Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Chapter 71

“I am deeply troubled by the landscape that is emerging on the island of Britannia…”

The discourse was initiated by the Duke of Saxon.

“Our lands are at the limit of their capacities, protecting the imperial borders against the incessant waves of dark beings coming from the Demon King’s domains.”

Although his words conveyed an affected sorrow, his real intentions were evident: he did not intend to deploy the Saxon warriors to Britannia.

“Of course, we understand the situation perfectly,” replied Lady Scarlet, displaying a complicit smile. “His Majesty greatly values the commitment you show toward the Empire.”

“Our intentions are not aimed at the Saxon legions, but at that mythical group of combatants recognized throughout the continent… the Black Armor Company.”

The emissary focused her attention on Dale, who remained silent at the side of the leader.

“The famous ‘Black Prince,’ the one who forges legends of invincibility in every campaign he leads!”

“……”

“He not only stands out for his mastery of steel and the mystical arts, but he possesses the mind of a brilliant strategist, moving his elements with precision to guarantee triumph.”

Lady Scarlet began to list the rumors that circulated discreetly about Dale’s extraordinary virtues.

“Your expertise on the battlefield was demonstrated by completely crushing the Holy Sword warriors during the War of Black and White…”

She added, peppering her speech with a hint of disdain toward those who should be her allies.

“Will you refuse to provide your valuable support to the Empire to suppress the insurgents of Britannia?”

The Duke of Saxon showed indecision for an instant. He deeply disliked sending his descendant to such a distant island territory, even more so with the internal complexities that lurked at his own borders.

However, a formal withdrawal was not feasible.

The armed insurrection led by the Holy Maiden of Salvation, the war for the emancipation of Britannia, represented a scenario with too many strategic ramifications to be ignored.

At the moment Dale prepared to nod, assuming the voice of his progenitor, the Black Duke intervened directly.

“Agreed.”

“…”

The sudden consent caused bewilderment even in Dale himself.

“However, requesting the services of the Black Armor Company under the current landscape is equivalent to acquiring the wit of my offspring, cataloged as the greatest prodigy in the entire Empire.”

The leader’s words continued to astonish his son.

“My descendant is a superlative commander of armies, capable of measuring himself as an equal against the most formidable warriors of the imperial territory in a direct duel.”

“……”

The Black Duke continued to praise his heir’s virtues with the pride of a devoted parent, causing slight bewilderment in the young man.

“Likewise, the ranks of heavy infantry belonging to the Black Armor Company are composed of top-tier combatants, forged under the severe instruction of the Night Raven Knights.”

The leader of Saxon pointed out.

“At this very moment, hundreds of applicants are undergoing rigorous tests in Saxon to formally integrate into the Black Armor Company.”

As their victories gained notoriety in the corners of the Empire, countless combatants traveled to Saxon with the firm intention of being part of the prestigious group. Only the most capable applicants managed to obtain a spot, ready to form the most fearsome shock force.

For this reason, other weapons groups perceived suspicion and hostility toward them.

“Is the imperial crown in a position to assume the cost that implies mobilizing them all?”

Considering the circumstances, the Black Armor Company would not measure forces against a disorganized militia, but against the liberation army led by the Holy Maiden in a region located at the eastern edges of the known world.

It was not an undertaking that could be financed with an insignificant amount.

“It will require a colossal disbursement.”

Lady Scarlet showed a gesture of approval, perfectly assimilating the underlying message.

“However, in order to ensure the capabilities of Prince Dale…”

She uttered her words with a clear intention.

“Any sum would be insignificant.”

The woman consented to the conditions imposed by the leader without suggesting any reduction.

“We will deliver a retribution worthy of royalty.”

“…!”

The government envoy detailed an astronomical figure, which completely exceeded the projections of the Duke and his son.

“If it is a matter of ensuring the intervention of the ‘Black Prince,’ no economic resource will be considered an excess.”

She showed herself determined to cover the real value that Dale’s mind represented.

“Do you not agree, Prince Dale?”

“……”

Contractually linking the Black Armor Company meant, in essence, taking possession of the tactical capabilities of the “Black Prince.”

The group’s prestige increased day by day. Various aristocrats had resorted to them at critical moments, achieving favorable results that bordered on the miraculous.

Although certain triumphs derived from Dale’s individual conditions with weapons, the vast majority were the product of his mental sharpness, coordinating his resources to secure success.

The true worth of the Black Armor Company did not reside solely in its armored units, but in the faculty to assume absolute command of the military resources of whoever hired them, carrying out drastic and accurate maneuvers to overcome the intelligence of rival leaders.

The chronicles of Dale achieving favorable resolutions in adverse scenarios were very numerous.

The group distinguished itself by an efficiency on the terrain that far exceeded the expectations of its clients, involving itself in every dynamic of the conflict to consolidate success.

The young strategist’s renown was undeniable and spread with force.

A true machinery for conflict.

The Empire was preparing for a large-scale campaign and intended to place the skills of the “Black Prince” at the forefront of its operations.

The proposal turned out to be too advantageous to be dismissed.

At nightfall, inside the private office of the Duke of Saxon.

