Falcon strode in, adorned in garments lined with black feathers, his sharp gaze fixed on Oswald. Though his behavior bordered on insubordination, Oswald refrained from rebuking him.
Raging inside the command tent, Falcon's voice echoed with anger. "I told you, there will be no more deployment of our elites. Send another tribe instead!"
Oswald met the Black Hawk chieftain's fury with a calm, steady gaze. "Falcon, this war is not just your war—it is a war for all of us. Even if reconnaissance forces suffer losses, we must cooperate for the good of the Empire as a whole. Which tribe, if not yours, is equipped for reconnaissance?"
Grinding his teeth, Falcon retorted, "The elites we've lost were the pride of our tribe. Among them were even my own kin! Why must only our tribe make such sacrifices? The other five great tribes must share the burden equally for it to be fair."
The thought of the fallen elites stoked Falcon's anger. The Black Hawk Tribe was already the weakest among the five great tribes, and the repeated loss of their finest warriors only worsened their standing. Many had returned as lifeless bodies; others had vanished without a trace, and Falcon held little hope they were still alive.
In the Pamir Empire, war was constant—either with other nations or among the tribes themselves. With limited resources, conflict was inevitable. For Falcon, the death of his warriors meant the Black Hawk Tribe's diminished power, which would leave them vulnerable even after the war ended. He believed the other tribes should suffer equally to maintain balance.
Oswald responded with measured words. "Falcon, I understand your position, but each tribe has its strengths. The Black Hawk Tribe will be assigned to rear guard duties in the upcoming battles. Meanwhile, tribes that have yet to make significant sacrifices will take the lead in combat. For now, we must all compromise a little."
Though still visibly agitated, Falcon could not deny the logic in Oswald's reasoning. Slowly, his anger began to subside. While the loss of their elites was painful, securing a rear guard position for the tribe was a favorable outcome.
"Fine," Falcon said after a pause. "I'll consider this settled. I'll send our elites to scout the situation with the reconnaissance unit. But if you break your promise, our tribe will withdraw from this war."
Oswald nodded solemnly. "I will not forget the sacrifices your tribe has made. Thank you, Chieftain Falcon."
Falcon added one final demand. "Before I send out our elites, I need your oath, Your Highness. Swear on the honor of your ancestors and our tribe's name."
Falcon's request was excessive, though understandable from a leader seeking to protect his people. Still, Oswald's eyes flashed with restrained fury. How dare he! If Falcon had any respect for him, such a demand would have been unthinkable.
Oswald closed his eyes, forcing himself to suppress his rage. To escape his father's shadow, this war's victory was critical. For that, even the arrogant demands of the tribes had to be endured.
"...I swear," Oswald said at last, his voice tight with controlled anger. "I, Oswald of the White Elephant Tribe, swear on my ancestors' honor to keep the promises made to the Black Hawk Tribe. Is that sufficient?"
Falcon's defiance eased slightly. Without another word, he turned and left the tent. Watching him go, Oswald clenched his fists tightly.
"At this rate, the Empire will collapse," he muttered to himself. "I must find a way to overthrow my father and set things right."
Carlton, who had reappeared behind him, spoke softly. "I deeply share Your Highness's vision."
"Duke Capone, congratulations on your youngest son's victory," Crown Prince Randolph said cheerfully.
Though Michael's rising reputation irritated him, Randolph couldn't deny that victories under his command were beneficial. After much persuasion from his advisors, he had come to accept that his subordinates' successes were, by extension, his own. Additionally, his father, Charles V, had recently given a tentative nod to his marriage with Princess Elise, which further lightened his mood.
Duke Capone, caught off guard, accepted the prince's congratulations with a polite smile. "Thank you, Your Highness. It is only because of the steadfast support you've provided."
Randolph grinned broadly. "Your advice has been invaluable, Duke."
The crown prince felt a sense of relief. A newfound camaraderie with a like minded ally meant he didn't have to mask his true feelings in front of the duke. Surrounded by people lauding Michael's success and character, Randolph took solace in having someone who shared his perspective.
Thinking of a recent conversation with another ally, Randolph subtly tested Duke Capone's thoughts. His frustration at being sidelined in military command had only grown after learning of Michael's achievements with the special detachment.
"Even my father, in his youth, led troops into battle," Randolph said, feigning casualness. "Perhaps it wouldn't be so reckless for me to participate in a limited capacity? Of course, I wouldn't do anything rash. I was considering moving with a group led by a trusted knight."
The duke frowned slightly, prompting Randolph to hastily add, "Naturally, I'd remain in the rear lines. My personal guard would accompany me, of course. Have you heard of Duke Rochester's illegitimate son? Though of humble origin, he's an exceptional warrior with extensive combat experience. They say he even earned a barony on his own merits. His name is Philip."
Capone hesitated. He had heard of Philip, Duke Rochester's illegitimate child, but he had no inkling that Philip and Randolph shared mutual disdain for Michael.
After some deliberation, the duke nodded. "If Your Highness is so determined, it cannot be helped. However, you must only observe from the rear, under strict guard. You must not under any circumstances enter the battlefield."
Watching the prince, Capone felt a strange sense of unease. The boy he had watched grow into a man now seemed unfamiliar.
"This should be fine," Capone reassured himself, though doubt lingered in his heart. It has to be fine.