Kuro no Senki (LN)

Morning.

Oh, God, I hope you don't smoke me out.

Aridid blurted out, hiding behind the bushes.

Smoke drifted through the forest like a thick fog.

It's the work of the imperial army.

The imperial army has been burning smoke since yesterday.

The purpose of this is to block the view of Alideed and the others and to prevent them from interfering with the removal of obstacles.

Thanks to this, the watchtower we built on top of the tree is no longer available.

I've dispersed my subordinates, so it's not like I've lost track of the Imperial Army's movements.

However, our striking power was reduced.

It would be impossible to neutralize the Imperial Army with a flanking attack.

Inevitably, the infantry deployed on the left flank would be the key to the defense.

The crossbows have been deployed, so it should be fine, but I can't help but feel uneasy.

Alideed coughed lightly and repositioned the cloth covering his mouth.

His eyes hurt, his nose hurt, and his throat hurt.

'We're not smokers, and...'

I agree with you, that I do.

Aridid blurts out, and I hear Tyga's voice from the ground.

He tilted his gaze to the ground.

Then, Taiga was on the ground.

So did the other beastmen.

Many of the beastmen have an excellent sense of smell.

Even if they covered their mouths with a cloth, they couldn't escape the effects of the smoke.

''Like it's okay?''

Guru.

Alideed asked, and Tyga let out a sigh.

'Like you're going to reassign with the Confederation of Tribes?'

"This is not a good time, that it is.

You're right.

Alideed's shoulders slumped disappointedly.

The Imperial Army has removed the obstacles on both wings and is now about to launch an assault on the main camp.

As expected, it's difficult to change positions at this time.

Suddenly, Taiga raises his body.

Of course, Aridid's ears have also caught the unusual situation.

"Captain Arideed--

Like, "There's been movement in the Imperial Guard and you're okay with it?

A subordinate's voice echoed from the magic item for communication.

Alideed didn't hear the report until the end and asked.

''The enemy commander who was hiding in the bastion, the body--''

"Arideed, White, prepare to ambush.

His subordinate's words are interrupted again.

It was Crono who interrupted him.

The company's vision is blocked by smoke, so there's no need to aim. If the enemy moves, fire an arrow.''

"Like you understand.

"I'll do my best.

When Alideed replied, White followed suit.

''Also, the heavily armed infantry should be ready to throw stones.''

Crono said as he remembered, and Alideed chuckled.

It makes me feel better.

It was a cash cow, even though he had just heard Crono's voice.

I feel strongly that Crono is the spiritual pillar of the Imperial Army.

At that time--.

''Charging iiiiiiiiii!

Oh!

I heard the voice of the enemy commander and a yell.

'I wish I could shoot the enemy that passes in front of me without aiming!

Alideed shouted into the communication magic item and readied his mechanic's bow.

As usual, his vision was still blocked by smoke.

Geez, a short scream sounded intermittently.

His subordinates must have shot at the enemy.

A thud sounded and the shadow of the enemy was reflected in the smoke.

Alideed fired an arrow.

The enemy soldiers fall down.

He quickly fires another arrow.

The soldier goes out of shape.

Then he turns and fires another arrow.

The enemy goes out of line.

They turn and fire their arrows.

The enemy goes out of line.

They turn and release their arrows.

The enemy goes out of line.

They turn and release their arrows.

The enemy goes out of line.

The same action will be repeated.

The enemy won't stop even if their comrades are dead.

They push forward and forward even though they are being attacked from the side.

I feel the heat. This heat is what is driving them.

Alideed concentrates on releasing the arrows.

How long has he been firing arrows for?

It shouldn't have been that long, but it felt awfully long.

When he turned the last arrow, his vision brightened.

The enemy soldiers were gone.

The wind blew and the smoke cleared.

Then the corpses of the enemy soldiers were lying there in a heap.

Alideed lowered the cloth covering his mouth and exhaled heavily.

''Captain Alideed: ......''

What's wrong with you?

Enemy forces are still in the area.

Alideed looked toward the enemy's main camp - a sandbagged defensive wall, to be precise - and saw a man standing there.

A man stood there with a spear in his hand.

He's the one who said 'I'll take your head' when he launched the night attack.

Tyga stands up and narrows his eyes.

"That's Lord Roy, that it is.

What do you want to do?

"Don't kill Master Roy.

It was Crono who answered his subordinate's question.

"I think we can kill it now." ......

'We don't want any of the remaining soldiers running amok. Shoot an arrow at their feet to scare them off.

