Chapter 186


    Elize was in surprisingly good shape, considering she had faced the Aegis Special Forces alone. Her entire body was covered in bandages, but hey, she was alive.


    "Ive been living in back alleys for a long time. Ive be quite adept at surviving by any means necessary."


    Elize calmly pulled out an empty potion bottle from her pocket and ced it on my desk.


    "...This, which Your Highness gave me, was of great help."


    Curious, I looked, and it was the potion I had given her a while back. Had she saved it without using it and only used it now? Quite thrifty.


    "Anyway, I did note here to report on my well-being."


    Elize cleared her throat.


    Of course. She must havee to me as the lion of the Silver Winter Merchant Guild. I smiled broadly.


    "Is Serenade doing okay?"


    "... Its not a question for a man whos rejected a woman whos been loyal all her life, but I will answer you."


    Elize red at me sharply.


    "She spent three days crying until yesterday, and returned to work this morning. She then sent me here."


    Surely she didnt send Elize here to kill me?


    I was momentarily scared, but fortunately, that was not the reason.


    "I heard you will use the road when you return to Crossroad."


    "Yes."


    The stingy Imperial Family wont provide a spaceship for my return. So, I was stuck riding a carriage to Crossroad.


    "The further you get from the Imperial Capital, the more dangerous andwless the southern roads be. Youll need an escort."


    Elize held her hand up to her chest.


    "Thus, my master has sent me. You are to use me as an escort to Crossroad."


    "Huh? You, Elize?"


    "Yes. Of course, Your Highness, who easily bested me, may not find it significant, but I believe I will be of help."


    Well, of course, it would be a huge help. But more than that.


    "If you follow me, then who will guard Serenade?"


    That was the problem. Serenade had been safe because of Elize.


    "There are many other outstanding escorts at Silver Winter Merchant Guild. The youngdy will be fine."


    Thats what she said, but arent you trembling? I can see you biting your lip until it bleeds.


    "... The Merchant Guild has already started a joint venture with the Imperial Family. Since the Imperial Family has promised the survival of the Silver Winter Merchant Guild and family, no one would dare to touch Silver Winter."


    "Hmm."


    "Your Highness will be exposed to greater danger on a long journey than my master staying at the headquarters of Silver Winter Merchant Guild. Thats what my master said."


    Shes not wrong, but...


    "I dont know why shes so upset about not being able to take care of a man shes already divorced..."


    Elize grumbled, and I chuckled.


    "Didnt you want me to get away from Serenade?"


    "I always wished for Your Highness to disappear from my masters life, but when Your Highness was the one who rejected her first, its extremely..."


    "Extremely?"


    "It pisses me off..."


    What aplex and subtle loyalty.


    Anyway, having an SSR-rated swordsman as an escort is undoubtedly a boon.


    The road down is long, and if the monster frontline situation is urgent, I might be able to borrow her strength.


    Only Serenade felt sorry for me.


    "So, when will you return to Crossroad?"


    "Tomorrow."


    I replied, ncing over my simply packed belongings.


    "Ill leave tomorrow at noon. You should join me then."


    ***


    Naturally, I had to pay my respects to the Emperor before leaving, so I headed towards the royal pce.


    But the timing seemed to be off.


    "Father just went to sleep."


    Lark and Fernandez, who were in conversation in front of the royal chamber, waved at me. Lark pointed to the firmly shut doors of the chamber.


    "He has been awake for a long time, and the situation on the frontline is bing quite critical. Hes fast asleep."


    "Did he leave any message for me?"


    Lark smiled at that.


    "He said to do well."


    "..."


    "The southern frontline will not receive the protection of the Imperial Family, no, the empire anymore. Its an independent route. Even though there is a limit of three years, it wont be easy. Youve chosen a difficult path for yourself."


    Lark patted my shoulder.


    "But thank you, Ash."


    "Uh? What for?"


    "We no longer have to ughter the prisoners of war as human sacrifices."


    Gratitude filled Larks deep blue eyes.


    "No matter if I am a guardian for the empires security, I am still a knight. Even if they are from the enemy country, I do not wish to cut down those who are not soldiers."


    "..."


    "Thanks to you, I can avoid unnecessary killing. Really, thank you."


    Larksrge, lid-like palm patted my back. Hey, if youre really grateful, be gentle!


    "Well, I should return to the frontline too! To organize the battlefield and have a real victory celebration. So, Ill leave today. What about you, Ash?"