“They yielded to the pretensions faster than I anticipated.”

“It was a proposal that lacked alternatives for them.”

The Black Duke replied to his son’s observation.

“Besides, had I refused, you would have looked for a way to participate.”

In his role as a parent, he understood the young man’s motivations better than anyone else. He was right.

“You cannot remain permanently sheltered in the wintry domains of Saxon.”

Added the ruler.

“Measuring your capabilities directly against the most powerful elements of the Empire will be an experience of great value.”

Regardless of the young man’s wishes, the coming clashes with the forces of the imperial territory were inevitable. It was appropriate to add experiences in the present.

To dimension the true potential of the most outstanding figures of the crown.

“I understand.”

That was his father’s determination, and the young strategist found no arguments to oppose it.

“I will be up to the height of what you expect of me, father.”

The night advanced. In the midst of the dense darkness, an unexpected presence intercepted Sepia’s advance.

“Wow, what an unexpected encounter.”

“……”

A sorceress of reddish tones, dressed in a scarlet lace garment that subtly shone through, dedicated a gesture loaded with coquetry to her.

“It is a pleasure to coincide with you in this place, Sepia.”

“… Lady Scarlet.”

“Are you heading to lend your attentions to the tender heir of Saxon?”

Sepia opted for silence, ignoring the provocation completely.

“You possess a highly territorial expression.”

Continued the envoy, amused by the scene.

“Who would say that a being of your mystical lineage would adopt such a countenance.”

She gave the impression of barely holding back a laugh.

“This increases my desires to verify how skillful Prince Dale’s gifts are.”

The elf continued without uttering a word.

“The haughty and distinguished member of the snow lineages.”

Despite that, the woman in red did not stop her comments.

“Ending up converted into a simple companion in the care of a human sprout.”

Her words denoted absolute contempt.

“Your progenitor, the Queen of Crystal, would experience deep sorrow to see you this way.”

Upon hearing the mention of said title, Sepia’s countenance became completely rigid.

“Am I perhaps mistaken, Princess of Crystal?”

Princess Crystal. In that very instant, a current of icy and threatening energy began to manifest around Sepia.

“Wow, what a terrifying temperament.”

Lady Scarlet took a few steps backward agilely.

“Remove your presence from my path right now.”

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing.”

Manifesting a visibly exaggerated concern.

“For the good development of your private evening, I will withdraw without making noise.”

After pronouncing that, Lady Scarlet’s figure vanished into the darkness of the corridor.

“……”

Observing the place where she had left, Sepia remained immobile, pressing her lips in a clear gesture of contained frustration.

A few months passed, coinciding closely with the celebration of Dale’s twelfth anniversary.

A mandate from the crown summoned a contingent of nearly 40,000 combatants from diverse regions of the imperial territory.

Saxon Dale, holding the title of the Black Prince, officially integrated into the Empire’s military deployment, leading the Black Armor Company, which by then had a block of 500 heavy infantry soldiers.

Likewise, a select group of the Saxon Aura Knights, among whom was Charlotte, were incorporated as official commanders within the structure of the Black Armor Company. The sixth-circle mystical arts specialist, Sepia, also formed part of the entourage.

All this in order to protect their commander, Dale of Saxon.

The Empire’s contingents began the arrival maneuvers on the grounds of the island of Britannia.

The objective consisted of facing the Britannia emancipation forces, gathered under the guidelines of the Holy Maiden of Salvation, Aurelia.

“I pray that you do not show condescension toward my being.”

In front of the sculptural representation of the twin deities Sistina, holding a cross-shaped piece firmly, the Holy Maiden Aurelia was in a prayer position.

“Provide your protection and mercy to the souls who are under my custody.”

The sacred object was a modest piece, made of wood, lacking details in precious metal or elements of material value. It represented a gift that her progenitor had given her on her special day.

“We have reports that confirm the advance of a huge contingent of the Imperial Army from the continent.”

At that instant, her trusted officer, Sir Gilles de Rais, appeared on the threshold of the religious installation. The mobilization of an imperial military force of such magnitude, the landscape that everyone sought to avoid, was materializing.

“Likewise, it has been confirmed that the ‘Black Prince’ of the Saxon lineage figures among the strategists in command.”

In the territory of the island of Britannia, the events from the outside struggled to spread. However, the references regarding the principal descendant of the Saxon house were to his full knowledge, due to the great diffusion of his name.

“Delegating a task of such magnitude to an individual who is practically an infant.”

Sir Gilles de Rais tilted his head, showing signs of disbelief.

“I myself come from the lineage of a simple worker of the land.”

“Saint… Saint Aurelia…”

“Initial appearances do not encompass the totality of the realities in this world.”

Despite the circumstances, the face of Saint Aurelia did not reflect the slightest trace of overconfidence.

“As scant as the age of the successor of Saxon may be, it does not represent a valid motive to diminish our precautions.”

A young man of barely twelve years and the descendant of a servant. Was there anyone with the audacity to belittle the Saint based solely on her humble origins?

The same logic had to be applied when referring to the Saxon successor, the Black Prince.### Chapter 71