The Youngest Prince Of The English Royalty House [EN]: Chapter 122

122. End of the Civil War (3)

—October 1191, Throughout Aquitaine—

Summer has passed, and it is now full autumn.

In just a few months, the cold snow might start falling.

‘With today, the civil war comes to an end.’

Just like Godfrey’s confident statement, the end is now in sight. The day to make Richard *hyung* [older brother, a Korean term of endearment and respect] the Crown Prince is near.

“Your Highness, all battle formations are complete.”

“Well done.”

I looked at the flawless formation of our army. Now, this army will send the White Lion Army well on its way to defeat.

On the left flank, there’s the Earl of Oxford and his experienced corps. In the central headquarters, there’s Richard *hyung*’s corps, eager to end this long and tedious civil war.

And in the rear, Father watches this battlefield with an inscrutable smile. Well, I can understand it to some extent. It must be humiliating for Father that a civil war broke out between his sons to seize the ‘throne’ while he, the king, is still alive.

However, Father will pretend to support the rear like a spectator from afar, preparing for a counterattack.

Who else would be Father’s number one unfilial son other than the eldest son who caused a rebellion after being temporarily entrusted with Aquitaine?

Anyway, our Henry *hyung* is something else.

‘To not run away and to fight the final battle in Aquitaine.’

Honestly, I didn’t understand. If he were to hold out, it would be better to wage a siege, but Henry *hyung* wanted a field battle. Of course, this is a suicidal act.

I, Safe John, and Father Henry II are directly and indirectly participating in this battle.

Since there’s not much to think about in this battle, it’s convenient to have Father and *hyung*. I just have to follow the ‘guidelines’.

Of course, now we just need to finish it comfortably, like the Soviet Union invading Berlin during World War II.

So, what is our father doing at this moment?

I see the White Lion Army with eyes that seem awakened. The clash is imminent, and this battle will end in a day.

It’s sad.

The tragedy of brothers tearing each other apart over the throne must end today. But human greed…

‘I need to make a good end in the *판* [a Korean word meaning ‘game’ or ‘situation’] that Richard *hyung* made.’

This time, our Safe John’s army just needs to fulfill its role on the right flank.

—Pppuuuuuung.

At the sound of the horn.

“Charge!”

Although I’m wearing sturdy armor, I never let my guard down. Even though there are no bullets in this era, arrows can still cause big trouble if you’re not careful.

Besides, aren’t the ones we’re about to face now resistance fighters who are rising up knowing they will be defeated?

Yes, resistance fighters. The White Lion Army is no longer a rebel army. They are just pitiful resistance fighters. Of course, a cornered rat is the most dangerous, so I might need to be careful.

But I was relieved. There were quite a few shield bearers, many capable knights to assist me, and I, too, am a veteran of many battles, though weaker than Richard *hyung*. It seems unlikely that I will cross the River Jordan [die] here.

‘The Lord will protect my life.’

After finishing my thoughts, I immediately raised my greatsword. With one hand.

—Hiiiing.

And my beloved horse is slowly warming up.

Triple signal.

The sound of the signal is heard.

The sound of the horn blares, and a large flag signifying the charge is raised.

“All troops, charge!”

Of course, this battle might seem easy, but those who are desperate might not be easy opponents.

In many ways, they are not to be underestimated.

I thought of these people as brave.

“Long live Duke Aquitaine!”

“The White Lion will win!”

The shouts they were making now seemed foolish. The trend has already been decided. They know it’s a pointless death.

Although he ruled for a shorter time than Henry II, their loyalty to their lord, Henry *hyung*, who doesn’t abandon them, is admirable, even considering the feudalistic reciprocal contract.

Even the Western armies, who often do as they please, have their own loyalty. Of course, the more desperate the battle, the more you don’t know what those who are cornered will do.

“1st Army, 2nd Army, flanking maneuver!”

“*검차* [Geomcha, Korean for ‘sword chariot’] 출격, *사격용 수레* [Sagyeogyong Sulae, Korean for ‘firing carts’] advance.”

“Fire!”

—Pioong.

*검차* and concealed carts.

These two forces brought in from China do not have great power on their own.

However, a small change can give a big variable to the grand strategy. Richard *hyung* also knows well that the combination of the two *기물* [Gimul, Korean for ‘devices’ or ‘implements’] from China, longbows, and crossbows is good.

—Pioong.

Arrows from the White Lion Army fly from the opposite side.

It’s probably not a 착각 [chakgak, Korean for ‘illusion’ or ‘misconception’] that the arrows of those who are prepared for the end feel faster and sharper.

—Thud.

I sent the vanguard before I stepped in directly.

I looked at the situation of the central army. As expected, our human weapon, Richard *hyung*, was causing 충격 [chunggyeok, Korean for ‘impact’ or ‘shock’] with his subordinate knights.

“I am Richard de Anjou.”

Richard *hyung*’s charge, who considers himself more French than English, is like a real disaster.

