TN: Sorry for disappearing for a while. The tension still continues btw.
The Hakusu territory at the northern end of this country was the border with the northern country.
The northeastern territory where my friend Nora lived was surrounded by steep rocky mountains, so it's difficult to attack from abroad.
In that respect, the mountain at the northern part of our territory was just an ordinary one, so it could be passed by riding horse.
Of course, there were measures taken like surrounding the territory with walls, but if the opponent this time was bandits, then it would difficult to be agile.
As such, Ryuze had returned to our territory.
(It's dangerous, but if Ryuze-niisama and ojii-sama are together, they can get rid of the bandits.)
…That was what I thought, but it was unexpected that there were similar damages occurring at the south and the west as well.
Originally, there were some damages caused by bandits occurring in Hakusu territory.
However, Ryuze had put a lot of effort into security since a few years ago, so the damages were almost gone.
(Even so, this occurrence is unnatural. Even to me, it feels artificial.)
According to Lucas, Ryuze was at the north while ojii-sama confronted the bandits at the south.
[Since the south is the territory of Astor governed by Ricardo's father, "don't make trouble" doesn't prevail over there right.]
Lucas who brushed up his silver hair which was a characteristic of northern country muttered so, Ricardo then frowned.
[I'd like to provide reinforcement from my territory, but unfortunately my parents are heading here and not in the territory currently, so I hope my brother provides it.]
As Ricardo said, Millard seemed to be unable to do such thing.
And at the west side of Hakusu territory, it seemed to be more undermanned compared to other parts where soldiers were sent.
While we were talking, a messenger rushed to Lucas and whispered something to his ears.
[…That's a serious situation isn't it?]
When the messenger left, Lucas' grim face turned to us.
[New information just came. Soldiers owned by my sister had just invaded Hakusu territory. Earl Hakusu is currently dealing with them. However, there are a huge number of soldiers so it's a hard fight. It seemed that ordinary people who live in the territory also became casualties.]
At the same time the prince finished talking, I thanked him and turned on my heels.
[Britney?]
Towards the anxious Ricardo, I quietly told him what I should do.
[I will return to my territory. Ojii-sama and Ryuze-niisama are in trouble.]
Ricardo had a startled face when he heard me.
[What are you talking about? Are you sober?]
[Of course. Certainly I can't fight, but there must be something useful I can do.]
First of all, I should join ojii-sama at the south and listened to the situation.
Then, if possible, I would like to help the soldiers struggling at the west and provide aid for the casualties.
(I can't help with battling against the opponents, but I can help with relief and construction work.)
As my determination was conveyed, Ricardo sighed heavily.
[I understand, I will pass my parents but… I will go with you.]
[E, there's no need for you to come. It's a matter of Hakusu territory.]
[The, the southern side is the border with Astor earldom. This way, there's no way it's unrelated! I wish my older brother will take measures against it properly, but there's no way he would do it…]
The sickly Millard, who was never involved with practical work all that much, wouldn't know what to do in such emergency state.
I had only met him once, so I couldn't say anything about his temperament.
But, I remembered that he tried to take away Ricardo's achievement before.
[If you decide so, you better hurry. You have to notify Prince Marlow.]
[Un…! Thanks Lucas!]
Ricardo and I rushed to the crown prince and explained the circumstances.
[There's no choice if that's the case, but I'm worried. Especially Britney.]
[Guh… I can't deny it.]
[This is your first time handling a situation like this. Males are knowledgeable about command of soldiers to a certain extent since it's taught at home and school. Young ladies do not have a chance to come in contact with such things.]
[You are right. I have only the knowledge I heard from my ojii-sama and cousin, and my experience with real combat is zero.]
In the beginning, we're living in a peaceful era, even noblemen rarely gained experience in actual combat.
(What I have is knowledge from manga in my previous life. I don't want to participate in fighting, I just hope to help residents evacuate, provide aid to injured people, and assist in replenishing materials. Nevertheless, there is danger in being involved.)
I told my idea towards the crown prince.
[Marlow-sama, I'm going to do what I can. There must be something I can do to help.]
[…I understand that you will not back down. It can't be helped, I'll lend you my troops.]
From the corridor behind the crown prince who seemed to have predicted this outcome, soldiers who had donned silver armors had appeared. Their number was about 40 people.
I had thought that I had seen them before somewhere, but they're the people who did their boot camp near the east garden.
[Tentatively, only one platoon is able to move right now. I'll send the reinforcements afterwards.]
[Thank you very much for your help.]
I was prepared to go by myself without any escorts, so it was appreciated to have soldiers coming with me.
[Because of Ryuze's crisis, it's only natural that I want to lend you my strength. Ricardo, you are going as well?]
[Of course, it's impossible for Britney to go alone.]
[I can't move from here, but I'll do as much as I can.]
While he quietly lowered his head towards the crown prince, there was a shrill voice coming from behind the soldiers.
[Britney, please wait! Hey, you guys are obstructing me!]
It was Princess Angela who pushed out the soldiers. She probably knew about Hakusu territory's situation.
[Angelsama…]
[What a troublesome situation! Though I'm reluctant… something like this, I cannot stop you, the young lady of Hakusu earldom. Since you have to go and fulfill nobility's responsibility.]
I did not think that the word "responsibility" would ever come out of the princess' mouth.
It must be the effect of Prince Marlow's education.
[But, you have to be careful. No one knows if you will return safely or not!]
Looking at the princess who said so with bright red face, I reflexively smiled.
I felt kindness in her words, so I felt a little moved.
[Yes, Angelsama. We'll surely resolve the problem and come back.]
We were sent off by Angela who was about to cry and left for our territories.
In the direction of our destination, black clouds stirring our feeling of uneasiness spread.