Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 4: The Princess's Decision

Chapter 4: The Princess's Decision

TL: Etude

In the northeastern territory of the Kingdom of Ordo, adjacent to the highest mountain range in the known world, the Rocky Mountains, lies a vast plateau known as the Eastern Highlands. Technically part of the kingdom, it is home to various unassimilated barbarian tribes, some nominally subservient to the kingdom and others utterly defiant, frequently causing border conflicts.

Due to the rugged terrain, difficult supply lines, and the effects of high altitude, the kingdom had long struggled to exert control over the area. Fortunately, the tribes lacked unity, keeping each other in check and preventing any significant issues.

This year, however, was markedly different. As spring farming commenced, several tribes, traditionally hostile to the kingdom, synchronously began causing trouble. The kingdom's border troops were caught off guard, and by the time news reached the Crystal Shine Fortress, the situation in the highlands had deteriorated significantly.

After an emergency meeting, it was decided that the Princess herself would lead the army to drive out the tribes. Although it was evident something unusual was afoot with the coordinated tribal uprising, there was no time for a thorough investigation. With spring planting at stake, swift action was deemed necessary.

The hastily assembled barbarian coalition was no match for the well-trained royal army. After over a month of fighting, the tribes were on the verge of being pushed back to the highlands when the worst happened – Duke Jars, the "Greedy Wolf," rebelled.

A military council was now being held in a heavily guarded central tent in the kingdom's army camp.

"Your Highness, esteemed generals, that's all the information I have. I believe everyone now has a general understanding of the situation in the capital," said a man with a goatee and hawk nose, having just briefed on the latest from Crystal Shine Fortress.

A long silence followed, broken only by the sound of breathing in the tent.

Finally, a voice broke the deadlock, "Fortunately, His Majesty is not in the hands of the rebels. Is he safe? Where is he?"

The speaker was a young general with spiky brown hair, radiating a strong presence despite his somewhat disheveled appearance due to the ongoing war.

"Rest assured, His Majesty is safe, accompanied by the royal physician and the court priest."

Viscount Klein, the young general who had posed the question, nodded without pressing further on his question. Given that even the loyal city guards had been turned, who could guarantee there were no spies within their camp?

With the silence broken, the generals began to discuss vigorously.

"We must immediately allocate a force to me. I'll crush the traitors and reclaim the capital."

"We cannot act rashly. The war with the barbarians is not yet over; we must not divide our forces."

"What? And just let those scoundrels run amok? Don't forget, the capital holds vast military supplies. If we're late, the rebels will have looted everything."

"Idiots who know nothing of strategy."

"What did you say? Leicester, dare to duel?"

...

The woman sitting at the head of the table, dressed in knightly armor, with dazzling golden curls and a face captivating even without makeup, was Catherine Rodney – the Princess of the Kingdom of Ordo. Her furrowed brows and piercing blue eyes were fixed on the map in front of her. The generals' quarreling seemed not to affect her. After a while, she raised her head and straightened her posture.