At the time when the sunset began to spread, the tightly sealed northern gate reopened after a large-scale invasion by the demons.
A flag with the emblem of the royal family fluttered high in the sky. Among the disciplined knights, Rensley stared blankly at the flag. The summoning patterns that flickered in the wind were no longer considered mere decorations.
“It’s visible.”
Stan, who was standing next to him, murmured. Rensley, also gazing at the flag, quickly turned his gaze towards the gate.
Still in the distance, it looked as if hazy sand clouds were gathering on the ground. Spring had arrived in Aldrant, and as the cold diminished, the plains, now unfrozen, were occasionally swept by sand-mixed winds.
Unconsciously, Rensley slightly opened his mouth, staring at the approaching clouds. As the sand clouds gradually approached, the ground trembled with the thunderous sound of hooves, louder than Rensley had imagined. The defense force at the ramparts was even larger than he had imagined.
The ones who had finally reached the castle gate began to enter one by one after reaching the forefront. Even the soldiers at the forefront, with sharp gazes, overwhelmed the surroundings with their mere movement.
The person walking at the front of the procession was likely the commander of the defense force, Princess Frida. Stepping forward, leaving the defense force behind, she brightly smiled and opened her mouth.
“How have you been, Anton!”
Her nonchalant greeting outshone the disciplined welcome of the knightly order. Princess Frida, clad in light leather armor with a short cape, had black and long hair similar to the duke, but it was tousled. Dirt covered various parts of her face.
Seeing her now, it might be challenging to think of her as a princess of a certain country without prior information. Nevertheless, the captivating aura that could draw people’s attention was undoubtedly the kind that those who had ruled over others from birth possessed. Having grown up in Cornia, Rensley was well aware of such charisma.
“Have you arrived safely, Commander?”
“I said there’s no need for such formalities, yet you’re making your subordinates suffer. Now that you’re here, disband them all.”
“Thanks to the defense force, the safety of Roudken is maintained. Such greetings are natural.”
“You’re still naive. Where is His Grace? Hasn’t he come out yet?”
“He will be out soon.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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“I apologize for the delay in the welcome, Commander Frida.”
“Your Grace.”
Approaching Gezell with large strides, Princess Frida greeted him. There was no hesitation in her attitude as she gracefully knelt down. Then, she took the long black cloak that was spread out and lightly covered her mouth with the edge.
“Honor to the Guardian.”
In no time, all the defense members were kneeling with their heads bowed behind Princess Frida. Rensley, somehow, felt his chest swell with an indescribable emotion.
Just a moment ago, he had been sitting on Gezell’s lap, chatting away. In the midst of occasional forgetfulness during such casual conversations, the position that could be easily overlooked was now apparent. Gezell Jivendad ruled this vast northern country and was the guardian of the entire continent.
“I was so curious about the news of your wedding. I’ve been waiting for the day to meet the Duchess. Didn’t she come out with you?”
After the greetings and rising, Princess Frida quickly got to the point. Coughing briefly as if he had been attacked by a sudden ambush, Rensley tensed.
“Unfortunately, the northern climate is unfamiliar to the Duchess, and her health has greatly weakened. She’s trying to avoid going outside as much as possible.”
“Oh, I see. I heard she came from Cornia at the southern tip. They say it hardly ever freezes there even in winter.”
Frida gestured toward the defense members she had arranged behind her. Then, a few of them stood up and unpacked the luggage they had brought on the carriage.
“To boost your energy, these guys brought more than just meat. As a gift to assist in heir production.”
The members quickly laid out the packaging. Rensley’s eyes widened as he saw what was revealed – a small prison made of iron bars. Inside, a large snake with multiple heads was trapped, writhing and hissing.
‘Doesn’t it look more like a demon than an ordinary snake? Eating demons…?’
Rensley, sweating coldly, looked around, but people’s expressions showed no surprise. Finally, he turned his gaze to Gezell. He, too, seemed nonchalant.
“I’ve probably never tasted such meat; I wonder if it suits the Duchess’s taste.”
‘No, absolutely not, Your Grace!’
Rensley unconsciously lowered his head, and Frida, smiling, responded.
“Why hesitate? I suggest you try some lamb or goat meat. After all, isn’t that how medicine is usually swallowed, with your eyes closed?”
To think that distinguishing between the taste of this strange reptile meat and lamb meat would be possible? The idea that such a ridiculous deception could be feasible was shocking in itself. Rensley’s eyes trembled. Princess Frida, who had grown up eating Roudken Castle’s cuisine with Gezell, also seemed to lack interest in gourmet delights.
“Thank you for the offer. Let’s end the greetings here. Everyone has returned to Roudken. Please take some time with your families and enjoy.”
Upon Gezell’s approval, the formation of the defense force quickly fell apart. Except for Princess Frida, who remained in her place, everyone else, still standing, scattered and began to run. Some people were running towards them, and the northern courtyard was bustling with people for the first time in a long time.
“Mom!”
“Darling!”
The members embraced their families, whom they could meet at most two or three times a year, and shared their experiences during their time apart. The soldiers, who had been as sharp as human weapons just a while ago, instantly transformed into ordinary people meeting their families after a long time, shedding tears.
Watching them, Rensley’s nose inexplicably felt warm, and he furrowed his brow slightly. Although there was only one sister he would like to meet, it didn’t mean he couldn’t empathize with the reunion’s emotions.
“Commander, please go up as well. It would be good to rest and attend the banquet later, wouldn’t it?”
“Agreed.”
With Frida’s suggestion, Gezell chuckled and, instead of entering the castle right away, approached the vicinity of the knights. Anton followed her, walking just behind her.
“How about it, Anton? Any promising newcomers in the knights?”
“Especially so this year.”
“Hmm. Since I’m back, after spring passes, I should look for people willing to go north with me.”
The princess jokingly or seriously scanned the members at the bottom. As Rensley watched her, he couldn’t help but notice that her gaze unexpectedly met Frida’s. Her eyes widened as if she had seen something strange.
“Are you also a knight?”
“…Oh, yes! That’s right, Your Grace.”
When the flustered Rensley answered a beat late, she stood in front of him. Indeed, she was of Gezell’s lineage. Although Rensley had felt that the locals were generally taller than the southern people since the day he arrived, meeting a woman with a significantly higher eye level was a first for him. As he pressed his lips tightly while looking into her emerald green eyes, Anton stepped in to provide an explanation.
“He is called Maelrosen. A new member who came to perform duties for the Duchess and ended up staying here.”
“Ah, I see. No wonder the atmosphere and appearance seemed a bit unfamiliar. How about it, Maelrosen? How’s life in Aldrant?”
“…Warm and… enjoyable.”
“Warm? You, too? I hope the Duchess, who you brought with you, recovers soon and says the same thing.”
She seemed to be looking for another knight to talk to, turning her gaze away. Even with messy hair and dirt on her face, she emitted an enchanting atmosphere when seen up close. All the tense knights stared rigidly ahead, and Anton spoke up again from behind.
“Princess, for now, please take a break. It should be enough to exchange greetings with the members at the banquet later.”
“Is that so? Well, in this state, it might be difficult to find people who can keep up.”
She laughed, seemingly trying to find another knight to talk to. After turning her body, she laughed again. Beside her, Anton smiled bitterly.
The short welcoming ceremony had ended. Knights scattered to change clothes or make other preparations to attend the upcoming banquet.
Thank you!
ur welcomee~