Chapter 3

How can I escape from these people?

While heading towards the capital of the Ai-shan Gi-or tribe, Or-dos, I kept thinking endlessly.

First of all, running away recklessly is the worst choice.

During the journey, I occasionally picked up bits of information about them from the warriors and attendants’ chatter.

They are something like an Imperial Guard unit assigned to me, consisting of two White Tiger Generals, twenty Ten-Tiger Generals, and two hundred warriors.

The 4th Imperial Guard Cavalry, I think they called it.

The core of their strength lies in the twenty-two Tiger Generals, while the regular warriors are just supplementary troops.

The guys who dared to point their swords at me were also newly recruited soldiers.

The man with the gloomy expression who spoke to me earlier was also a White Tiger General.

Mersin. Unlike Ja-han, I hadn’t heard his name in the original story.

Contrary to my expectation that they would be a nomadic tribe, it seems only the warrior groups venture outside.

Those who aren’t warriors usually farm or live their entire lives in their settlements.

They despise cowards, value warriors, and take pride in the wealth and slaves obtained through plunder.

…And they have a habit of chasing down and killing anyone who runs away from the tribe.

Additionally, I learned that the Ai-shan tribe I belong to is quite powerful among the Ka`har tribes.

The tribal chief, Ai-shan Gi-or Or-han, dreams of unifying the tribes and calls himself the Conqueror King—Ser Khan.

Of course, other tribes don’t agree with this, so it’s just a self-proclaimed title.

That’s also why the warriors refer to me, Or-han’s daughter, as Princess Ha-shal-leur rather than Queen.

Ha-shal-leur is Or-han’s fourth child, with three older brothers and one younger sister.

With three older brothers, why does Ha-shal-leur become the queen in the future? Did they all die or something?

Anyway, the important thing is that if I run away now, I’ll be treated as a fugitive who must be caught and killed, regardless of being a princess.

So, I need to get Or-han’s permission and leave proudly. I can’t live with these guys.

…But where and how should I leave?

Let me think. If I’m going to leave, I should get out of the eastern region entirely.

If I wander alone in this barbaric land, I’ll eventually be caught by bandits and turned into a slave.

Since I’ve decided to escape from these guys, I want to at least head to the western region where there’s some semblance of law and order.

The problem is that the people we plundered were clearly from the west…

No wonder easterners are treated like half-monsters, no different from beastmen.

In the end, there’s only one way.

I guess I have no choice but to enlist.

—

The capital of the Ai-shan tribe, Or-dos, was a city that Ai-shan Gi-or Or-han had poured his heart and soul into building for twenty years.

Long ago, Or-han led his tribe to the Barun River and made this place the tribe’s stronghold.

Abundant water sources, fertile farmland, and vast pastures.

It was a land perfectly suited for the growth of a city.

In its early days, Or-dos was just a fenced tent village.

But twenty years was enough time to turn a crude tent village into a massive city.

So, this is Or-dos, huh?

I stared blankly at the wooden walls that were more than twice my height.

Honestly, I expected a few thousand tents since it’s a barbarian city, but this is no less than a medieval fortress.

On the watchtowers scattered along the wooden walls, armored warriors stood guard with wide eyes.

The man at the front of our group approached them, holding the unit’s flag.

“The emblem of the Black Wolf…! Is this Princess Ha-shal-leur’s Imperial Guard Cavalry?”

“Open the gates immediately! Princess Ai-shan Gi-or Ha-shal-leur has returned!”

The startled guards hurriedly opened the gates.

The warrior-like spirit they had shown moments ago had completely vanished.

What on earth did Ha-shal-leur do to make them so scared just by seeing the flag?

Within ten seconds, the main gate swung open.

Beyond the gate, numerous guards knelt on one knee, bowing their heads, lined up on both sides.

Honestly, it was kind of cool.

Soon, the vanguard of the unit made way, signaling that I should take the lead.

Well, unlike the outside where battles could break out at any moment, this is more like a triumphant procession.

As their commander, I should lead the march.

I lightly tugged on the reins and moved to the front of the group.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes!”

“Everyone, bow your heads! Princess Ai-shan Gi-or Ha-shal-leur has returned!”

As we moved along the well-maintained road, I looked around.

The city was divided by a river, with farmland and residential areas on either side, and beyond that, a brick wall.

Wait, they actually built a brick wall? And they call themselves barbarians?

The vast farmland was filled with unknown crops, and shabby-looking people tended to them while a few warriors stood guard, likely supervising slaves.

Shabby buildings that seemed to be slave quarters were scattered here and there.

Beyond the river was the residential area, filled with houses made of wood and baked clay.

…Despite being a princess, I had been living in tents, so I thought they were truly barbaric.

Turns out, I was the only one living like a barbarian.

Those tents were more like military barracks than mobile homes.

As we entered the residential area, I saw various people.

Slaves in rags being dragged around, residents wearing clothes made of leather and cloth, and occasionally, armored warriors.

As soon as they saw our procession, they all panicked and bowed their heads, stepping aside.

I’m not sure if this is appropriate for a royal procession, but I kept heading towards the distant brick wall.

After a while, Mersin, the White Tiger General, quietly approached me.

“Princess Ha-shal-leur. Are you heading straight to Ser Khan?”

Huh? Is there some procedure I’m supposed to follow? I don’t know about that.

“Is there a problem?”

I casually countered. Answering a question with a question is a privilege of a superior, after all.

“Hmm… No. Since it’s you, Princess Ha-shal-leur, Ser Khan probably won’t make an issue of it.”

What’s that supposed to mean? Explain it properly.

He seems to think I already know, so I can’t ask without raising suspicion. This is so frustrating.

