The 3rd Prince of the Fallen Kingdom Returns

11. Scarred Wolf (1)

“We will pass through Sidore on the frontier and cross the border. After that, we will converge at Balshad. It would be wise to arrive ahead of schedule and assess the situation”

“Do you think our pace is appropriate?”

“Yes, it does.”

The name of the aging knight riding beside Yuri was Raymond, a knight under Gennad’s command.

However, Yuri had no intention of discriminating against him.

“If you have something to say in the future, don’t hesitate to advise me.”

Raymond was experienced, having gone through numerous battles and knowing how to deal with orcs.

“Understood.”

Sensing that Raymond had more to convey, Yuri gave a nod.

“Go on.”

“Pardon me if I overstep, but…”

“It’s alright.”

Raymond cleared his throat and spoke.

“I witnessed you deflecting His Majesty’s sword at the departure ceremony. Indeed, Your Highness possesses exceptional skill.”

“And?”

“However, life and death are often determined unexpectedly on the battlefield. Please be cautious during every battle.”

Raymond seriously advised Yuri, fearing Yuri’s youthful zeal might lead him into trouble.

His words could easily annoy some, yet he did not shy away from speaking them.

Yuri found himself liking Raymond.

“Thank you for the advice, Sir Raymond.”

He initially worried that Raymond, being sent by Gennad, might sabotage the mission. But it seemed that concern was unnecessary.

“Did Gennad give you any specific instructions?”

“There were none.”

“Really?”

“Even if there were, situations on the battlefield are always subject to change.”

Yuri chuckled.

“Exactly. What would he know?”

“Ah, ahem…”

They continued their march and eventually entered Sidore.

It was the territory of the notorious frontier Count, Jaime Theodore.

“He won’t treat us poorly, will he?”

“No, he won’t. Count Sidore despises the orcs.”

“That’s a relief.”

“But he’s not a warm individual, so don’t expect a hospitable welcome.”

Raymond’s predictions were wrong.

As they neared the castle of the Count, a large banner reading ‘Welcome, Your Highness the Third Prince!’ was hung from the trees.

Underneath, Jaime’s envoy awaited Yuri.

“Long time no see, Your Highness!”

The face was familiar.

“Calcio Elancha.”

“Oh! You remember me. Even after five years.”

“You left an impression.”

Yuri had met him at a Council meeting in the past. He had spoken his mind without bowing to the imposing nobles present.

“Count Sidore has always wanted to meet you, and now he has the opportunity.”

“Thank you for your hospitality.”

Yuri could guess why Sidore welcomed him.

During the war of the Klein Duchy, Yuri had convinced Frioe to support the Duke. Thanks to that, the war ended quickly, preventing extensive damage.

For Sidore, who had to hold the orcs at bay, Yuri was a savior who had secured the borders from chaos.

“I’ll lead the way.”

Calcio rode in front, leading them, while Yuri followed, observing his surroundings.

In line with a region where orcs frequently appeared, tall watchtowers and sharply cut fences were erected all around. Yet, the atmosphere was not tense.

As they passed by small villages, the inhabitants appeared cheerful, watching the troops with interest.

Soon, they reached a gray castle.

“This is Sidore Castle.”

Each tall spire glistened with spying telescopes reflecting the sunlight.

While the soldiers set up camps outside, Yuri and the knights were led inside.

A feast awaited them.

“Welcome.”

It was Yuri’s first time meeting Jaime in person.

In his past life, he had only heard of Jaime’s death.

Regrettably, Jaime had been killed by orcs before the Empire’s invasion.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Jaime.”

Jaime was tall, with gray eyes and a scar crossing his face, leaving a strong impression.

Despite his composed demeanor, a robust strength emanated from within.

“It’s been a while”

“Has it been five years?”

“You remember, even though we only exchanged a glance from afar back then.”

“You’re not easy to miss.”

“Haha…”

Jaime smiled subtly.

He had witnessed the scene five years ago at a ball when the young Yuri requested a trial by combat against the Second Prince of the Empire.

Jaime knelt on one knee, kissing the back of Yuri’s hand.

“I pay my respects to you, Your Highness. May you live long.”

“Thank you. But you seem to be in poor health.”

