The Northern Warrior and the Prince's Strategy
He smiled with genuine pleasure. The cold of the North has a way of freezing people to their core. It doesn’t just chill the body; it numbs the spirit as well. Because of this, the Northern people were never particularly boisterous. In a land where one must keep their body constantly braced for survival, who could afford to laugh and chatter freely? However, one recent, extraordinary event had completely transformed this atmosphere.
"Heh... to think the Bigfoot, once called the nightmare of our tribe, would die with both its legs severed."
"They say it was a single strike, didn't they?"
"No one even saw it happen! How could it be a single strike?"
"The cross-section was far too clean. How else could you explain it if not for a single, perfect cut?"
"Didn't they say Bigfoot hide is tougher and more durable than most metals?"
"It was both tough and durable, which made it impossible to cut. But I heard that very hide is sitting in the center of the Imperial Palace right now."
Edelgard, the capital of the North—a city that had recently been renamed. In its grand plaza hung the head of a Bigfoot, one of the Great Northern Beasts. Through magical preservation, it remained uncorrupted, emitting not even a hint of decay. It was a perfectly taxidermied trophy, displayed for all the Northern people to behold. Every time they looked at that head, they couldn't stop singing the praises of the Crown Prince.
"His Highness the Crown Prince must have cut it down in a single stroke, for the sake of... what was it? The unification of the Northern tribes."
"Exactly. He’s different from those who only offer empty words. His Highness shows us his resolve through his own actions!"
In truth, simply hanging a Bigfoot’s head in the plaza wouldn't be enough to send morale skyrocketing. After all, soldiers were dying left and right on the front lines regardless. The real reason the Northerners were so lively now was more fundamental: their survival rate on the front lines had increased dramatically.
"I never knew magic could be this powerful."
It was the active application of magic. Before every battle with the magical beasts, long before the monsters could even reach the front lines, they established a wall of fire through massive magical barrages. This shattered the momentum of the beasts. Only then would Estella deploy her soldiers to swiftly mop them up.
"It’s because Grand Duke Estella is so well-versed in magic."
"If we had only done it this way before, surely many who died could have been saved."
"Hey, don't go saying things like that. The weather is nice today, why bring up such gloomy thoughts?"
"...You're right. I never even thought about things like this before, but we certainly have more breathing room now."
This strategy allowed countless people to enjoy a semblance of daily life. It was a simple strategy, but the previous Northern Grand Duke had only ever shouted for reckless charges. It was a clear example of how difficult it is for a strong warrior to also be a capable strategist. And that wasn't all.
"Step right up! Today, finally! The latest creation from Wand No. 3672! Northern Cheese Sausage! It's not just grilled over a fire; it’s been touched by magic to guarantee a flavor unlike anything you've tasted before!"
"This is madness! Pure madness!"
"We absolutely have to buy the new dish from Wand No. 3672!"
The influx of mages into the North had brought immense convenience to the people. They had scraped together every heating-related artifact from the Magic Tower and distributed them throughout the North, and the effect was nothing short of miraculous. The overall survival rate of the Northerners had risen exponentially; their homes were warm, and their minds were at ease.
"This is all thanks to Your Highness the Crown Prince. We are truly grateful."
Estella expressed her deep gratitude to the Crown Prince, who had made all of this possible.
"A Grand Duke shouldn't bow her head so lightly."
Bellon chided Estella for her attitude.
"I only did what had to be done. The North is also part of the Empire; naturally, I should have paid this much attention."
"Even so..."
"I’m only now doing what should have been done all along... I expected the Grand Duke to scold me, so I’m relieved that isn't the case."
"H-how could I! How could I ever dare to do that to Your Highness the Crown Prince?"
"Many things will change from now on. No matter how cold the North may be, the people living here shouldn't have to live in the cold."
"You are right."
Afterward, Bellon received a report on the overall situation in the North from Estella. Of course, he could have seen a summary through the Imperial Status Window, but Bellon had learned through the Crown Prince's memories that this process was also necessary. In the process, he pointed out the biggest problem at the current moment.
"They aren't mixing with the Northern tribes at all."
"That is correct. There are some tribes that had conflicts with us, so..."
"There was actual conflict?"
"Yes. It seems there was friction with nearby tribes while the previous Northern Grand Duke was expanding the front lines. Fortunately, there was no bloodshed, but still..."
"So, because they crossed swords, trust is difficult."
"Exactly."
The fact that the Northern tribes and the existing Northerners were not integrating.
"The new settlers would have naturally built their nests in new residential areas."
"Yes."
"I expected them to come out naturally, but they’re tied up tight, is that it?"
"Yes."
The funny thing was that they were supporting each other reliably and fighting together on the battlefield.
"It’s like watching awkward friends at the start of a new semester."
"Pardon?"
"It’s nothing."
To think that these burly, bearded men would be this awkward about making new friends, good grief. "We should have a food culture exchange later."
"A food culture exchange, you say?"
"People usually get close by sharing the food they eat."
I should arrange a picnic or something. Bellon muttered to himself, then asked, "By the way, you said there’s a warrior who is standing out?"
