Chapter 23
The meal that followed was calm and filled with warmth.
Issuder, wearing a displeased expression, didn’t say a word, while Yoshmut, who had apparently been roaming around and scavenging for food, devoured his meal greedily, creating a momentary chill in the atmosphere. Yet Ayur and Argana continuously brought up new topics, keeping the conversation alive.
As the meal was nearing its end, Astrahan drank a few strong glasses of Shur, following Mayuju.
Seeing her father pleasantly tipsy, Argana didn’t miss the opportunity. The conversation about horses had just ended, leaving a small opening.
“By the way, Abamama, have you heard from the tutors?”
“Heard what?”
“I mean Tirsalan. The tutors were praising him, saying he’s been studying very diligently these days.”
“Si… Sister…”
Suddenly all eyes turned to him. Tirsalan, embarrassed and scared, gently tugged on Argana’s sleeve.
Kan, looking warmly at his shy youngest son, said:
“As a prince, you must excel in both civil and martial studies, and never neglect your training. Tell me, what have you been studying recently?”
Tirsalan lowered his head briefly, as if trying to hide his bright red face, then suddenly, as if making up his mind, looked straight at his father.
Though he was visibly nervous, his eyes sparkled with determination.
“Father, I have read about half of Dumajisa in history. I’m also studying Astronomical Signs and Horyeonggyeong.”
“Impressive progress. According to Horyeonggyeong, Dar soldiers have always been skilled at suppressing large enemy formations. Can you explain this part?”
Argana could hear the sound of dry swallowing from Tirsalan’s throat. His confident expression and flushed cheeks showed that he had evidently studied diligently all day.
“Father, if our troops are fewer than the enemy, the main unit positions itself more widely than the enemy’s flanks according to the general’s orders. The scouts must also carefully observe the enemy’s terrain, supply lines, and troop arrangements.”
“And then?”
“Then… when the attack begins, part of the widely spread formations on both sides quickly move behind the enemy to encircle them and strike all at once.”
“And why do you do that?”
“Any army, when surrounded on all sides, will panic and fear. At that moment… we can easily eliminate those attempting to flee, and the more confused the enemy becomes, the more Dar soldiers can tighten the encirclement.”
Though he stumbled over some words, Tirsalan’s explanation was flawless.
Kan asked one or two more questions about passages from Dumajisa and then praised Tirsalan greatly.
“You’ve been very diligent. Well done.”
“I only strive with all my effort to avoid bringing shame to Father and the royal family.”
Tirsalan’s small shoulders rose and fell quickly as he bowed.
He was so tense it seemed as if he had been running at full speed.
“Well done, Tiltil.”
When Argana whispered, Tirsalan responded with a shy yet playful smile.
“Don’t call me Tiltil, Sister.”
Kan continued:
“You, who have not yet completed the Royal Palace Studies, must exert yourselves even more.”
This was a warning aimed at Yoshmut and Teshied.
As Yoshmut lowered his head, feigning obedience, Ayur suddenly spoke:
“Father, the two younger ones also study diligently every day. Why not ask them and encourage them?”
At that moment, Argana couldn’t help but notice Yoshmut’s expression—how could she describe it? He turned his head sharply, looking like someone caught in the act of theft. He seemed to have completely forgotten where he was, lips twitching nervously—a spitting image of his fearsome mother.
“Hm, Ayur’s suggestion is correct. Let us ask Yoshmut.”
Flustered, Yoshmut kicked the leg of the table, making a loud clatter. Kan looked at him meaningfully, noticing his crimson neck, and asked:
“Tirsalan spoke of the encirclement tactic. In what situation is it most appropriate to use it?”
“Uh? Ah, yes. Well, um, that is…”
Yoshmut fidgeted uncontrollably, even lifting and setting down his cup, as if hoping a note with the answer was hidden underneath.
“Speak clearly! What situation?”
“Ah, th-then! Um, when our soldiers are fewer than the enemy…”
His dull red eyes darted around. The sweat on his forehead, illuminated by the lights of the ger, was painfully visible.
“Pathetic fool!”
At Kan’s shout, Yoshmut jumped up from his chair and bowed deeply.
“F-Father! Please forgive me!”
“Tirsalan, will you answer?”
Tirsalan, pointed at by Kan, cautiously looked at Yoshmut and replied:
“Father, the double-encirclement tactic is not limited to any particularly advantageous situation. It can be used in narrow spaces or wide plains. What matters is mobility. Choosing this tactic usually occurs when our forces are in danger, so debating its effectiveness is not rational.”
Another loud crash sounded. As Tirsalan recoiled, Argana’s hand firmly supported his back.
“It’s alright. Stand still.”
Without her reassuring whisper, he probably would have fallen backward. Tirsalan braced his trembling knees and stood as expressionless as he could.
“Did you hear that, Yoshmut? That young Tirsalan is a hundred times better than you! How can you, as a prince of the Empire, be so lazy and incompetent?”
“I- I’m sorry! I’m sorry, Father!”
“What are you even learning in the Royal Palace Studies? Do the tutors keep you just for show?”
If Yoshmut had been even a little wise, it would have ended there. But, unfortunately—and exactly as Argana had hoped—he was foolish beyond measure.
“M- My tutors are lazy…”
“What did you say?”
Though murmured under his breath, everyone heard clearly. Tirsalan’s eyes widened, Issuder sneered, and Ayur rubbed his forehead. Argana had to cover her mouth with a clenched fist to suppress her laughter.
“What did you just say?”
“I, I… I try to be diligent, but my tutors… they’re…”
“From what the tutors said, it seems quite different from your claims, older brother.”
At Argana’s clear, ringing voice, Yoshmut flinched as if stabbed by a sword. Argana propped her chin on her hand, glaring at him, smiling teasingly as though making a playful joke.
“The tutors at the Royal Palace Studies were trembling because you hardly attended classes. Occasionally, if you came, you’d nap in the sun, and then claim your throat hurts and never return.”
Yoshmut’s face drained of color.
The moment he instinctively looked at his father, an enraged Astrahan Kan hurled a glass of liquor like a projectile.
“Ughhh!”
The glass hit a pillar of the ger and shattered.
Seeing Yoshmut cowering and trembling, Kan rose as if to overturn the table and roared:
“Pathetic and contemptible fool! From tomorrow, kneel at the entrance of the Royal Palace Studies for three days and attend every class!”
“Ah, Father!”
“Also, within these three days, copy Horyeonggyeong in its entirety! If you give another pathetic answer like today, I will throw you out of the palace!”
At this thunderous decree, Yoshmut nearly lost his mind.
Argana looked down at his suddenly pale face and couldn’t help but chuckle this time, not covering her mouth.
