I Became King by Following My Little Sister's Advice. Now the Princess I Forced to Marry Is Giving Me Death Stares, What Should I Do? - Chapter 12: Off on an Expedition, Little Sister

Chapter 12: Off on an Expedition, Little Sister

The Ulbers Marquisate, located on the eastern border, was colder than the royal capital and blanketed with snow in winter. 

The season was already well into winter, with light snowfall though it wasn’t accumulating yet.

“Oh… snow. It’s something you don’t see in the warm royal capital. I’m glad I came.”

“Good grief… How carefree you are, Your Majesty.”

A man of the same age as Van gently chided him as he gazed serenely at the snow.

This man, slightly older than Van, was named Eustace Bern.  

He was a fellow knight and Van’s deputy back when Van was part of the order.

Due to their close friendship, Eustace spoke casually outside of formal settings. 

Eustace had also played a crucial role during Van’s coup and had been appointed the military leader after Van became the king.

Van and Eustace had traveled to the eastern border region, heading for Armstrong Fortress, a key defensive stronghold where the Marquis Ulbers resided. 

Their purpose was to accept the Marquis Ulbers’ challenge to a duel.

“The Marquis, huh… I’m nervous about meeting such an important person.”

“In this country, there isn’t anyone more important than you, the Commander.”

Eustace sighed. 

He was one of the few people who knew Van’s timid nature, having shared many hardships together in the knight order. 

Initially, when he first served under Van, he had his doubts. But witnessing Van’s fierce bravery on the battlefield changed his mind.

He even came to take pride in having a remarkable hero as his superior. 

When Van decided to start a rebellion, Eustace was excited to become the right-hand man of the new king.

“By the way… are you sure it’s alright with just five of us? This doesn’t seem like a royal procession.”

Van had come to the eastern border region with only Eustace and three soldiers, all of whom were former subordinates from their knight days. 

It was unheard of for a king to visit a distant frontier with such a small entourage.

“Why not? Fewer people mean we can move faster, and it saves on travel and lodging expenses.”

Van spoke as if it were nothing.

“We’re just here for a duel and then heading back. Bringing the entire knight order would be overkill. Besides, I don’t want to worry my little sister by being gone too long. Let’s finish this quickly and return.”

“You’re the only one who can talk so lightly about a duel with the Marquis… he’s a hero who has been active since before we were born.”

Neighber Ulbers was a hero two generations older than Van and Eustace, having defended against invasions from the Great Eastern Shing Empire multiple times. 

Van and Eustace had fought mainly in the northern battles and hadn’t met him, but his legendary deeds were well-known among many knights.

“Given his age, he must have weakened a bit… but can you actually win?”

“I think I can win, no problem.”

Van’s voice was relaxed. He didn’t seem worried at all.

“I’ve heard the stories about the Marquis of Ulbers. Leading a hundred cavalry to defeat an army of ten thousand, taking down a giant beast alone.”

“Then…”

“I can do that much too, can’t I?”

“…”

“If the old Marquis and I are equally strong, the younger me should win, right?”

“Yeah, that’s true…”

Eustace sighed.

He had almost forgotten because it was so obvious. 

The man in front of him was a hero, the strongest knight in the country.

“I have nothing more to say. Fight as you like.”

“Thanks, I will. I’ll definitely win, so don’t worry.”

Van always kept his promises. He had never lost a battle. Never. 

That’s why Eustace and the others admired Van Arlengs.

“Oh, I can see the fortress.”

They continued through the falling snow until a massive structure came into view. 

A strange, star-shaped building, surrounded by formidable walls, equipped with ballistae and catapults.

This was Armstrong Fortress, the stronghold of the Marquis of Ulbers.