When Rogero and the imperial army arrived at the Grand Duchy, the entire territory, including the castle, was as quiet as a mouse.
The residents of the Grand Duke's Palace all shut their doors and did not dare to go outside. Occasionally, a shadow of a person could be seen loitering outside the window, but they left it alone.
Even though he helped Franz, Rogero himself was still a foreigner, and to the frightened residents, the unfamiliar soldiers of the Delacca Empire, the enemy soldiers of the Alliance, or Krald's private soldiers would be no different.
"Your Highness."
Just as he reached the castle entrance, he could see Lambdark, who had gone out to scout ahead, waiting. Like Rogero, he was covered in the blood of his enemies from head to toe, and he looked terrifying. Rogero looked up at the high castle walls and asked absentmindedly.
“What’s the situation inside?”
“There is no one left except the servants and a few other nobles.”
“If they stayed behind and didn’t directly participate in the conspiracy, then they’re just small-time scumbags. Let’s leave it up to Franz to figure out what to do later.”
“Yes, but...”
Rogero, who was about to turn his head indifferently, glanced at Lambdock.
"What's the matter?"
“There was one person... an important person left.”
"Who?"
The residents of the Grand Duke's Palace all shut their doors and did not dare to go outside. Occasionally, a shadow of a person could be seen loitering outside the window, but they left it alone.
Even though he helped Franz, Rogero himself was still a foreigner, and to the frightened residents, the unfamiliar soldiers of the Delacca Empire, the enemy soldiers of the Alliance, or Krald's private soldiers would be no different.
"Your Highness."
Just as he reached the castle entrance, he could see Lambdark, who had gone out to scout ahead, waiting. Like Rogero, he was covered in the blood of his enemies from head to toe, and he looked terrifying. Rogero looked up at the high castle walls and asked absentmindedly.
“What’s the situation inside?”
“There is no one left except the servants and a few other nobles.”
“If they stayed behind and didn’t directly participate in the conspiracy, then they’re just small-time scumbags. Let’s leave it up to Franz to figure out what to do later.”
“Yes, but...”
Rogero, who was about to turn his head indifferently, glanced at Lambdock.
"What's the matter?"
“There was one person... an important person left.”
"Who?"
“She is the second Prince’s mistress. She is the niece of King Hibs.”
Rogero's eyes blinked a couple of times. Then he looked back at the castle with an expression of interest.
“Things have gotten this bad and she's still here? Are she being bold, or are her sources being ridiculously slow? I’ll have to ask her which one it is.”
“Yes? No, Your Highness. There is no need for you to do that...”
Lambdark tried to stop him in a hurry, but Rogero was already riding his horse and heading towards the castle courtyard. Lambdark, who had been blankly watching his back, sighed deeply and followed him into the castle as if there was no other way.
Rogero got off his horse and entered the castle hall alone, carelessly patting his armor that was covered in blood. The servants who were muttering at a loss as to what to do ran away in fear at his devil-like appearance, and the few nobles who remained were nowhere to be seen.
After passing through the corridors decorated with splendid draperies and paintings, a long corridor appeared. Rogero, who noticed the detailed decorations on the slender capitals, instinctively felt that this was the way to the government office. After walking a little along the corridor, he could smell a sweet and exotic scent coming from a nearby building.
"Oh!"
The maid who was entering the building holding something in both hands, saw Rogero and became lost in thought and let out a single scream. Her body, which had been hesitating and stepping back, fell to the floor with a thud. Rogero looked down at the flustered maid with eyes that seemed to ask what she was doing and reached out with one hand as if to help her up. However, the maid was even more terrified by Rogero’s actions and screamed.
“Please... please save me!”
Only then did Rogero look down at his hands. The metal gloves had lost their original color and had become hideously blackened. Rogero put his hands away with an embarrassed expression and shrugged one shoulder as he spoke.
“Is the niece of King Hibs in here? Krald’s mistress, I mean?”
“Huh? No, that’s, that...”
“Just tell me whether it exists or not. If it’s already been sent somewhere, there’s nothing I can do.”
“That’s it, that... that’s it...”
The maid's pupils shook violently. At this point, Rogero, who had decided that it would be difficult to hear an answer, was about to step into the building when a calm and cheerful voice flowed out from inside.
“If you have guests, you should invite them inside. What are you lingering around outside?”
“Sa, Lady Saragan...!”
The maid shouted without realizing it, then covered her mouth with both hands and glanced up at Rogero. Rogero smiled as if he was planning a mischievous prank and glanced at the maid. Then he strode into the building.
