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`1
OKOBORE HIME
TO
ENTAKU NO KISHI
The Leftover Princess and the
Knights of the Round
Book VII: The Birth of the Tsar
Story by: Rinne Ishida
Art by: Ichiko Okiya
Translated by: CrystalHikari
Translator’s note:
The Japanese honorifics were kept in the translation
of the dialogues of the characters to show the respect or
adoration of the characters. Footnotes were provided
upon the first appearance of the honorific in the chapter
to explain it.
Thoughts are signified by italics.
The chapter titles for this volume are all directions
used in playing music.
- 8 -
Chapter III:
Lamentabile: A Pitiful Supporting Role
Leti came into the Knight King’s Study. She badly wanted
to meet a king from the past tonight.
However, this was a place the reincarnations of the
Knight King run to when they wish to escape their reality for
a while. It was possible for them to meet by chance, but to
see each other by purpose was impossible.
“I hope the next king is someone who remember Hughes
and is not just a part of their knowledge.”
She met Lion King Alexander earlier. When she told him
that Hughes had captured her, he laughed at her and made
fun of her situation, saying it was quite rare to see a monarch
held captive by his henchman.
After Alexander, she also met One-Armed King Oswald
and Gunshot King Ludger. Oswald pitied Hughes while
Ludger found him exasperating. Just like Leti, they only knew
Hughes and did not remember him.
Leti did not want to give up easily and stayed in the Study
longer than usual.
- 9 -
As if in answer to her prayers, a king who remembers
Hughes came to visit, Guardian King Volker.
“Good evening, King Volker. I have met you just a few
nights ago.”
“Please forgive me, I do not remember when we met.”
“No, do not be. I know you remember too much and it
has been difficult for you.”
Volker, the king who has memories of the Knight King
and all of the reincarnations before him, kept silent and
looked down without replying to Leti.
“I am being held captive by Hughes, King Christian’s
strategist.”
“By Hughes? He is supposedly dead!”
“Yes, he is. But his will or his wish was too strong, so his
consciousness remained and was bound to something by
magic or maybe by a curse.”
Volker was in disbelief upon hearing this about Hughes.
His reaction looked like someone surprised at hearing news
about someone close to him.
This proved that Administrative King Karlheinz was
right. The reincarnations before Alexander did have
memories of the Knight King. They were not like Leti and
the other kings she knew who were reincarnated and leading a
new life. They were living a continuation of the life of the
Knight King – with intact memories and a new body.
- 10 -
“But the present is a stage for the people living in it now.
People of the past may take notable supporting roles, but
they should never be part of the main cast. Hughes has to die
once again.”
“What is Hughes seeking after that is enough to sustain
him until your time?”
“He wants to fulfil his promise with King Christian – to
unite the world as one and make everyone live a happy and
peaceful life. But he wishes to achieve this through war.”
Hughes tried to start a war in order to confirm if August,
the Duke of Northruth, was the reincarnation of the Knight
King. It was an action he felt no ounce of remorse or regret.
“The Hughes I know dearly cherished this world. He
fought the battle against the gods alongside me because he
believed in the potential of man, that with everyone’s efforts,
a brighter future awaits.”
Hughes was truly wishing for peace. This much was clear
based on his own words and what the Knight King knows
about him.
“You told me before that man gets corrupted when he
lives for too long.”
“Ah, yes. I have lived far too long, I no longer know what
I want to do, only that my wish for peace is genuine.”
Knight King Christian longed for peace for the people of
the earth. This wish was so strong, Volker was suffering now
- 11 -
due to the weight of all those memories and yet that wish for
peace still remains.
If Hughes was the same as King Volker and only his
strongest wish, his desire to give peace and joy to everyone
remained pure, then to think of war as a way to peace might
have been possible for his already twisted mind.
“I am most likely to be of similar state with Hughes. I
have lived as the Knight King for too long.”
When Volker told Leti before that he had lived long, Leti
thought he was referring to the normal lifespan of man. Now
she knew he meant it differently.
“I was never comfortable being called King Volker. I had
always felt I was continuing life as Knight King Christian.”
The Knight King’s Study was a place for the
reincarnations of the Knight King to escape reality when they
were troubled.
Leti thought that maybe the reason why Volker comes
here was not because he was worried about his country or
nation; he was worried about himself.
“I see you as someone different from King Christian.”
“I was reincarnated with his memories. I am Knight King
Christian.”
“Christian was never troubled about himself. He was a
god. He may think about the world and its people, but never
about himself.”
- 12 -
This world has no need for gods.
The lone god that remained in this world divided his own
powers into thirteen swords and granted twelve to his most
trusted people. Finally, he altered his soul to become part of
the circle of life of humans.
“Christian’s intention was clear. He was god and became
human. On the other hand, you are troubled. You are not
sure whether you are him, or you are you.”
“Indeed,” realised Volker, “I am troubled.”
“Christian had never met me, but you have. See? You are
different persons.”
Leti was just playing with words, but it was somehow a
form of salvation for Volker.
“I, am I different from him?”
“Yes, if you think you are, then you are.”
“Can I live as Volker, as a king of one nation?”
“We are humans. The most we can do is protect our own
country within a human’s lifespan.”
A human’s life is too short to protect other countries and
the world.
“Thank you Queen Leticia. You have lifted up my spirit.”
Volker’s troubles would probably not be solved by Leti’s
play of words. But Leti hoped it was enough to give comfort
to his troubled soul.
“Forgive me, we have spoken much about myself,”
- 13 -
apologised Volker and then stirred back their conversation to
Hughes. “What was it you wanted to know about Hughes?”
“I know you remember about the altar King Christian had
built to be used in a ceremony to bring back the lives of
people who died during the war. Hughes now wants to use
that forbidden magic to bring back King Christian so he
captured me with the god-killer magic circle. Is there anything
I could do to stop him?”
Volker supposedly had detailed knowledge about the god-
killer circle. He probably knows a way how to break it from
the inside.
“I do not think you have enough powers to exceed the
capacity of the altar.”
“I know. I tried and ended up going to dreamland.”
All of Leti’s magical energy was turned into chains and
she lost consciousness due to exhaustion.
“Yes, I do remember,” Volker paused to change the way
of saying it. “I know about that forbidden magic and magic
circle. To maintain the energy sustaining the circle, the
distribution of the energy should be completely equal. In
other words…”
Leti found hope in what Volker was about to say.
“…If you focus on sending energy to only one of the
chains clamped on your limbs, the circle will break. The part
where you will send energy will probably experience pain, but
- 14 -
I think it is worth giving a try.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“You do not need to thank me. One more thing,” said
Volker as he laid his hands on Leti’s shoulders. “I see your
knowledge about the Knight King is not enough and your
powers are frail. You may have overcome things before, but
make sure to remember what I will say.”
Leti nodded with a serious expression on her face.
“You are weak, young lady. Be sure to always have a
knight granted with some of your powers stay by your side.
And most importantly, be careful and do not overestimate
your own power.”
“Yes, I will,” answered Leti.
Volker was concerned about her, and his worried look
made Leti think that he was truly no one else but Solvelle’s
kind Guardian King Volker.
The parade was the grand finale of Kielf’s National
Foundation Festival.
The key person in charge of the security to ensure the
safety of everyone during the parade was suddenly changed.
The original person responsible for this was Mikhail, but was
- 15 -
changed to Arthur.
“Do you not think I am the best choice for this
responsibility? Mikhail Ani’ue1, you will be at the head of the
parade while I am not participating in it,” explained Arthur
while glaring at Mikhail.
“So you choose accomplishment over showing yourself as
a part of the imperial family? But I think it is too late for you
to try and catch up with my accomplishments.”
“But still, I will try. I did let you take all the credits
before.”
