Going back a short while in time, just before Vihera and Tilleyle went crazy at the front gate.

Near the castle’s back entrance were Theorem, his adjutant, Cyanus, and five others dressed as servants.

The five were dressed as servants to avoid drawing attention, but their true identities were knights of the Third Prince’s faction.

Since Vihera and Tilleyle were taking their time to enter the castle majestically as a diversion, it was only natural for them to be dressed as inconspicuously as possible.

In fact, whether it was Theorem or Cyanus, they had a long sword at their waists, but no armour, just ordinary clothes.

While Vihera drew all the attention, they would rescue their captured lord.

And, the first step of many was to sneak into the castle via a back entrance.

「……Theorem-sama, isn’t it late?」

「Since it’s Keuken, I hope something hasn’t gone wrong.」

「That’s right. Hey, do you remember? When we tried to raid that bandit hideout before at night……」

「I do, I do. It was hilarious. ……I don’t know why she’s like that, even though her strength isn’t bad.」

Theorem glanced over at his subordinates, who were exchanging words without being overheard by the other around them, and paid them no attention……no, rather he smiled with satisfaction.

They didn’t seem nervous at all, even though they were about to sneak into the castle and raid the location where the Third Prince was being kept under house arrest, so they were definitely reliable.

Of course, it wasn’t like they didn’t feel anxious at all about sneaking into the castle. In fact, they understood the seriousness of it all.

However, they weren’t nervous because they believed in their leader, Theorem, and, above all else, they were looking forward to rescuing Mercurio, the Third Prince and their lord.

「……Seriously, my subordinates are too good for me.」

「Is that so? In fact, I think it’s because we’re under Theorem-sama that we have all these people.」

Cyanus, who was waiting close by, spoke without any change in her expression.

Seeing that, the corner of Theorem’s lips curved into a smile.

Although his expression didn’t change much, he still understood the feelings Cyanus held for his subordinates, based on his long standing relationship with her.

That said, Cyanus didn’t seem to find it amusing. Although her face remained expressionless, she turned to look a Theorem with a somewhat sullen look.

「Is anything wrong?」

「No, it’s nothing.」

As Cyanus responded, Theorem suddenly reacted toa presence on the other side of the door.

「Well, that’s enough of taking it easy. Looks like she’s arrived.」

When Theorem said those words, the conversations ended as if the previous discussion had all been an illusion. Each of them focused up and readied their minds.

If everything went according to plan, the back door would open and Keuken would be the one to appear. However, they were dealing with the upper echelons of the Empire. In other words, it wouldn’t be strange for knights and soldiers to be waiting for them when the door opened.

With those thoughts in mind, they waited for the door to open……and with a slight creak, it started to move, causing a moment of tension for Theorem and the others.

「Sorry to keep you waiting……uh, what’s wrong?」

Keuken, dressed as a maid, appeared from the door.

Theorem’s group let out a sigh of relief at the sight.

「No, it’s nothing. So, what’s going on inside?」

Hearing Theorem’s words, Keuken seemed a little puzzled as she immediately started explaining.

「As expected, it’s the finals of the fighting tournament, so many people have gone there. The security inside the castle itself seems to be much looser than usual. However, there is a slight problem……」

Theorem felt a little offput by the way Keuken seemed hesitant.

She couldn’t replace Theorem, but his adjutant, Cyanus spoke up in his place.

「More precisely?」

「……Four knights are waiting near the place where His Highness Mercurio is under house arrest. They are also quite skilled. Up until yesterday, there was no such thing.」

「I see. So His Highness Kabajid read our actions and took his own?」

「Probably. However, if it’s what Cyanus-sama is thinking, our military strength is too weak. If they are serious about preventing the rescue of His Highness Mercurio, I am sure they will have not just knights, but skilled guards.」

「I guess so.」

In the back of Cyanus’ mind, she thought of the serious woman who loved to train and the somewhat childish man with top notch skills. A few other faces popped into her mind as well.

If Kabajid was serious about stopping their actions, there was no doubt that they would have such skilled people on hand.

It was true that many of the knights who served the Bestir Empire were skilled, but even so, it wasn’t enough for a few of them to deal with someone like Theorem and herself.

That was what Cyanus’ was thinking, but suddenly a hand was placed on her right shoulder.

Turning around, she saw Theorem standing there.

「No matter what we think now, it won’t change anything. In any case, the task now is to rescue His Highness Mercurio. Vihera-sama will probably start the diversion soon. We’ll take advantage of that opportunity to move.」

「……You’re right. Thinking too much and getting stuck here is putting the cart before the horse. Let’s go then. Keuken, please guide us.」

Cyanus nodded at Theorem and called out to Keuken.

Hearing her name called out, Keuken nodded before inviting everyone in through the back door.

At that moment, not just the knights, but also Theorem, let out a faint sigh of relief at the coolness that was completely different from the heat outside.

The temperature outside was high enough that it was hard to believe it was autumn. It was much nicer to be inside the castle, which was cooled to a comfortable temperature by magic items.

They stayed like that for a few seconds. Taking a deep breath to adjust his body to the atmosphere inside the castle, Theorem looked silently at his subordinates before nodding.

The other nodded back and followed Keuken as she led them through the castle.

As it was the fighting tournament’s finals, there weren’t many people left in the castle. They managed to move without meeting any nobles.

Occasionally, they would pass by some maids who appeared to be Keuken’s colleagues, but they all assumed that they were here for work when they saw Theorem and Cyanus and left with a quick glance and no words.

As they continued walking through the castle……before long, they started to hear a commotion of sorts.

「Looks like Vihera-sama has started.」

Everyone nodded at Theorem’s murmurs.

