The end of the night drew close. With the location of their enemies now known it was decided to send out a messenger.

Sending a message to declare an act of war was a requirement for the first of any battle.

If they do not comply to Nivalis’s demands and return to their own country, any act that followed would be seen as self-defense.

Nevertheless they knew that the Falak army would not back down, not after all the damage they had done.

And as expected when the messenger returned he replied as such.

‘’Abilities of your caliber are worthy of my recognition. In any other circumstances I would have reached my hand out at you and made you my ally. However the past is not always cleared over. In the time of my predecessor there was one foe whom I could not defeat. Now we stand at the same position once again, and our lost honor shall be redeemed.’’ Thus ended the message.

The once present turned towards Ran.

‘’Then he leaves us no choice, inform all our men, tomorrow we shall meet the Falak army on the battlefield.’’

But as soon as he said that the messenger mentioned one more thing.

‘’I am sorry for interrupting milord, but there is also a request Lord Falak had made.’’

With a puzzled look everyone looked at the messenger.

‘’A request?’’

‘’Yes, Lord Falak has requested that we battle at the point when the sun reaches its peak. Should we agree with this then there is no need to send another messenger.’’

The room was now in complete turmoil.

‘’They’re giving us such an opportunity?’’

‘’Are they that confident that they could fend off a night attack?’’’

‘’No there is a threat that this they are deceiving us, if anything we should focus on our own defense.’’

With everyone arguing about how to proceed, Ran had already made up his mind.

‘’We are going along with Lord Falak’s request and commence our battle at high noon.’’

A sudden decision made most of the commanders anxious.

‘’Lord Nivalis, how can we be certain that they will not break their own promise.’’

‘’Have any of you heard of the deeds Lord Falak has performed?’’

While looking at each other, Ran kept speaking.

‘’While he is a Great Lord he is also part of the esteemed Pyralis household. Even before he became Falak’s Great Lord, his family held a great deal of influence on the country. Having that much power makes others want to use it for their own needs. Multiple royals have used dirty tactics to climb their way up, but they did not realize just how much influence the Pyralis family had. So eventually they met their demise. The Pyralis family has always put their honor ahead of all else, using such cheap tactics would dishonor their name.’’

As fast as Ran finished speaking, one of the commanders raised another question.

‘’Then should we not take this opportunity to attack their camp?’’

But Ran quietly shook his head.

‘’Though they do not use these tactics themselves, they are experts in fending off these kind of attacks.’’

‘’Which means that we are better off fighting tomorrow when our men are in peak condition.’’

‘’It is as you say Hatsu. Of course there is also the chance that this was all a trap to lure us into our camp and take us out in one fell swoop.’’

‘’Are you not contradicting what you said about him earlier Lord Nivalis.’’

‘’Haha I guess you are correct. Nevertheless we will postpone the battle until tomorrow noon.’’

With that said no one had any problem left with following the plan.

As such they decided to not send a messenger to the Falak camp.

‘’Now back to the stationing of our troops.’’

Before the meeting was interrupted by the messenger, they were busily planning where to station their men.

Because there fight will take place on an open field there are no environmental advantages for either side.

According to the scout team, the previous report was accurate, the Falak army consisted of roughly ten thousand men.

With the additional soldiers from nearing noble territories the Nivalis army now consisted of twelve thousand man.

It was not a significant difference but it could become a deciding factor.

In the end it was decided to make the main unit five thousand soldiers strong, also two units of twenty-five hundred.

Lastly the remaining soldiers were placed behind the main army in order to be quickly deployed should a unit need assistance.

Just one matter was left to discuss.

‘’The placing of our blessing users will be a heavy influence in this battle. Let us not forget this is not a bunch of ruffians we are fighting, but another kingdom.’’

In such a large scale battle there would be individuals who single handedly be able to turn the tide of battle.

Though the Nivalis army held a few blessed soldiers, the number of their enemies was unknown.

What’s worse the abilities of the blessings are also unknown.

Having an estimate number would help with spreading their own blessed soldiers over the respective armies.

But not knowing what kind of abilities there were would make selecting the correct position of their own blessed crucial.

‘’With that the last blessed has been placed. Now go inform your underlings of the strategies.’’

Having finished placing the last soldier made everyone in the room sigh of relief.

One by one the commanders left the tent.

‘’Skald could I ask you to wait for a moment.’’

Just as he wanted to return to his men, Skald was held back by Ran.

When Skald looked at Ran he knew something was wrong.

‘’Are you feeling alright, you seem troubled.’’

‘’Will you do me a favor?’’

An oddly serious expression floated on Ran’s face.

‘’Please make sure my daughter stays safe.’’

‘’…I understand.’’

No further words were spoken.

Besides the three hundred men from Andor’s sight, Skald was given two hundred from the Nivalis army.

Because he is an outsider and a mercenary they may not completely listen to him.

In order to work at its full capacity Yukino was assigned to Skald’s unit.

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It being the last day before the battle meant it was the last day for training. And Kaze decided to make full use of this.

‘’Whoa!’’

‘’Gotcha!’’

‘’Ugh, only two fights and you’re already used to my movements.’’

Feeling the cold ground over his back made the youth quickly jump up.

‘’Huff huff, are you kidding me? Your moves kept improving over the fight.’’

Yuki swiped her hair which was in front of her left eye aside.

‘’The first fight was only to get a feel for your new techniques. As you fight more and more your skills will also improve. But don’t think that I will lose anytime soon. You just took me by surprise last time, understood!’’

