episode_0150

““… … .””

Silence fell on the plain.

Even though there were this many people, enough to fill this vast plain, to add a little exaggeration, not even the sound of a single ant crawling was heard.

And their eyes were focused on one place.

None other than towards me.

In a situation like this, I knew that the fact that an unknown person suddenly came in and did something would be enough to attract everyone’s attention, but I knew it.

Their gaze is not directed at an unknown uninvited guest.

Most people here recognize me.

Even though so many eyes were focused on me, I didn’t feel pressured.

I was just worried.

I wonder how this situation will go.

I originally had no intention of revealing my true identity.

Because Cairn, the person who is looking for me right now, is right in front of me, and there are countless soldiers who will throw themselves at Cairn’s single gesture, it would honestly be nothing but crazy to show my face.

However.

Even though I knew that, I revealed my face and identity.

because. Because I had to be convinced.

No matter what I say, no matter how many details I pour out.

Words cannot persuade Cairn or Estelle.

As it is, war cannot be prevented.

That’s why, as a last resort, I revealed my identity.

To be honest, I know that revealing my identity is not very likely to turn the situation in a positive direction.

No, it’s probably more likely to go in a negative direction.

But I couldn’t help it.

Because there was no other way left for me.

In other words, it would not be entirely wrong to say that he did it out of anger.

Of course, that doesn’t mean there was no calculation at all.

It was clearly calculated that if I revealed my identity like this, the attention of those around me and Cairn would be focused on me.

So, if we can use that to draw attention and make people less interested in the war… If we can create even a little gap… And if we can use that gap to create even a little bit of room to prevent war… I thought about it.

But I also know.

That’s a very hopeful observation.

Therefore, this is not a proper move.

I just threw a stone into the lake with the feeling of grasping at straws.

And now that the stone was thrown, all I could do was wait.

What kind of ripples will the stone I throw create in the lake?

like that.

What seemed like an eternity passed by in an extremely uncomfortable silence.

“… Wade Heblon.”

Cairn chanted my name.

“Yes. Was he alive?”

The face was calm, as if the surprised expression from a moment ago was a lie.

He was calm, as if he was a person with no emotions.

An expression too cold to be made when facing one’s younger brother’s enemy.

However, I did recognize it.

Cairn’s heart is not that peaceful.

The proof was in the eyes.

His expression and tone of voice were calm, but his eyes were anything but.

Cairn was glaring at me with burning eyes that seemed to contain fire.

It was natural and expected.

It may be a misunderstanding, but I am known to have killed Cairn’s younger brother, Hayden.

As an older brother, if you were to see me like that in front of you, it would be natural for you to look at me like that.

“… … .”

I swallowed dry saliva without thinking at the look in his eyes.

It wasn’t that the look itself was scary.

I just feel like negative possibilities are rearing their heads.

For that reason, my heart became heavy.

With such a humble heart, I quietly held my breath and waited for Cairn’s reaction.

and.

“You managed to survive. Even though the Empire pursued it with all its might. Aside from everything else, I have to acknowledge your abilities.”

Cairn continued speaking in a gentle tone.

As if he didn’t have any feelings for me.

Rather, it felt like there was pure admiration in that voice.

However.

“But… I don’t understand. Why did you appear here?”

He asked coldly.

“To prevent war as mentioned earlier? That’s all you came here for? Knowing that the Empire is targeting you? Even though you knew that the Empire’s troops were concentrated here?”

There was no anger in that question.

“Did you perhaps underestimate the power of the empire? Or, are you overconfident in your own abilities?”

It was just full of pure questions.

“I know that your skills are extraordinary. Even after assassinating Hayden, he escaped from the Academy, and even eventually resisted the Empire’s subsequent pursuit. Considering that aspect… Your skills must be at a great level.”

but.

“There’s no way you wouldn’t know. That an individual cannot oppose the empire. No matter how unusual you are, you cannot overcome the power of the empire.”

And yet.

“You appeared here. And, he revealed his identity himself. … Did you underestimate the power of the empire? Or, are you overconfident in your own abilities? Either that or… … .”

Finally, Cairn’s gaze turned to the side.

Toward the woman who stood quietly next to him.