At the entrance to the living quarters of the residence, there was an unfamiliar curtain decoration that he had never seen before, not even in Delacca or Rotair. It was made up of small stones and jewels, and when he swept it with his fingertips, it made a pleasant sound. Rogero glanced around to make sure that no maids were following him and finally stepped into the living quarters. The door was open.
“Welcome, a stranger whose name I don’t even know.”
Saragan was sitting on the long sofa right in front of the bed, slanted. As soon as he saw her greeting him with an arrogant attitude without moving an inch, Rogero couldn't help but laugh in vain. It was a laugh with a complicated meaning.
“You are the niece of the King of Hibs?”
“If you are asking if the great leader of the Coalition, Hibs Jamal, is my uncle, then yes, I am. I am his niece, Saragan Irika.”
“He is your uncle, so why do your last names differ?”
“I inherited my mother’s last name. Now, may I ask the name of the stranger who has come into my bedroom?”
When he confronted Saragan, Rogero was not disarmed at all. In addition to the short weapons like daggers and mangos hidden in his sleeves or ankles, he also had two swords of different lengths draped around his waist. Despite this, Saragan showed no sign of fear or intimidation.
Rogero found that point very interesting. He looked around several times, wondering if there was something he believed in, but this space was nothing more than an ordinary bedroom. There was no sign of a hidden weapon on Saragan, who was sitting leisurely as if she were really welcoming a guest. She seemed to be a bold person by nature.
“My name is Roseph.”
“The name... and I can tell by the hair. It’s hard to tell because it’s soaked in blood, but that kind of green hair is rare. Third Prince of Delacca, Noble Sword of Emperor Nereisa, Green Field of the Empire.”
“...”
“His Highness Prince Rogero Ingrow of Amiens-Matisse. Is that so?”
“You know very well, don’t you? Did you plant a spy?”
Saragan smiled brightly.
“No way. I heard it through the grapevine.”
“I knew my name could cross the ocean, but I didn’t know it could cross the desert.”
“Rumors have wings instead of legs and feet.”
Perhaps because she was uncomfortable with her head resting on it, Saragan sat up straight, stretching slightly. She asked.
“So... why did Your Highness the Green Field of the Empire come all the way here? Did you come here to ask for a drink of water because you were thirsty after a long journey?”
“Will you give it to me if I ask?”
“Of course. I’m not so heartless as to not even do that much for you.”
“That’s kind of you to say.”
“If you want, can I have some cold water brought to you right now?”
“No, that’s fine. It would be a problem if there was poison in it. As you said, I have to go on the road again.”
It was a concise answer, but it didn’t mean anything. Rogero pretended to smile and quickly checked Saragan’s expression. But strangely, there was no change in her face. Saragan, who was looking at Rogero with a subtle gaze that was hard to read, raised the corners of her mouth and smiled broadly.
“Why do you think I would poison the water?”
“Well, there are many reasons. Is it revenge for the fact that I killed your uncle? Or maybe my friend Franz killed the Second Prince, so you want to take revenge on me first.”
“Krald was not originally my vassal. As a blood relative, it is regrettable that my uncle passed away before he could achieve his goal. However, I have no resentment towards His Highness the Crown Prince for that, so please rest assured.”
Rogero smiled, revealing his teeth slightly. It was a smile that was a mixture of murder and curiosity.
“You have no resentment?”
“Yes. In the tribe where I was born and raised, only the strong could be looked up to and respected by others. Schemes and tricks came second. What was important was the strength to crush an opponent without those things, and only warriors who could overwhelm hundreds or thousands of people with swords and spears were recognized.”
“But since your uncle lost to me by force, you have nothing to say?”
Saragan nodded. She was still smiling and calm. There was no overt coquetry, but she was indescribably charming.
“If my uncle gave it his all and was defeated by you, then that must be the extent of his power and destiny. He ruled over the tribes and proclaimed himself King, but in the end, he was not enough to overcome the mountain of the empire’s green fields. So why should I resent you and try to take revenge by using poison? Do you think it is worth it?”
“No, not at all. In fact, your uncle didn’t even put up a fight against me. In the end, he just screamed and tried to run away.”
“Then there is no need to feel even more regretful. I just hope that when my uncle closes his eyes, he will know shame.”
After finishing speaking, Saragan slowly closed her eyes. At the same time, or rather a little earlier, Rogero pulled out a long sword from his waist and aimed it at her neck. The sharp blade was pressed against her thin neck, leaving no space for even a piece of paper to fit through.
“It’s a cliche question, but is there anything you’d like to say as a final remark?”
Saragan was silent. He could have just cut off her head, but why was he doing that? Rogero didn't move at all as if he was waiting for her to say something. After a while, Saragan muttered absentmindedly.
