The Wastrel Prince Becomes Ruthless Chapter 50
For this subjugation mission, the overall commander chosen was the veteran Marquis Carson, a man hardened by countless battles.
It was a decision made with the safety of the Princes and the Houkijisu participants in mind, in case of any unforeseen accidents.
As deputy commander, Viscount Stafford—who had long shared the battlefield with Marquis Carson—was appointed, with the Princes ranked just beneath them.
At this point, it seemed the Emperor no longer intended to conceal that the true purpose of this Houkijisu tournament lay in the struggle for the imperial throne.
Of course, since each division led by a Prince was composed of their respective factions, the structure was inevitably unbalanced.
The subjugation army, consisting of the Houkijisu and their retinues, totaled roughly one thousand men.
Among them, as many as 350 stood beneath the Crown Prince’s banner.
The Second Prince’s forces numbered a little over 300, while those who followed the Fourth Prince barely exceeded 200.
The Third Prince, whose supporting pillars had all been broken by Yuwon, had formally withdrawn from the struggle for the throne.
The once-loyal faction that had vowed to give their lives for the Third Prince had long been torn apart and absorbed by other Princes’ factions.
That left only 150.
Of those, around a hundred belonged to neutral forces who supported no Prince, and the remaining fifty stood under Yuwon’s command.
Even that small number had been scraped together from the few remaining loyal retainers of the Third Prince and from Renania’s entourage, who had chosen to withdraw from the mission and return directly to the South.
Though Yuwon’s recent feats had drawn attention, they were still not enough to truly shake the balance of power.
“His Highness the Fifth Prince? He’s been quite spirited lately. But if you clumsily join his faction and things go wrong, there’ll be no turning back. At least staying still keeps you in the middle ground.”
“Hm… I agree. I think it’d be better for us neutrals to follow the command of Marquis Richmond, who’s been leading the neutral faction throughout this tournament… Though I’m not sure His Majesty the Emperor would allow it.”
“Ah, if it were up to me, I’d side with the Crown Prince. But the Crown Prince’s faction has long been filled with central nobles and those Western bastards….”
“Well, the East and West are just as divided as the South and North.”
“If I were to join the Crown Prince’s faction on my own accord, my father wouldn’t just scold me—he’d strip me of my title as successor.”
“Hah, you’re in the same boat as me then. Don’t even start. Back at the Academy, I was close with His Highness the Second Prince, but now I’m stuck in this mess simply because I’m from the South.”
The neutral faction was made up of people entangled in regional and political interests—East and West, North and South alike.
Every Houkijisu belonging to the neutral faction had their own reasons for staying independent.
And the one who represented them came personally to see Yuwon.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I am Spencer of the Richmond Marquisate, servant of the Empire.”
“Welcome. It’s good to see you.”
A visit from an expected guest. Yuwon had already known this man would come.
‘And I already know exactly what he’s going to say.’
As if reading Yuwon’s mind, Spencer went straight to the point.
“I know it’s presumptuous of me, Your Highness… but I’ve never been good at speaking in circles. If it pleases you, I would like to request that the neutral faction…”
He had come with something to say, yet perhaps thinking his request too discourteous, he could not bring himself to finish the sentence. Yuwon completed it for him.
“You’ve come to ask that I don’t drag the neutral faction into the Fifth Prince’s camp. Am I right?”
“Ah… Yes, that’s exactly what I came to request.”
“Don’t worry. You’re overthinking it. I’m not the kind of man who’d try to forcibly bind a faction labeled ‘neutral’ beneath me.”
“Then…?”
“If someone tried to pad the Fifth Prince’s ranks by forcing the neutral faction under my command, I’d sooner march straight to the Commander himself and have it annulled. I’ll do what I can to prevent it—and if that fails, I’ll press the matter again, firmly.”
At Yuwon’s forthright reply, Spencer stared in blank astonishment.
The results of the Houkijisu tournament always caused an uproar throughout the Empire, but this time was different.
‘This isn’t a trivial matter. Starting with this subjugation, each Prince’s faction will only grow stronger—and the one who achieves the greatest success here will draw closer to the throne. Yet this man…?’
Spencer, who had originally come to persuade the Fifth Prince and split the neutral faction from him, now found himself worrying for Yuwon instead.
“If you truly mean that, we would be most grateful… but will Your Highness be all right?”
Yuwon’s true purpose in heading south was to capture Marcellus and find Hastings.
‘Fifty men are already a burden—I can’t afford any more dead weight.’
Yuwon answered decisively.
“As I said before, this is what I want. Don’t trouble yourself over me.”
The next day, summoned by Marquis Carson, the commanding general, the Princes in charge of their respective divisions gathered in one place.
“It’s been a while since we’ve all sat together like this, hasn’t it? A shame the Third isn’t here. Don’t you think so, youngest?”
A pointed greeting from the Crown Prince. Yuwon met it with a calm, unbothered smile.
