Chapter 192: Next Move
Three years ago, they had endured the reaver invasion. They suffered under the cruel exploitation of noble families who colluded with the enemy. The people had borne these pains silently. Now, that anger had erupted into hatred, for the reavers, for the corrupt nobles.
And it was precisely because of this that the people, freed from their shackles, had firmly supported Simon in crushing the noble families and resisting the reavers.
He also understood clearly that if he wanted to survive in this world, he could only rely on the people of his domain.
To him, only a kingship built on the people’s trust was truly stable. Otherwise, he would remain a puppet in the hands of the noble families.
After all, the noble clans of the Eldorian Empire had centuries of influence. Compared to them, Simon was a novice in political manoeuvring; he stood no chance in their games. But Simon wasn’t a fool. Trying to compete in their arena would be idiocy. His advantage lay in his knowledge system, far ahead of its era.
And that was the edge he planned to expand.
In the face of absolute power, all schemes were paper tigers.
The barrel of a gun would teach his enemies one truth: bullets are harder than words.
The military funeral for the fallen soldiers had been Simon’s idea. So was the act of him, Benjamin, and the others carrying the coffins.
To him, this funeral was not just an act of respect for the dead; it was essential to forging the army’s soul.
Dying wrapped in a horse’s hide was tragic, but too desolate. This, this was what would bring peace to their hearts.
By noon, thousands of soldiers had been laid to rest. The Battle of Dunmere had taken a heavy toll on the Brambleford Army.
Had the reavers not retreated, Simon couldn’t say for certain whether Dunmere would have held.
This defence had been a gamble for him and for the people of his domain.
But luckily, they had won.
The victory bought them breathing room. From now on, any enemy attacking Dunmere would pay an even bloodier price.
"Return to camp!"
As the funeral ended, Benjamin’s voice rang out. The Brambleford Army turned in unison and slowly marched away from the graves.
Lancelot’s eyes were red. He hadn’t cried on Dunmere’s walls. He hadn’t wept upon returning to Brambleford. But today, at this funeral, tears had fallen.
He looked at Simon and said. "Thank you, Your Highness. With such honour, our brothers on the road to the afterlife can rest in peace."
"They deserved this. Every soldier who dies for this country should be remembered."
This funeral had surprised Baldwin,n Benjamin, and the others.
In all of history, no ordinary soldier had ever received such rites. And for a prince to carry their coffins? If word spread, it would surely stir controversy.
But to the people, to the soldiers, their hearts were warmed. And for Simon, that was enough.
Liam’s gaze was solemn. Over these months, Simon had given him too many surprises.
And this, this was the most shocking of all. He had to admit: in the eyes of nobles, commoners were expendable. So were soldiers.
In war, generals scrambled for credit. Who cared about the lives of foot soldiers? Beyond the defence, countless nameless bones still lay unburied.
Yet Simon had not only brought every fallen soldier’s body back, but he had given them a collective burial. To every soldier, this was glory.
Glancing back at the memorial standing tall among the graves, the four men left the cemetery.
Benjamin spoke up: "My Lord, news of Dunmere’s victory must have spread like wildfire in Eldora by now. Soon, His Majesty will surely summon you to the capital for rewards."
"I think it’s best if you don’t go." Lancelot shook his head. "With such achievements, the other princes will be green with envy. If they plot against you, we won’t be able to protect you from so far away."
Liam disagreed. "But if the imperial decree arrives, can you refuse? Not only would His Majesty be furious, but the other princes and ministers would seize the chance to accuse you, even claim you harbour treasonous thoughts. Those courtiers have twisted minds."
Benjamin nodded. Liam understood court politics far better than Lancelot. "Liam is right. You have to go. I’ll guard Brambleford in your absence. You two..." He pointed at Lancelot and Liam. "...Will escort His Highness to the capital."
"Why us? You were the one who led the defence!" Lancelot protested.
A bitter smile crossed Benjamin’s face. Simon noticed and said. "General, this trip is unavoidable. My mother also wrote, asking me to return. When I see His Majesty, I will plead for your exoneration."
"No need." Benjamin refused. "This arrangement suits me fine. Life in Brambleford is relaxed and free. If I’m cleared, those ministers will pressure His Majesty to recall me to the Imperial Guard. That would be troublesome."
Simon thought it over. Benjamin knew the empire’s political landscape far better than he did. He nodded in agreement.
Benjamin added. "For your safety, take all one thousand Brambleford cavalry with you to Eldora. Better prepared than sorry."
Truthfully, Simon had no desire to return to Eldora. To him, it was a cesspool of intrigue, its power struggles far too convoluted.
And there were a few people there he missed.
But in her letter, Lady Isolde had mentioned something else: before the Battle of Dunmere, Emperor Alaric had promised that if Simon held the city, he would propose marriage to the Baker family, securing Elin, the youngest daughter of the Baker family, as his bride.
In his past life, Simon had remained single. No one had ever arranged a marriage for him.
Now, his mother had found him a wife. The thought left him uneasy; after all, he’d never even seen this Elin.
In the Eldorian Empire, brides and grooms typically met for the first time on their wedding night.
What if she turns out to be a shrew? My life would be over.
As for the Baker family’s status, Simon had no strong feelings. He understood his mother’s intentions to ally him with a powerful clan.
But Simon had always believed in self-reliance. Depending on others would only lead to downfall.
So he didn’t care about the Baker family’s influence.
With a sigh, he resigned himself. He lives in this era now. Some things could be changed, but others required conformity.
Arranged marriages, dictated by parents and matchmakers, were hard to overturn. Even in his past world, many were forced into blind dates by their families.
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