Chapter 130

Chapter 130

Why are you here?

The princesss whisper flowed, or rather, it was no longer a whisper; it was almost a shout.

The shout carried a significant distance, eventually piercing Raciels ears sharply.

Raciel flinched.

Huh?

His head, nearly resting on Demians back as they ran, turned abruptly. The voice had originated from that direction. He made eye contact with the princess.

.

Three seconds of silence ensued.

Then, Raciel exclaimed.

Princess! We finally meet again!

His voice quivered with emotion. Tears welled up in his eyes, scattering as he hurried toward her, as if he might leap into her arms.

Upon this, Adeline was taken aback.

What, what!

Glad to see you! Glad to see you!

While Princess Adeline was flustered, Raciel suddenly mounted her horse from behind. She had no opportunity to object or react.

What are you doing here, Prince? Why are you in this place, behaving in such a manner?

Theres a reason for everything.

A reason? Didnt you say youd return to the imperial capital? Its been more than ten days since you left without any greeting after just sending a letter.

There were unavoidable circumstances.

What circumstances? We thought you had returned to the homeland. Why are you here, being pursued by the rebels?

Dont people have all sorts of reasons in life?

So you wont answer?

Its too complicated and lengthy to explain.

But I want to hear it.

Seated behind her on the horse, Raciel faced the princesss piercing gaze.

She was upset. She was shocked. Was it merely because Raciel didnt return to the imperial capital as he had stated in his letter? Did he deceive her?

That wasnt the whole story.

Why are you wearing the rebels coat?

The issue was the cold-weather coat Raciel had on. It was the official uniform of the rebels.

It even bore the emblem of the rebel command unit on the shoulder.

That coat, it seems fairly new. Though its dirty with moss and mud, its obvious. Where were you, and what were you doing during the ten days after you left the healing camp?

The princesss gaze, now firmly locked onto Raciel, was filled with suspicion.

The official coat with the emblem of the rebel command unit. And the coat appeared to have been issued just a few days ago. A troubling puzzle began to take shape in her mind.

Partially convinced, she inquired, Did you join the rebels during this time? Did you lie to me?

Yes!The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Raciel replied bluntly.

It was a bold and self-assured response. As a result, Princess Adeline was momentarily left speechless.

However, Raciel continued with his strangely composed retort.

Thats right. I was associated with the rebel command. It was more fruitful than I had anticipated.

But joining the rebels was a sacrifice for a greater purpose.

A sacrifice?

Yes. I infiltrated at great risk! With the intention of striking at the heart of the enemy! To provide even a small measure of assistance to the kingdoms army, to bring an end to this unfortunate civil war sooner, I willingly undertook this mission, overcoming my fears.

It sounds like an excuse. And a rather pitiful one at that.

Did I get caught?

Yes.

But now is not the time for this. You can scold me later. Lets urge the horse to run faster.

Why? Because of the pursuing rebels?

Yes.

But they appear to be fewer in number than us. It might be better to confront and eliminate them now that weve encountered them.

A sardonic smile appeared on Princess Adelines lips. She was confident.

The 500 cavalrymen she commanded were the kingdoms elite forces. She believed that they would not be defeated by any rebel unit of a similar size.

Furthermore, at the moment, her side appeared to have nearly twice as many troops. So, if they confront them directly, they should be able to defeat the enemy without significant losses.

This would set a good example.

The rebel cavalry, who had tried to slaughter the villagers as if they were hunting prey. The kingdoms princess and her guard had intervened to stop them and rescue the villagers.

If they managed to eliminate the rebel cavalry during this process, and if both the kingdoms army at the fortress and the rebels across the plains witnessed this, the morale of the kingdoms army would skyrocket. Conversely, the rebels morale would plummet.

This is an opportunity. We should fight here and exterminate them. Thats the advantage.

The princess had made up her mind.

However, at that moment, Raciel exclaimed sharply.

Your Highness!

A sharp cry shattered the slowed perception of time. It was Demians voice.

At the same time, a fierce force, like a tempest, surged from behind, colliding with Javillons sword.

Boom!

A shockwave hit all at once. It enveloped his entire body.

The heavy impact felt like being struck by a massive water-filled ball. The world seemed to shake, and the slowed flow of time was restored.

Cough!

He was flung into the air, propelled by the shockwave. So, what would happen to him now? There was no time to think.

He instinctively curled up. At that moment, someone yanked him.

Bang! Thud!

.!

His body made rough contact with the ground. The positions of the sky and the ground must have switched at least ten times. He rolled helplessly, raising a cloud of dust.

It felt like every joint in his body was being dislocated. He couldnt gather his thoughts.

But he had to.

Open your eyes!

Slap!

.!

With a sharp cry, his cheek felt like it was ablaze. His eyes snapped open. Princess Adeline, blood dripping from her forehead, was yelling at him.

Get up, you fool!

Had she protected him during the fall? It appeared so. Adeline was covered in dust.

Blood streamed from her forehead, and her left arm hung limp. It seemed to be broken.

However, this was not the time for sentimental exchanges.

Quick! Lets escape now!

She urged again. When she mentioned now, she subtly glanced to the side. He followed her gaze.

Soon he could see it.

Boom! Crash!

Two beasts were locked in a fierce battle.

Demian and Javillon were dueling.

No, in fact, it wasnt so much a duel as it was one-sided violence. Javillon consistently overpowered Demian.

Demian was barely holding off death, focusing on defense and evasion.

Of course, it was expected.

Because Demian wasnt a Swordmaster. He was on the brink of advancing from an Expert to a higher level.

So, in principle, Demian wouldnt be able to withstand even a single blow from a Swordmaster like Javillon. That would be the norm.

Yet, astonishingly, Demian was holding on. Overcoming a seemingly insurmountable gap, he was managing to fend off Javillon, despite being on the defensive.

It was miraculous. Perhaps even Javillon was equally stunned, as his eyes were wide in surprise.

Then, Princess Adelines urgent voice rang out again.

What are you doing?! Lets move now!

Move?

Yes! While your guard is buying us time, we must flee!

Adeline, suggesting that they abandon Demian and escape.

It was, in fact, a logical suggestion.

He is the crown prince of the empire. Demian is just a guard. Guards are meant to fight, even die in place of others. It seemed Adeline viewed it this way.

But not for him.

I cant. I cant just leave him.

He said, standing up, looking back at Adeline. A sense of incomprehension filled her eyes.

We need to leave now!

She reached out, probably intending to drag him if necessary.

But he couldnt follow her suggestion. He couldnt abandon Demian. Thats an absolute no.

Because hes merely the protagonist of a novel? Because hes one of the most potent beings in this universe? Because itd be a waste to lose such a valuable character here? Because it would be a loss?

No.

Raciel shook his head, recalling a scene from the novel Devil Sword Emperor. He spoke to the princess.

If we abandon him here, everyone will be in danger.

What?

A confused expression crossed Adelines face. However, what he just said was true.

If Demian gets abandoned here and faces a life-threatening crisis, if he truly comes to understand his essence during that desperate moment

Then, both I and you, and even the entire world, will face a danger far greater than Javillon.

(To be Continued)

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