Chapter 0517 On Peace
-x-X-x-
The world was at peace.
At least, the world surrounding Ryo was peaceful.
"It's important to have the mental capacity to focus on reading, rather than just swinging your sword around like some swordsman named Abel."
"…Why did you have to say that out loud?"
In the mansion's courtyard, Abel, who had been sparring with Mifa, deliberately muttered those words as he approached the table where Ryo was reading.
If 'muttering' means speaking loudly enough for everyone nearby to clearly hear, then sure…
But generally, that's not muttering. It's just speaking normally.
"There's a phrase in my homeland: Always prepare yourself as if you were in a battlefield. It means to always remain prepared as if you were on a battlefield. Additionally, there's an old saying, Si vis pacem, para bellum. If you desire peace, prepare for war. And Nietzsche said this: If you seek peace, it must be as preparation for a new battle. Seek short peace over long peace."
"Sorry, I have no idea what you're trying to say… or what it even means…"
"It means that peace is nothing but an illusion."
Ryo, feigning the air of a philosopher, declared this with gravity.
If only he weren't holding a snack resembling a daifuku… with its sweet red bean filling, in his right hand, it might have been more convincing.
Abel sighed quietly and said,
"Ryo, your very appearance is the epitome of peace."
"That's enough for today."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
Abel wrapped up the training session, and Mifa bowed her head.
Watching them from the corner of the courtyard, Ryo nodded in satisfaction, clearly pleased.
The next day, the three of them would set out for the capital, Jonjon.
They would travel alongside Deputy Governor Sue Ku, who was also headed there.
It was a seven-day journey by land— not particularly long.
Horses were prepared not just for Mifa but also for Ryo and Abel, meaning far less fatigue than traveling on foot.
Still, knowing they'd embark on a week-long journey the next day, there was no need for such rigorous training right up until the day before.
Back in his room, Ryo began the final check of his belongings.
"I'll put the book I'll read along the way in my usual shoulder bag."
Saying this, he took a book from his boxy travel suitcase and transferred it to his shoulder bag.
Abel, catching a glimpse of the book.
"Ryo, isn't that the one you bought in town?"
"Yes. It's the sequel to 'The History and Application of Talismans and Charms', which I borrowed from the mansion's library before."
"'Practical Applications: How Talismans and Charms Shape the Future'…? Ryo, you can't even use talismans, can you? Why 'practical applications'?"
"Well, I can't use them, but… know your enemy and know yourself, right?"
"'The Art of War', huh?"
"As expected of Abel. Perfectly spot-on!"
"No, I only remember the bits you mutter…"
While Ryo praised him, Abel gave a wry smile.
He only remembered fragments of Ryo's ramblings and didn't understand the core of it at all.
He was well aware of that.
"In practical terms, wouldn't it be difficult to deal with techniques or skills used by an opponent if you don't know anything about them?"
"True. You'd always end up on the back foot."
Abel nodded deeply as he said this.
Having been an adventurer for a long time, Abel had plenty of experience battling both monsters and humans.
Because of this, he understood how challenging combat could be when lacking any information about the opponent.
"But Ryo… we'll be traveling on horseback."
"Yes, I know. If it were on foot… I couldn't read while walking anyway."
"And you think you can read on horseback? Do you have experience with that?"
"No, no experience… wait, is it actually hard to do?"
"Unless you're used to it, very."
"Ugh…"
Ryo slumped in disappointment at Abel's words.
"I even brought another book, 'The Alchemy of the Eastern Countries', because it looked interesting…"
Ryo's muttering went unheard by anyone.
The next day.
The group departed from Mifasoshi, heading toward the capital, Jonjon.
Leading the group was Mifasoshi's Deputy Governor, Sue Ku.
Accompanied by twenty of her subordinates.
The head of the escort was Solon, captain of the Mifasoshi patrol unit's first division.
The escort force, consisting of forty members centered around Solon's first division, was tasked with protecting the group.
Ryo, Abel, and Mifa were also part of the entourage.
"Mifa, are you doing okay? You're not used to riding a horse, right? Are you managing?"
"Yes, Sue-sama. I'm fine."
Mifa replied, riding alongside Sue Ku.
Though also on horseback, Sue Ku handled her mount with remarkable skill.
"The Deputy Governor is quite good."
"Yeah. It seems she's trained from a young age and has ridden a lot since. From what I've seen, Sue Ku gives off the impression of a seasoned adventurer, someone with plenty of hands-on experience… She might even be of noble or royal descent."
"Like King Roberto Pirlo of the Union…"
Abel speculated, and Ryo mused, recalling the former king of the Union.
"By the way, Mifa is heading to Darwei to serve as a lady-in-waiting for Princess Shio Fen, right?"
"Yes, that's what I've been told."
Abel nodded in confirmation.
"I looked up what 'princess' means. Originally, it was a title for the emperor's daughter. But it seems the nations of the Eastern Countries started using it as well."
"Yeah, that's right."
Ryo explained proudly, but Abel responded casually.
"What's with that reaction? Don't tell me you already knew that, Abel?"
"I learned about it back when I lived in the royal castle. Apparently, the title has been used across dynasties, even before the rise of Darwei."
"Ugh… prince education is scary."
Ryo groaned, tilting his head in mock defeat.
"By the way, Ryo, you're not reading any books after all, huh?"
Abel had noticed that Ryo, riding on horseback, wasn't holding any books.
"Yeah. I tried right after we set off, but it's impossible. I didn't realize horses were this bumpy…"
"Well, yeah. You haven't ridden horses that much to begin with, have you?"
"I used to ride a fair bit during drills when I was an instructor for the Rune Knights. Even in the capital, I'd sometimes borrow horses to ride."
At this, Abel narrowed his eyes slightly and asked,
"…Where were you borrowing horses from?"
"Of course, from the royal castle. They were well-trained and super easy to ride."
"Yeah, that's an overreach of authority."
"Excuse me?"
"A duke isn't allowed to ride the royal family's horses without permission."
Ryo's eyes widened in shock at Abel's words.
"Wait, what? But nobody ever told me that…"
"Well, there's hardly anyone who'd dare lecture the Premier Duke."
"What the…!"
Ryo slumped, dejected.
But in times like these, he knew a reliable strategy.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner, Abel!"
Yes, blame-shifting.
"I'm hearing about it just now, too…"
"Didn't you get reports about it or anything?"
"Now that you mention it, I don't recall seeing any."
"You're always buried in paperwork, but maybe you're not actually reading all of it…"
For some reason, Ryo's tone became that of a prosecutor or inquisitor.
Even though he was the one who'd done something wrong.
"I read everything properly. What's more likely is…"
"What's more likely?"
"That Marquis Heinlein handled it."
"The Prime Minister? Why? He's never scolded me about it."
Ryo tilted his head in confusion.
It was true— he'd never been reprimanded by the prime minister.
"Perhaps he used his authority as Prime Minister to grant you special permission."
"Wow… that's so like the Prime Minister. Truly a national treasure!"
Abel speculated, and Ryo nodded enthusiastically.
In Ryo's mind, Marquis Alexis Heinlein, the kingdom's prime minister, was held in the highest regard.
Likely the very pinnacle of admiration.
"Come to think of it, I've seen Marquis Heinlein reading documents on horseback…"
"What?!"
"His subordinates would bring him documents, he'd read through them in an instant, and then issue instructions."
"Our Prime Minister is practically perfect, isn't he? Administratively brilliant, a former captain of the Royal Knights, and even the best in intelligence gathering across Central Countries… he's like the protagonist of some epic tale. No, actually, he's so perfect that readers probably wouldn't relate to him at all!"
"I can't speak to reader sympathy, but yeah, he's undeniably perfect."
Abel somehow found himself agreeing with Ryo's effusive praise.
And so, before anyone realized it, Ryo's misconduct faded into obscurity.
