A warrior in pure white armor stepped forward. He was Climb, his daughter Renner’s loyal subordinate, and the only one who had stayed here until now.
“Allow me to assist in the diversion. Although we don’t know if these monsters have eyes, but if we wave our flags non-stop, we should be able to draw their attention. And this armor should be quite eye-catching.”
Climb held the Kingdom’s flag in his hand. it had been dirtied by the footprints of fleeing soldiers, and seemed like a hint as to how to deal with the current situation.
“Aye. Then I will go too.”
At the side was Brain Unglaus. Apparently he was a first-rate warrior who was the equal of his trusted vassal, Gazef Stronoff. Brain had entered this war as Renner’s subordinate. In other words, they were in similar positions.
“Are you sure? The two of you are not exactly the Princess’ subordinates.”
“Ah? Well, don’t worry about that. During the demonic disturbance we were on the frontlines, and somehow we still made it back alive. This time, we’ll just hope that luck is with us. And we hope that luck is with you too.”
“The gods will not watch in silence. During that disturbance, a hero came to save us. I trust they will change our fate too.”
In front of Ranpossa III, Brain joined his knuckles in salute, to bid the vice-captain farewell.
“How did it end up like this…”
Where had it all gone wrong?
Ranpossa III moaned softly. He knew that none of the men in front of him would survive.
The vice-captain and Climb would die as bait.
And Gazef, who had vanished into the chaos after saying he intended to stop the Dark Young, who knew what had happened to him?
His eyes were hot.
Spare me, he wanted to say.
They were going to throw their young lives away, for him, an old man.
But he couldn’t say that. They were fighting desperately while aware of their imminent deaths.
Then-
“Return safely to E-Rantel, and I shall grant you any reward you desire.”
Climb and Brain paused mid-step and turned around.
“There’s no need for a reward, your Majesty. I exist to aid Renner-sama. That is reward enough.”
“As for me, well, how about marrying the most beautiful princess in the country to this kid here?”
“...Hahahaha. Well, that is a lavish reward.”
“Brain-san! What are you saying?”
“Well, we’ll have to start by giving the kid a lordship. Work hard!”
“Then you must return alive, Climb-kun.”
Climb’s empty eyes and open mouth no longer had the warrior’s spirit they had possessed just now. The King, however, had inadvertently allowed a bright smile onto his face.
“Then, we’ll be off, your Majesty.”
“I’ll leave it to you.”
The now-unarmored Ranpossa III was borne aloft by a soldier.
“Your Majesty. Even now, our flight is still a matter of luck. If the worst happens… I pray you will forgive me.”
“Very well. It was my decision to use your idea. If it fails due to misfortune, then I will have no complaints.”
“Then! Your Majesty! May we meet again in E-Rantel!”
The vice-captain galloped off on his horse. As though it were waiting for them, one of the Dark Young changed its direction.
“Alright! Let’s go while they’re drawing it off!”
Part 4
Amidst the chaotic surge of routed men fleeing in random directions, Gazef fixed his eyes to his front, and slowly drew the weapon that was the treasure of the Kingdom, Razor Edge. As long as he held the shining blade in his hands, Gazef’s victory was assured. In other words, this sword was the proof of his triumph.
However, today it seemed far too weak and small.
It seemed puny and pathetic in comparison to the gargantuan body of the Dark Young which had charged straight in.
“If this place falls, the King’s main camp is next. I need to stop it here.”
As he said that, Gazef smiled, as though he were mocking himself.