Keuken, who was the one to infiltrate the castle, had not been told the details of the operation……specifically, who would be causing the diversion, and her eyes widened when she heard Vihera’s name.

「Vihera-sama……」

「That’s right. That aside, let’s speed up. If Vihera-sama starts going wild, the castle is going to get very noisy.」

「Understood. I’ll hurry up a bit.」

Nodding in response, Keuken proceeded through the castle with Theorem and the others in tow.

After about five minutes, they didn’t even see any more maids, probably because they were quite far into the castle.

「We’re almost there.」

「Yeah. ……No, I think we’re a bit late.」

Theorem nodded at Keuken’s words before looking ahead and seeing two knights walking down the hallway towards them.

They were not looking at Keuken in her maid outfit……but at Theorem, who was standing behind her.

Eventually, the approaching knights stopped and spoke with a nervous expression on their face.

「Theorem-sama, what is your purpose here?」

「You know who I am? In that case, would it be fine to let me pass in silence?」

As he replied to the knight, he quietly signaled to his subordinates behind him with his hands behind his back.

Take advantage of the opportunity and neutralise them. The knights nodded at the order……

「I’m sorry, but I have received orders from above to not let Theorem-sama pass through here.」

「Oh? Is that because……the person ahead is my lord, His Highness Mercurio?」

At the same time as his words, Theorem’s subordinates, who had been waiting for an opportunity, suddenly stepped forward.

The knights had to have some idea what was going on since Theorem had come this far back into the castle, but they were clearly surprised to hear him clearly state that the Third Prince was under house arrest in a room further back……and that proved to be a critical opening.

They quickly ran over to the two knights, covered their mouths to prevent them from shouting while the others swung their swords to the back of their necks.

Normally, the quickest way to knock them out would have been to strike them in the stomach. But, as knights, they all wore half plate, and their torsos were covered in armour.

Since that was the case, the next easiest way would have been to break their necks, but even if they were now enemies, Theorem didn’t want to do something like that to his countrymen.

(If Her Highness Vihera were to ask about it, would she call us naive? ……No, Her Highness Vihera only likes fighting, not killing. In fact, she would probably say it can’t be helped with a wry smile……or something like that.)

With a slight smile on his face, Theorem pushed the unconscious knights into a nearby empty room.

「Keuken, are these two part of the knights you were talking about?」

Keuken nodded, affirming Theorem’s thoughts.

「I see. Then we’ll clean them up quickly, Cyanus.」

「Yes. No matter how skilled they are, if it’s only this level, it would be difficult to neutralise them. Especially if there are only two left.」

Theorem’s subordinates smiled as Cyanus plainly stated her words without any change in expression, knowing that it meant their skills had been recognised.

However, their expressions soon disappeared as they left the room.

(Soon……yes, very soon. We will come to your aid, Your Highness Mercurio.)

As they left the room and continued down the hallway, Keuken, who was walking in front, suddenly waved her hand to alert those behind her.

Theorem, Cyanus, and the others stayed silent as they carefully surveyed their surroundings……and before long, they noticed fait voices coming from a room at the end of the hallway.

「Well, if possible, I would have liked to watch the fighting tournament as well. After all, what is there to do in a place like this?」

「Hey, you must have heard about it beforehand, right? There are people working to rescue His Highness.」

「Hah, you say people, but it’s that bastard Theorem, isn’t it? The fallen hero who ran away from the Spring War.」

「I’m telling you, we’ll ahve to do something when that fallen hero comes. You do know that, right?」

「It’s fine, it’s fine. Nothing will happen.」

Hearing such a conversation take place, veins appeared on everyone’s foreheads, except for Theorem.

Cyanus didn’t appear to be angry, but the pressure on the others around her was clearly increasing.

At their current rate, they would be found out soon. Theorem quickly sent out a signal with his hands, knowing that it would be bad to leave his angry subordinates alone.

Following the signal, each of them prepared to rush into the room.

「……」

Seeing Theorem nod silently, Keuken immediately threw the door open.

「Hm? What, you’re back……」

The knight inside must have thought that his fellow knights, who had gone out on patrol, had returned. That was his initial response, but he looked stunned for a moment upon seeing Keuken, wondering why a maid was in this place.

Compared to him, the other knight was much faster to react. As soon as he saw Theorem’s figure behind Keuken, he reached for the sword at his waist.

However……even if it was just for a moment, being caught off guard by Keuken’s appearance proved fatal.

By the time the knight’s hand touched the hilt of his long sword, Cyanus was already standing next to him, slaming her sword into his neck and knocking him out.

The other knight that had been stunned by Keuken was pinned down by Theorem’s subordinates as Theorem himself pointed his sword at the knight.

The fact that there had been almost no noise during all this just went to show how skilled in combat Theorem’s subordinates were.

「……Well, I’m the fallen hero you were talking about.」

「Y-You really think you can come to a place like this……you think you can just do this and get away with it!?」

「Well, who knows. It certainly doesn’t seem like we’ll be able to get away no issues.」

Even though he said that, Theorem had a suspicious that Kabajid, who had deployed these knights here, had no intention of letting them get away so easily to begin with.

Kabajid had wanted to make the danger of assassination clear, to force Mecurio out of the castle and give a reason to justify taking him down.

However, as there was a real risk of assassination inside the castle, Theorem had no choice but to make a move.

「That’s enough about me. Rather……could you please tell me where His Highness Mercurio is?」

At Theorem’s question, the knight glanced towards a door in the room for a moment……a different door from the one Theorem’s group had come in through.

Although it had only been a reflexive response, it didn’t take long for Theorem to realise where his lord was.

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