For three years, Mikhail used the plans Arthur devised for
him to gain achievements that created his strong foothold
within Kielf. After Arthur pointed out this fact, Mikhail could
not say anything back.
“The security plans last year was not enough to prevent
attacks. I have changed the distribution and assignment of
our soldiers. Please confirm it once again, just to be sure.”
“That was unnecessary,” said Mikhail while reluctantly
accepting the security plan Arthur was handling him. This
action meant that he approved of changing the head of
security for the parade from him to Arthur.
1 Ani’ue: A Japanese Honorific used to address one’s older brother. Old-fashioned and formal.
- 16 -
To stop the parade and to save Leti – these were the two
objectives Duke had to make a plan for and any information
that could help in his planning was highly welcome.
Valery was able to get them the security scheme for the
parade. Duke used this to come up with a plan on how they
could stop it. And while Valery is out to do his job, Duke and
Astrid talked about what they should do for Arthur.
“You can do something about that someone inside Prince
Arthur, right?” asked Duke to Astrid.
“I can, but the Sword of White Light is for purifying
curses and impurities. If they are still in possession of a body,
the body has to be burned with the fire of the Sword of
Hellfire. If we could separate the curse or impurity from the
host body, I can handle with it.”
“Burn does not mean burn until it is burnt, doesn’t it?”
“Burn until it turns into ashes. The body should be burnt
until there is no trace left of it.”
Duke shook off the terrifying image from his head and
rejected that idea.
“Is there any way to save Prince Arthur without hurting
him as the host body?”
“Without hurting him?”
“He is still the prince of a country. He may be the one at
- 17 -
fault here, but if we end up taking his life with our hands, it
will not end there. It will be a dispute between Solvelle and
Kielf.”
Astrid remembered what Duke said before about
disguising the death by drowning or to burn the body without
leaving any proof, but Duke rejected those instantly.
“With the Ghost Energy,” whispered Astrid as he recalled
what happened to him that time.
While he was possessed by the Ghost Energy, Leti drove
it out of his body by putting the Sword of White Light inside
him. After that, Leti burned the original body of the Ghost
Energy.
If we save Her Highness, Prince Arthur could be knighted and
granted a Sword of Promise to save him. Astrid thought this might
be the only way to save the prince since Leti would never
burn someone to death. However, Astrid did not personally
like this way.
“I cannot drive out the person inside Prince Arthur.
Either Her Highness would use her power to expel it or that
someone goes out of the prince on its own.”
Leti was captured and they had no idea where she was.
If possible, Duke wanted to start his plan with Arthur.
“Do you think it would go out of the prince if we press a
sword on the prince’s neck and threaten to kill the prince if it
did not go out?”
- 18 -
“During my time, it threatened Her Highness with my
death.”
“So it already knows we cannot do anything to a prince.
He did try to threaten General Kiriakov that way. It would
not be swayed with that kind of threat.”
That person inside Arthur took Arthur as his hostage and
was utilizing Arthur’s power and status to the fullest. It would
probably not leave Arthur’s body out if its own volition.
“Whether we will deal with it before or after saving Her
Highness, our first problem is how to capture him. Just how
strong Prince Arthur is?”
“General Kiriakov said he met the prince in a war zone.
Uprisings were happening one after the other around the
empire and there weren’t enough men to handle them. Prince
Arthur was assigned as the decorative commanding officer of
that operation. He may not be that strong.”
“I see. If he was someone with leadership skills, he would
have not been a decorative commanding officer, but simply
the commanding officer.”
Kind-hearted and gentle were the most common words
used to describe Arthur. If his skills were exactly as he
looked, a prince who is more suited to carry a pen than a
sword, then he would not be a problematic opponent.
However, they should not judge a book by its cover because
Shelan, a prince of an empire in the Far East could be
- 19 -
describe in the same way, but was actually a skilled fighter.
“If we can do finish off the guards and easily capture
Prince Arthur,” started Astrid.
“Wait. What if the one possessing Prince Arthur is
skilled? We cannot easily capture him.”
Duke wanted to have at least two people to capture
Arthur, but they lacked manpower. If only they had Craig or
even Shelan.
But Astrid said there was no need to worry. “Even if
Prince Arthur is possessed by someone, it cannot go beyond
what the host body can do. Remember during my time, I was
still not able to make heavy attacks like you do.”
“Ah, now that you mention it, you did not.”
“If Prince Arthur is originally weak, then he will still be
weak even though he is possessed. If he did not undergo any
training, then even if the person inside him is a skilled fighter,
he would still not be able to move quickly.”
The sharpness of their senses would also be the same.
Duke nodded his understanding of Astrid’s explanation.
“Then is it possible to trick them?”
“Trick who?”
“The person inside Prince Arthur. Let’s try to think more
of a plan.”
They had to accomplish three things.
One, stop the parade.
- 20 -
Two, save Leti.
Three, free Arthur.
These three things were entangled with the present
complicated issues surrounding Kielf, that if they try to take
out one, everything would collapse. They need to clear it out
one by one.
While Duke was busy coming up with a plan when they
go against Arthur, asking along the way for Astrid’s almost
useless opinions, Valery came back from his work.
“I have bad news. The hole in security we found at the
East Ward was cleanly closed by the new security plan. The
person inside His Highness truly knows his business.”
The weak point Valery pointed out in the security was
now reinforced with the new plan.
“Him again! He can read all of our moves!”
Arthur was always a step ahead of them and well prepared
for their every move.
Duke had to give up doing a straightforward approach
since both Leti and Craig were currently unavailable.
“Our enemy is better than us. We cannot win fair and
square. We need to pull some tricks.”
“What kind of tricks?” asked Astrid.
Duke replied with an example. “What would you do if
you were losing a game of chess?”
“I will try thinking what my next move will be,” replied
- 21 -
Astrid, but since he was not good with mind games, he really
could not come up with anything specific.
“When that happens, you’ll say ‘Oops, my hand slipped,’
and then knock over the chessboard.”
“Eh?”
“Making the game null.” Duke said this with a completely
serious expression. “Let’s not consider Prince Arthur’s
security plan. General Kiriakov can say on the day of the
parade that there were changes and bring it back to the
original plan. Changes done on the day would always cause
trouble; there will definitely be a hole in the security.”
Instead of searching for a fault in the almost perfect plan,
they should just consider it did not happen. Astrid was
amazed at Duke’s trick.
“Ah Senpai2, who were you playing with when the
chessboard was knocked over?”
Astrid was curious to know about this since he felt what
Duke shared was based on experience.
Duke just answered, “It isn’t Her Highness.”
2 Senpai: A Japanese honorific used to refer to one’s senior.
- 22 -
A day before Kielf’s National Foundation Festival, the
College of Electors held their first conclave under the guise
of preparing for the upcoming festival.
“Let us commence our first conclave.”
The college does not have rank or hierarchy, so the most
senior elector, Marquis Meltzoff acted as the facilitator.
They started the conclave with an election. This first
election would serve as a way to know who the possible
candidates were.
Everyone wrote the names of their own candidates.
“We shall now tally the votes. One vote for Prince
Mikhail, one for Prince Arthur, another one for Prince
Arthur…”
In total, there were three votes for Mikhail, two for
Arthur, one for Cyril, the heir of the Archduchy of Knyazev,
and a blank vote.
The tsar was decided if someone gets the majority of the
votes. At this point, no one had achieved it yet. Heated
discussions were a certainty for now.
“Let us start discussing our candidates while still keeping
our eyes open for others. First is Prince Mikhail,” Meltzoff
opened the floor for discussion.
“Prince Mikhail is the best choice to be the tsar because
of his lineage. He is the oldest son of His Majesty.”
