◈ 332. [Side Story]
A few days of defense went by again.
One day, Stage 14 was quickly approaching.
“Wow… .”
Snowflakes started falling from the sky.
“It is completely winter now.”
Watching the snow pile up in the courtyard of the mansion, I closed the window. ugh it’s cold
Crossroads here is located at the southern end of the continent, so it is warm. Defense is, after all, a relative concept.
Compared to the other countries above, it is ‘relatively’ warm in the south, but the climate is not tropical or anything like that.
In terms of experience, it’s about the same as Korea… … The four seasons are quite distinct.
‘If this is the southernmost point, what kind of winter are the countries in the northern part of the continent spending?’
It reminded me of the story of the Northern Kingdom, where it snowed even in summer. So, do avalanches rain from the sky in the winter in that town?
‘Even if I die, I won’t go to the north to play.’
Wrapped in a blanket and shivering, I sat down in a chair in front of the stove.
There is no way that there is a hot ondol system in this fantasy world, so squatting in front of the fireplace and drinking the hot cocoa that Ader made is all I can do to prevent the cold.
“Are you okay, senior?”
At that time, Evangeline, who was sitting in the chair next to me and fidgeting while reading, threw a worried look at me.
“You seem to be getting a little bit cold… ?”
“Oh, I’m usually a bit weak in winter… . It’s okay, you’ll get used to it soon.”
Still, it’s a little better because I’m sitting close to the stove and rolling around in a blanket while drinking cocoa.
Let’s do some paperwork in this state all day today… … .
“It’s Yeongjun!”
Just then, the office door burst open and Ader rushed in.
Ah, this is a premonition of work. There must have been something to get out of this comfortable nest.
I asked, pulling the blanket down to my neck with a sad face.
“Yes, Lord, you are here. What’s going on? It snowed and the roof collapsed? Running out of tools for snow removal? If possible, I would like to process non-face-to-face document approval… … .”
But it wasn’t that kind of thing.
“A guest has arrived from the ecliptic!”
At the next word, I kicked out of my seat and got up.
“It’s Her Highness, First Prince L’Arc’s wife, the Empress Dowager and her three sons!”
“You are finally here!”
Lark’s brother’s wife and three sons.
In the past, I had ordered an operation to sneak out of the ecliptic.
At that time, I heard a report that they escaped the imperial capital and went straight south to this place, but they finally arrived at the Crossroads.
***
The upper branch of Wintersilver, built in the heart of the Crossroads.
Guests were first brought here. Wearing a thick coat and a scarf, I quickly entered this place.
“majesty.”
At that time, a maid with ultramarine hair standing at the entrance of the building greeted me. A large sword is worn on the back.
Serenade’s exclusive escort, and an SSR-level swordsman in charge of the Lark family escape operation. It was Elise.
I was delighted and patted Elise’s shoulder.
“Elise! It’s been a lot of trouble. Were there any difficulties during the escape process?”
“The escape itself went without great difficulty. However, the road was quite long, so the VIPs had a bit of a hard time. Everyone is fine though.”
“There was no pursuit team?”
“There was, but it was removed.”
It was Elise who calmly spat out something strangely frightening.
Anyway, it seems that Elise came down with good protection, befitting one of the strongest characters among swordsman class characters.
After congratulating her repeatedly and smiling at such Elise, I suddenly tilted my head.
“Uh, come to think of it, what about Alberto? I thought you would come to say hello first when I come?”
“He came with me until the middle, but he returned to the ecliptic again. No matter what, he said that there should be a contact in the ecliptic… … .”
“That grandfather is really… .”
I clicked my tongue briefly.
Now, even the imperial capital will be engulfed in the flames of war, so it will never be safe. Alberto Lee seems to have returned there on his own accord.
Of course, it would be nice if there were cards left for us to use in the ecliptic. Still, the aged old man dared to take risks.
‘You’ll do fine. How much time have you accumulated as the chief chamberlain of the imperial palace?’
Still, I’m just a little worried… … .
“By the way, let’s go in.”
Elise gestured toward the inside of the building.
“My master is entertaining guests.”
