Chapter 3 TIKR Vol. 1 Chapter 1 Part 2

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The first place Arl visited upon returning to his homeland for the first time in five years was not some grand hall, but an elegant, high-class teahouse.

The only people inside were the staff; the room itself was an intimate space occupied by only two people at a round table.

Noticing the young man’s restless demeanor, the young woman sitting across from him, Eilfina, spoke reassuringly.

“You don’t need to worry about spies. This shop is one of mine. Not many people are foolish enough to cross the Third Princess.”

“No, that’s not what I’m worried about. More than that… isn’t it unusually loud outside? It sounds a lot like… fighting.”

“Hey, don’t get up. The capital is a rather rowdy place these days. It’s a daily occurrence.”

“Is that so…?”

The young man, Arl, tilted his head, feeling something was off. But if the princess herself said so, he decided to let it go for now.

“You’re too on edge. You’re retired from the Imperial Knights now, you can relax a little. You don’t need to use that stiff, formal tone with me anymore, do you?”

“I just can’t seem to shake the old habits from my knight days. It’s second nature.”

“Ugh, you hopeless workaholic.”

Behind the princess’s grumbling, however, was a hidden touch of loneliness. She was like a childhood friend pouting at the sudden distance that had formed between them. The tragedy was that Arl himself seemed completely oblivious.

“Hmph. Stone-faced. Trying to act all cool. Knight-obsessed idiot… Acting like that just makes you look even older, you know.”

“Gah!”

“Ah, sorry.”

One of her barbs must have landed a critical blow, as Arl slumped forward onto the table.

The young man looked to be about 18 or 19. But the faint shadows under his eyes, the lines etched between his brows, and the weary slump of his shoulders made him seem far older than his years.

“…P-Please… call it ‘mature’…”

“Heh, he’s crawling back up. Hehe, you really haven’t changed a bit.”

Seeing Arl raise his head through sheer willpower, the princess laughed like a young child.

“So, what have you been up to for the last five years?”

“Ah, right. I spent the first two years in the Kingdom. After that, I spent three years traveling clockwise around the neighboring countries. I earned my keep along the way by doing mercenary work.”

“Oh, so you were really enjoying yourself, were you? Meanwhile, I didn’t forget you for a single day. What about you? The one who left me on that stormy night without a single shred of reluctance? How was it for you?”

“Bgh… Can’t you pull your punches a little, Fina…?”

Arl, who had just taken a sip of tea, nearly spat it out, an awkward look spreading across his face.

The princess’s eyes were fixed on him. The former knight’s back instinctively straightened.

“I-I didn’t forget! I swear! I avoided imperial territory, but whenever I was nearby, I’d gather rumors. I wanted to know if you were doing well. I heard your recent policies have been very well-received.”

“Oh my, you’re surprisingly hung up on me.”

“Your Highness?”

She was the one who asked, but her response was merciless. Eilfina covered her mouth as if in surprise, but her eyes were smiling with unconcealed delight.

“Hmph. So? Now that you’ve seen me again after five years, isn’t there something you want to say? Like, ‘You’ve become so beautiful,’ or some other little piece of flattery?”

“Flattery isn’t necessary. You’ve always been beautiful.”

Arl stated it as a simple fact. The princess froze, her eyes wide.

The young woman sitting before him had grown even more beautiful than the image he held in his memory. The last five years had polished the unique sculpture of Eilfina’s beauty to the point of artistry. Her appearance inspired a sense of awe, fitting for a member of the royal family destined to lead the people of the great Eldstrom Empire.

Something he wanted to say? Ah, yes. He had just the thing.

“It’s good to see you again, Your Highness, Third Princess Eilfina. I’m glad you seem well.”

“…Right… This is exactly who you are…!”

Eilfina buried her face in her hands, her ears bright red with shame.

She and Arl went back a long way. Arl had been assigned as the Third Princess’s knight from a young age, also serving as her personal attendant. He had learned all the mannerisms appropriate for serving royalty. Among them, the etiquette of a knight toward a noble lady had been drilled into him by Eilfina herself.

—’Listen, if a girl is cute, you have to tell her she’s cute. It makes her happy.’ —’You could, um, practice on… on me, for example?’

It was undeniable that the young princess’s personal feelings had been involved. But this was the reason Arl felt no resistance at all to praising another’s beauty.

“I’m starting to think my past self made a terrible mistake in your education…”

“Am I being accused of something dishonorable?”

“No, not at all. Hmph. It’s good to see you’re doing well, too, Arl!”