“It’s a shame I won’t be able to see the sea. I’ve always wanted to see it. In my tribe, we believe that dead people turn into birds. Can I become a bird too?”
“...”
“Well, what does it matter what happens after I die? Well, my words are over now. Please kill me, you who came from a distant land. I am glad to die at the hands of such a great warrior as you.”
Rogero stared at her. The moment Saragan took a silent breath, the sword blade that had been withdrawn suddenly brushed past her neck.
Kang!
Rogero's eyes blinked a couple of times. Then he looked back at the castle with an expression of interest.
“Things have gotten this bad and she's still here? Are she being bold, or are her sources being ridiculously slow? I’ll have to ask her which one it is.”
“Yes? No, Your Highness. There is no need for you to do that...”
Lambdark tried to stop him in a hurry, but Rogero was already riding his horse and heading towards the castle courtyard. Lambdark, who had been blankly watching his back, sighed deeply and followed him into the castle as if there was no other way.
Rogero got off his horse and entered the castle hall alone, carelessly patting his armor that was covered in blood. The servants who were muttering at a loss as to what to do ran away in fear at his devil-like appearance, and the few nobles who remained were nowhere to be seen.
After passing through the corridors decorated with splendid draperies and paintings, a long corridor appeared. Rogero, who noticed the detailed decorations on the slender capitals, instinctively felt that this was the way to the government office. After walking a little along the corridor, he could smell a sweet and exotic scent coming from a nearby building.
"Oh!"
The maid who was entering the building holding something in both hands, saw Rogero and became lost in thought and let out a single scream. Her body, which had been hesitating and stepping back, fell to the floor with a thud. Rogero looked down at the flustered maid with eyes that seemed to ask what she was doing and reached out with one hand as if to help her up. However, the maid was even more terrified by Rogero’s actions and screamed.
“Please... please save me!”
Only then did Rogero look down at his hands. The metal gloves had lost their original color and had become hideously blackened. Rogero put his hands away with an embarrassed expression and shrugged one shoulder as he spoke.
“Is the niece of King Hibs in here? Krald’s mistress, I mean?”
“Huh? No, that’s, that...”
“Just tell me whether it exists or not. If it’s already been sent somewhere, there’s nothing I can do.”
“That’s it, that... that’s it...”
The maid's pupils shook violently. At this point, Rogero, who had decided that it would be difficult to hear an answer, was about to step into the building when a calm and cheerful voice flowed out from inside.
“If you have guests, you should invite them inside. What are you lingering around outside?”
“Sa, Lady Saragan...!”
The maid shouted without realizing it, then covered her mouth with both hands and glanced up at Rogero. Rogero smiled as if he was planning a mischievous prank and glanced at the maid. Then he strode into the building.
At the entrance to the living quarters of the residence, there was an unfamiliar curtain decoration that he had never seen before, not even in Delacca or Rotair. It was made up of small stones and jewels, and when he swept it with his fingertips, it made a pleasant sound. Rogero glanced around to make sure that no maids were following him and finally stepped into the living quarters. The door was open.
“Welcome, a stranger whose name I don’t even know.”
Saragan was sitting on the long sofa right in front of the bed, slanted. As soon as he saw her greeting him with an arrogant attitude without moving an inch, Rogero couldn't help but laugh in vain. It was a laugh with a complicated meaning.
“You are the niece of the King of Hibs?”
“If you are asking if the great leader of the Coalition, Hibs Jamal, is my uncle, then yes, I am. I am his niece, Saragan Irika.”
“He is your uncle, so why do your last names differ?”
“I inherited my mother’s last name. Now, may I ask the name of the stranger who has come into my bedroom?”
When he confronted Saragan, Rogero was not disarmed at all. In addition to the short weapons like daggers and mangos hidden in his sleeves or ankles, he also had two swords of different lengths draped around his waist. Despite this, Saragan showed no sign of fear or intimidation.
Rogero found that point very interesting. He looked around several times, wondering if there was something he believed in, but this space was nothing more than an ordinary bedroom. There was no sign of a hidden weapon on Saragan, who was sitting leisurely as if she were really welcoming a guest. She seemed to be a bold person by nature.
“My name is Roseph.”
“The name... and I can tell by the hair. It’s hard to tell because it’s soaked in blood, but that kind of green hair is rare. Third Prince of Delacca, Noble Sword of Emperor Nereisa, Green Field of the Empire.”
“...”
“His Highness Prince Rogero Ingrow of Amiens-Matisse. Is that so?”
“You know very well, don’t you? Did you plant a spy?”
Saragan smiled brightly.
