THSK – Athena Translations

Side Story – The Secret History of Philnotes Military Academy

“Please, Al! Will you join the Siege Battle with me!?”

“…Huh?”

It all started with Steano’s desperate, formal bow on the ground. He had just flunked his final exams.

Philnotes Military Academy, located in the neutral city of Philnotes, is a first-rate military academy where the elite from many nations gather.

Students who will one day be responsible for their nations’ development flock here—royalty, imperial heirs, nobles, knights and soldiers who protect their nations, and even the successors to great merchant families. They are all gathered from surrounding countries, regardless of status or standing.

It’s been a year and a half since I started attending this academy. I was now a second-year in the academy’s middle school division.

“Please! I’m begging you, this is the one request of my life!”

The man staying behind in the classroom after school, continuing to beg in that pathetic voice, was Steano, one of my few friends. He’s an extremely talented knight, but while his practical skills are excellent, his academics are atrocious.

“…Hah. You failed again? Just go to the supplementary lessons.”

“Sorry, sorry, sorry! But I just can’t stand being crammed into the supplementary lessons classroom to study anymore! That’s why I want you to join the Siege Battle with me! It’ll boost my overall exam score! I know I can get a good grade in a practical exam. Come on, please?”

And so, just like that, he was begging me to join this practical exam, the ‘Siege Battle,’ which served as a last-ditch rescue measure.

—Seriously, he’s too desperate. How much does he hate studying?

“Steano… we’re second-years now. If your grades stay like this, you’ll just fail again next term. Don’t you think you should try studying more seriously?”

“Guh, I… I have no comeback for that…”

“Besides, if it’s the Siege Battle, just asking me isn’t enough people. You won’t even qualify to participate. How many people do you need to gather?”

Steano counted on his fingers, his face turning pale as he let out a pained breath.

“A… a minimum… of eight.”

“Eight, huh. I’m fine with joining, but… how are you going to get the other six?”

Unfortunately, I don’t really have any close friends besides Steano.

If we’re recruiting, we should probably rely on his wider social network.

“Have you asked anyone else?”

“I was going to, but everyone who passed the finals gets to start summer vacation a little early… they’ve all gone back to their home countries or territories. There’s no one left…”

“That’s a checkmate, then… Just go to the supplementary lessons.”

“I absolutely refuse! I can only see a future where I fall asleep during the supplementary lectures, fail the re-test, and then get stuck in an endless loop of retakes for all of summer vacation!”

—Stop talking as if you’ve already decided not to take the lecture seriously.

But I’ve known him for a year and a half. I know full well how disastrous his academic performance is. I could somewhat understand why he’d want to use the Siege Battle as an escape route. And besides, it would leave a bad taste in my mouth to just ignore a friend in need.

“…Alright, fine. Let’s see if we can somehow scrape together six more people.”

“Al… you really are a good guy!”

He looked overwhelmed with emotion, his eyes a little watery, and he clasped his hands together like he was praying in a chapel. Now is not the time for that.

“Okay, so no close friends are left on campus… That means we’ll just have to find random people who wouldn’t mind joining a Siege Battle.”

This is already the summer vacation period. For students, vacation is a time of supreme happiness. The number of people willing to give up that precious time for what is essentially just an extension of class is limited.

“Our best bet is other supplementary students…”

“Meaning?”

“We recruit other idiots like Steano.”

“That’s so harsh! Ever heard of sugar-coating?! Isn’t it awful to call your own friend an idiot!?”

“Steano, be quiet for a second. I’m thinking.”

“‘Shut up, idiot,’ is that it? I’m glad you’re helping, but you’re really brutal, you know that…?”

I ignored Steano pouting and put a hand to my chin, thinking.

Not that many students failed this final exam. The students here are all talented people who carry the future of their countries. The ones who fail are almost always the same people every time.

“In our class, you’re the only habitual failure, Steano. We’ll have to check other classes.”

“That one stings, too, in a subtle way…”

Steano clutched his chest and stumbled, his legs trembling like a newborn fawn.

I felt slightly bad, but he was my only lead, so I asked him.

“Steano, do you know anyone else from your supplementary classes?”

“…Yeah. In the next class over, there should be a problem child who fails every test and a gigantic guy.”

He squeezed out the words in a listless voice.

A problem child and a giant.

My first impression from that description was pretty bad, but if this was to help Steano dodge supplementary lessons, I wasn’t in a position to complain.

“Alright. Let’s try inviting those two first. If they’re in the supplementary group, they should be in the supplementary room or their classroom.”

And so, “Operation Save Steano from Supplementary Lessons” began.

Can we really find six other people besides me and Steano? Honestly, I was filled with dread.

It didn’t take long to find the ‘problem child’ and the ‘giant’ Steano mentioned.

“Are those them?”

“Yeah, that’s them. Their names are… Mia and Ambros.”

Where I looked, I saw a male and female student sitting at their desks, deep in conversation. The blue-haired girl must be Mia… the ‘problem child.’ The sturdy-looking guy must be Ambros… just as advertised, he’s a giant.

“So, what’s the plan?”

Steano whispered, cupping his hand next to my ear.

“What do you mean ‘what’s the plan’? We just go talk to them.”

“Wh… You don’t know? Those two are the really bad ones, even for the supplementary group!”

“No, I’ve never had to take supplementary lessons, so I’m not up on the internal gossip.”

“Ugh…”

He’s making a big theatrical show of being hurt, but it’s just the truth.

“So, what’s so ‘bad’ about them?”

I asked in a flat voice. He got a serious look on his face.

“…Those two are the elite of the elite supplementary students. They’re the ‘Top of the Idiots’!”

“You’re one to talk.”

…I was the idiot for asking.

“I already figured they were idiots from the fact they’re in supplementary lessons. So… why are you so hesitant to talk to them?”

“Well…”

If it was just about their poor grades, it’s strange that Steano would be this reluctant. He’s got decent communication skills and a much wider circle of friends than I do.

“…Did something happen between you and them?”

“—!”

I heard him grit his teeth.

“…You won’t laugh if I tell you?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“Then I’m not telling.”

“…Look, if you don’t tell me, we can’t move forward.”

—This is getting annoying. Maybe I should just go home.

It was obvious from his tense expression that there was some serious history there. But if he didn’t tell me why, I was stuck. Even if he couldn’t stand them, they were still valuable potential recruits.

I just kept staring at him silently. He finally sighed, looking uncomfortable.

“…Fine. I’ll tell you.”

He raised his hands in surrender and looked away.

“Mia and Ambros. Those two… they got insane scores on the practical exams. I saw a glimpse of what they can do, and… I lost all my confidence.”

“…So you’re jealous of their strength.”

“Aargh, yes, fine! I was frustrated that I hadn’t been able to beat them in a single practical exam since we enrolled! Is that so wrong!?”

“No, anyone would feel frustrated after tasting defeat. I get it.”

So basically, he had an inferiority complex toward two people who were better than him. Asking rivals who you’re competing with for help… yeah, that’s probably a high psychological hurdle.

“Steano. Just wondering, what are their practical scores actually like?”

He grimaced, but his tone turned serious.

“First, Ambros. The guy just has absurd power. In any strength-related category, he’s not just the top of the second-year middle schoolers, he’s always at the top of the entire middle and high school divisions combined! —But he’s an idiot, so his overall grades aren’t in the top tier.”

“…I see.”

“Next, Mia. Her agility and reflexes are off the charts. Her combat instincts are sharp, too. It’s like she has a natural-born talent for fighting. —But she’s also an idiot. She seems to be decent at arithmetic, but everything else is a total disaster. A complete disaster!”

He said that last part with a lot of passion.

“…I should probably point out that you’re not one to talk.”

“I know that! It’s just sour grapes!”

Steano let out a frustrated sigh. From his expression, he really didn’t want to do this. But in contrast to him, I was suddenly motivated.

“…If we’re going to do a Siege Battle, we need skilled teammates.”

“—! R-right! So we should probably invite some other, more normal-“

“Those two sound like they’ll be excellent assets.”

“Huh!?”

—I had some expectations, but they sound even better than I thought.

“H-hey, Al… It doesn’t have to be those two, you know…”

“No. We’re definitely inviting them. If we don’t win this Siege Battle, you’re guaranteed a spot in supplementary lessons, right? That’s all the more reason to rely on them.”

Mia and Ambros. The ‘supplementary lessons exemption’ reward should be just as appealing to them. Getting them to cooperate should be easy. And most importantly, the fact that they’ve been able to cover their catastrophic academic holes with practical exam scores is a very good sign.

Philnotes Military Academy gathers elites from all over the world. It’s hard to get in, but it’s even harder to graduate. This is especially true if you’re not a noble who gets special treatment.

Of the new students who enter normally, 40% drop out within the first year. Less than 30% of the total starting class makes it from middle school to high school and eventually graduates. This place is a thorough meritocracy. If the school doesn’t recognize your aptitude, they’ll snatch away your right to graduate. This isn’t just a military academy in name; it’s a genuine world-class educational institution.

In a place like this, students who have been promoted almost entirely on their practical exam scores… that means their combat abilities are far superior to the average student.

“Steano.”

“…Hah, fine. I get it.”

We headed toward Mia and Ambros.

“Excuse me, you two. Do you have a minute? We have something important to discuss…”

We asked them to join the Siege Battle.

“Yeah, okay!”

“Mhm. We’ll join.”

We secured their participation in the Siege Battle with no trouble at all.

“…Are you… really sure?”

Mia gave the dumbfounded Steano a light nudge.

“Aww, what’s this? Did you think we’d say no? Too bad! We hate supplementary lessons, too! If it’s to get out of them, we’ll give this Siege Battle everything we’ve got! So, looking forward to working with you!”

“Uh, right…”

She was very casual and friendly with me and Steano, and then she crumpled up what was probably her supplementary lessons homework and threw it full-force into the trash can.

—Whoa, even if we join the Siege Battle, we still have to win to get out of supplementary lessons. To throw away her homework without hesitation… she’s way too decisive.

“Come on, Bro-suke, you throw yours out, too. We’re gonna get out of supplementary lessons anyway.”

“Nn. Okay.”

Urged on by Mia, Ambros also shoved his stack of papers into the trash.

“…Uwah. They really threw it out. And it doesn’t even look like they answered the first question.”

Steano stared at the casually discarded homework with a strained look. The tragic wad of paper was crumpled, and of course, every answer blank was empty.

“Hehe! I don’t wanna study! We’re just gonna polish our fighting skills! All right, let’s totally win this!”

“Mhm! If you need a meat shield, leave it to me.”

“Yeah! The walking deserted island!”

“That cheer is so roundabout it’s insulting… hey, don’t you stick your chest out proudly, either!”

The three of them seemed to have decent chemistry.

As I watched them trade jokes, I thought about how to get the rest of the members.

“…Well, that’s four of us for now.”

“Which means four more… at this rate, if we just keep recruiting other supplementary students, we’ll have a team in no time!”

Steano’s mouth relaxed. He was completely in ‘easy mode.’

But gathering members was just to meet the requirements to join. The real goal was to win.

I had no problem bringing Mia and Ambros on board, but from here on out, we had to think about team balance. Which means Steano’s idea of only recruiting supplementary students was a bad move.

“…No, we’re not inviting any more supplementary students.”

“Huh? But…”

“Yes. Because they’re bad at academics, it’s a given that their practical skills are high. The more we add, the better our chances in the Siege Battle should be.”

“Then-!”

“…or so it’s easy to assume.”

“””—!”””

Yes. We can’t forget.

Even if supplementary lessons students are good at practical skills, they are the absolute bottom of the barrel academically.

“Listen. It doesn’t matter how many strong people you gather, that doesn’t guarantee a win. In a group battle, organization is the most important thing. You have frontline soldiers and a tactician in the rear… an organization only starts to function when both sides mesh.”

I looked at the three of them, one by one.

“From the right, we have: muscle-head, muscle-head, muscle-head, and muscle-head… In other words, we have no one who can use their brain.”

I stated the most brutal fact in the room.

“Th-that’s right… We’re a pack of idiots.”

“Kuh… I can’t deny it! We are idiots…!”

“G-guooooooh!”

The three of them turned pale and hung their heads.

“What we need now is a strategist. Someone smart who can plan for the Siege Battle.”

“So… now we have to find someone who’s good at studying?”

“Simply put, yes.”

—And if I can add another condition, I’d prefer a magic-track student, not a knight-track.

This team has another flaw besides academics: everyone is a frontline fighter. For a Siege Battle, we’ll need good rear support, too.

“Do you two know anyone smart?”

I asked Mia and Ambros. They looked at each other and nodded.

“I do!”

They spoke at the same time, pumping their fists.

“He’s a noble, but he’s a really good guy!”

“Yeah. I’m sure he’ll help us.”

The ‘noble’ part is a bit of a red flag, but if they trust him, I’ll keep my mouth shut.

“Okay, you two go explain the situation to him and ask for his help. Steano and I will look for someone else.”

They exchanged glances and immediately ducked out of the classroom.

“Alright, let’s get moving! Let’s go, Bro-suke!”

“…Then let us begin negotiations with him.”

“Ahaha! We don’t need to negotiate. Let’s just gag him, tie him up, and bring him here! ♪”

“I see! So sometimes, such forceful tactics are acceptable!”

“Yup yup. He’s probably in that mansion anyway, so when he comes out, we just… grab him! Oh, I’ll get the supplies, so you be the one to grab him, Bro-suke!”

“Acknowledged!”

They were discussing something awfully dangerous in cheerful voices.

Is it really okay to leave it to those two?

I hope they don’t do something stupid to a noble and get sued… But despite my worries, they disappeared. I should probably start thinking of a contingency plan for when they get into trouble.

“Al. Let’s go find our new teammate.”

“Yeah.”

Steano grabbed my arm, but he sighed, his brow furrowed.

“…But I can’t think of anyone who would help us.”

“Really? I’ve got someone in mind.”

“Huh? Who!?”

“You’ve met her before, Steano. She’s in the magic track, a top honors student. On top of that, her combat skills are a cut above everyone else’s in this school. A real prodigy.”

A female student we’d helped before when she was cornered by a group of noble girls.

Her name is—

“Petra Farben, a second-year in the middle school magic division.”

A commoner girl with exceptional magic skills. And a kid with more pride than anyone, a typical lone-wolf type who doesn’t do ‘friendly.’

Steano must have remembered her, because he shook his head with a dubious look.

“No, no. Impossible. We’ll never convince Petra!”

“Why do you think that?”

“The day we say ‘Please help us, we don’t want to go to supplementary lessons,’ she’ll just laugh in our faces and tell us to get lost! More importantly, I’m scared I’ll say the wrong thing and she’ll blast me with magic!”

—Did she give him some kind of deep-seated trauma?

His words felt all too real. But we don’t have time.

“Steano. Do you know what the deadline is to apply for the Siege Battle?”

“…Uh, by closing time tomorrow.”

“Right… We don’t have time. So shouldn’t we at least ask her instead of complaining? This doesn’t affect me, but for you supplementary guys, this is your only way out.”

“Y-you’re right… Okay. I won’t complain anymore. Let’s go find Petra.”

I get why Steano is worried.

At first glance, Petra seems to treat everyone with a harsh attitude.

She constantly gets top grades and is relentless in her self-improvement. It’s no exaggeration to call her a candidate for the strongest, most flawless mage of her generation.

But she’s still human.

Once, Steano and I helped her when she was facing off against the noble girls from the magic track and was struggling against their numbers. It sounds bad to say ‘return the favor,’ but if she sees that as a debt she owes, there’s a good chance we can get her to join.

“I want to find her right away, but I have no idea where she’d be.”

“If she’s a magic student and not a noble, she’s probably in the student dorms or somewhere on campus. Or… maybe she’s already left Philnotes for the break.”

Let’s ignore the possibility that she’s not here.

“Assuming she’s on campus…”

“The dining hall?”

Idiot. The dining hall is closed for summer vacation. And I can’t even picture Petra eating and laughing with friends in the dining hall anyway.

“I’d think Petra would be somewhere quiet.”

“Quiet… Oh! Like the girls’ bathroom in the annex!”

“Why can you only think of the most random, irrelevant places… Normally, you’d think of the library or the chapel.”

“Oh, right. Al, you’re a genius!”

“No, I’m just using common sense.”

Steano’s off-the-wall thinking never ceases to amaze me.

His first association for ‘quiet place’ is the bathroom in the annex. That’s just unbelievable. Maybe the root cause of all his failing grades is this bizarre, out-of-left-field thinking he sometimes displays.

“…Hah. Okay, so library and chapel. Which one first?”

“Hmm… Why don’t you check the library, Al, and I’ll check the chapel? That’d be more efficient.”

“…Good idea.”

—He really can be quick-witted.

It was a moment where I realized just how extreme the swings in Steano’s thought process were.

The way she tucked her hair behind her ear, her face lit by the light from the window, was very striking.

She silently scanned the pages of a thick history book, then let out a heavy sigh.

“…Do you need something?”

She closed her book and turned her spring-green eyes toward me. It was Petra, studying hard in a corner of the library.

The same unsociable attitude as always.

There were a few other people scattered around the library, but not a single person was sitting near her.

“…Sorry, were you studying?”

“I was. But it’s fine. I just reached a good stopping point.”

She said, pulling out the chair next to her.

“…You can sit, at least.”

“Ah. Thanks.”

It had been a while since I’d seen Petra, but she was surprisingly willing to talk.

“So? You were looking for me. What’s it about?”

“It’s a long story if I get into the details…”

“Be brief.”

She tapped her pen on the desk, resting her chin on her hand and pouting slightly.

“…Actually, there’s something I need your help with, Petra.”

When I said that, her eyes shot open in surprise.

“You… need my help? A guy like you?”

“Yeah. Did I say something weird?”

“N-no! So, what do you need me to do?”

She flinched and turned her face away.

Did I say something to offend her?

Trying not to upset her, I spoke again, consciously softening my voice.