To be welcomed back with a resentful glare was certainly a novel experience. Sensing he was on the losing side of this conversation, Arl steered the topic away. Or rather, back to the main point.

“More importantly, why did you call me back?”

Arl pulled a single letter from his breast pocket. This was the reason he had finally set foot in his homeland after so long.

“I was shocked when this reached me at an inn… You of all people should know the reasons why it’s inconvenient for me to be in the Empire. This isn’t just a trip down memory lane, is it?”

“Ehh, well… about half of it is?”

“Half?!”

“W-what did you expect! I missed you!” The princess’s face was bright red as she defended herself. Arl was momentarily struck speechless. “Five years! Five! You were by my side as my knight ever since we were children! Of course I’d be lonely after five years! Say you’d be lonely too!”

“Ah… yes. I would be.”

“That tone of voice definitely means you weren’t lonely! Ugh, I’m always the only one feeling this way!”

“Your Highness, please calm down. You’re the one who’s going to regret this later when you…”

“Be quiet! Besides, I have a proper reason for calling you! The Empire is in crisis!”

After that ridiculous, childish outburst, an incredibly serious word emerged. Arl’s mind cooled as if doused in ice water. Dragged back by his sudden shift, the princess’s ragged breathing began to steady.

Finally, Eilfina covered her face with her hands, only her ears still beet-red. “…Forget that.”

“I’ll do my best. But that last part is hard to forget.”

“I know… The capital has recovered a lot, but the scars run deep. All because of the disaster five years ago… the one that caused you to retire as an Imperial Knight.”

The incident the princess mentioned in a low voice was known to every citizen of the Empire. Even Arl, traveling in foreign lands, had lost count of how many times he’d heard the story over the past five years.

That detestable name.

“The ‘Great Collapse’…”

“Yes. The worst monster disaster in the Eldstrom Empire’s history. In that one incident, the Empire lost nearly thirty percent of its territory.”

Monsters. Demonic beasts. True to their name, they were aberrant species that did not belong to the known ecosystem, and they were fundamentally hostile to humanity. Since ancient times, monsters had remained mankind’s natural enemy. The calamities they caused were so great that they were categorized alongside natural phenomena as ‘monster disasters.’

“If you and the other Imperial Knights… the twelve strongest knights in the Empire… hadn’t stopped it at the risk of your lives, our country would be nothing but a flat wasteland by now.”

There was no exaggeration in her words. Eilfina recounted the Empire’s plight in a flat, dispassionate voice.

“The Empire was weakened by the Great Collapse. Corruption spread rapidly, and the crime rate is only increasing. Self-governance is a distant memory. And as you know, the Imperial Knights, the symbol of the Empire’s might… they all left their posts.”

“…”

“I’m sorry, I’m just complaining. Don’t look like that. We brought this on ourselves.” The former knight had no words for the princess’s self-deprecating smile. The rumors Arl had heard of the Empire during his travels always ended with a similar phrase. They said the Empire had entered an age of chaos.

“But there are three organizations that rebuilt this capital,” Eilfina continued. “The Silver Wolf Knights <Fenrir>, the Firebird Merchant Guild <Blacksmith>, and the White Whale Academy of Magic <Noah>.”

“I’ve heard rumors of them. They’re peacekeeping organizations?”

“Yes, civilian groups founded after you left. A vigilante corps, a poor merchant house, and some rogue mages. They all started small, but they saved the capital when it was on the brink of collapse, breathing life back into it in the Empire’s stead. Now they’re the ‘Three Great Organizations’ that maintain order.”

Heroes of the people, she added. Her expression was complicated. For a country needing to rebuild, it should have been a wonderful story.

“Is there a problem?”

“They won’t listen to a single thing I say.” Eilfina shrugged, her shoulders slumped with exhaustion. “Each organization only listens to the one person they worship as their ‘Master.’ They’re so powerful and so large that when they go rogue, they’re uncontrollable. They’re excellent at suppressing criminals, but then they’ll start fighting each other over the ‘honor’ of who gets to turn the criminal in.”

“That’s completely counter-productive.”

“Their entire motive is ‘to spread the glory of our Master.’ They’re practically fanatics. The Master comes first, so they won’t even obey the state. They’d ignore any order I give them.”

Organizations running wild in the Imperial Capital, right under the royal family’s nose, yet they held the deep trust of the people. For a ruler, it must be an incredible headache. Arl could understand Eilfina’s distress, but…

“I don’t see the connection. How does this relate to calling me back?”

“The balance between the three organizations is fragile. It could shatter at any moment, and they could destroy each other. I can’t let that happen. If we lose the Three Great Organizations, the protectors of this city, the Empire will truly meet its end.”