Upon entering the building, a stylishly decorated and comfortable living room was revealed. It looks better decorated than the manor house… … ?
In this parlor, on a wide sofa, L’Arch’s wife and three sons were sitting huddled together, drinking hot tea.
Serenade is laughing softly, pouring tea for them and talking about what to do.
I cried as I entered.
“Brother-in-law!”
… I don’t know if this title is okay, but it’s Ash. I called him at ease. It’s because I’m quite ignorant of things like imperial etiquette.
“Oh my God, Your Highness Prince Ash!”
Fortunately, Lark’s wife did not seem to have any doubts.
Lark’s three sons who recognized me jumped up from their seats and shouted to me, ‘Uncle! Uncle!’
Haha, even if you stick around like that, I won’t give you any money.
After a short meeting, Serenade brought me a warm cup of tea as I sat on the sofa next to me.
Expressing gratitude with my eyes, I opened my mouth to Lark’s wife.
“It’s not even a mess up there, is it?”
Currently, the 1st Corps led by Lark and the Ecliptic Defense Force led by Fernandez form a front around the ecliptic and continue to retreat.
Surprisingly, the 1st Corps is having a hard time breaking through, and the Hwangdo Defense Army is continuing the lake rain.
The war situation has become entrenched, and news of the civil war between the two princes of Everblack is already spreading rapidly around the world.
‘What the hell is the emperor doing in this situation… … .’
The emperor, as he has been for the past few years, is at a loss.
It seems that they are continuing their battle against the alien gods that are invading from the spirit world.
No matter how much it is, how can you not be interested in this much when your country is getting into such a mess?
“yes. On the way to this point, I almost went through many troubles… … The whole country is in great confusion.”
Lark’s wife smiled boldly.
“But I believe it will be sorted out soon. The person who becomes my husband is someone who has the ability to do that.”
It was a voice of absolute trust in her husband. I also smiled at him.
“yes. I believe in you too. Everything will be over soon.”
Later, when Lark becomes emperor, this person will become empress, and one of these children may become the next emperor.
I should show you well. After all, I have to give you the money… … .
“… His Highness Prince Fernandez.”
At that time, Lark’s wife lowered her head and murmured softly.
“Why did you do this?”
“… .”
“also… Is it because of the throne?”
I didn’t answer.
as I said last time. I don’t know why Fernandez is doing this. I’m not interested.
I just know the situation in advance, so I use as much as I can.
After that, after talking about this and that, I stood up to say that you would be tired from the long journey, but to rest.
“I hope you will be comfortable here until the whole area is stabilized. When the situation improves, I will contact you right away so that I can take you.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness Prince Ash.”
And Lark’s wife stared at me. I smiled awkwardly.
“Well, why are you looking at me like that… ?”
“… No, because I really want to grow up. You used to be so small and cute, but now you’ve become a full-fledged adult.”
Come to think of it, Larc said that Ash often played with him when he was young. I must have hung out with this person who became Lark’s wife a few times.
I smiled and pointed at my nephews.
“These little ones will grow up quickly, just like me. No, like Brother Lark.”
“Whoops. My wife is a very nice knight, but she doesn’t have a cute taste.”
Giggling a joke, Larc’s wife took her sons into her arms.
“I want my children to be this cute forever.”
That’s too bad. Because children will grow up quickly. And like Lark, he will become a muscular man.
Will this cuteness disappear in an instant? Enjoy it to the fullest now.
After pinching the cheeks of my nieces and nephews and exchanging last glances with Mrs. Lark, I left the drawing room.
The serenade also followed me with gunfire.
“Thank you Serenade. For allowing us to have guests here.”
“It is an honor for me. And when you can form such a precious relationship, as a merchant, there is no reason to refuse.”
Serenade, who covered her mouth and smiled, tilted her head slightly.
“But, instead of enshrining them in the manor house, enshrining them here… Do you have a reason too?”
“… huh. I have something to worry about.”
Currently, five members of the Aegis task force are imprisoned in the Crossroad Central Prison.
All 5 people dispatched with Mason. All those whose status was specified were arrested and put in the central prison.
