Into the jaws of death

Long ago there was once a separate small country that was located south of the Empire. it was the Vaneland kingdom, a country said to be occupied by savages and barbarians, and was once ruled by a mad king that sought to conquer the surrounding lands nearby them

Naturally of course this led to the Vaneland kingdom and the Dragonmourn Empire being mortal enemies. And it didn't take long before the facade of peacekeeping finally crumbled, and war had begun between the two sides. It was a bloody conflict that lasted for nearly a century, but this senseless war ended only recently with the Empire as the victor

The territories of the kingdom were annexed and renamed the 'Lands of the Vane'

The fact that I was given the title of Viceroy to rule such a place was already raising a lot of red flags in my head, but the worse one isn't the fact that I was sent to rule a territory that was still somewhat hostile to Imperial rule, It's the dire state of affairs in that place

The first problem was the land, during the war between the two sides there was a time when the Empire grew desperate to end the conflict which made them use any means available for victory

This, of course, Included tactics that would involve massive amounts of land being set ablaze or tons of poison being dumped among the water supplies which resulted in the land being damn near inhabitable. The other problem was from an economic standpoint, since the previous King of the Vane focused on all aspects of their country on warfare, the Vane didn't have a firm-rooted trading society...In fact, based on the rumors I've read in the past they got most of their supplies by pillaging nearby merchants and small villages

So you can imagine how hated that place has been after the war...There's barely any merchant that would even think about making a stop in the Vane...

I could list a thousand more reasons why that place is a living hell-hole, but the number one question that was running through my mind was-

"Why will I be sent there?"

I wanted to at least confirm what was the Emperor's intentions. I know my relationship with my family hasn't been the best over the years, but sending me to that place would be tantamount to just executing me!

In response to my question, William let out a wry smile...

"No surprise that you would ask that question. I personally don't know what goes in the mind of father...But I'd say you were sent there because you're a skilled lad, Arthur. Ever since you were a child we've noticed that you have an innate talent for learning things quickly, as well as adapting the things that you've learned. My guess is that father would like to give you the opportunity to better yourself in a harsh environment"

That sounded so reasonable for once that it made me sick. I bet he's only acting like this since he really wants me to die at that place, huh?

"...Could I at least request a better territory?"

"I'm afraid that won't be possible, the orders of our father are final. Cheer up though, Arthur. When our father assigned me to Port City It was in a terrible state of affairs as well. Just a little bit of effort and I'm sure that you can pick that place up from the dirt"

...I'd appreciate it if you won't compare the number one trading city in the Empire to a literal shit-hole...

"...I suppose that's true. Very well then, I'm still inexperienced but it will be an honor to carry out the will of the Emperor"

Saying this, I looked William directly in the eyes before continuing

"I would prove my worth to the crown and rise to be next in line on the throne. That is a promise"

"Hehe, I'd like to see you try kiddo"

He replied with a smirk of confidence. He probably thinks that I'm just rambling, and I won't exactly blame him. In terms of military power, achievements, influence, and intelligence...He is the most anticipated one out of all of us six siblings to take the throne...

"You leave for the next sunrise. Father has already provided you with a group of skilled knights to assist you in your rule as well as a few advisors, use them well. The latter has already settled in the city a few days ago while the former will escort you throughout your journey"

Hmm...they 'provided' me huh?...Chances are they'd be sent to spy on me, but I'll be the one who'll tell whether I could trust them or not

"...Thank you brother" I bowed as turned around to take my leave, but before I could leave the office-

"Arthur..."

"...Yes, brother?"

"...Good luck with your new rule"

"You as well, brother"

He may be the one right now that's set on the throne, but I will change that sooner or later. Victory isn't assured until the fight is over, and so long as I draw breath I will continue to fight for my dream...

...Just wait brother, I'll pull the carpet from under your toes at some point...

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[---]

The next morning arrived and my escort greeted me at the front gates. The moment I saw them I immediately noticed a couple of things that were off, most notably the carriage that we're gonna use, It was quite run-down...Something that a high-ranking official should definitely not use. I'm not really too uptight at the fact that I'm royalty and all, but if this is done out of disrespect then it's a different story entirely

...I was somewhat convincing myself that it may have been done out of a practical reason, like to prevent catching the eyes of bandits or something while we travel. But looking at the knights that would escort me...I don't see it being the case...

They number about thirty in total, and everything from their swords to their armor was of low quality, I could see a few dents here and there as well rust on the sides. Not to mention that based on the nervous expressions that they had...I could tell that some of them were quite new to the job, or at the very least...very inexperienced

"Those bastards...so much for a group of 'skilled' knights..."

I couldn't help but rub my temples and let out a sigh as I continued to look at this joke of an 'escort' I've got my eyes met one of the knights who was drinking a bottle of ale despite it being the morning

The knight let out a sigh as he ruffled his brown hair and walked toward me

"Hic...Sup milord, the name is Ser Rudeus of house Campbell. I-...fuck I think I'm gonna puke...Oh, uhm I'm the guy that was assigned to guard you, or rather be with you till you get sick of me or something..."

