Chapter 69 Part 1: The End. My Light, My Soul

What on earth had happened?

It was morning.

The First Prince’s forces had surrounded the city.

In truth, it was more of an encampment than a siege, but it was enough of a threat.

The weather was gloomy with dark clouds.

It seemed like it would rain again any minute.

The First Prince, Leon, frowned and asked his adjutant next to him.

“What wretched weather. When will the rear guard arrive?”

“They should arrive sometime in the afternoon.”

“That will make six thousand.”

“That’s correct, Your Highness.”

They had split their forces in two.

First, the vanguard, numbering two thousand.

The rearguard totaled four thousand. They would also arrive sometime in the afternoon.

A total force of six thousand.

Leon smiled with satisfaction.

‘This should be enough.’

Deceiving the enemy’s eyes for a moment and bypassing them was the limit he could utilize.

There was a method to his madness.

‘The Saintess is the problem.’

Then, if he could get his hands on her, wouldn’t the problem be solved?

A typical large city’s defense force numbered three thousand.

But Arnad’s defenses were empty.

‘His plan is an all-out attack.’

A rapid advance on the capital.

So he must have left only a small force behind and mobilized everyone.

That made the calculation easier.

‘First, I’ll take the Saintess.’

He would use her as a hostage to lure him out.

Leon still remembered that time.

‘He didn’t even bat an eye before.’

At the triumphal banquet some time ago.

Leon had met the two as they were walking.

He had been sincere.

When he had subtly glanced over her body. He felt a momentary surge of killing intent.

What about the rumors he had heard?

That they were a very loving couple.

That it didn’t seem like an arranged marriage at all.

“Ridiculous.”

Leon, who had scoffed at that, grasped the necklace in his hand.

It had originally hung around Caron’s neck.

‘Foolishly. He tightened his own noose.’

Leon was experienced.

How many times had he touched other men’s women?

Many of them were married or engaged.

It was easier to get his hands on such women. This was something only he knew.

He was the First Prince of this country. He used his power without hesitation to achieve his goals.

Isn’t it funny?

Their sincere love for each other became their shackles.

Leon knew how to trample and蹂躪 people’s hearts.

‘So I’ll make it so he can’t refuse.’

He would have to come even if he knew.

The trap he would set.

Taking the Saintess hostage. Thoroughly subjugating him.

Conversely, using his safety as collateral to threaten the Grand Duchess. If he refused, even his family.

And the Saintess would declare.

That she supported the First Prince.

‘It’s not bad to embrace a crying woman.’

Rather, Leon quite liked it.

After eliminating the irksome fellow, he would leisurely enjoy the resigned woman.

The Saintess might beg him, lying beneath his body.

Please spare him.

‘Of course, by then, he’ll be dead or already fed to the dogs.’

Just imagining it made Leon’s lower body stiffen.

A cackling laugh escaped him.

He was just planning what he always did.

“All preparations are complete.”

But was it really a coincidence?

Just then, a loud roar was heard.

Of course, from inside the city walls.

Leon’s mood soured instantly.

“First, give them a good scare.”

The order to begin the siege.

Soon, the sound of the battle horn rang out.

Boo-woo-

The army slowly began to advance.

After scaring them, there was something else prepared.

‘It should be quite effective.’

Leon wore a vicious smile.

Some time before the siege began.

Rosa climbed the bell tower.

The field was blackened.

The enemy was forming ranks.

Dozens of flags fluttered in the wind.

Siege equipment could be seen here and there.

Her expression was stern.

The butler, Hamel, said beside her.

“It seems to be around two thousand, give or take.”

“Is that a lot…?”

Rosa asked.

Hamel answered with a grim face.

“It’s not a very large number. However, if they are only the vanguard, then it’s not a small number at all.”

The big problem was that this was highly likely.

Rosa fell deep in thought.

‘Caron, and Pavel…?’

Even the lords of the nearby territories were away.

Arnad was in danger.

It was hard to expect reinforcements.

“The knights, the standing army, and the guards of the inner and outer castles. Even combined, they don’t even reach a thousand.”

The one who said that was Natasha, a female knight with red hair.

She was the acting commander of the remaining knights.

“What about… the Grand Duke?”

The maid Rudy asked with a worried expression.

It was only natural to be afraid, as this was her first time in such a situation.

Thump-thump-

The sound of the enemy outside the castle.

As if to show off their numbers.

They stomped the ground with their spears and shields.

Amidst the commotion, Rosa slowly opened her mouth.

“There must be a mistake. Otherwise, the enemy wouldn’t be here.”

Lately, news from Caron had been cut off for a long time. So much so that she was worried.

But she still had faith.

“Yes. He can’t have lost.”

“We think so too.”

Natasha responded to her words.

“His Grace, and our comrades. They can’t have been defeated.”

Such an unusual degree of certainty.

There was a reason for it.

The Grand Duke’s knights were undefeated. They had never lost even once.

That was why they could have such confidence.

Natasha exchanged opinions with the knight beside her.

Rosa was familiar with his face.

Luther. That was his name.

The two had come to Rosa’s wedding together.