"Heh heh heh, just as planned."
Ryo's muttered words should have gone unheard.
"Still, a fine would be appropriate. If Marquis Heinlein hadn't covered for you, you'd have to pay up. But don't worry, fines don't leave a criminal record in the kingdom."
"Ugh…"
Ryo could only pray that Marquis Heinlein had handled things smoothly.
Even a premier duke couldn't go against the king.
-x-X-x-
Five days after the group left Mifasoshi, in the evening.
They entered the city of Lysra, said to be a satellite city of the capital Jonjon.
"Normally, it takes one day from here to reach the capital, right?"
"That's what they say. But since this is the second most prominent deputy governor's official entry into the capital, we'll make preparations in the city just before the capital, enter in the morning, and proceed directly to an audience with the king."
Abel answered Ryo's question politely.
Though Abel was once an adventurer, having ruled for three years, he now understood the significance of ceremonial 'official entries'.
"By the way, this country is called Bosuntar, right? Not the Kingdom of Bosuntar. If it's ruled by a king, it should be called the Kingdom of Bosuntar…"
"I don't know the details, but it's apparently due to their relationship with Darwei. Look, just like the title of Emperor and how this country's daughter is titled Princess, right? There was a time in Darwei when the sons were titled King. Because of those connections, surrounding countries dropped 'King' from their names, I hear…"
"I see… Countries really do differ in many ways."
Hearing Abel's explanation, Ryo nodded thoughtfully.
The central and western countries seemed very different.
Back on Earth, Ryo had learned about the tributary system in world history classes.
Applying that knowledge, the relationship between Bosuntar and Darwei became clearer.
It wasn't a simple vassal state relationship— it was the tributary system.
Even among Eastern history scholars, there had been quite a bit of debate regarding its nature…
"How exactly does this system work here?"
Ryo muttered, purely out of curiosity.
Yet, a faint smile played across his lips.
Abel caught a glimpse of it and muttered quietly to himself, unheard.
"Ryo's probably scheming something troublesome again…"
A pitiable man, Ryo.
In Lysra, the group rented an entire inn.
"This inn has open-air baths in the guest rooms, so please relax, Abel-dono and Ryo-dono."
"Ah, thank you."
"This is incredible! Thank you!"
The group's leader, deputy governor Sue Ku, spoke, and both Abel and Ryo expressed their gratitude.
At dinner.
"Abel, did you see the bath in the room? It's huge!"
"Yeah, I saw it. It's as big as the one we had at that inn in Acre when we went to Twilight Land. Having a bath that large in a guest room is impressive."
"That was the inn run by the Marquis Heinlein's family, right? Yeah, that was big too."
Abel and Ryo mentally compared this inn to places they had stayed before.
While the Acre inn was more refined, this bath was larger… as Ryo thought about this, another question occurred to him.
"By the way, is it normal for high-class inns to have open-air baths in their guest rooms? I've seen them in central countries… and even in the western countries."
"Huh? Isn't that just normal?"
"Normal? Even though the cultural spheres are completely different, this seems oddly universal…"
"Well, there are swords and books everywhere in the world, right? So it's only natural that guest-room open-air baths exist everywhere too."
Abel dismissed Ryo's doubts.
To Abel, who was born and raised in 'Phi', it was simply natural that all high-class inns, regardless of region, would have open-air baths.
Just like swords or books existed everywhere.
"Hah. Could it be that this was also spread by King Richard…?"
"The hell he did. I'm pretty sure there are descriptions of open-air baths in Richard's tales too, so they must have existed everywhere from long ago. Good things spread. Naturally."
"Fearsome… guest-room open-air baths…"
Ryo shuddered.
Yet, at the same time, he couldn't help but think that these baths, which had spread worldwide, had contributed to the advancement of civilization.
It was said that people experienced flashes of insight when theta brainwaves were active.
The Three Places concept by Ouyang Xiu, each of them often invoke situations that encourage theta brainwaves.
For the Japanese, theta brainwaves often occur while taking a bath.
Many people have experienced coming up with great ideas while bathing.
Therefore!
Open-air baths in guest rooms might also encourage great ideas.
If open-air baths spread to cultures where bathing wasn't a tradition… the number of ideas sparked would surely have increased dramatically.
That could only have accelerated the development of society.
"Guest-room open-air baths might have accelerated the pace of global progress!"
While Ryo rejoiced over this discovery, trembling with excitement, Abel quietly shook his head and muttered.
"I really don't understand half the things Ryo says."
Oh, the difficulty of understanding one another…
Ryo, Abel, Mifa, twenty subordinates of Sue Ku, and forty guards ate dinner in the inn's dining hall.
However, Sue Ku was not among them.
Sue Ku had been invited to the private residence of Lysra's deputy governor, Buhyan.
They were old acquaintances.
"So, Buhyan, you invited me here because there's something you want to tell me, right?"
After dinner, they moved to the reception room, sipping tea as Sue Ku and Buhyan began their conversation.
Buhyan, like Sue Ku, was also a woman of the same generation.
"First, riots are breaking out frequently in the southern part of Darwei."
"I see. We should be cautious about choosing a city for Princess Shio Fen's marriage procession. I'll inform His Majesty."
Hearing Buhyan's information, Sue Ku nodded deeply.
Sue Ku had always held Buhyan's information-gathering abilities in high regard.
Her timely intelligence had saved them from total defeat on multiple occasions…
Yet Buhyan's expression darkened further.
"That look… it seems there's a more troublesome and direct issue, isn't there?"
Sue Ku spoke with a bitter smile.
Buhyan's information-gathering and analysis were so accurate that, in moments like this, Sue Ku could do nothing but smile wryly.
"It's about Duke Kang."
"Him again?"
Buhyan spoke with a dark expression, and Sue Ku shook her head slightly at the mention of that name.
Duke Kang was the younger brother of the previous king and the current king's uncle.
He was of the same generation as Sue Ku and Buhyan and someone they knew well.
He wasn't a bad person by any means and was undoubtedly someone who deeply loved the country.
However…
"The leading hardliner against Darwei…"
At Sue Ku's murmured words, Buhyan silently nodded.
Although labeled a 'hardliner', it wasn't as if DUke Kang was advocating for outright war with Darwei.
Since the time of the previous king, Duke Kang had been arguing that Bosuntar should maintain more distance from Darwei.
His views had significant support within Bosuntar.
Ranging from influential figures to ordinary citizens…
"I don't entirely disagree with Duke Kang's perspective, but the difference in national power is simply too great."
"Indeed. While we send tribute to Darwei, we also receive as much in return. They've never demanded military cooperation. And since other neighboring countries also pay tribute to Darwei, we rarely find ourselves at war with them. As long as we follow the formalities, there are no real losses…"
"But it's precisely those 'formalities' that Duke Kang and his supporters cannot tolerate."
While nodding at Buhyan's explanation, Sue Ku could still sympathize with Duke Kang and the sentiments of those who agreed with him.
They wanted Bosuntar to stand as an equal to Darwei.
Understandably so.
It was a sentiment born out of love and pride for their country.
But the reality of the world is not so kind.
Not just Darwei, but all past dynasties in that region had shown tolerance toward tributary states that adhered to the proper formalities. However, they mercilessly invaded and destroyed any nation that broke those formalities.
"Given the timing… is Duke Kang trying to…"
"Block Princess Shio Fen's marriage procession."
"Princess Shio Fen is his niece's daughter—his grandniece! Surely, he wouldn't go that far…?"
Sue Ku trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.
She knew better than anyone the reliability of the person before her, Buhyan.
If Buhyan had chosen to relay such information, it must be with considerable confidence.
At the same time, Sue Ku also knew Duke Kang.
She had known him for a long time.
Based on his character, she found it hard to believe he would deliberately obstruct his grandniece's marriage procession.
