Clang, clang.
The sound of chains and armor clashing echoed through the air. The training grounds were filled with soldiers, showcasing what it meant to be disciplined and battle-ready. Men clad in gleaming chainmail, standing straight with spears in hand, stood with determination burning in their eyes.
These were the forces that Morea had cultivated, every ounce of its strength gathered here. In the silence broken only by faint breaths, I slowly ascended the podium. Thousands of soldiers in formation turned their gazes toward me.
They all must have known.
They were Morea’s army, the empire’s last remaining strength. My chest tightened unbearably as if weighed down by a stone. Brave soldiers who had willingly taken up their spears, even knowing they were destined for a battlefield where survival seemed impossible. To these warriors, I spoke:
“Today, we march to knock on the gates of heaven.”
Looking at the unwavering soldiers, I felt a surge of both deep admiration and pity. While their unyielding stance was a testament to the success of their training, it also reminded me of the grim reality that I might soon lose them. I bit down hard on my lower lip, shaking off intrusive thoughts.
“But before we go, we must remember why we head for heaven.”
There are many reasons why a person chooses death over life—shame, despair, anger, devotion, love… Yet, in this era, the most effective way to fuel one’s will to die is through religion. To live and die for one’s faith was the characteristic of these medieval times. And for the empire to unite, such a cause was indispensable.
“For centuries, Christendom has been threatened by heretics seeking to place their prophet in Christ’s seat. Time and again, we’ve resisted, but their relentless advance has been difficult to repel… and now they’ve set their sights on taking even this land. They aim to seize our soil, our lives, our sovereignty, and our destiny—all of it.”
At the same time, I stirred the powerful pride that the empire’s citizens still clung to—the pride of living in what remained of the fallen empire.
“And now, they even seek to take from us the very name of Rome. Those who have already ravaged our families and neighbours now wish to trample on what little pride we have left.”
Though the silence remained, the atmosphere began to shift. The soldiers’ resolve grew stronger. Between a fight to conquer and a fight to protect, which inspires soldiers more? I found the answer in their eyes.
“Descendants of heroes… We stand here today to protect the city of cities, Rome, which we have defended for so long. To stand against the tyranny of heretics and safeguard our world, we have wore armor. To protect our families from their greed, we have risen and gathered here. You are defenders. And I believe that you will fulfill your duty with both your bodies and your souls.”
I, too, shall fulfill my duty alongside you on the front lines, prepared to face death.
The moment I finished speaking, the soldiers erupted in a unified roar. Their cries, merging as one, reached my ears clearly:
“Lead us, my prince!”
As I descended the podium, familiar faces greeted me. The first to approach was Ivania, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed knight.
“Are you truly going?”
Of course. I nodded, and her expression twisted slightly, clearly displeased. She wasn’t the only one concerned. Adriano, fully armed, Bishop Nikephoros, who had performed the pre-departure blessing, Judge Demicleos, and even Demetrios Kantakouzenos—known as Dikan—showed visible worry. Everyone shared the same sentiment, except for the elderly Plethon, whom I hadn’t called due to concerns about his health.
“Your Highness, I trust you are aware of how unfavourable this battle is. Do you have any kind of plan?”
“We will avoid open battles.”
Nikephoros’s question was easy to answer. It was obvious that engaging the mighty Ottoman forces in open combat would be senseless. I had never for a moment thought Morea’s forces alone could defeat the Ottomans. This war was not about winning—it was about holding the line. I reminded myself of this as I turned my gaze to Dikan.
“Demetrios, deliver this letter to my father.”
“A letter? What do you mean all of a sudden…?”
“Only my father will understand the meaning contained in the letter, so it is useless even if someone else reads it. Just deliver it to him.”
“But His Majesty Manuel is already under confinement. If I try to approach recklessly…”
“If you’re so reluctant to act yourself, then ask your sister to deliver it instead.”
At the mention of Joannina, his brow twitched. He usually maintained a stoic expression, but it seemed Joannina was his weak point. Whenever her name came up, his reaction made him easy to read. As his weakness was poked, Dikan’s eyes flared with anger, burning like a flame.
“…I’ll deliver it. Though I fail to understand why Your Highness is sending a letter at such a critical time.”
“Good. Then all that’s left is the matter with Epirus, correct?”
“There’s something I need to say about that, Your Highness.”
“Adrianos.”
“Why did you refuse reinforcements from Prince Thomas at such an important time? Even an additional thousand troops would be invaluable right now!”
A perfectly reasonable question. Unable to suppress a smile, I rubbed the corner of my lips as I responded to him.
“Now is not the time to wager everything.”
“What do you mean, Your Highness? Of all people, you should be the most aware of the severity of the situation! How could you act this way?”
“Demicleos, have the orders I gave you before been carried out?”
“Your Highness!”
“…Yes, they have been carried out, Your Highness.”
If that is so, then I have done all I can. Slowly, I lifted my gaze to the sky. Why had I, of all people, fallen into this world under the guise of a visual novel? But instead of seeking answers that would never come, I resolved once again to fulfil the duty weighing upon my shoulders.
“Adrianos.”
“…Do you have a plan, Your Highness?”
“Prepare for deployment.”
“Your Highness!”
Seeing Adrianos’ startled expression, I couldn’t hold back a laugh.
“Finally, Your Highness has…”
“Well, it makes sense, given how things are unfolding…”
“Sigh… If Your Highness was so troubled, you could’ve come to me for comfort…♡”
I ignored the one whose words seemed completely out of place. Instead, I gripped the hilt of my sword tightly.
This was the beginning of a long trial. I had to laugh now if I wanted to avoid succumbing to despair later. With that thought in mind, I burst into laughter for a long while.
Where else would I find moments to laugh during the coming ordeal? Laughing now was the only way I could endure it all.
Even as tears welled up in my eyes and streamed down my cheeks, I kept laughing.
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