The 3rd Prince of the Fallen Kingdom Returns

28. Monster (2)

When Yuri opened his eyes, someone was sitting beside him.

“Water.”

A water bottle was immediately handed to him.

But he couldn’t drink while lying down. Yuri made another request.

“Sit me up.”

But the other person refused.

“Get up on your own, Yuri Briol.”

Only then did Yuri recognize who it was.

He raised his head while lying down and saw Sybilla sitting there.

She was wearing worn, everyday clothes, stained here and there from long-term service.

“What brings you here?”

“I came because Briol requested healers. I’m proficient in holy magic, you know.”

“You came yourself?”

“There’s something I need to confirm.”

“Confirm?”

Yuri slowly sat up.

Pain spread through his whole body. His energy channels had not yet healed.

For Yuri, who had long been accustomed to using mana, this pain was even more agonizing than muscle injuries.

“Did you lie about your age?”

Yuri chuckled.

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

Sybilla asked as Yuri leaned against the wall.

“What nonsense is that?”

“That’s what it looks like when I see what you’re doing.”

“I’m eighteen years old.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

Yuri snickered.

He understood Sybilla’s perspective.

She, too, had been recognized for her talent from a young age. She was a genius. But Yuri had achieved far greater things than even Sybilla.

But what could he do?

His physical age was eighteen, but he was living his second life.

“You’re a monster, you know that?”

“Sort of. How long was I out?”

“Two days.”

“What?”

Yuri instinctively leaned forward, only to clutch his shoulder.

“I slept that long?”

“Yes.”

“Then during that time…”

“We marched. Took you along while you were lying down.”

Yuri looked at Sybilla.

There was no way a knight of his level could be dragged around for two days without knowing anything.

“I used magic to put you to sleep so you could recover. I even used a subtle levitation spell on the carriage to prevent you from waking up. The knights were very attentive.”

Her tone sounded slightly envious.

Yuri forced himself to move and stepped out of bed.

“This must be tough…”

“It’s fine.”

Sybilla didn’t bother to stop him. Every knight had their own way of handling things.

She cast a healing spell on Yuri once more.

Yuri stood up and picked up Guilty, which had been leaning beside him.

“Will you help me?”

With Sybilla’s support, Yuri stepped out of the tent.

It was sunset.

The setting sun cast long shadows over the Allied Forces’ camp.

Due to the long expedition, most of the Allied Forces’ soldiers had bloodstains on their clothes, but the sunset glow masked the stains.

“Judging by your appearance, it seems you’ve been fighting constantly.”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

“We managed just fine without you.”

Sybilla shrugged.

“Sir Raymond commanded Briol well.”

“Of course.”

“For the most part, the Empire handled things. When they fight seriously, they’re incredible. Up until now, I think their knights were holding back.”

“The Empire does have a scheming side.”

“It’s better to rest and recover than to overexert yourself and collapse. Look over there.”

Sybilla pointed into the distance.

Flags were fluttering near the horizon.

Yuri gaped at the sight.

“We’re almost there.”

The Allied Forces had finally reached a position where Okuah’s forces were within sight.

“We’ve arrived. Finally.”

It had been a long journey.

They had departed from Briol, passed through cities beyond the border, and fought off the orcs’ interference. Now, they had arrived before Okuah, who was entrenched in the deepest part of the grasslands.

“Your Highness, you’re awake.”

“I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Thanks to you, we survived!”

Soldiers greeted Yuri as they passed by. But they were faces he didn’t recognize.

“They’re soldiers from the Holy Kingdom.”

“What? Has my popularity increased?”

“Word of your deeds has spread. You’ve accomplished so much, and you even found and killed that tunnel-digging monster.”

Troops from other nations continued to recognize Yuri and salute him, and the atmosphere felt different from before.

He grinned and said,

“The final battle remains. They need someone to rely on.”

Within the Allied Forces, tales of valor circulated, not just about Yuri, but about various other knights as well.

The soldiers, facing the formidable foe that was Okuah, created heroes to overcome their fears.

Yuri spoke.

“Sybilla.”

“Yes?”

“Can I ask you a favor?”

“What is it?”

He had been contemplating this matter for a long time.

Now that the Allied Forces’ expedition was nearing its end, it was becoming difficult to delay any longer.

Yuri spoke.

“Could you pretend…”

Sybilla’s eyes widened.

“… to be in a relationship with me?”

Her eyes widened, but they soon calmed and returned to their normal size.

“W-what are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“Just pretend to be my girlfriend.”

“Why?”

Yuri sighed.

“Well…”

He didn’t want to ask this favor either. Yuri hated being indebted to others.