They said their purpose was simply to strengthen reconnaissance of the Crossroads… … .
‘I’m not a coward, so I’m sure you’ll believe that right away.’
In this situation where the civil war is intensifying, the first team, the best elite, has flocked to this corner of the countryside, which is not the Lark side, but has dared to declare its own path.
He must be trying to trick something. So what are you aiming for?
‘The biggest possibility is Lark’s wife and three sons.’
I secretly took the people whom Fernandez was trying to take as hostages out of the ecliptic.
What if Fernandez sent the first task force to kidnap them again? Then, the fisherman fits right in.
So, to protect them, I decided to have them stay here in the upper branch of Wintersilver.
This building is located in the center of Cross Road. In other words, all major military facilities, including barracks, are located right next to it.
It is more advantageous for defense than the manor house located slightly outskirts.
‘Now that we don’t know exactly what Fernandez is up to, all we can do is defend ourselves.’
He instructed them to strengthen the guards around the upper buildings of Wintersilver, increase the number of scouts inside the city, and make the identification of refugees coming from outside more stringent than before.
The most troublesome guys are in prison, and the extra spies that come in are protected as much as possible.
I can’t be completely relieved, but I think I’ve done everything I need to do.
When I explained the situation in a simple abbreviation, the serenade nodded while saying yes.
“We will set up security as thoroughly as possible on our side. For the time being, we plan to use Elise as their exclusive escort.”
“Thank you Serenade. Please take good care of me.”
I exhaled afterward.
In the future, many distinguished guests will come to Crossroads, and as there are many politically sensitive people involved, such conflicts behind the scenes will become more frequent.
‘I need to make sure to build a counterintelligence system… … .’
And build a hotel quickly.
It is also not common to spread out and sleep here and there whenever VIPs come. A hotel is all it takes!
While I was thinking about that, Serenade muttered softly as she looked toward the drawing room.
“Anyway, it’s nice to see a couple.”
“huh? uh yeah… … ?”
“Those who can firmly trust each other even when they are apart, believe in each other’s path, and remain firm in the face of danger… such a relationship. it’s awesome.”
“That’s right.”
“Above all, the children are cute… .”
Having said that, the serenade turned her silver eyes towards me.
I was heartbroken. what! What does that mean!
“majesty.”
Serenade stretched out her hand toward me.
Her long fingers touched my stiff, immobilized cheek—
“You have a fever again.”
He swept up and put his hand on my forehead.
I was dumbfounded, then jumped up a beat late and asked again.
“uh?! heat?! okay?! I have a fever?!”
“yes. The last time you were sick is better, and it hasn’t been long, so aren’t you overdoing it again? Apparently, he collapsed once during this campaign… … .”
“Who did you hear that from? I was keeping it a secret… … .”
“Dear Evangeline. I bought you some snacks, so you told me right away.”
Evangelii is this! I sold the firm trust between you and me for just a few snacks!
“Whoops, don’t blame Lady Evangeline too much. am i a merchant? It is also an information merchant that focuses on handling information, as Her Highness emphasized in the past. If sweets weren’t enough, I would have had to use something else to figure this out.”
The serenade he spat out calmly made him smile.
“Please don’t overdo it, Your Highness. Winter is just beginning and there are still battles to go through, right?”
“… .”
“I’m worried about the girl because you seem to be overcrowded these days.”
To be honest, after experiencing depletion of mana in the dungeon, I’ve been in poor condition.
But he even ate a dragon heart! And there are still piles of work to do. It’s a situation where you can’t stretch out because your condition is a bit bad.
Still, I couldn’t say that in front of Serenade’s staring gaze looking up at me with concern. I smiled bitterly and waved my hands.
“Okay, after this defense battle, catch me and get some rest. Don’t worry too much.”
***
And two days later, the morning of the monsters coming to the outpost.
Waking up at dawn, I touched my forehead like a fireball, checked the mucus dripping from my nose, and muttered softly.
“… Oh fuck.”
No, stop hurting! That’s why I’m more like a sunfish than Kuylan!
