathing, the voices, and the sound of hooves never ceased.
Cutting down lances, unhorsing those who confronted me, I ran, shouting out all the emotions overflowing from my chest.
Towards the fluttering flags of our allies in the distance. Towards where my friends are, my precious allies.
“Al-! Kingdom Army-!”
Imperial cavalry blocking my view. Letting go of the reins, I grabbed the lance with my left hand, pulled it back, and punched with all my might. My left hand aches as if it will break. But I left Brandione behind, so it’s under magical protection.
As one of the Imperial cavalry fell, I stopped my horse. And raising my sword, I shouted in all directions.
“I have arrived! Grand General Arisein has arrived-!”
The soldiers of the 18th Legion of the Imperial Capital, who hadn’t even noticed who had come because they were busy fighting, all looked at where I was. They must have spurred their horses towards me out of pure instinct.
That’s when I realized who was behind me. I understood why I was able to penetrate so deep into the enemy lines.
“You look happy! Haa!”
“It’s dangerous to rush out like that.”
Aila appeared on my left, and Levidian on my right. As the two dependable figures stepped forward, a reliable voice came from behind me.
“My father used to say! Never skip a meal, no matter how busy you are! It means don’t forget the important things when you’re too busy! Strength (Strength)!”
Energy surged through my whole body. My body, which had been lagging behind my heart, was ready to move. And the horse I was riding also raised its head and neighed vigorously.
Neigh-hi-hing!
“As long as this Lucy is watching your back! No one can touch the Grand General of Herduke!”
“I’ll recommend you as a Court Mage, Lucy!”
“Oh! That’s exactly what I wanted! This is why people should do good deeds! Uhahahahahaha!”
“I need to be alive for that, right? Follow me! Hahahahaha!”
I laughed loudly and rode my horse. The wind against my face is truly refreshing. It’s strange to feel this way in the middle of a battlefield, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless.
To think that finding my place would be this joyful!
Now, I’m not even afraid of Artshever.
I’m not afraid of anything!
Curiosity takes a back seat. I move forward! Then, I will eventually reach the truth that lies ahead! There’s no time to be tied down by lingering doubts!
“The Grand General is coming! I, Arisein, am coming!”
Aila and Levidian are running on my left and right, neutralizing those who charge at us in advance. I catch glimpses of the Black New Moon assassins here and there. One assassin, who made eye contact with me, nodded towards me. It was the one I had talked with before.
Suddenly, I looked back. I saw Lucy holding up her staff, the Legion Standard, Division Standard, Battalion Standard, and the Kingdom Flag fluttering in the wind, along with thousands of Herduke cavalry.
There was no agony on their faces. Though there was caution, no one looked exhausted. That’s because the one leading them is moving like the wind.
“Let’s go-!”
Ooooo-!
At my words, they raised their morale and charged in. And finally, we reached the rear of the 2627th Division. They, who had been helpless against the 18th Legion of the Imperial Capital closing in from all sides, were surprised by the sight of thousands, maybe even over ten thousand, allies, including the Grand General.
To them, I said, as if pouring cold water on their heads.
“The Grand General commands! Prepare for a full charge!”
“A, a full charge……! Prepare for a full charge! It’s the Grand General’s order! The Grand General has arrived!”
Those who were bewildered shuddered.
They seemed to have realized that their supreme commander was right behind them, giving orders directly.
The shaken discipline was restored, and their hands gripping the reins and lances tightened with strength.
I shouted.
“For the future!”
The cavalry of the 2627th Division simultaneously opened a path to the left and right for me. The words I had shouted flowed from their mouths once more.
For the future!
I shouted.
“For life!”
The sound of armor from the 2627th Division cavalry, who spurred their horses alongside the following cavalry, was deafening. Amidst the metallic symphony of clanging and rattling, they shouted back.
For life!
I saw the Kingdom Army collapsing ahead. The sight of the scattered flags. But soon, the flags of the Kingdom Army raised their heads towards the sky, standing tall once more.
A strong wind, a wind that might have been caused by humans rather than nature, blew and made the flags flutter.
I shouted.
“For ourselves!”
Thud! Thud! The hooves, the drumsticks, beating the drum that is the earth. The voices of the people carried on top of it. Rattling, screaming, the sounds of clashing weapons.
Overwhelming all those sounds, one voice resonated.
For ourselves!
One heart contained in one voice. I am at the center of it. In front of everyone, but at the center, the only one who can move them.
The master of war commanded.
“Herduke Kingdom Army-! Charge-!”
A shout too overwhelming to describe, hotter than the sun, covered the heavens.
I was at the forefront of everyone.
A great victory.
The only words that could describe everything in a single phrase. There were many dead and many wounded, but we had achieved a victory that could comfort our sorrow.
