Chapter 53

The temporary ceasefire treaty was officially concluded.

The trading post outside the forest was placed under joint management, and the three-day freezing of the front lines transitioned as is into a permanent ceasefire.

After a short while, with proper formalities arranged, the young captive was returned to the Count of the fortified city. At the site of the return, the flags of both sides stood, a priest bore witness, and a clerk read the articles aloud.

It was an agreement bound not by blood, but by words.

I, having finished my duty, was to return to the castle.

—The Third Prince of a small country.

A guest general, and also a party to the negotiations.

Even though I had brokered a ceasefire, it did not change the fact that I was a prince of another country deeply involved in a war within their territory.

It was not guaranteed that I would be welcomed. Even if I had established a merit, there would likely be those who viewed it as “doing something unnecessary.”

When the castle gates came into view, I subconsciously readjusted my grip on the reins. High stone towers. The flag of the Royal Family fluttering in the wind.

The gates open. The guards were lined up, their spears raised.

Gazes gather. What was in those eyes was—neither vigilance nor hostility.

“His Highness, the Third Prince Leonhart, has returned.”

A voice announcing it loudly. The next moment, the sound of the butts of spears striking the stone paving synchronized.

A salute. Knights and retainers lined both sides of the path leading into the castle.

For an instant, I couldn’t understand.

Eventually, the Vice Knight Commander whispered.

“It is His Majesty’s intention.”

The merit of brokering the ceasefire. The judgment that prevented the war from expanding. That is not a victory of the sword. But it was evaluated as having protected the country.

As I advanced my horse, I quietly exhaled.

My anxiety, it seems, was unfounded.

First of all, there was an audience with the King.

The high-ceilinged audience chamber. The Royal Family‘s crest hung on the walls, and the King sat upon the throne.

To his left and right were key retainers, and the royal family.

I stepped forward and dropped to one knee.

“Third Prince Leonhart, has returned.”

Amidst the silence, the King’s voice dropped.

“Raise your face.”

I gently raised my gaze. The King’s look was sharp. But there was no hostility.

“I have received the reports. The ceasefire has been established, and the captive has been returned.”

“Yes. It is a result of His Majesty’s sagacious decision and the support of the Royal Capital.”

The King pulled his chin in slightly.

“The judgment to not expand a war is not easy.”

A moment’s pause.

“More so than swinging a sword.”

A portion of the key retainers moved their gazes. I answered quietly.

“I believed a victory without shedding blood to be the best.”

The King’s eyes narrowed.

“You are young.”

It was not a reprimand. A ring as if testing me.

“But—you are not foolish.”

A faint stir ran through the audience chamber.

“For your work this time, the Royal Family deems it right.”

That single phrase was an official approval. I bowed my head deeply.

“I am deeply honored.”

I received those words solemnly.

Suddenly, I raised my face. To the right side of the throne. My eyes met with First Princess Elysia’s.

An unwavering posture. But a faint light dwelt in those eyes. She, too, must have undoubtedly voiced her opinion regarding the treaty.

It is not hard to imagine that behind the King deeming it “right,” there was her backing.

I smiled ever so slightly. Since it is a public setting, I kept it modest.

And, I bowed politely once more.

This ceasefire is not mine alone.

The air in the audience chamber settled quietly, and moved on to the next agenda.

The audience ended, and the key retainers scattered. The evening light was shining into the stone corridor. I stopped my feet.

“Princess Elysia.”

Princess Elysia turned around. A lady-in-waiting was attending just behind her, but she would not interject into the Princess’s private conversation.

I stepped closer and said quietly.

“You have my gratitude.”

She moved her brow slightly.

“I merely did what was natural as a princess of this country.”

Her tone was calm. But it was not a rejection. I nodded.

“Even so. The military council could not have been easy.”

“There was backlash.”

She looked out at the garden outside the window.

“The voices desiring war are strong in any age.”

“Swords are easy to understand.”

I answered.

“As is blood.”

A short silence. The wind blowing through the corridor shook the flags.

Elysia slowly looked at me.

“However, what is gained by the sword will be taken by the sword.”

“…I agree.”

“That is why I supported the proposal to not move the lines.”

Those words were public logic. But deep inside them, there was another ring. I hesitated for an instant.

“When you read my letter, what did you think?”

I chose the question carefully. She narrowed her eyes slightly.

“To speak frankly—that it was soft.”

Unintentionally, I gave a small laugh.

“Many generals said the same thing. However,”

She continued.

“Sometimes, the softer the proposal, the longer it lasts.”

Our gazes overlapped. No more words were needed.

This ceasefire is the result of mutual concessions.

And, it is also the result of mutual protection.

I bowed deeply.

“I will not forget Your Highness’s assistance.”

“It is fine if you forget. As long as the results remain, that is sufficient.”

That looked like the pride of a princess. I did not step any further.

I stepped back one pace.

“Then, if you will excuse me here.”

I bowed politely once more.

Elysia nodded quietly.

I felt as though her eyes moved to follow me for an instant. Ever so slightly.

“…Take care.”

In that voice, amidst the public ring, there was a soft lingering resonance.

I stopped for an instant.

But, without turning back, I slowly began to walk down the corridor.

Elysia did not move.

For the Princess to leave first would lack courtesy.

She just quietly watched my back as I departed.