“No way. I heard it through the grapevine.”
“I knew my name could cross the ocean, but I didn’t know it could cross the desert.”
“Rumors have wings instead of legs and feet.”
Perhaps because she was uncomfortable with her head resting on it, Saragan sat up straight, stretching slightly. She asked.
“So... why did Your Highness the Green Field of the Empire come all the way here? Did you come here to ask for a drink of water because you were thirsty after a long journey?”
“Will you give it to me if I ask?”
“Of course. I’m not so heartless as to not even do that much for you.”
“That’s kind of you to say.”
“If you want, can I have some cold water brought to you right now?”
“No, that’s fine. It would be a problem if there was poison in it. As you said, I have to go on the road again.”
It was a concise answer, but it didn’t mean anything. Rogero pretended to smile and quickly checked Saragan’s expression. But strangely, there was no change in her face. Saragan, who was looking at Rogero with a subtle gaze that was hard to read, raised the corners of her mouth and smiled broadly.
“Why do you think I would poison the water?”
“Well, there are many reasons. Is it revenge for the fact that I killed your uncle? Or maybe my friend Franz killed the Second Prince, so you want to take revenge on me first.”
“Krald was not originally my vassal. As a blood relative, it is regrettable that my uncle passed away before he could achieve his goal. However, I have no resentment towards His Highness the Crown Prince for that, so please rest assured.”
Rogero smiled, revealing his teeth slightly. It was a smile that was a mixture of murder and curiosity.
“You have no resentment?”
“Yes. In the tribe where I was born and raised, only the strong could be looked up to and respected by others. Schemes and tricks came second. What was important was the strength to crush an opponent without those things, and only warriors who could overwhelm hundreds or thousands of people with swords and spears were recognized.”
“But since your uncle lost to me by force, you have nothing to say?”
Saragan nodded. She was still smiling and calm. There was no overt coquetry, but she was indescribably charming.
“If my uncle gave it his all and was defeated by you, then that must be the extent of his power and destiny. He ruled over the tribes and proclaimed himself King, but in the end, he was not enough to overcome the mountain of the empire’s green fields. So why should I resent you and try to take revenge by using poison? Do you think it is worth it?”
“No, not at all. In fact, your uncle didn’t even put up a fight against me. In the end, he just screamed and tried to run away.”
“Then there is no need to feel even more regretful. I just hope that when my uncle closes his eyes, he will know shame.”
After finishing speaking, Saragan slowly closed her eyes. At the same time, or rather a little earlier, Rogero pulled out a long sword from his waist and aimed it at her neck. The sharp blade was pressed against her thin neck, leaving no space for even a piece of paper to fit through.
“It’s a cliche question, but is there anything you’d like to say as a final remark?”
Saragan was silent. He could have just cut off her head, but why was he doing that? Rogero didn't move at all as if he was waiting for her to say something. After a while, Saragan muttered absentmindedly.
“It’s a shame I won’t be able to see the sea. I’ve always wanted to see it. In my tribe, we believe that dead people turn into birds. Can I become a bird too?”
“...”
“Well, what does it matter what happens after I die? Well, my words are over now. Please kill me, you who came from a distant land. I am glad to die at the hands of such a great warrior as you.”
Rogero stared at her. The moment Saragan took a silent breath, the sword blade that had been withdrawn suddenly brushed past her neck.
Kang!
There was a cracking sound. Saragan, who had unconsciously flinched her shoulder, slowly opened her eyes. There was not a single wound on her skin. Only the ornate ornament hanging from her neck was torn in two and was rolling on the floor. Meanwhile, Rogero, who had put the sword in its scabbard and tied the entrance, raised one eyebrow.
“Whenever I see someone asking me to kill them, I want to save them.”
“You are very moody.”
“Yeah, that’s my specialty.”
Saragan, who had been keeping her lips shut for a moment, said.
“If you let me live now, what will you do if I go to assassinate the Crown Prince?”
Rogero, who had been standing there blankly, burst out laughing. He chuckled as if he had heard a funny joke, then shrugged his shoulders and said.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you go even if you cry and beg. If that’s the case, you’d better look at the sea until you’re sick of it.”
“Whenever I see someone asking me to kill them, I want to save them.”
“You are very moody.”
“Yeah, that’s my specialty.”
Saragan, who had been keeping her lips shut for a moment, said.
“If you let me live now, what will you do if I go to assassinate the Crown Prince?”
Rogero, who had been standing there blankly, burst out laughing. He chuckled as if he had heard a funny joke, then shrugged his shoulders and said.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you go even if you cry and beg. If that’s the case, you’d better look at the sea until you’re sick of it.”
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