Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 5: The Princess's Decision

Translator: Cinder Translations

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In the northeast territory of the Kingdom of Aldor, adjacent to the tallest mountains in the known world—the Rocky Mountains—lies a vast plateau between these majestic mountains and the heartland of the kingdom, commonly known as the Eastern Highlands.

Legally, this area belongs to the kingdom, but scattered throughout are various tribes of uncivilized barbarians. Some of these tribes nominally submit to the kingdom, while others are unruly, frequently causing trouble on the borders.

Due to the complex terrain, supply difficulties, and the highland climate, the kingdom has always had difficulty dealing with them. Fortunately, these tribes are not united, and their divisions have prevented major problems with the tribes that have sworn allegiance to the kingdom.

However, this year is different from previous ones. Just as spring planting began, tribes large and small, especially those historically at odds with the kingdom, unexpectedly launched coordinated attacks.

The military stationed in the border regions was caught off guard. By the time news reached the Crystal Glare, the situation in the highlands had deteriorated significantly.

After urgent deliberations, the leadership decided that Princess would personally lead the troops to repel them. Although everyone sensed something amiss—never had the barbarians been so coordinated—there was no time for detailed investigations. With spring planting season underway, a chaotic influx of barbarians into the heartland would spell disaster. Swift decisive action was the only correct choice.

The hastily united tribes of barbarians were clearly no match for the well-trained regular army of the kingdom. After over a month of fighting, it seemed the tribes were about to be driven back to the highlands. However, just when everything seemed favorable, the worst happened—Duke Giles, known as the "Greedy Wolf," turned traitor.

In the camp where the kingdom's army was stationed, a military council was being held in a heavily guarded central tent.

"Your Highness, generals, the information I have is as follows. I believe you all have a general understanding of the situation in the capital," a man with a prominent hooked nose and lean cheeks, freshly reporting the latest intelligence from the Crystal Glare, spoke up.

Following his report, there was a long silence in the tent, the only sound being the breaths of those inside.

After a while, a voice broke the silence, "Thankfully, His Majesty the King did not fall into the hands of the rebels. Is he safe now? Where is he?"

It was a young commander, his brown hair standing like steel needles atop his head, despite being unkempt due to the ongoing war, exuding an aura of charisma.

"Please rest assured, Your Highness. His Majesty is safe now, attended by the court physician and the royal chaplain," Viscount Klein, the young commander who had just asked the question, nodded. He did not press further on the second question he had raised. Even the city guards, who had always been loyal, were turning against us. Can we ensure that there are no informants or spies among the spies?"

After the silence was broken, the others began discussing.

"Please assign a troop to me immediately. I will definitely crush these rebels and reclaim the capital."

"Don't act rashly. The battle with the barbarians is not over yet. We must not divide our forces."

"What? Let those bastards run amok? Don't forget, the capital is stocked with a large amount of military supplies. If we're late, the rebels will have emptied it."