“Petra, are you at all interested in the Siege Battle?”

“The Siege Battle?… Ah. You mean the mock battle held at the mansion on the mountain behind the annex.”

“That’s the one.”

“Hmm. Well. I’m interested, but it’s impossible to get the numbers, so I’ve never once thought about joining.”

“…If we could get the numbers, would you want to join?”

“Huh? Well, yeah… getting a rare chance for practical experience is nice, so I’d probably want to. Wait, don’t tell me…!”

It seemed Petra had figured out what I was getting at.

“Petra. Will you join the Siege Battle with me?”

No need to beat around the bush. If she has even the slightest desire to join, I just need to ask her directly.

“How many people have you gathered?”

“Including me, four so far.”

“Four? …Hah…”

That wasn’t a good reaction.

She put her head in her hands, then pointed a finger at me.

“Listen. Do you even understand the participation numbers for the Siege Battle?”

“Of course. You need a minimum of eight, right?”

“Yes. But in the last ten-plus years, there hasn’t been a single case of a team with only eight members winning. Do you understand what that means?”

The maximum number of participants is twenty.

Obviously, if an eight-person team fights a twenty-person team, they’ll be at a disadvantage.

“You were probably thinking ‘Oh, as long as we get eight people, we qualify’… but unless you have the maximum number of people, just winning is next to impossible, even if you can participate.”

Petra finished her long explanation, put a hand on her chest, and caught her breath.

“…Sorry, but I’m not free enough to join a losing battle. Find someone else.”

Her eyes, now devoid of interest, clearly spelled out “No.”

But I couldn’t back down here.

“…Hey, Petra. Aren’t those noble girls still giving you trouble?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“If we win the Siege Battle, they’ll be afraid of your strength, and I guarantee that annoying harassment will stop. This proposal has benefits for you, too.”

“—!”

If Petra doesn’t join, winning will be difficult.

Conversely, even with only eight people, if she acts as our commander, our chances of finding a path to victory increase dramatically.

“…Please, Petra. We need your strength.”

“Th-that’s just flattery…”

“I don’t know any student who can use magic better than you. Please, I’m begging you!”

I bowed my head deeply. She placed a hand on my shoulder. And she spoke, as if admonishing me.

“…The Siege Battle is open to all grades and divisions. That means high school students, who have studied here for years longer than us, will be participating.”

“I know.”

“We’ve only been at this school for a year and a half. No matter how talented you are, you can’t easily overturn a gap of years. …Even after hearing that, can you still say I’m the best mage here?”

We’re still just second-years in middle school.

Like she said, in this academy, we’re still just beginners.

The high school students are bigger, and their combat experience is higher. Trying to fight them knowing that… maybe it is reckless.

—But.

“Even so, I still think you’re the best. If you help us, I promise we will win this Siege Battle! You’ll make your name as the strongest mage in this school, in both name and reality!”

Of all the mages I’ve seen, Petra being the best is an undeniable fact for me. I’d much rather bet on her strength than on some upperclassman I don’t even know.

I had no choice but to bow my head.

It’s a little weird to be this desperate just to save a friend from supplementary lessons, but now that I’ve taken on the request, I want to see it through.

“…You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

I looked Petra straight in the eye. She smiled, as if in resignation.

“Aargh! Fine. You’ve got a deal!”

“So…”

“It means we’re going to win this Siege Battle. And I won’t forgive you if you put a stain on my record!”

“—Yeah! We’ll definitely win. With you on our side, I don’t see how we can lose!”

The handshake we shared was firm, and it became a major catalyst for our friendship for the rest of our time at the academy.

The day after Steano asked for my help.

Having successfully convinced Petra, I brought her to the meeting spot we’d agreed on.

Steano, Mia, and Ambros were already there.

“H-hey! Untie me, dammit!”

“Ahaha!”

…And so was a pathetic, handsome, blond-haired guy, whose hands and feet were tied with a rope.

The muscular Ambros was firmly holding down the young man struggling on the floor, while Mia watched and roared with laughter.

—Did they really just kidnap him?

“…What is that. I’m seriously creeped out. That’s terrifying.”

“It seems those two… forcefully… brought their friend.”

Mia and Ambros didn’t look guilty at all, and beamed at our arrival.

Faced with their psychotic behavior, Petra’s face twisted in genuine disgust as she pressed her temples.

“Wait, wait… these are our teammates? I’m already getting a very bad feeling about this.”

“Don’t worry. I feel the same way.”

“How is that reassuring? That just makes me more anxious.”

The antics of these two, who seemed to be missing more than just a few screws, made even my mind go blank.

—Did I make a mistake teaming up with them?

The look of pure despair on the blond man’s face was strong enough to make me think that.

“Aah! C’mon, Al-chi, you’re late!”

“M-Mia… who is that?”

“Hm? Oh, right! This is Flegel! He’s a noble from the Margenoire viscount house. He can use magic and a sword. And he’s super smart, too!”

“I see. Thanks for the explanation.”

—Although, what I really wanted to know was why he’s tied up.

Mia finished her intro and looked down at Flegel.

“Flegel. You can’t run away anymore, ‘kay?”

She said the exact line a kidnapper would use.

“Don’t mess with me! What’s the big idea, shoving a burlap sack over my head!?”

“Ehh? But, you know…?”

“It was the result of prioritizing efficiency.”

“WHAAAAAT!? Don’t screw with me, you idiots!”

“Bro-suke. Flegel seems angry.”

“Mhm. He is angry!”

“Aaaaaaaargh! Is it impossible to talk to idiots!?”

In contrast to the yelling Flegel, Mia and Ambros started explaining as if it couldn’t be helped.

These two are scary. Their values are completely warped.

I felt bad for him, so I put my hand on Ambros’s shoulder.

“Ambros. Let him go.”

Flegel was finally untied and his freedom of movement restored.

“Hey, Mia! Ambros! What do you mean ‘friends’!? I’m not some tool you can just use whenever you want!”

Once freed, Flegel didn’t try to run. He just confronted them.

“Well, it’s your fault for never coming out of your mansion!”

“We were in a hurry, so it was a necessary measure.”

“Your ethics are post-apocalyptic… At least ask me like a friend. This is going to give me trust issues…”

Surprisingly, he didn’t complain any more than that.

He was tied up and forcibly dragged to the school, but he was being remarkably tolerant.

“So, what’s the reason you kidnapped me and brought me here?”

—They didn’t even tell him the most important part?

“Actually… we need you to join the Siege Battle. Please. Save us.”

The one who bowed his head to Flegel with a grave look was none other than Steano.

“Save you…?”

“This is very sudden. I don’t understand. Why are you all so desperate?”

Following Flegel, Petra, who also didn’t know the full story, stepped forward with her arms crossed.

“Aldia. You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?”

Apparently, her intuition is terrifyingly sharp.

“I wouldn’t say hiding…”

“Just ‘didn’t mention it’?”

“Well…”

—If I had said, “I want you to lend me your strength so my friend can use the extra credit from winning the Siege Battle to get out of supplementary lessons,” she definitely would have said no.

Oh well. I’m busted now.

After that, Steano explained the real reason we were joining the Siege Battle.

The two prodigies who had been dragged into this listened to the ridiculous reason with cold expressions.

“Hah… To think I’d get roped into helping a supplementary student’s selfish request. This is exhausting.”

“Knowing Mia and Ambros, I figured it was something like this…”

Petra and Flegel aimed looks of exasperation at the three supplementary students.

“”Hah…””

And let out a magnificent, synchronized sigh.

The Siege Battle team members were decided.

Me, Steano, Petra, Mia, Ambros, and Flegel.

I thought we were still two people short, but that was sorted out.

“I’ll bring two of my underclassmen for the last two spots. They’re probably free anyway…”

With that one line from Petra, we had our minimum of eight people.

Steano wrote down all eight names on the application form and managed to submit it to the staff room before the deadline.

Now, all we had to do was wait for the real thing.

“…Hey, Al. Can we really win this?”

Steano asked nervously as he walked beside me on the way home at dusk. It was probably because our opponent was decided at the same time we applied.

“Why are you getting scared now? Don’t worry. If we don’t win, the supplementary group just has to study.”

“So cruel! You’re acting like this has nothing to do with you!”

“Because it doesn’t.”

“Can’t even argue with that…”

His footsteps seemed heavy.

“Aargh, you’re so spineless! We already decided to join, so stand up straight!”

The one whacking him in the back with a school bag was Petra, who for some reason was walking home with us.

“B-but…”

“We knew from the start our opponent would be stronger. At least, I did.”

Petra had been reluctant at first, but now she seemed to have resolved herself. Her expression was much more positive than Steano’s. She looked over the list of opponents.

“Our opponent is the Republic Team, led by Raquel Nova. The leader, Raquel Nova, is only a second-year middle schooler, but she’s called the next genius chairman of the Roscheld Republic’s council. Most of her team members are high-achieving second and third-year high school students, and they’ve filled the roster with the maximum of twenty people. They’re not an opponent to be taken lightly.”

“The more I hear, the worse our chances sound…”

“Yep. We’re just an eight-person team of first and second-year middle schoolers. No one thinks we can win this.”

She added, “…except us,” and stared at me.

“…You do have a plan to win, don’t you?”

Her gaze was filled with expectation.

I’m not so clueless as to shake my head here.

“Yeah. I’ve got the rules down. If we make full use of the battlefield and our team’s strengths, a win is theoretically possible.”

“Whew. Reassuring.”

“Well. If we lose, I’ll just give you all trauma that’ll last a lifetime.”

“You really are scary… Hey, Al. We’ve got an extremist on our team. Is that gonna be okay?”

“It’s not a problem if we win.”

“The ends justify the means, huh… Seriously, I’m counting on you.”

We’ve come this far. Losing isn’t an option. Our experience and knowledge are shallow, but our individual skills are high. No matter how strong the opponent, we can create a path to victory with the right strategy.

“If Petra, the magic genius, and the practical-skill powerhouses from the knight track can all use their full strength, we can win this easily, even at a numerical disadvantage.”

“I’m itching for a fight.”

“Alright! I don’t wanna do supplementary lessons! We’re absolutely gonna win!”

“Your motivation is impure, but you’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.”

“Yeah! My motivation is second to none!”

“Steano, I don’t think that was a compliment.”

“Wha!? No way!”

“Yes, yes. You idiots should go study strategy for the battle. You’re the ones who’ll be in the most trouble if you screw up.”

“Wait, she really was insulting me!? Al! She’s being way harsher on me!”

“Haha…”

Petra’s verbal assault was relentless, but the atmosphere was somehow lighthearted. I could feel their motivation.

Mia and Ambros should be fine. The only remaining concerns are Flegel, who was forced to join… and Petra’s two first-year underclassmen.

Flegel was friends with Mia and Ambros and seemed to be a commander-type who could handle both magic and swords.

But I had zero information on Petra’s underclassmen, other than their names.

“Hey, Petra.”

“Hm?”

“I didn’t ask before, but about those two underclassmen joining us…”

“You mean Addy and Tredia?”

“Yeah. Why did you decide to have them join?”

‘Defeat’ isn’t in her dictionary.

She’s the type to do everything she can to win. There must be a good reason she put two brand-new first-years on the team.

“The reason? That’s simple.”

She tossed her glossy, translucent blond hair and smirked.

“Because if they’re my underclassmen, I can make them do whatever I want!”

“”…Huh?””

My and Steano’s dumbfounded voices were in perfect harmony.

I thought there’d be a deep reason, but what came out of her mouth was completely self-serving.

“Th-that’s the real reason you added them to the team?”

“That’s right. If an upperclassman joined, they’d definitely try to take charge. I hate being ordered around or nagged. But underclassmen… I can work them like cart horses. It’s very convenient.”

Steano stared at her, deadpan.

“…I think I’m starting to understand why so many people see you as an enemy.”

He stated the brutally rude, but accurate, truth.

“I’m Addy, first-year, middle school magic division.”

“L-likewise… Tredia, first-year, middle school magic division.”

We held a meeting for all the Siege Battle participants.

Addy and Tredia, whom I was meeting for the first time, stood next to Petra and bowed deeply.

Unlike Petra, they both seemed rather quiet.

“Addy is smart, and his magic skills are pretty good. Tredia has deep knowledge of magic tools. What do you think, Aldia? Think they’ll be useful?”

She talked about them as if they were her personal belongings. But if she was proud enough to introduce them like that, they were exactly the specs we desperately needed.

“Yeah. They’re exactly the kind of people we needed.”

Addy and Tredia could fill the rear-guard roles our team was missing. And if Tredia knows a lot about magic tools, our strategic options just expanded dramatically.

“Alright! So this is it! The eight of us are taking on the Siege Battle!”

“I’m starting to get pumped!”

“Mhm!”

The supplementary group—Steano, Mia, and Ambros—were all smiles. In contrast, the one with the darkest expression was Flegel, who looked deep in thought.

“…Hah.”

“Hey, what’s wrong, Flegel? You’re not looking so hot.”

“On the contrary, how can you be so excited? Our opponent is Raquel Nova’s hand-picked elite. They’re a team of Siege Battle veterans. A thrown-together team like ours doesn’t stand a chance.”

“Whaaat? Are you scared?”

“Yeah. All I can see is a future where we lose miserably.”

Flegel’s expression remained dark, unfazed by Mia’s bright tone. He stared at the opponent roster and the mansion blueprints, putting a hand to his forehead.

“…A 15-minute time limit is a tricky, too.”

He kept muttering to himself, lost in thought.

Of the eight of us, Flegel knew the most about the Siege Battle’s rules. And he, after looking at all the factors, had determined this would be an extremely tough fight.

“…Is it looking that bad?”

When I asked, Flegel nodded slightly.

“Yeah. I don’t see many paths to victory. Our only saving grace is that the win condition isn’t total annihilation, it’s ‘officer elimination.’ It gives us a chance for an all-or-nothing gamble, so our odds aren’t zero.”

Looking at the blueprints, I could see it was a spacious, three-story Western-style mansion.

“…And if we’re going to win, we should be on defense, not offense.”

“But there are a ton of rooms, right?”

“It’s impossible to defend the whole mansion with our numbers. But if we can just lock down the key choke points, we can run out the clock and win on defense. Attacking is hard, even with superior numbers.”

I processed Flegel’s thoughts and looked around at the team.

Frontline is me, Steano, Mia, and Ambros.

The ‘officer’ we have to protect should be one of the other four. Someone who’s good at rear support, but can also fight stubbornly if the enemy breaks through.

In that case…

“…Petra is the best fit for the leader role.”

She’s the only one who can give precise orders, has a stronger sense of responsibility than anyone, and has combat aptitude beyond just her magic.

“Petra. I want to ask you to be our leader for this Siege Battle.”

“Oh? You do get it. Choosing me as leader… you’ve got a good eye.”

She stuck out her flat chest, her eyes wide with a smug look.

Watching her, Mia and Steano looked at each other.

“Hey, Steano.”

“Hm?”

“Don’t you think Petra-chan is, like, super overconfident?”

“I totally get it! That seems to be her one and only flaw.”

They were whispering back and forth.

No, your voices are way too loud. Petra can hear every word.

“You two… It seems you don’t value your lives. I’m the leader, you know?”

“”Ugeh!?””

“Say one more insolent thing, and I’ll freeze those empty heads of yours with magic.”

“”S-sorry!””

…If you’re just going to apologize, maybe don’t say unnecessary things in the first place.

After that, we held a detailed strategy meeting for the Siege Battle.

A formation centered on Mia for counter-attacks. To make up for our numbers, Tredia would prepare a large number of trap-style magic tools, and the magic students would command the mansion’s defense.

The knight-track students all have exceptional physical abilities, so in contrast to the magic students defending a tight area, we decided on a deployment that would let them move freely throughout the mansion.

“Okay, so to sum it up: Al-chi is on the third floor, watching for intruders from the roof and listening for advances from the lower floors to alert everyone. Everyone but me and Bro-suke will be on the second floor, protecting Petra-chan and thinning out the enemy. Then, me and Bro-suke, the last ones, will trick the enemy who are watching the upper floors, launch a surprise attack from the basement, and take out their leader… That’s about right?”

—

TL Note: Mia is referring to Ambros as ‘Bro-suke’.

—

“Yeah. We’ll confirm the finer movements and practice our coordination later.”

“Okey-doke!”

It’s obvious we can’t win in a fair fight. This plan hinges on the efforts of Mia and Ambros, hiding in the basement for a surprise attack.

“Bro-suke, did you understand all that?”

“…Yeah! So we just have to beat the enemy!”

“In a nutshell, yup! ♪”

…Hearing Ambros’s over-simplified answer, I’m starting to get a little worried.

This is a battle we could easily lose with a single mistake.

“Hah. I’ll handle Mia’s and Ambros’s training somehow. You two, come here.”

“Ah!”

“Okay!”

Flegel pushed them both forward, looking annoyed, and went to confirm their movements.

After seeing them off, I exchanged a look with Petra.

“Well, I’m going to go lecture my two underclassmen on how mages fight. It’ll be hard to drill perfect movements into them, but it’s better than nothing.”

“Got it. In that case, I’ll teach Steano some of the defensive procedures.”

To prepare for the real thing, Petra and I also split off, taking the people we needed to train.

“Hey, Al.”

“Hm?”

“Thanks.”

Steano said with deep emotion as we were heading to the library to grab some textbooks.

“What’s this all of a sudden?”

“Well. I was just thinking, if you hadn’t been here, I probably wouldn’t have even been able to gather the team.”

“Probably. If you had recruited, it would’ve just been a chaotic mob of supplementary students.”

“You say that so casually… but you’re not wrong.”

This whole Siege Battle thing started as a way to help Steano get out of supplementary lessons. Looking back now, I never dreamed it would become such a huge ordeal.

“Gathering the team was important, but it’s all meaningless if we don’t win.”

“Totally! Making the exemption conditional on winning… this school is too harsh on its lost little lambs.”

