Chapter 413
Clip-clop!
The messenger moved fluidly with the horse’s rhythm. His hands felt lighter, but his shoulders bore a heavier weight—there was more news to deliver now.
Yet, the messenger felt as light as if he could take flight. Though he hadn’t slept a wink, the honor of personally delivering Lord Bariel’s victory report to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was immense.
The horse, too, showed signs of careful tending from Clefford. At this speed, they would arrive far sooner than expected.
The messenger added in his mind that he would also report that Lord Ian and the mages were safe. Reflexively, he gripped the reins and urged the horse forward.
But then, in the distance, the army appeared.
“Whoa, whoa.”
There was only one road. Though it connected to other nations like Burgos or Luswena, this was the main trade route between Bariel and Clefford. So there was no way this could be the enemy.
Besides, hadn’t Lord Ian captured the King of Burgos? In war, the leader’s fate often decides victory or defeat.
The messenger raised his spyglass and slowly focused.
“Hm?”
The banners at the front looked oddly familiar. And behind them fluttered the Bariel Empire’s flag.
Reinforcements from Genga? The messenger pulled out an identical Bariel flag from his coat and waved it as he guided his horse toward them. The vanguard of the army noticed and gradually slowed.
“Hey there!”
“Who goes there?”
“I have a question. Are you reinforcements from Bariel?”
Sero sniffled and glanced back. These were mercenaries scraped together with every coin they had. Though they wore matching armor, it was obvious some were foreigners. And they lacked the dignity of the imperial palace’s regular troops.
Sero scratched his head awkwardly, and from a carriage behind came a sound.
It was Alenara, dressed lightly, her hair tightly bound, wearing a shirt and trousers—a lady who, if seen in high society, would be talked about for years.
But Alenara paid no mind. After all, whether she and her family died here or fled to Luswena, one of those two paths awaited.
“Who are you to block the way of Bariel’s reinforcements? A messenger?”
The messenger’s eyes narrowed suspiciously as he gripped the dagger at his waist, ready to end his own life if things went south.
“Honestly, you’re so tense. Why take it so seriously? I’m just asking. We’re children of the Sero family. With the palace’s permission, we’re on our way to aid the war in Clefford.”
“Oh, Sero, you say?”
Hearing the name, the messenger recognized the banner and breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing.
“Sent by the palace, then?”
“Well, about that…”
“As nobles, how could we just stand by during war? Do we need permission to help? And you haven’t even introduced yourself yet. That’s a problem.”
Sero hesitated, but Alenara quickly cut in.
In truth, there was no direct order from Crown Prince Jin to deploy. But as nobles raising their own troops and funds, no one could stop them.
The Crown Prince might not even know they’d left the capital. It was likely a matter handled by the Imperial Defense Department or the Prime Minister’s office.
“I am a palace messenger. I respect your willingness to help, but it’s unnecessary.”
“What? Why? I’ve heard rumors of conscription.”
“Bariel has won.”
“What did you say?”
Alenara leapt from the carriage, eyes wide. The horses reared, but she showed no fear.
Bariel won? How so quickly?
“King Damon of Burgos was captured alive. Lord Ian, the Minister of Magic, and others are currently managing the aftermath. It’s impressive—though some were injured, none seriously. How did they manage to snatch the enemy king right from their midst?”
“W-what about Luswena?”
“Luswena? Hmm. They’re probably part of the cleanup operation.”
“Tell me more! Brother!”
“Ah, hold on. Come down from your horse for a moment.”
Sero tugged the messenger’s arm.
The messenger, caught off guard, dismounted and felt overwhelmed by the intense attention of the two noble siblings. He raised his hands, urging calm.
Yes, this is what it feels like to bring news of victory! Who wouldn’t react like this? The messenger smiled and added,
“It seems the priority is to deal with the northern tribes Burgos mobilized and Luswena. But with King Damon captured, barring unforeseen events, they’ll conquer them outright. This is Bariel’s glory and His Highness’s triumph! Ha ha ha!”
“Ha ha ha! Indeed! Would you like some water? The heat is palpable even here.”
“I was told to deliver the victory report quickly, so I left the barrier without a sip.”
Alenara smiled and quickly thought things through. Told to hurry with the report? That suggested there was no overwhelming military collapse yet…
‘Only King Damon was captured, and Burgos and Luswena’s forces remain intact? That would give King Eriponi plenty to worry about. The more troubled the king, the more opportunity for me.’
“Lady?”
Alenara gripped the water jug tightly, refusing to let go. The messenger tilted his head in confusion, but she just stared silently.
Sero snatched the jug from his sister’s grasp.
“Here you go. She’s got a strong grip.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything else?”
“Hm?”
“We’ve risked everything to get here. While we’re glad Bariel won, it’s a shame we have no way to prove our loyalty to His Highness. Has Bariel and Clefford truly won? To the point we’re not needed?”
