episode_0129

Episode 129

Elrond Laurentia.

I thought so.

No matter how you look at it, Tina seems to have grown up receiving all the pampering in the world.

If Luna was the person who led this, she would not have made her daughter go through this kind of torture.

Moreover, Carmel’s movements in contact with Luna were very blatant. From that perspective, Luna could also be said to have been taken advantage of.

“Elrond is a particularly ambitious person among Laurentians. I got the feeling that he had ambitions beyond that of taking over as the head of the family, but I never thought he would commit such treason.”

“Are you saying it was some Laurentian riot? What is the position of the head of the family, Reid Laurencia?”

“It is highly likely that the head of the household is unaware of this fact. It’s been a long time since you handed over real power to us and just stood by. Moreover, I don’t think the wise head of the family would have agreed to such a reckless plan.”

It may not make much difference whether the head of the household approves it or not. It is known that Elrond Laurentia is currently the person with the greatest power within the Laurentian family.

It would be best to think of all Laurentians except Luna as enemies.

“Understood, Luna Laurencia. I speak as someone who carries on Lustier’s blood. There is only one way for your Laurentian family to avoid extinction: cooperate with me to oust Elrond. Otherwise, the name Laurencia will disappear from the Kingdom of Lustier.”

Depending on what you hear, it may sound laughable.

I am now in the middle of enemy territory with at most a handful of escort troops.

However, the more confident you must be. No one would feel dignified by a royal begging for survival.

Luna said, bowing her head politely.

“I will definitely do that.”

“Good. I trust you, Luna Laurencia. What do you think Elrond’s plan is? What benefit will he get from killing me?”

“I don’t think I intend to harm the princess directly. That would do more harm than good. There is a high possibility that they tried to use it as a hostage.”

The only heir to the throne of the Lustier Kingdom. If you get my hands on me, the kingdom will be at an extreme disadvantage in all negotiations, including war. Especially considering Fehat’s personality.

“I guess so. How many imperial soldiers do you think are currently in Laurencia?”

“Probably not a very large number. If a large number of troops had come in, it would have caught my eye. However, if you gather dispersed troops, the number may be greater than you think. Moreover, an even bigger problem is Elrond’s military. Even if we take less, it will be three times the size of Senain Castle.”

“Three times… If you have a castle, you can defend it somehow… but you need to quickly inform your father of this critical situation.”

“Yes. We will prepare to send a dispatch as soon as possible. Gehem!”

A man in a leather hat came forward. Luna told him.

“Prepare to head to Lurie. Since the fate of the family depends on it, you must not slacken your reins even for a moment.”

“Just in case, we will attach an article from our side as well. Pilgret, please select one person with excellent physical strength and horseback riding skills.”

“Okay.”

It is not possible to move a large number of people. It would be best to assign one knight to the surveillance role.

I borrowed a pen and paper and wrote a letter informing the King of the current situation. Although there was no royal seal, it was clear that it was written by me through my handwriting and signature.

The Laurentian coachman and one of the knights received the sealed letter and rode off straight away.

With this, a victory condition was created. I will not be captured by the enemy until they reach Lurie and the king’s army arrives.

“Then, shall we go into Senain Castle now? Please guide me, Luna.”

“Yes, Princess Sera.

My group and I headed to her castle, Senain Castle, escorted by Luna’s troops.

* * *

A grand banquet was prepared in the hall of Senain Castle to welcome the princess’s visit. Philgret and I looked at each other and confirmed that there was no poison.

The taste was good. Laurentian cuisine developed along a different line from that of the royal court. However, given the situation, it was not a happy atmosphere.

Tina, who should have been sitting next to Luna, the castle owner, somehow ended up sitting far down, right next to William.

“Above, Baron William, cut this…”

Tina handed William a plate containing a large piece of meat. William cut the knife in silence and then handed it to Tina.

Tina smiled as she ate the meat William cut for her. William looked at Tina like that and sighed and said.

“In times like this, I say thank you, Tina.”

“Well, what is it… Do you really need to say it to understand it?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you…”

“Good.”

what? Is it the swing bridge effect?

