Chapter 607
“We’re leaving!”

After a long pause, Tweller gave the order.

As the soldiers on standby began to move busily, the Purpato residents gathered by the roadside watched anxiously.

Though they had secured terms of surrender in the emperor’s name, would those soldiers truly accept it as a genuine surrender from their perspective?

Nearly half of the Purpato people had sacrificed their lives praying for the emperor’s death. There was every chance they might reverse course and annihilate the city.

“What should we do? Everyone’s moving so hurriedly.”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry. If they intended otherwise, they wouldn’t have helped put out the fires in the first place.”

Someone murmured this while clutching their child tightly, their words a mix of hope and denial.

The soldiers gathered together, ignoring the whispering Purpato residents behind them, and formed ranks.

“Creepy bastards, tsk. What kind of unit is stationed here? Pathetic. I’d rather be in the shattered Agiar.”

“Who knows? Doesn’t seem like anything special.”

“What do you mean?”

“The garrison. Everyone’s preparing to move out. Not sure about the rear, though.”

“Oh? That’s true.”

“Hey! Stop chatting and move out!”

“Yes, sir!”

Though puzzled, there was no time to look around. Up ahead, a flag waved vigorously, signaling the start. Tens of thousands of soldiers marched through the rear gate, onto the road leading to Kalamath.

The mages watched from the sky, overseeing the troop movements.

“Maybe because it connects to the capital? The slope’s gentle, and the road’s wide. We should arrive within a few days.”

“Probably. But really, no garrison left behind?”

“Yeah. All soldiers under Bariel’s command were ordered to leave without exception.”

“What do you think they’re planning? Hmm. They seemed so concerned about the rear.”

Since this was a decision made by Jin, Ian, and Tweller, there had to be a reason. The mages shrugged and cut through the wind as they flew. Something lay ahead of the vanguard.

Swish!

“Huh? Who’s this?”

“Rautan, wasn’t it?”

Blocking the path to Kalamath sat the corpse of Rautan.

His back was straight, lips firmly pressed shut, and even in death, his hand gripped his sword tightly. One of the vanguard looked up to the sky and asked:

“Mages! What should we do?”

“What else? Clear it. Move it off the road and hide it. His Majesty the Emperor will pass through here; we can’t have anything unseemly.”

“Yes, understood!”

The soldiers dragged Rautan’s body into the bushes.

Though the Purpato residents had called upon their guardian and fought desperately, what meaning did this death hold? The mages recalled Rautan, who must have called out Ian’s name until the end, and turned away.

“Vanguard, finish up and keep moving. We’ll watch from above to ensure no danger.”

With a sharp neigh, the soldiers who had dealt with Rautan’s body urged their horses forward. Like the mages flying through the sky, they galloped freely without obstacles. Instinctively, Purpato was the last hurdle before reaching Kalamath.

Tap tap tap.

Meanwhile, Jin slowly passed through the path cleared by the mages and vanguard, glancing back at Purpato. On the city walls, residents watched the departing Bariel army.

“…Sir Ian, have you sent a message to Agiar?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ve reported the current situation and ordered them to drive the bandits toward Purpato. News will spread to nearby cities tonight. At the earliest by dawn, at the latest within a few days, guests will arrive in Purpato. I’ve instructed scouts to keep watch on Agiar, and I’ll report back as soon as I receive updates.”

“What about the city gates?”

“The locks have been damaged. If they want, they can be opened easily.”

If Bariel soldiers remained in Purpato, bandits would find it hard to approach. But the emperor left no garrison behind. The gates were unlocked, the city half-ruined, and the surviving traitors were weak. Could there be a more perfect feast laid out for bandits? Ian was confident the response and news would come quickly.

“How long to Kalamath?”

Jin’s gaze remained fixed ahead, but the question was for Tweller. He bowed slightly and answered:

“Three days.”

“If there are no problems?”

“No. Even if there are, we’ll arrive within three days.”

Jin turned to Tweller at his firm vow. Though Ian had mediated, there had been some disagreement. When Tweller yielded first, Jin responded calmly.

“Don’t overdo it. The soldiers’ stamina and morale are paramount.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will keep that in mind. Kalamath is controlled by royalists loyal to Bariel, so rather than reckless resistance, we should be able to reach a peaceful agreement.”

“Provided they don’t harbor foolish ambitions.”

With the anti-royalist faction crushed, there was the risk they might try to unify Burgos and build power against Bariel. Judging from the last letter, it seemed unlikely, but nothing was certain.

Ian, who had been listening, added:

“Even if they have other plans, they won’t show them openly. Your Majesty, I will keep a close watch. Also—”

Ian glanced back at the supply wagons following behind. One of them probably carried Chloe Davion. She had joined the campaign to meet the empress’s conditions but had barely survived without any clear achievements. Still, she hadn’t thrown a tantrum demanding to return home, which was more than expected.

“Lady Kayla is in the south. She will surely achieve results. Don’t worry.”

Jin nodded, recalling Kayla’s sharp, piercing gaze.

---

Tap tap tap.

Dawn in Kalamath.

Kayla’s mother, Danit, noticed the movement and frowned. Though it was still before first light, she had already risen and finished preparing herself—her hair perfectly styled, wearing a green velvet dress.

