Chapter 12

A little while ago, when Asulin spoke about demon hunting as if it were just a morning stroll, I didn’t think much of it. Her ease, so unlike someone discussing demon hunting, hadn’t made me feel the gravity of the situation. Only now do I realize that her confidence, bordering on arrogance, came from a place of genuine strength.

It had been a while since we last felt this way, ever since Asulin, Katarina, and I teleported out to hunt demons. I remember clearly how my judgment faltered almost immediately after.

Grawwwaaaarrrr!!

The fierce cries of the demons and…

Waaaaaarrrr!!

…the determined shouts of the knights of Swordsmanship Order pressing against them, their metallic voices told me I wasn’t facing ordinary demons. This was no casual demon hunt.

I even briefly considered not joining them, using my health as an excuse, but…

“Compared to the creatures we faced in emergency hunts before, these aren’t even worth mentioning,” Asulin said with a laugh, her confidence making me forget any doubts.

“I may not be in the same condition as then, but I’ll make sure to protect you from those who try to attack your sides.”

I promised to guard Asulin as she prepared to fight. What else could I do? From the moment I agreed, I treated it as a final stand, trying to do what I could.

“Stay behind me. I’m not cruel enough to put someone injured in the core and struggling to use their hostility at the forefront.”

Unfortunately, thanks to Asulin’s consideration, such a scenario never played out.

Still, she had no weak spots. That much was clear.

“Princess has arrived!”

“Ah! Even without Her Highness, we can handle these pests!”

“Let’s show the full might of the Guangyi Knights to Her Highness!”

As Asulin’s presence boosted morale, the efficiency of our assault surged, leaving me feeling quite useless.

“Let’s lead the charge. Someone needs to mark our arrival.”

Even though leading in such a manner would normally be seen as a death wish, Asulin took it in stride, standing at the forefront of the Guangyi Knights, displaying her might against the demons.

With each step Asulin took forward, our troops’ spirits soared, making it clear that even without her further actions, the tide of battle would turn.

“Uuuhh-!! Tiny human wench! I’ll devour you!!”

Despite the cold rationality of her words, a demon charged at Asulin with a ferocious energy that pierced her like a needle, despite the strict formation around her.

But before the demon’s energy reached Asulin…

Buuuung-!!

With a chill cutting through the air, Asulin swung her greatsword.

Crack-!!

The sound of the demon’s head splitting in two echoed, followed by the thud of its body hitting the ground in pieces.

This creature, relying solely on brute force, was obliterated by a far stronger presence.

The scene played out so quickly, even if the confrontation seemed effortless, that the fallen demon—a ogre—felt insignificant.

“…It seems endless.”

Asulin cleaned her blade of blood and gore with a casual swing, revealing her nonchalance despite nearly being overwhelmed.

…Even if my mana core hadn’t been damaged, I wouldn’t have been as dominant as Asulin, but I could have easily hunted this ogre.

However, I couldn’t provide the spectacle of rallying troops with such a feat.

In that regard, Asulin surpassed me.

“Charge!”

Amidst the relentless waves of demons, Asulin rallied us, her cold, commanding voice driving the knights of the Guangyi Order into action.

Thud-thud-thud!

The synchronized footsteps of the armored elite knights were thunderous, almost shaking the mountain range itself.

Even if other well-trained units might manage a similar display, none could match the sheer force of the Guangyi Knights.

Their disciplined unity, which once overwhelmed even the elite Black Eagle knights of Swordsmanship Order during the civil war, was evident here, even against mere demons.

“How do you feel?”

As Asulin cut an ogre in half, crushing its momentum, she asked me for my thoughts.

“The decision to cut down the ogre approaching us to assert dominance was wise.”

I responded honestly.

“But, as I’ve noticed before…”

“You always appreciate straightforward advice, especially from those who speak without hesitation.”

“As someone who acknowledges your strength, this might seem absurd, but you should consider your position more deeply.”

“Are you saying I need to be cautious because if something happens to me, it could shake the entire battlefront?”

“Yes. Though sensitive, I too exploited such vulnerabilities during the civil war to shift the tide.”

Asulin, who naturally accepted her strength, was unaware of the risks, so I warned her.

What I said was the truth.

During the Succession War, in the southern Zakarat Mountain Range where the fiercest battles occurred, my older brother, leading the Swordsmanship Order to defend his territory, often employed this strategy to overturn unfavorable odds.

Though it repeatedly failed, the method itself wasn’t flawed.

Eliminate the supreme commander, Asulin, to break the formidable cohesion of the Swordsmanship Order.

Draw Asulin into a trap in the chaos, either capture or kill her.

That was my brother’s plan, and I was the one who fought Asulin.

Though evenly matched, I lacked the power to dominate her. Despite our efforts, the overwhelming waves of the Swordsmanship Order rendered my brother’s plans impossible.

Life isn’t just about raw power and capability; otherwise, my brother and I wouldn’t have struggled so much.

With that in mind, I offered advice to lessen Asulin’s future hardships, considering her strength and confidence.

During the war, it was necessary, but I harbored no ill will toward her.

Thinking about Asulin getting hurt or dying made me uneasy, which motivated me to share my concerns.

Though it might seem rude, Asulin listened without a change in expression.

“Even as His Majesty’s spouse, there are expressions that must be handled with care.”

Katarina, dressed in heavy armor rather than a maid’s outfit, sternly silenced me, but Asulin raised her hand, silencing Katarina instantly.

“Even Majesty said something similar to me. I didn’t expect to hear such words from a former enemy.”

“Given a commoner like me felt this way, surely Majesty understood it fully.”

“Hehehe…”

“…”

“Consider it carefully. As my wife, I should listen to my husband’s first advice.”

“…Ugh.”

Thanks to Asulin accepting my opinion, Katarina, who had been pressuring me, finally backed off.

Although she was strong, she didn’t exert overwhelming pressure, so confronting her directly wasn’t a problem. But I appreciated Asulin controlling the situation, given we needed to work together.

Anyway, it’s good she understood. Still, in the heat of battle, I might forget and rush to the front again.

“Don’t push further. Focus on encouraging the knights and soldiers to stay in formation. While the battle has calmed somewhat, your words hold weight.”

Asulin’s respectful attitude, acknowledging my input, was admirable, like someone meant to lead others.

I intended to thank her properly for accepting my advice.

“Also…”

“What?”

“Excessive humility looks bad. It doesn’t suit someone of your stature to call yourself a commoner. I’d prefer you show your strengths.”

Asulin puffed her cheeks in protest, preventing my gratitude from coming out.

I feared I might accidentally call her cute, thinking of the current Asulin.

“Your Highness… I know it’s different at Duke’s Residence, but here…”

Katarina immediately tried to stop Asulin’s outburst, but…

“Can’t I even complain to my husband?!”

Asulin continued, showing a playful side despite the serious context.

Even in a battlefield, human moments like this can emerge.

Seeing her unfamiliar side during the war, I felt bewildered.

“Excuse me.”

Suppressing my confusion, I drew the sword Asulin gifted me and deflected an incoming projectile with a swift motion.

At first glance, it seemed harmless, but…

“…Hmm?!”

When I struck it with my sword, a tingling sensation ran through my hand, indicating it was a paralyzing spell.

Thankfully, the paralysis only lasted momentarily.

“…Ugh.”

It felt like my dantian was affected, perhaps due to forcing my hostility back.

“Andy?!”

Asulin panicked, reacting as if she were the one hurt.

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