The Empire’s crisis. Having revealed the meaning behind her words, the princess finally addressed the knight she hadn’t seen in five years.

“That’s why I need you to lead and control these three organizations. I need you to stop them from fighting and going rogue.”

“…Are you serious?” Arl knew it was disrespectful, but his brows furrowed in disbelief. “You want me to take the reins of wild horses that even the royal family can’t control?”

“You can. My knight… the one who once held the 12th Seat of the Imperial Knights—the one who bore the name ‘Scorpion Hunt’—can.”

So, she wanted him to use the authority of his former title. That was how Arl interpreted her request. At the same time, a small sigh escaped him. It was a sigh directed at himself.

“My duty is over. I’m retired. I already returned my title. And there are… circumstances. You know why I can’t operate in the open.”

“So you won’t do it?”

“It’s not a matter of ‘will’ or ‘won’t.’ It’s a matter of ‘can’ or ‘can’t.’ Besides, you said they only listen to their Masters. My presence won’t change…”

“I see… So your old childhood friend, the princess you swore your sword to, who waited patiently for five years, who searched for you, and who is finally begging you for help… you’re just going to cast her aside and say, ‘I don’t know that old flame’…”

“Could you please not phrase it like that!?” The princess’s theatrically mournful expression was bad for his heart, even if it was just an act. They had spent nearly a decade together. Eilfina knew Arl’s nature all too well. Workaholic. Knight-obssessed idiot. Her names for him were accurate.

“—Fine. I understand.” Arl gave in, shrugging his shoulders slightly. “I accept the order. I will carry it out to the best of my ability. Resolving the friction between them… it may take some time.”

“Oh, you can stay as long as you like, you know?”

“You know I can’t do that, Fina,” Arl said with a faint, bitter smile at the hopeful glint in her eyes. “If word gets out that I’m back in the Empire, it will cause trouble for you, the one who let me escape that day. Once this is done, I’m leaving the capital. That… let’s call that my condition for accepting this order.”

“Hmph. Making ‘conditions’ for a princess? You’ve gotten bold.” Her words were haughty, but her lips were pursed in a childish pout, robbing them of any real menace. “His Majesty the Emperor is currently at the eastern front, away from the capital. The princes and princesses above me are all busy governing their own territories. Right now, I’m the only one in the capital who knows the details of what happened five years ago. You don’t have to be that cautious—”

“Fina. I’m happy to see you again, I really am. But that’s a separate issue.”

“Wha— I-I’m not that happy to see you! And I’m definitely not thinking this is a good chance to lure you back to the Empire for good!”

“How have you survived the royal power struggles with this level of honesty…?”

“Gh… F-Fine! I’ll accept your condition. For now.” His beloved highness was completely unsuited for political maneuvering. Ahem. Eilfina gave a small cough, as if to hide her slightly flushed cheeks. “Thank you for accepting. Please, for the sake of the Empire. …Well, not that you had a choice in the matter, anyway.”

The moment the princess muttered that ominous last line, a tremor shook the building. The source was outside. Arl tensed, and then realized. The sounds of battle from outside had stopped. After that last major shake, it was now completely silent, as if a victor had been decided.

“I’ve already leaked the information that you’ve returned to the capital. When those girls hear their long-awaited ‘Master’ has returned, they’ll come running, won’t they?”

“Wait, what are you talking about?”

“I told you once, didn’t I?” All her earlier panic was gone. Eilfina winked playfully. “You have to take responsibility for the ones you saved, remember?”

Just then, a soft knock, knock came from the door. Before Arl could react, the princess called out, “Come in.”

The girl who appeared in the open doorway was wearing a maid’s uniform. What a strange outfit, Arl thought. She was wearing knight’s light armor over her maid uniform, with a rapier at her hip. A ‘Maid-Knight.’ Beneath a symbolic white coronet, two bunches of her tied-up hair swayed like dog ears on either side of her head. Her face, still retaining a good deal of youthful charm, was slightly stiff with tension.

She ignored the princess completely. From the moment she entered, she stared only at Arl. Her eyes were wide, her lips trembling. But as if to say that silence itself was rude, she quickly suppressed her emotions.

The maid took a half-step back and pinched the ends of her skirt. She lifted it gracefully, careful not to make a sound. It was a flawless curtsy, one that would take an onlooker’s breath away.

“I have come for you. My beloved Master.” The maid-knight offered her bow, her voice filled with a storm of emotion. Master. The word meant an employer, an owner. Or perhaps, a Lord.

“…Fina. Since when do you employ armed maids?”