Although that’s all it takes in a real battle. She thought to herself.

Seeing her pouting face felt kind of awkward.

‘’W-well it was incredible to win for someone with the strength of a general. Even if it was only a onetime thing. It’s all thanks to your training Yuki, thank you from the bottom of my heart.’’

Hearing the praises Kaze aimed at her, made Yuki blush far beyond any what she had previously showed.

‘’Mhhh, of course, I am a great teacher after all.’’

She quickly brushed it off and changed the subject.

‘’Say what will you be doing after this battle?’’

Kaze started rummaging through his hair.

‘’It is father who decides that. But seeing as Falak has basically declared war upon Nivalis. Should we manage to make them retreat, it would be safe to assume that the war will continue. If so we will probably be hired to fight for Nivalis, either defending our home or attacking theirs.’’

Yuki’s expression sadden the more Kaze spoke.

When he noticed, he tried to lighten up the mood.

Before he could open his mouth, Yuki started speaking.

‘’I’m happy that I met you guys.’’

Seeing that she was cheerful instead of sad surprised Kaze.

‘’When I was younger I never had any friends my own age. Most the kids my age were snobs who thought themselves to be the greatest person in the world. Eventually they all challenged me to duals, and I always ended up sending them home crying.’’

Looking at Kaze, she realized that she was the one bringing down the mood.

Yuki chuckled as she saw a new expression of him.

‘’I wasn’t lonely or anything, in fact quite the opposite. There have always been people around me who made time for me, who helped me study, play and train my skills. But I could only be surrounded by adults for so long. So I started sneaking out of the castle.’’

‘’Then all those places we visited in Alos were…’’

‘’Hehe you guessed it, those were the first places I visited on my own. I ate some snacks, found my own secluded place, and played with some kids in the town. Even if I was a complete stranger to them they acted like I was one of their own. Though when the guards eventually found me I was in a heap of trouble.’’

Yuki walked up to Kaze, with her face close enough that he could feel her breath.

‘’I hope we can go hunting together a bunch of times. Be sure to come visit Alos as much as possible, I still have a lot fun places to show you all.’’

Staring into her ruby eyes, Kaze could see the sincerity with what she meant those words.

‘’Yeah, I look forward to it.’’

‘’It does an old man heart well to see you youngsters make the most of your days.’’

‘’Ah, Victor!’’

Seeing the tough old man gently surprised the youngsters.

‘’Does that mean the meeting over?’’

Victor nodded so to confirm his question.

‘’Now young master, lady Yukino, if you would be so kind as to follow me, we will tell you the details of our plan.’’

When Victor turned his back, while snickering Yukino turned a questioned look at Kaze.

‘’Hooh, young master huh?’’

Feeling embarrassed, Kaze rubbed his neck as he avoided Yukino’s piercing gaze.

‘’We’ve been together a lot of years. Ever since father became the leader of Andor’s sight Victor has been addressing me as young master.’’

‘’Hoho and I intend to do so until you take over for your father.’’

‘’…Surely you’re joking Victor. Even if not for Renzo and Hiro there are many others who are far more deserving than me.’’

Victor stopped in his tracks and put one of his hands on Kaze’s shoulder.

‘’I am not saying that it shall be tomorrow or even the day after that. What I am saying is that someday, you will be the greatest mercenary Andor’s sight will have. When that happens I hope that you will lead us.’’

Kaze was unable to come up with a proper response.

‘’Will you shape up already!’’

With an open palm Yuki struck Kaze’s back with full force.

Having processed the pain made Kaze straighten his back.

She stood next to Kaze and stomped on the ground while glaring at him.

‘’The house of Nivalis and Andor’s sight have been together for a long time. So you better shape up and become a worthy representative.’’

Kaze found himself for a loss of words. As the edge of his mouth started forming a smile he looked back at Yuki.

‘’You’re right instead of making excuses, I should be aiming to surpass even my father.’’

With a bright smile Yuki said. ‘’That means we have similar goals.’’

Victor was happy seeing the boy who was like a grandson to him become a dependable young man.

Yet this moment could not last forever. So the three picked up the pace and headed to the commanders tent.

‘’Captain, I have brought the young master and lady Yukino.’’

‘’Good job Victor.’’

‘’So tell me why I’m here. Something’s up, otherwise I would have heard the plan from dad or Laure.’’

‘’Sharp as ever I see. Then allow me to explain.’’

Skald explained the situation. About how she was placed in Andor’s sights camp, and how she would assist in leading the soldiers.

Once he finished, Yuki nodded and smiled carelessly.

‘’It seems like we’ll be together a little longer.’’

‘’Are you sure it’ll be alright for you to be in our unit? Wouldn’t it be better to stick by Lord Nivalis.’’

Yuki looked fearlessly at Kaze.

‘’Just who do you think has been kicking your ass all these days? I’ve been introduced to pretty much anyone in Andor’s sight. Both your men and those of Nivalis

‘’Good to hear. Kaze, this will be the toughest battle in your life, should I be forced to use my blessing and unable to fight afterwards I put you in charge.’’

Had he said this one day ago, Kaze would without a doubt have denied that he would be incapable of doing so.

‘’I’ll lead them like you would father, perhaps even better.’’

His words came as a little surprise but, Skald had felt proud of his son.

‘’Heh try not to be too smug about it. Remember the first thing I told you, those who are most proud of their abilities are the first to be cut down.’’

‘’Right!’’