In the midst of the extreme stress she was experiencing for the first time, Tina seemed to have fallen in love with a boy her own age. The key is how well William can educate that childish child.

Luna was also looking at the two people intently throughout the meal. I always think about it, but that person’s eyes are basically a bit scary. I wish it was just my mood.

From the perspective of Luna, the highest noble, there is no way she would be appalled by William, who was born as a commoner and was demoted to become a baron.

Nevertheless, the reason we are not letting go of the storm is probably because we are in a crisis situation. This is not a situation where you can show off as a peacock.

After the enjoyable banquet, I had the opportunity to talk with Luna again. The castle lord’s room was located at the highest point overlooking the castle walls.

“Did you enjoy the food?”

“Yes, it was great. Thank you for your hospitality, Luna Laurencia.”

“Compared to the mistake our clan, Elrond, committed against the princess, it is still far behind. I just hope that this situation is resolved well and that His Majesty the King grants lenient treatment.”

“I plan to thank His Majesty for your cooperation. Of course, this is only when you return safely.”

Luna probably knows it well too. The situation is already serious enough. If this situation becomes known to Lurie, it is inevitable that Laurencia’s position will decrease.

But this may also be an opportunity for Luna. According to the information received, Elrond’s side has an overwhelming advantage in the competition to become Laurencia’s successor.

If Elrond were to fall due to treason, it would not be a bad result for Luna, even if the overall pie of Laurentia would be slightly reduced.

The reason Luna is showing a cooperative attitude towards me is probably because she wants to seize that opportunity. Luna is also riding on the back of a running horse.

“If you drive your horse at full speed, you will reach Lulie in three days. It will take about seven days until reinforcements arrive… Although Elrond’s army is strong, seven days is enough to hold out.”

“It seemed like that.”

From what I observed upon entering, the defenses of Senain Castle were pretty good. The walls are high and the moat is deep. The condition of the soldiers didn’t seem to be bad either.

Even though there aren’t any specific enemies around, I’m pretty well prepared for this. Or maybe he had a civil war with Elrond in mind.

“Yes, it was my father’s… Reid Laurencia’s teachings. No matter how much money you accumulate, it is meaningless if you do not have the strength to protect it. It seems that Elrond understood it in a slightly different way.”

“It looks like you don’t have a good relationship with Elrond Laurencia. Or are you just trying to draw a clear line?”

“The princess is sometimes blunt. It’s true that we don’t get along well, and it’s true that we want to draw a line. Only then can Tina and I survive.”

When Tina’s name was said, Luna’s expression, which was like ice, became slightly disheveled. Did he even think of his daughter’s scarred feet?

“The princess knows this because she has talked to Tina. That kid has a bit of a twist. Maybe it’s because she grew up receiving only cuteness, or maybe it’s because of Laurencia’s blood… She’s a very different child from the princess who is said to be an angel. If that child has disrespected the princess, I would like to apologize once again as a mother.”

“No, it wasn’t annoying enough to warrant an apology.”

Every time I said something problematic, I got hit harder by William.

“Thank you for your generosity. That child is my last hope. If something goes wrong with that child… I don’t even want to imagine it.”

Luna, who had been casting a serious gaze toward a corner of the room, turned her gaze back to me. With a faint smile, Luna spoke awkwardly.

“That’s strange. I can’t believe I felt this emotional in such an urgent situation. Maybe it’s because I haven’t had time to reveal my secrets since becoming the lord of the castle.”

Luna smiled softly. You know how to make facial expressions like this. I thought I was a human being made only of iron and ice.

“Excuse me, who is Tina’s father?”

“died. He was a sickly person.”

Luna’s voice was calm. As if that incident had already been buried in my memory for a long time.

It was then. A commotion was heard from the castle wall. When I looked out the window, I saw soldiers running in a hurry.

What’s going on?

Soon there was a knock on the door. When Luna gave permission, Luna’s vassal came in with a pained face.

“What’s going on?”

“Well, I just received a report that something flew over the castle wall… so I checked… and it turned out to be a human neck, two necks at that… ”

Two people’s necks. I had nothing but an ominous feeling.

“No way…”

“Yes, it was Gehem and the head of the knight who followed him.”