“It’s all because I’ve gained attention…”

Yuri explained the situation.

The terrifying story of Ragna favoring him so much that he planned to pair him with his niece, Yekaterina.

Although there was no pressure now because they were in the middle of a war, once the Allied Forces disbanded, Ragna would undoubtedly take decisive action to tie him down.

“I need to make the first move before that.”

If the Imperial Prince set his mind on something, there was no easy way for Yuri to escape.

The worst part was that, on the surface, it was an incredibly advantageous offer for Yuri.

Sybilla had a similar reaction.

“Why? The princess is rumored to be a great beauty, with a kind personality, and her family and wealth are far superior to yours. Isn’t this a good thing for you?”

“But I’m a prince too…”

Yekaterina’s background was exceptionally prominent.

“I don’t need some royal background. And as for her personality, it’s all just an act, in my opinion.”

“What about her looks?”

“Sybilla, are you planning to live off someone’s looks? A person’s character is way more important than their appearance.”

“So that’s how you see it…?”

Sybilla squinted her eyes and smiled.

Yuri hesitated for a moment.

It was an expression she rarely made—one that could only be described as sly.

What unsettled him even more was how quickly that expression flickered across her face before disappearing.

“But what about the unnecessary attention I will get?”

“That would be better for you too. When the campaign is over and you go back, do you think your brother will leave you alone? He’ll probably try to marry you off to some random noble. If rumors spread about us, he won’t be able to do that”

“That’s just what you think.”

“Okay, fine…”

Yuri sighed.

Clearly, she wanted something in return.

Sybilla, who once demanded formal greetings even upon first meetings, had certainly grown up a lot.

“Alright, what do you want?”

“Hmm…”

Sybilla said.

“A Wish.”

“What?”

Yuri shook his head.

“What are you talking about?”

He never made careless agreements, especially ones involving vague promises like granting a wish.

One poorly made guarantee could ruin a family and collapse society—let alone offering something as extreme as granting a wish. Who knew what kind of trouble that could lead to?

“Are you scared I’ll ask for some ridiculous wish?”

“It’s not fear, it’s reasonable caution.”

“I’m just suggesting it because I don’t need anything at the moment. What am I supposed to do if you suddenly ask me for a favor without any warning?”

“Well, that’s…”

“If you don’t like it, forget it.”

Sybilla’s tone was firm.

Yuri shook his head.

A wish was still out of the question. If it came to this, he’d have to think of another plan.

Just as he was considering several alternatives, a lively voice came from behind.

“Yuri! You’re awake!”

The person he least wanted to see right now was approaching with a big smile.

“I was just about to send a report to the Empire. Yuri, sleeping on the battlefield? You’re absolutely insane!”

“Th-Thank you, Your Highness.”

“And wouldn’t you know it—my niece has been very interested in hearing news of the Allied Forces, especially about your exploits. Yuri Briol, what a remarkable young man you are.”

Ragna slung his arm around Yuri’s shoulders.

Before he was completely overshadowed by Ragna’s massive frame, Yuri shot a desperate look at Sybilla.

Fine. A wish or whatever… have it your way.

Sybilla responded with the same sly expression she had briefly shown earlier and nodded.

Yuri was already beginning to regret his decision.

But it was too late. The situation was spiraling out of his control.

“Your Highness, how have you been?”

“Ah, the Princess of the Holy Kingdom. What was your name again?”

“Sybilla Arsiente.”

“Ah, are you close to Yuri?”

“Actually, we’re more than just close.”

“More than just close…?”

Sybilla smiled radiantly at Ragna, a look he had never seen before.

Then she reached out and grabbed Yuri’s wrist, still held tightly by Ragna.

“We’re in a romantic relationship.”

Ragna’s gaze shifted directly to Yuri.

His arm around Yuri’s shoulders turned into a headlock. Yuri groaned.

“Ughhh…”

“Is it true?”

“Y-Yes.”

Ragna’s grip momentarily tightened. Yuri tapped out.

The adjutant standing beside Ragna said,

“Your Highness, the Third Prince has just awakened so perhaps…”

“Ah, of course.”

Ragna finally released him.

“Well, the prince of Briol and the princess of the Holy Kingdom—it suits you two well.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s natural for young men and women to meet.”

Ragna cleared his throat. He seemed disappointed but didn’t express any further objections.

“We’ll talk about this again later…”

“Again?”

“What’s the problem?”

“Nothing.”

Ragna quickly shifted the subject back to the Allied Forces.

“Anyway, you’ve been briefed on the situation, haven’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Okuah is right in front of us. We’re planning to advance after everyone has had enough rest.”