“Hmm…”
The messenger scratched his chin, unsure how to respond. It was awkward to tell someone who’d staked everything to turn back. But if they stayed and there weren’t enough hands for the aftermath…
What he was delivering was the exact news of the battle’s end due to King Damon’s capture—not the defeat of Burgos or the war’s conclusion.
He handed back the water jug and subtly edged away.
“I have nothing more to say. If you’re truly concerned, it wouldn’t hurt to see for yourself. It’s not far.”
“Should we just keep going this way? What about the other camps?”
“Ah, don’t take the right fork at the crossroads. I saw Luswena’s camp near the barrier. If I’d gone that way, I’d have wasted my time.”
With that, the messenger mounted his horse and rode past them.
Sero watched his retreating back in frustration, then clutched his head, glancing between Alenara and the messenger.
“Alenara!”
What should we do now? Everyone’s silent, and you’re the one causing this mess, risking ruin—it was all in his bitter cry.
But Alenara just pressed her temple with a finger, frowning.
“Quiet, brother.”
“You always say that! You always!”
“Do you not understand Luswena’s position? They’re caught in the middle. They allied with Burgos, even faced trade sanctions from Bariel, yet with Burgos’s king captured, it’s all for nothing. Maybe that’s for the best. Haven’t we all learned from history what happens to the losing side?”
Opportunity. Opportunity.
King Eriponi would rely on Alenara far more than before. A small thorn hidden beneath the name Bariel. Nothing better to prick the balloon of Bariel, swollen and about to burst.
Alenara tapped her brother’s shoulder and returned to the carriage. Soldiers and mercenaries watched curiously, half-turning their heads.
“Everyone, let’s hurry! When we reach the crossroads, I’ll take the right path. Brother, you go straight into the Clefford barrier.”
“You’re going alone? To Luswena’s side?”
“I think King Eriponi would prefer meeting me over you. Enough talk—let’s move. Did you hear what the messenger said? Something’s wrong with the Magic Department. We can’t miss this. Let’s go!”
Clapping her hands, Alenara urged the coachmen forward. Sero adjusted his helmet once more. Passing through the forest, it felt as if dusk was approaching.
True to the messenger’s word, the crossroads appeared soon. Alenara entrusted herself to a carriage and chose the right path. Leaning out the window, she firmly instructed her brother.
“Brother! For now, don’t do anything. Just focus on entering the city and wait. Whether it’s a message or the chaos of war.”
Clip-clop!
After giving that firm warning, Alena closed the carriage window and leaned back against the stiff sofa.
Not every sword needs to have a sharp edge, right? Sometimes, all it takes is to pierce your opponent and steal their breath away.
Alena exhaled sharply as she realized the sword was now in her hand. From this moment on, she too would become part of the war.
“Ian! Ian!”
“Careful, you’ll get hurt if you rush! Ian!”
“Hey, what are you doing? Shouldn’t you be taking it slow?”
“Iaaan! Why all of a sudden? This isn’t the dining hall!”
Ian, who rarely hurried, was now panting as he moved quickly. Of course, it was likely due to his poor health.
Below, Berrick and the mages who had been waiting were startled and hurried after him. Soon, they reached the makeshift prison where Damon was held.
“Hah, hah…”
Ian caught his breath, clutching a bundle of documents. A bead of sweat trickled down his hairline. Then, he tilted his head slightly and, with a sharp look, signaled everyone to stand back.
Something felt off. The mages didn’t cross the threshold of the underground cell but watched Ian closely.
“Open it.”
Clack!
The Clifford soldier saluted, hesitated for a moment, then, trusting the mages, pulled out the keys. The metallic jingle echoed unpleasantly as Ian dashed inside.
Damon sat there, still in his battle-worn clothes, armor removed. After a quick frisk confirmed no hidden threats, shackles were fastened around his wrists and ankles.
Though he was a king of a nation, he was, after all, a prisoner of war. There was no better propaganda than showing the depth of his fall, so this treatment was expected.
“Damon. From now on, answer my questions clearly.”
“…”
His untamed violet eyes flashed with defiance. He avoided eye contact, bowing his head so that his hair fell over half his face.
“You’ve met directly with the head of the Rutherford Guild, haven’t you?”
“…”
“What did you gain in exchange for your payment to them?”
“…”
“Not only did you hand over gold and silver, but why did you send your half-blood kin? Did Rutherford demand that? How did they even know you had family? The king and queen are dead, and this is supposed to be a secret even within Burgos.”
“…”
“Does Rutherford know about your life? If so, why would you entrust secrets to the gypsies?”
“Seems like you have a lot of questions. But what can I do? I don’t want to answer. Just because you ask doesn’t mean I have to talk.”
Damon chuckled and shook his head side to side. Ian grabbed a fistful of his hair and slammed his head against the wall.
Thud!
“I told you to answer properly.”