When the dust from the explosion near the castle gate was blown away by the wind, the knights who were still conscious had their eyes widen at the sight.

They had thought for sure that some of their comrades would be injured……or worse, dead. However, while they were covered in dust, they didn’t show any signs of serious injury.

Instead, Tilleyle’s knights were holding their shield up to protect them.

Looking at the scene before them, it was obvious what had happened.

「They……they saved them?」

A knight murmured to himself.

He hadn’t intended anyone to hear it, but the next moment, a voice spoke from nearby, stopping him in his tracks in surprise.

「It’s not like we’re trying to kill you guys, so it’s only natural, right?」

「Vihera-sama!?」

When the knight recognised the voice, he reflexively turned to face it, where he saw the mage, lying on the floor, and Vihera.

「Seriously. I understand that mages are rare, but are they still useful if they cause this much confusion? It seems like they’re just exposing their friends to needless danger.」

「Hah-hah. That is……he was introduced by a noble and, as you can see from his magic, he has a certain level of strength. As for his personality, it can be corrected as we go.」

「I see. Well, from what I’ve seen, it looks like it’s going to be a lot of trouble, I hope you’ll do your best.」

「Thank you very much.」

They conversed peacefully, even though they had been fighting each other just a few minutes ago.

As they were talking, Vihera suddenly reached out and placed her hand on the knight’s armour……

「Huh-!」

Hearing a voice filled with fighting spirit, a shock passed through the knight’s body.

「……Eh?」

The knight began to lose consciousness without understanding what had happened.

「You lose points for being too considerate of someone you’re fighting against.」

As he heard Vihera’s words, the knight blacked out completely.

「Well, something unexpected did happen, so I guess all their focus was on that.」

Looking at the unconscious knight on the ground, Vihera muttered as she glanced around.

The only people still conscious in the area were herself, Tilleyle, and his knights.

Normally, since this was the castle entrance, it would be more crowded. However, since the fighting tournament finals were currently being held, most people that would have been in the castle had gone there.

Of course, there was still a certain level of personnel present in case something happened, but it was safe to say that the security was much more relaxed than usual.

「Tilleyle, is it correct to say this has drawn the attention of those inside the castle?」

Vihera asked as she looked at all the knights lying on the ground, looking like dead bodies, but really just unconscious. Tilleyle nodded as he ordered his knights to carry all the unconscious people to under shade.

「That’s right. With such a commotion, I’m sure they would have noticed. In other words, it’s the same as drawing their attention to us.」

「Well then. Let’s hope Theorem will do his part well. Let’s get a little more violent.」

「It’s true that I’m happy to see Vihera-sama’s beautiful combat, but……is this really okay with you?」

「If things continue as they are, we might end up in a civil war, so it’s better to reduce the enemy’s strength as much as possible.」

Civil war might occur. Even though she said that, Vihera couldn’t bear to leave the unconscious knights out in the heat, so she just let Tilleyle’s knights move them all into the shade.

To Vihera, an enemy meant someone worth fighting.

As an admirer of Vihera, Tilleyle didn’t object to her decision and nodded. Rather, unless it was something he completely disagreed with, he wouldn’t object to Vihera’s decisions.

「Understood. Let’s go then. Where are we heading?」

「…..That’s right. I want to go to that kid’s place……」

「As one might expect.」

Why bother telling their opponent what their goal was when they had already drawn the attention of all the forces in the castle? Tilleyle spoke with that meaning in mind, but what he got back was a wry smile from Vihera.

「I understand your intentions, Tilleyle. I can also see that you are thinking with that kid’s safety in mind. …..But, I’m sure they’re not convinced my rampage here isn’t just some diversion to rescue him. It might have been a different story if it was Theorem here instead of you.」

Vihera glanced at Tilleyle with a smile as she continued speaking.

「However, Theorem is heading to that kid’s location separately from us. In that case, isn’t it fine for us to also head there while attracting everyone’s attention?」

「……That may certainly be the case. But, if that happens, there’s a risk that Theorem will be found out, right?」

「I guess. However, the level of defense in the castle is lower than usual right now. Since that’s the case, it would be better to join up with them, increase our overall strength, and escape from here. Don’t you think?」

That was enough to convince Tilleyle.

The knights and armies of the Third Prince’s faction as well as the forces of the nobles who had sent troops in response to Vihera’s request were waiting in a location far from the capital.

Of course, they didn’t have enough strength to stand against the whole Bestir Empire. There hadn’t been much time before the start of the fighting tournament, so the combat force they could gather was limited.

Although there were many people supporting Vihera to the point where it could be called the Second Princess’ faction, it was still safe to say that their forces were small.

If the Bestir Empire’s nominal strength was 20, theirs would be less than 1……or about that level.

Still, it was already quite good for Tilleyle to have gathered that many people.

Vihera was a princess who had run away from the empire. The fact that so many people had gathered for her, despite knowing that they would probably be executed if they lost and were caught, just went to show how good her charisma was.

(They’re just like me.)

Tilleyle, who was the most infatuated with Vihera, thought to himself before nodding back to Vihera.

Although he had various concerns, with Vihera’s strength……and himself, they should be able to deal with any opponent within the castle.

