Became a tyrant of defense games - Episode 186
◈ 186. [Side Story] On the way back
Elise was in pretty good shape considering she had dealt with the Aegis Special Forces alone. Her whole body is covered in bandages, but she's alive..
“I have been living in the back alleys for a long time. I have mastered survival at all costs..”
Elise spoke calmly and took out an empty potion bottle from her arms and placed it on my desk..
“……The help you gave me was also great..”
I looked at it because I wanted to know something, and it was a potion I had given me before. Did you save it by not eating it then and then use it this time? You're quite thrifty..
“Anyway, I didn't come to say hello to you..”
Elise is loud! I took a deep breath..
yes. It must have come to me as a messenger from the top of Winter Silver. I grinned..
“Serenade is kinda okay?”
“……I don't think this is a question for a man who dumped a woman who was single-minded his whole life. I'll answer you.”
Elise glared at me..
“After spending three days in tears until yesterday, he returned to work this morning. And you sent me here.”
I'm sure they didn't send me to slit my head.?
I was a little scared for a moment, but fortunately that wasn't the reason..
“I heard that when returning to Crossroads, you use the land route..”
“that's right.”
When the petty imperial family returns home, they do not take a private ship with them. I ended up taking a carriage down to Crossroads..
“The farther you get from the ecliptic, the more difficult the southern roads become and the poorer the security. You'll need an escort..”
Elise raised her hand and placed it on her chest..
“So, the master sent me. He told me to use him as an escort all the way to Crossroads..”
“huh? Elise you?”
“yes. Of course, Your Majesty, who easily defeated me, may not be satisfied. I think it will be helpful.”
No, of course it helps a lot. But more than that.
“If you follow me, then who will guard the serenade??”
Isn’t this the problem? Serenade's side was strong because Elise was there..
“There are many other outstanding escorts in the upper reaches of Wintersilver. You won't have any problem..”
You're saying that, but aren't you shaking? Look at the bleeding from biting my lip.
“…… The upper level has already started a linkage project with the imperial family. Since the imperial family has promised the continuation of the Winter Silver clan and the family, there will be no fearless person who will dare to touch Winter Silver..”
“Umm.”
“Your Majesty, who is going on a long journey, will be exposed to more danger than your master who will be at the Winter Silver Headquarters. The master said.”
It's not wrong, but…….
“I don't know why I'm so upset because I can't take care of the man who already broke off the engagement.…….”
Elise grumbled. I chuckled..
“You didn't want me to get away from Serenade.?”
“I always hoped that His Royal Highness would disappear from my master's life. When I heard that His Majesty kicked the master first, it was very…….”
“greatly?”
“I'm angry…….”
Your loyalty is so complex and subtle..
Anyway, they say they will assign an SSR level swordsman as an escort, so of course I am grateful..
There is a long way down. If the situation on the monster front is urgent, we may be able to borrow your strength..
I just feel sorry for Serenade.
“So, when are you going back to Crossroads??”
“tomorrow.”
I answered as I looked at my simply packed luggage..
“I'm planning to leave tomorrow at noon. You should join then too..”
***
Of course, I had to say hello to the emperor before going down, so I headed to the main palace..
But I guess the timing wasn't right.
“Abama went into hibernation a little while ago..”
Larque and Fernandez, who were talking about something in front of the throne room, saw me and waved. Larque pointed to the tightly closed throne room door..
“Since you've been awake for a long time, it seems like the situation on the Ishin Front has become quite urgent. You were deeply asleep.”
“You didn't say anything to me.?”
Then Larque grinned..
“He told me to do well..”
“…….”
“It's an independent route. Now the southern front does not receive the protection of the imperial family, or rather, the empire. Even though there is a three-year period limit, it won't be easy. You chose the difficult path yourself..”
Larque tapped my shoulder..
“But thank you, Ash..”
“yes? What?”
“Thanks to you, there is no need to slaughter prisoners of war as human sacrifices, right?.”
Lark's dark blue eyes were full of genuine gratitude..
“No matter how much I am a guardian who only cares for the safety of the empire, I am a knight. Even if you're from an enemy country, I don't want to cut you if you're not a soldier..”
“…….”
“Thanks to you, we were able to avoid senseless killings. really, thank you.”
A palm as big as Larc's pot lid hit my back. No, if you really appreciate it, hit it gently.!
