72
I, who had joined forces with Jurass, passed the time absentmindedly, looking at the passing food with my eyes.
‘Is it really the land of Brylang in the south…’
The Kingdom of Brylang was a country where various spices could be grown through its climate. Even fishing was well developed.
It was quite the opposite of the barren Crossing.
The variety of dishes was also vast, but with my helmet on, I could only watch with a longing appetite.
Compared to what Eoga provides, the taste might be lacking, but as it was a new dish to me, I was curious about its flavor.
‘I should have brought Eo with me.’
With her, just by tasting it once, she could perfectly reproduce it.
‘At least if I try it, I can explain it to Eo later.’
There was no way to eat it.
Did she notice that?
“I will have food prepared separately for Anton. Will that be alright?”
That Juress fellow. He was subtly quick-witted.
He continued speaking.
“By the way, is there something you want to ask? Wade.”
“Can you tell me? How did you find out about Brylang’s conspiracy… and why did you assassinate the King of Brylang?”
“hahahaha, hohohoho!”
The party leader’s gaze shifted to the fellow’s madness.
Juress kept laughing without a care for a while.
Then he said ominously.
“It seems it was quite shocking. I’m glad I didn’t disappoint your expectations.”
“Are you really the one who did it…?”
That lunatic. Coming to a party hosted by the Prince of Brylang. He must have been confident not to be caught, but it was a boldness I couldn’t even imitate.
As I glanced around, Juress added another remark.
“In truth, that’s why I chose this place for our conversation. I wanted to show you.”
“You wanted to show me?”
“Wade, remember well. This scene right now is the reality of Brylang.”
“The reality of Brylang…”
I once again observed the nobles of Brylang.
‘Is that what it means.’
The nobles of Brylang were dressed in mourning attire, yet they didn’t seem genuinely sorrowful. Rather, they seemed to be anticipating a dramatic change in the situation due to the King’s death.
“The deceased Wilfried Schwarze was not an incompetent ruler. He was rather close to a great one. Moreover, the heir to the throne had been predetermined. Yet, this is the situation. This is precisely why I assassinated the King of Brylang.”
“That’s the reason? It’s hard to understand with just that explanation. Please tell me more details.”
“Let me explain everything at once. Come to Carten soon. I will tell you everything, including what our leader is hiding.”
It wasn’t a suitable place to discuss the remaining matters here. Since I didn’t know when this guy’s actions would be revealed.
I anxiously hoped for the party to end soon.
Contrary to my wishes, the atmosphere of the victory party began to turn sour.
As I grew increasingly hungry, I sought an opportunity to escape.
The chance came around the time the ball began.
When Juress, who was sitting with me, headed towards Kyan, all eyes were on that direction.
Seizing the moment, I slipped away and found a seat in the secluded corner of the garden, guided there by Anton.
The garden outside the party venue was relatively quiet.
After changing into different clothes, I found a spot where no one’s gaze could reach, and indulged in the food diligently delivered by Anton, while gazing at the moon.
“Is it because Juras assassinated the King of Byuran?”
As my thoughts organized, several suspicions came to mind.
“If that’s the case, then Juras’ goal is…”
Thinking about that goal made me momentarily dizzy. Instead of pondering alone, which might only further complicate things, I decided to think about something else.
“What will happen when I return to the Academy?”
Dunan, who was a teacher, had died, and the political situation on the continent had drastically changed.
It was clear that the education we would receive upon entering the Epsilon Academy next year would be greatly enhanced.
“I thought things would fall into place once I entered the Academy.”
This was because it was the point where I knew the main story I was familiar with would unfold.
However, the story I knew was already falling apart. The strong support that the Kingdom of Byuran provided as the protagonist’s reliable ally was in great danger.
“It’s probably because of my actions.”
There was a high possibility that my actions had caused a butterfly effect.
“Anyway, I’ve decided not to be too fixated on the story from now on, so it might not matter much.”
From now on, I decided to move according to the situation at hand.
I was well-prepared for that.
I had territories, soldiers, and even deities. Compared to the game world of Als, where there was nothing, I had enough power.
Moreover, even if the main story deviated, it wouldn’t be completely ruined. There was still a good chance that the larger storyline, like the outbreak of the Chimera War, would continue.
“Juras must have a separate plan. I need to hear about it and decide on our future course of action.”
Just then, rustle! A nearby noise was felt.
I thought Anton had brought more food, but it wasn’t the case.
“Oh… there was a diviner. I’m sorry. Did I interrupt?”