“Is that so? I’ve seen him quite often lately, so I can’t really tell. In fact, I think I might see him again later today.”
Yuwon himself confirmed the rumor that the Third Prince now served under him. His composed demeanor made it clear he had no reason to hide it.
“Well, serves him right. That bastard got blinded by his own damn misunderstandings and caused a fuss, and in the end, he was the first to drop out. Heh, idiot.”
Second Prince Arencar sneered gleefully.
“Whoa, whoa, let’s stop talking about our third brother when he’s not even here. That’s not what we’re here to discuss today, is it?”
The Fourth Prince, who had been silently watching, stepped in to end the idle chatter.
Normally, the Princes wouldn’t heed him so easily—but this time, they quieted at once.
“Ahem, well then. Thank you all for coming.”
The reason was simple: the previously empty commander’s seat was now filled.
“Let us begin the meeting.”
Seated around a round table, the Princes engaged in serious discussion as they prepared for the southern subjugation mission.
Even the Princes who were usually at each other’s throats refrained from reckless bickering once the meeting began.
As long as the arrangements made sense, they were willing to concede minor losses.
“I’ll take the vanguard.”
“Back off. I’m the one leading the front line.”
When it came to formation placement, the Crown Prince and the Second Prince clashed sharply, both eager to seize the glory of the foremost position.
“Very well. The two of you can discuss who’ll take the lead. I’ll stay a step behind. Our forces are better suited for rear support anyway.”
Perhaps unwilling to get involved in their squabble, the Fourth Prince quietly stepped back, as usual.
“And you, Yurion?”
At that moment, all eyes turned to Yuwon—but it was Marquis Carson who spoke next.
“Ah, while we’re on the topic of the rear, I’d like to address one thing. We’re planning to assign the neutral faction under His Highness the Fifth Prince’s command. As you know, the imbalance between forces is quite severe…”
For this mission, Yuwon’s troops numbered barely fifty. His forces were so small it was practically an act of charity.
The Crown Prince smiled faintly in his direction, while the Second Prince let out an open sneer.
The Fourth Prince remained silent.
“Then, shall we proceed as planned?”
It was a question asked out of mere formality—everyone expected Yuwon to agree.
But his answer was different.
“No. I’m fine with things as they are.”
“…?”
Marquis Carson and the other Princes looked at him in puzzlement, as if to ask what he could possibly be thinking.
“I’ve already spoken with the neutral faction. The Fifth Prince’s forces will proceed as they are.”
Perhaps surprised by the unexpected response, Marquis Carson attempted to persuade him.
“Your Highness, I understand your sentiment, but this mission is no game. We’re walking into a battlefield where blood will spill and men may die.”
To Marquis Carson, Yuwon’s refusal probably seemed like the stubbornness of a child unwilling to accept help. But Yuwon’s thoughts were entirely the opposite.
‘They’re the kind who march south as if going on an outing, gleaming in their polished armor. I can’t afford to drag along such troublesome burdens.’
“So that’s precisely why I cannot keep the neutral faction under my command.”
“What on earth is the issue, Your Highness? With the troops you currently command, you’ll hardly be able to accomplish anything during this subjugation. Are you truly fine with that?”
Yuwon began persuading Marquis Carson with a voice full of conviction.
“I’m not sure if the Commander knows this, but during this Houkijisu tournament, the neutral faction has already developed an admirable level of coordination. They already have their own leader. If I suddenly intrude just because I’m a Prince, what do you think will happen?”
If that were to happen, the image would be poor, and uniting the troops would be even harder.
“It’s better to have a small but elite unit that follows my orders precisely.”
At the word “elite” from Yuwon’s lips, Second Prince Arencar openly snickered.
“Elite, you say? Heh.”
“Well… hm… you do have a point.”
Marquis Carson nodded as if in understanding, agreeing with Yuwon’s logic.
“Then we’ll send the neutral faction to the rear and move Your Highness the Fifth Prince’s forces to the center…”
It was a measure meant to at least give the Fifth Prince’s faction a greater chance to act, but Yuwon declined.
“No, there’s no need. That’s not something fifty men can accomplish anyway.”
“Then…?”
“There are tasks that only a small number can perform.”
“…?”
“The Fifth Prince’s faction will act as an independent unit.”
Yuwon’s eyes gleamed.
Once the meeting ended peacefully and everyone rose to leave, Second Prince Arencar stopped Yuwon.
“Stay a moment. I need to talk to you.”
“Was there anything for us to talk about, brother?”
“It won’t take long.”
“…Very well. If it’s brief, I don’t mind.”
Yuwon, who had stood, sat back down again.
“So, what did you want to discuss?”
“We’ll talk in a bit. We still have uninvited guests.”
Arencar gestured toward the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince, who had yet to leave. Of course, he didn’t forget to throw in a jab.
“What are you staring at? Enjoying the show? If you’re done here, move along.”
“I was just about to go.”