They were among the most skilled within the knight order, having been among the only three to receive invitations.

“The enemy outside the castle must have used some kind of trick.”

“For example, bypassing us…”

“Yes. That’s the most likely, isn’t it?”

Natasha nodded at those words.

“Even our lord can’t foresee every situation.”

But after saying that, the two knights asserted.

“It’s definitely a threat, but we must stop them at all costs.”

“Don’t worry, Your Grace.”

The two were among the core members of the knight order.

In fact, not only the two of them, but the remaining knights were all elites.

Caron had taken care of Rosa’s safety, just in case.

“By now, he must have already found out.”

“So he will surely come soon.”

Such was the firm belief of the two.

Suddenly, Rosa realized.

‘Yes. That’s right.’

She was the Grand Duchess of Elchen.

There was no need to be anxious. To be precise, she absolutely shouldn’t be.

In this crisis without Caron.

She was the one in charge of Arnad.

“Give the order, Your Grace.”

“We will defend against the enemy.”

Even if it was just for show, it didn’t matter.

They truly believed in her and followed her.

‘Then what I must do is…’

To boost everyone’s morale.

As a proper Grand Duchess.

She must not waver.

“Let’s do that.”

She looked down from the bell tower.

There were many people in armor.

Their expressions were tense.

Rosa, sometimes cunning.

‘If this can be everyone’s strength.’

If it could protect Caron and her.

She would gladly use it.

“Don’t push yourselves, Your Grace!”

Such were the cries of the maids.

But as she came down from the bell tower, Rosa began her speech.

“The enemy has invaded Arnad. It is an unexpected attack.”

A moment of silence followed.

“But we all know. Unjust oppression can eventually be overcome.”

Many people thought.

What the Grand Duchess had just said was similar to Elchen’s situation.

Of course, Rosa had intended that.

“For you, the throne, the oracle. Such things may not be important.”

The Grand Duchess, with her delicate frame. But her voice was full of strength.

“It’s just that a situation has arisen where you must fight. To protect your friends, family, loved ones, and yourselves.”

Rosa’s true purpose lay in the next words.

She swept her hand over her forehead.

The pure white stigmata was revealed.

“As long as I am with you, God’s grace will be upon you. Arnad will not fall, and our army will return.”

After a moment of silence.

Soon, a thunderous roar erupted.

Waaa-

“That’s right-!”

“The Saintess is with us!”

“God’s grace is upon Arnad!”

The Saintess was on their side.

“The Grand Duke will come!”

“Yes. He can’t have been defeated.”

It was only a short speech, but everyone’s morale was boosted.

Hamel, who had been lost in thought.

He further encouraged everyone.

“Let’s all work together! As long as Her Grace is here in Arnad, the enemy will not be able to breach the walls.”

The acting vice-commander, Natasha, ordered the other knights.

“Her Grace has given the order! Everyone, maintain your positions!”

They were experienced in war. There had been ongoing civil strife at one time, and they knew the guidelines for defense.

“Yes, sir.”

The knights, bowing their heads, ran off at a rapid pace.

Behind each of them, several soldiers followed.

Between the crenellations of the castle walls.

Soldiers with bows took their positions.

Rosa made up her mind.

‘I’ll trust Caron and wait.’

Let’s protect this Arnad, their home, in his absence.

After some time, the enemy began to move.

Boo-woo-woo-

The ground began to shake.

It was the beginning of the first battle.

The first attack was nothing special.

The enemy only probed and then retreated.

A deeply dug moat, a double outer wall of the outer castle.

Only a small number of troops were sent, as if to confirm such facts.

But the second attack, which began around lunchtime.

The enemy brought huge wooden boards.

“Shoot! Stop them!”

Countless arrows were fired.

But they couldn’t completely stop the enemy.

Ladders were placed against the walls. A battering ram crossed over but fell into the ditch.

That was fortunate, but it was definitely a more intense attack than in the morning.

“Argh-!”

Screams.

“Fire!”

The sound of arrows being shot.

A downpour of black arrows advanced in a parabola.

Hot oil was poured through the holes in the crenellations.

“Quickly! Hurry!”

Supplies were constantly being replenished on the ramparts.

So far, it seemed manageable.

Sieges were normally advantageous for the defenders.

But as the late afternoon approached, the situation changed completely.

It was truly the worst.

What they had anticipated came true.

“Enemy reinforcements!”

“They’re not reinforcements. It’s the main force.”

Natasha’s expression hardened.

It was impossible to even estimate their numbers with the naked eye.

At least several times the initial number.

And there was a good reason why they were late.

“Catapults! They have catapults!”

No matter how strong the walls, they were in danger if catapults were involved.

The offensive grew more intense.

Rosa was still in the bell tower.

“Your Grace. It’s dangerous for you to be here!”

But even at Hamel’s words, she couldn’t bring herself to go to the inner castle.

She couldn’t just run away alone.

Leaving all these people behind.

Meanwhile, shouts and screams were rampant, and the clanking of boots echoed on the ground.

“You’re not even supposed to be moving around much. What if a stray arrow comes flying?”

