Berend
Astron, my brother, insisted that I accompany him on one of the extermination quests.
Astron and I share the same father but different mothers. As far as my family was concerned, I was either more blessed than most—or more cursed—depending on one's point of view.
You see, I am the son of the emperor of the continent's largest empire. The advantages of that are obvious for everyone to see.
But the succession struggle for the throne has always been chaotic—especially in the last seven generations. Only some of the princes who aligned themselves with the next emperor survived. If any survived at all.
Since I didn't want to be entangled in the internal schemes of the imperial family, I kept myself away from everything. Soon, I would be going to the Imperial Academy in the capital for further studies.
All children of the imperial household enroll there. As it is funded by my family, I would have no trouble joining.
The Imperial Academy separates its students into various classes. For imperial family members, being placed in any class lower than S Class is considered deeply shameful—even a blight upon the family. If you are placed in the Extraordinary Class—the highest class one can achieve—then you are counted among the elite of the elite.
I had enough confidence to secure a place in S Class. It was not particularly difficult for an imperial child, so long as one had not been neglectful in their studies. The tutors hired by the imperial family were highly qualified.
Still, Astron dragged me into this subjugation quest to ensure I had a chance at the Extraordinary Class.
Sigh.
I couldn't help but sigh inwardly, though I understood my mother's intentions. It is always better to be certain, she often said.
Astron's mother and my mother were close friends; thus, she had asked whether her son could assist me.
I liked Astron. Being only two years older than me, he had often played with me during our childhood. I simply didn't want to stand out and become a target for one of the powerful princes—that was all.
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"Respected knights, I am here to request your aid in subjugating an orc tribe that is causing havoc," Astron addressed the gathered knights.
These knights belonged to the 8th Grand Order of Knights, called Vigilante. They were often tasked with exterminating monsters that reared their ugly heads within the empire.
"Your Highness Astron, do you have any solid intelligence on this orc tribe?" Guntram von Oaken asked in a gruff voice.
"I have heard rumors. This tribe has been attacking villages near the Whispering Woods," Astron admitted, lacking credible evidence.
Guntram shrugged. "Your Highness, we cannot dispatch solely based on rumors."
That was certainly not the full truth. The Whispering Woods lay only a day's travel from the capital. Dispatching a squad as a precaution would be reasonable if the knight-centurion were truly committed to acting only on verified information. On the contrary, had Astron possessed stronger backing, the centurion might have mobilized his entire company without hesitation.
"I have sought the service of many divinators over the past week," Astron continued. "They all warned me about the Whispering Woods, saying an ill omen shrouds the forest. Then I heard of an orc tribe. I believe it is worth investigating."
Divinators are those who claim to see the future. Though I instinctively distrust them, the continued existence of their profession suggests they are correct at least some of the time.
"Your Highness, who can truly interpret a divinator's words? I dare not," Guntram replied. "As for dispatching our knights, we cannot do so on a whim. Perhaps I could assign you a few knights—but it would not be proper."
Astron gritted his teeth. He pulled out a silken pouch and shook it; the sound of coins clinking echoed faintly.
"Lord Guntram, this is the donation I prepared for your knight order to present at the yearly hunt. I will donate it ahead of schedule if you agree to assist me."
Guntram smiled lightly. "Your Highness, it is not that I do not wish to help—"
Astron cut him off. "What more do you want?"
"Please, Your Highness, there is no need for anger. It is merely that my nephews wish to open a shop but lack a suitable location…" He trailed off.
"I have two commercial permits. You may have them after the subjugation. Additionally, I want my brother to gain notable achievements from this," Astron said evenly, though his voice carried a trace of irritation.
"I cannot give you the entire company. The best I can offer is three squads. As for your brother's achievements, I will guarantee them—as long as there is even a single orc," Guntram concluded.
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∆∆∆
"There was no need to go that far for me. I am confident of entering S Class at the academy," I complained once we left the meeting hall.
Astron struck my back lightly. "I know. But every prince and princess will have accomplishments to their name. Although the teachers are aware of how such achievements are gained, they turn a blind eye. They need such formalities as justification for placing us in higher classes. And don't worry about Guntram—he is tight-lipped."
I went to the stables to choose a steed for the upcoming hunt. I selected a white horse named Silverstreak, uncharacteristically pale, its coat shining brightly in the sunlight.
Mounted upon Silverstreak, I rendezvoused with my brother and his personal guards. We met with the three squads of the 8th Grand Order and set out for the Whispering Woods.
After half a day's ride, we reached a frontier village bordering the forest—Blackwood Village. Velten Switzer, captain of Astron's guard, informed the gatekeepers of our purpose.
Astron, Velten, Guntram, and I followed a gatekeeper who led us to the village chief's house.
"Elder Mara, it is good to see you," Astron said, placing his right hand over his heart—a gesture of respect taught to imperial scions in childhood. We followed suit.
"Your Highness, Prince Astron. Your good deeds are appreciated by all. What does this old woman owe the honor?" Elder Mara replied.
She held a staff made from twisting tree roots. Her hair was snowy white, her face lined deeply with age—and wisdom.
"I heard rumors that orcs are stirring within the Whispering Woods. We have come to investigate. Elder, do you know anything that may aid us?" Guntram asked, uncharacteristically humble.
"We deal with monsters often. As for orcs, I have heard nothing. I will ask around and read the currents of the forest."
"Elder, do not overexert yourself," Astron requested.
She brushed off his concern. "Do not worry about me. Priest Silas will meet you and arrange your accommodations."