Chapter 47: With the Knight’s Son and the Third Prince

Ulysses, standing in front of Ren, shrugged and laughed as before.

“Ulysses-sama!”

“Ah, it’s been a long time. I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to involve you guys in this, so I was thinking of resolving it between me and His Highness.”

“—–Then.”

“You already know the answer to that, don’t you? You already know where we’re going to wait for our enemies.”

Ren nodded.

Ulysses said, “Follow me,” and led Ren outside.

The sound of leather shoes echoed through the corridor as they walked.

“I must apologize for what I said earlier.”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“Even though Ulysses-sama was concerned about me, I tried to interfere because I was worried.”

“I understand how you feel. It would have been creepier if you hadn’t asked.”

“Creepy?”

“Because you’re too brave. We’d be more worried if you knew something we didn’t know and worked in secret. I’m glad you’re telling me this.”

It’s in Ren’s nature to do what he wants to, even he knows it’s wrong sometimes. So it can’t be helped.

That’s why he also has an embarrassed look on his face.

“That’s why Ulysses-sama must have been so concerned about me.”

“That’s one thing, but I also didn’t want to involve the Clausel family, to whom I owed so much. I had to share what I had to share with them, but I wanted them to leave the rest to me.”

Ren and Ulysses apologized to each other and laughed in each other’s faces.

They both reflected that there had been a slight misunderstanding of feelings.

“Between you and me, I’ve been fighting alone for a long time. I’ve never had any friends that I could rely on.”

Ulysses smiled bitterly.

Ren, on the other hand, is the same way. If he were told that, he would deny it, but he, too, has fought many battles alone until today.

He has also carried too much of the burden alone when it comes to the demon king’s cult.

The same may be said of the time on the plains where he met Radius before.

The two of them here had a particularly pronounced tendency to be self-centered.

“You said you’re worried about me, right?”

“Oh, you heard that too.”

“I happened to. I was glad to hear that. I felt my heart beat faster than I had in years. At the same time, I felt sorry for myself.”

“Again, I’m sorry for getting in the way…”

“That’s enough. At this time, let’s say that we were both too self-satisfied.”

The two shook hands as they walked.

I felt like we understood each other better than we had before.

“We have enough strength.”.

However.

“I would like to discuss something with you. With your help, we can get better results in the war.”

They went out of the Lion’s Holy Sanctuary.

The jet-black carriage used by Ulysses was parked outside.

Edgar, who arrived a little later, took his seat in the coach.

“I’ll tell you more about it at the inn.”

The carriage, in which Ren also boarded, headed for a certain inn.

In the carriage, Ulysses smiled happily as he thought back to how worried Ren had been for him.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

The name of the inn was Arnea.

The Arne Verde Trading Company owns the inn, and it is one of the most luxurious inns in the capital.

Radius and Lessard were in one of the rooms.

They were surprised by Ren’s visit, but calmed down after hearing what Ulysses had to say.

The four of them sat down on the sofa. It was Ulysses who opened the conversation.

“First, let’s hear the answer that Ren Ashton came to.”

Ren spoke.

“Before the return of Klonoa-sensei, something will take place at the Grand Clock Tower of Elendil.”

All three understood what he was saying.

After all, Ren has come to an answer.

“Next month, the magic stone on the top floor of the Grand Clock Tower will be replaced. I have heard that when it is replaced, the Grand Clock Tower will stop working altogether.”

The power to protect the Imperial City and Elendil will also cease.

I could only think that they were going to take advantage of that opportunity.

The fact that the three people listening to the conversation were nodding their heads suggests that he wasn’t mistaken.

“They intend to gain a foothold in the imperial capital by capturing that grand clock tower built with Mirim Altia’s technology.”

This was the aim of the demon cult, which was searching for information on the magical tools used in the Imperial Capital, Ellendil, and other towns.

All of them here were convinced that they would be targeting the Grand Clock Tower.

They wanted to find a gap in the security, of course, but they also wanted as much information as possible in order to capture the Clock Tower. Ren had guessed as much.

“They may be thinking of destroying the power that protects the imperial city and Elendil—- or, on the contrary, they may be thinking of setting up a trap to lure monsters in.”

At this point, Ulysses spoke.

“It would be the former. It’s hard to imagine a technology that can beat Mirim Altia’s.”

“I see. Come to think of it, you’re right.”

Mirim Altia has developed a number of important technologies that are still in use today. The guild card system, for example, is one such example.

It was designed to share information among all branches, and it allowed sharing of only a simple sequence of letters.