Saying so, a woman with a modest appearance appeared. Although she could have been called beautiful based on her appearance, her face didn’t stand out, perhaps due to the fatigue that showed.
She seemed out of place at the party.
“May I sit here too? There doesn’t seem to be a quieter and more charming place.”
She shrugged her shoulders as if to say do as you please.
She sat across from me and gazed at the moon with a melancholic expression.
I casually continued my meal.
Then she said, “You… are you Wade, by any chance?”
“I don’t remember seeing your face at the party today. If you had such a striking appearance, I wouldn’t have forgotten.”
She soon said firmly, “Eating food here, too. That’s right. You couldn’t eat at the party venue. These are the foods brought from there, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. It was frustrating not being able to eat while just looking at them.”
I coolly acknowledged it.
Since I was already speaking with certainty, denying it seemed pointless, and besides, there was no need for me to hide my face.
“Really Wade…! You…!”
“Anyway. Being half and half, and attracting such suspicion. I should fix it.”
She, who was astonished, soon asked in disbelief.
“You’re so young… How old are you exactly? You seem younger than me.”
“I can’t tell you that. Of course, I won’t tell you my name either.”
The reason why knowing her face didn’t matter was right here.
It was because it was pointless if she didn’t know my identity.
Perhaps if I were to meet this woman as Alstro, there might be trouble, but the likelihood was slim.
As if she had read my mind, she spoke softly.
“Don’t you know that I could write your Montage?”
From Noble mtl dot com
While Giliath Melburn had seen my face in the past, the encounter was so fleeting that he couldn’t create a proper Montage.
On the other hand, she, observing me closely, was different.
I raised the corner of my mouth and said,
“You, on the other hand. You should know that it’s suicidal.”
“…!”
“You know who is behind me, don’t you?”
“The Crossing Republic…!”
“And you have connections in Calipha as well. I hope you’ve taken good care not to become a target and disappear without a trace,”
Just in case, I decided to tell Anton about this.
“Do you think you’ll scare me? Where will you take me?”
In her eyes as she spoke, fear was evident, but at the same time, courage shone through.
I found myself curious about her true identity once again.
“But who are you?”
“What… Have I been talking all this time without knowing who I am!”
The woman widened her eyes in genuine surprise.
“Have you ever mentioned your name? It doesn’t seem like we’ve met before.”
Yet for some reason, she seemed familiar.
Biting her lower lip, she exclaimed,
“I am Sophia Veron of Beccabia! The genius princess who faced you in the Carlington Battle!”
There was a reason she seemed familiar.
Even though I had never met her in person, I had seen illustrations of her.
Though her appearance differed from the illustrations, I was now certain.
However.
“Genius… Hmph! Princess… from your mouth… Pfft!”
“Ugh… I just said it to make it easier to understand…”
Blushing, she seemed aware of the embarrassing sound she had made.
She soon let out a deep sigh.
“To think the one who made me swallow water was this young. It’s quite disheartening. I had imagined you to be a great general.”
“Reality can be cruel at times. Has your intention to spread my Montage changed at all?”
“I know. There’s no benefit for our Beccabia in doing so. There’s no reason to provoke Crossing or Calipha in the current situation.”
“I’m glad you understand so quickly.”
“Phew…! I thought I would make a big fuss if I met Wade… But it turned out like this.”
Sophia seemed to be frustrated, but her hostility seemed to vanish once she learned my age.
She realized that I didn’t engage in battle with malevolent intentions towards Beccavia.
“It seems you were exploited in Crossing without knowing anything. In that case, there’s no point in getting angry at you.”
“Well, that’s how it is. Instead, would you like to try this? It’s delicious.”
Since there was no one else to talk to, it was a leisurely tea time.
I decided to pass the time by chatting lightly with Sophia.
* * *
On the way back to the territory after the victory party.
The attendants were holding their breath, saying that the time had finally come.
The moment of the award ceremony.
Eonia was eager to secure the first place in the major this time, and Anton was tensed, waiting for this award ceremony.
On the other hand, Yumir and Gaspar had an indifferent attitude, saying it didn’t matter what the outcome was.
“Really, you two are taking this too seriously, aren’t you? Alright, then just wait a moment.”
Although I said this, I had also prepared for the award ceremony.
Bringing the prepared items, I first announced the third place in the major.
“I will announce only the top three in the major. First of all, everyone did well. So, I hope you won’t be too obsessed with your rankings. First, the third place goes to Yumir.”
“It’s an honor.”
