264th Chapter
It was time to leave the Imperial Capital.
Before departing from the Imperial Capital, Ray returned Moros through Michael.
After the assault incident, the Imperial Capital was in the process of reconfiguring its defense system to completely exclude the influence of powerful beings, including dragons.
To complete and verify this work, Moros was absolutely necessary.
Besides, giving the Empire’s new sacred sword to Ray, whose lifespan wasn’t long, was almost absurd from the start.
Wasn’t it an imperial artifact that even the Emperor found difficult to take out of the capital?
Thus, Ray thought returning Moros was a natural procedure.
However, even after returning Moros, many people had already witnessed Ray handling it.
Moros symbolizes both heroism and the continuity of the royal family.
Therefore, most of the nobles who saw Ray that day anticipated that he would eventually be incorporated into the royal family.
If not, they reasoned, the Emperor wouldn’t have handed over Moros, no matter how dire the situation.
In any case, after returning Moros, Ray received a new sword.
The previous sword he was given was more for ceremonial use, but this new one prioritized practicality.
Ray quite liked the new sword.
He was told it was considered the best among weapons crafted by a renowned master who had passed away 20 years ago, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.
Reflecting the master’s stubbornness, there were no unnecessary decorations, which suited Ray’s taste perfectly.
“If…”
Ernst spoke as he returned the artifact containing the Dragonheart that Ray had entrusted to him.
“Should you encounter a being with power similar to a dragon, controlling it might be difficult. Be cautious.”
“Yes, understood.”
Given that it used the Dragonheart as a power source, it was an unsolvable problem.
Though it was bothersome, it wasn’t feasible to let fear of dragons prevent him from using such a top-tier artifact.
“So, His Grace the Duke will remain in the Imperial Capital for some time?”
“Yes. I’ll guard His Majesty until the defenses are fully restored.”
Until the Imperial Capital’s defense system was completely repaired, it was necessary for Ernst to stay close to the Emperor. With war already depleting manpower and resources elsewhere, sending Ernst out was out of the question.
Ernst looked silently at Ray for a moment before pointing to a map hanging on the wall of his office.
“A evacuation order will be issued for Phillip’s County.”
There was a possibility that the Empire’s attempt to negotiate with the Rangers could fail. The army of the Rubia Kingdom might also make an aggressive move by crossing the Sigini Mountain Range.
In such a scenario, regardless of the outcome of the war, Phillip’s County would suffer significant civilian casualties.
Deploying a large number of imperial troops near the county to construct a defensive line covering the vast Sigini Mountain Range could solve the problem, but…
That would be too inefficient and unrealistic.
Evacuating Phillip’s County and Gardi Viscountcy temporarily was a more practical choice.
But where would the evacuees go? To Osiris Countdom.
Osiris Countdom was one of the strategic locations closest to the Rubia Kingdom and also housed one of the nearest port cities. Additional imperial troops had already been stationed there for defense purposes even before the war.
If the knight order of the Phillip’s County joined forces with Osiris Countdom, their combined strength would likely crush any opposing force.
“The imperial decree ordering the acceptance of evacuees has been sent to Osiris Countdom.”
Of course, the issue regarding the acceptance of evacuees had already been agreed upon months ago.
With Ernst and the Emperor providing supplies and openly pressuring Osiris Countdom to accept the evacuees, the count had little choice but to comply.
Preparations to accommodate the evacuees in Osiris Countdom had started well in advance. However, a small problem arose.
“…The attack on the Imperial Capital has accelerated the war.”
A war originally planned for spring was now happening in the middle of winter.
Though it was a reckless move, it was better to pour resources into quickly ending the conflict rather than giving the demon worshippers more time.
“With the war starting earlier, preparations for accepting evacuees might be insufficient. If anyone mistreats the evacuees, award them with a medal.”
“Haha, yes, understood. By the way, does the Count of Osiris know my name?”
“Nobles active in the central region… sooner or later, everyone will know your name. But it may take longer for those in the outer regions.”
The royal family only announced that someone earned the Empire Guardian Medal during the recent attack on the Imperial Capital.
On the surface, they kept Ray’s identity classified.
However, too many people had seen Ray directly, so controlling the information was impossible.
Anyone doing a background check could easily find out Ray’s true identity.
“Haa.”
Ray sighed lightly.
It was something he had expected, so there was no need to stress about it anew.
After Ernst took his eyes off the map, he gave Ray a serious look.
“I’ll set up a line of communication, so contact me if you need help.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“That’s all. Take care of yourself when you’re out there.”
*
Before parting ways,
Johana tightly hugged Ray.
She didn’t cry. She just stood there like that for a while.
“Don’t get hurt.”
“Don’t worry, I’m doing fine.”
Ray tousled Johana’s hair with his hand.
Like when she was much younger, Johana leaned her forehead against Ray’s chest for a brief moment before letting go.
Ray also bid farewell to Delun.
“I’ll head home first. See you after the semester ends.”
“Yes, Brother.”
“Be modest to an appropriate extent, don’t let others underestimate you, always maintain confidence. Pay attention to socializing and make friends without being picky.”
Ray continued lecturing until the end.
The students, instructors, and advisors—all of them were valuable connections for Delun, who lacked a strong background.
Moreover, they were all people who would be part of Delun’s life much longer than Ray.
Even Jusephin, who seemed clumsy, and Aaron, who appeared spineless, would eventually mature and create a future together with Delun.
Imagining such a future, Ray concluded his farewells.
Johana and Delun stood in place, watching Ray’s retreating back for a long time.
Later, when Ray returned to the Prizzran Clan mansion in the Imperial Capital, a carriage was already prepared.