I am not saying that it is absolute, but the possibility that the other party has the knowledge to modify the magical equipment made by that Mirim Altia is infinitesimally small. If they had the technology to do it first, they would have done it better during the last bandit riot.

Radius was next.…

“The business that Ren is referring to is under the castle’s jurisdiction, and therefore I have the right to interfere. On this occasion, by my authority, the replacement of the magic stone was put off in secret. On the scheduled date, I will replace it with a fake magic stone.”

“Then you will replace it again at a later date?”

“That’s the way it’s going to be. Even so, the number of people we can deploy will be limited, because you never know where information will leak out. Therefore, this time, Ulysses and I were going to do something about it. Only a limited number of people would know about the replacement of the fake magic stone.”

Ren listened attentively to the rest of the story.

“The basic premise of Ulysses and I is that it is best to deal with the Demon cult without letting them into Elendil. We will do so if we can, but they will enter like a mist. Stupid or not, it doesn’t change their nuisance as those who are in the service of the Demon Lord.”

“So you’ll be waiting for them at the Grand Clock Tower?”

“Yes.”

But since we don’t know for sure that we will be able to handle all of them, and we also don’t know how many of them will be coming, we can’t be sure.

On the other hand, if they do happen to show up in a large group.

“We have scouts everywhere and are always ready to get information. In some cases, I will use my authority to move the army. Elendil is near the capital, so I will be able to respond with sufficient speed. I will not let any harm come to my people.”

“……I have one more question.”

Ren was curious as to why Radius stubbornly refused to make the information public and tried to resolve the issue between himself and Ulysses as much as possible.

“Why would you prepare so meticulously and not involve the military from the beginning?”

When I asked him about this, Radius said in a strong voice.

“If we had prepared an army from the beginning, we could have completely prevented their attack. Of course, Leomel’s army is the strongest in the world, as evidenced by the fact that they have never openly touched us.”

His expression showed a hint of strength.

“But will they see that and attack? If they were planning to go head-to-head with us, they would have done it from the start. Where we had our army ready, they would just change their plans. If that’s the case, it’s better to have them move as far as we can anticipate.”

In addition.

“Ulysses and I are not going to end up just dealing with it, as we have in the past.”

“……, you don’t think we’re just going to take the initiative, do you?”

“That’s right. We have to make sure they are captured alive and get information. To do this, we cannot rely on the military from the start. We must work in secret so that the Demon cult will not find out.”

His firm confidence was tremendous.

Ren understood what Radius was trying to say. But it is also a double-edged sword.

—- only if it is supposed to be.

(Because we have the strength to do it.)

From this situation, there is a strength that enables you to set up your opponent in the opposite direction.

The fact that Ulysses Ignat, the strong arm, and the third prince, who is highly regarded as the next emperor, have teamed up. The story Ren knows is that the two men who killed each other became friends, which makes the current story possible.

All of this is to prevent the demon cult from doing what they want.

If they knew that they were going to try something, they would even use that to their advantage.

“I have already explained this to Baron Clausel. His Highness and I will mobilize as much of our forces as we can between us. Just in case.”

“It sounds great to hear that the two of you are mobilizing as much as you can.”

“I’m honored by the compliment. However, we are a small elite force. In case of emergency, as His Highness said, we are prepared to move the army immediately. So, please consider this as a sign of my and his highness’ resolve.”

At this, Ren also looked at Lessard and saw his face.

“Um, wait a minute. Does this mean that Radius is going there too?”

“Of course he is. That’s the natural thing to do.”

“No, it’s insane no matter how you think about it.”

“Normally It would be. But this time I have a reason. And Ren, you’ve done some pretty insane things yourself. You can’t speak for others.”

“I can’t argue with that either, but why go to all the trouble to put yourself in harm’s way?”

“It’s the same thing that happened on the plains. There are things I didn’t tell you, Ren.”

Radius said this and spoke of something he had been hiding.

It was a skill possessed by the third prince, Radius Vin Leomel, that had never been revealed in the legend of the Seven Heroes.

“I have a special and unique skill called ‘Analysis’.”

Its strength lay in the ability to examine the information of the objects it touches.

The word “information” is vague, but if you examine a sword, for example, you can tell what metal it is made of. But it is not a matter of having words like “iron” or “steel” pop into one’s head. It is difficult to describe in words, he said, but it is as if an answer is derived based on Radius’s knowledge and it comes to his mind.

In the absence of that knowledge, it seems to remain in the mind only as new information.

“This will confirm the mark of the demon cult. I don’t care what it is. I want as much information about them as I can get.”

“Then just wait and see. You should wait until someone brings the comatose Demon cult member to you in a safe place.”

