The Bride-Hunting Tale: I’ve Failed 20 Marriage Proposals Already. I Don’t Need Titles Like Dragon Slayer or Hero Who Saved the Nation—All I Want Is a Cute Wife!
“Good work. You may leave now.”
After finishing my bath and grooming my hair, I dismissed the maid before entering the assigned bedroom.
As expected from the Grandrand Empire, known as one of the most powerful nations across the continent with its vast territories.
The guesthouse built inside the enormous castle – large enough to accommodate a city of considerable size – wasn’t excessively decorative but was furnished with quality furniture and fixtures, demonstrating its authority.
It seems there are different ranks of accommodations in the Imperial Palace’s guesthouse. As the queen of Prekesk Kingdom, which is an ally to some extent, I’ve been given the highest-class room.
For the empire, our country probably serves as both a supply base for food and mineral resources and a buffer zone against hostile nations.
We aren’t being treated lightly, but it’s certain that we’re being utilized.
That said, it’s also true that thanks to the empire’s backing, we’ve been able to maintain stable governance.
Three years ago, after the war ended, we were able to make Jesbia Kingdom pay substantial reparations only because of the empire’s intervention – or rather, their intimidation.
Without that, the negotiations would have likely been dragged out indefinitely.
Though, what Jesbia truly feared were probably the soldiers of the Restal March rather than the empire itself.
Even now, thinking about how King Jesbia was literally dragged to the negotiation table makes me feel satisfied.
I lean against the luxurious canopy bed decorated with elaborate ornaments and exhale deeply.
There’s only so much official work I can do away from my country.
Thinking about the mountain of work waiting for me when I return gives me a headache, but considering this as a rare vacation, I should relax.
“However, Lord Fodilt has matured quite a bit. Though his height hasn’t changed much.”
It’s somehow endearing how my nephew Clive teases him about his height, and he clearly shows his dissatisfaction.
At first glance, he appears small and childlike, with emotions easily showing on his face – not very noble-like at all.
But I know that’s only a small part of who he is on the outside.
Yes, just like when we first met.
“Father?!”
“Y-yes. He was hit by a stray arrow during retreat and severely wounded.”
While performing duties in place of my absent father at the palace, a report from the frontlines arrived, and its contents made me feel faint.
Until about a month ago, despite occasional skirmishes at the border, Jesbia Kingdom, our neighboring country with whom we maintained a delicate relationship through merchant exchanges, suddenly invaded with a massive army.
My father, the king, immediately led as many troops as he could mobilize to intercept them.
But they had prepared thoroughly, and likely brought almost their entire military force – twice the number of our troops.
Caught off guard without time to prepare, our hastily gathered forces stood no chance.
Although we managed to delay their advance using terrain advantage and the determination to protect our land and families, day by day we were gradually pushed back.
In the midst of this, my father, who had been leading from the front and inspiring the soldiers, got injured.
Though conscious, he’s in no condition to stay on the frontlines and is reportedly heading back to the capital with a small escort.
“How is the request for reinforcements from the empire proceeding?”
“The message should have reached the imperial capital by now, but even if they quickly prepare, it will take at least another month for them to arrive here…”
I suppress the urge to cry out in despair at this hopeless situation.
Those suffering most right now are the civilians who’ve lost family and homes, and the soldiers fighting with desperate resolve.
“…Send messengers to the March of Restal in the demon lands. Tell them we’ll handle all logistics, and upon their assistance, we’ll provide as much salt, minerals, and food as possible.”
“Your Highness, that!”
“If we lose to Jesbia, we’ll lose everything anyway. I’ve heard their warriors, though barbaric, don’t harm women or children. Going over the emperor’s head might cause issues, but we have no other options right now.”
“Y-yes, understood.”
Understanding the current crisis, the civil official hurriedly rushed out of the room.
“…Evacuate those who can move from the capital to the empire, and those who cannot to the royal castle. I’m heading to the frontlines. Only a minimal retinue is needed. Until His Majesty returns and recovers, the prime minister will handle affairs.”
“B-but Your Highness, you mustn’t! If something happens to you…”
“If word spreads that the King is injured and retreating, both soldiers and civilians will be shaken. If royalty remains secluded in the castle, morale will drop so low that fighting will become impossible. Even if I die, as long as His Majesty lives, the national framework can be maintained. Moreover, I’m not the only one with succession rights.”