- 23 -
“Then we should have just made a law for the throne to
be inherited if we are to choose based on lineage. We will lose
our meaning as electors if we will choose the tsar solely based
on their family.”
“Prince Mikhail is not only a part of the imperial family.
He is highly trusted by the nobles.”
“Nobles of this dynasty, you mean. Even their trust is
quite dubious now. Have you forgotten about his plan to
attack Northruth? This was abandoned due to the military
alliance forged between Duke Northruth and Solvelle’s
Crown Princess.”
Anastasia listened intently on the opinions of those for
Mikhail and of those against him.
I was not able to choose Mikhail Onii-sama3 or Arthur.
She could have submitted a blank ballot, but that felt like
she was throwing away her responsibility as an elector. After
thinking through her choices, she voted for her cousin, Cyril.
“Prince Arthur is descended from both the present
imperial family and the previous one. If we are to unite this
divided Kielf, then he is our best choice.”
“But I do not think that will solve the real problem.
3 Onii-sama: “Onii” means older brother, “-sama” is an honorific used for a high person or someone adored
- 24 -
Prince Arthur might just be swayed by the opinions of the
two parties.”
“Descended from the previous imperial family? Have you
forgotten what Lady Elenov did to the empire? Kielf might
not recover if he will do the same thing as his mother.”
The main candidates fell down to Mikhail and Arthur.
Listening closely to their opinions easily gave away who they
voted for. Anastasia and another elector was not actively
participating in the discussion; he was probably the one who
gave the blank ballot.
“Then how about Lord Cyril?”
“His skills are recognized by both parties.”
“But he is not someone fit for the crown. He is gentle and
kind. He may be an expert in providing support, but he is not
meant to lead. If we are to vote for someone to be the prime
minister, I am certain all of us would vote for him.”
Anastasia did not refute the other’s arguments. She had
the same opinion.
I understand what they are saying. I could not give my vote to
Mikhail Onii-sama or Arthur, so I had to choose from the others.
This was not how they should choose the tsar. She did
not make her vote because she thought that person is the
only one for the crown, the way how should the monarch be
chosen according to Victor.
- 25 -
The first conclave ended. They have selected the main
candidates and have also discussed about the advantages and
disadvantages of each.
Anastasia, however, knew that they were just starting,
because from here on, they would need to discuss and
convene until they reach a consensus and successfully select
one person to inherit the crown.
Who would change their opinion? Who would they
choose? No one could predict the future.
“How are you feeling, Princess Anastasia? You do not
look well. How about taking some refreshments in my
room?” invited Victor who was waiting for Anastasia’s
meeting to end.
“I am sorry, but I,” hesitantly refused Anastasia.
“Shall we talk with violin and piano?”
Victor’s words sounded like he meant something else.
Anastasia pondered on what they meant and almost shouted
upon realising the meaning.
“Oh, of course. I wished to talk about that as well.”
“Shall we go then?” said Victor as he offered his arm to
escort Anastasia.
Violin and piano were the instruments Duke and Astrid
played during the little concert Leti had prepared for
Anastasia. Victor wished to talk with her about Leti’s knights
- 26 -
without anyone noticing he was referring to them.
When they entered Victor’s room, Anastasia was not
surprised to see Duke and Astrid waiting for them.
“Duke, do we now have all the actors?”
“Yes. I am grateful for Your Highness’s cooperation.”
Anastasia then remembered what happened this morning
and rushed to inform Duke about it.
“Duke, Valery returned. He came to greet me this
morning.”
“Yes, we were able to meet General Kiriakov safely.
Thank you very much for Your Highness’s help,” thanked
Duke and proceeded with the main agenda. “Prince Arthur
has left message – a massacre will happen at the palace at the
end of the parade tomorrow.”
Anastasia’s eyes widened at the frightful words she heard.
“A massacre? By who? For what?”
Victor replied calmly, “I see. Any other information?”
“We do not have any other details. However, we do not
think Prince Arthur would leave a meaningless message to
General Kiriakov, His Highness’s most trusted man. We are
now making preparations to stop the parade tomorrow.”
“I see, you are trying to stop a parade that is being
secured by Kielf’s military with a plan they are staking their
reputation for. Do you not think pulling this feat will be
difficult with just the two of you?”
- 27 -
Duke assured Victor they were not doing this without any
plans. “General Kiriakov had agreed to help us. He gave us a
copy of the security plan for the parade and advised us to
make the attack right before the end of the parade where
seats for the noble visitors were prepared on the roadside and
most of the audience are waiting.”
This was the part of the parade where the imperial family
would be on the main road and the nobles were sitting by the
roadside as a valuable audience. With the many important
people concentrated in one area, the guards would be
confused who to prioritise. Moreover, if there would be last
minute changes to the plan before the parade, the line of
command would be unclear, making it difficult to take
immediate action.
“We also think Prince Mikhail would not stop the parade
even if an attack happens with the imperial palace right in
front of them. Now that the conclave of the electors has
started, we do not think Prince Mikhail would like to show
the electors that he is scared by a small attack.”
“Ah, I see. If the imperial family is attacked, the military
will do everything to protect them while letting the parade
continue. However, if one of their noble visitors is attacked,
they would have to stop the parade to ensure the safety of
their guests.”
“It is also written the soldier’s handbook to stop the
- 28 -
parade in case of emergency.”
The security scheme prepared for the parade was mainly
for Kielf’s imperial family. The security for the noble guests
from the other countries was only written in the plan, but was
out of their consciousness. Victor agreed that stopping the
parade might be possible with this plan.
“Prince Victor, may we have your cooperation?”
“I do not mind. I only need to cry for Prince Mikhail to
save me.”
“Please discuss later on with Her Highness when we
safely stop the parade.”
Duke understood they would need to give something
back to Victor in exchange for his cooperation, however, he
was not in power to do that kind of negotiation, so he asked
Victor if he could defer their payment.
“There is no need for that. This is a chance for me to pay
back Princess Leticia.” Victor agreed to do this for free saying
he was much in Leti’s debt.
“Is Your Highness certain about this?”
“I owe her something about my fiancée. I will personally
tell Princess Leticia about it. You do not have to worry.”
Victor told Duke to proceed to his next topic.
“Princess Anastasia, we heard that Your Highness would
not be participating in the parade. If possible, we think Your
Highness should evacuate the palace once the parade starts.”
- 29 -
“Ah, no. I will be part of the parade this year as one of
the imperial family. Mikhail Onii-sama told me since we need
to consider Prince Victor’s position as well.”
Then Anastasia would be safe since she would be
protected by numerous soldiers.
“But we will surely be disappointing our guests. I am
certain they wanted to see the parade ending with the flight of
the white birds.”
“Ah yes, I wanted to see that too,” agreed Victor.
The parade that would end with the flight of white birds
fluttering their white feathers with a trail of showering petals
behind them. This magical scene was so well-known even
beyond Kielf, many come just to witness it.
Indeed, many are looking forward to that. The expectation for it is
high enough that Princess Anastasia had to mention it. Prince Mikhail
would most likely wish to answer to that expectation, not just of Kielf,
but of their foreign guests as well.
Duke thought about what would happen if Mikhail lost
composure and decided to prioritise the expectation of the
guests over their safety.
Their plan was not enough to guarantee Mikhail would
select the guests’ safety over their expectation.
What would Her Highness do? She would prepare another plan.
Leti told him to consider all possibilities. If Leti were
here, Her Highness would do something to fulfil the guests’ expectation
- 30 -
even if the parade was stopped.
And they were the ones to do that something with the
help of Victor and Anastasia.
Duke wracked his brain for an idea until he remembered
the opera they saw before.
“Yes! The audience will be satisfied if a scene from an
opera happens right in front of their eyes!”