“And who can vouch for the outcome of bringing him safe and intact? Remember that bandit dump you caught, Ren? I didn’t tell you, but he too died shortly after that outburst, shortly after you left. And the imprint was gone before I could find out what happened.”

Ren’s attack wasn’t enough to kill. That bandit member had suddenly become rotten all over.

That was why Radius was so adamant that he would go himself.

He wouldn’t let this opportunity pass him by at any cost, for he knew that something might happen before they could bring one back.

He had prepared carefully for this, and he had also examined his forces.

He, like Ren, had a strong determination and will.

“Only if I can deepen my understanding of the Mark of the Demon cult, it will be easier for me to follow their footsteps in the future.”

“…… So you don’t intend to stay in a safe place yourself?”

“I have no intention of stepping away from them, no matter what anyone says. I’m a descendant of the Lion King. I will not stand by and do nothing to those who want to harm my people.”

What Radius wants is assurance.

He is therefore more concerned than anything else that he will not be able to get information again as he did before, saying that he must go out there himself.

Everyone knew that.

No one can guarantee what he says isn’t true, so the idea that he should go himself makes sense.

…… Only, per se.

“Lessard-sama, you’ve heard the details of the operation and are satisfied with them, right?”

“Yes. I have also confirmed every detail, and I am convinced that this is what we should do.”

“I understand. Then I won’t say anything more about it.”

Then, Ren nodded.

“Is it okay if I protect the mansion?”

As I said at first, I have no intention of interfering with this operation.

Ren just wanted to know how he could move without getting in the way. He wanted to know how he could best move to protect them.

“Oh …… that’s right, but …….”

Radius’s unclear reply.

“Ulysses, what have you told Ren?”

“I only told him that things will be better when he arrives.”

“Now that you have, do you mind if I explain the rest?”

“Yes, I think it would be better if your Highness spoke.”

Radius nodded.

There was another reason for Ren to come here.

But it wasn’t because of Ren’s strength. Of course, Ren’s presence would be an important asset, but that was not the reason this time.

For that matter, Lessard did not hear it either, and twisted his head, “Hm?”

“As Ren knows, failure is not an option in our operations.”

“If we fail, the defenses of the Imperial City and Elendil will be taken away.”

“No, that’s not it. In fact, you can be sure that there will be no problems there.”

“What do you mean….?”

“I’ll tell you all the details as soon as it’s done, both to Ren and to Lessard.”

Radius tells us one thing, and one thing only.

“The legendary artisans of Mirim Altia, the magic stone of the Grand Clock Tower is the only thing that matters. That’s all you need to remember. It is not that we, Leomel, have done nothing.”

There was something secretive about this, and he had yet to tell me what it was.

But it was still an important part of the operation. If he had told them this much, he must be planning to tell both Ren and Lessard in due course.

Ulysses also seemed to know about the situation and sat there with a knowing look on his face.

(Is this also the reason the secret action was made possible?)

Ren and Lessard both nod in return, and we return to our conversation.

“Let’s get back to the main topic at hand.”

Radius said.

“As to why we would be in a better situation if Ren were here—-,of course, I don’t necessarily want you to cooperate with us just because I’ve told you. Besides, it was only yesterday that I heard this story from His Majesty. Ulysses and I have only just shared the story.”

“Your Majesty Radius?  Why is it that his Majesty is talking about me?”

“I will tell you everything. First of all, let me tell you how it all started: —-“

This operation was to be kept as secret as possible, but there was one person they couldn’t help but talk to. Yes, the Emperor, the absolute ruler of Leomel.

It was Radius who was responsible for explaining the situation to the emperor.

“I have already informed His Majesty of mine and Ulysses’ intentions. He has given us permission to carry it out. He also confirmed the details of the operation, saying that there would be no problem.”

It was strange or rather questionable for a man who was said to be the next emperor to go to a dangerous place.

Even so, the emperor’s knights were also dispatched to Radius.

The story shows that a thorough lineup had been set up to ensure that there would be no mistakes.

“We also discussed how to explain the situation to the other factions. His Majesty promised that he would take care of those matters later, after the matter had been settled. It was only after that that —- Ren became involved.”

It was in the audience chamber that Radius spoke with his father, the emperor.

He had been asked to sit down last night, albeit on short notice. They had already had a meeting to talk about the operation.

“Ulysses and I have been thinking a lot about how to make things even better.”

Radius took a breath.

He and Ren listen to the rest of the conversation, exchanging glances.

“I have asked his majesty if ‘She’ could be of assistance in this regard.”

She —-It was terribly vague about whom he was referring to.