I couldn’t hear any sound effects other than the shouts from afar, but it was fun to see the enemy’s formation collapsing.

‘The tragedy of *hyungje* [Korean for ‘brothers’] is heartbreaking, but what can I do?’

For some reason, I felt the tragedy of the civil war again. But I can’t afford to be넋 놓고 [neok nohgo, Korean for ‘spacing out’ or ‘being absent-minded’].

“There can be no gaps in the battlefield entrusted by the Duke of Normandy! For England!”

That’s how the fight started.

Medieval warfare was fought within a set framework, not reckless charges.

The most important thing is the role of the knights.

Even if I give the infantry halberds, the infantry and archers are still support for the cavalry.

—Thwack.

“My lord?”

I gently stabbed the neck of a knight aiming for Longspee with my greatsword. “Longspee, get a grip,” I said to the guy who was blankly staring at me, whom I had saved. “This is the history of the royal family.”

I clearly said to my bastard brother, whose eyes were slightly shaking as he witnessed the tragedy of this *콩가루 집안* [konggaru jiban, Korean for ‘dysfunctional family’]. This dirty and mean thing is the ‘history of the royal family’.

If you flounder here, you’ll be *비호감* [bihogam, Korean for ‘disliked’ or ‘unfavorable’] by Richard *hyung*.

Richard *hyung* seems like a *맹장* [maengjang, Korean for ‘fierce general’] with only Samson-like strength on the outside, but he is never that simple. Rather, he is a 냉정한 [naengjeonghan, Korean for ‘cold-hearted’ or ‘composed’] person who can even 숙청 [sukcheong, Korean for ‘purge’] me if I cross the line. And he is also a man who is *무섭도록 자기 관리가 잘 되는* [museopdorok jagi gwanriga jal dweneun, Korean for ‘frighteningly self-disciplined’].

Even though he is my 친형 [chinhyung, Korean for ‘biological older brother’], in order to become a proper ‘vassal’ to such a person, you must show value on the battlefield without being swayed by trivial emotions.

And I must be a ‘bulwark’ for my legionnaires.

* * *

“Longspee, get a grip. This is the history of the royal family.”

At the words of his lord John, Longspee looked at the battlefield.

‘The tragedy of the Anjou family….’

Although he is an illegitimate child who cannot be legally protected, Longspee is also a being born from the seed of Henry II.

In the tragedy created by his biological father and *hyungje*.

But Longspee is not a 애송이 [aesongi, Korean for ‘greenhorn’ or ‘rookie’] who trembled while killing someone for the first time. In order to overcome the weakness of his illegitimate birth and be recognized as a true nobleman, he must fight.

Even more than now.

“Long live Henry III!”

“He is the true king.”

But I didn’t understand those who called Prince Henry by the royal 존호 [jonho, Korean for ‘title of honor’] of ‘Henry III’.

—Swish!

I cut it off for now.

Whether they are beheaded or seriously injured, the enemy is the enemy. Regardless of whether there are those with the same blood of England flowing or not.

And beyond that.

The lord, who is kind, 능글맞으며 [neungleumajeumyeo, Korean for ‘sly’ or ‘smooth’], and merciful to his people, but has no exceptions to his enemies, began to charge with his sword and subordinate knights.

“It’s Prince John!”

Cheers to the allies.

“It’s the Duke of Ireland!”

It gave 경계심 [gyeonggyesim, Korean for ‘alertness’ or ‘caution’] to the enemies.

Longspee followed such a lord and grabbed the reins.

The blood of the Vikings that spread in England has also faded with the passage of time. Of course, no one wants to die on the battlefield.

But in order to do so, you have to send the enemies comfortably. Compassion is a luxury in the obvious result of killing others to live.

“Be nervous!”

Of course, as the owner of a force, he shows that he knows how to *사려* [saryeo, Korean for ‘be considerate’] when he needs to, but when he steps forward like today, he does it properly.

‘The hidden human weapon is Prince John.’

“There was no story that Prince John was this strong.”

Even now, Longspee could only feel 경의 [gyeongui, Korean for ‘respect’ or ‘awe’]. I feel it every time, but my lord, Prince John, was a hidden human weapon. I wish it was someone with a big build and *살벌한* [salbeolhan, Korean for ‘gruesome’ or ‘intense’] eyes like Prince Richard.

Despite having an ordinary physique, he is one of the *실력자* [sillyeokja, Korean for ‘capable person’ or ‘expert’] who kills people *기가 막히면* [giga makhimyeon, Korean idiom meaning ‘skillfully’ or ‘amazingly’].

Moreover, in this civil war, he showed a *모습 of 최대한 몸을 사리는* [moseup of choedaehan momeul sarineun, Korean for ‘an appearance of conserving his strength as much as possible’], so there are people who 착각 [chakgak, Korean for ‘misunderstand’] and don’t know.

People who roamed the battlefield with John in the 3rd Crusade knew it well.

That Prince John, along with Prince Richard, was also an Islamic butcher.

