The Third Prince Of Darkness

I stared at the rebel leader Elias for a long time, trying to discern if he was attempting to lure me into a trap. Honestly, even if I received the smallest injury, the kingdom would execute all rebels without exception because of my status as a prince, and they might even execute their children and spouses.

Furthermore, even the suspicion of another state's involvement could be used as a pretext for declaring war. Although the Tamerid Empire is one of the strongest states on the continent, it cannot afford to start a war right now.

Because of the expansionist policy of the Tamerid Empire, it has no allies among the states on the continent, and if it tries to expand westward, a large coalition would undoubtedly form against it. That's why I initially considered the possibility that the rebels might want to join the Tamerid Empire, but I can confidently say that the Tamerid Empire does not want war.

Moreover, I heard that some rebellions are being suppressed within the Tamerid Empire itself, while some new ones are about to start.

"I won't execute you, and if, as you say, the rebels surrender, their lives will also be spared along with yours. But if you try to deceive me, my soldiers stationed here to watch over you will execute you in the most painful way possible" I said. Actually, this was a lie.

Elias had to be executed in any case, and if I didn't execute him, the king would punish me for failing to fulfill my duty. Later on, during a potential succession war, those who would form a front against me could use this against me to undermine my legitimacy on the throne.

Therefore, I would execute Elias, but there was no need for him to know that for now. The reason I told this lie was to reveal if Elias had any intention of deceiving me.

"!!!!"

"Do you have nothing to say?" I asked, 

"Your Excellency, thank you so very much! My daughter-in-law is pregnant, and I was eagerly looking forward to seeing my grandchildren, but I thought I would die and never see them. However, thanks to the mercy of a noble person like you, I now have hope to see my grandchildren! Thank you very much, Your Excellency! I will devote my entire life to you and kingdom!" he said, tears streaming down his face.

"Stop. I hate exaggerated reactions" I said harshly, feeling uncomfortable with the rising guilt inside me.

"Ah, I apologize, Your Excellency..."

I signaled the soldiers standing guard outside with my hand, and quickly, three knights entered. "Put this man in the dungeon in a way that he can't escape and assign at least ten soldiers to guard him to ensure he doesn't escape."

"Your command will be carried out, Your Excellency" said the lead soldier, tightly grabbing Elias by the arms and dragging him outside.

"Now, your name... Lukas, right?" I asked, looking at the man who had come with the rebel leader earlier.

"Yes, Your Excellency" he said with an excited voice.

"We will be departing soon, so get ready and take care of your needs," I said, turning my focus back to the documents on the table.

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

As Lukas left the room, my thoughts drifted to Elias. The promise of the rebel leader to surrender was both a strategic move and a psychological battle. Although Elias's words and tears seemed sincere, the rules for surviving in this kingdom were clear and ruthless.

As I focused on the documents, I pondered the future of the kingdom and my own position. My legitimacy on the throne could only be ensured by standing strong and resolute. Therefore, when I showed mercy to Elias and other rebels like him, I had to be very careful to ensure it was not seen as a weakness.

••••

(Three hours later)

I was riding through the forest alongside Emilia and Lukas. I had brought about 100 cavalrymen and 50 archers with me. I had brought these soldiers to give us enough time to retreat in case of a possible ambush. We had been advancing for about an hour now, but we were moving slowly so the archers wouldn't fall behind. Of course, I could have given horses to the archers, but doing so would make it difficult for them to quickly get into formation and adopt a defensive position in the event of an ambush.

Moving slowly was not an issue for me, and if everything went well, I would finish this mission by evening at the latest.

While riding, I was chatting with Emilia beside me. Every detail I learned about her made me involuntarily happy. Initially, the only reason I proposed to Emilia was because I trusted her, but now there was more to it. Even though I sometimes denied it, the truth was evident... I had fallen in love with her.

I thought I had lost the ability to love, as I was very unlucky in love in my previous life, but I guess I'm luckier in this new life than I've ever been.

Now, I was truly grateful with all my heart for whatever power sent me into this world. Although there were times in this second life when I was overwhelmed by everything, I was generally happy. I sincerely thank the god or whatever it calls itself that granted me this second life.

 

in my previous life, I would have gladly wanted to believe that  took pity on me and sent me into this world. Unfortunately, I did not meet it after I died, but if I had, I would have become a prophet for it in this world and even spread its religion. However, besides all this, perhaps the reason behind my reincarnation was not a god.

Energy or karma... whatever it is. I've decided to postpone thinking about this for now. For now, I just want to enjoy this beautiful life given to me and overcome obstacles to continue enjoying it.

–Swosh!–

Suddenly, the sound of something coming from the forest disrupted all my focus, and I turned towards the direction of the sound to find out what had just happened. I was shocked to see the motionless body of one of my cavalrymen falling to the ground.

"It's an ambush!!!"

"Form up!"

Hearing the shouts, I quickly accepted the reality that we were under attack and drew the sword on my back. For now, I did not want to use the dark element and wanted to keep this power hidden, but if necessary, I would not hesitate to use it.

–Swosh!–

Seeing another soldier killed with a dagger stabbed into his head a few seconds later, I realized the number of enemies was high. I quickly grabbed the terrified Lukas by the collar, who looked like a frightened chicken, and threw him harshly to the ground.

"How many are there?" I shouted.

"!! I don't know, I don't know!!" he said, shielding his face with his hands.

"I won't ask again! How many are there?"

"Y-Your Excellency! I don't know anything! They didn't tell me anything. I had no idea! Please spare my life."

Seeing no trace of a lie in his eyes, I quickly got up and cut his throat with my sword. Even if he was innocent, he was guilty. Also, I had no reason to keep him alive anymore now.

As I killed Lukas, I saw that at least five people had already died, and I quickly turned to Emilia, who was watching me.

"Retreat•" I whispered. Emilia understood my intention without hearing my voice.

I got back on my horse and looked at the soldiers gathered around me. "Second Eagle!" This was the word I would use to initiate the retreat plan I had previously determined.

Hearing my voice, the soldiers nodded, and the archers quickly retreated while shooting their remaining arrows into the forest where they presumed the enemy was.

At the same time, the cavalry formed a circle around the archers and me. While the shield-bearing cavalry remained on the outer edge, the archers, along with me, stayed in the center and began to retreat, but the enemy was stronger than we had anticipated.

My soldiers were falling one by one, dying without even being able to scream. Nevertheless, we continued to retreat somehow. Thus, we had been advancing at full speed for about twenty minutes, but the enemy continued to follow us and deplete my troops.

Now, only fifty soldiers were left, and at least twenty archers were lagging behind, but I couldn't worry about them now. After all, the enemy forces were estimated to be in the hundreds. I needed to reach the main army as soon as possible and launch a counterattack, so I ordered the cavalry to ignore the archers and ride as fast as they could, but the enemies were very experienced.

They were using the forest as if it were their playground, and I was becoming increasingly worried because I had not seen a single enemy soldier during this process. Also, when the fog suddenly rolled in, it became even more difficult to proceed...

At that moment, when I saw a silhouette waiting in the middle of the road, I gripped my sword tightly in my hand but was stunned when I saw who it was.