#20
“Your Majesty, a reply has arrived from those who have informed you to attend.”
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Daejeon (大殿) of the royal palace.
When a word from a heavy servant quietly resonated in the hall, the king, who was lying on his back, raised his chin and shook his head.
“Give it up.”
“Yes, my lord.”
King Artina with a golden beard with a golden crown on his golden hair, Sigrid von Rohaul Artina.
It seemed that decades had passed since he reigned, but the flame-like passion at the end of the tiny wrinkles did not seem to fade away, and it seemed that it would not be extinguished by a mere wind as he grew older.
“Well… … Only three?”
The king, who sat down and scanned the contents of the letter politely handed to him by his minister, stroked his beard and immediately gave his order.
“Call Halton.”
God bowed again as if bending his back.
“I will obey your orders, Your Majesty.”
a few minutes later.
The gates of Daejeon opened, and a knight dressed in heavy platinum armor all over his body except for his head came in and knelt down on one knee.
“Shin Halton, at your majesty’s call… … .”
“It’s annoying, it’s annoying. became Get up.”
As the king seated on the throne waved his hands, a mature knight called Halton slammed his armor and straightened his bent knees.
“I will take orders… … .”
“Because it happened.”
The king’s eyebrows wrinkled. At that time, Halton also closed her mouth and relaxed. It had to be said that it was like a hard rock like a knight.
“Sir Halton.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Do you know what day tomorrow is?”
there is no way to know
Halton opens her mouth with a gloomy heart.
“… … It is the day of the funeral of the late Crown Prince.”
There was a history of holding a funeral without a body 10 years ago, but since the Crown Prince’s body was retrieved from a long time of 10 years, a more solemn and complete funeral was planned.
In other words, this was the time when the kingdom would truly let Eidel von Artina, the hero and guardian of our country, depart… … .
“It is true.”
The king shook his head.
“King defended the country on the same battlefield at the same time as the boy. Without Sir Rachel and Sir Rachel, we would not have received the child’s last message. So, Jim always has a willing heart for you, but… … I also regret not allowing your remembrance at that time.”
In a candid fight, Halton only lowered her head.
the prince is dead He went into the enemy camp alone, saved the country, and died. Before that, I gave the order to retreat. Halton Abernos, the current leader of the Plasma Beauty Knights, and Rachel Itisse, who died in an accident three years ago, just the two of them. After leaving a message to protect her sister, she became a breeze and never returned.
On the day that lightning struck Daejeon, the king was quietly furious. With the sadness of losing my son, and with resentment towards those who left him to die and survived.
However, the Crown Prince’s order to retreat was given, and although it was also ordered by a superior, they were the only survivors, so there was no other person who could testify to the facts at the scene. Who would have thought that they would have only taken care of themselves after throwing the Crown Prince as bait in a rude way… … .
Looking at the scars engraved on their bodies at that time, it must have been obvious that they had struggled and worked hard, but the king, who could not stop the unfathomable sorrow even with the soul of the king, canceled their position as a guard knight, and the body was buried after the war ended. They were forcibly absent from the funeral.
It was because he did not deserve to be remembered.
In the aftermath of the Great War, not only the existing standing army, but also the Royal Guard Knights had reached a level where the organization was destroyed, and in the end, the Artina Royal Family had no choice but to re-establish the Guard Knights from the root.
As a result, the Plasma Beauty Knights were born.
They were the most powerful knights in the Kingdom of Artina in name and reality, and an elite armed group that was evaluated as being comparable to the Five Stars of the Empire beyond the realm.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Great Plasma Beauty Knights this time was Halton Abernoss. As the leader’s name suggests, Halton succeeded in restoring the King’s trust, which had fallen to the depths, with lifelong loyalty, devotion, and trust.
There was a lot of trial and error before that, but… … If the Crown Prince had not sacrificed himself to defend the country, Halton would have already died on the battlefield. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to dedicate a life that has already been saved once for the country the Crown Prince wanted to protect even after he died.
“Shin Halton, I have never, for a moment, impure your Sacred Heart. God was just ignorant that His Majesty gave this mere swordsman a chance to give his life for the country once more… … .”
“Jim has been disrespectful of your loyalty.”
“… … majesty.”
“However, I did not call the sutras to repent of the distant past. I have something to ask you.”
“Shin Halton, obey Your Majesty’s orders… … .”