“…If that ‘lost little lamb’ had just decided to study seriously, we wouldn’t have had to go through all this trouble.”

“…Let’s just pretend you didn’t say that.”

Steano put his hands together and closed one eye.

“Hah. From now on, just study so you don’t need supplementary lessons.”

“I will consider it, and after consideration, I will positively consider it.”

“…That’s what people say when they’re not going to do it.”

—I probably shouldn’t spoil him just because he’s my friend.

I’m seriously worried if Steano will actually be able to graduate.

Worrying about my friend’s future, I borrowed the necessary textbooks from the library and headed to an empty classroom. And then…

“Alright, Steano—it’s time to study.”

I announced the start of a special lecture on the one thing he hated most.

“Huh? Why? I decided to join the Siege Battle so I wouldn’t have to study…”

“A Siege Battle isn’t a one-on-one duel. It’s a large-scale battle. You have to learn how to fight accordingly, right?”

I held the textbooks and advanced on him, step by step. His face went pale and he collapsed onto the floor, holding his hands out as if begging for his life.

“St-stop… Come on, Al? We’re friends, right?”

“Yeah. You’re my important friend.”

“Th-then maybe just a little less studying…”

He’s so stubborn. He’s the one who invited me to the Siege Battle in the first place. I’m not letting him get away with it now.

“Steano, don’t hold this against me. This is all a result of respecting your desire to win the Siege Battle. Now, let’s begin.”

“Gya…”

“Gya?”

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah—!!”

During the quiet summer vacation, a scream loud enough to be heard in the nearby city streets echoed through the academy.

“Ah, hey, don’t run away!”

“Aargh! This completely defeats the purpose of getting out of supplementary lessons!”

“It can’t be helped! You can’t fight properly with zero knowledge!”

“Even so, this amount of material is no joke! I really don’t want to do thiiiiis!!”

—After this, Steano was forced to write in his notebook until the sun went down.

Steano, after having all sorts of tactical knowledge crammed into his head, had a vacant look in his eyes, but we all agreed to overlook it as a necessary sacrifice for the Siege Battle.

It was just a trivial incident at the academy. But joining that Siege Battle is what brought our group together.

In the process of all eight of us banding together for the main event, many friendships were built.

Meeting them was a precious thing that colored my school life.

—And this Siege Battle of ours would later be passed down through the school’s history as ‘The Greatest Underdog Victory in Philnotes Military Academy History.’ But that is another story.

Epilogue

Everything is proceeding according to plan.

To liberate the souls of the pitiful Chosen who struggle against fate, I was finishing my preparations to march on the Empire’s battlefield.

[The Heretic God’s Sanctuary, the Dyrst Region]

This is a defiled land, saturated with a miasma that neutralizes the power of our Lord God, Svell.

Lord Svell told me that the Chosen, selected by the Heretic God, are drawn here as if by instinct, gathering in this very place.

“…It makes my skin crawl.”

Taking advantage of the fact that Lord Svell’s hand cannot reach them, these wicked beings selfishly try to alter history.

It is precisely because they possess memories of the past that the Heretic God’s Chosen try to defy the fate that awaits them. But that, too, ends today.

“I will eliminate every last one of you shortly… fufu.”

After I gain complete control of the Dyrst region and purify all the miasma festering there with my power as a Saint, I can use this land as a foothold for the Empire’s destruction.

“And for that to happen, I’ll need you two to work hard for me.”

Flanking me, the two Divine Beasts granted by Lord Svell showed their readiness for battle, tearing at the ground.

“Ohoho. You two are just… dying to fight, aren’t you?”

“—!”

The Divine Beasts shrieked, their cries at a frequency no human ear could detect.

One, a giant serpent covered in pure white scales, coiled itself again and again, crushing a human believer to death.

The other, a giant serpent covered in jet-black scales, flicked its tongue rapidly as it devoured a soldier from our order who was standing nearby.

“L-Lady Reshia—!”

“Don’t be so alarmed. They have become noble sacrifices.”

“Sacrifices…”

“But of course. Is that not a wonderful thing?”

To be able to offer one’s own flesh and blood to the Divine Beasts who serve our Lord God.

For a worshiper of the Svell faith, there is no greater bliss.

Listening to the satisfying, crisp sound of bones breaking, I found myself in a state of rapture.

—Ah, how truly fortunate they are.

“To be able to reach Lord Svell’s side before anyone else… I’m truly envious.”

“…Yes, of course.”

I smiled at the pale-faced soldier as I gazed out at the military preparations for our advance on the Empire.

“Fufu. So, are the preparations for the offensive complete?”

“Yes. As soon as the Kingdom’s army begins its march, we will also begin our advance into the Valugan Empire.”

“I see. Then there are no changes to the plan. Continue your preparations so we can depart at any time.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

The soldier gave a sharp salute and fled the scene as if escaping.

“The enemy should be thoroughly exhausted from their battle with the Kingdom’s army… I must thank Lord Euris.”

I pictured his face—the blond-haired, prideful man who is, for me, the easiest to manipulate. He is among that group that will soon be clashing with the Imperial army, that Prince Euris. Of course, if he fights the mighty Imperial army, there’s no guarantee he’ll survive.

“…If you die, you have my condolences. But you truly are a convenient and beloved pawn, Lord Euris. To set such a wonderful stage for me.”

As I clasped my hands and closed my eyes, the serpents drew closer, as if to protect me.

I offered a prayer of thanks to Prince Euris—or perhaps, a moment of silence for his future self—and slowly opened my eyes.

“Lord Svell—I will fulfill your dearest wish. I vow to you that I will eliminate every last time-bending Chosen, prevent the alteration of history, and then seize this land where the Heretic God is enshrined.”

“Lady Reshia. It appears the Kingdom’s army is about to leave the royal capital.”

“Understood.”

I finished my oath and addressed the entire army, which now stood ready to march.

“—Then we, too, shall begin our advance on the Empire.”

I swung my hand down. The soldiers set off, their armor clattering as they marched forward as one.

An army of seven thousand troops from our order. A great host, destined to crush the Imperial army after it has been worn down by its fight with the Kingdom.

History is something that must be repeated. A new wind is not needed here. Everything must be as our Lord God wills it. This world must be crafted exactly as the [Progenitor God Svell] desires.

—And I, the Saint Reshia, will personally erase every anomaly from this world.

“Now, let us begin. May history arrive at its one, true destination.”

The Empire is on the road to ruin. No matter how many times they repeat, no matter how many times they try again, changing the ending is an act that defies God’s will.

To change the future… such a thing is wrong. That is why I will deliver their final judgment in God’s stead.

To the fools who defy their fate… they will now learn just how meaningless their meager resistance truly is.

The place they took me was swarming with more than twenty people—the sons of the anti-Princess nobles and their personal guards.

Every one of them had a sword at their hip and a vile smile on their face, making it painfully obvious they were eager to beat me to a pulp.

“We’re here, Sir Knight. This is your graveyard.”

“Thanks for coming along so quietly. Haha!”

“Alright. Let’s get this over with before someone sees. Hey! Is the lookout posted properly?”

The one who seemed to be the leader called out towards the path leading to the inner courtyard, but there was no reply.

“Hey! What’s wrong?”

“…I’m the one who’d like to ask what’s wrong. You scum!”

“—!”

Holding the lookout by the head with a viselike grip, veins bulging on his forehead, was the man who gave me trouble when I tried to cross into the Empire on the dragon.

“L-Linos…! Why are you here?!”

Linos von Gerreschiff. The second son of the leading pro-Princess noble house, and a man who was the very picture of an Imperial noble who loathed commoners.

“Hmph. I heard the cries of beasts who have forgotten their pride as nobles. I came to look, and it’s just as I thought. You… How dare you do something that stains the very history of the Empire.”

“Shut up, you! This has nothing to do with you!”

“Nothing to do with me? Don’t be absurd. I’m saying your behavior degrades the dignity of the entire Imperial nobility. Ganging up on a commoner to bully him? …Shame on you, you cowards.”

The argument was clearly going in Linos’s favor.

Still, it was surprising to see him acting like he was protecting me.

He hates commoners. That was my first impression of him… but maybe his elitism wasn’t as strong as I thought.

“Hey… commoner.”

“—Yes?”

“You’re just as bad. I don’t know if you’re getting cocky from being made a personal knight, but don’t just follow along without any caution. This is exactly why I hate commoners…”

Just as I was about to change my opinion of Linos, that last statement brought me right back. Nope, he definitely hates commoners.

As I processed that, a question popped into my head.

—Why did Linos show up here?

It’s far too convenient to be a coincidence.

“In any case, I cannot overlook the foolish act you are about to commit against this commoner. Be gone, quickly.”

“—! Just because you’re from a ducal house…”

“That’s right. I am the second son of the Gerreschiff ducal house. I hold a high position in this Empire. And at the same time, I am proud to be an Imperial noble. Unlike you cowards.”

Linos’s behavior was the same as I’d seen before. That overconfident expression, as if he believes without a doubt that he is more virtuous than anyone. If there’s anything out of place…

“…Magic?”

It’s just that I can feel the faint presence of magic surrounding Linos.

The others probably haven’t noticed. But I can.

This magic is the same type as the ‘Sight-Share’ magic Fadi used.

—I see. So that’s what this is.

I perfectly understood why Linos was here and why I was the only one who could sense the magic. This situation was created by Princess Valtrune. Which means she must have witnessed the anti-Princess nobles cornering me.

—What she wants isn’t a peaceful resolution.

“She wants me to cut loose… is that it?”

I whispered so quietly no one could hear, and my hand touched the hilt of my sword.

If I’m to follow her wishes, I need to beat these anti-Princess nobles senseless in front of Linos. But if I make the first move, it’ll look bad for me.

To make sure they are the ones who struck first…

“Lord Linos. You don’t need to worry.”

Right now, the most important thing is to act like a clueless, incapable commoner.

“What? What are you…”

“I wish to have a dialogue with them. Therefore…”

“Are you an idiot!? Don’t you realize you’ve been trapped?”

I met Linos’s shouts with a cold stare.

Of course I know what he’s saying, but if I acknowledge it, things won’t proceed smoothly.

—Don’t get in my way, you well-meaning aristocrat.

“—!”

Linos seemed to notice my intimidating gaze. He broke out in a cold sweat, his mouth twisting. I feel bad for brushing off his kindness, but I need him to let it go, just for now.

“…Lord Linos. I’ll be fine.”

“…Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He crossed his arms and leaned against a nearby tree.

“Hey, Linos. Does this mean you’re not getting involved?”

“The commoner himself refused my help. I’m not lifting a finger.”

“Heh. That works for us… Just stand there and shut up.”

Without any attempt to hide it, the leader drew his sword.

“…What do you think you’re doing?”

“You still don’t get it? Hah. What a slow personal knight. Listen up. You’re about to beg us for mercy. You’re going to grovel on the ground pathetically.”

The men around him also drew their swords one by one.

Mixed in with the anti-Princess nobles were several skilled fighters.

“Go on, draw your sword! We’re all going to enjoy watching you lose miserably!”

They urged me to draw, but I just smiled, my sword still in its scabbard.

“Hey, what’s your problem!”

“No problem. I just decided I don’t even need to draw my sword.”

“—! Don’t you mock us, you…!”

The blade that swung at me grazed my cheek. A thin line of red blood trickled quietly from the small cut.

“Ha. Does it hurt?”

I ignored his mocking tone and let out a deep breath.

—Alright. The stage is set.

“You made the first move. In that case, I won’t hold back.”

“Huh? What are you saying… Gofh!”

My sword was still in its sheath, but I swung it in a sharp arc. It connected with the man’s jaw with a dull, heavy thud. It’s not lethal, but it’s more than powerful enough to teach a fool a lesson.

I can’t exactly go around killing nobles, but this much should be forgivable. Above all, I’m the victim here. I was cut with a sword. No one can blame me for fighting back.

“Ugh… Gah!”

He clutched his head, blood streaming from his nose. A truly pathetic sight. But this only served to agitate the others.

“You bastard…”

“Don’t get full of yourself.”

“We’ll tear you to pieces!”

Hostile gazes focused on me from all sides.

“You guys. ‘Take good care’ of this personal knight for me.”

As soon as one of the anti-Princess nobles said that, they all drew their swords and rushed me at once.

“Hah!”

“Sei-yah!”

Their sword strokes are so laughably easy to read. It reminds me of my time on the battlefield, reeking of death. This situation is so lukewarm it’s almost funny.

I deflect their blades with minimal movement, countering the instant an opening appears.

“…How boring.”

“—!”

I twist my body, mixing in hand-to-hand combat to systematically deal with them one by one.

There’s not a single shred of excitement. My body just moves on its own, neutralizing these pitiful opponents. This is just work. They’re fragile insects I can crush without even thinking. In fact, it takes more concentration to not kill them than it does to beat them.

“Hiii! I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Just a few minutes. That’s all it took to put them in their place. They must not even have the energy to curse me anymore; they’ve all collapsed, trembling.

They lost their will to fight awfully quick, considering they’re the ones who started this.

—I just brushed off a spark that landed on me. Nothing more.

I picked up a sword that had fallen at my feet and tossed it toward one of the men, who was shaking and teary-eyed. The man’s eyes shot open at the metallic clatter.

“Pick it up. We’re not done.”

“P-pick it up…?”

“That’s right. You all started this little party. It’s only right that you take responsibility and see this through to the end, don’t you think?”

A flicker of genuine irritation wells up inside me.

“You all ganged up on me, Rune-sama’s personal knight. I won’t be satisfied until you’ve paid for that. Now, pick up the sword.”

They pointed their swords at me with the intent to hurt me. So, they can’t complain if I, in turn, instill the greatest possible fear into their hearts.

I’ll make it so they can never again even think of acting against Princess Valtrune or me.

“Come on, pick it up.”

“I can’t… I can’t!”

“If you won’t pick it up, then fine. I’ll take your life as compensation right here. It might be dishonorable for a noble to die without leaving any last words, but don’t hold it against me.”

“—Hic! I’ll pick it up! Please forgive me!”

Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. A defeated man on his knees has no choices. The others gathered around started to back away, terrified.

—But I have no intention of letting them off this easy.

“If you won’t come to me, shall I come to you?”

I send a sharp glare, and the air crackles. The stench of fear starts to rise, but I ignore it and raise my sheathed sword to the heavens.

That gesture sealed their fate.

“””W-We’re terribly sorry! Please forgive us!”””

They all drop to the ground, prostrating themselves. The fight has completely left them.

—Hah. Is this all they are?

The Empire’s soldiers. Its knights. Its nobles. Is this pathetic rabble all they amount to? They wouldn’t even last a second against the Provisional Elite Corps.

Ritziareite and the others in the Provisional Elite Corps are still inexperienced, and many of them are young. But almost none of them would surrender so quickly in the face of a strong opponent. They would, without a doubt, choose to fight to the death.

The Imperial army, led by elitist anti-Princess nobles. How many of them actually have any real skill?

Seeing this pathetic display, I find it impossible to believe they have the strength to take on the Kingdom’s army.

“Hmph… how pathetic.”

The man, his face twisted in humiliation, glares at me.

“I won’t forgive you. I’ll make you pay for this…!”

The loser’s empty words aren’t worth listening to.

This whole scene is being watched by someone through the ‘Sight-Share’ magic cast on Linos. Their aggression will be made public by Princess Valtrune.

“…Don’t think this is over.”

I turned my back to leave, but I felt an intense killing intent from behind me. It vanished just as quickly.

“Hey. What did you coat that sword with?”

The sword belonging to the man who was glaring at me with such hatred was now at my feet, kicked there by Linos. A strange, acrid smell wafted up from it.

“…Poison. You’re truly despicable.”

Did he think he could attack me from behind with a poisoned blade and land even a scratch? Ridiculous. An incompetent noble who can’t even hide his killing intent or master basic sword skills has no chance of killing me.

The man turned his sharp gaze on Linos and yelled.

“—! Linos, you bastard!”

“Silence.”

“Guh…!”

But Linos’s gaze was even colder, radiating a pressure that crushed the man as he stepped on his head.

“You truly are a fool. Not content with causing this commotion, you even resort to using poison to try and kill a personal knight…”

“Y-you said it too! You said you couldn’t stand that personal knight!”

“I did. But I can’t stand you despicable cowards even more. Don’t worry. You’re all finished, one way or another.”

“Huh?… What do you mean?”

A moment after Linos’s sneer, the sound of countless heavy footsteps echoed through the courtyard.

“Restrain these miscreants who dared to assault Lord Aldia!”

A flood of soldiers from the Provisional Elite Corps poured into the inner courtyard.

“Wh-What’s going on!?”

“I was ordered by Her Highness the Princess to watch and ensure this personal knight didn’t get into any trouble.”

“What!?”

Linos ignored the shocked man, his cold expression unchanging as he let out a sigh.

“…But there was no way Her Highness, in her wisdom, would entrust this task to me alone. The moment you harmed that man, your fate was sealed. You can await your punishment while regretting incurring Her Highness’s wrath.”

“—!”

The soldiers from the Provisional Elite Corps began restraining the anti-Princess nobles’ men with practiced, efficient movements.

“Hey, Al. You okay?”

“Steano… why are you here?”

Steano and Ambros were among those who had come to my aid.

“We were given orders from Lady Valtrune to rescue you.”

“Yup. That’s why we’re here.”

Steano said this, then looked at my cheek with a worried expression. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and pressed it to the cut.

“You’re injured, aren’t you? Are you really okay?”

“Yeah. It’s just a scratch. Nothing to worry about.”

“Don’t overdo it. A lot of people would be sad if you got hurt.”

I nodded at Steano’s words and looked around.

The restrained men were being led away one by one.

“Aldia. In any case, I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Yeah. Thanks for coming to help.”

Ambros gave me a small smile before turning to help restrain the remaining anti-Princess nobles.

“…Did Rune-sama plan this whole thing?”

“Huh? Weren’t you in on it with her, Al?”