“Don’t misunderstand. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. Then, brothers, I’ll take my leave. See you later, youngest.”
The Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince exited, leaving only Yuwon and the Second Prince behind. Arencar was the first to speak.
“To cast away the neutral faction when you don’t have enough as it is—that’s arrogance.”
“I’m sure it seems that way. But I’m not the sort to carry unnecessary baggage.”
“You dare call it unnecessary when you’re desperate for even a single man? Beating Bernid’s made you full of yourself, hasn’t it? Seems you learned nothing from watching that fool crumble.”
“I’ve learned nothing? Then tell me—whose hands do you think brought down that fool?”
Yuwon smiled faintly. Arencar’s face twisted in anger as he met that smile. Yuwon spoke again.
“Whatever you wanted to say to me, it’s convenient—I had something to tell you as well.”
“You, to me?”
“Yes. Don’t stand in my way. In the past, I might have humored your little games, pretending to lose. But not anymore.”
“Ha…! Hahaha! Don’t make me laugh. What if I decide to stop you? You think you can do anything about it, when you don’t even have a proper faction?”
“Then I’ll just cut you down and move on. I’ve got things to do, and I won’t waste time.”
“You dare say you’ll cut me down? You insolent—!”
Yuwon’s calm reply stoked Arencar’s fury. The enraged Prince instinctively reached for the sword at his waist—only for Yuwon’s voice to cut through the air, cold as ice.
“That sword—if you draw it, do so ready to kill or be killed.”
At that very moment, a chilling wind brushed the back of Arencar’s neck. He stumbled backward with a startled noise.
“Gh—!”
Startled by the sudden killing intent, Arencar’s eyes widened as he felt his neck with trembling fingers. Thankfully, it was still attached.
‘What was that just now…!’
It was unmistakable killing intent—not the kind used to threaten or bluff, but a fierce, instinctive murderous aura that made it feel as if his head could have flown off any second. The chill still clung to his neck.
‘What in the world…!’
Arencar’s eyes trembled violently as he stared at Yuwon. The latter sat calmly in his seat, as though nothing had happened.
“If you draw it, one of us dies.”
Bwooo―!
A horn blared, its long cry filling the Imperial Palace. The day of departure had finally arrived.
In the Imperial Palace’s main training yard, the subjugation army stood in formation, fully prepared to march.
The Houkijisu and their retinues, dressed not for war but for a parade, were adorned from head to toe in glittering, high-quality weapons and armor. Their polished equipment reflected the sunlight brilliantly.
Most of them belonged to a generation that had never seen war. With few exceptions, this was the first real expedition for the Houkijisu, who had grown up like hothouse flowers.
Unable to contain their excitement, they chatted with flushed faces.
“Never thought I’d live to swing a real sword after the Houkijisu tournament. A southern subjugation, huh…”
“Ha! Easy for you to say. At least swordsmen like you can agree to use live blades during duels. We magicians can’t even use a quarter of our power in a competition…”
“Haha, there you go again. Then take this chance to show us—show us that ‘great magic’ of yours.”
“Oh, I intend to. You’d best prepare yourself to be amazed. I’ll show you the true power of my magic!”
“Ha-ha-ha! Fine, I’ll look forward to it!”
This subjugation army wasn’t organized for a national campaign against the Southern Great Jungle—it was essentially a continuation of the Houkijisu festivities.
The mission was meant to boost the participants’ morale, so they would merely skim the outer fringes of the jungle before returning, ensuring everyone’s safety.
Yet, despite that, their lineup was far from trivial. Centered around the Houkijisu, the subjugation army—including their entourages—numbered around one thousand.
From the Crown Prince down to the Fifth Prince, nearly every prominent Houkijisu of the Empire was present, each accompanied by their elite retinues who had followed them to the capital.
The atmosphere was no different from that of a grand wartime departure. The morale of the subjugation army soared sky-high.
Marquis Carson, the overall commander, stepped onto the platform before them. His commanding voice, amplified by magic, resounded through the grounds.
“All of you standing here already know why we have gathered. I will not waste words.”
His age—nearing sixty—was belied by his presence. Marquis Carson was a sword well-forged, a knight to his core.
“His Majesty the Emperor of Aphahiel has declared that the merits of this subjugation will be greatly rewarded! Soldiers and officers of this expedition, strike down the enemy in Aphahiel’s name! The name of Aphahiel is with us!”
The Marquis unsheathed his sword and raised it high toward the sky. The commander’s blade pointed south.
“For Aphahiel!”
“For Aphahiel!”
Following the commander’s cry, the voices of the subjugation army thundered in unison, echoing like rolling thunder.
The subjugation army’s march had begun.
As if to bless their departure, a clear blue sky stretched above, and a gentle spring breeze blew across the palace grounds. It was the perfect day to set out.
The wind tousled Yuwon’s hair, his long white locks fluttering in the breeze.
“What a fine day.”
It was the last spring wind of the season. The long and relentless summer had begun.