CH 35

Meanwhile, in Blaine Fortress, Raidorl and Garst stand side by side on the city walls.

Below them, the soldiers of the Kingdom’s army are in formation, ready for a field battle with the Imperial forces.

“I’m surprised, though. How dare they want to fight out in the open?”  

Raidorl says in a surprising tone.

In war, the greater the number, the greater the advantage. This is a common sense that even a child can understand, without the need for explanation.

This is the reason why the kingdom’s army, which until now has been holed up in its fortresses playing a defensive game, is now venturing into the field.

“We’ve been in a siege because we had no other choice, Your Royal Highness.” 

Garst replied, his face still as tight as a rock.

“Even if they fought in the field, they would have no chance of victory. We are outnumbered, and the enemy even has a holy sword. But now we have you.”

“You give me a great deal of credit, don’t you? It’s the first time I’ve ever gone up against a human being. It’s also the first time I’ve used a holy sword, and I’m under pressure to rely on it so much.”

Garst glances sideways at Raidorl, who shrugs his shoulders and makes a funny gesture.

And then he continued his explanation in a slightly hushed voice.

“Still, we have no choice but to put our faith in your Highness. If we continue to hold the siege, the kingdom will eventually rot from within.”

“From within ……? Is there a traitor in your midst?”

“More than I can count. And I’m sure there will be more to come.”

Garst said without changing his expression.

“It is certain that there are those within the court who are in league with the Empire. And it seems that the Empire is sending secret agents to spy on the most powerful people in the kingdom. We don’t know how many traitors there are at the moment, but the longer the war goes on, the more people will turn to the Empire.”

“I see. This is why the empire did not really attack. They were deliberately trying to prolong the battle so that they could bring down the Kingdom of Zain without causing any damage.”

“That’s right. The only reason they are camped out in front of the fortress like this is to draw us in and keep the palace at bay.”

“Well, I suppose we have no choice. The nobles will have to survive.” 

Betrayal is an abominable act. But Raidorl did not blame them for it.

In the first place, the monarchy allows the king the right to rule the people with privilege, because he protects the land and the people.

If he cannot protect his country, he is no longer worthy to be respected as a king.

The same is true for the nobles. They have no right to risk their lives to serve a royal family that cannot guarantee their safety.

“If the pact goes ahead, even if the fortress is defended, the Kingdom of Zain will be destroyed. The only way to avoid this is to fight a short battle.”  

“Hmm, okay. So what do you want me to do?” 

Raidorl is one of the most skilled adventurers in the kingdom. His sword master, Zafis, guarantees this.

However, in battle he is no better than a new soldier on his first day. He had no idea how to lead an army.

“I’ll have my son Darren for you, Your Highness. When the enemy sword-bearer comes out, I will ask you to help me.”

“Darren…… said something about using the Holy Sword of Thunder, didn’t he?” 

“It’s……the Claíomh Solas, the Holy Sword of Thunder. Its wielder is the Third Imperial Princess, Célia Von Althlein.”

“A…princess?!”

Raidorl’s eyes widened as he heard this information. He had imagined a mighty warrior like Garst wielding a holy sword, but it seems that he was wrong. 

“She’s the reason why the fortress of Barceo has fallen and the kingdom’s army has been pushed back this far.”

Garst’s rock face moves slightly. His lips are twisted in regret and disappointment.

“No matter how hard we try, no matter how careful we are, they can defeat as easily as a branch against a spider’s web……. It’s an abomination, but she is a hero.” 

“Heh, ……, I am also a keeper of the Holy Sword.” 

Raidorl’s smiles in amusement.

In the frontier settlements, he had encountered many powerful demons, and had even been in mortal danger. But the hero of the empire that he is about to meet must surely be the strongest enemy he has ever faced.

“But I’m here. I’m here to show them that they’re not alone in this war.” 

And yet there was no fear or nervousness in Raidorl.

He knew that no matter how strong his opponent was, he could never be beaten.

His arrogant attitude, which could only be described as carelessness or pride, made Garst, standing next to him, feel both reassured and threatened.

“I can’t lose. I’ve got this guy now”

Raidorl stroked the holy sword at his waist with his hand.

The jet-black sword pulsed softly in response to the call of its master, whom it had met again after a lapse of five years.