To the Empire (1)
Exactly two weeks later, atop the walls of the Northern Fortress at the northernmost edge of the Sterling Kingdom.
I stood silently gazing at the northern plains, accompanied only by a small contingent of soldiers who had come to escort me.
…The Northern Fortress—I figured it'd be cold… but it's like Jeju Island weather.
From our kingdom's perspective, this was the farthest north, but on the continental map, it was still well south, right at the warm coastal fringe.
Thanks to that, my outfit was fairly light and airy—the flowing southern noble style unique to the Sterling Kingdom.
“…….”
The handful of kingdom soldiers lined up behind me knelt on one knee in unison without a word, thumping their right fists against their left chests twice.
It was the highest honor, reserved solely for royalty.
“…Haa.”
Normally, I'd felt a twinge of envy watching Joseph or Ellie receive this treatment, but now that it was me, it left a bitter taste.
I nodded with a wry expression, accepting their salute.
From this moment on, I could no longer be the baron's second son, Ian Harper. I had to embody the noble prince of the Sterling Kingdom perfectly.
Rumble—
Before long, dust clouds rose beyond the northern horizon.
Imperial troops, armored head to toe in pitch-black black steel.
“…Order the gates opened.”
“Open the gates!”
The gates swung wide, and the imperial vanguard charged forward amid the thunder of hooves.
The leaders at the front spotted me and grinned like beasts.
“That must be the hostage meat they're sending off.”
A rough-faced imperial cavalryman spurred his horse closer.
The kingdom escort captain standing behind me tried to hand over the leather bag holding my belongings.
But instead of taking it, the rider slapped the captain's hand away mockingly with the back of his own.
Thud.
My carefully packed bag hit the dirt.
“You bastards…!!”
The furious escort captain and kingdom soldiers gripped their sword hilts as one.
“These fuckers still haven't gotten the message, even while handing over their royals?”
The imperial riders sneered and leveled their spears.
In this powder-keg moment teetering on bloodshed, I quickly stepped in front of the captain, raising my hand toward our side.
“Sheathe your swords.”
“B-But, Your Highness…!”
“I said sheathe them. The decision's made—why spill blood here?”
I shook my head firmly, then bent down myself to retrieve the bag from the dirt. I dusted it off and slung it over my own shoulder.
“Urgh…!”
Anguished groans of rage erupted from the kingdom soldiers.
A few imperials cackled openly at the sight, hurling crude taunts.
“Haha! So the southern bumpkin prince even plays porter?”
“With that soft skin and pretty-boy gigolo looks, wonder if he can even handle bedroom duties.”
The lowbrow mockery didn't really anger me, but I decided to feign outrage.
“……”
I gripped the strap tight on my shoulder and fixed them with cool, steely eyes.
If I let this pass, I'd be treated like dirt the whole way to the capital—no, even after reaching the Empire.
“No matter that I'm a hostage from a defeated nation, I am still a kingdom's royalty.”
My low voice made their laughter stutter.
I stared down each black-steel-clad brute one by one, enunciating clearly.
“Does your Empire teach its rank-and-file to casually insult and humiliate a royal hostage? Is this the discipline of those bearing the imperial name?”
“Puhahaha! This punk doesn't know his place and flaps his gums…!”
“I was taught respect is owed not to the man, but the station. Hostage or not, I'm royalty. I demand respect befitting it.”
“Well said.”
It was then.
From the rear, where she'd quietly observed it all, a knight in officer's armor—black steel with silver trim—dismounted lightly.
The helmeted figure strode over and called two direct subordinates in a dry voice.
“Gail. Ban.”
“Yes, Captain.”
“The ones who laughed and ran their mouths just now—cut their heads off. All of them.”
“Wh-White Knight? Gahk!”
“Sp-Spare—urk!”
The laughing soldiers paled as a gruesome whoosh cleaved the air.
Blood fountained up, a few drops splattering my cheek.
Thud.
The heads of four imperials who'd been mocking me seconds ago hit the ground rolling.
The kingdom troops—and even the bloodthirsty imperials—froze in stunned silence at the sudden horror.
Blood reek hung thick as the officer slowly doffed her helmet.
Sandy short-cropped hair framed a strikingly handsome young woman's face, refreshingly open and bold.
The small scar by her eye suited her like a badge of honor. She stepped daintily over the blood pool, approached me, and knelt on one knee with utmost courtesy, head bowed.
“I am Amber White, direct knight to Her Imperial Highness, the First Imperial Princess Victoria.”
Her voice was soft yet resolute.
“By Her Highness's order, I am here to escort Prince Ian safely to the imperial capital. I deeply regret showing you this disgraceful display from imperial troops. Will you accept my apology?”
“…I accept.”
Amber rose and jerked her chin coldly at the soldiers behind her.
“What are you gawking at? Take His Highness's luggage now—before I hold you accountable for burdening a royal's noble frame.”
“Yes, ma'am!”
Two ashen-faced imperials scrambled over and gingerly relieved me of the bag from my shoulder.
Only then did Amber turn to me with a warm, personable smile.
“We must cross rough terrain ahead where carriages can't go. I'm truly sorry to have your noble person ride horseback for now, but may I request your understanding?”
“No issue. I'm plenty used to riding.”
My calm reply drew a flicker of peculiar interest in Amber's eyes.
“…Four heads just flew by you, and you're this composed.”
“Trying my best to stay that way. Carrying on here would be unbecoming.”
“Indeed—a dignity truly fit for royalty. Impressive.”
Her words sent chills racing down my spine.
Does she know I'm a fake? Or just flattery?
“Then, if you'll allow me to escort you.”
#
At the heart of the marching imperial column, I rode amid the ranks, the northern walls fading behind us.
Amber, riding abreast, glanced my way and spoke up.
“Honestly, I was a little surprised.”
“In what regard?”
“Her Highness called the Sterling Kingdom spineless cowards without a shred of fight in them—quite the harsh assessment.”
“…Sounds like she went even harsher.”
“Yeah, won't deny it.”
Amber laughed freely, sandy locks whipping in the wind.
“But meeting you, Prince Ian strikes me as far more dignified and responsible than expected—true royalty. The way you grabbed your own bag to shield your men, that boldness just now. Guts you rarely see even in imperial noble brats.”
“High praise—I'm honored. Truth be told, I was shocked today too. Among everyone I've met, you're the most exemplary soldier I've ever seen. That decisiveness and precision? Admirable.”
“Haha! The most exemplary soldier? Serving Her Highness means I've heard it all—the empire's top compliments.”
Amber's delight crinkled the scar by her eye as she burst out laughing.
“…Though I'd have preferred praise for the imperial army's iron discipline.”
“Strong army, no doubt.”
“Strong, yes. Just occasionally plagued by slackers like those.”
The short-haired knight winked and dipped her head slightly my way.
“I'll see you safe, Your Highness. The road to the capital's long and brutal, but with me here, no more ugly scenes like that.”
“Reassuring. Looking forward to it, Knight.”
I nodded lightly.