Chapter 68
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Chapter 68
* * *
Not long before the departure ceremony, His Majesty summoned me, Claude, and the principal forces of the Subjugation Unit. It was to share a meal together and bolster morale.
Lucian and I stopped by the Temple before heading straight to the Imperial Capital, while Claude and the other Holy Knights gathered at the appointed place right after finishing their afternoon training.
"I'd like to hold a grand banquet to commemorate the departure, but since Marquis Agris, the commander, adamantly refused, there's nothing I can do. A simple dinner will have to suffice instead."
"A banquet can wait until after the subjugation is complete. It's not wise to indulge in entertainment before an important task, Your Majesty."
"Stiff as ever, I see."
His Majesty shook his head at Claude's response as if to say he couldn't help it.
"When you return, I promise to hold a grand celebration. With the young Prince of House of Bellomen and Miss Rilprey—such vital forces—joining us, we should finally be able to end this tedious conflict once and for all."
The Monster Forest subjugation had been conducted three times thus far.
The reason the subjugation wasn't conducted all at once but divided into multiple campaigns was simple.
Sunlight never reached the Monster Forest.
During scorching summers and freezing winters, more people were injured by the weather than by monsters. In summer, food spoiled and wounds became infected; in winter, frostbite and illness were rampant.
The monster population, barely reduced through bloody combat, would rebound to previous numbers after a single season passed.
Moreover, since Claude had abstained from subjugation for nearly a year while searching for his nephew, one could easily imagine how much the population had grown.
"Aunt, what does 'end' mean?"
"It means to finish something completely."
I whispered softly to Lucian, who was poking at my side.
"So that means you and Aunt can defeat all the monsters?"
"That's right."
"We must be really, really strong!"
"Lucian, shh."
I placed my index finger against Lucian's lips.
"Don't be so loud."
His Majesty gazed at Lucian with an affectionate gleam in his eyes.
"The two of you are indeed 'really strong,' as you say."
"Right?"
Lucian's voice grew slightly louder. He seemed delighted that His Majesty was playing along.
"Lucian."
"It's fine. His liveliness is pleasant to see."
His Majesty stopped me from quieting Lucian.
"Lucian, I have great expectations for you."
"Leave it to me! I'll purify everything with my abilities!"
"Yes. But the most important thing is your own safety. Never forget that."
"Understood!"
"The same goes for all of you. More important than subjugating monsters is returning safely without injury."
"We shall keep that in mind."
The Holy Knights bowed their heads respectfully.
"So then, what are the specific details of the subjugation plan?"
His Majesty changed the subject after moistening his throat with a sip of wine. His expression grew serious as he broached the concrete strategy.
"The Military Camp will be established at the entrance to the Monster Forest, as it has always been. We plan to divide the unit into two platoons—when the first platoon ventures out for subjugation, the second platoon will guard the camp."
Claude explained the subjugation plan to His Majesty.
The Subjugation Unit was composed, as in previous years, of ten knights, fifty soldiers, and three capable physicians.
The one difference was that the Holy Knights would not be joining us.
"We have forces who can sense demonic energy more clearly than anyone else."
There were a few Holy Knights who could sense demonic energy, but they did not react to it with the sensitivity I possessed. On days when their condition was poor, they sometimes couldn't sense demonic energy at all, and they frequently mistook mist for demonic energy.
"To prevent confusion, instead of bringing multiple Holy Knights, I intend to take only Miss Rilprey with us."
"A sound decision. The Temple folk are notoriously difficult to deal with, after all."
As His Majesty said, the Holy Knights were an exceptionally troublesome group. They insisted on offering prayers at set intervals, which delayed schedules as a matter of course, and they refused to touch meat while speaking very little.
Beyond that, various other matters were discussed across the table—the dates when supply provisions would arrive, the frequency of sending messenger birds, and more.
"Ah, and how do you plan to utilize the abilities of the Prince of Bellomen?"