If the promise of the marriage procession were broken, Darwei would see it as a severe affront.
The bridegroom was the Sixth Prince.
One of the emperor's sons.
To insult the prince by breaking the agreement would be tantamount to undermining the emperor's authority. There was no way such a sight would go unanswered.
The likely outcome would be the execution of Princess Shio Fen.
Even though Darwei does not typically interfere politically with its tributary states, this would be an exception.
An affront to the emperor's family… would be seen as a direct attack on his sovereignty.
There would no doubt be repercussions.
Execution of the princess would likely be the minimum demand.
And it might not stop there.
Undermining Darwei's dignity carried such grave consequences.
Duke Kang was no fool.
He must understand that much.
Then why…?
"The problem lies with a man named Dezai, who became Duke Kang's closest advisor three years ago."
"Dezai? I've never heard of him."
At the mention of this individual, Sue Ku tilted her head in confusion.
Duke Kang was a key figure in the nation.
Naturally, Sue Ku had been keeping an eye on those around him.
But she had never heard of this Dezai.
He clearly wasn't someone who had been by Duke Kang's side for long…
"He gained Duke Kang's favor after curing his grandson's severe illness."
"That… sounds awfully suspicious."
Sue Ku grimaced.
Helping someone's beloved child or grandchild and then gaining their trust…
An age-old pattern seen countless times throughout history.
Once someone saves a loved one, it's easy for their words to carry great weight… it's difficult to comprehend from an outsider's perspective, but it preys on the most vulnerable part of the human heart.
It's a pattern common in any era, in any world.
That said, it's typical for those around them to intervene, either by advising caution or using force to remove such individuals…
"Duke Kang's close aides have been dismissed or eliminated, one by one."
"What…?"
"Dezai isn't a healer; he's rumored to be a practitioner of sorcery."
"Well, that's… troublesome."
"It's possible Duke Kang has already lost his ability to make rational decisions. That's why…"
"That's why you're telling me now, knowing I'll be heading to the capital. To meet him and assess the situation myself."
"You're one of the few who could meet Duke Kang directly. For most, that's impossible."
Buhyan sighed softly as she spoke.
"I see. Well, I'll meet him. Talking face-to-face might resolve some issues."
Sue Ku shrugged, sounding unconvinced.
There are times when one has to say such things, even when they don't believe them.
"But when you do, please exercise extreme caution."
"Oh?"
"There's unconfirmed information suggesting that Dezai is a former retainer of the fallen Ide Kingdom."
"The Ide Kingdom? The one ruled by the Ide tribe?"
Sue Ku's eyes widened in astonishment.
"Yes, that Ide Kingdom. The one implicated in the assassination of the late king, which our country destroyed ten years ago."
"And that's just unconfirmed information?"
"Yes. I've been tracking it for the past year, but I haven't been able to verify it."
"If even you, Buhyan, can't confirm it… then no one else could, either. What about the Intelligence Department…?"
"The Intelligence Department in Jonjon is useless. It's already under Duke Kang's control."
"That's a grave issue…"
"Indeed."
Both Sue Ku and Buhyan frowned deeply, letting out heavy sighs.
It was painful to watch the country they loved begin to fray and falter.
What made it worse was their inability to take effective action, despite their efforts to stop it…
-x-X-x-
On the morning of the seventh day after leaving the city of Mifasoshi.
The group finally arrived at the capital, Jonjon.
As the cityscape came into full view, two members of the group sat frozen in astonishment on horseback.
Unlike them, the others had visited the capital several times before and were unperturbed…
"All made of stone…"
"The stark contrast to the wooden buildings of Mifasoshi is incredible."
Both Ryo and Abel said, thoroughly awed by the stone construction of Jonjon.
"Jonjon has a good quarry nearby that produces high-quality stone. These stones are transported by ship. The city, built at the mouth of the great Jon River, expanded westward through its canal system."
Mifa explained, noticing their amazement.
She was a good student who knew how to assist her master.
"Abel, you've got yourself a fine disciple."
"I won't deny that."
Abel responded with a nod, echoing Ryo's praise.
Blushing down to her ears, Mifa could only smile at their compliments.
"As I mentioned before, the Censorate officials want to speak with you both. Regarding the Autonomous City of Kwebasa and the Atinjo Grand Duchy. However, we've already informed them of the details you shared in Mifasoshi, so this is more of a formality."
"That's fine."
Sue Ku explained, and Abel nodded.
Recalling the explanation given before they left Mifasoshi.
"I'll vouch for both of you. So you'll be staying at my residence. The Censorate will come to the house for the discussion, so there's no need for concern. Oh, and Mifa will also stay at my residence, not at the Mogok manor, so please continue her training."
"Understood."
Abel replied, with Ryo nodding in agreement.
It became clear how much effort Sue Ku had put into making arrangements.
And that she held considerable influence even in the capital.
That afternoon. At Princess Shio Fen's Palace.
"Princess, it's been a while."
"Mifa, call me Shio as always while we're here."
"…Yes, Shio-sama."
After about half a year apart, Mifa and Princess Shio Feng were reunited.
"Mifa, I've heard that even after you returned to Mifasoshi, you continued to devote yourself to the sword. Director Mogok said the same thing when I met him several times."
"How embarrassing…"
Princess Shio Fen laughed, and Mifa blushed deeply, lowering her head.
Princess Shio Fen was seventeen, and Mifa was sixteen.
The Mogok family was an old and prestigious lineage, and Mifa's father, Director Mogok, had long been stationed in Jongjong. Because of this, Shio Fen and Mifa grew up as close as sisters.
They were like sisters, classmates, and best friends.
When it was decided that Princess Shio Fen would marry into Darwei, Mifa returned to Mifasoshi during the preparation period to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as a lady-in-waiting.
However, she had long resolved to live her life by Princess Shio Fen's side, preparing as necessary over the years.
Her recent training in Mifasoshi was simply a final polish.
And then, there was the sword.
Princess Shio Fen's betrothed was Prince Ryun, the sixth prince of Darwei, aged nineteen.
Because his mother did not hold a high status originally, he was not involved in the succession dispute for the imperial throne.
Still, his position left room for uncertainty about the challenges Princess Shio Fen might face.
Mifa had made a firm decision… if any trouble could be resolved by the sword, she would be the one to wield it.
"I heard you apprenticed yourself to a swordmaster while you were away."
"Yes. To master… a sensei named Abel."
"And you stood in front of his inn for three days straight?"
"You even know about that… so embarassing."
Mifa's face turned an even deeper shade of red, realizing that her reckless actions had reached the princess's ears.
She was indeed embarrassed by her impulsiveness in hindsight.
"That's so like you— acting with such straightforward determination."
Princess Shio Feng said fondly.
Gazing at Mifa with a touch of admiration.
"If this Abel-sensei was someone you were so determined to study under, he must be extraordinary."
The princess paused as if realizing something, then said with wide eyes.
"Don't tell me you're in love with him…"
"No, absolutely not!"
Mifa vehemently denied it, her face still red.
"Besides, my teacher is married and has a wife and child back home."
"I see…"
The princess looked slightly disappointed.
She had thought that perhaps Mifa, who had never shown any interest in men, had finally found someone she was drawn to… but it seemed her devotion to Abel-sensei was purely as a master of the sword.
"I may not have that luxury, but I want you to find happiness, Mifa. Who knows? You might meet someone wonderful in Darwei, so there's no need to rush."
"Shio-sama…"
Mifa shook her head lightly.
"The departure for my marriage procession has been scheduled for a month from now."
"A month…"
"Yes. Most of the preparations are complete, and I wish I could leave sooner… But apparently, some people want to interfere or sabotage the procession. Causing the delay."
Shio's tone was casual, as though discussing a minor inconvenience.
"Sabotage…? How exactly…?"
