Chapter 44 - The Royal Capital (1/2)

“Is there any news from the people who went to the Duke Balratona’s house!?”

“Ha! As usual, it seems that we cannot even enter the grounds of the Duke’s house!!”

Inside the Royal Castle of Rideiran Kingdom, a disturbing air flowed within the audience hall.

“Why? Why can’t you enter!? Why isn’t that Galdt responding to my summons!?”

Sitting on the Throne was the King of Rideiran Kingdom who expressed his annoyance.

“What is the situation of the approaching decisive battle with Rulan Kingdom?”

“Ha! Starting with Duke Balratona, there are no responses from Marquis Armoine, Marquis Leroute, Baron Inmania, Baron Haute, and Viscount Liuchina either. According to the reports of those who have been sent to their respective estates, it seems they are experiencing something similar to Duke Balratona where they cannot even enter the grounds as well.”

“What in the world is even…… what about the others?”

“There have been responses from the other nobles, but very few replied that they would respond to your summons. The remaining nobles will not leave their territories.”

“……Have you found Akari and her entourage yet?”

“We still have yet to find them. Out of the 5 areas that are to be purified, only 2 remain. We know that Manrinia is the last destination for the purification, so I have told my men to go ahead and stand by in the remaining area.”

“I see…… How is the advance of Rulan Kingdom’s army?”

“They will be reaching the Port city of Rakayan in a month. If we don’t leave this city by now, it will affect the progress of our army.”

“Understood. Very well, you may go.”

The King let out an audible sigh as he watched the soldier who had made the report leave the audience chamber and looked around, idly.

“Is Keyhart around?”

“I am here.”

A bespectacled man with black hair and eyes came forward at the King’s call.

“How is the progress of The Special Command Force?”

“We’re working diligently to get the supplies. We’ll be dispersed in groups of three to each place, with each group procuring horses, food, and weapons.”

“I see. What about the battle participation……?”

“That is impossible. Even if I say that Captain Famiras has entrusted me with The Special Command Force in the absence of the Captain and Vice-Captain, I am merely there to unite the squad. I cannot hand out orders to the troops, and even if I could, no one would obey me. At most, please be thankful that we are even procuring the supplies.”

“……”

The bespectacled man possessing black hair and eyes was called Keyhart, an officer of The Special Command Forces.

Now that Captain Famiras and Vice-Captain Heine have disappeared, this man is the one uniting the Special Command Force.

He did not kneel before the King and simply stated the information in a matter-of-fact manner.

The wrinkles forming between his eyebrows indicated that he was not in a good mood.

“O King, it is not too late yet. We must inform the citizens of the war with Rulan Kingdom.”

“There you go again. Even so, my answer will not change. I have no intention of informing them. Look at the state of this country right now. Frightened by the demons and robbed of their homes and wealth by the taint, the people became bandits and started incidents all over the place. The brunt of their anger is directed at us. Go ahead and try to publicize the war with other countries here and now. It is us whom the people will bare their fangs to.”

“However, there is no way that this kind of thing can be hidden forever. They will find out one way or another. At the very least, it would not be hidden from the people living in Rakayan where the battle with Rulan Kingdom will take place. It is with your order that the information not be leaked to the outside, but once it does, the facts that have been concealed from the people will surely incite their anger.”

“And when that happens, it will be you Knights who will silence everything with force! If they are against me, then, they are no longer my people!”

“……Is that so?”

As opposed to the emotionally rough voice of the King, Keyhart nodded as he answered in an eerily quiet voice and, no longer having a purpose to stay, curtly bowed and turned on his heel.

Panicking, the King called out to stop him.

“Wait!! Where are you going?”

“I am also a part of The Special Command Forces, so, I am on my way to procure supplies.”

“You cannot!! You have to stay with me!”

“O King, have you forgotten?”

Keyhart let out an exasperated sigh, as he turned around to meet the King.

“The Special Command Force will only obey, no one but Captain Famiras’ or Vice-Captain Heine’s orders. Therefore, even if you are the King, we shall not obey your orders.”