Published: January 4, 2026
Just like when we arrived, I proceeded while using Leviathan to create a “distraction.”
“Th-this is—”
Henry was about to voice his surprise.
I placed a finger to my lips, the classic gesture telling him to be quiet.
Startled, Henry closed his mouth and followed silently.
I led Henry around the camp.
At first, I needed Leviathan’s assistance, but gradually I understood how to use this power, and I was able to manipulate others’ gaze smoothly.
After doing that and quickly circling the camp, I boldly stepped out the front gate.
I stopped a little distance away and looked back at the camp.
Numerous bonfires were burning; not as bright as the Imperial Capital, but the area was so well lit it almost seemed like daytime.
“No particular problems.”
“...”
Henry stood there, dumbfounded and speechless.
“Henry?”
“...Ah, I apologize.”
“Is something wrong?”
“Your Majesty’s power is far more incredible than I had heard. I was at a loss for words.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. This is the first time I have witnessed someone leave the camp without anyone noticing, and without an escort... No, it’s unprecedented.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
“Not at all! You have no idea what this means... Ah!”
“What’s wrong?”
Henry suddenly froze.
His expression was a mixture of joy, complexity, and something else, as if he had realized something.
“Could Your Majesty’s power perhaps allow you to sneak alone into enemy territory and assassinate only the enemy general?”
“Oh, that.”
I chuckled softly.
“Yes, I can do it.”
“But—”
“But?”
“As I said earlier, it won’t work against a large army. For the same reason, if the enemy general is assassinated, their forces will detect the presence of an intruder. They will stop searching only after they find the culprit. I can finish the job, but escaping would be difficult.”
“I see...”
Henry lost words and appeared disappointed.
But it was only for a moment.
“As expected of Your Majesty. You have thought this through thoroughly.”
“Hm?”
“What is it, Your Majesty?”
“Is that... an express messenger?”
“Huh?”
Henry followed my gaze.
He squinted and furrowed his eyebrows.
His night vision seemed poor, and he couldn’t quite see.
“...Ah, yes, I hear the sound of hooves.”
“Good.”
After a moment, Henry seemed to rely on his hearing rather than sight.
“Must be urgent military news.”
“Let’s return.”
“Yes.”
I took Henry with me and headed back to the camp.
At the camp entrance, a man on an express horse, battered and panting, was arguing with the gatekeeper.
“I’m telling you! It’s urgent!”
“No! We can’t let anyone in without proper authorization.”
“I don’t have any passes. I came straight here.”
“No, no, you must go to the Imperial Capital and get a pass from the Regent Prince or someone.”
The express messenger pleaded desperately, but the gatekeeper’s soldier firmly rejected him.
“What’s going on?”
“Who are you—Your Imperial Highness the prince!?”
When I spoke up and approached, the gatekeeper ignored me and responded to Henry, who was standing slightly behind.
I chuckled lightly.
This happens often.
Low-ranking soldiers who have never seen the emperor tend to first react to a prince, a figure they may have just barely seen.
And then—
“This is before Your Majesty,”
the flow usually continues with the one who was recognized first revealing the higher rank—the emperor.
At that, both the gatekeeper and the express messenger panicked.
“Y-Your Majesty!?”
The two hurriedly bowed deeply after a brief pause.
“I-I apologize. I just assumed—”
The gatekeeper soldier tried to explain in a trembling voice.
“That’s fine. Not letting those without passes through is a good practice. Henry, give him 100 Lien later.”
“Yes.”
“And you...?”
“Huh?”
I asked the express messenger, who remained bowed with a puzzled look, raising only his face.
“This is urgent, right? Didn’t you report it to the Prince of Military Affairs or through him to Your Majesty?”