"The surest way to ruin it would be to kill me, of course."
"Wha…?"
Shio smiled as she spoke, leaving Mifa speechless.
"As a princess… it's not so easy to directly harm me. Instead, they'll likely target the people around me, weakening my support."
"…"
"That's why, Mifa, you might be a target too."
Shio grasped Mifa's hands firmly with both of her own as she said this.
"Be very careful."
"Yes, I understand."
"You'll be safe once you're inside this detached palace, but even getting here is dangerous if you're alone. Make sure to bring someone with you… For instance, it would be ideal if Abel-sensei could accompany you."
"Uh…"
Mifa was rendered speechless by Princess Shio Fen's sudden suggestion.
"Why not? Is he… um, not suitable for court matters? But this is just a detached palace, so there shouldn't be any issues with protocol."
"Oh, no, there shouldn't be any problems like that. My master may be an adventurer, but I feel he comes from a rather high status originally."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. My master's violin playing… forgive me for saying so, but he's far more skilled than the royal court orchestra members."
"My goodness! To be that skilled with the sword and also play the violin better than the court musicians? That's extraordinary… almost suspiciously so."
"Suspicious…?"
"I mean, whether he's actually human or not…"
"He's human!"
The idea that Abel's humanity could be doubted…
The investigation of Abel and Ryo, however, concluded in a single session the day after they arrived in the capital city, Jonjon.
"That wrapped up quickly."
"Considering we came all the way to the capital for this, it feels inefficient…"
"Well, we were originally supposed to arrive at this port anyway, so it's fine."
"Everything is the fault of that group of Krakens! Next time I meet them, I'll crush them to bits!"
"What does crush them to bits even mean…?"
"It's the signature phrase of a tyrannical dictator who used to say, 'What's Abel's is mine, and what's mine is mine'. You should remember that phrase too, Abel… oh, wait, no, don't. If you became a tyrant or a mad king, that would be a disaster."
"Yeah, I don't really get it, so I'll just forget it."
While recalling that tyrannical dictator's pipe organ recital from some TV program, Ryo pulled a book out of his bag.
The book was titled 'Practical Applications: How Talismans and Charms Shape the Future'.
"In the end, you didn't get to read it on horseback, did you?"
"No, I couldn't. It was too difficult. Even before feeling motion sick, I just couldn't focus on the letters. I did ask Deputy Governor Sue Ku about it along the way, and she said that with practice, you can get used to reading while riding at a walking pace."
"So she can do that? She must have a lot of experience."
"Yes, so I plan to practice riding whenever I can…"
As Ryo spoke, he glanced out the window and saw the vast backyard of Deputy Governor Sue Ku's mansion.
It was not just wide but enormous, the kind of space that could only be described as sprawling.
There were no trees, just low grass resembling a lush lawn stretching endlessly.
At the far edge, there appeared to be a stable as well…
"Don't tell me you're planning to ride horses there…"
"Exactly! I'll practice until I can read books while on horseback!"
"Sometimes I wonder. Is there something fundamentally off about your passion, Ryo?"
Abel muttered to himself, shaking his head slightly at Ryo's declaration. His words, however, went unheard by anyone.
Even peculiar efforts are still efforts.
Effort never betrays you.
However… whether such efforts would be understood or appreciated by others remained uncertain.
-x-X-x-
Ryo had declared his resolve to practice horse riding, but the next day, he decided to step out for a while.
This was because a letter from an acquaintance arrived the evening before.
"We have found documents related to the administrative organization of Darwei, which Ryo-san had expressed interest in. With Sue Ku-sama as your guardian, my superior has approved providing you with
It was that kind of letter.
A message from the person from the Censorate who had been in charge of Ryo's recent inquiry.
"To go out of his way to write such a thoughtful letter— Boffo-san is a kind person."
"Wait… what exactly did you talk about during the inquiry, Ryo?"
Ryo walked cheerfully after receiving the copied materials from Boffo at the Censorate.
While Abel, who had somehow tagged along, looked on in disbelief.
"Boffo-san was so approachable and easy to talk to. We ended up chatting during the inquiry, and I mentioned things I was interested in… The administrative organization of Darwei came up as one of those topics. After all, we can't leave Darwei unless we pass through it to return to the Central Countries, right? And the naming conventions for administrative bodies here in Bosuntar differ quite a bit from the Central and Western Countries. For example, there was nothing like the Censorate back there."
"Well, you're not wrong about that… But who chats like that during an inquiry…?"
Abel suddenly had a thought.
Perhaps Boffo's line of questioning, even the casual parts, was deliberate.
Was he analyzing Ryo's interests to infer potential vulnerabilities or motives for interference or information theft?
If so, Boffo might be exceptionally skilled.
After all, leaving a positive impression like 'a really kind person' on the subject of an inquiry…
Was no small feat.
Indeed, the man who had handed over the documents earlier had a kind and approachable demeanor…
"Appearances can be deceiving."
Abel muttered.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Sue Ku was riding in a carriage on her way to the mansion of Duke Kang.
Since her arrival in the capital Jonjon, she had repeatedly requested an audience with Duke Kang, only to be met with dismissive responses.
He's unwell and can't meet… but she knew he went horseback riding that day. So clearly a lie.
He's busy with palace matters… but there was no such schedule. Another lie.
It was clear he had a reason for avoiding her.
"I have no choice but to go directly."
With a sigh, Sue Ku climbed into the carriage.
Duke Kang was the brother of the former king.
And the current king's uncle.
His status in Bosuntar was extraordinarily high.
Arguably second only to the king himself.
Forcing an audience with such a person was something even Sue Ku would prefer to avoid…
However, there was no one else who could handle this task. In some ways, it had to be her.
Being his sister-in-law.
"Still… this carriage ride is unbearable."
Sue Ku muttered for what felt like the hundredth time.
After all, she was barging in on the mansion of the current king's uncle.
Riding a carriage was necessary.
To show proper respect.
Sue Ku, who usually traveled on foot or horseback even within Mifasoshi, found the uncomfortable ride irritating.
Besides, carriages offered no view of the outside.
Making them dull.
And slow to react in emergencies.
Traveling through the busy streets of Jonjon.
A broad thoroughfare bustling with activity.
Sue Ku dismissed the idea that anything untoward could happen… letting her guard down…
"Ugh!"
"Wha…?"
"Ah…!"
By the time Sue Ku noticed, her guards had already been incapacitated.
"An attack in broad daylight, here of all places?"
And worse…
"A magic-sealing charm formation…"
The attackers had placed multiple magic-sealing charms around the carriage, suppressing magic within it.
Of course, it didn't entirely nullify magic, a magician of Sue Ku's caliber could forcibly activate magic.
However, it would inevitably take longer, and the spell's potency would be reduced.
A spell that normally took a second to cast might now require three seconds. With its power halved.
Against some opponents, that might not be an issue, but this time, there were many attackers.
Around twenty assailants had already surrounded the carriage, their swords at the ready.
"Sue Ku-dono, step out of the carriage!"
One of the attackers, likely their leader, shouted.
Although they were labeled as attackers, they all wore identical armor and wielded uniform weapons.
They were no mere bandits or brigands.
It was absurd to think such individuals could cause a commotion in the capital's main thoroughfare without consequences.
Naturally, bystanders began to gather at a distance, gawking at the scene.
The city guards would surely arrive soon, but if these attackers were who Sue Ku suspected, the guards wouldn't dare interfere.
(Should I probe them?)
"Will you take me to Duke Kang?"
Sue Ku asked loudly as she stepped out of the carriage, her voice deliberately audible to those around.
The leader's expression remained unreadable, but several of the attackers visibly stiffened.
(Duke Kang's men. Or perhaps his close aide, Dezai.)
Sue Ku nodded slightly to herself.
"Even if you were to guide me, there was no need to kill my guards."
