Ruler of the Central Continent, Grantz Grand Empire.
About two days on foot to the east of the Grand Imperial Capital Cladius lied Taoen Fort.
To the First Emperor, Taoen Fort was the most important stronghold, or so was written in the annals of history.
It was from here that the country on the verge of collapse had made its counterattack.
The person who was entrusted with commanding the base of such historical importance was a girl who had, as of this year, just reached adulthood at the age of 15.
Her name was Celia・Estreya・Elizabeth・Von・Grantz.
The 6th Imperial Princess of the Grantz Grand Empire.
Currently, the girl was holding a meeting in the Operations Command room, her aides in tow.
Knight Commander Dios・Von・Michael(4).
Infantry Commander Tris・Von・Tarmie(5).
And three other Imperial Princesses were also present.
「All of the luggage has been loaded onto the carriages. All that’s left is to discuss about when we depart for Belk(6) Fortress, but……」
「We cannot completely abandon the possibility of an attack.」
Taking over in the face of Dios’s words was Infantry Commander Tris.
「The Princess’s recent demotion has been relayed throughout the entire empire. There is no guarantee that those with insolent intentions will not appear.」
「As expected, 100 cavalry and 200 infantry makes me feel uneasy.」
「It can’t be helped. Most soldiers of the Taoen Fort belong to the First Imperial Army. There is no way we can bring them along with us. Furthermore, if we go to Belk Fortress……no, if we enter Margrave(7) Grinda’s territory, then we should be safe.」
To the south of Grantz Grand Empire was the Principality of Lichtein(8).
Sitting on the border was the critical Belk Fortress, currently under Margrave Ruzen・Kiolk・Von・Grinda’s(9) territory and command.
Being the older brother of Liz’s mother, Margrave Grinda was the girl’s uncle.
However, as the Lichtein Principality was under the Grantz Grand Empire’s strong influence, the area had been considered peaceful for the last few decades as not a single outbreak of military conflict has occurred.
Being relegated to the single fortress stationed there was basically cutting someone’s path to success.
「……we can do naught but pray that we arrive safely.」
「Is this not a matter of us protecting the princess?」
Leering at the always optimistic Tris was Dios with a furrowed brow.
Although he pondered whether or not he should voice his complaints, Dios simply sighed, seemingly spitting out his anger before changing the subject.
「However, why does the princess cower before those of the royal family?」
「Well, isn’t coz of that……she was bestowed one of the 5 Imperial Spirit Swords, right?」
「What does such a thing matter? Is it not just a sword?」
「Oh dear, if you asked your dear father such a thing, then you’d surely be sentenced to death for blasphemy. You might even be cursed by the Spirit King.」
「H-Hmph. If I was afraid of spirits, there’s no way I could wage war.」
Although his declaration was delivered strongly, Dios’s face had fear smeared all over it.
Seeing such an appearance, Tris burst into a hearty laugh.
「Gahhahahahaha, you better apologise properly. Before you go to bed, I mean~」
The 5 Imperial Spirit Swords.
They were the 5 blades purified by the First Emperor, blessed with power obtained from the Spirit King.
It is said that the will of a spirit with the blade’s exact name dwells within the Spirit Sword.
Not daring to show their appearance without accepting their owner. If one were to attempt to forcefully bring them out, a curse would befall them.
However, if one was recognised, they would be bestowed with tremendous power.