“I got injured while dealing with the orcs.”

Jaime’s speech was slow, as if struggling for breath, perhaps due to a lung injury from his encounters with the orcs.

“Take care of yourself. You are a vital shield for Briol.”

He laughed hoarsely as he slowly rose to his feet.

“Thank you for your kind words.”

Yuri took the head seat, while Jaime and the other knights settled around him.

The meal heavily featured meat. The aroma of freshly cooked food stirred their appetites.

“Please, dig in.”

“Thank you for the hospitality.”

While the seasoning was not as elaborate as the palace, it revealed the natural flavors of the ingredients.

For Yuri, with vivid memories of his mercenary days, this kind of meal was a welcome reminder.

It brought back memories of the battlefield.

“The food is excellent, don’t you agree?”

“Yes…”

The knights murmured their assent. It wasn’t the kind of cuisine aristocrats would usually relish.

Jaime was not a man of many words.

The meal proceeded in a quiet atmosphere. Though wine was offered, they only shared a glass or two.

Jaime spoke.

“Have you ever faced orcs, Your Highness?”

“Well…”

He had fought them countless times during his mercenary days, but not in this life.

“… not yet, but I’ve studied extensively.”

“Studied…”

Jaime chuckled deeply, his voice resembling a metallic timbre.

“It appears you came prepared.”

“Of course.”

Yuri glanced past Jaime, toward the rest of the knights.

“How many here have faced orcs?”

A few, including Raymond, raised their hands. Most of the knights participating in the Allied Forces were young and inexperienced.

“Those who haven’t, have any of you studied about orcs?”

Jared enthusiastically raised his hand. Most remained silent.

Yuri shrugged.

“See, Sir. That’s why I have to study.”

Jaime laughed again, this time louder.

“Leading by example is a rare virtue indeed.”

“It’s said you still charge at the forefront, battling orcs.”

“My reasons are different…”

Despite his stoic nature, Jaime’s eyes reflected amusement.

“In the coming days, you’ll find yourselves fighting endlessly. But before that…”

His eyes faintly trembled as he spoke.

“Would it be alright if I offered some assistance?”

* * *

Yuri followed Jaime down a spiraling staircase to the dungeon below.

Knights carrying torches followed, their shadows dancing wildly with each flicker of the flames.

“What kind of assistance are you offering?”

“Sidore has always fought with the orcs.”

As the shadows shifted, Jaime’s face changed into various expressions.

“We’ve been forced to learn about them.”

They passed through several underground levels until they reached the bottom, where there was nowhere else to descend.

A tunnel, cloaked in darkness, appeared.

Jaime led the way, holding the torch. As he moved forward, the outlines of iron bars became visible on either side.

It was a prison.

As the knights followed behind, the interior of the prison came into clearer view.

“Uuuh…”

“Ughhh…”

The sound of beast-like cries echoed. Mute prisoners, their tongues cut off, huddled together.

Yuri observed Jaime’s precarious back moving ahead alone.

“Sir Jaime.”

His voice didn’t seem to reach.

Amidst the hastily moving Jaime, the hesitant knights, and the mute criminals on both sides, Yuri calmed his mind.

At some point, Jaime stopped.

The iron gate was locked.

“This is it.”

Jaime said this and looked back. The sound of someone urgently running towards them was heard.

Soon, Calcio squeezed through the knights and stepped forward.

“My Lord, why suddenly come here…?”

“The key.”

“I’ve brought it. But why here…?”

“It’s necessary.”

Jaime snatched the key from his hand and shoved it into the lock.

A mechanical sound rang out as the internal mechanism clicked into place.

“Come in.”

Beyond the door was still dark.

Jaime vanished into the darkness first. Yuri followed closely behind.

One by one, hesitant footsteps followed inside.

Jaime hung a torch on the wall. Sparks flew from all directions, and the lamps hanging on the walls ignited simultaneously.

The interior was revealed.

In the vast chamber, rectangular steel cages were scattered about in disarray.

“Ah…”

Someone groaned.

Things beyond imagination were strewn about.

“Orcs…”

The echo of the word lingered.

Yuri gazed at the nearest cage.

A dark figure sat huddled inside. It was so enormous; it resembled a gigantic quadruped creature lying down.