The Pelasia Plain belonged to the Herduke Kingdom Army. Reports came in that the Imperial Army had retreated far away to Pelasion, across the river south of the plain.
At the same time, the Imperial Army had destroyed all the bridges leading from the plain. It was somewhat depressing news, but thanks to that, we could face the Imperial Army across the river, couldn’t we?
I declared the lifting of the alcohol ban to the soldiers. A celebration is fitting for a great victory, and I felt like enjoying it myself. Because along with the victory, there was something for me to celebrate as well.
“We won!”
Wow!
The officers cheered. I raised my glass and spoke to the officers, who had a look of satisfied fatigue on their faces.
“We always win!”
Wooo!
Even louder cheers. I shouted a toast with a smile filling my face.
“So don’t be defeated by something like alcohol! Cheers!”
Cheers-!
Hearty cheers followed, and everyone either hugged their comrades’ shoulders, congratulated each other, or offered a drink to their fallen friends.
I came down from the podium, shared drinks with the officers, and moved around appropriately.
“Grand General-nim, you were amazing today!”
“Ah, you too!”
“As expected of the Grand General-nim! The hero of the Kingdom Army! Cheers for His Excellency Arisein!”
Cheers!
After passing through such places, I finally arrived where my friends were. The drinking party was already in full swing there.
To be precise, Lucy was teasing Al.
“Uhahahaha! You lost? Huh? You lost? You punk! Aren’t you embarrassed! Uhahahaha!”
Unfortunately for him, Al had fought against Baius and lost.
He didn’t die thanks to his magical equipment, but both his arms were fractured until Namia healed him. He said he got injured while trying to block Baius’ halberd with his arms.
Knowing this, Lucy had been teasing him since the end of the battle. He became even more mischievous after drinking.
“I tied with Referndi! I was ambushed, but I overwhelmed her! Umhahahaha! Are you jealous? Are you jealous? Uhehehe!”
“You bastard!”
Finally, Al exploded. He kicked his chair back and landed a hearty kick on Lucy’s chest, and Lucy fell backward with a yelp like a beaten dog. Al rushed at him, and the two rolled away and collided with an empty table.
Hmm. Come to think of it, Lucy overwhelming Referndi was Al’s complex. He deserved to be hit for provoking him like that.
I ignored the two and spoke to the priestess who was quietly focusing on the nuts.
“Namia, don’t heal them until tomorrow.”
“Gladly.”
Thinking about it now, Namia’s sense of humor seems to be quite progressive. It would have been funnier if she had said it with a smile.
“Here, Risel, drink!”
Aila grinned and handed me a beer tankard, and I brought my glass to it. She filled it to the brim, and I emptied it in one gulp.
Gulp! The refreshing taste of beer that resonates in my throat!
“Phew! That’s the best!”
“Wow! Cool! Refreshing! Oh my! What should I do! I think I’m falling for you! Wow!”
Perhaps because her face was flushed, Aila, who was three times louder than usual, made a statement that was three times more dangerous. Is it the fault of the 1024th Battalion? Anything red is three times more……
“Aila, step aside.”
“Ah! Unni, are you going to act like the mistress here too?”
“And what about you? Behave yourself before I start having suspicious thoughts. Risel, here you go.”
Levidian handed me a half-filled beer tankard, looking somewhat angry, and I brought my glass to it. Then, she pulled the tankard away and shook her head.
“Not that, this.”
She offered the tankard again, and I looked back and forth between the tankard and her with a blank expression for a moment. Then, I pointed at the tankard.
“Uh……? This?”
“Yes. This.”
She smiled deeply. Scary. She’s smiling, but somehow it’s scary. Why do I feel like I’ve done something very wrong? No, I’m innocent!
“Can’t I give one glass from that to Aila? What did I do wrong?”
“Drink it.”
“Ibi, so, Aila’s behavior is……”
“Drink it.”
“Yes.”
Feeling like the stars in the night sky would appear before my eyes if I said one more word, I had to take the tankard with about 1 liter left and drink it all. Ugh. I’m full.
“I’m going to die from drinking. Hic.”
“Be thankful I didn’t tell you to drink as much as Joey.”
She said primly, and I glanced at my sworn younger brother. Joey, who was drinking beer, felt my gaze and widened his eyes.
“Yes? What’s wrong?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
As Joey lifted the 3-liter tankard, it dramatically transformed into Joey’s personal drinking glass.
I sat down, picked out a few snacks, and calmed the beer sloshing around in my stomach. Perhaps because my body was tired, it felt like it was being absorbed quickly.
“Risel, your expression has softened?”
“You’re right. It’s quite different from yesterday. Yesterday, you had a quite serious face, but today, it seems like you’ve shaken something off.”
“Ah, that’s probably true. I found my place.”
“Yes? What do you mean by that?”
Levidian, and of course, Aila tilted their heads. I smiled and talked about the emptiness I felt while sitting in the Grand General position and the realization I gained while charging today.
