Published: July 4, 2025
On the afternoon of the day Ryun and the others departed from the imperial capital, unsettling news arrived at the Imperial Palace from the Northern region.
"Payu Nation is advancing southward!"
Payu is a nation located to the north of Darwei.
To the further north of Payu, there seems to be the Chououchi Empire, which had become a topic of concern recently...
"Payu is attacking us? Is it not a false report?"
Upon receiving the news, Emperor Tsuin confirmed with Prime Minister Byang.
This was only natural.
The power ratio between the two nations is said to be between 20 to 1 and 30 to 1.
If they were to attack from Darwei, it would be one thing, but there is no reason for the overwhelmingly disadvantaged Payu side to invade Darwei.
Moreover, the relationship between the two nations is not that bad at present.
The king of Payu ascended to the throne ten years ago, and since then, he has been paying tribute to Darwei.
Darwei has also been sending food, especially rice, more than what they received, so there is no reason for a conflict.
"It seems that 5,000 troops from Payu are descending and attacking our cities."
"That makes no sense."
Emperor Tsuin shook his head slightly.
Nevertheless, they couldn't afford to do nothing.
That same day, an imperial decree was issued to His Highness Ryun, the sixth prince.
He was ordered to lead 10,000 troops from the forbidden army to repel the Payu forces.
The night before Ryun was to depart, in the Kouri Princely Residence.
There, His Highness Kouri, the second prince, and Lord Rowan were drinking coffee.
"It seems it was Your Highness Kouri who recommended Ryun for the counteroffensive against Payu."
"Indeed."
Rowan asked with a faint smile, and Prince Kouri responded with a slight smile as well.
"Why is that? Up until now, the repulsion of external enemies has been recommended with Prince Churei, a warrior, aside from you. If it’s a prince who can use the forbidden army, there shouldn't be a chance of losing. That means it’s a golden opportunity to accumulate achievements. This time as well, Ryun, leading 10,000 from the forbidden army, shouldn't lose."
"Yes, Ryun will likely win. If not, it would be problematic. He is a necessary talent for the future of Darwei. It would be troubling if he were to die here."
"Then why..."
Rowan was about to ask that when he suddenly tilted his head as if realizing something, and then immediately became convinced.
"...Is the aim to distance Prince Ryun from the Ryun Princely Residence?"
At Rowan's words, Prince Kouri said nothing, simply drinking his coffee with a faint smile.
"Now, with Duke Rondo of the nearby Rondo Mansion moving south, and if Prince Ryun goes north... The Ryun Princely Residence will still have some forces left, but compared to usual, it will be surprisingly weak. There, you anticipate that Prince Bin will take action."
"…"
"Day by day, the fourth prince, Prince Bin, is said to be losing his normal judgment. His hatred is directed at Prince Ryun. If Prince Ryun's family is left defenseless right in front of him... for example, there is a high possibility that the remaining second-rank adventurers will be sent to attack."
"…"
"But why? Why would they attack the Ryun Princely Residence in such a state?"
Rowan posed the biggest question to Prince Kouri, who remained silent.
Still smiling faintly, Prince Kouri opened his mouth.
"As I mentioned earlier, Ryun is an essential person for the future of Darwei. A talent like him is rare. However, in the past month, he has become stronger than expected."
"Stronger than expected?"
Rowan tilted his head at Prince Kouri's words.
"Yes. His heart has become too strong. At this rate, it will be difficult to maneuver him for my purposes."
Prince Kouri maintained a smile, but Rowan could see a sharp glint in his eyes.
Something beyond Kouri's expectations had happened.
That is, he had become 'too strong.'
This is a very rare occurrence.
"Why has he become so strong?"
"It is people who strengthen the heart."
Prince Kouri answered Rowan's question somewhat indirectly.