episode_0404

The anticipated return of the Princess’s subjugation team has begun.

Since they were unable to hold a departure ceremony, the Emperor graciously extended his favor and arranged a celebration for their return.

Not just any noble family, but with the Emperor’s involvement, the scale became immense as money started flowing.

“Of overwhelming proportions reminiscent of a coronation ceremony.”

Just the rumors circulating about the welcoming preparations have set the entire empire abuzz, creating quite a stir.

Many nobles flocked to the capital, expecting a spectacle they wouldn’t easily forget.

I entertained the idea of going to witness it myself, but I figured it would be too chaotic there, so I refrained from venturing out from the general store.

“Why bother going alone or with Nekisi?”

Leaving Daemon behind to hold the fort was a risky move.

However, in hindsight, it turned out to be a wise decision when considering the outcome.

“They haven’t arrived? Then where on earth is the subjugation team right now?”

The scheduled arrival of Princess Mona’s subjugation team did not happen as planned, causing an unexpected turn of events and disruptions.

※ ※ ※

“Why hasn’t the subjugation team returned?”

The failed welcome reception.

Sinister rumors about the missing subjugation team spread like wildfire throughout the capital.

“Ravaged the capital” seems like the most fitting description for the current situation.

“It’s not just a simple case of being delayed from the original schedule.”

The Emperor, not one to be fooled, naturally attempted to contact the subjugation team, only to receive word from the messengers sent out that they couldn’t locate the team.

It wasn’t just one or two individuals missing; it was an enormous number of the subjugation team that seemed to have vanished into thin air.

The sudden disappearance was enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.

“These rumors are disgraceful.”

There couldn’t possibly be any nobles who would wish ill upon the confirmed heir, the Princess.

Those nobles who had been vying for attention from the Princess by showering her with praises quickly changed their tune once the news of her and the subjugation team’s disappearance spread, speculating everything from the Princess lying about the success of the contaminated zone subjugation to monsters reclaiming the polluted lands.

-Should I go there and find out? I’d do a much better job than those incompetent fools searching for them.

Daemon had been brooding ever since he failed to properly protect Nekisi in my absence.

He seemed to be eagerly awaiting a chance to redeem himself under my watchful eye.

After assessing the situation, he viewed this incident as an opportunity to make amends for his past mistakes.

“No, you stay here.”

Sending Daemon alone would only prolong the process unnecessarily.

In times like these, it’s best for me to act alone.

-Stay here again? Why not come along? Just do that! How long do I have to stay cooped up here?

“Your task now is to protect Nekisi, not follow me around. It’s more reliable if you stay and take action there.”

Leaving Nekisi alone would unsettle him, making it impossible for him to focus on his duties.

-If I protect him well, will I become more reliable?

“Yes. Trust yourself completely this time and do a proper job. Got it?”

-But I didn’t do anything wrong last time…

It’s natural for spirits to fall prey to human manipulation.

However, for someone like Daemon, who toyed with humans, falling victim was a result of carelessness.

“Do it right this time. Depending on how you handle it, I’ll decide whether to forgive you like last time.”

Considering the time it would take to investigate what happened to the subjugation team, the Academy would have already started classes and there would still be spare time.

In such a situation, the worst-case scenario had unfolded where Nae-gi had to run the general store alone.

Under these circumstances, taking Daemon along was not an option.

“I didn’t want to leave my post unless absolutely necessary.”

With SSR students in the punitive force, there shouldn’t have been any issues with safety.

It was merely due to strange occurrences that they couldn’t return as planned.

Occurrences involving bizarre phenomena were bound to become commonplace in the future.

Our safety was threatened by the contamination zone.

The hatchery was destroyed, and now we had to purify the land.

After enduring such events, would it make sense to stay idle?

“It’s about time for a counterattack.”

Unfortunately, I hadn’t anticipated retaliation upon the return of the princess’s punitive force.

I quickly packed up and called Nae-gi.