“Hamel. This is inside a building. And I can take care of myself.”

Hamel’s eyes showed a complicated look. But

“Understood, Your Grace. But if they start using catapults, then you really must go to the inner castle.”

After repeating this several times, he hurriedly ran off somewhere.

Rosa was also busy.

She moved busily with the maids.

“Ugh, it’s heavy.”

“Let’s carry it together, Wendy.”

She was personally carrying supplies.

In fact, not only her, the Grand Duchess, but all the women in the castle were helping.

“We need more herbs and bandages!”

“The oil on the western rampart has run out!”

Rosa was leading them.

“Mobilize more carriages from the inner castle! Louise! Open the reserve warehouse!”

The reserve warehouse was on the second floor of the inner castle.

“There should be plenty of herbs there.”

“Your Grace. What are you…”

The head maid of the Grand Duchy. Louise didn’t know.

But it wasn’t her fault at all.

Rosa had bought and stocked it up, but forgot to mention it.

But at this moment, she suddenly remembered.

It was a coincidence close to luck.

“Because we bought them together before.”

Rosa was quite frugal.

[The stock of herbs is overflowing. It’s a real concern.]

Caron had pacified Elchen. The long civil war had ended.

Some merchants were bewildered.

The war had ended, which was good, but it created an unexpected loss. The demand for items like military equipment and herbs had disappeared.

Rosa had met with several merchants. While buying seeds to plant in the greenhouse.

‘That was probably…’

Quite some time had passed.

She learned of the merchants’ difficulties.

Of course, they wouldn’t have known.

That the battle for the throne was imminent.

Rosa bought them at a cheap price. Of course, using her allowance, Navi.

Herbs could be dried and used in juice form, and equipment could be well maintained.

‘It might come in handy someday.’

But after buying them, she felt strangely embarrassed and just left them in the reserve warehouse.

She thought the Grand Duchy of Arnad would never have a shortage of supplies.

But she would have bought them even knowing that fact.

It was a bargain. The price.

The supplies she had bought, thinking of the Grand Duchy, because the price was so low.

But her actions were now shining in this situation.

Louise ran to the warehouse. With several servants.

Caron would surely come. Rosa had strong faith in that.

‘The Knights Hospitaller will probably come with him.’

They had gone to help Caron without a second thought.

That was her will, as a Saint.

Almost three weeks had passed since the battle for the throne began.

They were probably no longer in Elchen.

Perhaps it was unfortunate for Arnad in this situation, but Rosa had no regrets.

At least she believed that Caron would be safe because they had been dispatched.

It was a fierce battle.

By now, it was getting dark.

Boo-woo-boo-woo-

Then, two long blasts were heard.

The enemy slowly retreated.

The sound of the retreat. She couldn’t understand the reason.

“There will probably be a third attack.”

Contrary to such expectations.

An unexpected situation unfolded afterward.

White tents were spread out.

The Knights Hospitaller, numbering a thousand.

They had just finished their preparations.

The Saintess, Rosa Anencia.

What was her will?

It was the protection of her husband, the Second Prince.

Naturally, they followed it.

The will of the Saint was the will of God.

They did not openly help the Grand Duke.

In fact, it was his request.

He had asked them to follow at a distance.

There was unnecessary concern in that.

Rosa Anencia was a Saintess.

She was also the face of the Church now.

Wasn’t she a being as important as the Pope?

Conversely, the Grand Duke’s thoughts.

[Now, the perception of the Church will also affect her reputation. Anyway, the battle for the throne involves dirty politics.]

So, if the Church actively intervened, it might not look good.

Such was the husband, worrying about his wife.

It was a thoughtful consideration.

The Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller, Serban, fully understood.

In fact, their mere presence was a considerable force, even if they were just providing escort.

There had been instances where forces that were aiming for the Second Prince’s rear had retreated just by seeing them.

“So I thought we wouldn’t have to step in unless it was a real crisis.”

Grand Master Serban’s face hardened.

He patted Roadl, who was standing next to him, comfortingly on the shoulder.

Coincidentally, he had heard that he was related to the Saintess by blood.

Such a Roadl Anencia was a strong candidate for the next Grand Master.

A calm voice came from his mouth.

“The messenger clearly stated. They may have already passed here.”

Of course, he was referring to the Grand Duke’s forces.

“A speed faster than even the messenger…”

All the knights were astonished.

It was truly an unbelievable marching speed.

“We cannot fall behind. We must arrive as quickly as they do.”

It was a matter of their pride. The Saintess herself was in danger.

Grand Master Serban stood up.

“We will depart immediately! The Saintess is in danger, it is time to fulfill our duty!”

The knights surrounding the table.

They all picked up their helmets at once.

White cloaks exited through the tent doors.

Unseen, Roadl clenched his fist tightly.

‘Wait, Rosa. Big brother will be there soon.’

His heart was torn in a thousand pieces, but there was no time to hesitate.

All the knights mounted their horses.

A total of three hundred official knights. Five hundred apprentice knights. Even two hundred squires.

The members of the Knights Hospitaller departed.

Their destination was Arnad.

To protect the Saintess.