    "Ill leave tomorrow at noon."


    "Ha, ha. We had a hard time gathering together, and now were all dispersing."


    Lark spread his arms wide towards Fernandez and me.


    "Come on, both of you."


    Fernandez and I reluctantly approached Lark, who pulled us into his massive, marble pir-like arms.


    "This is a hug of brotherhood! See you next time, my brothers!"


    "Arrrrrrgh."


    "Urrrrrrgh."


    After a warm hug, Lark left the royal pce without looking back. Thought my waist would break. Phew.


    "..."


    I felt a subtle gaze and turned to see Fernandez looking at me with narrow eyes. I chuckled.


    "Whats bothering you now, dear second brother?"


    "You came all the way to the Imperial Capital for something as trivial as an independent route, little one?"


    His unexpected words made me frown.


    You were the one who dragged me here...


    But well, Fernandez was right.


    Originally, whening to the Imperial Capital, my n was to take more of the royal troops with me.


    I had thought about taking twice the number of support troops currently stationed in the southern frontline.


    I had the confidence that I could control that many without losing authority.


    But the exact opposite happened. The royal troops were declined, and there would be no moreing in the future.


    I even lost a chance to forge a good rtionship with the northern kingdom, a military powerhouse.


    Always whining about theck of troops, it was something I shouldnt have done.


    But then,


    "What are you talking about? Im gaining an enormous amount!"


    As I chuckled, Fernandez scrunched his brow in apparent displeasure.


    Thats right. Ive gained a lot.


    I had secured cooperation from thergest Merchant Guild in the Empire, gathered sponsorships from various nobles, learned the secrets of the Emperor and Princes, managed to rent an SSR-grade Sword Coffin character, and much more.


    But above all... I had firmly resolved.


    Who would I live as?


    And, how would I live?


    That alone made my visit to the Imperial Capital meaningful.


    "You really... have been inscrutable since the old times."


    Fernandez shook his head in exasperation.


    "Sometimes overly smart, sometimes acting like a thug out of nowhere. Good at obeying, then suddenly wrecking everything. You never change... sigh, you were just cute when you were young."


    Fernandez sighed, waving his hand.


    "Fine, go safely. The troops I lent you can be used for the promised period, so rest easy."


    Oh, Im really grateful for that. Without them, I wouldve had a real headache.


    "Ill stay here in the Imperial Capital, diligently guarding this nation, as I always have."


    "Good, guard it well. Ill use the troops gratefully. And go easy on the Margrave inspection from now on."


    "Well... I cant promise that."


    Fernandez grinned wickedly, fitting for the leader of the ck Ops. I turned my back after snorting at him.


    Thats when it happened.


    "Oh, by the way. Your aide at the Southern Front... Aider."


    "?"


    I turned around, eyes wide. Fernandez mumbled expressionlessly.


    "Dont trust that immortal bastard too much. Hes a scammer."


    "What...? What do you mean...?"


    Without further exnation, Fernandez walked away and disappeared down the corridor. I stood there, dazed.


    "Whats that, whats he talking about?"


    Come to think of it, Godhand had said he received such a secret order from the center.


    - Keep an eye on Lord Aider...


    It means that Aider is a person to be wary of, even in the Imperial Family.


    Aider, an immortal? Dont trust him? A scammer?


    Why?


    Hes a game director, isnt he? Whether I like it or not, hes helping me.


    Why on earth is the Imperial Family watching Aider?


    Damn it, dont just throw a hint, exin it too!


    How am I supposed to react to a sudden warning not to trust him? Just like my damn second brother!


    ***


    It was time for myst dinner in the Imperial Capital.


    I had informed Elize through that I was leaving, so I thought Serenade mighte to see me onest time, but nothing happened.


    So, thest dinner was shared with Alberto.


    When I invited him to dine together as a guest, not a butler, Alberto adamantly refused, but he couldnt withstand my persistence.


    We sat facing each other and ate. Other servants attended to us. Alberto looked both embarrassed and happy.


    "Its been almost 50 years since I started working in the pce, but this is the first time Ive had an asion like this. Your Highness."


    "Save it, Alberto. Both you and I will find it hard to eat in this pce for a while."


    At my words, Alberto gave a bitter smile.


    Alberto held the title of Chief Steward, but he had been pushed into the position of managing the Star Pce, given his age.


    Moreover, it seemed that he had restrained the soldiers to protect Serenade during this victory celebration. One way or another, he had fallen out of favor with those above him.