Of course, she knew the truth.
They had no intention of guiding her willingly.
Their plan was likely to imprison her in the dungeons of Duke Kang's estate… or worse, kill her in secret.
As Sue Ku stepped down, she analyzed her situation.
(Walking into this as I am would be unwise. If I'm to confront Duke Kang, I must first regroup and prepare thoroughly… Still, to think they would go this far. Was my assessment too lenient? Perhaps I've grown complacent after staying too long in peaceful Mifasoshi.)
She chuckled faintly at her own self-deprecating thoughts.
Then, among the onlookers, she spotted two familiar faces.
A swordsman. And a magician.
Moreover, the magician, upon meeting Sue Ku's gaze, appeared to silently ask a question.
Sue Ku nodded subtly in response.
The magician returned the gesture.
Raising her voice even further, Sue Ku declared:
"Since my guards have perished, I shall return to my residence for now. Please convey to Duke Kang that I will visit again at a later date."
With those words, Sue Ku made it clear to the gathered crowd that she intended to leave the scene and return to her residence.
Naturally, this message was also understood by the two familiar individuals within the crowd.
"No, Sue Ku-dono, you will come with us now."
The leader of the attackers declared firmly.
Signaling to his subordinates.
Two of the assailants stepped forward, attempting to seize Sue Ku as she descended from the carriage.
Slip. Slip.
Both of them lost their footing and fell.
"What?! Sue Ku-dono, do not resist!"
"I assure you, I am doing nothing. See for yourself."
Sue Ku replied, spreading her arms to show she wasn't responsible.
In truth, Sue Ku herself was surprised.
She had expected the magician in the crowd… Ryo, to take some action, but…
The two who had fallen attempted to stand again.
But, as expected…
Slip. Slip.
Once more, they slipped and fell.
"What are you doing?! Someone else, capture her!"
The leader barked, and other assailants stepped forward.
Slip.
The exact same scene played out again.
Merely stepping forward was enough to trigger it…
Those who had fallen the first time couldn't stop slipping and were unable to rise.
The phenomenon quickly spread, rendering half of the attackers—ten in total— unable to get up.
The remaining ten, including the leader, froze in place, unwilling to move…
"What in the world is going on?"
The leader's whispered question went unanswered, as none of them had an explanation.
Frustrated, the leader barked another order.
"Sorcerers! Immobilize her from a distance!"
Three sorcerers, who had been just as bewildered as everyone else, snapped out of their stupor.
They reached for their talismans, and hurled the talismans at Sue Ku.
Or at least, attempted to.
"T-They froze?"
Before they could even leave the casters' hands, the talismans froze solid and dropped to the ground.
The unprecedented event left the sorcerers stunned.
Among the crowd, a water-attribute magician smirked. Only the swordsman standing next to him, Abel, noticed the expression.
And murmured.
"Looks like Ryo's mischief worked."
"Hey, what are you doing?!"
"The talismans froze."
The leader roared, and the sorcerers answered meekly.
"Huh? What nonsense! How can talismans freeze…"
The leader started to retort but fell silent upon seeing the frozen talismans lying on the ground. He had no choice but to accept the reality.
"This is absurd… Talismans repel magic, don't they?"
"Yes…"
The sorcerers could only offer weak replies to the leader's voice, filled with anger and confusion.
"If talismans are useless, use your magic to trap her!"
"Y-yes, sir!"
The sorcerers snapped back to focus on the leader's order.
Indeed, the sorcerers could use not only talismans but also magic.
"
From the hands of three sorcerers, a magic spell was unleashed.
The spell shot forward.
But only up to thirty centimeters in front of them.
Only to freeze and fall inert.
"Even our magic…?"
"Froze…"
"What's happening?"
The sorcerers could sense something utterly incomprehensible taking place.
Their teeth began chattering.
That chattering spread through their entire bodies…
Until they trembled in fear.
In the end, all three collapsed, unable to remain standing.
The leader watched as all the sorcerers' spells froze and their wielders fell to the ground.
"What's going on…? Sue Ku uses wind-attribute magic. Could a water-attribute magician be hiding nearby? But this slipping phenomenon feels like earth-attribute magic. Two attributes? No… multiple magicians?"
He muttered to himself as he scanned the area.
But it didn't take long for the leader to realize that too many inexplicable things were occurring for conventional magic to explain.
And the situation wasn't waiting for him to figure it out.
"As I said earlier, please inform Duke Kang that I will visit at a later date. Now, if you'll excuse me."
With that, she began walking away.
"Hey, wait!"
The leader shouted.
Several subordinates instinctively stepped forward to capture Sue Ku…
Slip. Slip.
They slipped and fell.
The same chain of slips and falls repeated itself.
Now even more attackers, including the collapsed sorcerers, lay sprawled and unable to rise…
Only the leader remained standing.
Paralyzed with indecision.
If he moved even a step, he too would surely fall.
Sue Ku, now walking toward the crowd.
Seemed on the verge of escaping.
The leader had strict orders from Dezai: capture Su Ku.
Injuries were acceptable if necessary.
While Dezai had permitted minor injuries, the leader was acutely aware of Sue Ku's status. She was the sister-in-law of Duke Kang.
The deputy governor of Mifasoshi, the second-largest city in Bosuntar. Her ties to the late king and trust from the current king made her a key figure in the kingdom.
In short, she was a pillar of the nation.
Harming her in public was far from ideal.
Killing her guards in an attempt to abduct her was already questionable, but injuring Sue Ku herself would be much harder to justify.
Still…
"I have no choice."
The leader muttered as he drew two throwing knives from his belt and hurled them at Sue Ku's legs as she walked away.
Clang.
The knives froze and fell to the ground just thirty centimeters away from him.
Just as the sorcerers' magic had earlier.
"What in the world… is this…"
The captain murmured in disbelief.
Sue Ku calmly walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
-x-X-x-
Even after Sue Ku had departed, Ryo and Abel remained amidst the crowd for a while longer.
This was to continually generate
"They're persistently trying to get back on their feet, aren't they?"
"Yeah… calling it persistence might sound a little too harsh for them, though."
Ryo muttered softly, shaking his head. Beside him, Abel watched the attackers continue to fall over and over again, feeling a small pang of pity for them.
"But they're heinous criminals who attacked an innocent official in broad daylight, right in the middle of a public street. They should reflect deeply on their actions."
"Yeah. You're absolutely right about that."
Abel nodded in agreement, fully aligning with Ryo's sentiment.
"Still… I suppose they were just following orders."
"Following orders doesn't mean you can do anything, does it? That's no excuse. Lacking individuality like that is unacceptable. And there are bosses in the world who treat their subordinates like disposable tools. You've got to protect yourself."
"You're absolutely right again. Everything you say makes sense."
Ryo argued passionately, Abel conceded, nodding once more.
Perhaps this is an era where even attackers need to show a sense of autonomy.
"By the way, about earlier, when their magic and throwing knives froze midair…"
"Ah, that was thanks to my
Ryo replied with a pleased smile to Abel's question.
He had anticipated that they would resort to long-range attacks like magic or throwing weapons.
Incidentally, even while they were talking, Ryo continued generating
"Watching from the side, I can't tell at all when you're using magic."
"I know, right? The future of magic might demand stealth and subtlety. I'm just ahead of the curve in my training."
"Stealth, huh…"
"Once, when I was staying at the guild dormitory in Rune, I tried secretly using
Ryo reminisced about how, in an effort to teach a lesson to an investigation team, he had repeatedly cast
Afterward, Phelps had come to the window to greet him…
"Ah, well, Phelps can't use magic, but deputy leader Sheena has dual-attribute abilities. She's sensitive to the flow of magic and magic power."
"Dual-attribute? I remember feeling how incredibly strong Sheena-san must be."
"She's a former assassin. Of course she's strong."