While the two princes were 활약 [hwalyak, Korean for ‘active’ or ‘performing’], the fight on the left flank quietly ended.

“The Earl of Oxford’s army won the fight.”

“Now there was no more 재간 [jaegan, Korean for ‘talent’ or ‘ability’] to hold out.”

As the battle was coming to an end.

The *deus ex machina* to end the civil war moved. It was Henry II.

“His Majesty the King has moved the army.”

Longspee’s biological father, the old king who ended the civil war in Britain a long time ago and won the power struggle with the Kingdom of France.

He shouted in a voice like the roar of a lion.

“Soldiers who have no sin, the fight is over now. Surrender, as much as I know the 충심 [chungsim, Korean for ‘loyalty’] you have given to that Henry *nyaseok* [nyaseok, Korean for ‘fellow’, used informally and sometimes derogatorily], I will spare your lives even though you are traitors.”

And after a while.

The civil war ended.

* * *

—Ireland—

It’s not the 21st century, it’s the 12th century. There are no board games, and the great show, public execution, doesn’t happen often these days, so people have no fun.

So, the news of war is a people-only content that is good to enjoy sometimes.

They shout at the news of victory in several battles.

They are pleased with the appearance of some heroes and applaud and cheer at the tragedy of enemy countries.

But in fact, to be really honest, the *민중* [minjung, Korean for ‘common people’] don’t really like war. Especially the war that started with the power struggles of the nobles. Is it good to lose one’s only life because of the greed of the *높으신 분들* [nopeusin bundeul, Korean for ‘higher-ups’ or ‘powerful people’]?

Even if the 12th century is the age of mercenaries, there could not be no conscripts in this era.

Strictly speaking, even if the lord they serve is a *주군* [jugun, Korean for ‘lord’ or ‘master’] John who is very *자비로운* [jabiroun, Korean for ‘benevolent’] to the people unlike other lords, isn’t it the ordinary soldiers who lose their lives on the battlefield?

But that anxiety is over now.

“The civil war is over!”

“Prince John has won!”

Because the Black Lion won in the final battle in Aquitaine as everyone expected, Ireland was in a festive mood.

While Ireland was excited like this, the mistress of Ireland secretly summoned the *봉신들* [bongshindeul, Korean for ‘vassals’] who were helping her, hiding her identity like a shadow. A secret meeting began without a single person missing.

“Thank you for responding to my *소집 명령*, *경들* [sojip myeongryeong, gyeongdeul, Korean for ‘summoning order, lords’].”

The *봉신들* of Mary, who saw Mary’s smiling face like that, felt an unusual feeling.

—Your Highness’s command is more important than all of that.

“Is that so?”

The *봉신들* that my dying mother and *빌어먹을* [bireomeogeul, Korean for ‘cursed’ or ‘damned’] father made for me.

They are grateful people who have followed me since I started playing the role of ‘영애’ [yeongae, Korean for ‘young lady’] of the Claire family, who died at the same time. Some even had those who were loyal to her for generations.

To them, she was more important than the country. Of course, it’s also because Mary’s *생모* [saengmo, Korean for ‘biological mother’] did well to them, but Mary’s *봉신들* don’t end their loyalty to the mistress for just that reason.

It is because Mary, who had experienced all kinds of tragedies in her childhood, was a *주군* who gave them a kind of trust without ever collapsing even in difficult moments.

Mary knew that well, so she treated the *봉신들* who lived in the shadows or *숨죽여* [sumjukyeo, Korean for ‘holding their breath’ or ‘quietly’] in their home country well. She never showed a *무능한 모습* [muneunghan moseup, Korean for ‘incompetent appearance’] even for a moment.

“But there’s a problem.”

“Your husband, Prince John, won the civil war, but is there any other problem?”

The civil war is over. I know that well.

But the important thing is.

[I don’t know who you are, but you will always be Mary to me. I have that confidence in me.]

The letter sent by Prince John.

“It seems my husband has completely figured out my identity.”

Her *봉신들* were all surprised by her words that could not be easily *넘길* [neomgil, Korean for ‘dismissed’ or ‘overlooked’]. In particular, Georgios Palaiologos, the most ardent supporter of Mary and a loyal *봉신* like her uncle, was *깜짝 놀랐* [kkamjjak nollat, Korean for ‘startled’] at the words of his *주군*.

“Your Highness’s identity?”

To be exact, it was a question of whether the *주군*’s husband could figure out the *주군*’s identity.

Even John, who is popular these days and has become able to win the civil war of the lions, it would have been difficult to realize that fact.

“Anna Komnene. My real name and status.”

The real name of the woman known as Mary came out.

Anna Komnene.

One of the two daughters born to Manuel I.

It is known to have died young *대외적으론* [daeoejeogeuron, Korean for ‘externally’ or ‘officially’], but in fact, she is a woman who is alive and well, avoiding the 흉수 [hyongsu, Korean for ‘ill omen’ or ‘misfortune’] of Maria Komnene.

The most important thing is.

She is a little older than John. And she has no conscience.