Episode 728
The country is a complete mess.

Though she was hardly in a position to complain, having once scraped by as a merchant in the slave market, the reality was undeniable. She should have recognized it when they tore through the market searching for the Minister of Magic of Bariel’s mother.

But what could she do? It was clear that Hwan and the other nations were also going through turbulent times. Helna tucked a dagger into her waistband and glanced back.

“What are you glaring at?”

If your head won’t work, at least move your body. Helna spat irritably, and the others gathered around the table burst out laughing. It was amusing to see someone so close by making such a fuss.

“Such nerve.”

“Leave her be. No point in wasting energy.”

“Helna, right? You said you’d take the lead, so make sure you keep that promise. Got it?”

Helna grabbed her jacket and stepped out of the tent.

Outside, their respective subordinates stood in a line, waiting. The men’s eyes followed her with a “Well, of course” kind of look when she emerged first.

“Who told you to guard them? Damn it.”

“What?”

With no hesitation, she turned her back, and her worried subordinates followed.

“Boss, why are they reacting like that?”

“We’re going to be the first to step up. Get ready.”

“…What? No way!”

One subordinate jumped up, blocking Helna’s path in panic. Was she crazy? They were facing the main force of the Great Empire of Bariel. The Emperor himself led them, flanked by mages capable of overturning the world.

No, they didn’t even need to get to the mages. The magic swordsmen who could cut down hundreds at once would be acting on the Emperor’s orders. How could a ragtag group of slaves like them stand a chance?

“What do you mean ‘no way’? Are you here to play?”

“To be honest, we’re half here just to kill time.”

It was an order and a proposal from the Toorun palace. Bariel’s forces were advancing from the south, and if they could hold the line for a while, their efforts would be duly recognized.

‘Most of them have lived in the shadows, so their yearning for a new life runs deep. It’s good for both sides. The palace gains time, and we get a chance.’

Helna clicked her tongue and checked the blade of her dagger. Her subordinates looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. The enemy would charge with long swords and spears—what could they possibly do with mere daggers?

Despite their puzzled looks, Helna remained unwavering.

“Fine. Let’s say you’re right, that we’re just killing time. In a situation where it’s kill or be killed, you have to kill time well to survive, right? No more complaints. Round up all the Bariel-born slaves and bring them here.”

“W-what are you planning…?”

“You know what they say—better to take the beating first. The palace entrusted us with the defense. That means the longer we stay behind, the heavier the burden.”

Even after her explanation, her subordinates looked confused. But what could they do? When the boss says jump, you jump. They shrugged and gathered all the Bariel-born slaves as Helna had ordered.

The slaves, shackled at wrists and ankles, looked around nervously. They had no idea what was going on, and fear was plain on their faces.

“Hey, everyone, pull yourselves together.”

Helna spoke fluent Bariel. Some were surprised she knew the language and dared to hope, even if just a little.

“Are you from Bariel? Please, spare me. I ended up here because of my parents’ debts—I’m not a slave.”

“Most slaves ended up here because of that damn money. Enough. Hmm.”

She flicked her well-sharpened dagger and lightly sliced a man’s cheek.

“Ahhh! Ahh!”

“If you move, it’ll hurt. You’ll get seriously injured.”

“P-please don’t do this! Please—”

“Hey now. I’m trying to get you back to Bariel, so shut up and stay still.”

Why did the promise of returning to Bariel sound so terrifying? The words were kind, but her tone was cold, making it feel all the more chilling.

As the slaves hesitated, Helna mercilessly cut into their flesh.

Slash!

Blood splattered everywhere. She wiped the dagger on her jacket, glanced over the slaves, and smiled.

“That’s right. Keep that miserable look on your face. That’s what will make the Emperor pity you. Isn’t that right?”

---

“Xia.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What of the enemy’s movements?”

“No special reaction yet. Upon inspection, the reinforcements sent by the palace seem insufficient. They look more like a militia…”

“For a militia, there sure are a lot of them, and they look fierce.”

Jin teased lightly. It was true—at a glance, it was hard to tell if they were militia or bandits.

Xiaoshi smiled lightly in agreement.

“Someone’s coming this way!”

A soldier shouted. Expecting a surprise attack, they glared sharply, but the approaching group numbered only a few dozen.

What are they trying to do? Jin frowned, and Xiaoshi and the other officers immediately sensed something strange. Except for those on horseback, most were walking slowly, bound by ropes.

“…Hah!”

“Please! Please! Please!”

Faint cries reached them. The distance was far, but the voices sounded hoarse and weak. The soldiers in the barracks turned their heads at the metallic-sounding wails.

At that moment, Xiaoshi’s eyes widened as he looked through his telescope.

“…!”

“Please spare us! Please, Your Majesty! We beg you! Spare us!” Covered in bloodied rags, they cried out desperately as they struggled forward.