    So Alberto had already submitted his resignation.


    He would be leaving the Imperial Pce at the same time I departed tomorrow.


    "What are you thinking of doing after retirement, Alberto?"


    "I dont know. Ive spent my whole life in this pce. Outside, I have no home, no family, nothing."


    "You can build them one by one from now on."


    "Heh heh. That would be a pleasure for the rest of my life."


    Dinner ended, and dessert and tea were served.


    I spoke quietly to Alberto, who was savoring the teas fragrance.


    "Alberto, could you put off your retirement ns just a little bit?"


    "Excuse me?"


    "Its too early for you to step down from the front line, isnt it? Theres a ce that needs you."


    I took a piece of paper from my pocket and handed it over. Alberto received it with a shocked look, and I smiled.


    "Lets work our bones off for a few more years."


    ***


    The next day. Morning.


    A new building bought by the Silver Winter Merchant Guild.


    Since the original building had turned to ashes, the Silver Winter Merchant Guild had hurriedly bought a nearby building to use as a new Merchant Guild building.


    The Merchant Guild was bustling.


    It was busy moving into the new building, busy calcting the quantity of goods that had burned, busy preparing for a new business linked to the Imperial Family.


    Sitting at her desk on the top floor of the building, in the Guild Masters office, Serenade was also busy.


    Dressed in her usual elegant womens suit, wearing sses, and holding a pen with her long, slender fingers, she was processing documents at a rapid pace.


    Except for her shortened hair, she looked exactly the same as usual.


    Approaching Serenade, Elize bowed her waist.


    "Ill be going now, mydy."


    Elize was carrying not only the Sword Coffin on her back but also tworge bags.


    She was going to apany Ash to the southern front, so it would be a long journey.


    Serenade gave Elize a faint smile.


    "Go on, Elize. We said our goodbyes yesterday, so well skip it today."


    "...Mydy."


    "Yes?"


    "Are you really okay with this?"


    Would it be all right to send Ash away without even seeing his face?


    Thats what Elize was asking.


    "...Yes. Of course."


    Serenade dropped her gaze back to the documents.


    "Go on. Take good care of Prince Ash."


    "...Yes, mydy."


    After hesitating for a moment, Elize bowed once more and left the Guild Masters office.


    Serenade bit her lip and continued to write.


    Knock, knock.


    At that moment, a knock sounded, and someone opened the door and entered. Serenade looked up, puzzled.


    "Excuse me, Countess Silver Winter."


    The person who hade in was Alberto, dressed in a neat suit. Serenades silver eyes widened in surprise.


    "Alberto?"


    "I have brought the letter of rmendation from Prince Ash."


    Alberto approached and courteously ced the paper he was holding on Serenades desk.


    "Since youll be dealing with the Imperial Family more in the future, he said I, who used to be the pce steward, will be of help."


    Serenade unfolded the paper. It was a rmendation letter, personally written by Ash, suggesting Alberto as a counselor for the Silver Winter Merchant Guild.


    "Wee, Alberto!" Serenade eximed, offering her hand with a broad smile.


    Already tired and busy, Serenade knew that Alberto, who had been a caretaker in the Imperial Pce, would be a great help.


    "I look forward to working with you."


    "Im the one who should say that. Miss Serenade."


    Serenade immediately tried to discuss business rted to the Imperial Family with Alberto, but he raised his hand to stop her.


    "Business talk is good, Miss Serenade. But in life, there are moments that nevere back," he said.


    "Yes?"


    "I dont think this is the time for you to be here."


    "..."


    "Prince Ash will be leaving for the south soon. Truly, is there not a single thing you wish to tell him?"


    Serenade lowered her head, stuttering.


    "But... Prince Ash, he already broke off our engagement..."


    "So?"


    "We are no longer engaged, not even lovers. How can I..."


    "So?"


    Alberto smiled kindly.


    "Will you give up just like that? You, the head of Silver Winter, the Empiresrgest Merchant Guild? Theres something you want, and youre going to let it leave without a fuss?"


    Serenade looked up at the old butler with trembling eyes. Alberto spoke with confidence.


    "Life is short, Miss."


    "..."


    "Run. In the direction you truly want to go."


    And so,


    Tossing aside her pen and paperwork, leaving behind the pile of unfinished tasks,


    Serenade bolted out of her office  she began to run.


    Towards the south gate of the Imperial Capital.


    Towards the ce where Ash was preparing to leave for Crossroad.