"We plan to advance into the forest with Miss Rilprey leading the way. After suppressing the surrounding area and confirming a safe distance has been established, the Prince will exercise his purification ability."
"So the Miss and the Prince will move together."
"Yes."
This decision was made out of consideration for my anxiety regarding Lucian. Even if skilled knights stood at his side, I could not bear the unease of him being out of my sight.
"Prince of Bellomen."
"Yes?"
At the Emperor's call, Lucian set down his fork, having been crunching on an apple.
"How large an area can the Prince purify?"
"What do you mean by area?"
"It appears to be approximately one hundred square meters."
I answered on Lucian's behalf.
"The High Priest mentioned that at this rate of development, it won't be long before the purifiable area can be expanded further."
"Hmm, is that so? Last time he said it was thirty square meters. He's grown considerably in the meantime."
"Yes!"
Lucian nodded, his cheeks puffed out as he held the apple in his mouth without having finished chewing it.
"At that distance, purification from afar would be possible. The Prince should face no danger."
The Emperor smiled with relief.
However, I was not actually satisfied even with this.
How massive and terrifying the monsters were! And how swift they moved!
No matter how great the distance, I could not stop a monster that came charging forward at such speed. Lucian might be startled upon seeing a monster and fail to properly exercise his ability.
In my heart, I wished for Lucian to never face a monster at all.
But this was impossible unless Lucian could levitate in mid-air.
'If only Lucian had wings.'
Then he could purify comfortably from the sky without needing to fear the monsters' threat.
'Wait?'
Why hadn't I thought of this before?
"Aunt, Aunt. Could you hand me some grapes? My arms are too short to reach."
I could simply levitate Lucian in the air, couldn't I?
They said there were no flying-type monsters in the Monster Forest.
"Aunt?"
I studied Lucian's tilted head before shifting my gaze toward the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, could you spare a mage to assist us?"
* * *
Edwin sat at his desk in his room, working through the homework his tutor had assigned.
"Four plus eight is... I don't have enough fingers."
Edwin sighed as he stared at his ten spread fingers.
These days, Edwin was studying a variety of subjects under his tutors' instruction.
Beginning with the basic etiquette lessons expected of nobility, he progressed through Imperial language, horsemanship, social dancing, and fundamental mathematics—keeping himself frantically busy trying to meet the Duke of Bellomen's expectations.
Though the relentless stream of lessons and mountains of homework were taxing, the thought of making his father proud made anything bearable.
"I should ask Lucian to lend me some of his fingers."
Unlike his usual prickly demeanor, Lucian had been remarkably kind to Edwin lately.
Moreover, Lucian knew far more than Edwin did. It was only natural—while Edwin had missed out on basic education, Lucian had received comprehensive instruction since childhood.
But Edwin had no way of knowing this.
"Brother is so much smarter than me."
Edwin grabbed the paper with the math problem and a pen, then left his room.
"Should I pack only two sets of clothes for you to change into today?"
"Yes. Just make sure there are plenty of towels."
Unlike the leisurely morning, the Bellomen Mansion was in chaos. From the conversation, it seemed Lucella and Lucian were going out again.
"You're going out again?"
"Edwin."
I tapped his back, and Lucella turned from packing her things.
"Are you going to the Temple again today?"
"That's right. You're a clever one."
Even amid the rush, Lucella didn't forget to ruffle Edwin's hair. He treasured these small gestures of affection from her.
"But why?"
"I was going to ask Lucian to help me with my homework."
"Ah."
A look of regret crossed Lucella's face.
"What should we do? I need to leave soon. Would it be alright to ask the butler for help instead?"
"That works."
"I'm sorry. I'll play with you when I get back."
"Before sunset, right?"
Lucella and Lucian usually returned from the Temple before sunset.
If they were going to the Temple, they should be back before dark today, so we could have dinner together.
"Hmm, I think it might be later today."
At this unexpected answer, Edwin's head tilted in confusion.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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