It would be embarrassing, but if they pull it off, it would
excite the audience.
Duke immediately came up with the script and the cast.
“We will have a slight change in the plan. I originally had
Prince Victor act as the heroine asking for Prince Mikhail’s
help, but with this change, Prince Victor will be the prince.”
“The prince?”
“Princess Anastasia, who was supposed to be one of the
audience, will now be the princess.”
“The princess?” repeated Anastasia.
“General Kiriakov and I shall be the villains. This act
would require some effort for Prince Victor. I pray for our
success.”
Duke continued on to explain to Victor and Anastasia the
scene he wished to play.
“Duke, you are knight who excels both in the literary and
military arts, are you not?”
- 31 -
“No, I am still but an inexperienced knight.”
“No,” Victor said strongly. “There is no need to be
humble right now. You are an excellent knight, are you not?”
“Yes, I am,” replied Duke with a flat tone.
“Of course you are! You are the First Knight of Solvelle’s
next queen! This is why I hate capable people! They think of
things using themselves as the standard!”
“Is there anything wrong with the plan?”
“Yes! Yes! You are expecting too much of a prince’s
equestrian skills! A prince only needs to keep his seat long
enough to ride along with his soldiers during war. And even
then there will be an attendant to look after the horse!”
“Being able to ride a horse is enough for this plan.”
“No, no, no. I am telling you this is not going to happen!
Did you think a normal prince can ride a horse without any
foothold? That is difficult! Impossible!” Victor wailed while
holding his head with both of his hands.
“Does a normal prince only rides horses with footholds?”
Astrid innocently asked the question he had in mind.
People of high status learn how to ride a horse, but riding
without any footstool was not part of the lesson.
“A prince is neither a soldier nor a knight.”
“But Prince Shelan said he can ride a horse without a
saddle.”
“The people of the east could definitely use magic. Yes, I
- 32 -
believe they are sorcerers.”
To ride a horse without a saddle requires specialised
training and skills. This is something even Astrid or Duke
could not do. Therefore, when Victor heard about this of
Shelan, who looked like a docile creature, he came to
conclude that the gentle-looking prince could use magic.
“If Prince Shelan could do it, then Your Highness can
also do it. I will teach you the technique how to ride a horse
without any footstool. My seniors in the Order said this is a
technique that will make me popular with the ladies.”
“I think we will get along well. Shall you teach me then
how to do this trick to be popular with the ladies?”
“You go tap, tap, tap, then pull and swoosh!”
“I see you are not suited to be an instructor,” complained
Victor with Astrid’s onomatopoeic explanation.
“Build up some momentum by taking two or three
strides, pull the reigns while placing one of your foot on the
stirrup, and then widely swing the other foot to get on the
horse.”
“Thank you for the interpretation, Duke. I know that, it is
common knowledge. But the problem is I cannot do it!” Victor
once again cradled his head with his hands.
Anastasia watched the scene, keeping her mouth in a thin
line to stop the smile creeping on her face.
“Princess Anastasia, will you be all right?” asked Duke.
- 33 -
- 34 -
“Yes, I cannot ride on my own, but if there is someone to
assist me, I think I will be fine. I will do my best in playing
my role as the princess.”
In contrast to the pessimistic Victor, Anastasia was
optimistic about the plan.
“It feels strange to have my wishes come true one after
the other.”
“Wishes?” asked Victor.
“I told Leti about this before – that I wished to
experience to be loved passionately like a heroine in the
opera. Is this not exactly that?”
A princess loved with a burning passion of a prince was
the role Anastasia was going to play in this plan.
“I also always wanted to play in the concert, to have a
kind friend, to participate in the parade,” enumerated
Anastasia. “It feels like God is giving me all these so I could
leave Kielf without regrets.”
Anastasia finally felt that after the coronation, she would
leave Kielf and go to Illstra as Victor’s bride.
Duke, however, had other thoughts upon seeing
Anastasia. I can see another possibility for Princess Anastasia, a
possibility that Her Highness probably already saw, but never said a
word because of her kindness.
This was the most Duke understood. As for Kielf’s
future, he could not read that far into the future.
- 35 -
The heavens paved way for the parade and blessed Kielf
with clear skies.
The parade was a ceremony to call spring. If it rained or
snowed on the day, the parade itself would continue, but the
imperial family could not open the windows of their carriages
to wave to the people.
Anastasia, together with her brother, had always watched
from the window of her room in the palace the party that
walks on the streets to welcome spring. She had always
wished to be a part of it, and this wish would come true this
year.
“Arthur, we need to get in the carriage.”
“Ane’ue4, I will not be joining the parade. I will be
overlooking the security of the town.”
“Is that so? I can go to Mikhail Onii’sama and ask him to
let you participate in the parade.”
“It is all right. I am already glad just to see you dressed
prettily. Enjoy the parade,” smiled Arthur.
4 Ane’ue: A Japanese Honorific used to address one’s older sister. Old-fashioned and formal.
- 36 -
Anastasia wanted to corner this imposter in front of her,
tell him that he was lying, that his words did not bear even an
ounce of truth in them, that he should tell her where he was
hiding Leti. She badly wanted to press him for information,
but kept herself in check. Doing so would put her into harm,
making her another person for Duke and Astrid protect and
this would reduce the people available to save Leti.
Anastasia looked down for a moment to compose herself
and then looked at Arthur with her kindest smile, “I will go
now Arthur. Be sure not to push yourself too hard. I know
you are still tired from your journey.”
Anastasia walked towards the carriage where the other
imperial siblings were waiting when Arthur suddenly grabbed
her hand.
“Arthur?”
“Ah, it is nothing. Take care too, Ane’ue.”
“Thank you. I will.”
Anastasia walked to the carriage as Arthur, or rather
Hughes sent her off with an unpleasant expression.
“You’re still struggling, eh? You’re a pain too, Arthur.”
For a moment, Arthur was able to grasp full control of his
body. He probably mustered all of his strength left to prevent
her sister from going. His will was truly strong that it took
Hughes three years to gain full control of Arthur’s body.
“There isn’t anything you can do in a blink. If there was,
- 37 -
the world would have been saved a lot earlier.”
Christian would come back soon and he would fulfil his
promise.
“And finally,” whispered Hughes, his face looking
exhausted, “what a bother.”
The sound of the horn blown three times marks the start
of the parade.
The parade is led by a soldier holding the flag of the
Empire of Kielf. Immediately behind him is Kielf’s First
Prince, Prince Mikhail followed by the carriage of the other
members of the imperial family. Behind them were Kielf’s
cavalry and infantry, all marching in perfect harmony. They
were followed by the musicians.
The loud fanfare of trumpets echoed and the parade
departed from the imperial palace and went down the hill
accompanied by lively and grand tunes. The people waiting by
the roadside cheered and scattered flower petals as they see
the parade coming.
The cheers of the people bore a meaning. Spring is
coming! This oppressing winter shall pass and so does this
time of suffering.
The parade would start from the imperial palace, go
- 38 -
around the capital once, and then return to the palace.
The wheel tracks and footprints that the parade leave
behind had a purpose – they were drawing the magic circle
for the forbidden spell to bring back time.
Hughes gazed at the parade from the palace as the circle
was being drawn. Everything was going according to plan. If
there was one thing he was worried about, it was the fact that
Leti’s two knights were yet to be found. They were not
discovered through the checkpoints he placed around the
main roads nor were they found staying in the empty and
vacant houses around the capital. Either they had someone
hide them while they plan Leti’s rescue or they ran away
without passing the main road and went back to Solvelle to
ask for assistance.
But it did not matter what they were up to, he was
prepared for them. He made this perfect security plan for the
parade. He even had that hole in the security as they pass by
the East Ward covered. Thanks to his flawless planning, the
parade was going on smoothly.