The two women listened to my words and nodded.
“Indeed. That’s how it was. It’s quite important.”
“Congratulations. You’ve realized where you should stand and what you should look at. There’s a big difference between doing something unconsciously and doing it consciously. That’s why you were always ahead even when you were a Legion Commander, Risel. It seems your instinct found the position you hadn’t realized yourself.”
“Oh? Is that so important?”
I know it’s important. I felt it, and the emptiness I felt all this time has disappeared. But Levidian seemed to put more meaning into it.
She slightly perched on the table to my right and spoke with a smile.
“When I taught you swordsmanship, I told you that positioning is important, right?”
“Yes. There’s a position where I can attack easily and the opponent can defend with difficulty. If you attack knowing that, you can easily subdue your opponent. The opposite is also true. I remember it being something like that.”
“Excellent. It’s not just about swordsmanship. It’s important in your attitude towards life as well. The place where you are, the place that suits you, and the place where you should be are all different. But these three don’t draw parallel lines. Because somewhere in the world, there’s definitely a place where they converge. You found that place today. Cheers.”
She raised her glass, and I raised mine as well. Aila quickly poured the alcohol, and Levidian and I made a toast. Aila perched on the chair next to Levidian and said,
“That place is really important. Because when you’re there, you can do anything. I mean, you can do everything you want. Because that place is where you’ll be in the future, everything is prepared for you. And because it’s a place you want to stay in, you have the motivation to do anything, and because it’s a place you should be, there’s no reason to stop halfway through anything you do. So you can do anything, as you wish. But that place really suits you. A leader who can move forward with everyone. Unni, isn’t that a truly Risel-like place?”
“It is. It’s a place that perfectly suits someone with drive, kindness, and courage. I guess I was a happy woman after all. Hehe.”
“Ugh! Goosebumps, goosebumps! Here! Have some chicken skin pie!”
“Are you giving it to me? I’ll gladly take it.”
Levidian, seemingly in a good mood, took the pie Aila offered and munched on it deliciously. I smiled and enjoyed this improved atmosphere for a while.
Then, Al and Lucy walked over with difficulty. Lucy looked more disheveled than Al. As expected of Al. To think he overwhelmed Lucy in hand-to-hand combat.
He spoke briefly.
“I’m back.”
“Welcome back. Are you done?”
“Yeah.”
“Damn. To think you only win against me, you sneaky bastard……”
Lucy grumbled and chomped on a chicken leg. He’s going to chew the bone as well. And he looks pathetic with one of his eyes blackened.
Al, with obvious traces of a bloody nose, seemed somewhat satisfied as he raised his glass and emptied it leisurely, but he winced as if his mouth was hurt.
To think that punches were exchanged in earnest as a joke, what a precarious friendship. Maybe it’s similar to Levidian pointing her sword at me at every opportunity.
Lucy, who demonstrated the high-level skill of chewing a chicken leg in his mouth and spitting out a perfectly clean bone, picked up the chicken body and said,
“By the way, Risel. Your face looks refreshed?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Are you going to fight like that from now on? Raging like a horse stung by a bee at the forefront?”
“Use better words to express yourself. What’s with ‘a horse stung by a bee’?”
“Alright. A stallion in heat.”
This guy. I was about to say something to him but thought of a much more effective method. I called her.
“Levidian.”
“Yes. Here, Lucy, take your sword. I’m a Sword King, I don’t use my hands against someone who doesn’t hold a sword.”
“Um, can’t I just peacefully hold this chicken?”
“You’ll get fat.”
“You’re absolutely right. Risel will hate it if I get fat. Ahahaha! Eek!”
Lucy, who was laughing, flinched as a meat-cutting knife flew right past his face. Then, Namia quietly got up and headed in the direction the knife had flown.
Who would be passing by at a time like this? At least he was lucky enough to be stabbed in the buttocks.
Lucy said with a face as if he had acute indigestion,
“I’ve committed a grave sin, but please don’t kill me. Let’s not do this to each other, as people who will be among the Eight Strongest of the Continent in the future. Okay?”
“You know what? You always add unnecessary remarks and get hit when you don’t have to.”
Levidian’s hand moved lightly, and a fork deeply pierced the chicken Lucy was holding. The large mage frowned as if he couldn’t stand it any longer.
“Levidian, if you keep doing this……”
“What?”
“I’ll even kneel. Please put down the cutlery in your hand.”
“Good thinking.”
Levidian, who was holding knives and forks tightly between her fingers, put them down with a smile. Now, anyone will know. The Sword King here is our king. Disobey and you die. Hmm.
Then, Al, who was touching his chin and cheek, said,
“About the Eight Strongest of the Continent.”
“Yeah. Why?”
“Am I not included?”
I briefly recalled my memories before I died.
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