Before boarding the carriage, Speira greeted Ray with a bright smile.
“See you next time.”
“Yes, take care, Miss.”
Just as Ray was about to turn around to board the carriage,
Saria, who had been waiting patiently for the greetings to end, grabbed Ray from behind and lifted him up.
Caught under her arms, Ray slumped automatically as Saria carried him into the carriage.
As Saria boarded the carriage herself, she waved lightly, and Speira bowed slightly with a smile.
*
A faint smile played on Ray’s lips as the carriage moved forward.
Thanks to warp gates and other means of shortening travel distance, it didn’t take long to reach Phillip’s County.
As they approached Phillip’s County, the scent of the air began to change.
Riding in the carriage with Saria, old memories surfaced, and Ray half-expected bandits to ambush them, but nothing happened.
Now thoroughly familiar with the scenery outside the window, Ray prepared to disembark from the carriage.
Finally, the carriage entered Phillip’s County.
Familiar voices soon reached Ray’s ears.
“My knight!”
Ray burst out laughing.
Hearing Alesya’s voice after so long made it sound particularly welcoming.
Saria gestured for Ray to go out, pushing herself into a corner of the carriage.
If Saria revealed herself, formalities would be required, potentially dampening the warm atmosphere of welcoming Ray. So, she considerately stayed hidden.
Without hesitation, Ray stepped out of the carriage alone.
Approaching rapidly, Alesya smiled brightly but then furrowed her brow slightly.
“You don’t look well!”
“Huh?”
“Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”
“Um… maybe the journey was a bit tiring. How have you been?”
“How can I be well when my knight is absent?”
“But I’ve returned earlier than expected.”
“I fear my knight might cease to be mine!”
Alesya’s teasing reproach made Ray chuckle.
After briefly going along with Alesya’s rhythm, Ray exchanged light pleasantries with Count Philip, who had personally come to greet him.
Since important discussions would happen inside the manor, Count Philip briefly greeted Ray and stepped aside.
Once Count Philip moved, Lea came running from behind.
“Big Brother’s here!!”
“…”
Seeing Lea, Ray slightly furrowed his brows.
She seemed to have grown taller since the last time they met.
Lea enthusiastically ran up, jumped, and hugged Ray, shouting,
“Big Brother’s here!!”
“Yeah, Big Brother’s here, little sister.”
After roughly hugging Lea, Ray gently placed her down.
Lea peeked into the carriage, then her eyes sparkled as she exclaimed,
“Gift! Give me a gift! Lea wants a gift!”
Pointing expectantly at Ray with both hands, as if demanding the return of something entrusted to him.
Realizing it was time to restore discipline, Ray subtly raised his fist and brought it down.
But Lea had apparently anticipated this, raising her arms to block it.
Clang!
“Eh?”
Tilting his head, Ray watched as Lea immediately darted away.
Ray clicked his tongue and beckoned her with a wave of his hand.
“Come here, come here.”
“…”
After hesitating, Lea slowly approached again.
Ray promptly retrieved the gifts he’d prepared in advance from the baggage cart and piled them into Lea’s arms.
Lea immediately broke into a wide grin.
“It’s a gift!”
Ecstatic, Lea couldn’t stop talking, hugging the gifts tightly and waddling toward Bella.
Too excited to remember saying things like “Big Brother’s the best!”—Lea reminded Ray it was time to reinforce discipline again.
Watching Lea happily stumble off, drooling like she might, Bella approached.
“Our son, why does your face look so sullen?”
“Hmm…”
After hearing similar comments from both Alesya and Bella, Ray began to wonder if his complexion really was poor.
“Maybe I’m just tired from being in the carriage for too long.”
In the end, Ray resorted to a typical excuse as he embraced Bella.
Next, Karen approached, burying her face in Ray’s chest and whispering quietly.
“I missed you.”
“…”
Silently, Ray hugged Karen, taking in her subtle fragrance.
After staying quietly in Ray’s embrace for a moment, Karen stepped back and asked,
“How are Johana and Delun?”
“They’re both doing well at Izhise. But… I don’t see Luna anywhere?”
“Oh… I heard she’s conducting an important magic experiment. In the Sigini Mountains. But she’ll be back soon.”
“Is that so? Then we shouldn’t disturb her.”
Ray glanced toward the Sigini Mountains.
Through the contract seal engraved in the circle, he could sense Luna’s presence beyond the mountains.
Confirming that Luna wasn’t far away, Ray greeted the others who had come to welcome him.
During this time, Saria slipped out of the carriage unnoticed and was guided by Pico to the manor.
A short while later,
Having finished greeting those who had come to meet him, Ray headed to the manor.
As he approached Count Philip’s office, Ray felt an odd ticklish sensation.
Count Philip’s office was a place Ray had visited since he was very young.
Thus, it was a location filled with deep memories… but.
“…”
Upon entering Count Philip’s office, Ray silently scanned the surroundings.
The furnishings, though worn from long use, once possessed a certain rustic charm.
They had all been replaced with dazzling high-end items.
The furniture, like chairs and tables, was no exception.
Everything had been swapped out for awkwardly expensive-looking high-end pieces.
Looking at the walls, a ceremonial sword encrusted with jewels conspicuously caught the eye.
This place was no longer a place of cherished memories for Ray.
“…”
Ray turned to look at Count Philip with an oddly dry expression.
Count Philip avoided Ray’s gaze awkwardly and cleared his throat.
You’ve become quite distinguished in just a few months.
Trying to soften the sentence, Ray managed to say,
“You’ve had good fortune.”
“…”
Count Philip’s gaze became sidelong.
Mirror (2)