"...... to know

The subordinate answered after a slight pause.

What I sense from the tone of voice is doubt.

He's probably wondering if he can get rid of them just by firing an arrow.

But still, it's the soldiers who follow orders.

An arrow is released.

He drew a mountainous trajectory and stabbed the man with the spear in his hand - Roy's feet.

Then a man who appeared to be a subordinate grabbed Roy's arm.

The two men seemed to be engaged in some kind of shoving match, but eventually they turned on their heels and headed for the main camp.

Alideed's eyes widen lightly.

I didn't expect to be able to really get rid of him just by shooting an arrow--.

You want to take a big step forward with this, don't you?

"We can't call it progress until we pull out Leonhardt-dono, that we can't call it progress." (Guru)

I know that.

Let them use a trump card called Leonhardt.

So, for the first time, I can say that the operation has moved forward.

But after that, though, it's a gamble - and it's a gamble.

I hate gambling.

"I don't like it either, that I do.

Alideed muttered with a sigh, and Tyga gave a small nod.

※

" ...... ダンさんを見る

Thank you.

When Romus thanked him, the servant bowed reverently and stepped back.

He stared at the figure.

There was Romus' figure in his armor.

He hadn't expected to wear this armor again.

No, he had a hunch.

So he put the armor in his hand.

'...... heavy.'

Romus lifted his hands to chest level.

It felt heavy, although it was the right size.

Is it natural? It had been more than thirty years since he had last donned the armor.

No one stays young.

The same goes for this armor.

This armor was made with the most advanced technology at the time of its creation.

It was made with the most advanced technology at the time of its creation, and just by showing it on, I could hear the admiration from somewhere.

I didn't miss a lot of care, but I can't shake the feeling that it's old.

But it was not a bad feeling.

There was a strange sense of elation.

Perhaps this was the work of blood.

The first emperor had leveled a peninsula riven by military force.

His son, the second emperor, had no territorial ambitions.

He loved poetry and wanted to rule the country by virtue and wisdom.

He wanted peace.

But he used force many times in his life.

It's ironic. It's ironic, because those who want peace have to fight to keep it.

And in the process, he has lost his brother - the first Duke of Palatium.

The first Duke of Palatium died in battle to protect the second emperor.

He says that he used the divine power technique and divine summoning to become a light and disappeared.

When I was young, hearing this story, I used to wish I could be like him.

But now--.

Romus gave a small shake of his head.

I shouldn't. His thoughts got sidetracked.

What is important is not the end of the first Duke of Palatium.

It's that the Duke of Palatium's family is from a military family.

It's no wonder that they feel uplifted by wearing armor.

This is my true self.

When you think about it--.

''...... master.''

Alfred called out to me timidly.

I could tell from his tone of voice that he had something to say.

Utterly, the exuberance of the moment is ruined.

But I've served you long enough.

I can't despise him.

'What is it?'

"...... Please reconsider.

Alfred grunted.

Romus let out a sigh and looked around at the servants.

Then the servants left the room.

The sound of the door closing could be heard.

'Sir, please reconsider. You should not follow Emperor Alfort.''

There you go again.

Romus said in a disgusted mood.

'The day I received the letter from Viscount Hamal, I decided to follow Emperor Alfort.

That was two days ago.

I've been telling him to reconsider ever since.

''The situation is already in motion. The soldiers and vigilantes are gathering one by one in the outskirts of Mytholos, don't you think?

I'm aware of that, sir. But--

It's a laughingstock now that you've given it some more time.

Romus interrupted Alfred's words.

The House of Palatium is second only to the Emperor in terms of territory.

Naturally, the number of soldiers defending the territory is also large.

If you put all the Imperial Army and vigilantes together, there are more than 30,000 of them.

But not all soldiers can be handled freely.

They have to defend their own territory, and there's also the problem of distance.　

We can only send about five thousand of them to the imperial capital.

I'd like to mobilize at least ten thousand, but after gathering soldiers quite forcefully.

If we postpone going into battle, people might think we've lost our nerve.

Besides, I had a feeling that if I took my time, I would miss my chance.

It's a good thing that we're not the only ones. If we enter the war, the Imperial Army can win. That way we can strengthen our influence in the center. Why, I don't understand that.''

'This battle is unnecessary for House Palatium, no, sir, this battle is unnecessary for you.

What are you talking about?

Romus couldn't help himself.

'Again, I will tell you. The Master is about to be given an unnecessary fight.