“Well, Sir, you are very knowledgeable. But how long will it be? Kyung-eun would have said it was okay to refrain from using honorifics in front of Jim.”
“Please let me know, Your Majesty. How could he commit the mortal sin of paranoia by being a servant? I’d rather cut off my tongue.”
“Uh, really… … .”
He wouldn’t react if he gave his name, but if he did, Halton would probably pluck out his tongue on his own. no joke really. The king didn’t want to see it like that.
“Sir Halton.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Go to the people who are written in this letter and bring them back to their home country as safely as possible before the funeral. I believe that I will be able to respond flexibly even in the face of unforeseen circumstances.”
Halton was polite and received a letter from the king. A total of three invitations. Recipient’s name written on the outside. Halton muttered a little.
“These are… … .”
“My daughter’s close friends.”
“… … !”
Halton’s eyes widened.
If it was the king’s daughter, there was none other than His Majesty Princess Yuri von Artina, who was enrolled in Frontier from this year. If so, are you saying they are close friends of the Princess?
The reason the princess, whom I haven’t seen in a long time, seems to have changed strangely, maybe… … .
“As soon as we arrive, we will bring you into the city.”
He meant to attend the funeral.
Halton nodded without question.
“I will obey your orders.”
“and.”
“… … ?”
said the king solemnly.
“The Lord will also have to kiss the child’s coffin. Please enter the chapel as soon as Mass is over.”
#21
“I hope you will come.”
Yuri, who was wearing only one silk nightgown with her voluminous blonde hair loose, on a bed that seemed to be more than five times her body size, murmured.
“I haven’t seen you in a few days, so it’s not that I’m not happy. I miss you so much, my friends. Thank you for accepting the invitation. but… … .”
Of course, there was only glass in the princess’s residence. If so, who are you talking to? Yuri herself didn’t know that.
“… … That guy didn’t call. Why are you coming?”
The dim moonlight was entwined in the gray clouds outside the new window. Because the lights weren’t on, he was sitting with his legs outstretched in the pitch black darkness.
The popliteal folds of the legs that have been raised slowly are folded, and then they gently hug the calves. A black ribbon was held at the tip of her small, fragile fingers.
No matter how good quality control is, it can’t stop them from getting old and frayed. Traces of time like incontinence are bound to be engraved. Yuri, who used to rub the old cloth like a habit, licks her lips again.
“… I didn’t tell you not to come. I just didn’t invite you.”
It wasn’t that different from the fact that he couldn’t come if he didn’t invite him, but it seems that Yuri had room for a different interpretation. I didn’t invite you, but if I did, I wonder if I would not have sent them back right away.
“… Why do you hate it so much? That’s natural. That guy looks like his brother. From the first meeting on that subject, don’t you say that I’m like a little sister? don’t you think it’s cute Why don’t you just choose the behavior you don’t like… … .”
The slurred tone intensifies.
“How would you feel if you act like a brother to me with that face even though you’re not my real brother? I mean, I’m just really annoyed. … I can’t take it too seriously though. you feel weird It’s really annoying. It’s annoying even thinking about it again. Why is that guy in the same class as me… … .”
I don’t know how many people in the Epic class would agree with the saying, “I couldn’t treat you badly.” As much as Yuri herself, she could be proud that she laid her hand on her conscience and proudly did not treat Ezio Cranil harshly. In the case of men who have insulted Yuri or crossed the front line, it was because they were excluded from recognition as if they were people who did not exist at all, transcending their terrifying hatred.
Therefore, Ezio Cranil’s circumstances were very good. He even received recognition as a friend from Yuri himself, so he became a person who would not be lacking even if he was called Yuri von Artina’s closest opposite s*x… … .
“annoying. annoying. annoying… … .”
Yuri, who had been grumbling for nothing and repeating the same murmurs one after another, eventually slipped and laid her body on the bed in a straight line.
“… But if it wasn’t for him, we’d all be dead then. I have that kind of insight.”
The guy who threw away the pressure of the Magi that was so powerful that he couldn’t even breathe, and fought alone against the nonsensical being called the Great Devil.
Of course, Mew earned a lot of time, but… … In the end, when the Great Evil exerted his own power, Mew was also crushed and overpowered by an irresistible force. It was Ezio Cranil who played an active part during that time. However, it ran wild like a beast that lost its intelligence.
