Part One, Section Three: “And Then, the Sisters Sprang Into Action”
Chapter Thirty-six
“It seems things are unfolding just as you predicted, Miss Philia.”
The morning after Grace returned to her homeland, I was summoned by Prince Oswald to the front of the royal palace, where he informed me about the developments in the kingdom of Girtonia.
“According to the information we received from Himari, it appears that a large-scale party will be held in the kingdom of Girtonia soon.”
“A party during such a crisis?”
“It’s more like a gathering to boost morale. Considering their situation is far worse than ours, it’s understandable.”
A gathering to boost morale—that seemed irrational, but if they believed they couldn’t change the situation without raising spirits, it was a plausible scenario.
“Still, if the only goal was to boost morale, they wouldn’t do something so flashy, Miss Philia. That’s most likely the stated purpose. The real aim is something else.”
“Real aim…?”
The real aim of the party… Wait a moment… Mia is supposed to be trying to undermine His Highness Julius with the support of His Highness Fernando’s faction… And at this timing, a party. Could it be that His Highness Julius…?
“N-No way. Could the true purpose of the party be the assassination of His Highness Fernando? I can’t believe His Highness Julius would make such a bold move, but…”
“You’re quite sharp, Miss Philia… The letter from Himari mentioned that. Furthermore, it seems they intend to assassinate the sick king of Girtonia at the same time. You understand what that means, right?”
Prince Julius intended to use this period of chaos to become king and gain complete control over the country… However, this should also be an opportunity for Mia, because she could use this to capture Prince Julius as a traitor. That is, if she succeeds…
The chances of success should be high. The fact that Prince Julius’s plan had been exposed indicates the presence of a considerable number of spies within their ranks. In essence, his plan was already destined to fail.
The only concern was—
“This information may be fake, so acting rashly based on it would be unwise.”
“Yes, if we falsely accuse His Highness Julius and he’s innocent, we’ll surely face severe consequences… Therefore, Mia and His Highness Fernando need to closely monitor His Highness Julius’s movements until the last moment.”
While the possibility was low, there was also the scenario where Prince Julius was spreading false rumors… So, caution was indeed necessary.
“Well, in either case… preparations are necessary, right? That’s why I gathered them—the elite of the elite of our country, the Parnacota Knights.”
“So, the people over there are the renowned…”
As Prince Oswald and I entered the castle’s courtyard, the burly men simultaneously bowed their heads. Not just their orderly movement, but the fighting spirit I felt from each man conveyed that they were masters of martial arts.
A tall and well-built man with black hair who stood out from the crowd approached us and bowed with a straight back.
“I am Philip Delon, the commander of the Knights of Parnacota! It is an honor to meet you, Lady Philia, our saint!”
Even though his large physique seemed to radiate fierceness, Philip gave a courteous greeting following proper etiquette.
“I must confess, Lady Philia, your heartfelt concern for your sister deeply moved me. Love is indeed a remarkable thing. To wish for your sister’s safety beyond national borders… How beautiful it is! Such wondrous sisterly love!”
“Mr. Philip…?”
“He’s that kind of dude. The other day he was reading a children’s picture book and crying.”
As I was slightly taken aback by Philip’s sudden change in demeanor, Prince Oswald cheerfully said that this was normal for him… It seemed he was rather emotionally sensitive…
“Lady Philia, I, Philip, will surely help your sister, Lady Mia. Please be at ease.”
Emphasizing his muscular arms, he promised to aid Mia.
I was glad he seemed reliable.
“He’s not just amusing, so don’t worry. Despite appearances, he’s the world’s best spearman. He’s even a master instructor of the Delon School of Spearmanship.”
As Prince Oswald introduced Philip, Philip effortlessly lifted a spear much taller than himself.
I had never seen a spear so large before…
“It’s incredible. To handle a weapon of this size so effortlessly…”
“From the time the previous saint passed away until you arrived… we leaned heavily on Philip’s spear. I also took lessons in spear techniques from him.”
Of course, without a saint, the soldiers were the ones who protected the country from demons, but it seemed Philip played a particularly prominent role.
“Your Highness, you also use a spear?”
“He’s not just ‘use’ a spear; His Highness is at a level on par with the knights.”
“I don’t have much opportunity to use it, though.”
I did think Prince Oswald had a build unlike royalty, but to be a spear master… No wonder he never had a chance to use it. It would be impossible to let the royalty fight with demons.
“Well then, Your Highness, Lady Philia… We’re off!”
Philip led the Knights of Parnacota to advance towards the fort near the border of Girtonia. Now, it all depended on whether Mia could accomplish her part.
I prayed for the success of my sister in Girtonia. And—
“Don’t worry. Lady Grace will come through. Even Brother was surprisingly saying that.”
Prince Oswald told me that Prince Reinhardt also believed in Grace’s ability to teach the Magic Power Concentration Technique in the kingdom of Bolmern.
Grace had likely arrived home by now…
At this point, all I could do was pray to the gods and wish for everyone’s safety.
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