Ah, what a pain. How could this be this world’s empire? Their
strategies were all useless!
Hughes again looked at the parade, but his eyes were
looking somewhere further – he was reminiscing his past.
Hughes held on tightly to the amulet Knight King
Christian gave the moment before he died. He fervently
- 39 -
wished not to let his life end there, that their fight was not yet
over and he was yet to fulfil his promise. His wish had been
too strong that his consciousness was transferred into the
pink diamond used in the amulet. The next thing he knew, he
was inside a box. Since then, he was held in storage in Kielf’s
imperial palace and time passed, long enough that he no
longer knew how long.
One day, the pink diamond was taken out of the vault to
be used for the imperial egg.
Hughes thought of possessing the craftsman, but decided
against it. If the diamond would be used for the imperial egg,
then it would be given to some royalty. If he were to fulfil his
promise with Christian, then possessing a royalty would
better suit his plan. He did have to save this wretched world.
“Prince Arthur,” called someone from behind.
Hughes turned around to see Arthur’s trusted servant,
Valery.
“Some drunkards had caused a commotion in town and I
will go there to check the situation. I will come back quickly,
so please stay here, Your Highness.”
“Simple-minded fools running merrily. How envious. Go
and stop them before they embarrass themselves.”
Valery bowed and excused himself. He walked briskly
towards his horse he had prepared for travel. He memorised
perfectly the blocked roads after checking the report on the
- 40 -
parade last year and this year’s security plan. He had mapped
carefully the shortest way to their meeting place without
encountering any possible delays.
He already gave up his act. This only means we don’t have much
time left.
Valery recalled the latest conversation he had with Arthur.
Someone took over Arthur. If he was asked when it
happened, he could not answer it. Since that someone was a
skilful actor, he could not tell anyone that Arthur was no
longer Arthur. The most he could do was to make
preparations for the prince to leave Kielf, but things
happened and here they were now.
That Arthur was not the Prince Arthur he knew.
Leti’s knight, Duke, cleared his doubts about Arthur’s
sudden change of personality. Duke’s request for his
cooperation to save Leti pushed his back. He found Leti and
Duke to be connected by a strong bond. Their good
relationship was evident to anyone who saw them; unlike him
who was not able to do anything for his master.
“General, how did it go?”
Duke and Astrid were waiting for him at their meeting
place in one of the dark alleys. He told them everything went
out smoothly and took the mask Astrid was giving him.
“I will go and do my best to act as the Kielven soldier,”
said Astrid, wearing Kielf’s military uniform and saluted the
- 41 -
Kielven way.
Several platoons were called into the capital to help out in
the security of the parade. No one would be suspicious if
Astrid disguised himself as one. They would easily think he
was a part of another platoon. If ever someone would doubt
him, Valery gave him a fake name to use and pose as one of
his subordinates.
“Shall we go as well?” asked Duke to Valery. “Thank you
very much for agreeing to help and become one of the
villains.”
The prince, to be played by Victor, was sitting at the
designated seat despite being worried if he could pull off the
act. The princess, to be played by Anastasia, sat on the seat by
the door of the carriage as instructed by Duke.
The main road leading back to the palace is the place
where the parade was at its most festive. Seats for valuable
guests were arranged by the road side to give them the best
view for watching the parade. Behind them were the second
floors and rooftops of some houses and shops occupied by
the normal citizens trying to get a glimpse of the parade.
Everyone was at the edge of their seats, straining their
necks anticipating the arrival of the parade.
Soon they heard the sound, the lively tune played by the
- 42 -
music troupe. When they heard Mikhail approaching on his
horse, everyone cheered and flower petals stormed down.
Within the swirling petals and grand music, the members
of the imperial family smiled and waved their hands.
“Spring has finally come.”
“But it’s still cold, though it is already spring in our
calendars… and hopefully, this country too.”
A lot of people had come and go for this festival. The
merchants were so busy in selling their wares as people want
to get something special for the festival.
The festive excitement had been building up these past
days and it was now reaching its peak. The warmth of the
people’s enthusiasm might even be enough to melt the snow
hiding behind the clouds.
The most awaited event of this festival was this grandiose
parade. Due to everyone’s excitement, no one noticed the
black shadows approaching the parade of spring. When they
did notice it, the shadows could be seen clearly as black
horses. The horses ran straight along with the parade, it was
like a scene from a fairy-tale, that many thought it was a
performance.
“Why are they wearing black masks?” Someone finally
noticed something was strange.
From the back of the parade came two horses, atop each
of them was a man clad in a black cape and wearing a black
- 43 -
mask. The voice of concern was drowned in the cheers at
first, but soon, everyone started growing wary of the
approaching black horses. By the time the chief of security
shouted and ordered to capture the unknown riders, the black
riders already reached the carriage of the imperial family.
The quick stomping of horse hooves alerted the imperial
family.
“Someone!” cried Anastasia but it was drowned by the
shriek of one of her sisters.
One of the black masked man opened the door of the
carriage and grabbed Anastasia.
Now that things had gone this far, everyone now
understood what was happening.
Some unknown men were trying to attack the parade and
kidnap a princess.
The people by the roadside screamed and those who did
not understand the meaning of the screams started to panic
and run.
Soldiers were standing by waiting for orders while the
chief of security was roaring orders to stop the parade.
Amidst the chaos and confusion, the masked riders pulled
Anastasia on the horse, changed their course and dashed off.
Everyone thought the princess would be taken away by
the black men when suddenly someone from the audience
jumped off and shouted, “Bring back Princess Anastasia!”
- 44 -
The First Prince of Illstra, Victor, took the sword of one
of his men who was trying to stop him. After that, he rode
onto one of the horses of the cavalry participating in the
parade. The prince took two steps then leapt on the third and
gallantly mounted on the horse; without any hesitation he
went after the mysterious men.
“Who was that?” asked someone from the crowd.
“One of the soldiers said it was Prince Victor!”
“Prince Victor? The Illstran prince who is also Princess
Anastasia’s fiancé?”
The information passed from one side to the other and
soon the people by the roadside were cheering for Victor to
safely get back his betrothed.
Victor soon caught up with the black man who had
trouble driving the horse because of Anastasia trying to fight
him out. The other masked rider attacked him, but he
blocked and swept it down with the sword he took from one
of his men.
“Prince Victor! Please go back! It is dangerous!”
“I have come to save you, Princess!”
The black rider tried to attack Victor, but he successfully
parried it. The mysterious horseman lost balance due to his
failed attack and the prince extended his hand to the princess.
Anastasia tightly grabbed Victor’s hand. Victor threw away
the sword and use his now free hand to grab Anastasia’s
- 45 -
waist.
At that moment, ear-splitting cheers from the people
echoed throughout the land, and ground-shaking stomps of
congratulations surrounded the engaged couple.
“Hurry! Protect Princess Anastasia and Prince Victor!”
“Seventh Troop, go after the masked men!”
The order had finally reached the soldiers and they started
to move.
The black masked men regrettably looked back at
Anastasia, but they chose to escape.
“You did well Prince!”
“Honour to Prince Victor!”
“Please be happy with Princess Anastasia!”
The people were singing praises for Victor, the prince
who saved the princess. Everyone was now focused on the
couple and no longer on the parade. The petals prepared for
the parade were now being showered to the lead actors of the
real life opera.
“Thank you everyone,” smiled Victor without even
feeling a little bit embarrassed at the treatment they were
receiving. “It was something I ought to do.”
Anastasia, in contrast to the smiling victor, was blushing
with embarrassment, but still waved her hand to show
everyone that she was safe.