(It seems like our actions were read, but even so, they couldn’t have guessed that Vihera-sama was with us. And if so, even if there is a military force within the castle, they won’t be able to responded. Is that right? No, since the order was given to arrest me, have they already determined that I……and Vihera-sama are cooperating with Theorem? Or……?)

Vihera moved forward quickly, leaving Tilleyle where he was in his own confused thoughts.

Her destination was a room at the back of the castle that was used to keep people of high status under house arrest.

「Vihera-sama, please wait. Even if you go ahead, you won’t be able to do it alone……」

「Oh? You think there’s someone in this castle who can match me? Well, if there is, I’ll probably enjoy it.」

Even though she knew that her younger brother’s life was at stake, she still wanted to fight someone strong. This was what lied in the core of Vihera.

Knowing that there was no point in saying anything more and also wanting to witness Vihera fighting up close, Tilleyle just led his knights after her.

The knights also seemed aware of Tilleyle’s personality and his infatuation with Vihera. They all had a small smile on their faces as they followed after them.

In the end, all that was left near the castle gate was a large number of unconscious knights and one mage.

Furthermore, all of them had been carried into the shade to avoid the midday heat, so there was no doubt their pride would be crushed in various ways when they regained consciousness.

 

 

Vihera continued to march majestically through the castle. Tilleyle walked right behind here, keeping an eye out of anyone who might try to attack Vihera.

The knights walking behind the two of them smiled bitterly at their master’s, Tilleyle’s, feelings for Vihera.

「Your Highness Vihera?」

At that moment, Vihera, who was walking at the front of the group, heard a voice and stopped.

In front of her was a familiar man. The tall man weighed well over 100kg and his forehead was covered in sweat despite the magic items used to blow cool air within the castle.

「Aktor, it’s been a while. You look like you’re sweating a lot, why don’t you lose some weight? You look even heavier than before I left the country.」

「Hahaha. It’s tough. But, no matter how much I try to lose weight, it’s hard with so much delicious food around.」

Vihera smiled wryly at Aktor, who replied while wiping the sweat off his forehead.

Behind Vihera, Tilleyle’s expression distorted slightly.

To Tilleyle, who loved art, men like Aktor went against his aesthetic sense.

The only reason why he didn’t interject was because Vihera was speaking.

 

 

 

「Anyway, it seems like you’ve come back to the castle after such a long time……that said, isn’t that provocative outfit a bit off-putting for a princess?」

Aktor said that because Vihera’s clothes were transparent enough that they could almost be seen through. However, his grinning expression seemed to be completely opposite of his words.

However, Vihera was used to such gazes. In response to Aktor’s question, she just shrugged as she spoke.

「I’m no longer a princess. So it doesn’t matter if I dress as I like, right?」

His eyes were drawn to the sight of Vihera’s voluptuous mounds swaying as she shrugged, but Aktor continued speaking with a smile on his face.

「Then, why is Vihera-sama, who ran away from the country, here? Could it be you’ve decided to come back? If that’s the case, I will intercede with His Majesty the Emperor.」

「Unfortunately, that is not the case. ……Well, I’m sure you know. That kid is under house arrest.」

The moment the words ‘house arrest’ came out of Vihera’s mouth, she felt for a moment……yes, for a moment, that Aktor’s gaze sharpened.

When Tilleyle saw that, he showed and expression of surprise.

That was because Tilleyle had the impression that Aktor was a man fixated on only women and food.

Yet, for some reason, he had a certain level of popularity among the maids, other women, and the general public, and incomprehensible existence.

「His Highness Mercurio, is it?」

「Yes. I’m told he might be in various dangers, so it would be pitiful to keep him locked up forever, right? So I thought I’d let him out for a bit.」

At her words, which made it seem like it was nothing, Aktor gave a dismissive sigh.

Seeing that, Tilleyle raised his eyebrows before focusing his attention on Vihera, as if it didn’t matter.

However, Aktor’s gaze was now sharper than it was just a few seconds ago……just looking at him gave off a sense of pressure.

Yes. It was so impressive that it was hard to believe he was a prodigal noble who was obsessed with beautiful women and gourmet food.

「The fact that Viscount Bugle is here……is that what it means?」

「Yes. That is what it is.」

It was a simple exchange of words, but as long as they both understood, it was enough.

「If you don’t do it right, it might lead to a civil war, you know?」

「If they hadn’t acted like they were trying to kill that kid, it wouldn’t have turned out like this.」

「Even if that is what His Majesty the Emperor has in mind?」

「Yes. I certainly understand my father’s thoughts. But that doesn’t mean I can overlook the act of killing my younger brother, who shares blood with me. Besides, I myself have no interest in the imperial throne, but that’s what that kid wants. Since that’s the case, you don’t mind cooperating, right?」

The current Vihera spoke resolutely, filled with the dignity of a member of the royal family.

Combined with her mismatched outfit, she left a strangely powerful impression on Aktor.

However, Aktor forcibly stopped his train of thought that was drawn to Vihera as he spoke.

「I see, I’m very disappointed. I’ll stand back for now. After all, as you can see, I’m not very good at moving my body. But……the next time we meet, it might be on the battlefield.」

After saying that, Aktor bowed respectfully and left while wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Vihera watched him leave with a satisfied smile.

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