“No. I didn’t know anything.”

—I had acted on a guess as to what she wanted, but this wasn’t a pre-planned event. There was no guarantee the anti-Princess nobles would even contact me in the first place.

Linos, still standing there with his arms crossed, also didn’t seem to know the full extent of Princess Valtrune’s plan.

“…Those guys won’t be causing any trouble for a while.”

“No, they won’t. I imagine they will receive a severe punishment, one that ensures they never approach Al again.”

“Rune-sama, and…”

Following Steano and Ambros, my beautiful white-haired liege appeared with the dignified Emperor in tow behind her.

“Your Majesty!”

The current Emperor, Grode von Felsdorf. His sharp, polished gaze was fixed straight on me.

“…Aldia Graetz, I presume.”

Hearing his deep, resonant voice, I immediately dropped to one knee.

“Yes. I am Aldia Graetz, Your Majesty.”

“I see. I witnessed the preceding conflict clearly. Your conduct as a personal knight was truly splendid.”

“You are too kind, Your Majesty.”

His gaze was still sharp, but at least he didn’t seem to have a bad impression of me.

“Valtrune. You have taken on a fine personal knight.”

“Yes, Father.”

Princess Valtrune also gave a graceful curtsy, and I could feel the space completely fall under Emperor Grode’s control.

He stroked his beard with his fingers, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

“Furthermore, the ‘Sight-Share’ magic used by your other man is also wonderful. To be able to see a distant scene so clearly… it is truly a unique magic.”

“Flegel, like Al, is also from the Kingdom. I recognized that the magic he wields is special. I did not want to let such talent go to waste, so I invited him to the Empire.”

“I see… which means your request to establish the Provisional Elite Corps was also…”

“—Yes. On the surface, I stated I wanted a loyal and powerful private force for my personal protection. But my true aim was to create an organization where talented individuals could shine. A place where those who deserve the spotlight can be active on the main stage—I wish to make the Empire a country full of such hope. I founded the Provisional Elite Corps with the belief that it could be the vanguard for that change.”

Princess Valtrune rattled off praises for the Provisional Elite Corps and for us without a hint of hesitation.

Grode nodded, looking pleased, and Princess Valtrune’s cheeks flushed slightly.

I understood her intent completely. This situation was created under the false pretext of exposing the anti-Princess nobles’ aggression to the Emperor. Her real goal was to demonstrate the value of the Provisional Elite Corps, and my value as her personal knight, to the Emperor.

“Father. What do you think of my loyal retainers?”

She had used the anti-Princess nobles’ predictable harassment of me to appeal to the Emperor that she was worthy of being his successor. And there was no way the wise Emperor didn’t understand her scheme.

Which means…

“Ah. Wonderful—I am now certain, Valtrune, that there is no one but you to succeed me.”

It means the Emperor himself wants Princess Valtrune to inherit the throne.

She didn’t prevent this problem to deny the anti-Princess nobles an opening; she intentionally orchestrated it.

—She used me as the perfect bait to lure out the rebellious faction and expose their own incompetence.

“Thank you for your gracious words.”

“There is no need for modesty. I am simply overjoyed to see my beloved daughter has grown so splendidly.”

This father and daughter are planning to systematically crush the faction opposing Princess Valtrune’s succession. The two royals create a harmonious, almost warm, atmosphere. Listening to their conversation with deathly pale faces are the anti-Princess nobles being led away.

—They probably never imagined that harassing a personal knight, just to mess with him, would lead to such a disaster.

“By the way, Father. That matter we discussed earlier…”

“Ah. The inspection in the Dyrst region, with the guests from other nations. I remember.”

“That’s good. And about the matter of succession…”

“I was hesitant when you first consulted me, but after seeing this, I see no reason to hesitate.”

“Then…”

“—Valtrune. Upon the successful conclusion of your inspection in the Dyrst region, I shall bequeath my throne to you! It is a great responsibility, but I am sure you can achieve it.”

As if they had planned it all along, the conversation flows inexorably in Princess Valtrune’s favor.

With Princess Valtrune, who knows the future years in advance, making a serious move to claim the throne, her opponents won’t be able to stop her easily.

“Thank you, Father. I will do everything in my power to ensure it is a meaningful inspection.”

After saying those words, Princess Valtrune took my hand.

“My personal knight appears to be injured, so if you will excuse us.”

“Ah… The next time we meet, it may be when you inherit the throne.”

“I pray for that as well.”

She gave a signal to the Provisional Elite Corps soldiers with her eyes.

They immediately fell into formation, flanking her on both sides without a single flaw.

“Then, good day.”

With an elegant bow, Princess Valtrune linked her arm with mine, and we left the inner courtyard.

The sound of armor clanking echoed through the castle. Walking with an entourage of countless soldiers, Princess Valtrune had clearly climbed another step on the stairs to the throne, and her figure now carried an air of authority that strongly resembled the current Emperor.

“Hey! Why did you let yourself get hurt on purpose?”

Princess Valtrune pouted, her fingers gently touching my cheek as she stared at me.

“My apologies. I thought that was the most efficient way.”

If I, her personal knight, had struck first, it would have reflected badly on her. Besides, we were being watched.

Normally, I wouldn’t show mercy to an opponent, but starting a bloodbath with the Emperor watching was out of the question.

“I apologize. I overstepped.”

“Don’t apologize. It was my fault, too, for not explaining. I just… I believed you would understand my intentions… Still, I never thought you’d take a blow like that instead of dodging it.”

She looked down sadly, but I believe my decision to take the first cut was the right one for that situation.

The fact that her personal knight was injured. That’s what gave her the upper hand in the negotiations for the throne.

Even if that weren’t the case, by making sure I only counter-attacked, I figured I wouldn’t be blamed for drawing my sword.

“Thanks to you, we were able to secure the promise of succession. But… I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

A warm, white light enveloped the cut, closing it. It was her healing magic.

“It was a shallow cut this time, so it’s fine, but… please stop sacrificing yourself like that, okay?”

“—Yes.”

It’s unheard of for a princess to personally heal her knight’s wounds.

She had dismissed all the Provisional Elite Corps soldiers, so it was just the two of us… or not. Which is why the jealous stares I was getting were so intense.

“Lady Valtrune. If you would be so kind?”

Linos’s soft voice spoke up as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Oh. You have something to talk to Al about, don’t you?”

“Yes. Alone, if possible.”

Beneath his calm tone, I could feel a cold, detached emotion directed squarely at me.

Princess Valtrune didn’t seem to notice. As soon as she finished healing me, she stood up.

“Thank you for earlier, Linos. Thanks to you watching, things didn’t get out of hand.”

“No. I didn’t do anything.”

Then he added under his breath, “Truly nothing…” in a frustrated-sounding voice.

His downcast silver eyes were wavering endlessly.

“Lady Valtrune. Your time…”

“Ah! You’re right. I have to go show my face to the Provisional Elite Corps. Well then, Al, I’ll see you later.”

At the reminder, she brushed her hair back, looking slightly flustered, and turned away from us.

I watched her wave cutely until she was gone, then brought my consciousness back to the awkward, prickly silence with Linos. The air turned sharp and uncomfortable.

“…We’re going for a walk, commoner.”

Linos spat the words out and started walking in the opposite direction from where Princess Valtrune had run off.

At first, I couldn’t stand his existence.

It was nauseating enough that a commoner was on such familiar terms with Princess Valtrune, but why, of all people, was that man chosen as her personal knight?

It took me a long time to understand.

—Aldia Graetz.

A commoner from the Reshfeld Kingdom.

Apparently, he met Princess Valtrune at the military academy she attended, but his grades were unremarkable. There wasn’t a single story about him excelling in any particular way.

“…Hah.”

‘A man of his caliber has no business being a personal knight.’

The moment that changed my mind came suddenly.

It was when I witnessed him… him… cutting down the men from the anti-Princess faction one after another.

The flying sparks and those glistening, blood-red eyes. I can’t forget them.

Aldia Graetz usually had a quiet, stiff impression.

But his demeanor in combat was so fierce and ruthless, it was as if a different personality was hiding inside him.

That sword style was, without a doubt, specialized for killing. It wasn’t for protecting someone; it was a dreadful, horrific technique for destroying any obstacle in his path.

If his sword hadn’t been sheathed, every single one of those anti-Princess nobles would be dead.

He’s on a completely different level from your average knight. He was, in all respects, a monster thirsting for blood.

That’s why there are things I still don’t understand.

Is it possible for a mere student who attended a military academy to have such battle-honed sword skills? Normally, it would be absolutely impossible.

His movements were designed to minimize damage and sustain a long fight. He seemed to perceive every enemy within a certain range, positioning himself as if he predicted all their movements. He responded fluidly and appropriately even to attacks from behind. It was a flawless, gapless performance.

On top of that, those ruthless eyes. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill, which makes him even more dangerous.

Inexperienced soldiers and knights almost always show a slight hesitation when cutting someone, but he had none of that.

“…Were you really just a student until a few months ago?”

I asked the black-haired man following closely behind me. He met my gaze with an unsettling look, as if he could see right through me, and nodded silently.

“…I see. You’re quite a man, then.”

That wasn’t sarcasm. It was the highest praise I could offer.

“…I’m her personal knight.”

He replied to my words with a perfectly calm expression, his voice utterly cold.

Is this how much his attitude changes when Princess Valtrune isn’t around?

I also change my demeanor depending on the person, but this man is far more blatant.

“You’ve sworn loyalty to Lady Valtrune, correct?”

“Yes. I believe my loyalty to her is deeper than anyone’s.”

“Is that… so.”

There was no falsehood in that statement.

Those eyes were real. If Princess Valtrune told him to die, he would instantly cut off his own head. That’s how devoted, how captivated by her, his eyes were.

Hah. It’s almost funny. If he’s just a typical new graduate, then the Philnotes Military Academy must be a monster-manufacturing plant.

And those resolute eyes, sharp as a seasoned warrior’s.

—This man is, without a doubt, an anomaly.

He’s not someone you can categorize as ‘commoner’ or ‘noble.’ He’s an unknowable monster, hiding in plain sight.

Aldia Graetz—this man has the eyes of someone who has killed many.

How did she tame this monster? And how did she see through him to know of his unparalleled strength? The questions just keep piling up.

“May I ask you a question as well?”

Aldia Graetz spoke abruptly, stopping and letting out a sigh.

I’m the second son of the Gerreschiff ducal house, and he’s treating me with such disrespect. But, paradoxically, I find his lack of commoner-like weakness refreshing.

“If you have a question, ask whatever you want.”

“Then I’ll take you up on that… Lord Linos. Are you Rune-sama’s ally, or her enemy?”

I don’t find the question strange. This man is simply asking a question he genuinely has.

“Which do you think I am?”

“…Who knows. I’m asking because I can’t tell.”

“What if I were her enemy?”

“If you were her enemy, Lord Linos… I would probably dispose of you at an early stage.”

“Hmph. You’re not even trying to hide it.”

“No. Because… you’ve already sensed it, haven’t you? That I’m that kind of person.”

His red-black pupils were ruthless. He was like a demon who had wandered in from another world.

The air grew suffocatingly thick.

“I am…”

“You are… what?”

“—”

My throat seized, and the next word wouldn’t come out.

I’ve never experienced this before. I was being swallowed by an intense killing intent that seemed to envelop the entire castle, and I felt so sick I thought I might vomit.

—I might be killed by this man, right here and now.

The pressure Aldia Graetz released was so intense, so far beyond imagination, that the thought was unavoidable.

A suffocating silence.

It was broken by Aldia Graetz, who wore a hollow, empty smile.

“…My apologies. You’re not an enemy, are you, Lord Linos?”

The crushing, suffocating atmosphere vanished in an instant. He walked past me, who had frozen in place.

“I’m sorry for testing you like that. But this, too, is for Rune-sama’s sake. Please, as two people who have sworn loyalty to her, I hope you can overlook it.”

“Ah… Ah, yes. Let’s do that.”

I wiped away the cold sweat that was streaming down my face like a waterfall and followed the personal knight’s black-haired back.

His stride was slow, matching my own. I no longer had the composure to show any hostility toward him.

“Lord Linos. You are of the Gerreschiff ducal house, the head of the pro-Princess faction, correct?”

“Yes. My older brother is the head of the house.”

“I see. So your loyalty to Rune-sama is among the highest of the Imperial nobility?”

“Of course! The Gerreschiff house has served the Imperial family for generations. We are proud Imperial nobles. We would never become fools who harm the royal family, not even if it costs us our lives!”

As I declared this, a bold, challenging smile played on his lips.

“…Absolute loyalty. I see.”

“—!”

A shiver ran down my spine, but I feigned calmness, determined not to let him see my agitation. I couldn’t read his expression, but I could feel his intention to use me leaking from his every gesture.

“Lord Linos. I have a proposal for you.”

This was clearly going to be a shady offer. But this man’s loyalty to Princess Valtrune is real.

That’s why…

“…I’m listening.”

…I sensed that whatever he had to say, it was worth considering.

“It’s not such a difficult proposal. Please, don’t be so guarded.”

“Hmph. I’ve been cautious since the day I was born.”

The Imperial nobility is famous for its elitism. The Gerreschiff house was no exception.

My late parents valued the ducal house’s status above all else and, like typical Imperial nobles, held the stance that it was perfectly fine to oppress commoners.

Acting arrogant was a noble’s privilege. That was the ‘truth’ they tried to instill in both me and my brother.

—But I grew up to be the kind of person who questioned everything, even the words of my own parents.

“I’m surprised. I thought you were the type of man who would dismiss my words as not worth hearing.”

“I hate commoners. But… I do respect you. At the very least, you’ve reached a passing grade as a personal knight.”

“That’s high praise.”

I don’t hate commoners because of the Imperial nobles’ typical elitism. I hate them because they’re weak, liable to be blown away by a single gust of wind.

In that respect, the man in front of me has a will of iron. He would keep walking as long as Princess Valtrune wished it, even if he were cut by swords or burned by fire.

—I don’t dislike people who possess something strong and unshakeable.

“Go on. Tell me what you’re plotting.”

“It’s not so grand as a plot. I just came to the simple realization that the anti-Princess nobles are a truly unnecessary existence. We need to be looking outside our borders. But instead, we’re sparking conflicts within our own country. Don’t you find that utterly foolish?”

“…Continue.”

“Frankly, they’re in the way. Rune-sama is worthy of being the next Emperor. No one else can lead the Empire’s future. And yet, the fools who oppose her succession do nothing but think of ways to trip her up. Don’t you agree that such an existence should be… eliminated?”

I agreed with his opinion.

Princess Valtrune is the Emperor’s only daughter. When it comes to the line of succession, there is no one above her.

“The anti-Princess nobles are in the way… so what do you want from me?”

His sharp, red eyes glinted, unsettling and brilliant.

“…Lord Linos. I want you to take control of the entire Imperial military.”

“—! Are you sane?”

“Yes. I am perfectly sane.”

It’s true that the main obstacle to Princess Valtrune’s succession is the interference of the anti-Princess nobles. And at the very top of that faction is the Duke of Felsdorf, the Military Lord who controls the Imperial army.

To take control of the entire Imperial military… that means defeating the Military Lord and rebuilding the army into a new organization. But that’s a massive, almost impossible, undertaking.

“Hmph. Are you telling me to confront the Felsdorf ducal house? If so, you’re asking the wrong person. I’m the second son of the Gerreschiff house. The power of the house belongs to my brother…”

“Ah. Please don’t misunderstand. I am asking you, Lord Linos, as an individual. I’m not after the power of your ducal house.”

—Don’t ask the impossible.

A man who hasn’t even inherited his family’s title, who isn’t even the heir, has no power to control an army. But, as if he’d anticipated even that, he gave a devilish smile.

“Rest assured. The Imperial army’s Mage Division and Cavalry Division are already on our side. Of the remaining divisions, the most troublesome one is…”

“…The Dragon Mount Division.”

“Yes. I want you, Lord Linos, to hijack the Dragon Mount Division.”

The commander of the Dragon Mount Division is a leading anti-Princess noble and a loyal vassal of Duke Felsdorf.

If we can strip him of his post as commander, Duke Felsdorf’s influence as Military Lord will be greatly diminished.

“I understand your request… So, what is my compensation for taking control of the Dragon Mount Division?”

This is a negotiation. He wouldn’t make such a request without offering something in return.

“What can you offer me?”

“…I’ve already told you the compensation.”

“What?”

Ignoring my confusion, he whispered in my ear.

“Control of the entire Imperial military. When you’ve secured the Dragon Mount Division, Lord Linos, I will petition Rune-sama to recommend you as the next Military Lord.”

For me, who had failed to inherit the family title, that was the greatest possible reward.

So, his initial words weren’t just empty talk.

It’s true… hijacking a single division is something I could do. And the reward for that would be the entire Imperial military…

—Haha.

“That’s absurd. The other division commanders would never stay silent if I were to become Military Lord.”

I said it mockingly, but Aldia Graetz’s expression didn’t change as he stared at me with those red eyes.

“I’m serious. If you become the Military Lord, Lord Linos, Rune-sama’s reign will be stabilized immediately. Besides, this is a huge chance for you. Am I wrong?”

“A chance…?”

“Your brother will inherit the family title, and you will be stuck in the position of ‘second son of the Gerreschiff ducal house.’ You’ll only have a borrowed title. …But you, with your immense pride as an Imperial noble, can’t be satisfied with that, can you?”

“…That… is…”

“Don’t you want it? A title that is yours, and yours alone. If you become the Military Lord, you will be Rune-sama’s most trusted confidant. That should be far more valuable than inheriting the ducal title.”

The devil’s whisper. This commoner, whom I despised, was striking at my weakest point with perfect, unerring accuracy.

‘He’s just stringing you along with sweet words.’

How I wish I could have just dismissed it like that. But I was captivated by his sweet proposal, and I fell silent.

He clapped me on the shoulder as I stood there, unable to think.