"Why would Phelps-san keep someone like that close to him…?"
"Because she's strong. She originally tried to assassinate Phelps but failed… and then she became completely loyal to him."
"That's such a classic protagonist backstory…"
Failing to assassinate the protagonist and then swearing loyalty to them… it's a staple narrative trope.
But that's only supposed to happen around the 'protagonist'…
"Could it be that Phelps is actually the protagonist of this story…?"
"Who knows? He's good-looking, smart, ridiculously strong, popular, heir to a marquess family, and well-respected. That's about it."
"Yeah, no doubt about it. He's definitely the protagonist."
Abel listed with a wry expression, and Ryo conceded, shaking his head slightly as if accepting reality.
"The world isn't fair."
"Indeed. It isn't."
Eventually, the crowd began to disperse.
Though they had been entertained by watching the attackers repeatedly fall over as they tried to stand, even the spectators seemed to grow bored.
Moreover, most of the attackers had given up entirely and lay motionless.
Ryo and Abel left the scene as the crowd thinned out.
"Having to stick around just to keep them falling was quite tedious."
"True, but it couldn't be helped. By now, Sue Ku should have safely reached the mansion…"
"The spell itself is simple. It only generates
"What…?"
Ryo's muttering startled Abel.
"Are you saying you want to make an alchemy tool that does this?"
"Exactly. That way, I wouldn't have to stay there the whole time…"
"But wouldn't that tool just end up being used in situations like that?"
"Yeah. Ah… if it were to be stolen, it would be a disaster!"
"Exactly…"
Abel nodded, agreeing with the glaring flaw.
Suddenly, Ryo seemed to have an idea. He clenched his right hand into a fist and lightly struck the palm of his left hand.
A gesture that clearly said, 'Eureka!'
"I've found a solution!"
"…Why do I feel like I don't want to hear it?"
"Abel, you can monitor the alchemy tool and retrieve it afterward."
"Yeah, I really didn't need to hear that."
'Retrieving the device' after its use… it seemed like a difficult task in any story.
When the two reached Sue Ku's mansion, the scene had become noticeably more fortified.
The gates were securely closed, and four armed guards stood vigil with spears.
"When we left this morning…"
"There were no guards, and the gate was open."
Ryo and Abel remarked, surprised by the change.
Of course, both of them understood the reasoning.
The attackers had struck in broad daylight in the middle of town.
There was no guarantee they wouldn't target the mansion next.
"Small-scale all-out war…"
"I get what you're saying, but is that really the right term for it…?"
Ryo's murmur made Abel shake his head slightly.
Naturally, the two of them passed smoothly through the gates and entered the premises.
"Oh, thank goodness. Both of you are safe."
Sue Ku greeted them with a warm smile and said this as she welcomed them.
She then bowed her head formally to express her gratitude.
"Thank you so much for saving me earlier."
"No, no, we just happened to pass by. It was pure luck."
Ryo hurriedly told her to raise her head.
"Still, a daytime attack in the middle of town… forgive my bluntness, but is such a thing common in this city of Jonjon?"
"Not at all. I've never heard of anything like that before."
Sue Ku shook her head firmly in response to Abel's direct question.
No matter how powerful the Duke Kang's influence might be, an act like that wouldn't go unpunished.
"Why would they make such a spectacle of it?"
"A spectacle?"
"Yes. There are countless quieter ways to abduct someone, aren't there? This seemed almost theatrical."
Ryo remarked, finding the event to be conspicuously staged.
"If it was deliberate, then they must have had some other motive."
"And what could that motive be…?"
Abel and Sue Ku frowned as they tried to figure it out.
However, no answers came to mind.
"If you think of anything, please let me know."
Sue Ku said, and Abel and Ryo nodded in agreement.
"I can't put my finger on it, but I feel like something major is about to happen."
"…Yeah."
"Abel, you be careful too, okay?"
"…Will do."
"It's during moments of crisis that consistent effort will pay off."
Ryo declared with a serious expression.
But Abel gave him a skeptical look.
"Abel, what is that look for?"
"Well… it's hard to take you seriously when you're saying that while on horseback."
"How rude!"
That's right. The two of them were on horseback in Sue Ku's mansion's backyard.
As previously declared, Ryo was undergoing horseback training.
Of course, he had Sue Ku's permission.
Moreover, the mansion's guards were cooperating with him…
Next to Ryo, Abel was also casually on horseback.
Abel had been riding since he was a child at the royal castle, and he genuinely enjoyed it, so this wasn't new to him.
It was more a way to relieve stress.
"You're a natural, Abel… you really look the part on horseback."
"Yeah, well. I enjoy it. And this horse is well-trained and easy to handle."
"Oh, my horse is too. Apparently, they picked gentle and easy-to-ride horses for us. According to Captain Milan of the Seventh Guard Squad."
"The Seventh Guard Squad? Are they the ones near the stables…?"
"Yes, that's them. They're such nice people. Captain Milan is apparently one of the top horse experts in the mansion. I'm quite lucky."
Ryo said happily.
As they slowly rode in circles around the backyard, Mifa, who was staying at the mansion, approached them.
"What are you two doing?"
"I'm training in horseback riding. Abel is showing off his skills."
"Hey…"
Ryo answered Mifa's question, making Abel shake his head slightly.
"Indeed… Master, you're very skilled. Even to my eyes, it looks like you're one with the horse."
"Ahaha…"
Mifa's praise made Abel chuckle awkwardly.
"As expected of someone of noble standing…"
Mifa murmured, recalling her conversation with Princess Shio Fen, though neither of them caught her words.
"Sue-sama said the current state of heightened security will remain for a while."
"Understood."
Mifa reported to Abel, who had dismounted, and he nodded in acknowledgment.
Meanwhile, Ryo was still on horseback.
"Is Ryo-san going to stay on that horse for much longer?"
"He wants to be able to read a book while on horseback. I imagine he'll keep riding for a while, switching horses as needed."
"What…?"
"That's just how he is. He never minds the effort it takes to achieve his goals"
"That's… impressive."
"When you have someone like that close by, it makes you want to do it too."
Mifa remarked in surprise, while Abel smiled as he spoke.
Ryo, still on horseback, was stroking the horse's neck and murmuring something to it.
Naturally, being a horse, it couldn't understand him, but…
Somehow, he seemed to be enjoying the conversation, occasionally laughing.
"He's not actually having a conversation with the horse, is he…?"
"He shouldn't be… but with Ryo, I can't confidently say for sure."
The world, after all, is full of mysteries.
-x-X-x-
Two days later, an apology letter arrived from Duke Kang, addressed to Sue Ku.
"A misunderstanding, he says? Apologizing? There's no way a misunderstanding could lead to the deaths of subordinates."
"It says he wants you to come tomorrow."
Mifa confirmed, looking at the letter Sue Ku handed her.
"Hmm. I'll go. Mifa, you're visiting Princess Shio Fen's villa tomorrow, correct?"
"Yes. As the princess mentioned previously. I'll be accompanied by Master Abel."
"Good. That puts my mind at ease. Take a squad with you for protection. As for me, I'll be taking an entire battalion, fully armed."
"…To prepare for anything?"
"Precisely. Even if it turns into a battle."
Mifa looked startled, but Sue Ku's expression suggested the remark wasn't entirely in jest.
In truth, Sue Ku considered the possibility of armed conflict.
And if it happened, she intended to bring enough forces to secure victory.
Even though mobilizing such strength in the capital would surely lead to a reprimand from the king later… she would rather face that than die due to insufficient preparations.
The next day.
"Alright, let's go, Mifa."
"Yes, Master."
As the two stepped out of the mansion, they were met by rows of assembled troops.
There were 20 guards from Captain Solon's First Patrol Squad and an additional 200 soldiers—Sue Ku's maximum deployable force within the capital.
