Upon leaving the royal castle, there were individuals present who did not seem like mbers of the Ho family’s Sky Knights. It appeared to be the First Army of the Royal Guard. They were neatly lined up, observing us. There seed to be no intention to attack. Among them, a familiar face erged.
“Yuri-kun, or should I say, His Excellency Yuri.” (Galla)
It was Galla Godwin, Dolla’s father.
“Please, spare . It’s embarrassing. Galla-san is not my subordinate.” (Yuri)
“Well, for now.” (Galla)
‘For now. Indeed, that might be true.’
“Thank you for the matter regarding the First Army of the Royal Guard.” (Yuri)
‘I didn’t fully understand, but coming this far must have ant they did more than just promise not to move.’
“Oh, we’ve detained all the higher-ups. We couldn’t control the entire army, but we managed to form a force of about a thousand with volunteers. They’re assisting as best they can.” (Galla)
From the rear of the group, a loud, grating female voice could be heard. It must have been the voice of one of the detained officers.
“Was there any resistance from the Second Army?” (Yuri)
“Hardly any. There are only three hundred of us here, while the other seven hundred are gradually securing the entire Queen’s Castle Island. There have been no reports of intense resistance. We’ve instructed them not to engage with the Hou Household’s Knights, but if clashes occur, we can’t avoid it.” (Galla)
“That’s fine. It’s inevitable in these situations.” (Yuri)
‘Even on the battlefield, mbers of the sa faction may sotis clash. In the extre tension of combat, soone wielding a weapon might suddenly appear before you. You might instinctively strike out, then hurriedly stop yourself, or inadvertently cause injury, even death. Such incidents couldn’t be reduced to zero, and it would be endless to exaggerate every skirmish as a hostile act.’
“What about tina Arkhorse?” (Yuri)
“We’ve captured her. I’m keeping her under house arrest with guards to make sure she doesn’t harm herself.” (Galla)
“I see. Truly flawless work. Thank you.” (Your)
According to Tillet’s report, it wasn’t certain whether the First Army would act or not, but it seed that they were cooperating properly.
“By chance, we also captured about twenty others, but our base doesn’t have facilities for prisoners. There’s a prison used for the entire Castle Island nearby. It’s difficult to keep an eye on all twenty, so while passing by, we ca to incarcerate them.” (Galla)
‘Since it’s just detention, one might think simply tying them up with ropes would suffice. I’m afraid they fear being lynched. They’re from the First Army, so I’d like to believe there’s no chance they’d gang-rape their forr superiors…’
“Yes, please do. Even if it leads to a death sentence, they can still be useful.” (Yuri)
“Yeah, they should face trial.” (Galla)
‘A trial. Considering the authoritarian nature of this country’s trials, I have little respect for judicial authority and find the notion of a fair trial quite absurd. Nonetheless, it’s probably best to go through the motions. Failing to follow due process might undermine any claim to a legitimate change in power.’
“By the way, have you t my foolish son?” (Galla)
Galla changed the subject. He ant Dolla.
“No, unfortunately.” (Yuri)
“After that incident, he said he was going to see you. Probably headed to Hou Household’s territory. If you haven’t t him, you must have crossed paths sowhere.” (Galla)
‘Seriously?’
“Probably. Maybe we’ve inadvertently captured him at our place.” (Yuri)
‘Let see Yuri, where is Yuri?’ (Dolla)
‘Hey, what’s wrong with you?’ (??)
‘I’m the son of the Royal Guard’s Galla. Let see Yuri.’ (Dolla)
‘You suspicious guy, calmly put him on the rope!’ (??)
‘That sounds entirely likely. I can picture it vividly.’
“Well, if that’s the case, I hope you release him. He ans no harm. He’s just been blinded by his relationship with Her Highness Carol and can’t see clearly.” (Galla)
“Got it.” (Yuri)
‘I should et Dora. I wonder what he’ll say when he sees . Will he hit ? Thinking about it, it doesn’t seem so depressing. Co to think of it, no one’s blad for that incident. Maybe I want to be blad.’
“Well, it looks like things have settled down on Castle Island, so I’ll go check on the main camp. Can’t say for sure what’s going on there.” (Yuri)
‘I doubt they’re losing. But first, I need to find the Queen’s Sword. There are probably one or two people near the burning bridge. I’ll ask them to deal with Carya’s body and that’s it.’
“Your Excellency Yuri, I have a report!” (??)
As I was about to bid farewell to Galla, a voice suddenly called out. It belonged to a well-grood, handso young man dressed in ssenger attire.
‘In the Hou family, ssengers (assigned specifically to the Heavenly Knights) wear distinctive uniforms. This is to clearly communicate their importance, as their job requires speed and should not be hindered. ssengers can skip queues if there are any, and even high-ranking officials must yield the road when they pass through crowded streets. They don’t need to salute when passing by .’
“As expected of the Hou Household. They’ve got good soldiers.” (Galla)
Just as I was trying to understand the situation, Galla said sothing flattering, perhaps because the ssenger arrived right on cue.
‘Well, maybe they have good soldiers compared to the Royal Guard. Having experienced actual combat, they know how to tighten the screws. The Second Army, on the other hand, seed rather lax everywhere I looked.’
“Good, go on.” (Yuri)
“I report! The Second Army has been annihilated! It’s a great victory for our army!” (??)
I stepped forward and kicked the man’s knee with force, collapsing it under my weight.
“Ugh!” (??)
Galla let out a surprised sound.
“What?! Arghhh!!!” (??)
The man whose knee I kicked crumpled to the ground in pain. Amidst this sudden turn of events, the Knights of the First Army behind Galla stared at us, clearly intrigued.