You could strengthen your hold on the center. What's the point of this?

The Palatium family already has great influence.

Don't be an idiot!

Romus raised his voice again.

'Hasn't the prestige of the House of Palatium fallen to the ground after more than thirty years of civil war? Even though we have the same ancestor, we can no longer meet, let alone advise His Majesty the Prior Emperor.

Times have changed.

Yes. That's why I had to obey that little official - Alcor. Why do you think that was?

It's .......

Alfred clammed up.

It was not because he did not understand.

It's because he knows, and that's why he's muzzled.

"Because I couldn't fight, couldn't make myself felt.

That was not your husband's fault: ......

'Yes, I know. But it doesn't matter if I know what I know.

If you're a wise man, you'll understand if you run out of words.

But the world is full of those who are not.

We have to think in terms of those who are not wise.

How to do that?

It's simple. You just have to show it in action.

One action is better than a million words.

That's how Alcor won Lamar V's trust, and Romus lost it.

'Let me ask you one question. Why did you decide to follow Emperor Alfort?

"If the rebels win, House Palatium's survival is in jeopardy.

'No way!　Such is the case at ......

Alfred's eyes widened in surprise at Romus' words.

'I did nothing to help Princess Tilia when she was recuperating in the Transference. Of course, I have a point to make, but do you expect me to believe it?

I'm sure you'll run out of words: ......

Alfred grunted.

His eyes wavered.

Romus chuckled.

He didn't believe his own words.

You think you can round up your master with a lie you can't fool yourself with.

'Perhaps you will be given the opportunity to defend yourself. But he won't be trusted. I am sure that the Tyria Princess will weigh in on the new nobles who have revolted in sympathy. Just like the last civil war. They acted and I did not. In my grandson's generation, we - the old nobles and the new nobles - will be reversed. Do you still call this an unnecessary battle?

...... appears to be a dangerous gamble.

Alfred answered Romus' question after a slight pause.

''Even if Princess Tyria wins, there will still be occasions when your husband will make his presence felt.

Such as?

After the war, you can be the cordon of the old nobility with Princess Tyria.

How can you be a cordoner if you don't trust me?

Romus snickered at Alfred's words.

'Action. We have no choice but to show it in action.'

......

Alfred was silent.

He stared at Romus in silence.

'Alfred, you've seen the same things I have. Why don't you understand?

''Your current master looks dangerous. It looks as if he's trying to reason with the new aristocracy because he doesn't want to stand in the wind.

"-Oh!

My mind went blank at Alfred's words.

I was almost furious.

Even though he had been expecting to be told that.

Romus took a deep breath.

'I decided to give Emperor Alfort the benefit of the doubt because I found it difficult to win the trust of Princess Tilia from now on. I have not yet lost Emperor Alfort's trust.

............ I understand. If you've thought this through, I have nothing more to say to you.

Alfred said after a long silence.

It wasn't because he understood.

He spoke beyond the servant's share.

He then declared that Romus would follow Emperor Alfort.

In short, he gave up.

Romus let out a small breath.

I've known him for a long time - ever since I can remember.

That he did not understand.

I'm sorry for that.

But that's what being the head of a family is all about.

You have to make decisions and take responsibility for them.

There is a knock at the door.

A knock on the door.

"Come in!

"Excuse me to .......

Romus raised his voice, and the door opened.

The door was opened by a servant.

He bowed reverently and took his place.

'What do you want?'

We're ready to go, sir.

Mmmm, Romus nodded and stepped out.

Then Alfred asked with concern.

'...... Sir,'

Don't worry. I'll take my chances. I asked you to take care of the kid.

'Sir, good luck to you. ......'

Alfred bowed deeply and Romus left the room.

'Sir, I have a box carriage waiting for you outside,'

Okay.

Led by a servant, Romus makes his way through the corridors of the Duke's mansion.

A feeling of unease suddenly arises.

''You sent the letter to the imperial capital, didn't you?

Of course.

When I checked to be sure, the servant replied as a matter of course.

'Did Alfred say anything to you?'

I'm sorry: "I'm sorry. ......

The servant slurred his words.

So it turned out that there had been trouble before the letter was sent.

Perhaps Alfred hadn't tried to send the letter until the last minute.

'It's no problem if you sent it. It's not a problem if you sent it.

Thank you.

The servant said as if in relief, and Romus gave a small chuckle.

He did not send the letter until the last minute.

It was probably a decision that he made after worrying about it as a family order.