While the people were elated with what happened,
- 46 -
Mikhail, who was leading the parade was still confused.
The imperial family was attacked in the middle of the
parade. Thanks to Victor’s quick action, no one was hurt.
Now, Mikhail was not sure what should be done from here.
“Your Highness, what shall we do?”
“Well, Anastasia was returned safely. Let us continue,”
started Mikhail when a young soldier came running and
shouting that he had news.
“A black masked man was found at the eastern guest
seats! Princess Anastasia’s kidnapping seemed to be a
diversion and they might attack the guests!”
“A diversion?”
This unexpected happening added more to Mikhail’s
confusion and agitated him.
Cyril went down from his seat from the guest’s box and
approached Mikhail suggesting to stop the parade. “Thanks
to Prince Victor’s gallant rescue of Princess Anastasia, the
people’s desire for a show was already satisfied. I do not think
anyone would complain about stopping the parade here.”
“Y, yes, I agree,” nodded Mikhail and turned to the
soldiers to give his order. “Everyone! We are stopping the
parade. Prioritise the safety of our guests!”
The soldiers moved immediately after hearing Mikhail’s
command.
“Prince Mikhail, please leave the task of leading and
- 47 -
guarding the guests to me and Lord Cyril. Please go to the
cathedral to assure our guests that they are safe.”
“Very well. I shall leave this to you, General Rofelling.”
As soon as the line of command was established again
and information was passed on, the soldiers who were in
standby a while ago started to move. The horses that were
stopped once again moved forward to guide the guests. The
members of the imperial family were escorted down the
carriage and lead to somewhere else safe.
Hughes, who was watching the parade from afar did not
understand what was happening.
The magic circle was about to be completed and the spell
would begin. However, the carriages stopped and their
passengers alighted. These empty carriages would not go back
to the palace’s main gate, but be brought to the east entrance
by the grooms. When that happens, the path that should have
drawn the magic circle for this forbidden spell would not be
complete, and the spell would not happen.
“Prince Arthur, we should also head to the cathedral for
your safety. I will take the responsibility of guarding Your
Highness,” said Valery with a straight face, when in fact he
was one of the people who made this parade stop.
Most likely Duke had also successfully ran away from his
pursuers and had blended into the crowd.
“Are you joking? They stopped the parade? It was this
- 48 -
close! That’s why that peace idiot is nothing but a bother!”
The possibility of the Outsiders who were not fond of the
nobles and the imperial family attacking them was there. That
was why Hughes made a perfect plan to prevent those
attacks. So why did they succeed?
Hughes was shaken, and he took the action Duke
surmised he would.
“Valery! Come! We’re going back to the palace!”
Valery silently followed his master’s order.
Magical energy was whirling inside the imperial palace.
The energy that was gathered at a fast rate due to the
magic circle nearing completion and then the gravity pulling
the energy together was gone when the magic circle was not
completed.
Leti, still trapped at the basement of the palace, felt this
change in the movement of the energy and knew that
something happened outside. This was the perfect chance to
make her escape.
“If only Hughes did not come to check on me every now
and then, I would have been out of here long ago!”
An equal distribution of energy was needed to maintain
the god-killer circle. In other words, to escape from it, the
energy should be unbalanced and concentrated at one part.
In order for her to escape, Leti could not sacrifice her feet
- 49 -
and her dominant right hand. This meant that the only limb
she could give up was her left hand.
She should not let Hughes know that her left hand is
injured. He should also not notice that the power in the circle
was being concentrated at one point. Leti slowly, but surely
focused her energy on her left hand until she heard the sound
of breaking chains.
“I am free!”
Leti was finally able to gain back her normal senses after
getting out of the god-killer circle that had been draining out
her magic.
“Next is this one,” said Leti as she looked at the door
leading out of the basement. “This door is opened thorugh a
special procedure.”
This was the door for the evacuation room of the imperial
family. The locks were elaborate and only the imperial family
knew the steps on how to unlock it.
I guess I have to force my way out, thought Leti as she
summoned the Sword of Iron Steel and cleanly sliced through
the sturdy lock.
Something felt different when she cut the lock. It felt like
she thrusted a fork into meringue.
The density of the magical energy here is dangerous. It can run out of
control if I use my power here.
Nothing much happened now because she used the
- 50 -
Sword of Iron Steel. If she used the Sword of Great Earth to
shatter the door or the Sword of Gale Wind to slice through
the lock, she might end up having a broken palace instead of
just a broken door. The energy gathered around here had that
much power.
I should hurry. Leti climbed up the stairs while being careful
of her injured left hand. At the end of the staircase was
another door. She cut again the lock with the Sword of Iron
Steel. Upon opening the door, she was blinded by the natural
light she had not seen for a while. She shielded her eyes from
the light and looked around the room.
A small room? Some people are outside.
Leti carefully walked towards the door and strained her
ears to listen to any sound from the outside. It seemed
Hughes had already thought of the possibility of her escaping
and had stationed guards outside.
There are four guards. Can I render them unconscious without
killing them, without using my power?”
But she still had to do it. Leti gathered up her courage to
do the impossible. She was about to open the door when she
heard a familiar young voice.
“Your Highness! Please stay inside. I will take care of
them without wounding them!”
Leti let go of the doorknob upon hearing Astrid’s voice.
The guards outside shouted, “Who’s there?”
- 51 -
Leti remembered about the concentrated magic energy
and shouted to warn Astrid, “Do not use your power here!”
If Astrid used the power of Sword of White Light, his
power might go awry.
Astrid heard Leti’s warning and replied that there was no
need to worry. “I do not need to use my power for something
like this.”
After Leti counted to seven, the sound of screams and the
falling bodies stopped. When she opened the door, she saw
Astrid clapping off dust on his hands and around him were
four men lying unconsciously on the floor.
Astrid was keeping his promise with Leti that he would
not kill anyone and cleaned up the four guards in a swift. The
young knight was becoming stronger.
“Your Highness, are you hurt?” Astrid approached Leti,
worriedly looking at her.
Leti noticed something different with those kind, green
eyes. Their position was different.
“Your Highness?”
Leti thought what changed and realised, “Have you grown
taller?”
“Ah! Did Your Highness notice? I actually ordered my
new uniform!”
Leti realised that she had to look slightly higher to meet
Astrid’s eyes. But this was probably not the only reason, for
- 52 -
today, she had felt for the first time that Astrid was reliable.
“How about Duke?”
“Senpai is somewhere near the main entrance of the
palace to capture Prince Arthur. I asked for permission to go
to Your Highness. The energy concentration inside the palace
was no longer equal and I was able to detect Your Highness’s
presence. ”
“Then we need to get to Duke, but first, I want to get out
of the palace as soon as possible.”
Even if they captured Hughes here, she would not be able
to use her power. But if they were outside, then she could use
them to some extent to render Hughes unconscious without
harming Arthur’s body.
“Do not use the Sword of White Light inside the palace.
As you have said the density of magical energy in here is
abnormal. This is all because of Hughes, a strategist from the
past who had taken control of Prince Arthur’s body.”
“Yes, Your Highness! Senpai’s strategy assumed that I
would not be able to use my powers.”
“Strategy?”
“Yes, a strategy to save Prince Arthur. We would be
forcing the person inside the prince to get out of the body.”
It seemed that Duke and Astrid were able to find out the
truth without Leti and had even come up with a way to save
Arthur.
- 53 -
“Your Highness, please hide first because it will be
dangerous if that, ahh, Hughes, was it? We do not want him
to choose Your Highness as the next host.”
“I do not think he will. He is thinking that the Sword of
White Light is still inside me.”
“Ah, then please act like the weak princess! Senpai said
the act would be better if there is someone who would
scream and cry.”
Leti nodded without understanding what Astrid meant.