“I look forward to a favorable reply.”

And with that, the monster of unknown origin left as coolly as he had arrived.

“…Me, as Military Lord. No, that’s ridiculous.”

Just two days later.

At that moment, I never imagined I would so easily accept Aldia Graetz’s proposal.

I had always thought of myself as a more thoughtful and cautious person, but perhaps that was just my own misconception.

—I had just agreed to help a true monster, one that was eating away at the Empire from the shadows.

Linos stood frozen, his expression utterly dumbfounded.

Watching him, I was certain.

“…Negotiations successful.”

I muttered in a raspy voice. The moment Linos was out of sight, I snapped my fingers.

“Fadi.”

I called the name of the young man who was both the leader of the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ and the head of the Provisional Elite Corps’ intelligence division. He slithered down from the air, landing lightly before turning his innocent-looking eyes on me.

“What is it, boss?”

“Put a tail on Linos. It looks like he’s going to be a valuable asset.”

“Oh, I get it. Roger that. I’ll put a few people from the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ on him~”

“Good. Thanks.”

I gave a brief nod. When I looked back at Fadi, he was holding out a blood-stained knife, as if showing off.

“Oh, right! Just as you ordered, I slaughtered all the anti-Princess nobles’ spies in the area. There were about twenty of ’em, I think. It was pretty easy!”

Behind his innocent smile, a cruel and terrifying darkness swirled. But that wasn’t true only for him.

“Just what I’d expect. By the way, what about the report to Rune-sama?”

“Of course I haven’t reported it. You told me to keep my mouth shut.”

“Good.”

“…But are you sure this is okay? Doing all this behind Lady Valtrune’s back.”

“I just don’t want Rune-sama to worry.”

“Hmm. I see… Okay! In that case, I’ll keep my mouth shut about it forever!”

Princess Valtrune has no idea that I’m using force to cull the power of the anti-Princess faction.

She is aiming for the throne by proving her own worth, but that path alone isn’t a guarantee. That’s why I decided to forge a separate path.

“Rune-sama is worthy of being Emperor; that is a given. She is more merciful, virtuous, and noble than anyone. —Therefore, any obstacles…”

“You want them erased before they even enter Lady Valtrune’s field of vision… right?”

“Yes. It’s our job to take on everything—from having to look at these unpleasant people to staining our hands with their filthy blood.”

I want Princess Valtrune to walk as clean a path as possible.

A perfect Empress—the strongest in history to lead the Empire, adored by all her people, merciful, yet never lacking in rigor.

She must never be tarnished by a reputation for being ‘inhumane’ or ‘cruel.’

For her sake, I will gladly continue to handle all the dirty work.

“Rune-sama’s presence has been growing. Everyone is captivated by her.”

“And hidden by her brilliant light, we just quietly carry out our own mission, don’t we?”

—Yes. Everything…

“Is for Rune-sama.”

“For Lady Valtrune.”

From the day I swore absolute loyalty to her, I have resolved to eliminate every disaster that befalls her. This isn’t an oath I took as her personal knight; it’s a penance for my past failure to stop her death.

“…Thanks to Rune-sama’s introduction, Flegel has been recognized by the Emperor. The ‘Sight-Share’ magic will now become known throughout the Empire as his unique ability.”

‘Sight-Share’ was actually taught to Flegel by Fadi. We judged its strategic value was too high to keep secret, so we decided to pass it off as Flegel’s innate magic.

The roles are already being cast: those who will shine on the public stage, and those who will move in the shadows.

“Fadi. Rune-sama has forbidden me from acting independently. That’s why I’m counting on you, who has the freedom to move, to continue acting as my hands and feet.”

“Uh-huh. You can count on me… boss.”

Fadi put an index finger to his lips and vanished, his form dissolving into the scenery.

The ‘White Smoke Lizards,’ led by Fadi, capable of moving as both assassins and spies. And Linos, the second son of the Gerreschiff ducal house, who now holds the potential to control the Imperial army.

We’ve already gathered more than enough strength, but I still feel a lingering unease.

“Rune-sama… I swear, I will lead you to a happy future.”

I will fill in the gaps and make every move necessary to ensure her plan proceeds without a hitch.

Everything is for Princess Valtrune.

As long as I have breath in my body, I will use any means necessary to achieve that goal.

Chapter 4 – The Personal Knight and the Proud Imperial Noble

Late July, Kingdom Calendar Year 1241.

The bandit gangs infesting the Dyrst region were being systematically mopped up under Ritziareite’s command. The former bandit hideouts were repurposed as new forward bases for the Provisional Elite Corps, and preparations for the Reshfeld Kingdom’s invasion were proceeding smoothly.

And then, the Kingdom made its move.

“Rune-sama. A formal demand has arrived from the Reshfeld Kingdom, ordering us to cede the Dyrst region.”

“I see. Right on schedule. …And the operations against the other shadow organizations?”

“Proceeding well. Fadi has annihilated ‘Red Broad’s’ splinter groups, so we no longer need to fear interference from the anti-Princess nobles. ‘Izu Clan’ is still active, but the chance of them intervening in a war is extremely low. However… they may still conspire with the anti-Princess nobles to slander your name.”

“We’ll be wary of that. But for the most part, it seems we’re in the clear. Thank goodness…”

Despite her words of relief, her expression was clouded with worry.

“Is there something else?”

“…No. I was just… remembering.”

“You mean…”

“Yes. The time we failed. This exact demand… it came in the past, too.”

She was right. This declaration had happened in the previous timeline. The only difference now was that we were prepared for it.

“Regarding the invasion…”

“As you ordered, we are taking the utmost care to ensure this does not reach His Majesty the Emperor’s ears.”

“Good. If Father found out, he would immediately escalate this into a full-blown war.”

Princess Valtrune’s plan to deal with the invasion herself was a countermeasure to prevent the current Emperor from making a rash decision. She alone would control the timing of this war. The Kingdom’s demand would be ‘lost.’ If they protested, we would simply claim it never arrived.

“As for the Kingdom’s envoy… Fadi’s people have been dispatched to arrange an ‘unfortunate accident’ on the road. The envoy’s carriage should be under attack as we speak.”

With the official message ‘lost,’ the Kingdom’s attack will appear to be a complete surprise. And if we ensure that foreign dignitaries are present to witness this ‘unprovoked’ aggression, the Empire will not be isolated when the war begins.

“We will have the foreign guests arrive on the same day as the Reshfeld Kingdom’s invasion. …Will it work?”

This final piece depended entirely on how far Prince Ixion, our insider, was willing to go.

“He’s managed to adjust the timing. The attack will begin in the mid-afternoon. The original plan was a dawn raid, but Prince Ixion ‘persuaded’ them otherwise.”

“That’s… impressive.”

“Indeed. No one is wary of the ‘Ghost Prince.’ He apparently started the ‘right’ rumors to guide the military leadership. He plans to use the same method for the date.”

“Securing Prince Ixion as an ally was the right move.”

He would have been an impossibly difficult enemy. Having someone so skilled in subterfuge disrupting the Kingdom from within was a massive advantage.

“Prince Ixion is doing all he can. We will make this operation to destroy the Kingdom’s reputation a success.”

As Princess Valtrune smiled, I felt both her bottomless charm and a sense of awe.

She was manipulating the narrative, ensuring our version of events was the only one told.

‘This is an unjust and illegal act of aggression by the Reshfeld Kingdom.’

That was the message we needed to send. Officially, Princess Valtrune was merely inviting dignitaries to tour the Dyrst region. It was all a pretext.

“A sudden attack by the Kingdom’s army… The foreign guests will be quite shocked, won’t they?”

“Yes. But… if I then take command and brilliantly repulse the Reshfeld army…”

“Your fame will skyrocket, and the Kingdom will lose all credibility with the other nations.”

It was a perfect plan. If Princess Valtrune could gain this military achievement, all opposition to her succession would be silenced.

“All that will be left is to remove the anti-Princess nobles.”

Princess Valtrune’s voice was cold.

This plan would prove her fitness to rule. All that remained was to eliminate the thorns in her side. Once they were gone, the day she took control of the Empire was near.

“Rune-sama. I have a list of all anti-Princess nobles here. If we can control the enemy’s movements in the Dyrst region, we could ‘guide’ the Kingdom’s army toward the lands of those nobles.”

“The primary goal is to repel the Kingdom. That plan is a contingency, only to be used if we have a decisive advantage.”

“Understood.”

“But do not slack in its preparation. It’s a perfect opportunity to cull their power.”

“Yes!”

“Al. You must win this battle. A narrow victory is not enough. …It is time to show the entire world the true difference in power between the Valugan Empire and the Reshfeld Kingdom.”

“As you wish, Rune-sama.”

I knelt and bowed my head. She placed her hand on my shoulder and smiled.

“I am counting on you… my one and only knight.”

We were one step away. The path to the throne was finally in sight.

My job was to make it a reality.

“You, commoner… Come with us.”

I was walking down a castle corridor, on an errand for Princess Valtrune, when a hand grabbed my shoulder. I turned. A group of men were sneering at me.

“…”

“Hey. I’m talking to you. Sir Knight.”

I’d never met them, but I had their faces memorized.

The sons of anti-Princess nobles. Their eyes were filled with such pure, undisguised malice it was sickening.

“…Is there something a group of nobles needs from a mere knight?”

They just snorted. “We have something to discuss. You’re coming with us.”

“And if I refuse?”

“—!”

“A joke. Of course, I’ll accompany you.”

I could tell from their glares. They really, really hated me.

I put on a pasted-on smile and followed them, just as they’d planned, to a deserted courtyard.

‘You are the only one who can protect yourself.’

I remembered Princess Valtrune’s warning. She had predicted this.

‘The anti-Princess faction sees my growing influence as a threat. They will try anything to slander my reputation.’

She had been on guard from the start.

‘And as my personal knight, you are their most likely target.’

Just as she’d read, these noble sons were luring me away. Am I a fool for walking right into their trap? …No.

‘Al. If they try to use force… you will defend yourself. Just… don’t kill them. If we can prove they instigated it, we can destroy their families’ reputations.’

I would never make such a clumsy mistake. I wouldn’t be the one to ruin the reputation she had worked so hard to build.

This was Princess Valtrune’s trap. And I… was the bait.

“Heh. What an idiot…”

“Totally. He has no idea what’s coming.”

They were the idiots. They had no idea they were the ones who’d been caught.

…Let the culling begin.

I watched from the shadows as Al was led away. The anti-Princess nobles had taken the bait, just as I’d planned.

Al would be fine. He has the strength to overcome any adversity.

…Now, I just need one final push to seal their fate.

“Tch. Why’d that commoner just go with them?”

And using this man… will be easy.

Beside me, his eyes narrowed, was the second son of Duke Gerreschiff, the leader of my faction.

‘Linos von Gerreschiff.’

A proud Imperial noble who despises commoners. His elitist views make him an outlier… but…

“…I don’t like this.”

The truth is, he’s nothing like the rumors. He may dislike the low-born, but he despises nobles who have forgotten their noblesse oblige and act with simple arrogance. He is not one of them.

“Linos. May I ask something of you?”

…And that is why he will move exactly as I wish.

“Your Highness?”

“…It’s about my knight. I’m worried.”

“He just followed them, Your Highness. I understand your concern.”

Linos’s respectful reply made me smile. I looked down, my voice barely a whisper.

“This is… a terrible thing to ask. But… could you please… check on Al for me?”

“—Me, Your Highness?”

“Yes. You’re the only one I can trust.”

His eyes wavered. He was hesitating. He had never approved of Al’s appointment and was furious that a commoner was my shield. But he is also my most loyal supporter.

“…Linos.”

“—! …Understood. I will follow them and observe.”

Perfect. He’s exactly the man I thought he was.

Linos hurried off. As I watched him go, my innocent, worried expression vanished.

“Flegel.”

“…Yes.”

“You heard. Linos is on his way.”

“…And what would you have me do?”

“Fufu. Fadi taught you his sight-share magic, didn’t he? Would it be possible for my father and I to share Linos’s vision?”

Flegel’s brow furrowed. He knew immediately.

“…Are you planning to use him as a tool to crush your enemies?”

I shook my head, my arms crossed.

“Use him? No. I’m simply confirming the facts.”

“With His Majesty the Emperor?”

“Yes. With Father.”

My knight is an extension of myself. If those nobles were to lay a hand on him… and if my father, the Emperor, were to witness it… they would be severely punished. Traitors to the Empire, who tried to harm the Princess’s personal knight.

—Once that label is applied, their families will be ruined.

They will lose all power and will never be able to stand in my way again.

I rushed over to the collapsed Princess Valtrune. The blindfolded woman she was lying on top of twisted her mouth in annoyance, coughed, and muttered,

“…Heavy.”

Looking far too spry for someone who’d been on the brink of death, she pushed herself up.

“Lady Dorothea! You’re alive!”

“We thought you were a goner!”

“Shut up,” she snapped. “It’s ringing in my head. Keep your voices down, you idiots.”

“That’s her! That’s definitely Lady Dorothea!”

“What a stupid way to confirm it.”

The ‘White Smoke Lizards’ erupted in cheers, overjoyed at their leader’s revival. Dorothea, in contrast, just shot me a look of pure confusion.

“…Why am I alive?”

“Rune-sama used healing magic on you.”

I explained, but her expression remained clouded.

“Healing magic isn’t a cure-all. My wounds… they were fatal. For her to heal me this completely…”

Dorothea looked down at Princess Valtrune, who was still slumped over her.

“She’s… something else. I’m in her debt, more than I can ever repay.”

“If you really think so, then I’d like the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ to join the Provisional Elite Corps as intelligence agents. …For Rune-sama’s sake.”

She remained silent, then shook her head.

“Even after this, you still won’t join her?”

“No. I am honored to serve my savior. But… I’m not the one you should be talking to.”

“Meaning?”

“…I’ve already died once. This… this is a miracle. Before the fight, I told Fadi… ‘If I die, the ‘Lizards’ are yours.’“

“So you’re stepping down as leader?”

“That’s right. I’ve transferred all authority to Fadi. If you want to absorb the ‘Lizards’ into that ‘Provisional’ corps of yours… you’ll have to talk to him.”

Her words were, in effect, a total concession.

“…Are you sure? I thought a King never abandons their people.”

“Heh. You remembered that? …You’re right. I never intended to let go… But I think I’ve found someone I can trust to take over.”

She slowly stood up and walked over to Fadi, who was still unconscious from magic exhaustion. She lifted him into her arms and glanced at her surroundings.

“Alright, you lot! The fight’s over! Collect our dead, and let’s get the hell out of here!”

“””Yes, ma’am!”””

As Dorothea gave orders, I hoisted Princess Valtrune onto my own back. Right, I’d forgotten to ask one thing.

“Dorothea.”

“…What’s with the grim face?”

I pointed at the depot entrance.

“Didn’t you say the only way to open these doors… was for your magic to break when you died?”

That’s what I wanted to know. How do we get out?

Dorothea tilted her head, then looked away, as if playing dumb.

“…Stupid question. I never planned on any of us walking out of here alive. So, no. The doors won’t open.”

“You mean… we’re trapped.”

“Ah. Well… yes. That’s what it means.”

Her voice was calm, but this was a serious problem.

“Ah, it’ll be fine!”

“Yeah! As long as Lady Dorothea’s alive, who cares!”

The ‘Lizards’ clearly didn’t grasp the severity of the situation.

“Even if we try to force it, that door looks way too solid to break easily.”

“I know. And I reinforced it with magic. It’s tougher than it looks.”

“…Seriously, what are we going to do?”

“We’ll have to break it, won’t we? That swordsmanship of yours… the one that crushed ‘Red Broad.’ Show us what it can do.”

She said it, then let out a huge, lazy yawn.

“By the way, I’m… ‘recovering.’ So I’m leaving the rest to you.”

And with that, she walked to a corner and lit a cigarette.

Where did all that battlefield intensity go?

She was… unbelievably selfish.

“Hey, Aldia! Is that true? We’re trapped?” Flegel ran over, his brow furrowed.

“Yeah… afraid so.”

“Lady Valtrune and Fadi are both out cold… It’s up to us.”

Flegel, wasting no time, started blasting the sealed iron doors with magic. But…

“…It’s not budging.” He whispered, his voice full of despair.

“…Hah. I’ll help.”

“Please. My magic isn’t even scratching it…”

In the end, it took us over two hours to break the door down. And that was with the help of all the ‘Lizards’ (minus Dorothea). A normal iron door would have taken ten minutes… It just shows how powerful a mage Dorothea really was.

“Oh. You’re done? That was, like, ten times faster than I thought.”

Her complete lack of remorse… I had a feeling she was going to be a permanent headache.

“Next time… clean up your own mess.”

“Don’t get so worked up over little things. Stress will kill you, you know?”

“I don’t want to hear that from the person who actually just died.”

“Heh. I thought you were just some stiff-necked knight. You’re actually pretty funny. I like you.”

“…Thanks.”

We finally passed through the warped, mangled doorway. The mission was, at last, over.

…Now, for the mountain of paperwork.

“Hey! Hey! The ‘White Smoke Lizards’ are officially our allies!”

Fadi, giving me a cheerful thumbs-up, looked happier than I’d seen him in a long time.

I shoved a mountain of documents aside on my desk to look at him.

“…That’s great.”

“Huh? You don’t sound very excited.”

“Well… it was an absolute nightmare integrating the ‘Lizards’ into the Provisional Elite Corps. The negotiations, the paperwork, fabricating new identities for every single member, pulling strings for the new unit’s budget…”

Honestly, the battle was the easy part. Three days and three nights in this office, non-stop… I never want to go through that hell again.

“Ahaha! You look so alive when you’re fighting, but right now you look like a zombie!”

It had been five days since the battle. ‘The White Smoke Lizards’ were now officially an intelligence division under Fadi’s command, answering directly to the Princess. And among their members was Dorothea, who had, by Princess Valtrune’s hand, been pulled back from the brink of death.

