Chapter 485: Leaving the Raven Kingdom

Sir Erwin came to the secret hideout and formally named the armour Rokia’s Armour. He said that naming it after an ancient hero might invite people to compare him with that hero.

Sir Erwin was surprisingly sensitive about such matters. I had no strong preference, so I agreed with his choice.

Sir Erwin donned the armour, and we conducted another test while he was wearing it. Sister-in-law Daniela and Princess Sophia naturally objected, but he would not have been satisfied otherwise.

I took their place and cast magic at him myself, gradually progressing from beginner to advanced spells. After testing several reasonably powerful attacks, I brought the experiment to an end.

“Magic really doesn’t work on it…”

Sir Erwin stared in astonishment. He had not expected the armour to be so effective. Still, it was the Legendary Armour known as Rokia’s Armour. Such performance was only fitting.

“With this, you should be able to withstand the Bone Dragon’s attacks to some extent.”

“Thank you, Julius-sama. With this, I can definitely fight the Bone Dragon on equal footing, or better.”

Sir Erwin extended a hand, and I firmly clasped both of his in return. My grip conveyed another message: “If you make Princess Sophia—Sister-in-law Daniela’s best friend—cry, I will never forgive you.” Sir Erwin squeezed my hands firmly in answer.

“I heard that you could use magic of every attribute, Julius, but it was really true.”

Brother Alex, was this really the time to mention that? I gave him a wry smile, unsure how to answer, but Sister-in-law Daniela stepped in to help. She smiled sweetly at both of us.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen it, too. I’m sure he’s been keeping it a secret from everyone until now.”

After saying that, she giggled. But there was something forceful behind that laughter, almost like a heavy pressure. It felt as if she were saying, “Everything that happened here is a secret.”

Apparently, I was not the only one who noticed. Princess Sophia and Sir Erwin both stiffened.

“Of course, I won’t tell anyone what happened here. This stays between us. Right, everyone?”

“Y-Yeah, right. I won’t tell anyone.”

Sister-in-law Daniela nodded with a smile, clearly satisfied that her message had gotten across. Scary.

Never make Sister-in-law Daniela angry. Just don’t. Absolutely not.

Sir Erwin carefully placed Rokia’s Armour in a wooden box, then left the hideout to begin preparations for the Bone Dragon subjugation.

“At this rate, I imagine he’ll head out for the subjugation as early as tomorrow.”

“Yeah. The longer it takes, the more damage it causes. I’m sure the other countries are watching closely, too.”

“All the more reason not to let it drag on any further.”

Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela were right. The battle against the Bone Dragon could not be allowed to drag on. The Kingdom of Raven was desperate, and other nations were surely watching. Even now, the royal castle’s compounding rooms were probably filled with magic pharmacists producing potions.

After having lunch at the secret hideout and taking some time to relax, we returned to the royal castle.

More people were hurrying through the castle than when we had left that morning. Most were knights in armour or mages in robes. Preparations for the subjugation force appeared nearly complete.

Back in the guest room, I spoke to Brother Alex.

“Brother Alex, now that we’ve done everything we can, perhaps it’s time to return to the Heine Margraviate?”

“Yes, I was just thinking the same. Let’s leave before noon tomorrow. Daniela, what do you think?”

“That sounds fine. Thank you both for going along with my selfish requests.”

Sister-in-law Daniela bowed her head to us. Why would she do that? We’re family now. There’s no need for her to bow her head.

“Please don’t do that, Sister-in-law. All you need to say is, ‘Julius, well done. You’ve earned some praise.’”

She raised her head in surprise, then burst out laughing. I laughed as well, followed by Brother Alex. That was right. Smiles were far better than bows.

“You did great, Julius. I’ll give you a reward later.”

“I am most honoured.”

I knelt before her, making Sister-in-law Daniela and Brother Alex laugh. Lionel, Nero and the other attendants in the room joined them. Naturally, I laughed too.

“You’re leaving already? You could wait until the subjugation party returns…”

“That’s not really an option. We have no connection to the subjugation party. We can’t impose any further.”

Sister-in-law Daniela and Princess Sophia were reluctant to part, but Sister-in-law Daniela did not seem willing to stay. She was surely worried about Princess Sophia and Sir Erwin, yet remaining any longer might cause unnecessary trouble. She understood that—probably even better than I did.

“Alex-sama, Julius-sama, thank you both for everything. Please come again when the country has settled down. You’re always welcome.”

“Thank you. We’d be happy to.”

“Take care, Princess Sophia.”

Few margravial houses would ever receive such treatment from royalty. It was an exceptional gesture, although perhaps it was only natural with Sister-in-law Daniela herself being a princess.

Princess Sophia saw us off as we left the royal castle.

The subjugation force had departed early that morning. We had no opportunity to say goodbye to Sir Erwin, but we would probably meet again. I did not believe he would die in this battle.

Our carriage moved smoothly along the road.

After a while, things suddenly became noisy around us. At the same time, the carriage came to a halt.

“What’s going on? What happened!?”

“Alex-sama, over there… there’s a pillar of light…”

“A pillar of light?”

Brother Alex, Sister-in-law Daniela and I stepped out of the carriage. In the direction of the Kingdom of Raven, a pillar of light rose into the sky. Perhaps sensing that I knew what it was, they leaned towards me.

“Julius, that pillar of light—what is it?”

“I believe it means Gatekeeper’s power has been released. That Holy Sword can open the Gate to Paradise.”

“The Gate to Paradise?”

“Yes. Any undead monster, no matter how powerful, can be sent beyond the Gate to Paradise.”

Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela turned to gaze up at the pillar of light.