"It looks like we're marching off to war…"
"Sue-sama did say she was preparing for war, just in case…"
Abel muttered, and Mifa recalled their previous day's conversation.
The assembled troops were all in full battle gear.
While Sue Ku could command many times this number back at her home base in the city of Mifasoshi…
The force she had gathered here was still remarkable for the royal capital.
It was a testament to her influence.
As Abel and Mifa passed in front of the troops, eight guards stepped forward.
"Abel-sama, Mifa-sama, we've been assigned as your escorts. I'm Milan, captain of the Seventh Guard Squad."
"You helped Ryo and me with our riding practice, right? Thanks for today as well."
Captain Milan greeted them, and Abel responded.
Mifa, standing beside Abel, bowed her head.
Together, Abel, Mifa, and the eight members of the Seventh Guard Squad, a total of ten people, all mounted their horses and headed toward the detached palace of Princess Shio Fen.
The decision to travel on horseback rather than on foot was due to the much faster retreat speed in case of an emergency.
Whether returning to the mansion or fleeing to the palace, speed would be of the essence.
"So, other than the stable at the mansion, Sue Ku-dono also has horses elsewhere?"
"Yes. Sue-sama owns a ranch on the outskirts of the royal capital. Of course, she also has one in Mifasoshi… I believe, aside from the royal family, she likely owns the largest number of horses."
"Impressive."
Abel said, genuinely amazed.
"By the way, where is Ryo-san today?"
"He was summoned to the Censorate."
"What? Did he get tangled up in something troublesome?"
Mifa asked, her tone filled with concern.
The Censorate handled problems within the royal capital, conducted inspections, and fulfilled many roles akin to a police force.
It also served as a prosecutorial body, making it a place most ordinary people avoided.
As such, whenever someone shouted, "The Censorate is here!", anyone guilty of wrongdoing would scatter like spiders.
In modern terms, it might be akin to shouting, "It's the police!".
"No… it seems that during the last hearing with the Censorate, Ryo requested access to certain documents. Apparently, one of them has been found…"
"Uh… what?"
"Exactly. It doesn't make sense, does it? I don't get it either."
Seeing Mifa tilt her head in confusion, Abel nodded emphatically in agreement.
"Well, that's Ryo for you. It's just how he is."
Even so, the fact that Abel could sum it up with "That's just Ryo" indicated he was already somewhat accustomed to Ryo's quirks.
Ryo was simply… Ryo.
"Ah, thank you for coming. You must be Abel-sensei. I am Shio, holding the title of Princess Fen. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I've heard about you from Mifa, Princess Shio Fen. I am Abel of the Knightley Kingdom. It's a pleasure."
Princess Shio Fen and Abel exchanged greetings.
The tea party with the three of them proceeded harmoniously.
Until a certain moment.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed— something clearly out of place in the serene, elegant detached palace.
A person who appeared to be a guard burst into the room, shouting:
"Your Highness! There's trouble! The palace is under attack!"
"Wha…"
Princess Shio-Fen was struck speechless.
Mifa, too, was rendered silent.
Abel sharpened his senses, listening carefully.
Faintly— ever so faintly— he could hear the clash of swords.
The distance from the gate to the princess's chamber was considerable.
If the gate had not yet been breached, it made sense that the sounds would be so faint.
"Who are the attackers? Do they bear any insignias?"
"The insignia is 'a rising sun over the mountains'! It's Duke Kang's forces!"
"…I see."
Princess Shio Fen frowned at the guard's response.
"Shio-sama, please, you must escape."
Mifa urged.
However, Princess Shio Fen shook her head in refusal.
"Impossible, Mifa."
"Why not?"
"There are three underground tunnels leading out of this palace. Secret escape routes. But they are likely all being watched. There are probably soldiers lying in wait at the exits."
Princess Shio Fen said with certainty.
Her voice firm.
"Why are you so sure?"
Abel asked.
"This detached palace was once occupied by Duke Kang during the reign of the previous king. As he was the king's younger brother at the time. He would be familiar with the entire layout of the palace, including the underground passages."
"Could the attackers have come through those underground tunnels?"
"That's unlikely. When I was assigned to this palace, the 'Alchemic Keys' to the underground passages were modified to open only by my presence."
Princess Shio Fen replied.
As they discussed this, another guard burst into the room with an urgent report.
"Both the front and back gates are under attack! The narrow path to the back gate makes it hard for a large force to maneuver, but the front gate is on the verge of being breached!"
"I understand."
Princess Shio Fen replied and, after a brief moment of contemplation, spoke.
"I apologize, Abel-sensei, Mifa. Could I ask for your assistance?"
"Of course. Tell me what you need."
Abel responded with a resolute nod.
"Please assist at the front gate."
"Understood. Mifa, stay here and protect the princess."
"Huh? But I want to help at the front gate as well…"
"No. Do not leave the princess alone."
Abel said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
"Mifa, isn't your swordsmanship meant to protect the princess? Now is the time to fulfill that purpose."
"But…"
"If I were the enemy commander, I would find a way to strike at the heart of the command. In this case, the heart is Princess Shio Fen herself."
"So… you think the attack on the front gate is just a diversion?"
"Yes. Of course, if the gate is breached, the tide of battle will shift decisively, so it can't be ignored. That's why I'll go. But their true aim is the princess's life. Someone must stay here to defend her. Who will that be?"
"…I will. I will protect Shio-sama with my life."
Mifa declared resolutely in response to Abel's question.
Her expression showed no hesitation.
Only unwavering determination.
And resolve.
"Then it's settled. Princess, Mifa will protect you."
"Understood. Mifa, I'm counting on you."
"Leave it to me, Shio-sama. Master, may fortune favor you!"
"Thank you. I'm off."
And so, the battle to defend the detached palace began.
-x-X-x-
"Don't retreat! If we fall back now, they'll push through all at once!"
Captain Milan of the 7th Guard Squad shouted to maintain the defensive line.
The initial assault by the raiders had already taken down the commander of the palace guard.
As a result, Milan was acting as a temporary leader, coordinating the defense of the main gate alongside the remaining palace guards.
However…
(There are too many of them.)
He barely kept the thought to himself.
Despite their efforts, the defenders were overwhelmingly outnumbered.
While the individual strength of the palace guards and the escort squad exceeded that of their foes, the sheer disparity in numbers was insurmountable.
Surrounded and outmatched, defenders were falling one by one…
Milan was directing the battle while fighting on the front lines.
His body already covered in cuts.
There was no time to drink a potion to heal.
"They haven't started using magic or sorcery yet, it's the only reason we're holding…"
The battle so far was purely a clash of melee combatants.
Magicians and sorcerers had limits tied to their mana* reserves. (TLN: Magic power)
Once depleted, they could no longer fight.
In the Bosuntar Kingdom, such forces were often reserved for critical moments.
Until then, they were kept in the rear.
This implied that the enemy still had reserves.
True victory wouldn't be achieved until those magicians and sorcerers were forced into the open.
But their appearance also risked shattering the defensive line in one blow.
Group battles were always a complicated endeavor.
That said, in a chaotic melee like this, there were fewer threats to worry about.
Such as long-range attacks with arrows.
Although magic-based ranged attacks could still hit, the enemy's magicians had yet to join the fray.
Thus, only archers needed to be considered.
Yet firing arrows accurately in such close quarters was difficult…or so it should have been…
"Ugh!"
An arrow struck deep into Captain Milan's left shoulder.
"Captain! "
"Don't come here! Maintain the line! "
Startled, one of Milan's subordinates called out.
But Milan yelled back, ordering them not to approach him.
Every soldier was barely holding their ground.
If even one left their position to aid him, the line might collapse.
Milan's sharp gaze locked onto the archer responsible.
It was the leader of the attacking forces advancing on the main gate.