“Just so we’re clear, the fact that they are the ‘White Smoke Lizards’…”

“I know, I know! My lips are sealed.”

“Good.”

It was, of course, a secret. As far as the official records were concerned, they were just a group of commoners from the slums who had been recruited.

“…And please, keep them in line, will you? If they cause any more trouble, I will die.”

“You got it, boss!~”

“…I’m not kidding.”

Was it really a good idea to make Fadi their leader?

Well, Dorothea is there to supervise him… which, now that I think about it, is probably worse. They’re just going to cause trouble together.

I was half-hopeful, half-terrified. What this new unit would bring to the corps was still a complete unknown.

“And then! And then! Dorothea said…!”

“Uh-huh, I’m listening.”

“She… she praised me! She actually…”

“I see. Wow.”

“And then…”

“Mhm.”

I was half-listening, half-working, when Fadi suddenly shouted, “AH!” I jumped, my shoulders lurching.

“…What is it now?”

“Oh! I… I totally forgot to tell you something.”

“Forgot?” Before I could ask “What?” he snapped to attention, straightened his back, and gave me a deep, formal bow.

“Thank you very much… for saving the ‘White Smoke Lizards’—my important people!”

It was a thanks filled with genuine sincerity. But I didn’t really do all that much.

“You should be saying that to Rune-sama, not me.”

“Oh, I already thanked her! And Flegel, too! You’re the last one. Hehe.”

He shuffled his feet, looking embarrassed.

“…If you guys hadn’t helped… the ‘Lizards’ would have been wiped out. And Dorothea… she wouldn’t have made it. So all of us… we’re just really, really grateful.”

Being thanked… it didn’t feel bad. And if they really felt that indebted to us, it meant things had gone exactly as I’d hoped.

“…If you’re grateful, then work hard for Rune-sama. That’s the best way you ‘Lizards’ can repay the favor.”

“Yeah! We will!”

A unit composed entirely of former underworld operatives. The potential for disaster was high. But I don’t think they’ll ever betray Princess Valtrune. Fadi’s gratitude… it felt real.

Fadi’s magic sent the enemy forces into chaos. The black fog clinging to their eyes stole not just their sight, but their composure.

“…We might be able to win this.”

“Yes. But, Fadi…”

Fadi was slowly collapsing behind us. He must have pushed himself to the brink of unconsciousness to cast that spell. We couldn’t let his effort go to waste. We had to finish this.

“…Rune-sama. I’ll handle this.”

“I’m going, too.”

“No…”

I put my hand on Princess Valtrune’s shoulder and looked behind her. Dorothea. The woman who had led the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ this far. Her lifeless form looked dead, but her chest was still rising and falling, faintly.

“Rune-sama, please, heal her.”

“…Healing magic isn’t all-powerful, Al. I can’t guarantee I can save her.”

“Even so, please.”

“…I understand. But don’t expect a miracle.”

I’d already guessed as much from her expression. Dorothea’s chances were almost zero. Healing magic closes wounds and stops bleeding, but it can’t replace the blood that’s been lost. It’s not some convenient miracle that can regrow limbs or pull someone back from the dead. On top of that, it was an advanced magic that consumed an enormous amount of energy. If Valtrune used it on Dorothea, she would likely exhaust her reserves and be unable to return to the fight.

—And yet, I wanted her saved. It wasn’t about sentiment. Dorothea is the spiritual backbone of the ‘White Smoke Lizards.’ Even if her chances were slim, if we can save her, it will put the ‘Lizards’ in our eternal debt. This was a necessary step for the future.

“Please, I’m counting on you.”

“Very well. I’m leaving the rest of the battle to you.”

We turned in opposite directions. I glanced up at Flegel. ‘Protect Rune-sama.’ I conveyed as much with my eyes. He gave a slight nod and immediately began firing spells at enemies near her. With that, the chances of her being ambushed were almost zero. I could focus on what was in front of me.

I stepped over the corpses and raised my sword.

“To grant Rune-sama’s wish, I need Dorothea’s strength. I’m more than enough for these grunts.”

My objective: rapid annihilation.

My job: to take their heads with minimal movement.

Nothing special. Just the same, simple massacre I’d carried out time and time again.

“—Hup!”

I kicked off walls and containers, blurring through the space. I ran my blade along the neck of a panicked enemy and swung.

“Gueh!”

“Ugh…!”

“Gik!”

Blinded by Fadi’s magic, they died without even fighting back. I’d expected more resistance, but the loss of their vision was clearly more devastating than I’d thought.

“Guh…!”

I’d pierce one’s chest, and the screams of terror would choke and die.

“…Looks like I won’t have to lose myself this time.”

I flicked the blood from my sword and moved to the next. My blade never slowed, cutting down dozens at once.

“Ugh!”

“Gyah!”

“Guha…”

There was no high, this time. No euphoria from the killing. Perhaps because Princess Valtrune was behind me. That single shred of pride, the part of me that refused to show her my ‘other’ side, was holding my baser instincts in check. And yet… I was killing them faster than when I was rampaging.

“I see. By maintaining a calm mind, even in an extreme situation, I can move to the next action more quickly. That’s good to know.”

I gave a silent thanks for the new discovery as I sent a spray of flesh into the air.

“And… you’re the last one.”

“Wha—!?”

“Everyone else is dead. And now… I’m sending you to join them.”

He still couldn’t see. The last survivor, the ‘Red Broad’ leader, was pouring sweat, screaming and swinging his sword at phantoms. I just watched his pathetic display and sighed.

“Well. No last words, then?”

“W-Wait! Let’s talk—!”

“There’s no need.”

“Gih… GAAAAH…!”

I ignored his plea and jammed my sword straight into his open mouth. Blood streamed from his jaw. His limbs began to twitch.

“Since you’re the last one… I’ll give you a special, long, drawn-out death.”

“—!”

“Can’t even scream? Oh, my bad. Looks like I crushed your throat, too.”

I twisted the blade, and his ruined larynx was exposed. As I listened to the air hiss from the new hole in his neck, I whispered in his ear.

“‘Red Broad’ is finished. You’ll all die pathetically in this filthy, dark depot. Heh… A fitting end for a bunch of stupid animals, don’t you think?”

“—!”

Because of them, the ‘Lizards’ paid a heavy price. They stole people who could have been a great asset to Princess Valtrune. That crime… is heavy.

“This was a chance to get the ‘Lizards’ on our side, and because of you, so many of them died. You’ll pay for that with your worthless life.”

“Uu…k…”

I shoved the sword deeper and sneered at his tear-streaked face.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be sending soldiers to all your other bases to root out the rest of your friends. Isn’t that great? …You all get to go to hell together.”

“Nnngh…!!”

Anyone who makes trouble for Princess Valtrune… deserves to die a thousand deaths. Don’t you dare think any of you are getting out of this alive. I looked down at the man and tightened my grip.

“That’s enough small talk… Let’s end this.”

“—”

I yanked the sword up, splitting his head in two.

“…That was anti-climactic.”

I watched the blood pool on the floor, and sheathed my sword. Every ‘Red Broad’ member here… was dead. Unfortunately, the ‘Lizards’ had also taken devastating losses.

But…

“…As long as Rune-sama is alive, that’s all that matters.”

The battle was harder than we’d thought, but we’d done it. We’d given the ‘Lizards’ their victory. Now, they would be under Princess Valtrune’s control.

I looked back at her, still kneeling by Dorothea, then at the surviving ‘Lizards.’ They were all transfixed, watching her, praying for Dorothea’s survival. They weren’t cheering their victory. Just… watching.

…Ah. This is perfect.

Whether Dorothea lives or dies, they’ve now witnessed Princess Valtrune’s compassion. They will be devoted to her.

“If she lives, it’s a bonus. If she dies… well… Rune-sama has still earned their trust. That’s a guarantee.”

The reek of blood… and the sound of rain.

We’d won. And we’d gained a loyal new asset. As far as I’m concerned… that’s a happy ending.

I think… she’s already gone.

I placed my hand on Dorothea’s wound, and my breath caught. The amount of blood… ‘Blood loss’ was the only thought in my head.

“…Please.”

I used the healing magic, pouring all of my power into her. The wounds… they were closing, but the blood just wouldn’t stop.

“…!”

The sudden drain of magic sent a spike of pain through my head.

“I will save you…!”

But I stubbornly kept pouring magic into her. Logically, I should have been fighting. Wiping out ‘Red Broad’ was more important than saving one person… that was the smart choice. But… I chose to heal her. The reason was simple. The one person I trust in this world, my personal knight, Aldia… he had bowed his head and begged me.

‘Please, I’m counting on you.’

I saw his face… so strong, and so serious. I couldn’t say no. He has such a kind heart… he just couldn’t accept her death. Or maybe… he couldn’t bear to see Fadi suffer… Either way, I wanted to honor his wish.

“I know you want to protect everyone.”

I want to grant his wish. I want to be the ruler he deserves. So I will save Dorothea.

“—!”

I kept pushing, but her condition wasn’t getting better. Her breathing… so slow. Her heart… so faint.

No. Not like this!

“Live… Please!”

I held onto her, and I shouted.

“—!”

Deep down, I knew it wouldn’t change anything. The wounds were closed. My magic was gone. All I could do was pray.

Whether she would wake… I just didn’t know. The men I’d seen with wounds this bad… ninety percent of them didn’t make it. And the ones who did, they were never the same. The chances of a full recovery were not even one percent.

I touched her neck. A pulse, so weak. Her forehead was covered in sweat. She looked like she was in so much pain.

“…She’s fading.”

She’s probably going to die. But still…

“Please… There are so many people who need you… The ‘Lizards’ need you. Fadi still needs you. No one wants this… You don’t want to die here, do you?”

—Live.

“Your people… they’re waiting for you.”

—You can’t die.

“I need your help to protect the Empire… to build a new future.”

—You’re not allowed to die here.

“—PLEASE! COME BACK!”

I screamed, pouring all my will into it, and my vision went white. A blinding flash, it filled the depot. It was coming from her hand. The one I was holding.

“What…?”

Magic… a torrent of magic was flowing into me. And through me into her. Her whole body was glowing.

—Ah. She’s going to be okay.

I didn’t know where it was coming from… but I knew.

“…With this, Dorothea is safe…”

The tension left me, and my vision blurred. My upper body grows heavy, swaying side to side before collapsing over Dorothea.

“RUNE-SAMA!”

And just before I lost consciousness… the cry of my beloved personal knight echoes in my ears.

A flash of steel, a single brilliant strike, cutting down our enemies and pulling us one step closer to victory. A blinding flare of magic, so bright it seared the eyes, burning the blood-soaked battlefield clean.

“…Hmph. They’re outnumbered more than three to one. And yet…”

Why are they all still so full of fight?

They could have just given up. Accepted their fate. That would have been the most realistic, the smartest way for this to end. But not a single one of them would allow it.

“Honestly… The Princess’s people, my people… they’re all idiots.”

My comrades, one after another, accepting their own deaths as they charge to the front line.

“Lady Dorothea, I’m going!”

“We’ll get you out of this alive, ma’am, I swear it!”

Every one of them said they were fighting to keep me alive. They raised their weapons, and they died. It’s foolish. Utterly foolish. Risking their precious lives for a worthless woman like me.

And that little brat, too.

“Dorothea! When this is all over, I’m gonna work you to the bone as my agent in the Provisional Elite Corps! You better be ready!”

Fadi isn’t one of the ‘Lizards’ anymore. His skills were recognized by the Princess, and he’s serving her now. He looks more alive than he ever did back here. He has no reason to help us. But he’s here, for me, and for his old comrades.

I knew he would be. I knew that no matter where he went, or who he served… he’d never just throw away his connection to us.

“…Nothing but idiots.”

The good ones, the stupid ones… they always die first. I’ve watched them go, time and time again, and I’ve survived. At some point, the tears just dried up. I chose to live for myself. I kept leading the ‘Lizards,’ telling myself I had to keep going, no matter how ugly it got, just to prove their deaths weren’t meaningless.

That’s the kind of cruel Queen I was.

Yes… I’ve made… cruel decisions.

But not this time.

“…Huh? Lady Dorothea?”

“I’m going.”

“Wha—wait! Please…!”

I cut off my subordinate’s confused protest. My magic is gone, but I ran, ran into that reeking hell.

“It’s time… this all ended.”

Being Queen… it was comfortable. And it was agonizing. I crushed my own heart. I watched my comrades die. I clung to a pathetic, worthless life.

But that…

“…is over.”

In the center of the chaos, Fadi was standing alone, surrounded. For all his big talk, for all his bravado… he was covered in cuts.

“Pathetic.”

“—! Wha…?”

He turned, his eyes wide with shock. I spoke in my usual, low, calm voice.

“It’s nothing. Just felt like it.”

Such a convenient lie. My entire life has been a lie. I’ve always hated myself, the me who faked everything.

But… this one lie…

“—!”

“Doro…thea?”

…It doesn’t hurt. And I don’t hate myself for it. It’s… a kind lie.

She tackled me, shoving me out of the way, and then… she just… lay on top of me, unmoving.

“Doro…thea?”

She was smiling, a smile gentler than any I’d ever seen. And she coughed, spitting up thick, dark blood.

“Kaha…!”

“Wh-What… did…”

Her back… there were arrows sticking out of her back. So many.

She whispered, her lips trembling.

“Damn… You’re a handful… right to the end…”

Red. Everything was red. My head felt like it was boiling. I could feel her warmth… her blood, all over me.

Why. Why. Why did you protect me?

My mind… won’t work. The blood… it’s just… gushing from the wounds, it won’t stop.

“WHAT DID YOU DO!? DOROTHEA!”

My scream tore through the warehouse.

“…Heh. Don’t… cry.”

“—!”

She was trying so hard, her blood-soaked fingers reaching for my face, to wipe away my tears. I grabbed her hand, her slender, fine-boned hand, and clutched it, my chest feeling like it was about to rip apart.

“Why…”

My throat was raw. I couldn’t speak. My vision blurred and warped as the tears welled up, and a deep, bone-chilling cold washed over me.

“…Are you… okay? You’re not… hurt?”

“I’m fine… because you… you protected me.”

“Good… Then… it was worth it…”

Her eyes… the black cloth was in the way, I couldn’t see them, but… I could feel the light, the strength… just… fading.

I shook her, my hands on her shoulders, as my own tears streamed down.

“I’m sorry… I… I let my guard down… it’s my fault… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”

I choked on my own sobs. There’s so much more I wanted to say. But all that came out was “sorry.”

She just… smiled at me.

“Fadi… a promise… The ‘Lizards’… they’re… yours…”

“What are you… talking about!? You’re… you’re still the Queen! You said you would be, until I was an old man… You said you’d never give up the throne! You said that!”

“…Heh. Sorry… Looks like… that’s not… going to…”

“Uu…!”

The warmth… was leaving her. I pressed my hands to her wounds, but the blood wouldn’t stop.

“Fadi… please… The ‘Lizards’… you… you lead… them…”

“No! Wait… Don’t… Don’t leave me… please… Dorothea!”

Her fingers went limp. Her hand slipped from mine, falling with a heavy, final weight.

“…Ah.”

Through my tears, I saw the corner of her mouth twitch, a faint, tiny smile. And…

“…Thank… you… I’m… glad it was you…”

“—!”

Wait. Wait. WAIT!

I shook her, my hands on her shoulders, shook her, but… she didn’t speak again.

“Why…”

I couldn’t hear the battle, couldn’t hear anything. I just… stared at her face.

“…Tell me. Why… why are you smiling like that? I… I don’t understand you… I never did…”

Her face, so peaceful. Her eyes closed.

She wouldn’t answer me.

‘…Thank… you… I’m… glad it was you…’

And then… she was gone.

His ugly, writhing agony filled my vision. The filthy, stubbled man, now unarmed, clung to my feet and begged.

“H… Help, guh!”

“…Don’t fuck with me.”

Before he could even finish pleading for his life, I slit his throat with my knife.

Seeing Dorothea’s lifeless form, an anger greater than anything I had ever known boiled up inside me. Her breathing was already faint. From the amount of blood she’d lost, she probably wouldn’t make it.

I couldn’t stand to watch the moment she stopped breathing, so I quietly left her side and began walking toward the enemy lines.

“…I’ll never forgive them. Never!”

Dorothea, so adored by the organization’s members. Seeing her stained crimson, every last member of the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ was seized by the same fury.

“Lady Dorothea…!”

“This happened because we weren’t strong enough…”

“‘Red Broad’… We’ll crush you!”

Our allies had been reduced to fewer than twenty men.

The inside of the weapons warehouse was lined with the corpses of friend and foe alike, lying in pools of blood.

Both organizations had lost too many. There was no turning back. This fight wouldn’t end until one side was completely wiped out.

“…Let’s go. We have no choice but to move forward.”

As my low growl echoed, the members of the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ trembled with regret and screamed.

“UWAAAAAAAAAAH…!”

“How dare you… do that to Lady Dorothea!”

“We won’t let you escape. We’ll kill every last one of you…!”

The group, now filled with hatred, lost all fear of pain, injury, and death. They became obsessed with a single purpose: killing the detestable enemy before them.

And the one leading this pitiful band, drowned in their own hatred, was the one grieving Dorothea’s loss more than anyone.

“Everyone, listen up! In Dorothea’s place, I will lead the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ from now on!”

Until this moment, I’d had nothing weighing me down. Living freely, unburdened—that was my way.

I had been in an environment that allowed it. But my time soaking in that lukewarm water is over as of today. The one who guaranteed my freedom… is gone. The curse she carried on her back—now, I will be the one to inherit it.

“By order of Fadi, successor to Dorothea as leader of the ‘White Smoke Lizards’! Kill every last member of ‘Red Broad’! It’s the only offering we can give to those who died!”

My allies all nodded as one, acknowledging and welcoming their new boss.

“Fadi! We were waiting for that order!”

“Yeah! I’ll take one of them down before I die!”