Now that she had information about the present status,
they were about to leave the room when Arthur came in.
“Princess Leticia!”
Leti turned around upon hearing Hughes.
Hughes, followed by Valery behind him, saw Astrid
wearing Kielf’s military uniform and understood immediately
what happened.
“I see even the Leftover Princess has a loyal dog.”
“Yes. Thanks to my excellent knight, capturing you is a
piece of cake. We will drag you outside the palace and purify
you with my Sword of White Light!”
“Try if you can.”
“Valery, it seems that Solvelle’s little princess is confused.
Send away that dog by her side and bring her to her room,”
- 54 -
ordered Hughes to Arthur’s loyal servant.
“Your Highness, will this not result to diplomatic
problems?”
“I ordered you. Do it.”
Valery followed the order of his master and took out his
sword.
Astrid stood in front of Leti as if protecting her and said,
“I will not let you. Let me warn you, I am strong.”
Hughes took a look at the four guards lying down by
Astrid’s feet. If he took them down alone and without
wounding them, then this boy was truly skilled. He decided to
just use Valery to vie some time while he calls reinforcement.
Soldiers would immediately answer his call since he was a
prince. He could just tell them that Valery was fighting
against a bandit that had infiltrated the palace.
His next problem was Christian’s reincarnation. Leti
would be quite the opponent if she uses her power. However,
she seemed to be aware about the volatile level of magic
energy in the castle and would most likely be hesitant to use
her powers. The princess without her magic is just a helpless
woman. The soldiers could deal with her, just like that
redhead.
If she still did decide to use them, then he only needs to
sacrifice some of the soldiers for his safety and then use the
commotion that would happen later to escape.
- 55 -
“Valery, I will call help. Buy us some time.”
Hughes had chosen to take the safe route and escape.
Valery, who was standing behind him, took two steps
forward, raised his sword and threatened Hughes by the neck.
“Valery!” cried a surprised Leti.
“Please wait!” shouted a confused Astrid. “This wasn’t
what we planned! We were not supposed to hurt Prince
Arthur, remember?”
Chills ran down the spine of Hughes when he realised
what was happening. He was confident he had considered all
of the possibilities, but he had never considered Valery
betraying Arthur as one of those.
“Let us end this here, Prince Arthur.”
“What the heck are you thinking Valery? Put that damn
sword down!”
“I am responsible for all this. I was not able to stop Your
Highness from being like this. You were not someone to use
war just to get the crown.”
“Snap out of this, Valery! Put that down!”
“No,” Valery said in a cold low voice, “I will kill Your
Highness and follow you immediately.” Valery’s eyes were
looking at somewhere far, somewhere not of this world.
Hughes desperately thought of what to do about this
situation he had not considered. He never thought that this
man whom he thought was loyal to this prince would have
- 56 -
the courage to do this to his master.
“Princess Leticia, I am sorry for dragging you to Kielf’s
problems. Please tell everyone that this is all my doing.”
“Stop this! Calm down!” demanded Hughes.
“I am calm, Your Highness. Do not worry. I will not let
you feel pain. It will end in an instant.”
“STOP!” pleaded Hughes.
But Valery ignored Hughes plea and pulled his right hand.
Hughes felt the cold metal touch his skin followed by the
strong stench of blood. Soon he felt his shoulder getting wet.
He cut my neck! I’ve lost this much blood!
Blood was now flowing down his right arm and dripped
on the floor. His vision was starting to blur and a sudden
attack of dizziness stole energy from his legs. I’ll die soon! This
body will die due to blood loss!
Hughes feared he would disappear without fulfilling his
promise. But he would not be defeated. He could not let this
end here. He desperately searched for a new body; it need not
be as good as Arthur who could hear his voice. Anyone
would do.
Valery isn’t good. He is stupidly loyal and would definitely kill
himself to atone for the sin of killing the prince.
The general who was standing right behind him was not a
choice. Then he looked at the blue-faced Leti.
The Leftover Princess isn’t good too. Her Sword of White Light
- 57 -
would immediately purify me. Then that means…
“Are you all right, Prince Arthur?” asked Astrid as
approached the bleeding Arthur.
Hughes settled on Astrid. He would stay in the redhead’s
body and stay low until he had completely possessed the body
right under Leti’s nose.
“Help me,” Hughes whispered as reaching out for Astrid.
Astrid grabbed Arthur’s bloody hands and told him,
“Please hang in there, Your Highness!”
Hughes chose this moment and left Arthur’s body to
transfer to Astrid’s.
Astrid felt something strange trying to enter through his
hand since he looked at it the moment Hughes tried to enter
into him.
“Ah, I forgot to introduce myself,” said Astrid as he
smirked while looking at his hand. “My name is Astrid Gall,
possessor of the Sword of White Light granted by Her
Highness, the present Knight King.”
Hughes’s mind turned blank for a moment. Wasn’t the
White Light with Leti? Had I been fooled right at the start?
Leti’s order to run did not just meant for her knights to
escape, but also for Astrid to not use his power because if he
did, he would be captured together with her and lose the only
way to defeat Hughes.
I had been fooled by that Leftover Princess!
- 58 -
- 59 -
Hughes screamed he did not want to die yet, but no one
heard his cries.
“The evil spirit that had possessed Prince Arthur is now
gone,” smiled Astrid after sensing that the strange feeling he
had felt was no longer there.
“Is that true?”
“Yes,” answered Astrid and then waved his hand calling
Duke, “Senpai!”
Duke, who was hiding by the stairs, came out asking if it
was over. He went to Leti and asked, “Are you hurt, Your
Highness?”
“It is healed already, though I might have a stomach ache
tomorrow because I did my best not to laugh at that stupid
Hughes.”
This seemed to be something to be laughed at for Leti,
but this was definitely a frightening experience for Arthur
who was possessed by Hughes.
Valery indeed cut Arthur’s neck, but it only scratched his
skin. The blood came from the Valery’s wineskin filled with
animal blood. This was used to show that Arthur was losing
blood quickly.
Their plan was truly something simple, a trick that even a
child could come up with.
“I think it will be obvious if his wound was fatal,”
- 60 -
commented Leti as she remembered Hughes’s ashen face
upon seeing the blood.
“The person inside Prince Arthur is bound to Prince
Arthur’s senses. Since Prince Arthur most likely have not
much experience being cut by a sword and seeing a lot of
blood, he could ascertain if the wound was fatal or not,”
explained Astrid.
“I see. Then I am glad he took over a prince’s body.”
Leti at first thought their plan was too ambiguous, but it
was not. They had thought about it thoroughly.
Dragging Hughes out of Arthur’s body is difficult for
anyone to do aside from Leti. If that were the case, then
Duke and the others thought of a way how to make Hughes
leave the prince’s body out of his own volition.
This was their plan.
First, they need to make Arthur think he was dying.
Second, Hughes should be forced to choose Astrid,
possessor of the Sword of White Light, as the only body
available for him to transfer to. This was the reason why
Duke did not had a part in the plan right at the beginning.
Valery said that he would kill himself right after he kills
Arthur to let Hughes know that if he chose him, he would die
again soon. And since Hughes thought that Leti still had the
Sword of White Light in her, he ended up choosing Astrid,
the one who truly possessed the sword.
- 61 -
“It was a good plan, put still not perfect,” said Leti to
Duke. She immediately knew that it was him who came up
with this plan. He was the only who could come up with this
almost perfect plan despite not knowing what they were
against with. He truly had skills enough for him to be
recognised as the possible next commander of the Order.
“My examiner is quite strict. Where did I get it wrong?”
“The person who possessed Prince Arthur was Hughes, a
capable strategist from antiquity. He always have a plan
prepared should his first plan fail.”
