To suppress the insurgent Marquis Eiger, a force of one hundred thousand soldiers under the command of Crown Prince Richard Aiwood marched southeast from the Royal Capital.
Intelligence from advance scouts indicated that nobles belonging to the Queen Dowager Faction had already converged on Eiger’s territory, bringing their combined strength to over fifty thousand men.
"I heard from a knight a moment ago... It seems Marquis Eiger has no intention of withstanding a siege. He’s established a fortified camp in a basin on the capital-facing side of his lands, and he’s preparing to intercept us there."
They were still en route to enemy territory, yet "she" kept volunteering information even though Rest hadn’t asked for a single word of it.
"Logically, the outnumbered side should hunker down for a siege. But... did you know? A siege is only viable if there’s hope for reinforcements. Without that hope, a siege is nothing more than delaying the inevitable; there’s zero chance of victory. It seems Marquis Eiger is well aware of that."
"......I see."
"While the Kingdom Army has the numerical advantage on level ground, the enemy has already dug in. We’ll be the ones charging into their domain. Given that their numbers are still growing and they hold the home-field advantage... it would be a mistake to underestimate this as a war we’re guaranteed to win."
"......I see. Yeah, I get that. But... I have one question. May I ask it?"
"What is it? I’ll answer anything I can."
"Why the hell are you here, Yuri?"
Rest Clover was currently riding a horse he wasn't particularly used to as they marched.
The person who had pulled up alongside him and was speaking so casually was Yuri Catreia—his classmate from the Academy and the biological daughter of the Knight Commander, Marquis Catreia.
"I hope I’m wrong, but... did you follow us? You didn’t sneak off without telling Viola and Primula, did you?"
"Oh, don’t worry about that. I left a proper note behind. It said: 'I'm just going to go take the enemy general’s head.'"
"......Doesn't that make them even more worried?"
Yuri had been staying at the Marquis Rosemary Townhouse since the Academy classes were suspended. Rest could easily picture the panicked expressions on the sisters' faces.
"And what’s this about taking the enemy general’s head? Are you actually planning to fight in this war?"
"Yes, of course. That's why I'm here."
Yuri puffed out her chest as if the answer were obvious. Her ample bust, encased in women’s light armor, was prominently emphasized by the gesture.
"Isn't the reason we study martial arts and magic at the Academy to stand against national crises? This very moment is exactly that. How could I stay cooped up at home without putting the body and techniques I've honed to use?"
"That... makes a bit of sense, I suppose."
"Oh, don't misunderstand me. I’m not blaming those who didn't come to the battlefield. Everyone has a role and a struggle suited to their birth and position. For example, Viola and Primula staying at home to protect the place you return to is their own kind of battle. It would be nonsense to think 'I'm superior because I'm on the front lines.'"
"So... you’re saying that coming here is your battle, Yuri?"
"Precisely. I am a person without rank or title, with no status or position to protect. If that’s the case, shouldn't I be the one to fight with reckless abandon at a time like this?"
"............"
Rest searched for a logical argument to send Yuri back to the Royal Capital, but unfortunately, no such convenient words resided in his mind.
Yuri Catreia was a person who operated on a completely different wavelength than either Rest or the Rosemary sisters. Once she made up her mind, no amount of talking would make her budge.
"Um... Excuse me, but may I interject?"
In place of the speechless Rest, Dieble, who was riding nearby, raised his hand.
"The man serving as the Adjutant of the Kingdom Army is the Knight Commander, Marquis Catreia. Are you prepared for the possibility of running into your father?"
"Oh...!"
Rest gave a small internal cheer.
Come to think of it, Yuri had quarreled with her father, which was the very reason she had run away from home to attend the Academy. If they brought up the threat of her father, they might actually be able to send her back.
As expected of Dieble-sensei... He knows exactly where to strike!
"Hmm... You’re right. My father is in this army."
Yuri’s face twitched slightly for a second, but in the next heartbeat, her expression brightened.
"Well, it is what it is. If we cross paths, I'll just accept it as fate and give up!"
"Y-You can give up that easily?"
"Wait... didn't you say you wouldn't participate in the Monster Hunting Festival because your father was going to be there?"
Dieble's face twitched as Rest voiced his confusion.
Yuri, who was something of a meathead, hadn't participated in the festival. She had been quite adamant that she didn't want to see her father while he was attending as a guest.
"You see... I used to hate broccoli."
"Huh?"
"Primula scolded me after I moved into the Rosemary manor, telling me that having picky likes and dislikes is a bad habit. Thanks to the extensive training she put me through, I can eat broccoli now."
"............"
Having likes and dislikes is bad. Since she could eat broccoli now, she meant she had to overcome her dislike for her father in the same way.
"Are your father and broccoli really on the same level...?"
"Don't worry, I'll be acting on my own as a volunteer soldier. I won't cause any trouble for the Marquis Rosemary House, so don't let it bother you."
"...Actually, I'd feel much safer if you stayed where I could see you."
"I'll move freely on the battlefield. If I manage to slay the enemy general, I might even be decorated just like you were, Rest!"
"............"
"Oh! If that happens, my feud with my father will be settled! If I establish a new house and become independent, I'll be free of him entirely. Yes!"
"...Fine, just do whatever you want."
Knowing that anything he said would be pointless, Rest decided to let her have her way.
"Just... please, value your life. If you die, Viola and Primula will be devastated."
"Hmm? Wouldn't you be sad, Rest? If I died?"
"Of course I would. You’re a precious friend."
"I see... Yeah, you're right!"
Yuri broke into a friendly smile, looking for all the world like a lovable, goofy big dog.
"In that case, I'll do my best to survive! Let's have a competition to see who can earn more glory!"
"............"
Do whatever you want, Rest muttered to himself once more in the silence of his heart.