“We’ll carve our legacy into those ‘Red Broad’ bastards!”

The few remaining avengers steeled their resolve once more.

“All units, forward!”

It was an all-out assault with our remaining forces. The enemy still numbered over a hundred. For us, with fewer than twenty, the situation was beyond desperate.

The world isn’t kind enough that you can win on momentum alone. And so, even as they advanced, fueled by resentment, one after another, my allies began to fall, overwhelmed by the enemy’s numbers.

This is bad. At this rate, we’ll be worn down and wiped out!

We were losing on every front, everywhere I looked.

I can’t let it end here.

I can’t die, not until I’ve avenged Dorothea.

It was a gruesome scene of despair. But amid the chaos, there were two people who were not buckling to the violence of superior numbers.

“—Hah!”

“—Hup!”

It was Lady Valtrune and her knight.

Within their precise movements, I could see the trust they shared.

The Knight mowed down enemies with his sword, and in perfect time with his movements, Lady Valtrune unleashed one pinpoint-accurate spell after another. They probably wouldn’t die in this battle.

Even if every member of the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ was slaughtered, even if the entire remaining force of ‘Red Broad’ tried to kill those two, their seamless coordination would never allow a blade to reach them.

That’s right. Those two are our hope. The only ones with a chance of victory.

If that was the case, then we still had a shot.

“Buy me thirty seconds… no, ten seconds is fine! Can you buy me time?”

I shouted. The two of them exchanged a glance, took in the enemies swarming them, and nodded.

“Got it! We’ll buy you the time!”

“I’ll land one heavy blow, Rune-sama.”

“Right!”

As her knight lunged, Princess Valtrune leaped high and backward, beginning to prepare a spell.

“Like hell you will!”

“Die!”

The enemies that rushed her…

“As if rabble like you could stand before Rune-sama.”

…were sent flying by her knight’s black sword.

I won’t let them lay a single finger on my master. That overwhelming determination filled the battlefield air with tension.

In the moment the enemy faltered, Princess Valtrune created a thick wall of ice, completely cutting off ‘Red Broad’s’ advance.

“This should buy us some time.”

“Fadi!”

The two of them turned, their eyes filled with trust.

They had blocked the enemy’s advance with ease. For my sake, they had used time they could have spent killing enemies on a different maneuver. In that case, I have to do my part to repay that trust.

I had no magic left in my body. I’d used it all on the sight-sharing spell. But just because I’m out of magic doesn’t mean I can’t use it.

I downed a magic recovery potion in one gulp and squeezed out my power once more.

“I won’t even give you time to struggle!”

A black mist began to drift around the feet of the clustered ‘Red Broad’ members.

“It’s over. Just die in ignorance, without understanding a thing.”

The mist thickened, growing in volume, and inflicted an abnormal status on all who it faintly touched.

“…My eyes.”

“It’s dark! I can’t see!”

The exact opposite of Sight-Share—【Sight-Steal】.

It was a status-effect magic that used the black mist as a medium. It could completely steal the sight of those it touched for a minimum of two or three minutes. It was a short duration, but in this situation, its impact was decisive.

“…Ngh.”

Strength left my arms and legs. It was a spell that required far more magic than the potion could recover. The deficit must have been drawn from the physical stamina I needed to move my body.

And even that wasn’t enough. I feel like it drained some of my life force… my lifespan, too. Oh well…

“…Doesn’t matter.”

There’s no point in dying while holding back my trump card.

My consciousness grew hazy. A fierce headache crashed down on me, along with a sensation of crushing gravity.

“The rest… is up to you.”

I said it in a small voice to the reliable, black-clad back of the Knight, who was cutting down the confused enemies on the front line. He didn’t look back, but seeing him and the dignified Lady Valtrune beside him, burying our foes, filled me with a sense of relief.

“Lady Dorothea. The scouts have made visual contact with ‘Red Broad’s’ forces.”

Inside the weapons depot, the atmosphere grew frantic, with people moving everywhere.

“It’s finally beginning.”

Princess Valtrune squeezed my hand, hard. In response, I gently squeezed her pale, beautiful hand back.

“It’s fine. We’ll win this, too.”

“I’m counting on you.”

The ‘Lizards’ were already in position. Within our line of sight, just under twenty of them were in formation, ready to meet the enemy. All that was left was us…

“Dorothea. So, what do we do?”

“You’re the rear guard. Form up around me. If things go bad, you’re the last line of defense.”

Dorothea crossed her arms, her sharp gaze fixed on the massive double doors in the distance.

Fadi looked away from Dorothea’s serious expression and waved Flegel over.

“Okay, Flegel. Let’s get on standby over there.”

“Ah. Right.”

They deftly climbed the depot’s inner framework, positioning themselves up high.

From that perch, they could watch the whole battle and provide support as needed. Since they both use magic, they could also act as a deterrent to the enemy’s advance.

“…What should we do?”

Princess Valtrune could provide ranged support with her magic, but as a pure close-combat fighter, I’d be useless up high.

“I’ll join the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ on the ground, but…”

“Then, so will I.”

“Rune-sama, you don’t need to take such a risk…”

“Al? You’re forbidden from fighting alone.”

“But there are other people here this time…”

“No. I’m fighting at your side. Understood?”

“…Understood.”

Defeated by her words, I could only nod.

“…In that case, Rune-sama. Do not leave my side for an instant.”

“I won’t. I’ll be right by your side.”

It almost sounded like a love confession, but I was sure I was imagining it.

I was watching her long white hair sway, but a shout of “They’re here!” snapped my full attention to the battle.

The weapons depot was a maze of jumbled, rusted iron containers.

‘Red Broad’ couldn’t just charge in a straight line. They stood, weapons in hand, glaring at us from a distance.

“Well, well! If it isn’t the ‘White Smoke Lizards’! …You had a lot of nerve refusing our offer, didn’t you? HUH?”

As their leader roared, Dorothea stepped forward, the click-clack of her boots echoing. Her long gray hair swayed as she radiated a quiet fury.

“Offer? Hah. You mean that nonsense about becoming your puppets? How absurd. We’re smart. We have no interest in working for idiots.”

“You bitch… I’ll kill you!”

“Know your place, you brainless thug. Trash.”

The vile insults flew, and the mutual hatred between them peaked.

“Fine… We’ll kill you all. It’s too late to beg.”

“We’ll slaughter every one of you. Show no mercy.”

With those final words from their leaders, the battle began.

‘Red Broad’s’ numbers were far greater than expected. A quick glance showed well over three hundred. With the advantage in numbers, ‘Red Broad’ naturally began to push forward with overwhelming force.

“Uraaa!”

“Die!”

But Dorothea just stood there, watching them approach, her expression cool. And then, she slowly lowered her hand.

“Just like always. In the fog… kill every last one of them.”

In an instant, the entire interior of the weapons depot was enveloped in a thick, white fog. And then, a heavy thud… like a massive lock being thrown.

“Wh-What…?”

“Huh?”

I heard the confused shouts from ‘Red Broad’s’ side, followed by Dorothea’s demonic laughter echoing through the warehouse.

“Fufu. There’s no exit, you muscle-bound morons. This is your grave.”

“Wha—!”

Her taunt was met with enraged roars. ‘Red Broad,’ completely enraged, accelerated their charge. But that, too, was part of her plan.

“—Go.”

At her low, husky command, the ‘White Smoke Lizards’ near us, unfazed by the fog, rushed forward.

“Gaaah!”

“Ugh…”

There was no clang of steel on steel. Just the screams of men, caught defenseless, being cut down from all directions.

“What’s going on?”

I felt the same as Princess Valtrune, and called up to the rafters.

“Flegel! What’s the situation?”

I heard a faint, sharp intake of breath.

“It’s… a one-sided slaughter.”

“…Huh?”

“The ‘Lizards’ are just… tearing them apart! ‘Red Broad’ is blind and stumbling around, but the ‘Lizards’ are moving like they can see everything!”

The fog should have blinded both sides. I’d thought the fog was just a way to neutralize the numbers and turn it into a game of chance. So why were the ‘Lizards’ able to attack so decisively?

The fog was clearly Dorothea’s magic, but I couldn’t understand what was allowing them to bypass it. In fact, Valtrune and I were just as blind as the enemy, reduced to just listening to the sounds of the massacre.

“…Fadi, do you know what’s going on?”

“…”

“Fadi?”

“…Hm? Oh, sorry! I was focusing on the ‘sight-share.’ What’s up?”

His voice was relaxed, but his words were… intriguing.

“‘Sight-share’? Explain.”

After a mutter of “…Oops, forgot,” Fadi cleared his throat.

“Uh, right. ‘Sight-Share’ is a unique magic Dorothea taught me! It lets us share our vision with allies, so we can see the battle from different angles. It’s awesome. You two wanna see?”

Before I could answer, a high-angle view of the weapons depot flooded my mind. The battlefield, which should have been shrouded in fog, was crystal clear. The sight-share must cancel the fog’s effects as well. This was…

“The ‘White Smoke Lizards” ultimate trump card… a way to create a completely one-sided battle.”

“A powerful magic.”

The fog magic and the sight-share. The two of them, used together, allowed for this one-sided slaughter in a confined space.

“Awesome, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Buuut, since Dorothea kinda forced this magic into existence, it has downsides. The sight-share eats magic, and the fog… well, it actually blinds the caster, too, and messes with their vision.”

Those were major drawbacks, but the effect was undeniable. Just one person with this magic could elevate an entire organization’s combat strength. If this way of fighting became common, it would change the very nature of warfare.

“…With this, we can…”

“…We can fight.”

The high perch gave a view of the entire battle. It was unaffected by the fog. Therefore, we could unilaterally track the position of every enemy and ally.

“Haah!”

Princess Valtrune unleashed a spell forward.

“Ugah!”

“A direct hit… This is incredible.”

The disconnect in perspective—our viewpoint being so far from our bodies—would take getting used to, but the magic was extremely powerful.

…With this, I can go, too.

“Rune-sama. I’m moving in.”

“I’m with you!”

We moved past Dorothea on either side and entered the heart of the melee. We had been told to be the rear guard, but this was our chance to push, and we should take it. We slipped past our allies, taking the shortest route to the thickest concentration of enemies.

“Hey, wait! Even with the advantage, you’re going too deep—”

“We don’t need cover. Just follow Dorothea’s orders.”

“Tch… just two of them… Are they insane?”

The ‘Lizard’ tried to stop us, but it was pointless. Unlike them, who fought in tight, coordinated formations, we were a last-minute addition. Being near allies would just restrict our movements and keep us from fighting at our full potential.

“Al, left!”

“—!”

I swung my sword in the direction she pointed. It pierced an enemy’s heart, sending a gruesome spray of blood and gore.

“Rune-sama, behind you!”

“Right!”

The fireball she launched blasted several enemies at once. We were in the heart of the enemy line, no allies nearby, and certainly no hope of support.

“…Fufu. It’s been a while since we’ve done this.”

“It’s nothing compared to the old days.”

In this white, misty space, it was just the two of us, back-to-back. We parried countless attacks, striking back instantly. She unleashed spells in the openings my swordplay created.

The roar of explosions. Agonized cries and the weak moans of the dying, crawling on the ground for help.

We moved lightly over the blood-soaked ground, our strikes and her magic in perfect, deadly sync, without a fraction of a second’s delay.

“Hehe… What are those two? They’re… just too strong.”

“Aldia and Lady Valtrune… they’re moving as one.”

In this second life, we knew each other’s every move. We had, after all, guided the great war between the Kingdom and the Empire with our own hands.

“Al!”

“Rune-sama!”

The enemy numbers weren’t thinning, but their assault was definitely slowing.

Princess Valtrune’s transcendent magic turned them to ash, and my sharp blade pierced them.

“The Princess and her Knight… Their level is just… different. Alone, they’re destroyers. Together, a cataclysm… So that’s the ‘makings of a King.'”

Even under that sharp, appraising gaze, we continued to cut them down. We fought like that, lost in the battle, for over ten minutes. We’d killed dozens, but our pace never faltered. At this rate, we’d win. Easily.

A hope born in the white fog… But in the next instant, we learned just how fragile that hope was.

“Everyone, pull back! The fog is clearing!”

The shout came from Fadi, who was watching from above. Looking around, I could see the fog was much thinner than before.

“We’re pulling back.”

I took Valtrune’s hand, and we fell back from the front line.

“Tch. Out of gas.”

“Sorry. The sight-share just hit its limit.”

Both the fog and the mass sight-share consumed massive amounts of magic. As the fog vanished, the overhead view in my mind disappeared completely.

Fadi and Dorothea were out of magic. Which meant our huge advantage was gone.

“…Alright. How much did we even the odds?”

Dorothea, panting, wiped the sweat from her forehead and counted the remaining ‘Red Broad’ forces. A moment later, she let out a long sigh.

“Damn. We didn’t thin them out enough…”

“Looks like… there’s still about one-fifty. This is bad.”

“The original plan was to wipe out their numbers completely. That… failed.”

Dorothea ground her teeth, her eyes narrowing in regret.

They’d expected two hundred. ‘Red Broad’ had brought over three hundred. The fog strategy was sound, but it had been based on a fatal miscalculation of the enemy’s numbers.

“Lady Dorothea. We’ve lost four. And the scouts we posted outside haven’t returned… I’m assuming they’re all dead.”

“—!”

Our losses were small, but they were still losses. They had wanted a quick, decisive battle. Reality was not so kind.

“Rune-sama. From here on…”

“I know it’s dangerous… But we have no path of retreat, do we?”

I couldn’t deny it. The weapons depot was completely sealed. It was a trap set by the ‘White Smoke Lizards,’ and now it had become a noose, strangling its own creators.

“Is there a way to open the doors?”

I asked Dorothea, wanting an escape route, any escape route. But she just stared at the ground, clenching her trembling fist.

“…There’s one way. The magic breaks when I die.”

“Then—!”

“The only path left… is to fight against these overwhelming numbers. You understand. If you don’t want to die, then fight with all your strength.”

The ‘Red Broad’ forces were closing in. Slowly, they advanced, a shrinking circle, eating up the space within the depot.

There was no time to think. As I stared, my eyes wide, Dorothea roared at me.

“You knew this was a possibility, didn’t you!? Knight! If you don’t want your Princess to die, then kill all one-fifty of them! That’s your job! If you can’t… then die here with the rest of us!”

…That’s right. We knew the risks when we agreed to this.

It’s too late to think about running. I don’t need to taste the bitter sting of defeat. It doesn’t matter if it’s ugly or ‘un-knightly.’ I will cling to the victory that glitters before me. That is my duty.

“…Understood. But from now on… I’m taking charge.”

“Hmph. You’ve been the center of attention from the start. …Your fight is our lifeline. If you die, and the front line collapses… that’s the end for all of us.”

That was… a heavy responsibility. So many lives, all on my shoulders. A relentless battle where defeat is not an option. The pressure and tension were crushing. But…

“Aah. A total, exhausting war. Guess we gotta try…”

“…I refuse to die here. I can’t die until I see Mariana again!”

I had my comrades at my back. And right next to me, my strongest, noblest, and most beautiful liege.

“Al. Just like before… In fact, let’s aim to wipe them all out.”

My beloved Princess Valtrune was with me.

I closed my eyes, and I could hear our allies rallying around us.

“They won’t lay a finger on Lady Dorothea…!”

“We’re not losing to ‘Red Broad’!”

“Crush them!”

Our morale was high. The odds were low, but victory was still possible.

“…I’ll lead the vanguard.”

I gripped my black sword and glared at the roiling, vicious mass of enemies.

‘Red Broad’ was still pushing, stepping over the bodies of their own fallen, aiming to crush us with numbers. There were no obvious openings, but… I could see weak points in their formation.

“We’ll break them from the weakest flank.”

“Then I’ll be the decoy in the center!”

Fadi shot his hand up. Beside him, Flegel shook his soft, blond hair.

“Then I’ll provide magic support, so Fadi doesn’t die.”

“Right. Don’t overdo it, you two.”

The plan was set. We split up and began the charge.

Fadi’s decoy unit took the center. The right flank was a skeleton crew, just to hold them back. And the left… that was us. Our target. A wall of flesh and steel that promised only death. Our survival lay on the other side of that wall.

“All units, form up… GO!”

The warriors of ‘The White Smoke Lizards’ roared, and plunged into the kill zone. The clash of steel. The world shook.

“Kill them all! The ‘Lizards’ are finished!”

“Shut up! You’re the ones who are gonna die!”

“We will win!”

“We won’t lose!”

Blood sprayed. In an instant, so many lives, so many wills… extinguished.

We were splattered with blood, but no one cared. We were all focused on one thing… burning our lives in the heat of battle.

“Haah…!”

My sword tore through flesh.

“Fuh!”

Her magic flashed, ending them.

We pushed off the ground, flowing into the next move.

The Personal Knight of the Princess: Aldia Graetz.

The Imperial Princess of Valugan: Valtrune von Felsdorf.

Two souls, tossed by a cruel fate… now resisting that torrent with all their might.

“We will absolutely—!”

“We will, without fail—!”

“—Return to the capital alive!”

Two days after our visit to the headquarters of ‘The White Smoke Lizards’—the day of the battle with ‘Red Broad’ arrived with a ferocious storm.

Rain lashed against the windows, over and over. Deep puddles spread across the ground, and the visibility was so poor that the distant mountains were just a blur.

“Al. It’s time.”

“Yes.”

Even on a day this cold and ominous, there was no cancelling or postponing our plan. Princess Valtrune, a waterproof cloak over her head, stared up at the black clouds, map in hand.

“…Today will decide the future of the Provisional Elite Corps.”

It sounded like an overstatement, but she wasn’t far wrong.

‘The White Smoke Lizards’ was a massive organization, one of the three great powers, with many skilled members. Whether or not we could get them on our side would drastically change our fate.

“If we fail to form an alliance with them, our future battles are going to be incredibly difficult.”