When I remembered the sad eyes that seemed not to be human, a slight goosebumps appeared on my skin for a moment, but I immediately brushed my hair and remembered the guy’s usual appearance.
soft laughter. It’s like a joke you only do to me. On this side, he’s a guy who is consistent with his favorable attitude, even though he’s always rudely accepted. The bad guy who keeps saying he wants to be a friend even though he doesn’t like it, and forcibly pushes me to admit that he’s a friend with his mouth.
… They tried to help me, to protect me, and to make excuses, even at the cost of a great loss, but in the end it was for me, so I don’t understand anymore.
There are many secrets hidden. It’s disgusting that you’re trying to delve into details about yourself without revealing anything about yourself.
what the hell
For what reason, I wanted to be friends with such a bad personality… .
“… … what.”
A strange question popped up in the corner of Yuri’s mind, which had been filled with thoughts about Ezio Cranil for a while.
“Uh, uh… ?”
It’s like I’m waking up in the middle of the night. Yuri’s eyes brightened. I felt strangely tickled, and my five senses became awkward for a moment. There’s no way to explain this feeling, but it was clear that it wasn’t a feeling I wanted to keep feeling like this.
He continued to joke even though he didn’t like it, and while he said he wanted to be friends, sometimes he praised others shamefully, when he was serious he was serious, and he kept emphasizing that he was like a cute little sister, and it was all just a camouflage and smoke screen to hide his true feelings. Ramen… … .
──Huh.
“No, right?”
“Please, ah. no way… … .”
“No way.”
“Nonsense.”
“It’s disgusting. really.”
“… I hope it can’t be… .”
I quietly covered my mouth with my hand.
“… … Does he like me?”
He opened his bright red eyes, then removed the hand that had covered his mouth. The twisted up corners of his lips didn’t want to go down.
“What did you say. Let’s go to sleep… . You have to get up early tomorrow.”
Even though she had said it, Yuri couldn’t help but burst into laughter—and then buried her face in the soft pillow and fell asleep quickly, breathing evenly.
“… Isn’t it real?”
Anyway, I fell asleep.
#22
The day was bright.
At a time when the dawn had not yet risen, the twilight sun shone like a gentle wave from beyond the horizon.
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Dang- Dang-… …
The gigantic bell above the spire chimed, and the wheels of the funeral wagon carrying the early deceased began to roll slowly.
Rumble-
The capital of the Kingdom of Artina, Bergalk.
The Ungu procession, which is scheduled to return to the royal castle through the Rothild Plains where the Crown Prince was killed, is the starting point, and the prince’s soul is finally captured while all government offices in the kingdom are closed and the people who refrain from drinking and dancing come out and meditate. Started the run to commemorate.
After the bell rang, the country was immersed in silence for a minute. The funeral wagon, which rolled along the achromatic street in the low solemnity, was escorted by the Plasma Beauty Knights, who are the Royal Guard Knights of Artina, as if wrapped around them.
Rumble-
Behind the carriage carrying the Crown Prince’s coffin, another carriage followed. The seats of the carriage were occupied by members of the royal family, including the king, queen, and princess. All of them were immovable. His hazy face was full of shade, and he was all dressed in clothes of a darker color than that.
The road on which the carriage passed through the gates of the capital. The King’s older brother, Embrecht von Rohaul Artina, caught my eye on my niece sitting opposite.
A slim black dress with a small, slender shoulder line. The golden hair and the eyes of Donghwa-seok, which proves the royal lineage.
The face, which had not shown any significant change since the time the Crown Prince, who had completed the ceremonial ceremony, entered the palace, seemed to have a calm, mature look that was different from his appearance ten years ago.
cuddly lips. plain eyebrows. The eyes opened low and the gaze staring blankly at the outside of the carriage. Even breathing without trembling.
It is fundamentally different from the time when we cried and cried all day and night and finally became empty. Giving up and accepting are completely different.
It wasn’t just because a lot of time had passed. Not long ago, the niece had not yet escaped her youthful appearance. It was only at the level of mimicking maturity. The reverberation of a seven-year-old child still lingered everywhere. Strictly speaking, there was no room for succession to the throne.
but now… … .
Embrecht’s eyes suddenly met Yuri, who turned his gaze from the window to the inside of the carriage. She also managed to read the depth and sorrow of the young in her pupils. It was such a shallow feeling. It must have been well hidden.