But if you really wanted to stop it, you could have stopped it as much as you wanted.

You could have poisoned him, you could have put him under house arrest - you could have repped Leonhardt and let him take over the reigns.

The fact that he didn't do so means that he didn't mean it.

He wasn't prepared to stop it, even if he had to kill it.

So, I could only hope that Romus would have his way.

But the same is true for Romus, who was expecting it.

That's why he said things like, 'Why don't you understand?

How sweet it was for all of us, including my son.

That son will make up his mind when he sees that letter.

Which side would his son take?

I'm sure he'll side with Emperor Alfort, but if he disagrees with me, that's fine too.

It's that much determination.

You can't achieve anything with half-hearted determination.

Romus scoffed to himself at that thought.

What a great idea!

You were going to wait and see until you received a letter from Viscount Hamal.

As soon as it's ready, it's asking others to be ready for it, too.

How selfish it is.

But that's what people are for.

We go through the same rut, thinking we've learned a lesson, and we follow parallel lines, hoping to understand each other.

You feel like you've accomplished something just by being prepared, and you mock those who aren't.

Yeah, it's really human.

If nothing is accomplished at this point, it will end up being a stain on the family's history.

This time, Romus clenched his fists, and this time he would get the glory.

Suddenly the servant who had been leading them ran and opened the door.

Then there was a boxcarriage parked there.

Suddenly the question arises as to whether the commander should be allowed to ride in the boxcarriage.

I think we should have a horse now.

That's what I'm thinking about--.

Come in, sir.

The servant opened the boxcarriage door.

Romus climbed into the boxcarriage after some hesitation.

The servant bowed reverently and closed the door.

※

Romus looked out the window of the boxcarriage at the streets of Mytholos.

The center of the city still has buildings from the time of the first Duke of Palatium.

But the further you get from the center of the city, the more new buildings are added.

I'm glad the city is growing.

On the other hand, I sometimes wonder if this is really a development.

I think what I consider to be development is chaos.

Suddenly, the cityscape breaks off.

He bypassed the hill and opened his eyes lightly.

The soldiers were lined up in an orderly line.

Their number, roughly five thousand.

The speed of the boxcarriage changed to a slower one, stopping slightly away from the soldiers.

Romus straightened his back.

Then a servant opened the door.

A breeze blew in.

A cold, icy wind.

But strangely enough, he didn't mind.

On the contrary, he was still and sweaty.

'...... Sir,'

Yeah, I know.

Romus nodded hawkishly and got out of the boxcarriage.

'Oh!　Master Roms!

Romus looked at the direction the voice had come from.

A fat man came running up to him with a thud.

It was his cousin, Moriah.

He's not incompetent, but he's not very impressive at the moment.

I'm leaving one of the fiefdoms in his hands.

He has no intention of joining this battle.

He doesn't wear any armor.

As he gets closer, Moria's speed slows down.

It's not enough exercise.

He has no choice but to walk up to her.

Moria stopped in front of Romus.

He's sweating sluggishly.

He is breathing heavily.

I feel like I'm dying at any moment.

I call out to him when his breathing has calmed down.

'Are you going too?'

'I'm sorry, but I am ......'

Moriah slurred his words.

I'm sure you're right.

I'm dying after running just a few dozen meters.

I would have had to significantly lower my rating if I said I was going to be there for this, etc.

How can a man who cannot reflect on himself serve as a deputy?

Instead, my son will go to ......

Oh, it's Irving.

Romus opened his eyes lightly.

Of course, it's an act.

Irvin did not do well in military school and did not have any significant war success.

I rooted it out to the War Department and made him a battalion commander.

If this is the way you want to play it, then I'm going to make you pay for your lick.

'My goodness, my brother!　You've come to this place.

A high-pitched voice rang out.

I looked at the direction the voice came from and saw my sister Sylvia approaching us.

She is wearing a purple dress.

This one would be a greeting.

I looked around and saw a number of familiar faces.

He looks around with a big smile.

He's probably trying to see how his opponent comes out.

It's a silly tactic.

But we can't let it go unchallenged.

Their position is with Roms, but that's no reason to be disrespectful.

Thus, Romus wasted no time.

※

In the evening - Romus was looking at the view from the boxcarriage.

As I looked at the reddish-red landscape, I knew I should have ridden my horse.

I'm going to fight.

It's not a sight-seeing tour.

I had no idea that armor and boxcars were such an incompatible thing.

I feel like a clown.