“I know. That’s why we must win today! …By the way, just to be sure, the Provisional Elite Corps…”

“Yes. I’ve ordered the entire corps to rest. You don’t need to worry about them interfering.”

This battle cannot be known to the public.

If any of the corps members were to find out that Princess Valtrune herself was participating in a shadow war, they would likely faint. To prevent anyone from coming near the battle site, I had forbidden all activity in the capital’s outskirts for today only.

“I wasn’t able to stop the Imperial Army, of course. I asked Epika and Rudolf to ease up on security around the capital, but they said they couldn’t change their daily patrols.”

“The ‘Lizards’ have their own spies in the army. They’ll have to handle that part.”

“We can only hope so.”

Princess Valtrune looked paler than usual, perhaps from a lack of sleep. It was no surprise; she’d been up late last night, poring over tactics for this very battle.

“Rune-sama. Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m fine. Though, you look like you haven’t slept at all.”

“I’m used to it.”

“I see. But don’t push yourself too hard.”

It’s true that pushing oneself is bad, but this was a time when a little endurance was necessary.

“We can rest a bit in the carriage. If we need to, we can take turns sleeping before the battle.”

I suggested it, but I knew neither of us would. We couldn’t afford to lower our guard, not even for a moment.

“…Yes.”

A deep wrinkle of worry was etched between her brows.

With no time to rest, we plunged out into the worsening rain.

A plain carriage was parked near the castle gate. Flegel, disguised as the driver, his black hat pulled down low, was waiting for us, talking with Fadi, who was sitting in the back.

“Sorry to keep you.”

“No. You’re right on time.”

Flegel muttered in a low voice and gave a small nod.

We climbed in, and the carriage set off at once.

“Our destination is… right, the old large-scale weapons depot, far to the west of the capital…”

As Flegel confirmed the location, his voice grew heavy.

“…Even if it’s abandoned, that depot is massive. The ‘Lizards’ are really taking a gamble, choosing to fight indoors.”

An indoor battle. Four walls, limited exits. Retreat would be difficult.

For the ‘Lizards,’ who were at a numerical disadvantage, it was an incredibly bold, almost aggressive, choice of venue.

“…So, what’s the expert’s opinion?”

Princess Valtrune looked at Fadi. He just gave a wry smile and ran his fingers through his red hair.

“Eh, it’s very Dorothea. The ‘Lizards’ are masters of fighting in tight spaces. This just means she’s going for a guaranteed win.”

“A specialty in indoor combat? That’s unusual.”

“Less ‘indoor combat’ and more… ‘using a limited area to create an advantageous position.’ They’re awful at straight-up brawls on an open plain. In other words… they’re a cunning little organization that relies on ambushes, guerilla tactics, and other ‘unfair’ strategies.”

It was a calm analysis, laced with a bit of a sneer. But as the organization once led by Fadi, an assassin, it made sense they’d be experts at fighting with precision and tactics.

If that was the case, their value as intelligence agents was even higher.

“…They’re an asset we absolutely must acquire.”

“Of the three shadow organizations, they are certainly the most appealing.”

“Their aptitude for intelligence work must be, by far, the highest.”

“…Jeez, you two are overhyping us.”

Fadi looked exasperated, as if telling us not to get our hopes up. But based on his own track record, my estimation of the ‘Lizards’ had just skyrocketed.

Fadi, however, just sighed, a distant look in his eyes.

“…’Course, if we lose this fight, or if the ‘Lizards’ take massive casualties… forget an alliance, the whole organization’s survival will be in question.”

So, the ‘Lizards’ could just… die out, without ever having the chance to bare their fangs.

“That’s… not funny.”

“But Fadi is right.”

“It’s hard enough to fight two hundred with fifty, but now we have to keep most of them alive…?”

If we formed an alliance, only to find that all the key members were dead… this whole operation would have been for nothing.

“…This is a losing battle we’ve chosen.”

Flegel’s murmur was almost lost in the sound of the rain.

“…We didn’t have a choice.”

We were on a single path, lined with thorns. The dark clouds grew thicker, a heavy, unmoving wall between the sky and the earth. As lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, the carriage pressed on. It was five hours until the battle.

The rain was a steady, quiet drone. It was an unpleasant, ominous sound, as if implying the very worst was yet to come.

I could feel the dampness through the soles of my boots. Water dripped from my hair onto the ground.

“Lady Dorothea. Front, rear, and support units are all in position.”

The subordinate who reported was soaking wet, his face drawn and exhausted.

“Good work. Tell everyone, except the lookouts, to rest until ‘Red Broad’ arrives.”

“Understood.”

He left, and the area was suddenly silent.

“Tch. So damp, it won’t even light… Useless piece of junk.”

The small stick between my fingers wouldn’t catch, even with magic. I threw it onto the wet ground and crushed it under my boot.

…Hah. To think, the future of the ‘Lizards’ is riding on this stupid fight. This is what we get. We cut ties with Rigel, Fadi leaves… and ‘Red Broad’ and ‘Izu Clan’ think we’re weak.

If we lose, we’re all dead. If we win… we become the Empire’s dogs. Hah. Either way, this is the end of ‘The White Smoke Lizards’ as we know it.

I rested my hands on my knees, staring at the ground.

“Hah… Dammit.”

“…Tense, are we?”

I looked up at the light, airy voice. The red-haired, smart-mouthed brat was standing there, his own red eyes watching me.

“…Tch. Oh, it’s you, Fadi.”

“Hey, what’s with that ‘oh great, this pain in the ass’ reaction?”

“Heh. You know me so well.”

“Nnnngh!”

The idiot, who was running around like a child, puffed out his cheeks. He was completely relaxed, as if this wasn’t just before a decisive battle. Seeing him… I calmed down, just a little.

“Hah. If you’re here, just say so.”

“I did! I came right to you, first thing!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Then don’t complain!”

Ah. This… this is nostalgic. Back when Fadi was in the organization, we used to have these same, pointless arguments. I knew this wasn’t the time to get sentimental, but I could see the old days clearly in my mind.

Just then, Fadi clapped his hands.

“Oh, and…”

“Hm?”

“Here.”

He handed me a small box, one that fit easily in my hand.

“They’re cigarettes. Your favorite, right?”

A brand-new, unopened pack. My favorite brand.

I tossed the damp, ruined pack aside and immediately tore this one open. I took one out, sparked a flame from my fingertip, and lit it.

“Fuu… How thoughtful. What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing! Just… happened to have a fresh pack in my pocket.”

“Hmph. Says the kid who can’t even smoke.”

“Shut up…”

The white smoke was thin, but it was there.

“Is it good?”

“…Yeah. It’s perfect.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Fadi, looking satisfied, sat down next to me.

“Hey, hey. If we win, you’re going to join the Provisional Elite Corps, right?”

“Idiot. We’re just ‘cooperating.’ I’m staying right here, as Queen of the ‘Lizards.'”

“…Ugh. Just hand your dictatorship over to Princess Valtrune already. Way more people would be happy.”

“Hmph. The pleasure of ordering people around? I’m not giving that to anyone. As long as I’m happy, that’s what matters. The people live for the King, and the King lives for the King.”

“You’re an awful person.”

I ignored his cold stare and took a deep drag.

The usual rush. But this one… this one tasted special.

“Fuu…”

“…”

The silence wasn’t awkward. Fadi just sat there, rocking back and forth, clearly in a good mood. And looking at him, I…

“Hey, Fadi… You want the ‘Lizards’ back?”

…I said, the thought just popping into my head.

His jaw dropped. He tilted his head.

“Huh? You’re serious?”

His voice was sharp. His surprised, unguarded expression was so funny… I couldn’t help but smile.

“Yeah. You can have it.”

“N-No way!”

“…When I’m dead.”

The moment I added the condition, his face went bright red.

“That’s the same as never! By the time you die of old age, I’ll be an old man, too!”

“Heh. Just teasing. You’ve known me this long, you should have seen that coming.”

“Haaaa… Why did I ever leave this person in charge…? Worst decision ever…”

I just watched him, as he clutched his head and thrashed around, still joking.

…Give the organization back, huh? It’s not… impossible.

After all, there’s no guarantee I’ll survive this battle. If I do die here… then that joke might just become reality. But even if I imagine that dark future, I’ll act as the Dorothea that Fadi knows. Resolute. No weakness, no fear of death.

“Unfortunately for you, I don’t plan on dying. This position is mine.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.”

This feeling of reprieve won’t last forever. Not even I know when the end will come. That’s why I’m leaving these words behind, like a bit of insurance. So that, whenever I go… things will be okay.

“Hah… ‘Son’? Don’t make me laugh, you little brat. You should have just dropped dead in a ditch.”

The very first words spoken were a full-force insult aimed at Fadi.

She had bright gray hair and a black cloth covering both eyes. Her voice, raspy and unforgettable, carried a unique kind of authority.

“Hmph. But fine. ‘The White Smoke Lizards’ is mine now. Even if you came back begging, I have no intention of giving it up.”

“Still as harsh as ever, Dorothea.”

The current leader of ‘The White Smoke Lizards’—Dorothea. She was taking a drag from a cigarette, her legs crossed as she sat on a large sofa.

…So this is an underworld boss.

She was clearly different from a topside dweller. The people around her were radiating irritation and killing intent. The tension was so thick, it felt like if she gave the word, they’d attack in an instant.

We were in a large room, deep inside the tavern. This was the true headquarters of ‘The White Smoke Lizards.’

“…Fuu. So. Why are you back?”

“Oh, so we’re just jumping right in.”

“I hate wasting time.”

She maintained her insolent attitude, her sharp gaze piercing through the blindfold.

“Marquis Rigel is dead. Killed by Princess Valtrune herself.”

“Yep. That’s right.”

“And I also know that you’ve become the Princess’s dog.”

“…Eh? Dog?”

“That’s right. The rumor is that you, the great assassin, have really fallen.”

The moment the word ‘dog’ registered, Fadi’s expression darkened.

Dorothea, not budging from her arrogant posture, paused, then continued.

“…I can guess what you want. You want ‘The White Smoke Lizards’ to side with the Princess, right?”

“Almost. To be precise, I want your people to become intelligence agents for the Provisional Elite Corps.”

At that, Dorothea looked confused. “Provisional Elite Corps?” But she quickly let out a long sigh.

“And you really think… I’d agree to that?”

“C’mon, you’re nice.”

“Heh. Are you blind? …Of course I refuse.”

Her words left no room for negotiation. As if to say any further talk was pointless, she laughed in exasperation and snatched a cigarette from a nearby subordinate.

“Fuu… Are you done?”

Fadi, who clearly hadn’t expected to be shut down so completely, just stared blankly, lost for words.

“…I would think an alliance with the royalty and nobility would be to your advantage. Is there truly no room for consideration?”

Flegel stepped forward, taking Fadi’s place.

Dorothea’s condescending attitude didn’t change.

“I hate nobles. They’re arrogant and selfish.”

“And you’d refuse… for such a personal reason?”

“Fufu. What’s wrong with personal reasons? ‘The White Smoke Lizards’ is mine. Who we ally with, who we make enemies of… it’s all decided by my judgment. I don’t need outsiders lecturing me on profit and loss.”

She stated it as fact, pressing her fingers to her forehead.

Even Flegel, with his logical mind, was struggling to get a foothold in this conversation.

“Is our business finished? Then…”

“Wait!”

“…And now the woman speaks.”

As if she’d been expecting it, Dorothea turned her gaze to Princess Valtrune.

“I never thought someone this important would come in person…”

“Spare me the flattery. I want to ask you something. Are you afraid the same thing will happen as when you worked with Marquis Rigel? Is that why you won’t work with me?”

Fadi had been treated horribly by the Marquis. Considering the awful conditions he’d worked under, it was natural to assume the entire organization had suffered.

“…I see. So, the Princess herself rescued Fadi.”

“Yes. And I am not Marquis Rigel. I promise, I can be of use to you!”

The prim and proper Princess Valtrune.

Dorothea, her expression unreadable, suddenly looked down, her glossy gray hair swaying.

“…And the kind-hearted Princess… is going to save trash like us?”

“I don’t like that way of putting it. I want to borrow your strength.”

“And in return, I’m supposed to ‘join you.’ ‘Follow your orders.’ …Is that what you’re saying?”

“N-No, that’s…!”

“That is what you’re saying. Listen, little lady.”

Dorothea raised an index finger, her expression deadly serious.

“I am the King of ‘The White Smoke Lizards.’ As a Princess, a fellow ruler, you should understand. A King… does not simply bow to another.”

“—!”

“Not unless… we were to lose a war so badly that we had no other choice. A King does not sell their people. That is our most basic duty. A curse we cannot abandon.”

And that is why, she was saying, she wouldn’t just agree to our demands.

“…So you won’t join the Corps.”

Fadi asked, his voice strained. Dorothea nodded.

“No. Unfortunately.”

“Kuh!”

Fadi grit his teeth and looked down, clenching his fists. Then, all the strength went out of him. He turned to Princess Valtrune.

“…I’m sorry. Negotiations have failed. We can’t get them on our side.”

It was a deeply disappointing outcome. But it didn’t seem like her attitude would change, no matter how much we pushed. Dorothea, stubbornly keeping her distance, looked at us with a coldness that offered no openings.

“…What?”

I had been staring at Dorothea, and she’d noticed.

“No… it’s nothing.”

Negotiations failed. We have to leave. …And yet. Something bothered me. I felt a profound sense of… wrongness, about her response. She knew what we were going to ask, and she had already decided to refuse. But if there was truly zero room for negotiation, she could have just… not met with us. There was no need to see us at all. It was a waste of time for both sides. But she did agree to this meeting. Which means… they had an intention to talk.

Dorothea stared at Fadi, who was slumped, ready to leave. She took a deep breath.

“…Wait. You brat.”

“—!”

“Stop sulking. It’s annoying. We’re not done.”

A conversation that should have been over… Dorothea herself had just pulled it back from the brink.

“…Hmph. Well, depending on the terms… I might be willing to consider a… mutual cooperation agreement.”

Dorothea spat the words out, looking bored and staring off into the distance.

“Dorothea…”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s not because it’s you. I just… had a change of heart. That’s all.”

“Dorothea!”

Fadi’s eyes were sparkling. He’s so easy.

She waved her hands to dismiss his excitement, then beckoned a subordinate over and whispered something.

The subordinate replied, “Yes… yes…” then pulled a map from his tunic and handed it to Princess Valtrune.

“It’s the location of the final battle with ‘Red Broad.'”

Before we could even ask, Dorothea started explaining.

“They’re mobilizing an estimated two hundred men. We… even scraping the bottom of the barrel, will have less than fifty.”

“Tch.” She clicked her tongue, loud enough for the room to hear.

A war between shadow organizations. And one where the ‘Lizards’ were at a severe disadvantage. The fact that she was sharing this information with us, total outsiders, meant…

“You want us to join this fight?”

“Ah. As expected of the wise Princess. Glad you’re a quick study. That’s right. I’m desperate for manpower. I don’t care if it’s only four.”

“But… even with four more, the numbers are…”

“True. But do you really think you have a choice?”

“—!”

“I want to win. You understand what that means? I’m well aware we’re outgunned. And knowing that… I’m giving you a chance.”

If the four of us fight for the ‘Lizards,’ and win against ‘Red Broad’… then she’ll consider an alliance. She was asking us to fight an enemy that outnumbered us more than four to one. It was an insane request.

“…”

I looked at Princess Valtrune. She met my gaze. And then she asked me one, simple thing.

“Al. We can do this, can’t we?”

The fight against ‘Red Broad’ would be incredibly difficult. But in her clear blue eyes, there was no trace of doubt. No matter how harsh the terms, if it meant securing an alliance with the ‘Lizards,’ she would not hesitate.

Her tone was so calm, as if she were just confirming something she already knew. And that everyday, simple question… filled me with absolute confidence.

“Of course.”

I nodded. She smiled, her white hair swaying, and turned back to Dorothea.

“—Very well. We accept.”

“Heh. It’s a deal.”

Princess Valtrune and Dorothea shook hands. From proposal to decision… in less than two minutes.

“I thought you were just kind, but you’re decisive, too.”

“You can’t protect anything by just being kind.”

“You’re absolutely right. Heh. The Princess has the makings of a fine King.”

Dorothea then looked over her subordinates.

“Listen up, all of you! The Princess has just promised us victory against ‘Red Broad’! So I don’t care how bad the odds are, defeat is not an option! Do not bring me shame! Fight with pride! You got that!?”

In an instant, the room erupted in cheers. Confetti flew.

Dorothea just watched them, looking exasperated. “So loud…”

As the cheering died down, she spoke again, her voice back to its gruff self.

“…The battle is in two days. I’ll give you the plan then. All you need to prepare… is your resolve to win. Any questions?”

“We’re fine. We’ll see you in two days.”

“Good. I’ll be expecting you.”

The bare minimum said, we turned and left the ‘Lizards’ headquarters.

“Oh, and…”

I was the last one out the door when, surprisingly, Dorothea called out to me. I hadn’t said much, so I couldn’t imagine what she wanted.

I looked back over my shoulder. She was smiling, a look of satisfaction on her face.

“…Take care of Fadi.”

It wasn’t a strange request, but coming from her, it was so… gentle. It was a shock.

“That idiot is impulsive, and frankly, he’s a pain in the ass. …But he’s not a bad kid.”

It was something only an old friend could say.

Every word carried the weight of someone who knew both his good and bad sides.

…So.

“It’ll be tough, putting up with him… but… I’m counting on you.”

…She’s just… not good at being honest. She cares about Fadi more than anyone, doesn’t she?

She looked away, not waiting for my reply. Her mouth was twitching, and her cheeks were red. She was probably embarrassed.

She should just say that stuff to Fadi himself, I thought.

But instead of replying, I just gave her a deep, respectful bow.

“‘Take care of him,’ huh?”

I stepped out of the tavern, into the cool night air. I muttered to myself, then hurried to catch up with the others.

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