episode_0130

Episode 130

The expressions on the faces of Luna’s vassals who had gathered to come up with a solution were all dark.

Throwing their heads to show off was nothing short of an ultimatum. This means that the road to Lurie is already blocked.

Of course, if you wait, the king will notice something strange. But I didn’t know when I would decide that I was truly in dire straits.

one month? Or a little more than that?

As long as Carmel is by my side, that time may last forever. It wouldn’t have been difficult for Carmel to concoct the news that I was happily touring the Laurentian region.

The enemy has ample supplies, explosives powerful enough to blow up bridges, and support from the Empire.

No matter how strong the defenses of Senain Castle are, if the war continues for a long time, it will eventually fall. As time passed with supply lines cut off, supplies would become scarce and the soldiers’ morale would decline.

No matter how many times we discussed it, no clear solution was found. It only became more and more clear that there was no answer.

In that frustrating situation, a soldier rushed over and said: What he brought was such a serious matter that no one would take issue with him intruding during the meeting.

“Seo, Lord Seong! A messenger from Elrond Laurencia has arrived!”

“…I understand.”

Luna stood up. The expression that seemed tired was now armed with a glacial expression.

“Let’s go together, princess.”

“Yes.”

Elrond A messenger from Laurentia. I could already guess to some extent what story he would bring after cutting the king’s knight’s head.

I went out with Luna to greet the lion.

* * *

A man wearing clothes with Laurentia’s emblem engraved on it opens the door, comes out proudly, and walks in front of Luna.

“It’s been a while, Luna. And nice to meet you, Princess Sarah Lustier. My name is Minak and I have come to deliver the message of Elrond.”

Luna seemed to be spherical with him. Luna looked at him and said in a cold voice.

“Minark. I didn’t know that even you would join Elrond’s foolish plan.”

“Your personality is the same as it was when you were a young lady. But for now, you’d better choose your words carefully. I am standing here now on behalf of Elrond.”

It looks like he knew Luna in his younger days. Luna continued to look at him with cold eyes. He accepted that gaze and continued speaking.

“We have only one request. Hand over the princess. If you do so, I will ensure the safety of other people in the castle. Elrond still intends to welcome you as a dear kinsman and as one of the great Laurentians, Luna Laurentia.”

There was no change in Luna’s expression after hearing the lion’s words. I didn’t know what he was thinking.

That might be a pretty attractive proposition for her.

It’s only been a day since Luna and I formed something resembling a partnership. It’s hard to even call it an alliance. It’s a very short period of time for me to develop the loyalty to protect myself in the face of a castle being attacked.

But Luna did not accept the offer.

“Please tell me to eat shit.”

The man’s eyebrows rise at the harsh expression that contrasts with his neat tone. Luna continued speaking.

“I am not foolish enough to give in to the foolish ambitions of Elrond. Please tell me, Minak, that I will never join hands with an idiot who wants to destroy Laurentia, which shared history with the birth of the kingdom, in an instant.”

“…Don’t regret it.”

“That’s what I want to say to Elrond.”

The lion turned around with an unpleasant look on his face. Until he left the room as if being chased out by the soldiers, Luna was looking at him with a cold face.

“Are you okay? Even if you reject the offer.”

“I just made a rational judgment. I know better than anyone else that even Laurencia is seen as nothing more than a tool.”

I guess so.

You can tell just by looking at what got Tina involved. There was a high possibility that he would have died or been seriously injured.

That fact probably had the greatest impact on the fact that Luna flatly rejected Elrond’s offer.

Luna and I went back to the room where we had the meeting. An elderly retainer with a worried expression asked with a glimmer of hope.

“Uh, what happened?”

“He made a request that I couldn’t accept. Negotiations broke down. They might attack right now, tonight.”

“Ah…”

He sighed and slumped down in his chair. Everyone seemed to be feeling similar deep despair.

I spoke softly to Luna.

“Shall we talk alone for a moment?”

“Okay.”

Luna announced a break to the people gathered in the room and sent everyone out. When it was just the two of us left, I talked to her.

“Luna, there must be a secret passage through this castle, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Once the castle is truly surrounded, there is no other way. I will send all my escorts out through the secret passage and head to Lurie. The only opportunity is now, when the siege is not yet complete.”

Of course, this is a significant gamble.

We have no idea where or how the enemy’s siege network is structured. That part will have to be left to the skills and improvisation of the knights.

Moreover, I will be left in the castle without anyone I know. If an emergency occurs, you have no choice but to be helpless.

In fact, if these means were used, it might make sense for me, the princess, to escape together.

But that’s nothing more than running away, leaving Luna behind. Even if I promise to bring reinforcements, there is no reason for Luna to believe that I will protect her once we are out of danger.

In fact, the option of handing me over to Elrond might seem more attractive. Therefore, this was my only option.

Luna just looked at me for a moment, as if considering my words. Then I finally opened my mouth.

“I can’t agree with that plan.”

“Why?”

“Considering Elrond’s purpose, the princess must escape together. It may be questionable whether it will realistically be possible to break through the siege… but that will have to be left to the bravery of the knights and the renowned royal guard.”

There was no change in Luna’s expression. It seems like he just made a natural and reasonable decision.

“Elrond will be very angry if he finds out that I escaped after the castle fell.”

“Of course. It must be quite enjoyable to see that arrogant man’s face filled with indignation. Don’t worry too much. As long as they are blood relatives, I will not take their lives.”

That’s a lie.

Although it was very faint, fear was visible in Luna’s eyes. Luna knows. If that happens, Elrond will kill him.

But the reason you’re trying to send me away…

“But may I ask you a favor, princess?”

“…Yes.”

“Please take my daughter, Tina, with you. It’s clear that it will be a burden to escape… but please, please.”

“I understand. I will definitely take you to Lurie safely.”

“Thank you, Princess Sera.”

After saying that, Luna smiled. It was a smile as peaceful as a lake created by melting glaciers.

* * *

When darkness began to fall.

My bodyguards, William, Luna, and Tina were making our way through the underground passage of the castle.

They all wear black hoods on their bodies. Blending into the darkness, to avoid the enemy’s gaze as much as possible.

“At the end of this passage, there is an exit covered in tree roots. If you cut down there, you will find a stable at the foot of the mountain. You can ride the horse prepared there and leave.”

Luna was calm. In a determined atmosphere, Tina looked anxious, not knowing why she was here.

“Tina. You should leave for Lurie with these people.”

Although he is said to be immature, there is no way he would not know that his castle is in danger. Tina said tearfully, as if she understood what Luna was saying.

“Why… What about your mother? Why doesn’t your mother go with you?”

“Tina, I am the lord of Senain Castle. Abandoning the castle and running away is unacceptable as a proud Laurentian.”

After saying that, Luna hugged Tina tightly. And he spoke in a voice I had never heard before.

“I’m sorry, Tina. There are so many things I couldn’t teach you. The heart a person should have and the strength to live in this world… Please go with the princess and see and learn many things.”

“Mother, I don’t like it… Mother…”

Luna firmly pushed Tina away, who was whining. And then he spoke to me and William.

“Please take good care of your daughter, who is lacking, princess. And… Baron William Roberts.”

William seemed surprised for a moment when his name was called, but he soon answered in a serious voice.

“Yes. I hope the Lord of Seong is safe too.”

“I will definitely come back to save you.”

We stepped into the darkness of the passage. William held Tina’s sobbing hand and did not let go.

Luna’s light, which continued to stand there, grew smaller and smaller and eventually became invisible.