The knight was wobbling towards me as he covered his mouth. I could literally smell the vomit through his breath which was to say...very fucking annoying...

"...A-Are you drunk?"

"Me? drunk? No, No, that's preposterous. I've only had like four today milord, no worries"

"Four? Four what? Glasses?"

"Bottles"

Yep, I could finally see it...I think I'm gonna die today...

No, No! Calm down me, you won't always be dealt the hand that you want so you have to learn to use the cards you have. There were historical figures in the past who built Empires out of mere stones, so you have learned how to work with this one...

Thinking about this, I took a deep breath and reached out my hand

"My name is Arthur, from the Dragonmourn family. I heard that you were an accomplished knight when you were at the Forgan War, It's an honor to be under your care"

I honestly dunno if William was making that shit up when he gave me the list of knights, but the truth doesn't really matter...It won't hurt to flatter him a bit...

Rudeus glanced at my hand before rubbing his eyes and letting out a yawn. He then reached out his hand and grasped mine

"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Arthur... Me and the boys here might be a little inexperienced, but we'll do all we can to protect you from all harm, as well as all...Oh fuck..I-"

"Eh?"

I felt something, something sinister coming out from the depths. I was about to let go of his hand and take a step back...But it was too late

"I'm gonna pu- Blreeeeggggh!"

"I- You disgusting piece of sh-!"

Anyways, my first meeting with the knights under my care wasn't exactly the best. The captain practically released every food he ate during dinner at my face which was not exactly the prettiest sight. And after an hour of me taking another bath as well as a change of clothes, I met them back at the palace gates, to which Rudeus was practically groveling. His fellow knights were doing the same

Normally an act like that would warrant his head, but I'm honestly more tired than anything so I just scoffed it, and we finally proceeded to ride towards the Lands of the Vane. The city was honestly quite far off from the capital, and It would take a few weeks of travel to get there...but luckily we were provided with an excellent abundance and quality of horses, and we're lightly packed so I suppose we could arrive there under five days

"Hmmm..."

I glanced at the windows of my carriage as we exited the gates of the capital, deep down I was expecting at least a bit of sendoff by the citizens, but I suppose that would be asking for too much in this state. And considering the look of my ride right now I'd be more frightened than anything if they knew that there was royalty inside...

As we proceeded further and further away from the capital, my eyes were greeted by the beautiful sights of the Empire. It was primarily the sights of valleys, clear blue lakes, as well as bountiful forests and farmlands...

"Hic...Milord, you seem quite ecstatic about seeing a few simple sights..."

Rudeus commented, noticing the look on my face. I couldn't really help it, after all-

"It's my first time walking out of the gates of the capital"

"Eh?" Ser Rudeus looked at me as if he heard some sort of terrible joke

"You're like fourteen or fifteen already, right? Despite this, you're telling me you haven't gone out of our walls? Not even once?"

"Nope. The Emperor was very insistent on keeping me under the roof of the palace until I've come of age. Until now all I've been doing is studying and studying"

I'm honestly fine with that, I was a teacher in my previous life after all so a few years spent on reading is no skin off my back. But Rudeus seems to believe otherwise, considering the look of pity on his face

Our conversation turned silent after that, as well as the rest of our ride. For the first few days, we would stop by the nearby cities and go to rest in the cheapest inns we could find. I could try to go and ask for shelter from my fellow Viceroys...but I would only consider that as a very last resort, mostly due to the fact that I don't trust them just yet...

But as we get closer to the Lands of the Vale, we would usually camp outside the forest. I would often look out the bright skies of the night as I hear the laughter of my knights as they drink themselves to sleep. I was honestly surprised that I was still alive considering these guys are the ones protecting me, I should really thank my guardian angel sometime in the future...

...And I'd probably need to ask for more protection as well because as we go closer to my territory, I could notice the landscape change drastically. In contrast to the green forest and the blue lakes of the Empire, I'm beginning to notice the forest get more barren and bald as we moved forward, as well as the waters turning murky with each step we take towards the city

And not long afterward...

"There it is milord, The city of Vane"

"...Yeah"

I could only let out a sigh as we look at the city from afar. Its walls were moldy and seemed to be on the verge of collapse, a putrid stench was reaching his nose despite being far off, and he could see the terrible state of the homes of his city...

"Ugh, I know I'm not really the most sanitary knight out there but...Ugh...This place is horrible..."

"You're absolutely right, Sir Rudeus ...It's terrible, absolute filth. But it will do. With this city, I'll build my legend that will be talked about by the people till the end of time"

I didn't see his reaction, and honestly, I didn't care, If he was a spy working under the Emperor's ranks or my other siblings...then I'd like this declaration to reach their ears

I don't exactly know what kind of legend will I be, but I know that I have to move forward in order to find out. So with my gathered resolve, we ride through our horses...not knowing about the sinister figure that was stalking us from the shadows...Not knowing we were walking toward the jaws of death...