What Awaited Upon Returning Was……
“So Chichiue, what are the plans from now on?”
I ask the man who sits before my eyes, King Mestoa, Chichiue. If this matter isn’t taken into consideration, the existence of this country will be in danger. By no means would I have thought that it would turn into something like this.
The problem occurred while I was gone subjugating the rebel army. A month ago, we subjugated the rebel army that has raised an abrupt insurrection but, due to the army of dead spirits that appeared afterwards, we suffered quite a number of casualties.
We who even while suffering casualties, somehow finished defeating the dead spirits and hurriedly returned back to the capital.
However, what awaited us was, a wrecked Royal Castle. The door was broken, the once beautiful garden has also tragically become wrecked after the battle. The traditional Royal Castle’s wall has crumbled, traces of blood were left nearby.
The General and I hurriedly ran into the castle but, the inside of the castle was still in better shape. It doesn’t look too roughed up, places that were broken were also already fixed.
However, the number of people have decreased considerably. It’s also probably due to the castle being attacked directly but, nevertheless, the civil officers, soldiers, maids, the number of people we catch sight of is few.
The General and I were led through the castle by the remaining few soldiers even as we become anxious about whether Chichiue and the others are safe. The location we were led to was the conference room and voices talking to each other can be heard from within.
I enter the room as being led by the soldier and, inside sat Chichiue and the ministers. However, all of them have long faces.
“Chichiue, I, Henrir・Mestoa, have returned”
“Henrir. I am glad you returned safely”
Chichiue who’s terribly worn out in comparison to when I was dispatched. What in the world happened in this castle? Besides
“……It looks like the number of ministers is insufficient. And where is Aneue? She participates in the meeting every time”
I take a look around and the number of ministers has decreased. Moreover, the serious Aneue would have certainly participated in the meeting without being absent but……
“……There are things I want to talk about, including that matter as well. First of all, take a seat. General as well”
“Understood”
“Haa”1
The General and I obey Chichiue’s instruction and took a seat, we had him tell us what happened when we were fighting with the rebel army and the dead spirits.
The contents were nothing but astonishments, to think that insurrection itself was a decoy. Moreover, to think that Aneue lost. She’s up there in this country, someone like me isn’t even a match for her, even the General can only barely win her.
Moreover, to put Aneue under slavery and so forth. The decreased number of ministers was also apparently because they were killed by the ones who invaded this castle. Furthermore, the invaders are acting as if they owned the place, apparently building a room and living underground of this castle.
I want to do something about it but, they are those who are strong enough to defeat Aneue and, they are taking Aneue and the citizens hostage. Although their numbers are few, there is apparently a manipulator of dead spirits amongst the invaders, it is safe to say that their numbers are unreliable. The dead spirits that appeared after suppressing the rebel army as well, is said to be something prepared by that invader.
After that, it returns to discussing what to do about this matter. Naturally, I understand that it’s not something that Chichiue can decide by himself. Because it involves the lives of the citizens. But still, we need to have him make a decision. As a King.
However, whatever happens, I can’t let Chichiue take responsibility for it alone, because it’s my responsibility as the Crown Prince, and as a son.
“……I understand. Let me think about it”
Chichiue says just that and left the room. The ministers say ‘Again huh’, as they follow suit and leave the room. I guess discussions like this have been going on the whole time.
I leave the room as well and, Yunez who had returned first was standing outside. According to what I heard from Yunez, it seems most of the maids who were working in the castle have already resigned, the civil officials scramble to escape, the soldiers gave their lives up for the sake of the country.
This one month, the town’s public order has also apparently become worse because of that. It’s said that because the number of soldiers is few, there are occasionally theft and unceasing quarrels. Something has to be done.
When I ask Yunez about the events when I wasn’t around, a silhouette walks towards me from the front. I run towards the figure of the person that I have naturally seen before.
“Aneue!”
“uu! Henrir huh, I’m glad. You returned safely”
Aneue who’s my precious family has a somewhat exhausted expression on her that resembles Chichiue as well. There doesn’t seem to be any injuries but, I guess she’s exhausted mentally. Above all else, what entered my eyes was
“Aneue, what is that pattern on your neck?”
A pattern that wasn’t there a month ago when I left the castle has emerged on Aneue’s neck. Aneue shakes at my question and hides her neck with her left hand.
“……Nothing in particular”
And then, Aneue who averts her eyes and dodges the question. I was about to lose control of myself to the anger and frustration of not being able to do anything when Aneue is having a hard time but, I take several deep breaths and calm myself down.
I who calmed down take Aneue’s hand and starts walking. We have to lift this slavery. If I’m not wrong, there should be someone who possesses the magic that can cancel magic. If we ask that person……
“Wha, what are you doing, Henrir!? Let go of my hand!”
“I will not let go. I have to quickly bring you there!”
“Your Highness, please calm down. If you were to forcefully bring her out now……”
“If so, are you telling me to just shut up and watch this situation!?”
I unintentionally raised my voice in anger at what Yunez said……I went and done it. Yunez is a long time companion of Aneue as well. Naturally, he’s also worried about this slavery matter. Besides, Yunez li……
Silence is in the air because of me and
“What are you doing to my property”
, a young man’s voice was heard. Aneue shakes her shoulder at that voice and turns around, Yunez looks at the direction of the man’s voice. I look at that direction as well and, a man in a black robe and a woman with golden hair in a rare habit walked over from the direction of the voice.
I was surprised by that sinister atmosphere but, what I’m even more surprised by is his atmosphere, the fact that it’s similar to the one who possessed the soldier who commanded the rebel army.
……He is the ringleader who manipulated the nobles and made them raise an insurrection huh.
- For those who didn’t know, this is basically replying ‘Yes’ to someone of higher rank than the speaker.