Danit opened the door first. A servant hurried down the corridor.

“What is it?”

“The Bariel army is advancing through Purpato toward Kalamath. They’re expected to arrive within two days, and the royalist leaders have urgently requested a meeting.”

“Purpato?”

Danit immediately pictured the map and bit her lip. Was their southward advance too fast? She quickly checked her reflection in the window.

“Alright, understood. When is the meeting?”

“They’re all gathered downstairs now.”

“Always so formal… it’s pitiful. Call Kayla, too.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

As the servant ran down the opposite corridor, Danit bit her upper lip and began to anticipate and organize what was to come. Against Bariel’s southward push, the royalist leaders would surely put her and Kayla forward.

“All the supplies are low quality, and it’s only a matter of time before that’s noticed. If we meet Bariel’s forces and join them, safety is guaranteed, but the outstanding debts won’t be settled. And if they find out about the betrayal, the royalists might refuse to recognize those debts later. It’s uncertain whether Bariel will help.”

They might stand by to keep the family in check or demand part of the debt as tribute in exchange for aid.

But staying here, where war was imminent, risked not only safety but also giving Bariel a pretext to label them traitors.

“Mother!”

Kayla had also risen early, looking neat and composed. Danit wrapped an arm around her shoulder and nodded.

“The time has come. Bariel’s forces are almost here. Remember what I told you?”

“Yes, of course. I’ll do my best.”

“Good. You look beautiful today, as always.”

Danit kissed Kayla’s forehead, their eyes meeting. With blades closing in from both sides, survival meant throwing one side into chaos.

And that side would be the troubled Burgos.

Creak.

Danit opened the door and entered. The leaders stood and greeted her—not out of courtesy, but because the matter was urgent.

“Oh, madam. What brings you here so early… this is the situation.”

“Yes, I was surprised to hear as well. How far south has Bariel advanced?”

“Last confirmed point is northeast of Kalamath. If they’re fast, they’ll be within seventy kilometers by this morning. It would be best if you and the lady depart immediately to meet them there.”

It was almost a forced order.

The place they indicated was a small town just before entering the capital. Danit smiled and replied she understood.

“Yes, as you said before, I will go out to welcome His Majesty the Emperor. But first, there is something I must say.”

“What is it?”

“First, my daughter Kayla will remain here. We can’t move all the property owned by Holin. And secondly—”

She scanned the leaders and singled out the youngest man, named Chandet, who had the least influence.

“Someone must accompany me. If we are to appeal to His Majesty for the unification of Burgos, we must at least show that much sincerity, don’t you think?”

“Hmm. That may be true, but since we haven’t pinned down Bariel’s exact stance, it’s too risky.”

And what about me and my daughter, Kyla?

When Danit responded with nothing but a sly smile, the officers cleared their throats quietly. Then one man subtly nudged Shandet forward.

“If I may suggest, Sir Shandet, perhaps you should go and see for yourself? You’re young and should have no trouble traveling.”

“I agree with that.”

“Go, then. Hear Bariel’s position carefully.”

More than anything, the unspoken message was to keep an eye on Danit and make sure she wasn’t up to any nonsense.

The man looked reluctant but had no grounds to refuse, so he simply hardened his expression. Danit clapped her hands as if to say that was enough and stood up.

“Well then, since the topic’s come up, let’s prepare immediately and depart. We’ll leave within the next couple of hours. Get the carriage ready.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

As Danit stepped outside with Shandet, she gave Kyla a subtle nod.

Until now, due to the special circumstances of civil war and ongoing conflict, Danit and Kyla had rarely faced the officers one-on-one. The atmosphere was thick with mutual suspicion.

But this worked out perfectly. Splitting the royalist officers in two—that was the very first step of the entire plan.

“Sir Shandet, would you like a cigarette?”

“Yes, ma’am. A carriage with windows would be more comfortable.”

“I’m quite fond of them myself. Don’t worry about it. We have plenty to discuss on the way. Make sure you bring enough.”

“Discuss? About what?”

“Oh my, the carriage is already ready. Let’s get in. I’ll explain everything on the way.”

Danit climbed into the carriage first, motioning for haste. Shandet hesitated, clearly uneasy, but straightened his jacket and followed her inside.

“I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes, Mother. I’ll hold down the fort.”

The two exchanged a look, a silent farewell, and the hastily prepared carriage set off without delay.

Danit smiled warmly at the tense Shandet.

“Relax, Sir Shandet.”

“Try as I might, I can’t help but be nervous…”

“I’ll take full responsibility and introduce you to His Majesty. I’ll tell him you’re a very important figure among the Burgos royalists.”

At Danit’s words, Shandet’s eyes widened as he turned to look at her. That sounded like a very significant statement, didn’t it? Danit smiled back knowingly.

“Important, huh? Right. You’re going to be the kind of hostage Bariel won’t dare argue with.”

“The road’s a bit long. We’ll have plenty to talk about.”

With a soft flick, Danit lit her cigarette. Without a word, Shandet pulled out his own.

Meanwhile, Kyla watched the carriage grow smaller in the distance before turning away. The royalist officers left here were now entirely her responsibility. Each one’s cold eyes scanned her up and down.