“Yes.”

Jaime strode decisively to the closest cage and thrust his longsword between the bars.

Startled by his sudden action, everyone flinched.

“Ah!”

The dark figure reacted swiftly, attempting to grab Jaime’s hand instead.

However, Jaime expertly twisted the blade, slicing through the creature’s limb.

Blood dripped to the ground.

“This is an orc.”

Jaime waved his bloodstained sword toward his guests.

“Even when feigning death, they’ll bite at your trousers.”

The orc within the cage growled, inciting a reaction from the others.

Fiery howls filled the chamber.

Jaime took a crossbow from the wall, firing at each noisy cage.

“Be silent, all of you.”

Who would have thought Sidore’s hold harbored such an orc prison?

It was then they noticed the torture devices located in the corner of the chamber.

Yuri couldn’t help but laugh.

Jaime Theodore turned out to be more insane than he had anticipated.

“Sir Jaime, is this your gift?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

Jaime fixed his gaze on Yuri, then slowly bowed his head.

“It is an honor.”

The breathing of those overwhelmed by Jaime’s madness grew fast and audible.

Yuri could guess what they were thinking.

Even for him initially, despite not adhering much to knightly honor, the war’s madness took a toll on him.

Honor.

Its definition varied based on time and place.

For Jaime, who lost two sons to orcs, honor would be far more brutal and savage.

Yuri looked back.

Those who wore twisted expressions were mostly young knights.

“You.”

Yuri pointed at one youthful-looking knight among them.

“What’s your name?”

“I am Simon Pesch, son of Baron Wolf.”

“Say what you’re thinking now, exactly as it is.”

He looked between Yuri and Jaime, opening his mouth.

“I thought this was unnecessary. It seems excessive.”

“One might see it that way.”

Yuri nodded. Glancing over, Jaime nodded too.

“Sir Jaime.”

“Yes.”

“Open one of the cages for us.”

“Understood.”

Everyone looked bewildered as Yuri gestured toward Simon.

“Fight the orc.”

“Pardon?”

The knights were in an uproar. Yuri grinned and inquired of Simon.

“Confident?”

With a grim expression, he nodded.

“Of course. I am a Knight of Briol. I won’t be bested by an orc.”

“I like your spirit.”

Calcio unlocked the cage while still wearing a worried look.

“Will this be alright?”

“With so many knights here, what’s to worry about?”

“Still…”

“Doubt them not.”

“Yes.”

Jaime observed Yuri closely.

Though Yuri claimed to have never faced orcs before, he remained as composed as a seasoned knight. Moreover, he adeptly managed this group of knights.

His demeanor was most natural.

“Indeed…”

Yuri addressed Simon.

“Simon.”

“Yes.”

“Put on your helmet.”

“Yes, understood.”

As Calcio opened the cage, he wisely stepped back.

The orc within was relatively smaller than the others. An arrow from the previously fired crossbow was lodged in its arm.

“Whew…”

Simon stood at the ready near the cage, his face tense but not backing down.

The orc remained still inside the cage.

Jaime chuckled.

“Orcs are a cunning race.”

Then Jaime muttered something, likely in the orc’s language.

The orc, which had been sitting, reacted. It rose and stepped out of the cage.

“Ah…”

Those seeing orcs for the first time gasped.

It stood a head taller than an average adult male, but its girth was two to three times wider.

Its brown skin seemed as tough as a beast’s hide, and its face, without a nose but with mere holes, continuously dripped pus. Its yellowed tusks jutted out, causing its lips to twitch with every breath.

The combination of its hideous appearance and colossal form exerted a significant intimidation.

“So that’s an orc…”

The moment Simon gingerly took a step forward, the orc unexpectedly shouted something and prostrated itself on the ground.

“…..”

Simon was taken aback. It appeared to be begging for its life.

Repeating incomprehensible words, the orc kept bowing its head to the floor.

Simon laughed, seemingly in disbelief.

“What is the meaning of this?”

He shrugged, turning to Yuri.

“Fighting a captive is nonsensical. Unnecessary killing like this is…”

Before he could finish, there was a thunderous metallic sound.

The orc leaped up and struck Simon on the head with all its might.

His helmet crumpled, and blood streamed from his nose.