“So, it seems urgent that you vacate the premises. Your task will be to open the shop in time for the new school term and conduct business as before. If inventory runs low, retrieve items from the warehouse to restock the shelves. Can you handle that?”

“Yes, I can. It’s not difficult.”

“Thank goodness. I’m sorry. This is something we must do together.”

It was indeed my responsibility to apologize to Nae-gi.

Having entrusted the entire store to a rookie employee who had recently joined, I felt remorseful.

“I know the disappearance of the punitive force has caused chaos, but is it absolutely necessary for you, the owner, to go?”

“Pardon?”

“Can’t someone else handle it?”

“The situation is too critical to delegate to someone else.”

Who else could I trust to handle the punitive force properly?

Going there myself was the cleanest and quickest way to resolve the situation.

The emperor, currently worried about the disappearance of the punitive force, might spring a surprise at any moment.

The meticulously planned welcoming ceremony had already gone awry, likely unsettling the emperor.

Drawing out time would only lead to unfavorable outcomes.

“It’s too risky, especially going alone.”

Someone suggested accompanying me out of concern.

Nae-gi’s worry wasn’t unfounded.

The sudden disappearance of the punitive force indicated a significant change, and I believed it was a task only I could handle.

“I appreciate your concern. There’s no need to worry. I’ll return unharmed. Please take care of the shop.”

Nae-gi’s concern indicated a deepening bond between us.

Despite wanting to reassure her further, time was of the essence.

“If you urgently need to contact me, send Daemon. Also, have Daemon positioned at the shop to guard Erin Tina. Inform them that I’ve gone to find the princess.”

-Understood.

Daemon’s cool response reflected the seriousness of the situation.

I took out a map and marked the expected route the punitive force would take towards the capital with a red line.

Following this path would eventually reveal why such an incident had occurred to the punitive force.

※ ※ ※

“Hmm.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t seem to find the way. This fog doesn’t seem natural.”

“We let our guard down.”

By this time, we should have arrived at the capital, but we hadn’t.

Before escaping the contamination zone.

Suddenly realizing the thickening fog was unusual came too late.

“Finding a solution is more important than blaming. We can’t keep circling the same spot.”

“Why not take a break and rest for a moment, Your Highness?”

“How about not moving at all?”

“Yes, if we move, the punitive forces might scatter everywhere as the fog thickens. It’s also a situation where missing persons have been reported since some time ago.”

After hearing the subordinate’s opinion, only a sigh escaped.

“Do you have confidence that staying still will be safe?”

“…That’s…”

It seemed they believed not moving was safer.

But baseless assumptions are far from ideal.

“Did you think I kept telling you to move because I didn’t know? Staying still might be even more dangerous. If this fog isn’t natural, haven’t you yourself said it’s likely not? If it’s not natural fog, it means someone is trapping us here.”

“If something is aiming for us and creating the fog, should we just kindly wait for an attack by staying put? Do you really think that’s the right decision?”

“I’m sorry! I was short-sighted.”

“Sigh, what is Chechen doing?”

One shouldn’t favor one subordinate too much, but when conversing with those who don’t understand, one naturally thinks of the clever Chechen.

“You mentioned investigating the missing soldiers.”

Indeed, it seems Chechen also sensed something amiss and went to investigate independently.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

The punitive force continued to march.

It didn’t seem like they could escape the fog by doing so, but could they afford to stand still and expose their necks to the enemy?

‘Who on earth would do such a thing?’

Is it the work of monsters?

But it’s hard to believe that monsters created fog to prevent them from finding the way.

Launching attacks using landmarks implies their intelligence is high, making it even more challenging to face monsters in the future.

‘If another punitive force is assembled, can they succeed?’

The success of the punitive force was due to the talents of the academy students.

However, a year later, all students would enlist in the military.

‘Is this the last time nobles will assemble a punitive force?’

To kill the leader monster, a method other than overwhelming talent needs to emerge.