Yumir performed a feigned retreat strategy to counter the enemy’s flanking attacks in the first battle where General Duan was killed, and he also demonstrated his strength when fighting against Triple Commander Lexite.
In the last battle, he gathered herbs from Palleane and cunningly guided Anton to a trap, aiding in trapping the enemy.
“So, you’re third place. Here, take this.”
“Master. Is this…?”
“Water sprites consider a comb essential for tail grooming. Yumir, you always used an old wooden comb. So, I bought this last time. I’ve been waiting for the right moment, and it worked out well.”
It was a quite expensive comb purchased from Elfeed.
Yumir smiled warmly.
“Thank you very much. If it’s not too much trouble, could you comb it for me later, Master? That would be the greatest reward for me.”
“Of course, I will.”
Up to this point, the atmosphere was pleasant.
“A reward!”
“….”
The atmosphere between Eo and Anton became more hostile.
The moment the reward appeared, it was no longer an award ceremony but a competition of honor.
On the other hand, Gaspar seemed to have realized that he was in fourth place.
“If there’s a reward, I should’ve worked harder. Later, entrust me with more important missions.”
“What? We haven’t announced it yet. You could be the first, couldn’t you?”
“No way. Obviously, those two will be first and second. Hurry up and announce it. I’m curious to know who’s first.”
As he said, in this war, Eo and Anton had both shown remarkable performances. In the previous war, Rutger had taken the lead with a clear victory, but this time it was different.
Eo seemed so nervous that his fingertips were trembling.
I suggested sharing the first place due to the close competition, but Eo didn’t seem to agree and told me.
“Lord Als. I am embarrassed to say this myself, but in the initial battle, I shot the enemy commander with an arrow, and in the duel with that man, I destroyed his weapon with a perfect match against you.”
“Yes, you led the guerrilla unit in the final battle and made a significant contribution.”
“And I commanded the logging operation, at Alz’s personal request, I went back to Rainfall to bring the book…”
Eo continued without a break, explaining his contributions.
Anton, feeling uneasy, finally spoke up.
“Mirabel. I believe it’s not right for a vassal to unnecessarily boast about their achievements.”
“What did you say!”
The two engaged in a staring contest.
Seeing that they both seemed unwilling to accept being ambiguously tied for first place, they decided to settle the matter.
“Then, without further ado, I will announce the first place. Anton, it’s you.”
“Oh…! Glory overflowing! I hardly know where to put myself!”
“You rescued General Dunaan in the skirmish and led him to the rear, and in the final battle, the plan of ambush was successful thanks to the time you bought. The officers you trained executed the operation perfectly.”
Furthermore, you eliminated the enemy’s core forces, including Rexite, and even captured the enemy’s commander, Krauss Forkner.
Eo’s contribution was significant, but Anton’s was slightly higher.
“This is a small token of appreciation.”
It was a handkerchief embroidered with the crest of Viscount Ilain and baby clothes.
While they had no value as commodities, they held symbolic value. It was like a proof of complete recognition as part of their group.
“Thank you very much. hahahaha, Iliya will love this.”
Anton received the item with satisfaction and smiled.
“Now that I’m second in command…”
Eo seemed greatly shocked as he looked at him.
“Three consecutive second places…”
“Goodness. Don’t be so disheartened, Eo.”
“I’m not disheartened…”
It lacked conviction as he tried to sound like he might cry at any moment.
“Unfortunately, you’re second place, but… it’s okay.”
I decided to pat Eo on the shoulder and give him a consolation prize to lift his spirits.
It was a strategy known as giving an extra piece of rice cake to a crying child.
“Here. Take this.”
“T-t-t-this is…!?”
Eo received the rapier with a large gem embedded in it, looking astonished.
Indeed, rewarding a rapier meant greatly appreciating his loyalty.
In this world as well, a rapier was the highest reward one could receive from their lord.
I whispered to her discreetly.
“Objectively, you may be second in command, but to me, your performance was top-notch. You did really well, Eonia Mirabel.”
“Oh…!”
Eo swallowed a gasp.
It wasn’t empty praise. In fact, she had received the most hits in this battle.
“No, it is truly an honor. Thank you, Alz!”
And with this, the tide turned.
“…hahahaha. Hoohoo. Huhuhu.”
Eo, who had regained composure, smiled as if mocking Anton.
Anton, on the other hand, couldn’t hide his envy as he gazed at the sword Eo held.
On a side note,
She caused quite a stir by declaring she would use this rapier as her main weapon, discarding all other weapons, which took quite some effort to calm down.