In reality, among the current king’s children, I’m the only one officially recognized as royalty, but there are several descendants in collateral branches with succession rights.
Given the current battle situation, my chances of returning alive are slim, but if I don’t go, the frontlines will surely collapse. In fact, they might already be annihilated.
After forcefully silencing the protesting officials, I changed in my room.
With the help of maids, I put on the ornate armor that was prepared as a mere formality for royalty. Without resting, I met up with a dozen knights at the barracks and galloped through the castle gates.
Changing horses at towns along the way, we rode for three days.
Thanks to the well-maintained roads, despite being a forced march with only brief rests and naps, we arrived at the frontlines much earlier than expected.
Rather, it showed how much our defense line had retreated.
Our appearance, having no time to care about looks, was terrible, but nothing compared to the state of soldiers who’d been fighting the enemy.
Still, when I appeared, it seemed to convey that our country hadn’t abandoned or given up on them.
I thought I saw a glimmer of strength return to the eyes of soldiers who looked like piles of corpses.
Gathering the main leaders among the soldiers and volunteer fighters defending their families and homeland, we held something like a military council.
“…Ten days. If we can hold out for ten days, reinforcements from the empire, from Restal territory, should arrive. With the legendary strong warriors of Restal joining us, we can definitely turn the tide of battle.”
We haven’t actually received a response, and we don’t even know if they’ll send reinforcements.
Though I’ve heard that the empire’s margraves have independent diplomatic and war powers, it’s unlikely they’d easily decide to send aid to another country.
But hiding these concerns, I encouraged the soldiers with these words.
If reinforcements don’t arrive in ten days, the frontlines will completely collapse, and I won’t survive either. I’ll listen to any complaints then.
“I entrust my life and the soldiers’ lives to the general. Please somehow buy us ten days.”
“Understood. I will not waste Your Highness’s resolve.”
The general who had supported the frontlines until now nodded with determination.
From here on, it’s not my place to interfere.
Though I’ve studied military strategy as befits royalty, a young girl with no combat experience has no business meddling.
Several days passed.
There were sporadic attacks from the Jesbia army, but we avoided direct confrontation, used night raids, and feigned attacks on supply units to keep them alert while buying time.
But it seems we’ve reached our limit.
“…Reinforcements, huh?”
“Damn, we came so far…”
In the distance, behind the Jesbia army deployed in our vast wheat fields, shadows resembling soldiers waving military flags could be seen merging.
Probably, the Jesbia army had been waiting for reinforcements, which is why they hadn’t attacked as aggressively until now.
In a few hours, their forces might double, creating a four-to-one difference against us.
Once they resume their advance, it’s clear as day that we’ll be crushed without resistance.
“General, retreat to the capital with the volunteer soldiers and some units. We must fortify and wait for reinforcements from the empire.”
“What will Your Highness do?”
“I’ll fight until the bitter end. And when it becomes impossible, I’ll surrender. Even though I’m technically a princess, Jesbia might see some value in using me to buy time. Though there’s a high chance I’ll be tortured and killed by soldiers.”
“Your Highness’s resolve is admirable. But it seems we’re out of time. Forgive me, a rough middle-aged man, but I’ll stay with you until the end.”
Just as I finished speaking, I saw the Jesbia army begin advancing while forming ranks.
“My type is petite, slender pretty boys, but right now, men like the general look most appealing. Having you as company on death’s journey is reassuring.”
“Ho! Being called that by a princess of a nation will be a story for generations.”
Facing forward, the general and I laughed together.
“Come! Let’s show these Jesbian thieves our determination!”
I raised my longsword, which I could barely swing, high into the air.
The general followed up:
“All troops, aim for the center front, charge – no, wait!!”
Just as the general was about to give the command, a huge cloud of dust rose from the right side of the plain, and a group of people charged in.
Straight toward the Jesbia army.
“What is that?”
“I… I don’t know. But…”
Both the general and I were utterly perplexed by the sudden situation.
After all, the Jesbia army, numbering in the tens of thousands, was being split apart as if torn to pieces.