In the corner of the room, huddled against the wall, Gilbert buried his face in his hands.
He had finally reunited with his half-brother, whom he had chased after with the sole intention of helping, yet here he was, overwhelmed with despair. This was the very reason he had come this far, and yet—
—It’s strange. I was prepared to be scolded, but not like this…
As he questioned himself internally, he cautiously lifted his gaze to find his half-brother, Lionel, wearing a smile filled with an unfamiliar warmth. Beside him sat Dolf, his expression a mix of sternness and exasperation.
—That smile is terrifying. And he’s way too close.
A chilling premonition gripped him; he was certain that this smile concealed anger. He felt like a mouse cornered by a tiger. After all, in this body that could no longer wield a sword, he had chased after them, endangering everyone around him, and had nearly lost his life right before their reunion.
He was acutely aware of how close he had come to death.
Looking back, even though he had been exhausted and afflicted by paralysis poison, his last decision in that village was hardly commendable. Now that he thought about it calmly, he doubted he could have bought any time with a single strike from the battle axe. It would have been an act of suicide.
No matter how pathetic or disgraceful it might seem, it felt like there was no other choice but to shout for everyone to board the carriage, and to do the same himself. Yet that choice had put his comrades, the people he cherished, in danger.
And so, his body had moved on its own.
—Back then, I was so certain. I would defeat the Undead Beast and feast on the dinner Miss Flora made. I could even picture the joy on her face when she saw me enjoying it.
Such excuses would surely fall on deaf ears with Lionel, he thought as he stole a glance at his half-brother. He still didn’t quite understand what had happened afterward or why everything was fine now.
A large hand reached out and firmly rested on his head. Then, it ruffled his hair vigorously, causing it to become a mess.
“Gilbert, you’ve returned alive.”
Lionel said this with a joyful smile, which only made Gilbert feel more unsettled.
After a while, a butler arrived at the behest of the lord, and they moved to a larger room.
Gathered in the room were the lord, who was the master of this mansion and the surrounding area, city officials, members of the private army, clergy, mercenaries, and Gilbert along with Dolf.
Surrounded by a large table, Lionel, seated at the center, took a deep breath and raised his face.
“…Now, let’s confirm the situation and discuss our strategies moving forward.”
With those words, Lionel’s demeanor shifted dramatically.
The charming smile he had shown earlier vanished, replaced by a serious expression that radiated authority, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light. The atmosphere in the room changed as well.
Yet rather than feeling intimidated, it felt more like being inspired. It was as if a powerful light was shining through the anxiety of the current situation.
Gilbert couldn’t help but smile slightly at his half-brother, whom he respected above all others.
These days, knights came in various forms; some swore absolute loyalty to their lord, while others pledged their loyalty to the nation and its people. Lionel belonged to the latter.
Even if he had severed ties with the king and painted his shield black, the core of his convictions would never fade away.
The lord stood up.
“I couldn’t even greet you properly during the day. I am Yuan Kelvim. Though I hold the title of count and oversee this territory, in reality, I am not much different from a farmer. No need for formalities.”
With that, Count Kelvim unfurled a leather map, which roughly depicted the geography surrounding the territory.
“Until a century ago, before the Kingdom of Jiemeld was annexed, this territory was the northernmost point of this country.”
Hearing those words, Gilbert nodded in understanding. The members of the private army and the mercenaries were well-versed in magical beasts and seasoned in battle. The northern region had a higher frequency of magical beast appearances, but it also benefited from the long-cultivated knowledge of being the former northernmost territory.
To the north of Count Kelvim’s territory lay a vast, deep forest that extended to the northern mountain range. This forest was untamed and belonged to no nation. A forest untouched by human hands was a haven for magical beasts.
To the northeast, in a diagonal formation, lay the Duchy of Jiemeld, the former location of the Kingdom of Jiemeld.
“Have there been any reports from the Jiemeld territory?”
“No. I’ve only heard through the grapevine that the remnants were wiped out right after the Royal Knights Order withdrew.”
Count Kelvim’s face twisted in bitterness as he exhaled in response to Lionel’s inquiry.
“While the extermination of large and medium-sized beasts was completed, due to the nature of the Undead Beasts, searching for and confirming any that may have been missed was essential. However, before that could happen, the command for the king’s return was issued…”
Lionel’s face contorted with regret.
“After the withdrawal, the Knights of Jiemeld were supposed to take over the search. However, upon returning, the king spoke something strange.”
“What was that…?”
“That if the Undead Beasts were completely eradicated, the value of the Holy Sword would diminish. I asked for clarification, but I received no answer.”
Silence fell over the room.
“…Could it be that the king and Duke Jiemeld conspired to intentionally leave some behind?”
“That’s still uncertain. However—…”
Lionel pointed to the easternmost edge of the map.
“The untamed forest borders the eastern region and the neighboring country. If we leave the Undead Beasts unchecked, it won’t be long before similar disasters befall the neighboring nation through the forest.”
“Could it be that the Holy Sword is being used as a political tool…?”
Lionel shook his head, as if to say he didn’t know yet.
“The chancellor has spouted nonsense. He mentioned that there might come a time when we lend Holy Knights to the neighboring country. I hope that was just the chancellor’s idle talk. If not, it would be incredibly foolish.”
Gilbert, who had been silently listening, clenched his fists in anger. The scene from earlier that day replayed in his mind. He couldn’t believe that the attack by the Undead Beast could be manipulated for someone’s schemes.