“Take this one to the dungeon as well. He’s probably a spy for the Witches.” (Yuri)
‘If it were to happen, it would be surrender, not destruction. Of course, depending on the circumstances, it could have been a decisive battle leading to their annihilation. I’m not sure of the truth behind that, but if they’re enemies and potential assassins, preemptive action is prudent.’
“How did you know? Did you receive reports in advance that the Second Army had surrendered?” (Galla)
“Because his hair was too well-grood.” (Yuri)
“…What?” (Galla)
Galla seed to not understand.
‘Perhaps it didn’t click for him since he’s not a Heavenly Knight.’
“If he had co on an Eagle, his hair should be disheveled. This guy’s hair was neatly combed as if he did it at ho. Well, it’s a ss now that he’s rolling on the ground.” (Yuri)
Given that he was rolling around on the ground, his hair was the least of his worries.
‘I don’t know where he got the outfit from, but it’s a sly move. Maybe he thought he could deceive better with a clean appearance before leaving ho, but he should have put more effort into the disguise.’
“But even so…” (Galla)
“A ssenger’s job is to deliver information as quickly as possible, every second counts. There’s no ssenger who ticulously combs their hair in the middle of work, unless it’s just a quick fix. ” (Yuri)
‘Well, there may be such a ssenger sowhere in this world, but even If I’m wrong, this guy is unnecessary for the Hou Household’s army.’
“Alright then, I’ll be on my way. Galla, take care, you’ve probably made so enemies.” (Yuri)
“Yeah… I’ll watch my back.” (Galla)
—
I parted ways with Galla and walked towards White Sunset’s location. In the familiar streets of the Castle Island, Eagles were tied up here and there, creating a bizarre sight. So Eagles were tied up with just rocks instead of proper restraints, yet they hadn’t flown away. Perhaps they were sohow absorbed into the atmosphere since the other hawks hadn’t taken flight. A future zoologist might say sothing about their social behavior.
While thinking about this, I reached White Sunset’s tied spot, and the Queen’s Sword appeared from behind a corner. It wasn’t Tillet, but Enrique.
“Hey there, it’s , Enrique -chan!” (Enrique)
She ca out babbling sothing odd.
“What’s your intention?” (Yuri)
I said, feeling more awkward than I expected.
‘Was this guy always like this Wait, is this really the Queen’s Sword?’
“Oh, right… there’s always an initial character, isn’t it?” (Enrique)
Enrique’s energy plumted suddenly.
“Um… Tillet told to guard the castle. What happened?” (Enrique)
In an instant, Enrique transford into the sa person I t at the royal castle before. However, it wasn’t just a drop in energy. It was more like tuning a stringed instrunt, adjusting the pitch by turning the pegs.
‘The initial character didn’t seem like she was forcing herself to be cheerful either. If you didn’t know the previous character, you’d probably just think she was a lively girl.’
There was a strange sensation as if she had instantly switched into a different person. Looking around conspicuously in all directions, Enrique lowered her tone slightly and said,
“I was waiting, thinking Carya would co down.” (Enrique)
“Stop ntioning Carya. She’s laid to rest on the sixth floor. Dress her nicely and make it look like she died from poisoning.” (Yuri)
“Oh, so you have a soft side after all. Surprisingly sweet.” (Enrique)
Enrique squinted her eyes and appraised . The way she tilted her head and narrowed her eyes had a strange allure to it.
‘Not as much as Lily, but she had a sizable chest. Her face was pretty. Despite having a youthful appearance, there was a hint of enchantnt in her expression. I felt like she touched a delicate part of my heart where n feel won. Ah, I see. Indeed, Tilet probably couldn’t handle such delicate tasks. She’s not like this, with just the right amount of fat.
So, that’s why she was left at the royal castle last. Actually, she’s managed to survive energetically like this. Her survivability among people is probably the highest.’
“She’s an old acquaintance after all.” (Yuri)
I left Enrique behind and approached White Sunset. For so reason, Enrique followed . The conversation was over, so I took Enrique ‘s reins and began walking to lead him to an open area.
“What did you feel when you killed Carya?” (Enrique)
‘Who is this person? I didn’t want to answer that kind of question. Is there sothing unique about feeling the Queen’s Sword? Do these people sohow have resistance to the idea of Carya being killed, despite everything?’
“It had depth. Even though she was an old acquaintance.” (Yuri)
“Did Carya suffer? Did she curse and die in agony? How do you feel now after killing an old acquaintance?” (Enrique)
‘… What?’
I felt a slight irritation, but more than moist anger, it was a sense of discomfort that ca first. The question seed entirely unnecessary. It felt like I was being provoked sohow.
‘Do you want to anger ? Why would you want to anger …?’
“I don’t really rember.” (Yuri)
I vaguely responded.
“Co on, get mad. Like, ‘Don’t ss with !’ You can even punch if you want.” (Enrique)
“What are you talking about?” (Yuri)
‘Is this woman okay in the head?’
“This is boring. I felt such intense anger back then.” (Enrique)
“If you want entertainnt, go watch a cody show.” (Yuri)
Having reached an open space, I mounted White Sunset.
“How thin. It used to be thick. Are you surprisingly shallow?” (Enrique)
She was saying nonsensical things from under the Eagle.
‘Thin or thick?’
“I don’t know.” (Yuri)
“Hey, could you say ‘I’ll kill you’ again?” (Enrique)
“I’ll kill you.” (Yuri)
I said it because I didn’t care.
“How dull…” (Enrique)
Enrique made an incredibly bored expression.
I couldn’t care less.
I finished securing White Sunset’s reins.
“Your taste is fine but do your job properly.” (Yuri)
With that parting remark, I made White Sunset take flight.
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