“Given the conversation we just had, why would you assume she’s mine? She’s staring right at you.” The princess shattered Arl’s attempt to escape reality. “Looks like <Fenrir> got here first. They’re the best of the three in close-quarters combat; urban warfare is their specialty.”

Arl recognized the name Eilfina had just spoken. One of the Three Great Organizations that even royalty couldn’t control. The one bearing the name <Fenrir> was…

“The Silver Wolf Knights… This maid…?”

“Yes! I am the leader of the knights, Master!” Her formal, almost solemn bow finished, the maid replied with a bright, cheerful voice. Her smile was as radiant as the sun. A beat later, Arl’s mind went blank. “…? Eh, me?”

“Yes! You are my Master. My beloved Master!” Arl could almost see the phantom of a puppy wagging its tail furiously behind her. Isn’t this <Fenrir>… a wolf? This is a dog. Arl was quietly short-circuiting.

“That’s enough, <Fenrir>. Arl gets overwhelmed easily, you know. I’m sure this is a long-awaited reunion for you, but it’s all very sudden for him. Give him a moment to process.”

“Oh. So you were here, Your Highness Princess Eilfina.” The maid tilted her head, her tone implying she’d only just noticed her. Arl and Eilfina were sitting at the same table. They were, obviously, well within her line of sight. It was no wonder the princess’s face twitched in irritation.

“W-What nerve. I wonder who you think it was that leaked you this information?”

“Oh, I am truly grateful for that. However, the fact that you also attracted all the other riff-raff, and more importantly…” The maid-knight jabbed a sharp finger at Eilfina. Whoa, how rude to a princess, Arl thought, his mind still reeling, feeling strangely detached from it all. “It is unforgivable that you were having a cozy, private tea time with my Master!”

“…Huh?”

“What is this blatant proximity! I bet you were ‘ah, open wide’ and feeding each other cake! How… enviable… no, how shameless! It must be nice to be royalty!”

“You didn’t really hide your true feelings there, did you?”

“Oh dear, he is my knight, after all. An attendant is required for afternoon tea. Didn’t you know? Ah, but I suppose you don’t have anyone like that. What a pity.”

“Mugyaaa! Death to the aristocracy!”

“Why did you provoke her?”

The princess lifted her teacup with a smug look, every bit the perfect royal.

The raging maid stomped her foot in frustration—and then suddenly froze. Her head snapped toward the doorway, her gaze sharp, as if she’d sensed something. Arl also strained his ears and caught the faint sound of people approaching.

“…As I thought, I couldn’t stop them. They truly are a nuisance. Master, more inconvenient people will be here shortly. Please, will you come with me?”

The maid-knight’s request was urgent. Arl glanced sideways at Eilfina. Given everything that had happened, he had a very strong suspicion this was all part of her plan. The princess met his gaze, correctly interpreting his unspoken question.

“I’ll send a messenger later. We’ll talk again then.”

“…Understood.” (This was for both of them.) “Lead the way.” (This was for the maid.)

As the maid-knight led him toward the restaurant’s back exit, Arl glanced back one last time. He saw Eilfina waving casually at him, and then he scanned the space behind her. I’m leaving her here alone, but from the looks of it, she’ll be fine.

“So, he noticed you after all. Maybe I should have just introduced you,” Eilfina said into the now-empty room. As if materializing from the background, a figure shimmered into existence behind her. The guard, a young woman, nodded in agreement.

“It would be illogical for the Third Princess to be in the city without an escort, that much is true. But for him to see through my concealment so easily… He hasn’t dulled at all… my Senpai.”

“Of course he hasn’t. He’s my knight.”

“He is also my senior.”

“Are you trying to compete with me?… Oh, never mind. I’m one to talk.” Eilfina propped her cheek on her hand, a very un-princess-like gesture.

“Your posture is poor, Your Highness,” the guard chided gently, before continuing. “Still, controlling the Three Great Organizations… You’ve given him quite an impossible task.”

“You can just say I’m a terrible person, you know.”

“It’s true, Senpai is a work-obsessed… knight-idiot, pardon me, a model knight… who would accept any dangerous mission, even one that sent him to his death, without batting an eye. But…”

“You’re quite blunt…”

“You were always the one who worried about him most, Your Highness. You must have a plan, even if it is a cruel one.”

“…I appreciate your honesty.” Accepting her guard’s loyal admonishment, Eilfina thought of her knight. She thought of the hardships that surely awaited him, and of the reward he might find at the end of it all. Believing it would be his salvation, the princess prayed.

“Good luck, Arl.”