“… Did he even firmly believe that the princess of Reinberg would protect him?”

Following Cairn’s gaze and his words, my gaze also turned to Estelle.

And then, I made eye contact with Estelle, who was quietly looking at me.

“… … .”

“… … .”

Neither I nor Estelle said anything.

We just quietly looked into each other’s eyes.

Her eyes were still wide open.

And, those eyes were clearly shaking.

A slight shaking can be seen in Estelle, who had not moved or shaken a moment ago.

That would definitely have been a big surprise to anyone who knew her.

Because a person named Estelle von Reinberg does not easily show agitation in front of people.

She was clearly agitated right now.

look at me

Confirming that I am alive.

At that sight and that shaking, I also felt a strange emotion welling up in my heart.

It was difficult to define it exactly.

I felt it.

I too am shaken in front of her.

however.

Her agitation and shaking soon disappeared.

“… He was alive.”

Estelle spoke with a face that had returned to the way it was before, with eyes that were no longer shaken in the slightest.

“… Yes.”

I opened my mouth and answered those words for the first time.

““… … .””

Then immediately silence fell again.

However, this time the silence did not last that long.

“… War… You must not stand up, Your Majesty.”

Sharing the joy of reunion should be postponed until later.

Now was not the time or situation to swim in those emotions.

I looked straight at Estelle and said.

Estelle slowly looked at my gaze.

“… Impossible.”

I calmly shook my head.

Wow, my heart sank heavily.

“Your Majesty, but─”

“The situation has reached this point and we cannot let it go. Reinberg’s name is not that light.”

“… … .”

In her voice, I could hear a resolute will that would never waver.

I expected it.

In this situation, she would not easily give up her opinion.

But, nevertheless.

I had a feeling of concern.

Because I also had awareness.

The way she treats me is quite different from other people.

That she really likes me.

however.

Despite my pleas.

She did not back down her opinion.

At this, I had no choice but to involuntarily lower my head.

“Reinberg appears to be stubborn.”

At that time, Cairn’s voice intervened.

“With Reinberg’s will like this, it must be considered impossible to prevent war.”

Still in a cold voice, he sentenced.

“What should we do now? Wade Heblon. Are you going to give up? Or are you going to at least join Reinberg?”

With a cold, expressionless expression.

“Wade Heblon. Imperial experts guess… They said you would have ten sword level skills. At that age, he was at the level of the Ten Swords… It’s a ridiculous story, but if running away to avoid the Empire’s pursuit isn’t enough to fake one’s death, it should definitely be at that level.”

Cairn continued to pour out a barrage of words.

“If you have such skills and join Reinberg, it will definitely be a great help. Maybe the situation can change because of you. then… Even if we can’t stop the war, maybe we can bring victory to Reinberg.”

Now, what are you going to do?

Cairn was asking me that.

Now that the war can no longer be prevented, what are you going to do?

In that gaze, in that question.

I am… There was no answer.

As I said, if I join Reinberg, Reinberg’s chances of winning will greatly increase.

Perhaps the damage Reinberg would suffer could also be greatly reduced.

However, I didn’t want to do that.

Killing countless people with my own hands.

And, making innocent people shed blood.

“… It looks like he doesn’t intend to do that.”

then. It’s over now.

In a dry voice, Cairn announced the end.

“The situation is the situation, so I won’t touch you in particular. You can decide for yourself whether to watch or intervene.”

Cairn said that, as if he had lost interest, and took his eyes off me.

Then, I looked at Estelle.

“Let’s get started now.”

“… I understand.”

Estelle agreed.

And Cairn and Estelle raised their hands.

I immediately realized the intention.

That they are now about to set off the signal for war.

It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of the continent is at stake.

The lives of countless people depend on our hands.

As if they had been waiting for that signal, the troops of both empires began to raise their momentum and magical power.

So that you can extend your spear towards your opponent at any time.

yet.

The two people’s hands began to slowly fall apart.

I just watched that scene helplessly.

I had no choice but to look.

Because there was nothing more I could do.

and.

A deep feeling of helplessness and despair filled my heart, and at the same time, the two people’s hands fell… … .

The armies of the two empires were in full swing.

Instead of attacking the enemy, they suddenly started attacking their own troops.