A man whose name anyone involved in martial affairs in the capital would have heard at least once.
"General Feo Shu…even a man of your stature…Why?"
Though he understood the situation intellectually.
General Feo Shu was an ally of Duke Kang and, though officially retired from active duty, remained an advisor to Kang's forces.
But once, he had served under the previous king as a celebrated general, known as the 'Shield of the Nation'.
To see such a man partaking in this assault…
Filled Milan with disbelief and rage.
Even if he understood, he couldn't accept it.
A man who would join such an atrocity was undeserving of respect, no matter his past achievements.
"Hmph."
Milan severed the arrow lodged in his shoulder with the sword in his right hand.
The arrowhead remained embedded in his flesh.
It would be difficult to remove later, but there was no choice.
The protruding shaft would hinder his sword movements.
His left arm was now nearly useless.
But that didn't matter.
He could not let the enemy break through.
He would defend this gate, even if it cost his life.
Milan's determination reinvigorated both the 7th Guard Squad and the palace guards, inspiring them to fight on.
But then, another arrow found its mark.
"Ugh!"
The same precise, devastating archery continued to whittle down the defenders…
"General Feo Shu…"
Milan uttered the name again, his frustration evident.
Realizing that Milan had started paying close attention to him…
Feo Shu shifted his aim to other targets.
Each shot took down another.
Eeither killing outright or rendering them unable to fight.
"This is bad."
Milan surveyed the battlefield grimly.
Within minutes, half of their forces were unable to continue fighting.
If any more fell, the line would collapse, and the main gate would be overrun.
The attackers seemed to understand this.
"Charge! "
"Uoooh! "
The enemy launched an all-out assault.
"Hold the line! This is the critical moment! "
Milan shouted.
The 7th Guard Squad and the palace guards fought with desperate determination.
They kept moving to avoid being surrounded…though each movement brought fresh injuries…
"This is bad! "
Milan saw the right flank of the defensive line falter.
Neither the left nor the center could spare any reinforcements.
Even Milan himself was fully engaged.
(They're going to break through! )
Milan thought, bracing for the worst.
Blood sprayed through the air.
Raiders fell one after another.
A crimson flash tore through the battlefield.
Painting the ground red with blood.
Milan barely registered a figure rushing past him, cutting down enemies as it went.
In mere moments, ten attackers lay defeated.
Finally, Milan saw clearly.
"Abel-dono! "
"Sorry to keep you waiting! "
It was Abel, Mifa's master, wielding a brilliantly glowing crimson magic sword.
Abel kept cutting through the enemy, shouting back as he fought.
With each swing of his sword, an opponent was incapacitated, often without even a proper clash of blades.
"What skill. Truly, Mifa-sama's master."
One man turned the tide of battle.
Such feats were conceivable for a magician.
But Abel was a swordsman.
A lone warrior saving a nearly broken defense and incapacitating dozens in mere moments.
But the attackers did not stand idly by.
Clang!
For the first time in a long while, Abel's sword clashed with another.
"Leader of the raiders, I presume."
"I've never heard of a swordsman like you serving the princess."
The one engaging Abel was none other than General Feo Shu.
Though older now, he was still the 'Shield of the Nation'.
A man leagues above ordinary soldiers.
"Just happened to be invited to the princess's tea party. Bad luck, I guess."
"What's your name?"
"Don't you know, attacker? It's a universal courtesy to introduce yourself first when asking someone else's name."
Abel replied with a wry tone.
That way of speaking resembled a certain water-attribute magician…
If his old acquaintances were present, they would surely say so.
"Advisor to Duke Kang's army, Feo Xu."
"I see. I am Abel of the Kingdom of Knightley."
"Knightley of the central countries? The one sung about by minstrels? They say the king's swordsmanship, wielding the crimson gleaming magic sword, is unmatched in the country. The king's name…Abel the First…"
General Feo Xu frowned as he murmured.
"If I were him, what would you do? Surrender?"
"Nope! That ship already sailed."
"Then, there's only one thing for a swordsman to do."
"Indeed, let the swords speak! "
Their blades clashed with increasing ferocity.
General Feo Xu, with his hair and beard completely white, was at an age that could be called elderly rather than middle-aged.
Yet, his sword and gaze retained their strength.
Even against Abel, he wasn't losing in power.
(I see, he's strong. Despite nearing seventy, to wield a sword like this… It's not the sword of a pure swordsman. A commander, then? Yes, a commander's sword…not one that cuts down enemies by charging forward, but a sword meant to ensure a commander is never defeated. As a king myself, perhaps I should be like that too.)
Abel chuckled slightly, self-deprecatingly.
He remembered the many times Dontan, the captain of the Royal Knights, had admonished him since he became king.
A supreme commander must never fall.
For that reason, charging into the enemy's front lines was something Dontan earnestly wished him to stop.
(He's strong. Far too strong. Even more so than I was in my prime… I thought the minstrels' songs exaggerated, but this sword does indeed surpass all others. Is he truly King Abel? I don't know why he's here in the Eastern Countries, but…no matter. I must stop him, even at the cost of my own life…facing such a foe in mutual destruction wouldn't be so bad. No, it would be an honor.)
General Feo Xu also smiled faintly, his expression tinged with self-mockery.
Abel could sense that fleeting resolve.
(He's planning something.)
For Abel, this was welcome news.
He's about to unleash a grand move.
If so, countering it was second nature to a swordsman like Abel.
In reality, time was running short.
(Here it comes! )
At the very moment Abel anticipated, Feo Xu closed the distance in an instant and swung his sword down with incredible force.
Abel caught the strike and locked swords with him.
And then—
A spell was cast from the raiding party.
The magic targeted both Abel and Feo Xu, now locked in close combat!
The intent was clear.
To take out Abel along with Feo Xu.
This trump card must have been planned from the start.
General Feo Xu had sent an almost imperceptible signal, one even Abel hadn't noticed, and the plan was executed without hesitation.
In that moment, Abel saw General Feo Xu close his eyes.
Was it a resignation to death?
"Sword Art: Absolute Shadow!"
But Abel had no intention of falling here.
He unleashed Sword Art: Absolute Shadow.
A sword technique that dodged all ranged attacks.
It was one of the highest-tier techniques.
As its effects suggested.
Over ten offensive spells.
Abel evaded them all, while General Feo Xu's body was struck and pierced.
Feo Xu collapsed to the ground.
Abel, however, ignored him and charged straight into the heart of the raiding party.
He already knew who had cast the spells.
It took less than a minute to neutralize them.
Every magician and sorcerer was defeated.
At nearly the same moment, Captain Milan and the Seventh Guard Squad, along with the guards, routed the remaining raiders.
With the situation under control, Abel returned to the fallen General Feo Xu.
"…Kill me."
The general rasped weakly, blood trickling from his mouth.
"No, I won't kill you. I need you alive as a prisoner."
Abel declared firmly.
"You mean to make me live in disgrace?"
"Live and take responsibility. For failing to stop Duke Kang and his allies."
General Feo Xu murmured weakly, though Abel's tone lacked any hint of reproach.
"Captain Milan! "
"Yes, Abel-dono! "
"Take General Feo Xu prisoner. Make sure he doesn't die."
"Understood! "
Captain Milan nodded.
And began administering a healing potion.
"I'm returning to the princess. I leave the rest to you! "
Abel said, then took off running.
By now, he was certain.
There was another force targeting the princess directly.
This explained why General Feo Xu had tried to stop Abel, even at the cost of his own life.
Had Feo Xu died earlier, the attacking forces would have lost their commander.
Even if Abel had been removed, their ultimate goal lay in the detached palace's inner chambers, with Princess Shio Fen.
For a commander to risk his life in a self-sacrificial move without ensuring the primary objective was achieved made no sense.
But if there was a separate force, one that would succeed even if Feo Xu died…
And so, Abel ran.