Should I get on the horse now?

No, he gave a small shake of his head.

What if he asks you why?

You want to ride a horse because you want to look good?

No way.

But that doesn't mean I can't think of a suitable reason either.

You have no choice but to go to the imperial capital dressed like this, he thought, biting his lip.

Suddenly, the speed of the boxcarriage slows down.

I guess we'll be camped here today.

The boxcarriage stops and the door opens.

''...... sir.''

Are we camped out here today?

That's part of it, but when the advance team reports back, it's .......

"Report?

Yes, the servant nodded.

What kind of report is that?

'All right. Go get them.

Yes, of course.

The servant bowed and turned on his heel.

Romus turned his shoulders and dismounted from the boxcarriage.

Soon the knight comes running up to him.

He dismounted, of course.

The knight poked one knee as he came in front of Romus.

'...... Romus Legionnaire,'

You have permission to speak.

'Ha, we went to the border as an advance party to the territory: ......

Hmm, territory, which means it's Count Kermanus' territory.

Huh, what's the problem, Romus wondered, tilting his head.

He is on good terms with Count Kermanus.

Before going to war, he wrote a letter and asked permission to pass through the territory.

As a matter of fact, ...... there is a barrier set up at the territorial boundary.

What?

Romus couldn't help but ask back.

'I've spoken to Count Kermanus beforehand, haven't I?

I told them as much, but the soldiers on guard didn't hear about it: ......

Kuh, Romus grunted.

Anger welled up against Count Kermanus for making a joking mistake.

So the question arises.

He wondered if Count Kermanus had really made a mistake.

This is the timing.

It's more natural to think that Count Kermanus paid a favor to the rebels.

''What kind of a barrier was it?''

There were about a dozen soldiers blocking the road with a crude fence made of wood.

...... ten?

Romus crossed his arms.

'What will you do, sir?　If you're going to break through--

Let me think about it for a minute.

Yes, sir.

The knight hung his head as Romus interrupted him and said.

There are five thousand soldiers here.

We can get through a barrier of about ten men by force.

But what would happen if they broke through by force?

Count Kermanus is sure to attack.

Even if Romus wins in the end, the general will die and leave a bad taste in his mouth.

Whether it was really a miscommunication or on purpose, we must first negotiate.

Very well. I'll have a word with Count Quermain. Where are the horses?

Now?

Is there a problem?

The sun's about to set.

Romus asked back, and the knight said in a low voice.

The sun's setting, so what?

We're in danger of being attacked by thieves, sir.

This is still my territory.

But not if you're heading for the border. Besides, I don't know if Count Quermainus will come immediately after arriving at the border. In fact, it's more likely that he'll have to wait.

Romus was angry, but the knight had a point.

If they made a deliberate miscommunication, they must make you wait.

They could pose as bandits and attack you.

All right. We'll move in the morning.

Thank you.

Thank you for your efforts. Get some rest for tomorrow.

Ha, the knight replied and stood up.

He turned on his heel and headed down to his friends.

Romus covered his mouth with his hand and spat shit out.

You're supposed to get the glory, but here - on the first day of the march, you're stranded.

Save the empire and unite the divided blood.

It's as if the picture I had in mind was falling apart in tatters.

It's like a replay of more than 30 years ago.

Will we end up being unable to do anything again?

No," he said with a small shake of his head.

I'm not the greenhorn I was back then.

I'm old.

I've gained experience.

If it was me now, I would be able to negotiate with Count Kermanus and get permission to go through the territory.

I muttered, hiding my mouth with my hand, "I can't end up here," he muttered, hiding his mouth with his hand.

※

Night--.

The Duke of Palatium is finished, Cecily said, looking at the encampment.

The encampment was established on the border of the counts of Quermainus and Picharotte.

One after another, my brother's subordinates - the members of the Fifth Konoe Order are gathering.

Even though they had arranged it beforehand, it can only be called quicksilver.

There are about five hundred horsemen present now, and another five hundred horsemen are gathering.

Until now, my brother had tried not to stay in one place.

That's why he's staying in one place and resting his horse.

He is acting differently.

I can't help but feel the end.

I suddenly felt a presence and turned around to see my brother standing there.

'What's going on?'

It's nothing.

Cecily let out a small sigh and leaned against a tree.

'I was feeling a bit sentimental about it,'

How did that happen?

'It would be a centimeter to think of the loss of the House of Palatium, which has lasted over four hundred years.

I don't know yet.

