Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 136

The Royal Ceremony (5) – Evil Scheme

“So, what are those ‘Imperial soldiers’, where are they right now, and how many are they?”

“They are a group of thugs dressed like imperial soldiers. They stayed at a place south of here, probably waiting for some kind of signal. They have about 3000 people.”

Sazabi answered simply. I see, so at least he got their number right.

“A–are we really going to be fine?”

Halvery-sama, who was also listening to Sazabi’s report, turned pale.

I do understand why he was anxious. Right now, there were only 1000 carefully selected soldiers of the Roa Brigade here while our enemy had 3000 people. If something happened to the Prince now, Halvery-sama’s family would be blamed.

But as I’ve mentioned before, the 1000 soldiers I brought were all carefully selected. Some of them were soldiers who fought together with me at Hakusha, and above all, they were the 1000 best soldiers selected among capable soldiers who fought at Zeta.

3000 thugs? The people I brought were so skilled that I could afford to send just 500 of them against those thugs.

Only Halvery-sama’s expression was pale. Even Prince Zeland just replies with ‘Hmmm’. He sure has matured.

Since I also need to leave people to guard Prince Zeland, how about I leave 500 soldiers to Luzel or Frein and send them to those thugs, while the remaining 500 soldiers would guard the Prince…No, wait, I got a better idea.

I turned my gaze from Sazabi to Prince Zeland.

Noticing my gaze, the Prince turned to me and backed away.

“Roa-dono, your expression looks really scary right now,” Wickharlt pointed out.

Hm? Really?

Well, whatever. For now…

“Prince Zeland.”

The Prince, who had a slightly terrified expression replied, “Y–yes?”

Keeping my brightest smile, I continued, “How about adding a little event to your special, once-in-a-lifetime ceremony?”

***

Gong Gong Gong

A sudden gong sound from the direction of the lord’s mansion drew the attention of the people.

“Oi, look!”

“What is it? Huh? Isn’t that the Prince?”

Leading the group of soldiers who were hitting the gongs was the extravagantly dressed Zeland. The clothes he was wearing right now were tailor-made for the ceremony.

People opened the way for Zeland’s gallant figure to pass.

As for Zeland himself, he was nervous. After all, this was his first time experiencing something like this.

The only time he ever led soldiers was at the mock battle with Frein. Leading soldiers while being the center of attention was a first for him.

(T/N: POV switch to Zeland)

I could hear how fast my heart was beating. Zeland, remember that Roa-dono told you to not show your real feelings on your face.

Calm down, Zeland. Just a bit more, you would arrive at a plaza near the main street. There, you only had to do one more thing and my job here would be done.

I would have to make many more public appearances like this after the ceremony was over, so I have to get used to the attention. I should be able to do this. Other people’s gaze wasn’t as terrifying as Roa-dono’s and the others’ disappointed looks.

Gritting my teeth, I tried to look as calm as possible and finally, we arrived at the plaza.

I raised my hand and the soldiers stopped.

Beside me were Roa-dono, Wickharlt, Luzel, and Frein.

I raised my hand again, and the crowd turned silent.

I took a deep breath, put my strength in my stomach, and spoke, as loud as possible.

“I am Zeland, our King, Zeurasia’s oldest son! I have heard that bandits had appeared in the vicinity of the town! But rest assured, everyone! I, Zeland, will lead the army and crush them! This is a sacred place for the royal family! Those who defile this land deserve death!”

People who heard my words were stunned for a moment, then they burst into cheers. The way the entire town shook because of their cheers gave me chills.

At the right time, Roa-dono whispered to me, “Shall we go?” and I nodded, then I drew my sword.

“Depart!!”

The Roa Brigade started to move again at my voice. Followed by the cheers of the people, we walked out of the town.

“Prince Zeland, you did a good work,” Roa-dono said with a calm smile then continued, “Now, it’s our turn.”

***

“Isn’t it a bit noisy?”

One of the thugs who was observing the town from a distance, tilted his head at the sudden sound of gongs and cheers.

“Is it the signal?”

“Nah, the signal is smoke.”

“Maybe the other side found out about us?”

“Even if they found out, they only have like 1000 soldiers right?”

“Then it should be fine. Can I really do whatever I want?”

“Don’t forget to kill the prince first, alright? After that just do whatever you like.”

“Sure thing.”

Then, the thugs exchanged a vulgar laugh.

“Oi, the soldiers are coming out,” one of the thugs pointed.

The group of thugs saw a group who were fewer than their own approaching.

The thugs grinned as they prepared their weapons.

(T/N: A group of ragtag thugs vs trained soldiers. Let’s guess how long those poor thugs will last)