"What in the world is going on?"

Leaving the soldiers encased in ice as is, Sahaja's army began withdrawing all at once.

The battle has just begun. Even the general is unhurt. I don't understand Sahaja's motive for suddenly showing a withdrawing movement despite the full-blown battle coming.

Sion said, sounding confused.

"I don't understand the meaning behind withdrawing at this timing in the slightest. If they had intended to withdraw from the beginning, they wouldn't have shown the attacking stance, and to begin with, there was no meaning in moving the army towards Wilhelm. The withdrawal only led to soldiers' lives being lost in vain. Even Tarim wouldn't perform such a halfhearted retreat."

When Tarim advances south, they always retreat when suitable. Sion then went into detail about it.

"It's an unpleasant subject, but most soldiers used for the operation of advancing south are criminals. Only those who are okay with killing from the start are enlisted. Tarim has considerably higher penalties in comparison to other countries. People who commit crimes are asked. Whether they want to be executed on the spot or to serve in the military. They serve two years at the front line. If they survive, their crimes are pardoned… Having said that, hardly anyone actually survives. Still, there are many who choose military service, hanging onto the sliver of hope. For higher ups, they are the most convenient tools. Because those people should be dead already. When advancing towards Wilhelm, they might want to dispose of the criminals, or perhaps they have another aim. Because I wasn't interested, I didn't investigate it thoroughly, but there are various points that weight on my mind."

Sion paused then further said.

"I'd understand if they used such hopeless soldiers. But that's not the case for Sahaja, right? Their supreme commander is also a prince, and it looks like they are using the regular army. They seemed to have many mercenaries at the frontline, but despite that, they were properly under control. It didn't seem like they came just to be killed."

"You're right…"

Perhaps because he had declared he'd serve me, Sion indifferently talked about Tarim.

The soldiers of the operation of advancing south are criminals. Because our objective is to drive them away, I didn't think about it much, but now he mentions it, there are many points that fit.

That said, it's not like we weren't suspicious of Tarim advancing south every year only to be driven away.

"… It seems they've really withdrawn. Your Highness, what should we do?"

"Just in case, the Segunda Chivalric Order will stand by here. The Primera Chivalric Order and Magician Division will withdraw."

"I understand. Let us do so."

Sion bowed his head and left to pa.s.s my orders. Will, who was left on my side, said while observing the withdrawing enemy soldiers.

"There may have been a change inside Sahaja."

"When we return to the Royal Capital, we'll get information about it. Will, we're returning."

"Yes."

In any case, it's over.

If I use the transfer gate for military use, I can be home by tonight. The me before would stay somewhere and only go home after dealing with the aftermath of war, but I can't help but want to return quickly now.

"I feel I can finally understand the feelings of soldiers who want to quickly return, even if it's the middle of the night."

"Your Highness?"

Will looked at me with a mystified face. While wryly smiling, I said.

"I didn't really understand the desire to go home quickly because there's somebody waiting for you. But now that Lidi is there, I can understand it. I… want to return as soon as possible too."

"I… see."

I want to go home and hug Lidi. I want to shut myself in a room with her and confirm our love until morning.

I remember Lidi sweetly nodding to me saying that I want a reward.

I want to quickly go home to Lidi.

"… I'm sure Lidi too is waiting for Your Highness."

"Yeah. Thanks. I think so too."

I'm happy that I can nod with confidence to those words.

"Alright, we'll be moving using the transfer gate."

I prompted Will, but he said, "No," while shaking his head.

"Um… I will go together with the Magician Division. Your Highness, please go first."

"Got it."

I nodded to Will's words.

I spurred Ventisca to move to the vanguard of the troops that began moving towards the transfer gate.

"Sahaja left. We're returning!!"

I informed in a resounding voice. The soldiers, who were also confused about going home without fighting, raised a cheer, perhaps delighted about my announcement of the triumphal return. It's best if we can go home uneventfully.

"Lidi, I'm coming home."

To her, who's lovelier than anyone.

It's not that Sahaja's movement doesn't weight on my mind, but the fact that I can return to Lidi is more important.