"Yes."
Finally, he brought up the main point.
"His name?"
"He goes by Gorhan. He is from the Black Mane tribe, and he claims to be walking the path to becoming a Great Warrior."
"The path to becoming a Great Warrior?"
"Yes. He said he would prove himself by hunting those called Great Magical Beasts."
The Northern Great Warrior, Gorhan. A harem member that Mirne would recruit. Assuming a Demon King actually appeared in the Empire, the Northern Great Warrior's position would likely be that of a warrior.
"Did you meet Mirne?"
"...Crown Princess Mirne, you mean? If it is Crown Princess Mirne of the Maserin Kingdom, I have not heard any reports that she has come here."
"Is that so."
As soon as he heard the answer to his follow-up question, he wondered if he had asked too obvious a question. He didn't know what kind of tricks she was pulling, but at the very least, it seemed impossible to detect Mirne through normal methods.
'Is it magic, mystery, or perhaps the power of spirits?'
Still, he could now deal with any method she used. Bellon thought this and tried to change the subject appropriately.
"If Crown Princess Mirne—no, if Mirne has secretly infiltrated the North, I could use this as a pretext to..."
Estella, who had noticed the subtle change in the Crown Prince's expression, immediately took action.
"No, I was just saying it, so you don't need to worry about it."
"But..."
"Rather than worrying about such things, when you arrange a picnic soon, I would like you to set a seat for me as well."
"I will certainly do so!"
But naturally, proving Mirne's infiltration would be impossible at this point. It was right to just focus on what he could do right now. 'Gorhan, was it? I should go see him.'
Having heard everything he needed to hear, Bellon was about to leave Estella's office.
"U-um, Y-Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"Hmm?"
"...I heard there were several incidents in the Holy Kingdom."
Estella urgently called out to Bellon, stopping him.
"Did that story reach the North? I wasn't aware."
From the events in the southern part of the Empire to the proclamation of the Heavenly Mandate. There were certainly many things related to the Holy Kingdom. Looking back, it had been quite a busy time. While Bellon was briefly lost in his memories, Estella spoke with great difficulty, maintaining a stiff face.
"I am truly relieved that nothing happened to you. P-please... I hope only good things happen to you always."
Even though there wasn't a single word in the sentence that was difficult to say, Estella clenched her fists and barely finished her words, as if she were embarrassed and awkward for some reason. Bellon smiled faintly as he watched her.
"I, too, hope that the Grand Duke is always happy."
With those words, he left the office. In the spot where the Crown Prince had been standing, Estella blamed herself for being as wooden as a statue. "I couldn't even properly thank him for saving me back then... I never knew that expressing myself could be this awkward."
By incorporating all the Northern tribes into the North, most of them had settled in the capital near the front lines.
"Hmm! This life is certainly better than tribal life!"
"Gorhan, are you saying that? That’s obvious."
However, no matter how close they were, they couldn't move all the numerous Northern tribes to the capital, and they were able to build a fairly decent village with the help of the existing Northern people. Although it was still rough and had many things to fix, the system was in place, so there were many aspects that were more satisfying than tribal life. The Northern tribesmen were all in a very happy mood, and as this atmosphere continued, many people naturally started thinking about starting families. And the most representative among them was:
"I really want to live in a place like this with the woman I met a while ago. No, I wish it were an even better place than this."
It was Gorhan. He dreamed of becoming a Northern Great Warrior, and although he had not yet earned the title of Great Warrior, his body seemed to say that it was fully prepared. He possessed a very large physique and a rough impression. Although most of his face was covered by unkempt hair and a beard, the glimpses of his eyes told of how handsome he was.
"Why are you thinking about marriage with someone you met a while ago? Are you crazy?"
Gorhan's friend teased him, as if it were ridiculous, but Gorhan replied, "No, I will marry her no matter what. She, who taught softness to me, who only pursued strength!"
Gorhan spoke as if he wanted to keep the memory of a few days ago for the rest of his life.
"I would like to hear more about the woman you met recently."
Just then, a handsome man with blonde hair and red eyes joined the conversation.
'He's strong.'
As soon as Gorhan saw the handsome man, he felt his body tense up immediately. It was an unbelievable power. He knew it was a power that couldn't be suppressed, even if he was trying to suppress it as much as possible. A competitive spirit flared up. He was already disappointed that the Bigfoot had been caught by someone else, and now a strong man had suddenly appeared in front of him.
"...Heh heh, if you want to hear more, first try to knock me d—!"
Wanting to have a proper match, Gorhan suggested they fight, but before he could even finish his sentence—
BANG!
Gorhan's body flew through the air and slammed into a cliff.
"I won't point out that you don't recognize me; that’s not why I came here."
The handsome man who had sent Gorhan flying in an instant. The Crown Prince, Bellon, brushed back his hair and smiled deeply.
"Yes, while I'm at it, shall I find out how sturdily you've been set up?"
A structure that spits out information when beaten—how simple is that? The Crown Prince, who realized he would be able to hear a lot of stories today, smiled happily.