“Well then, let me return to the front line! So that we can clear the battlefield and have a real victory party. So, I plan to leave today. Ash you are?”
“I leave tomorrow at noon.”
“haha. I thought it would be difficult to get this together, but everyone dispersed right away..”
Larque opened his arms wide towards me and Fernandez..
“ruler! Then come here, both of you.”
Fernandez and I approached Lark reluctantly. Lark embraced us with arms as thick as marble columns..
“It's a hug of friendship! See you next time, little brothers.!”
“Hahaha.”
“Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.”
After the warm hug, Lark left the main palace without even looking back. He thought his back was upset. Wow.
“…….”
At that time, I felt a subtle gaze and turned around to see Fernandez glaring at me with narrowed eyes. I chuckled..
“What else are you dissatisfied with, my second brother??”
“Did you come all the way to the imperial capital just to get something as small as an independent route, youngest child??”
I frowned at the sudden sound..
‘You were brought in in the first place because you were caught.…….’
But, whatever Fernandez said..
Originally, when I came to the imperial capital, my plan was to bring more imperial reinforcements..
The plan was to take about twice as many reinforcements as are currently dispatched to the southern front..
Because I was confident that I could control it to this extent without encroaching on command authority..
However, the opposite result was obtained. The imperial family's reinforcements were rejected, and no reinforcements will come in the future..
He even kicked away what was supposed to be a good relationship with the military powerhouse, the Northern Kingdom..
As someone who always whined about not having enough troops, these were things I shouldn't have done..
but.
“What are you talking about? I'm getting a lot out of it.?”
When I grinned, Fernandez frowned as if he didn't like it..
‘okay. I got a lot.’
I obtained the cooperation of the largest merchant in the empire, received donations from various nobles, learned the secrets of the emperor and princes, rented an SSR-level swordsman character, and gained many other things..
More than anything… … I made a firm decision for myself..
Who will I live as?.
And how to live.
This alone was the meaning of coming to the imperial capital..
“Are you really… … I haven't been able to understand it since long ago..”
Fernandez shook his head..
“Even though he is overly extraordinary, he suddenly acts like a gangster. Even if they listen well, they all throw a tantrum. It doesn't change... … Hehe, I was just cute when I was young..”
Fernandez sighed and waved his hand..
“Okay, go down safely. You can rest assured that the troops you have already lent will be used for the agreed upon period..”
Oh, thank you so much for that. In fact, it would have been a pain in the ass if they were gone..
“I will remain alone here in the imperial capital and work hard to protect this country. As always.”
“okay. Please protect it diligently. I will use my troops gratefully. Please monitor changes appropriately in the future..”
“well… … I can't promise that.”
Fernandez smiled sinisterly like the head of the secretariat. I gave him a snort and turned around..
It was then.
“Oh, and. As your aide on the southern front... … Ader.”
“?”
I opened my eyes and turned around. Fernandez muttered expressionlessly..
“It's better not to trust that eternal child too much. Because he's a fraud.”
“what… … ? what is that…….”
Without further explanation, Fernandez walked away and disappeared down the hallway. I stood there blankly.
“……What are you saying?.”
Come to think of it, God Hand said he received this secret message from the center..
- Keep a close eye on the lord's aide, Ader.…….
This means that Ader is a person that the imperial family is keeping a close eye on..
‘Ader is eternal? Don't believe it? It's a scammer?’
why?
Are you a game director? Miu and Gou are the ones who help me.?
For what reason is the imperial family keeping an eye on Ader??
‘No, Shibeol, don't just throw rice cakes at me, why don't you give me some explanation?!’
What if they just tell you not to believe it? He’s like the damn second brother.!
***
It was the last evening in the ecliptic..
Since I announced that I was leaving through Elise, I thought the serenade might be my last visit. She had no message.
So I ended up having my last dinner with Alberto..
When I invited him to dine with me as a guest rather than as a butler, Alberto vehemently declined, but could not resist my insistence..
We sat across from each other and ate. Other servants waited on us. Alberto was sad, but he looked happy.
“It's been 50 years since I worked at this palace, but this is my first time in a position like this. majesty.”
“Enjoy, Alberto. It will be difficult for you and me to eat in this palace for a while..”
Alberto laughed bitterly at my words..
