Chapter 124
Shortly thereafter, the ‘Black Prince’ arrived at Lancaster Castle bearing news of victory.
When Dale’s messenger reported the news a few steps ahead, the Archduke’s commanders could scarcely believe their ears.
‘We annihilated the cavalry of Saint Magdalena, who were conducting guerrilla operations, and captured the Count of Brandenburg.’
For a fleeting moment, I wondered if it might be nothing more than the boastful bluster of a foolish child. After all, sweeping away a worthless rabble of foot soldiers and inflating one’s record of victories was not an uncommon occurrence in war.
When Dale first declared he would lead a small band of knights alone on a ‘Duke’s Patrol,’ the leaders of House Lancaster couldn’t hide their disappointment, as if they had realized the truth behind the boastful talk about the ‘Black Prince’ of the world. They were even concerned and tried to restrain the eldest son of House Saxon from acting so recklessly in such a critical situation.
‘Here, let us place our trust in Prince Dale.’
It was the responsibility of Michael, the second son of the House of Lancaster, to honor Dale’s will until the very end.
This was the result. An outcome no one in Lancaster Castle could have imagined. In other words, it was a surprise attack utilizing ‘forces from outside the domain’—forces unknown even to the people of the Lancaster family.
The Shadow Court, the empire’s foremost assassin organization… Only those with the skill to execute covert operations even amidst the battlefield where the empire’s leading great lords clash could achieve such a result.