Soon, Embrecht hid his surprise. it was segregation. Glass was also restrained. Her maturity was truly awkward.
Although he did not have a very good relationship with his brother, King Sigrid, who was two years younger than him, he did not hold grudges even toward his niece. If it was the other way around, it was the other way around.
The regent only deplored Sigritte for ruining the child to such an extent that he would criticize the child who was in a pitiful and pitiful situation.
However, if the qualities of a king are sufficient, it is only the death of a relative… … He was too young to think that, and the successive monarchs of the Artina Kingdom, including the previous kings, were evaluated as saints without change. He was not cold-blooded without blood or tears. Recognition was moderated by safeguarding the balance, but it was not without recognition itself… … .
However, it cannot be denied that if this continues, there will be setbacks and disturbances in Yuri’s succession to the throne. So, I thought I had no choice but to keep the regent in mind.
‘What happened to your daughter, Sigritte… .’
Whether it was enough without talking to his niece and niece, Grand Admiral Embrecht thought it was time to talk with his brother.
The carriage procession, which lasted five hours and twenty five minutes, was over. The carriage that came in through the wide open gate of the royal castle finally stopped glide.
From now on, the ceremony will be held in a place out of the reach of the subjects of the kingdom. It was a royal court ceremony held within the castle.
tak- tak-
When the carriage door opened, the royals descended one by one and stepped on the floor. Glass came down last.
The door of another carriage in front opened, and the Crown Prince’s coffin was revealed. Six knights in uniform carefully lifted the Crown Prince’s coffin. He put it on his shoulders and started walking towards the royal chapel.
Bang- bang- bang-… …
The Guard Wizards fired three salutes.
ridge… ridge…
A remembrance of the souls of the dead echoed through the walls and quietly stretched out into the sky. Everyone in the castle had a somber look on their faces.
The moment when the knights carrying the Crown Prince’s crown were climbing the stairs of the chapel while members of the Plasma Beauty Knights lined up around the road the royal family passed by.
The atmosphere of the funeral, which should be absolutely solemn, seemed to be strangely tumultuous.
No one was trying to show off, but there was definitely a curve in one place in the royal castle.
Yuri, who was walking at the end of the procession, also felt the strange atmosphere. I just didn’t want to look back. Because it doesn’t follow the rules. It was the moment I took one step straight forward with such control.
Because it was a silhouette that popped out so much, I had no choice but to move my eyes naturally without turning my head.
It was a young man in a black suit.
It is very similar to the person lying in the coffin.
Beside him were two guards of tax saving. Girls in light pink and silvery colors like spring and winter. They were located on the left and right, respectively, centering on the young man.
… Even if there was only one of them, he would have shown off a remarkable presence, but now that all three are together, he is exuding a bloated presence that cannot be ignored.
Among the dogs, the one who received the most attention was the gray-haired young man.
It must be so, not only the royal family, but also the strange gazes of those who had met the Crown Prince’s face in the castle in person… … .
It was fortunate that Embrecht, as well as Halton Abernos, the commander of the Plasma Beauty Knights, who had visited the Frontier to escort him, barely managed to keep his composure.
─… … .
However, until the Crown Prince’s coffin crossed the steps of the royal chapel and entered the door, he remained immobile in any situation. He kept his silence and hardened his expression and lips. It was almost non-existent that his low, gloomy blue eyes fluttered.
Yeah, almost… .
When Yuri, wrapped in a strange feeling, made eye contact with the young man for the last time before climbing the stairs of the chapel, the young man seemed to show no reaction unlike Yuri. There was no sign of knowing at all. Through that, I was able to confirm the attitude of the young man at the funeral.
only once.
—I’m sorry.
When I lowered it, I blinked my eyes slowly, raised my pupil to look at the glass once, and lowered my eyes again to express my own condolences.
OK.
The fact that he first saw a young man resembling a dead brother in a familiar place rather than in an unfamiliar place, and the nostalgia of deep memories melted in that place suddenly reminded him of the feeling of nostalgia. did… … .
dang- dang-
The bell above the spire rang in disbelief.
Yuri blinked her slightly moist eyes and calmly walked into the chapel where the Crown Prince’s coffin was placed.
… The souls of the dead are commemorated; now it is time for the souls of the living to be gathered.