Even though Alberto held the title of Chamberlain, he was relegated to the sole position of managing the villa. He is quite old.
Moreover, it seems that at this victory party, the soldiers were stopped to protect the serenade. It seems like people hate me for one reason or another.
So Alberto had already submitted his resignation..
At the same time as I am leaving tomorrow, Alberto will also be leaving the imperial palace..
“What do you plan on doing after retirement, Alberto??”
“well. I have spent my entire life here in the palace. There's no home, no family, nothing out there..”
“From now on, we can just make it one by one..”
“Hehehe. That too will be the joy of the rest of your life..”
After the meal, dessert and tea were served..
I hinted to Alberto, who was quietly savoring the scent of tea..
“Alberto. Is it okay if I postpone your retirement plans just a little bit??”
“yes?”
“You’re not ready to step down from the front line yet, right? There's a place that needs you.”
I took a piece of paper out of my pocket and held it out. Alberto took it in bewilderment, and I grinned..
“Let's work hard for a few more years.”
***
next day. morning.
New building purchased by Wintersilver Sangdan.
As the building originally used was reduced to ashes, Winter Silver Merchant Marine quickly purchased the entire nearby building and began using it as a new merchant building..
The top was busy.
They were busy setting up a new building, busy figuring out the quantity of goods that had been burned, and busy preparing for a new business in connection with the imperial family..
Serenade, sitting at the desk in the main room on the top floor of the building, was also busy..
As usual, she was dressed in an elegant women's suit, wearing glasses, and holding a pen with her long, slender fingers, quickly processing documents..
Except for her shorter hair, she looked the same as usual..
Elise came up to the serenade and bowed..
“Well then, let's go. master.”
Elise was not only carrying a sword on her back, but also two large bags..
I decided to follow Ash to the southern front, so it was going to be a long journey..
Serenade smiled vaguely at Elise..
“okay. Come back, Elise. We said goodbye yesterday, so I'll skip it today..”
“……master.”
“huh?”
“Are you sure you don't mind??”
Is it okay to let Ash go like this without even seeing his face?.
Elise was asking that.
“……then. of course.”
Serenade dropped her gaze back to the papers..
“Go quickly. Take care of Your Majesty Prince Ash..”
“……Yes, master.”
Elise, who hesitated, bowed once more and left the upper main room..
Serenade bit her lip and continued writing with her pen..
smart.
Then there was a knock on the door, the door opened and someone came in. Serenade looked at him curiously..
“Excuse me, Lady Wintersilver..”
The person who came inside was Alberto, an old gentleman dressed in a neat suit. Surprised, Serenade widened her silver eyes..
“Alberto?”
“I have received a letter of recommendation from His Highness Prince Ash..”
Alberto approached and politely placed the paper he was holding on Serenade's desk..
“He said that there will be more dealings with the imperial family in the future, and that I, as the palace chamberlain, will be helpful..”
Serenade unfolded the paper. It was a letter of recommendation written by Ash himself, recommending Alberto as an advisor to the Winter Silver team..
“You are very welcome, Alberto.!”
Serenade smiled broadly and held out her hand to Alberto..
It was already a busy and difficult time, but Alberto, who was the palace's housekeeper, would be of great help..
“Please take care of me in the future.”
“Please take care of me. serenade girl.”
Serenade immediately tried to discuss business with the imperial family with Alberto, but Alberto raised his hand to stop her..
“Business talk is good, but serenade girl. There are many moments in life that never come again.,”
“yes?”
“I think now is not the time for you to be here..”
“…….”
“In a little while, His Royal Highness Prince Ash will be leaving for the South. Is there really nothing you want to say??”
Serenade stammered and lowered her head..
“but… … His Highness the Prince has already broken off his engagement with me.…….”
“So?”
“We are no longer engaged, nor are we lovers. How can I do that?…….”
“So?”
Alberto smiled kindly..
“Are you going to give up that much? Are you the owner of Winter Silver, the largest merchant in the empire? There's a product I want, but I'm quietly letting it go.?”
Serenade looked up at the old butler with trembling eyes. Alberto said with confidence.
“Life is short, girl..”
“…….”
“Run. In the direction you really want to go.”
so,
I threw away my pen and papers and left all the work piled up behind me.,
After running out of the office - Serenade started running..
To the south gate of the imperial capital.
To the place where Ash prepares to leave for Crossroads..
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