Her brother cowered lightly and Cecily narrowed her eyes.

'Is it true?'

If Lord Crono can't buy time, if Princess Tyria can't defeat the false emperor Alfort, it will be us who disappear.

Oh," Cecily hissed.

My brother is right.

The Duke of Palatium will end when the Imperial Army wins.

'You believe that, Cecily, don't you?

How about ............?

Cecily tilted her head.

Honestly, I don't want to be asked if I believe in this situation.

I'm here because I thought I had a chance of winning in the first place.

However, it's true that I didn't anticipate what would happen if I lost.

It's hard for me to judge whether I'm optimistic or shallow.

''Well, I guess I can believe in that life force.

Lord Crono's?

Is there anyone else in here?

Cecily asked back, and her brother cowered lightly.

'But, well, I'm not that naive.

...... pure love.

He frowns.

'I need to get some insurance,'

I'm not asking you to do what you want.

That's good to hear.

Huh, my brother laughed.

I didn't have a good feeling about this.

'Cecily, I'll leave you with a hundred horsemen.

There are only 100 riders?

The best of the best.

So you don't need me?

My brother raised his eyebrows in annoyance, but it's true.

Cecily's ability in the Fifth Konoe Order is a sub-par performance.

I'm not sure I'm capable of being a commander.

But....

''I understand.

Are you going to take care of it?

That's what I was going to say, sir.

Good. I was afraid you'd say no.

It's white.

Cecily turned away.

It was her brother, and if she refused, she would have ordered him to do so.

'When am I supposed to leave?'

'I'm going to write you a letter, so give me a moment, please.

It means to leave immediately.

If we leave now, we'll be in the Imperial City the day after tomorrow evening, Cecily let out a small sigh.

I don't know what my brother is thinking.

I just hope it's not for some silly reason that it's post-war.

※

ユキハタ-。

蒂莉娅喝下香茶，呼呼地吐着气。

我已经完全习惯了弥勒特制香茶的刺鼻气味。

I was wary of the pungent smell at first, but it's frightening to get used to it at all.

But these days I wish I had some calming incense tea to help me feel better.

The tunnel is complete.

He also killed Argena Dios of the Third Kinsman Guard.

But the Empire still refuses to use its trump card (Leonhardt).

Are there circumstances that make it unavailable?

Or are you going to preserve it?

If it's the latter, it's bad.

Even if you try to rethink your strategy, the Imperial Army is too widely deployed.

Just as Tilia bit her lip, Myra opened her mouth.

"...... Austria

What?

I think there's someone here.

Shortly after Myra muttered, the wind blew in.

Someone - Johnny - opened the door.

Johnny wasn't the only one on the other side of the door.

Cecily was there, too.

'Johnny, how dare you open the door without knocking?

No, no, I'm just in a rush.

Myra said, holding her temples, and Johnny said, excusing himself.

Can we have this conversation later, please?

"...... Mansai?

"-Oh!

Myra said in a low voice, and Cecily shuddered with a jolt.

Hmmm, Tilia groaned.

As I recall, Cecily and Myra were acquainted with each other.

By looking at Cecily's demeanor, I could somehow understand what was going on between the two of them.

So why are you acting like you're offended?

''Warm up old acquaintanceship later.

Oh!

"Stop trying to rekindle old friendships.

Myra's voice bounced happily, and Tilia muttered in disgust.

'...... If you say so much, Mistress...'

Cecily, what do you want?

I got a letter for you from your brother.

Well, I'll come inside and listen to the story.

Excuse me.

Cecily bowed reverently and went inside the hut.

Johnny is waiting outside, by the way.

He looked lonely, but some things can't be helped.

Cecily walked over to Tilia and placed the letter on the table.

Tilia took the letter and checked the contents.

Then her eyes widened.

'Is it true that this is ...... the Duke of Palatium's move?'

Yeah, you're right.

Cecily puffed out her chest proudly.

Of course. He had moved the Duke of Palatium with the least amount of effort.

Nevertheless, Tilia thought.

Duke Palatium is too bypassed.

You can't even try to hide the fact that you're following Alfort.

No, it's not something that can be hidden.

''Oh, could it be ......

Tilia realizes something.

The Empire simply couldn't use Leonhardt as a trump card.

If Leonhardt himself was unwilling to fight - and he was.

It seemed to make sense if it was considered a possible betrayal.

Tilia picked up the communication magic item--.

'Gaul, Robert, Kane, come here at once.

I called out to the three of them.