But Ren knew immediately. From the story of her being by the emperor’s side, there was only one person who came to mind.

“In the past, she has never helped anyone even when ordered by His Majesty. But this time, she herself said she would help on one condition.”

“…… That’s me?”

“Yes, that’s right. She promised to help uis in the shadows if Ren would fight by my side.”

“I don’t understand. Why did she say that I should help?”

When Ren muttered this, Radius shrugged and let out a breath.

“Even I don’t know, not even Ulysses for that matter. But it was soon after I asked His Majesty.”

Radius’s tone of voice and expression showed that he was truly puzzled.

“She will not fight beside us, but she will be close by in case we need her.”

We all have no idea. Ren looked at Lessard with a troubled look, and he looked at him with a troubled look, too.

No one understood what was going on.

Even Ulysses is not able to understand it.

But there was one thing that was certain.

“If she helps us, the operation would be more solid. Edgar must have thought it was for the best and approached Ren.”

“Indeed….. Edgar, you are a selfish butler, aren’t you?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Well, I wasn’t sure if I should tell you, either. So I can’t say it strongly.”

Ulysses said so, but he was still hesitant about asking Ren to be involved.

But Ren wasn’t so sure. He was sure that he would be more than willing to help them out.

Regardless of his intentions, he couldn’t back down in the face of such unexpected help.

“Lessard-sama.”

Ren said.

“Will you allow me to fight beside Radius?”

Lessard, too, was at a loss for an answer.

Of course, he had some doubts about asking Ren for help again, but this was too big a deal for him as a baron.

When he was at a loss for an answer, Ren took the initiative to request.

“How about you pay for my tuition as a reward?”

This was the first time Ren had ever expressed a desire for a reward himself.

He is no longer the little boy from the countryside.

“I will reward you as I see fit. So, Ren, are you willing to help Leomel?”

To this Ren replied.

“Yes, I am. I’m at your service.”

It was an immediate answer, as if he had been waiting for it.

After they had exchanged their words, Radius said.

“But Lessard, for some reason, they might think that you are a member of our royal family. I heard that the Clausel family is on good terms with the Riohard family, and I have been told that they are not biased…”

“If so, I hope you will continue to favor my Clausel family.”

I wouldn’t call it rumor mongering, but Lessard offered about the expected tone of the discussion.

“Well, what is it that you want?”

“What I want is political power. So I have to establish myself as a neutral but firm position.”

“Are you willing to become a member of my royalist faction…?”

“……”

“Hm, that seems to be another story.”

“……I’m afraid I cannot answer your question at this time. I’m still occupied with my own personal affairs.”

The reason why he could not easily switch factions was because of his past experience.

He wasn’t in a hurry to make a decision because he had been working steadily to expand his power recently.

It wasn’t something that should be decided by the momentum of the moment.

Radius smirked at Lessard, who had said this resolutely in front of the third prince.

“Originally, nobles shouldn’t be bound by factions. You are a man who embodies this.”

“I’m not surprised if you call me impolite. However, my devotion to Leomel and to His Highness the Third Prince will remain unchanged forever.”

“I have no disrespect for you. I am delighted to know a loyal subject like you.”

Radius decided to make a promise.

“As soon as the matter is finished, I will inform His Majesty, and the Clausel family will be rewarded accordingly. Your neutrality is pure and proud. I understand well that you are not opportunistic, but that your position is truly based on your love for Leomel.”

Radius then extended his hand to the man facing him.

“I hope you will continue to serve Leomel well.”

“—- Yes, your highness.”

Normally, it would be unusual to shake hands with a member of the royal family.

Yet here they shook hands firmly.

Then, Radius turned to Ren and they exchanged glances.

“The plan was for Edgar to stand by my side. But would it be better to have Edgar stay behind to protect the Clausel family? If you’re going to help me, then Ren will be more at ease.”

“Thank you.”

“Yes. Ren you’ll be by my side to protect me.”

Radius didn’t feel inadequate in the slightest, on the contrary, he felt that he could depend on Ren.

They had known each other for less than a year, but they understood each other very well.

“I’ll leave my back to you. But I’m not asking you to stand by me as a knight.”

“What would you have me be then? A bodyguard?”

Radius smiled wryly at Ren, who asked an honest question.

“How about as a comrade-in-arms?”

He said.

Ren wondered what kind of friend he could be in front of the Third Prince who was said to be the next ruler of Leomel.

But he also thought that it was too late for that.

Since they had already exchanged something like this, this was just a matter of putting their ideas and feelings into words.

Ren and Radius extend their hands at the same time.

Their hands meet here.

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