Leti went near the unconscious Arthur and looked at the
bloodied pink diamond necklace hanging on his neck.
“If you took this pendant and threw into the furnace,
your plan would have been perfect. If you were able to do
that much, I would have hired you as my strategist and no
longer as the First Seat Knight of my Knights of the Round.”
“A lady’s maid, a lover, and now a strategist. My choices
for a change of career are increasing. So, what about the
pendant?”
Leti took out the pendant and kept it inside her dress and
explained, “A part of Hughes’s consciousness is most likely
left in this pendant. He probably left it here in case Prince
Arthur dies.”
“Eh!” said a surprised Astrid. “Then we should throw it
into the furnace immediately!”
- 62 -
This pink diamond was a part of Kielf’s national treasure
and was used to prove Arthur’s origins. Leti was a bit hesitant
about burning it into ashes, but if they were to consider the
future, it would be better to incinerate the cursed stone.
“Do you mind, Valery?”
“Please go ahead. I do not think that His would need it as
a proof of lineage after he returns back to his original self.”
Valery declared that when Arthur wakes up, he would be
going down the fight for the throne.
“I agree,” nodded Leti and in a whisper trailed on, “with
this Kielf’s future will be bright.”
But it was a future she still did not want to consider for
now and shook the thought out of her head. To make a
change of mood, she praised Valery in a bright tone, “That
was some marvellous performance. I knew you were just
acting, but I still almost believed you.”
Valery silently nodded and looked at Arthur whom he was
carrying. “I was half serious. I planned to take things into my
own hands before the coronation ceremony.”
Upon hearing this, Leti decided to give enough praise to
Duke and Astrid later for successfully being able to make
Valery cooperate with this optimistic plan since the general
had already given up all hope.
- 63 -
They had successfully stopped the parade, saved Leti and
purified Hughes. They could have at least a few moments of
respite, but no, they still had a lot to do.
Valery needed to bring Arthur back to the palace without
being noticed. Astrid had to change out of the Kielven
military uniform before it causes problems and Duke
reported to Leti everything that happened since her capture.
Since all of the noble guests were evacuated to the
cathedral for safety, Leti, together with Duke, stealthily joined
the crowd and met up with Anastasia and Victor to tell them
she was safe. The two silently celebrated her safe return.
By the evening, the commotion had settled and confirmed
that it was safe for the guests to go out and finally, they were
able to take a rest.
Leti changed out of her now ruined dress and sat by the
fire. She watched the dancing flame while listening to the
calming sound of the burning wood, but her gaze was
extremely cold. She was looking at the pink diamond she held
in her hand, thinking of what to do about it.
“The rebelling relic of a strategist who had nothing else to
say but promise and peace. You were quite noisy,” said Leti
as she tightly held the pendant, raised her arm to throw it.
However, she stopped midway and glared at the fire.
She lost that glaring contest. “I am not King Christian!
Why should I feel responsible for you?”
- 64 -
The strategist Hughes endured numerous years of
loneliness just to fulfil his promise with the Knight King.
This promise was probably his only solace as he waited for
the opportunity to keep it, a promise that was such a pure
thing at that time.
“Just this once. I will just try this one time,” said Leti as
she closed her eyes while holding the pendant. She let go of
her consciousness and sleep washed over her exhausted body.
Leti was standing in the Knight King’s study and the pink
diamond pendant was in her hand.
I have the pendant here created by my thoughts, but Hughes’
consciousness might be here too.
She wanted to meet a reincarnation before Alexander, a
reincarnation of the Knight King that could communicate
with Hughes as Christian.
Leti silently sat in the Study waiting for other
reincarnations to come. The first visitor who came was
Guardian King Volker.
I am not sure about this, thought Leti.
Time does not exist in the Study. She was uncertain if this
King Volker was still the one who lived as a continuation of
- 65 -
Christian or as Volker himself.
Leti stood up and greeted Volker. She was not sure how
to bring up this topic about Hughes but Volker noticed it
even before she said anything about it.
“Queen Leticia, what is it I sense inside your hand?”
“Ah, this is a piece of consciousness of Hughes, King
Christian’s strategist. I brought him here so he could meet
King Christian. Please do as you see fit,” said Leti while
pushing the pendant to Volker.
Volker was uncertain what to do. “I remember you said
before that Hughes continued on living because he had not
fulfilled his promise with King Christian.”
“Yes, I did.”
“Maybe, the reason why King Christian’s memories had
continued on until this day was because he had not fulfilled
his promise with Hughes. If he was able to care for Hughes
and had told him thank you for fulfilling his promise, then
maybe this would have not happened,” said Volker and
whispered, “this needs to end.”
Volker let some of the Knight King’s power flow into the
pendant to call out the remaining consciousness of Hughes.
“It has been a while, Hughes.”
“Christian?”
“Forgive me for letting you carry the burden of the world
all alone for a long, long time.”
- 66 -
“Working alone is better for me. Besides, just hold on for
a while. I found your reincarnation. I promise to bring you
back this time!” Hughes voice sounded like he was in pain.
Volker slightly closed his eyes and slowly shook his head.
“No, Hughes. We are dead. You and I are already dead and
should go down the stage of the present time. The stage is for
those who live.”
“Huh? What’re you saying? Your puzzling manner of
speaking never change. The world is divided now! How can it
be united without you?”
“Then let it be. The people of the present are the ones
who should make ways to get their happiness. We, the people
of the past should go and sleep.”
“But we promised! It was our promise to each other!”
“A promise that you have fulfilled. Your strategy worked
and the gods had left this world. This world was able to get
out of reach of the gods’ grasps and achieved liberty. Thank
you Hughes, for fighting and protecting this world until the
end.”
“I have fulfilled my promise?”
“Yes, you have. You no longer need to do those things
you find so troublesome. You are now free.”
“It is finished?”
“Yes. Let us go now to sleep.”
“Ah. I’m tired. But make sure to wake me up when
- 67 -
something happens. You know I can’t get up in the morning
alone.”
“Ah, indeed you were. But do not worry. The next time
you wake up, it will be to a beautiful morning.”
Volker used the power of the Sword of White Light and
purified the last bit of consciousness Hughes had left.
Leti was probably not the only one who thought this was
the end. Volker most likely felt the same way.
“Was that rebellious act and speech of Hughes his true
personality?”
“Rebellious act? That was not acting. He was just in his
rebellious age.”
“Rebellious age?” Leti’s eyes were unusually wide in
surprise as Volker revealed a shocking secret.
“Hughes died when he was fifteen. I am sure he stayed
the same way.”
“Fifteen? And he was King Christian’s strategist?”
Leti recalled Hughes’ speech and manner.
Indeed, boys of the age were difficult to handle. They
seemed to be irritated about everything and rebellious about
anything. If that were the case, he might have been adorable.
“But no, he was nothing but an annoying brat,” said Leti
and muttered that she should have punched him at least once.
“I thought King Christian was perfect, but I see he was not
good at raising children.”
- 68 -
Christian probably spoiled Hughes. Hughes probably got
away with many things simply because of his skills. Leti knew
a boy of such calibre who was adored by those around him
and forgave much of what he did so the boy never matured.
“Then I truly am not Knight King Christian but Solvelle’s
King Volker. I have finally found my answer.”
Volker had always been uncertain about his identity –
whether he was Knight King Christian or the human king
Volker and now, he looked like finally had his answer.
“How did you come up with the conclusion?” asked Leti.
“My children grew up honest and obedient. Unlike King
Christian, I am a skilled at raising children.”
Leti smiled wryly at Volker’s way of conclusion and said,
“I guess you are right. King Christian was a human-loving
god and you are a child-loving parent.” And Hughes was most
likely a Knight King-loving brat.