“Then I’ll disband the warriors once we reach the inner city. I need to hand over the slaves, so Ja-han, the White Tiger General, will escort you.”

“I leave it to you. Once you’re done, take a rest or whatever.”

“Understood.”

It’s good that they’re dispersing. Being with them would only increase suspicion.

Since they’re Ha-shal-leur’s Imperial Guard, they must know a lot about the original Ha-shal-leur.

I need to keep my distance from these guys as much as possible.

—

The inner wall, built with baked bricks, was much thicker than the outer wooden palisade.

I wonder how many slaves were exploited to build this wall.

Upon arriving at the gate, Mersin saluted, dismissed the warriors, and left with my horse and slaves.

Ordinary warriors aren’t allowed into the inner fortress. Only the Khan’s direct bloodline, his guards, and close advisors are permitted entry.

The rest are probably just servants handling miscellaneous tasks.

“Glory to Ai-shan Gi-or. Have you returned, Princess Ha-shal-leur? It’s been a month.”

A middle-aged warrior guarding the gate saluted and opened the door for me.

Unlike the warriors I’d seen so far, his armor was strikingly ornate, befitting a royal guard.

“Has it already been a month? Anyway, I want to see my father. Do you know where he is?”

“Are you referring to Ser Khan? He’s still in the main palace. If you wish to see him, you may proceed there.”

“So I can go right now?”

“Yes. The council meeting has already ended, so the Khan won’t mind. If you wish, I can send a servant ahead to announce your return.”

Even though he’s my father, he’s practically a king. It’s better to announce my arrival rather than barging in unannounced, right?

“Go ahead.”

The guard called a servant and ordered them to announce my return.

The servant hurried off toward the main palace with quick, small steps.

I guess running isn’t allowed inside the fortress.

Well, I’ll just follow at a leisurely pace.

“Will you enter the palace immediately?”

“Yes. You’ve done well.”

After exchanging brief greetings, I stepped inside.

The interior was nothing short of a royal palace.

The neatly paved stone paths were lined with majestic, ornate buildings.

It reminded me of Gyeongbokgung or the Forbidden City, but it felt too familiar to be awe-inspiring.

The council meeting had ended, so the fortress was quieter than expected.

The largest building in the center—that must be the main palace.

I headed there with Ja-han.

The occasional servants I passed bowed their heads silently and went about their business.

As I reached the entrance of the main palace, the servant I had sent earlier approached me.

“Princess, the Khan has granted you an audience.”

“Good. Lead the way.”

Following the servant’s guidance, I headed toward the inner chambers of the palace.

At the door of a lavishly decorated room, the servant knelt and spoke.

“Your Majesty, Princess Ha-shal-leur of Ai-shan Gi-or requests an audience.”

“Very well. Let her in.”

The voice was low and rough, like a tiger’s growl.

The servant carefully opened the door and stepped aside, and Ja-han quietly moved to the side as well.

As I entered the chamber, the door closed behind me.

…I feel like I’ve been locked in a room with a tiger.

I swallowed dryly and looked up at Ha-shal-leur’s father, Or-han.

A muscular behemoth sat on a lavishly decorated throne, resting his chin on his fist.

He looked like he could be three fathers combined, with a rugged face and a body that resembled a stone statue.

His sharp, piercing eyes seemed like they could shoot lasers.

He looked so fierce that I wondered if he was actually Ja-han’s father.

Help me.

“…It’s been three months, Ha-shal-leur. I didn’t expect you to come looking for your old man first. I heard you’ve been swinging your sword around like crazy, trying to earn merit.”

“Ah, well… I’m ashamed, Father.”

I bowed my head and apologized first.

I can’t believe I went three months without seeing my father’s face.

Ha-shal-leur must’ve been a fire-element filial daughter.

I mean, even I wouldn’t want to see that face often.

But still, he’s her father.

Were they on bad terms? Did she become the Empress of Ka`har like Arthas, inheriting the throne?

“You’re apologizing? Father? Hah, it’s been ten years since I last heard you call me that. What’s your scheme this time?”

I’m dizzy.

This isn’t just a case of being an unfilial daughter—she’s practically a delinquent.

I had no response, so I stayed silent.

“Not going to answer? Fine, whatever. So, what brings you here? Surely you didn’t come to check on your old man’s well-being. State your business.”

“I want to visit the Empire of the Westerners. Please grant me permission.”

Or-han’s expression twisted as if he’d heard a bad joke.

“…I must’ve misheard. Say it again.”

“I want to visit the Empire of the Westerners.”

“Are you trying to commit suicide?”

Or-han chuckled incredulously.

From the Westerners’ perspective, the Ka`har are nothing but barbaric butchers.

Going to the West alone is practically asking to be killed.

“I’m serious.”

“Permission denied. Even if you miss your mother’s homeland, the Empire sees us Ka`har as beasts. Do you think they’ll treat a half-blood like you any differently? They won’t even accept you. At best, they’ll capture or kill you.”

Ah, so Ha-shal-leur’s mother was from the Empire. She really is a half-blood.

But that’s not the point right now.

“I have a plan.”

“People who say that usually end up losing an entire battalion and are found as corpses.”

“…I’m not spouting nonsense.”

“They always say that too. Got anything more convincing? Try to be a little more original.”

This is infuriating.

I think I understand why Ha-shal-leur disliked her father.

What can I say to pique this man’s interest—Ser Khan Or-han?

Ah, this might work.

“Don’t you want to conquer the Great Plains?”

Or-han’s mocking demeanor shifted abruptly.

From a father teasing his troublesome daughter to a conqueror commanding tens of thousands of warriors.

“…You know this isn’t something to joke about. Fine, I’ll allow it. Speak.”

His voice was cold and heavy, like the depths of a winter sea.