Prince Helga paced anxiously in his chamber, fully armed. The fire in the market had drawn the attention of the royal guards, but this only worked against him.
Originally, the start of his planned rebellion was supposed to be this kind of terrorism. He intended to set part of the capital ablaze to divert the guards’ attention and bring Paliamen’s forces into the castle.
But now that things had turned out this way, the royal guards would maintain a heightened level of alert for some time. Prince Helga tapped the hilt of his sword, looking at the door.
“Your Highness, a messenger has arrived.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s a servant of Sir Albert.”
“…? Sir Albert’s? Let them in!”
Though not the guest he was expecting, any information was crucial at this moment. Prince Helga watched as Kirhas entered. She was holding Baimeer’s sword.
“…That sword…?”
“Sir Baimeer sent me in his stead.”
“Sir…? No, never mind. Don’t answer.”
Prince Helga was sharp and perceptive. In that brief moment, seeing Kirhas with Baimeer’s heirloom, he deduced the entire truth. He sighed and sat down at the table.
“Ah… Baimeer. You were not meant to go this way.”
“He fought honorably.”
“He always did. He always will, and that’s how he’ll be remembered. But my foolishness has killed a hero!”
Helga buried his face in his hands, taking a deep breath. After a moment of silence, he looked up at Kirhas with bloodshot eyes.
“So, you’ve come to deliver his will?”
“Yes. He said to leave the city and find Sir Paliamen. There is a traitor, and Princess Moria knows the whole truth…”
“…I see.”
Prince Helga staggered to his feet. His heavy armor, crafted by his father-in-law, clanked loudly. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and opened his eyes.
His emerald eyes shone like a lion’s. He had a natural charisma, the talent of a hero. Prince Helga looked down at Kirhas with a fierce gaze.
“Where is your lord, Sir Albert?”
“He is confronting Princess Moria and her mentor.”
“…What?”
The prince was stunned. Had they really found the witch they had been chasing for months so easily? And even lured Princess Moria out of the castle? The prince urgently called out toward the door.
“Hey, is anyone there?!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
A guard knight hurriedly opened the door and appeared. Prince Helga, still gripping the sword hilt, asked, “Where is Princess Moria now?”
“She left in haste. She was seen departing with the guards on the Sovereign’s Road.”
“…Sir Baimeer. You left too soon!”
Prince Helga’s lips twisted into a sad smile. The heavy clanking of his armor echoed as he walked.
Clank, clank.
He slowly made his way to the corridor of his chamber. The corridor, lined with stone pillars, was filled with his knights, armed and waiting. Clank. About ten knights silently stepped aside as the prince passed.
“Pan.”
“Yes, my lord.”
A knight in ash-gray armor knelt beside the prince. The prince paused and looked down at him. Through the visor of the helmet, he could see the youthful face, reminiscent of Baimeer’s eyes.
“Receive your family sword from Kirhas, Sir Albert’s servant.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Then go find Sir Paliamen. Order him to advance.”
“For the honor of the royal family.”
“For eternal honor. Althais’ Pfarnermeer. I trust you!”
At those words, the young knight trembled slightly and stood. Kirhas handed Baimeer’s sword to the approaching knight.
“And Kirhas. Will you follow me as well?”
“…I will go to my lord.”
“Convey my gratitude to your lord.”
Kirhas looked into Helga’s eyes. She seemed both resigned and determined. She gripped the sword hilt a few times, then turned and left the corridor.
Clank.
His knights followed him. Kirhas paused for a moment, then turned and left the hallway. Until the next mission came, she had to stay by Fernandez’s side.
Fernandez twitched his nearly powerless right arm. Since being struck by Chelini’s lightning, he had lost sensation in his right arm. The black halo burning behind his head slowly flickered and then disappeared.
‘You’ve suffered.’
-It was fun.
Faijashi giggled. Fernandez looked down at Moria, who was gasping in terror and shock. She was trembling, clutching Chelini’s corpse.
“Whose… remains are these?”
“Say it again. That a knight could never overcome the vastness of dark magic?”
It was laughable coming from the descendant of the Knight King, and even more so directed at himself. Fernandez looked at the distant guards and citizens. Moria’s political standing was now finished.
Moria’s face was filled with shame as she…