Yuri nodded and looked towards Okuah’s camp with Ragna.

The Allied Forces was nearing its end.

It stirred new emotions.

He had joined the Allied Forces with the sole intention of reversing the failure of his past life. And now, without a single defeat, they had marched right up to Okuah’s camp. It was undoubtedly a much better outcome than before.

The Allied Forces were united, and they had even gained the weapon that was Moyongchan.

For the first time, Yuri felt a surge of confidence—they could succeed this time.

Ragna said.

“When this war is over, the entire continent will know your name.”

Yuri agreed with that statement.

He had participated in the Allied Forces and achieved brilliant results.

Moreover, through various experiences, he had reached a level where he could stand shoulder to shoulder with the continent’s renowned knights.

It seemed like he would be able to achieve his goals if he continued like this.

With that hope in his heart, Yuri bowed to Ragna.

“Your Majesty’s name will also be broadly known.”

“Of course.”

He smiled broadly.

“That is, once we’ve dealt with Okuah.”

“Indeed.”

“But I’m not worried.”

Ragna turned to Sybilla as he continued.

“With the Empire, Briol, the Holy Kingdom’s knights, and heroes from across the continent gathered, we can’t lose to mere orcs. Those vile creatures, whose origins are a mystery, must be eradicated completely.”

Yuri nodded, recalling the origins of the orcs he had learned about in the ancient kingdom of the grasslands.

“After the war ends, I plan to propose stationing troops here permanently.”

“Are you suggesting…?”

“To establish an institution dedicated to continuously hunting and managing them, ensuring the orcs never regroup.”

Ragna’s words reminded Yuri of the hunting clans from the ancient kingdom—those who had once kept the orcs at bay.

Perhaps history truly repeats itself.

Yuri supported his opinion.

“An excellent idea.”

In his past life, Okuah had moved as if it were connected with the Empire.

If they eliminated such a force early on, the future landscape of the continent would unfold very differently.

“Indeed. It’s good for the Empire and for the kingdoms bordering the grasslands.”

Yuri was once again reminded that Ragna didn’t share the Emperor’s ambitions.

The more successful the Allied Forces became, the more displeased the Emperor would be.

At this point, he might be fuming, taking his frustrations out on those around him.

Curious, Yuri probed cautiously.

“Has there been any notable news from the Empire?”

“Ah, you mean that creature? It seems it was mentioned in old records. How the orcs came to control an extinct species remains a mystery…”

* * *

The most noble and secluded place in the Empire.

The Imperial Palace.

Within it existed a salon for the prominent figures of the Empire. It was a place where those who had made names for themselves in various fields could gather and socialize.

But as time passed, its meaning faded. Now it was nothing more than a gathering place for gossiping socialites.

“Have you heard the news about the Allied Forces? It’s truly fascinating.”

“How are they doing these days?”

“They’re about to face the final battle.”

“They haven’t lost once, have they?”

“As expected of Prince Ragna.”

Lately, the Empire’s interest had been focused on the Allied Forces led by Prince Ragna.

“They say the orcs have been controlling a creature that digs underground. How is that even possible…?”

“I’ve heard rumors that the orcs are using dark magic.”

“Perhaps they used some strange method to revive an ancient monster?”

“I heard the orcs captured elves and stole their magic.”

“But elves don’t leave the forest, do they?”

“They must have been kidnapped.”

All sorts of unverified rumors were circulating.

Just then, someone opened the salon door and entered.

It was a member of the Ministry of Magic, carrying the latest news from the Allied Forces.

Everyone’s attention shifted toward him.

“Good day. I’ve brought some fresh news.”

“What’s the news?”

He savored the attention of the crowd, building suspense before slowly speaking.

“It’s about the Third Prince of Briol, who’s been making great strides in the Allied Forces.”

“You mean Yuri Briol?”

“He’s said to be in a relationship with the princess of the Holy Kingdom.”

“Pardon?”

“The Prince of Briol and the Princess of the Holy Kingdom?”

“Is it a romance that blossomed on the battlefield?”

People always enjoyed stories about others’ romantic entanglements.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the salon grew lively.

People began concocting stories in their minds, spinning guesses into facts and subsequently forming new rumors.

It was at that moment.

“Is that really true?”

A delicate, beautiful voice flowed into the room.

Though soft, its presence was undeniable, causing a sudden silence to fall over the room.

The face of the Ministry of Magic official who had been speaking turned pale.

“Princess.”

The voice belonged to none other than Princess Yekaterina, the Emperor’s daughter and the most beautiful woman in the Empire.

She was smiling, her face partially concealed by a fan.

“Could you tell me more about that story?”