“Xia?”

Should he show this to the Emperor? Xiaoshi hesitated, then handed the telescope to Jin. Jin saw the same thing and froze.

Dum! Dum-dum!

The sound of drums, like those used in Toorun, echoed. Helna struck the drum vigorously three or four times, drawing the full attention of Bariel’s main force.

Helna was covered in blood too—but it wasn’t hers. It belonged to the Bariel-born slaves. The bright smile amidst the dark stains was striking.

Captain Jaret felt a faint sense of déjà vu.

‘Where have I seen her before?’

She definitely resembled someone, but he couldn’t place it.

He wasn’t the only one. The palace guards all exchanged confused glances.

“I am Helna, the mad dog of the Toorun slave market! I operated in the capital, but when the market was shut down due to the country’s troubles, I came out here to the outskirts, waiting for my chance! You all know the details well enough without me saying!”

At her shout, an officer whispered to another.

“What does the country’s troubles have to do with the slave market closing? Usually, the market thrives in a recession.”

“I don’t think this is about something so simple. Probably referring to Lady Philia?”

“Ah!”

They meant the incident when Philia was kidnapped and sold into the slave market.

The Toorun palace had taken the drastic step of closing the market to find her, and the repercussions were still being felt.

It made sense—war with Bariel was imminent, and they couldn’t afford to pull soldiers from the front lines to maintain order in the market. Closing it was the natural course.

‘Well, once the war’s over, the market will boom like never before.’

War orphans, cripples, prisoners of war, civilians—those who survived would taste both heaven and hell all over again.

Helna cleared her throat and shouted loudly.

“These are all from Bariel. They lived most of their lives as Bariel citizens but ended up here by misfortune. They remember the Emperor’s grace vividly and long for it desperately.”

Xiaoshi immediately understood what Helna was getting at.

“To meet the Emperor, whom they never saw even in their homeland, in a foreign land—what a blessing for them! Surely the gods watch over them. You will be amazed! Hear me, Great Empire of Bariel!”

Helna roughly shoved one slave to the ground, then raised her dagger high.

“One week. Just one week. If they don’t move from their spots for that time, I will spare them all. But if even one steps forward, I will cut off their heads and send them rolling.”

“Y-you insolent—!”

“How dare you threaten us now!”

“Sir Xiaoshi, no need to listen. Shoot an arrow and shut that mouth immediately.”

The angry officers grabbed their weapons and shouted, but Xiaoshi motioned them to stand down. The Emperor’s gaze upon them was intense—his eyes cold as ice, his breath sharp as a blade.

Thud!

Helna kicked a slave’s back, and he howled helplessly.

“I am Sandro from Hapim Village in northeastern Bariel! It’s unjust! I’m not a slave! Please spare me, Your Majesty! I beg you, please!”

“I was sold by my father because of debts. I was a boy preparing to enter military school. My father paid the price by losing a finger, but I… my life was cut away! Your Majesty!”

“If you can hear my voice, please! Please!”

“Please spare us. Spare us. Your Majesty, aren’t you Bariel’s father…?”

She pleaded desperately, shaking her shackled arms wildly. It was heartbreaking to witness. The officers and even the soldiers turned their heads away, trying not to see.

“Hah.”

But Jin was different. He couldn’t ignore the people of Bariel lined up before him. Their fate rested on his every gesture.

“One week. No more, no less. In exactly one week, I will release them safely and withdraw. Honestly, I have no intention of defending the capital at all costs. I’m only doing this because I hope for something. Please take it kindly.”

Helna and her subordinates pressed their swords tightly against the slaves’ necks. If an arrow or any other attack came suddenly, they would die alongside them.

“Your Majesty.”

Xiaoshi called to him softly. Hundreds of soldiers had already been wounded or killed, but they had charged forward without hesitation. They were prepared to sacrifice themselves for the country. But these people?

‘They are the very country we’re trying to protect.’

Jaret quietly observed the emperor’s back, sensing the impossible burden weighing on him.

Wanting to ease that burden, Jaret stepped forward with a suggestion.

“Your Majesty—”

I will save them. If the death of innocent people pains you, I will gladly do so.

“Your Majesty!”

Meanwhile, other officers urged him on. It’s only a few dozen lives. There’s no proof they’re even Bariel’s citizens, and even if they are, we can’t stop now. The enemy’s capital is right before us. To prevent greater losses, you must think strategically!

“Enough, all of you!”

Jin pressed his fingers to his throbbing forehead, yet he couldn’t take his eyes off his bloodied people.

What should I do? What on earth should I do…?

Suddenly—

Whoosh!

A dark moon opened in the sky.

Jin’s eyes widened. That was definitely—

“Oi—!”

The Black Moon of the sorcerers, sent by the Ian faction.

Sure enough, three figures appeared within the black circle: Berrick, Cedric, and Eirin.