I visited the princess with Arnella, and we were brought to the same room as before.
I took a seat, with Arnella standing behind me.
So far, so good, but…
Two Imperial Knights, elite among elites with assigned numbers, stood behind the princess who entered late. They were ranked second and fourth.
Considering the princess’s resources, this was the highest level of vigilance. To put it bluntly, these were people who could stop humans. They were equipped with the Empire’s finest armaments.
They had never been brought when meeting with me before. I thought I had earned enough trust.
Ranked second and fourth, they stood behind the princess, exuding an intimidating presence.
Arnella was completely cowed, but she tried her best not to show it. Admirable as always, but it was a mistake to bring her. Her legs were shaking.
As for me, I deliberately glared at the Imperial Knights with a displeased expression. This was to convey that if they attacked me on the princess’s orders, it was only natural to be wary of them.
If it came to a fight, I’d have to use some trump cards. They’re on par with me, albeit in a different way.
The princess cleared her throat, stopping the tense atmosphere between me and the Imperial Knights.
“Sorry about this, Sky Knight. There’s a reason I brought these two. I want to assure you that my trust in you hasn’t changed.”
“I see.”
I straightened up and shifted my gaze from the two behind her to the princess.
“Is the girl behind you an attendant?”
“Well, something like that.”
It was hard to say she was a slave. Though she probably knew that.
“If she can keep quiet, she can stay. What I’m about to discuss must not leave this room.”
Troublesome. And it seemed like a big one.
The atmosphere was heavier than when she asked me to subdue the dragon horde.
The princess handed me a piece of paper.
It depicted a beautiful woman with red hair. She was unfamiliar to me but seemed quite distinguished.
“Princess Rafa of the kingdom. She and I are of similar age, and despite the tensions between the kingdom and the empire, we maintained contact. A compassionate person, we often discussed the future of our countries when we met a few times a year.”
The princess spoke with a nostalgic look in her eyes. They must have been very close. I’d never seen her like this. A princess and a queen. Similar positions and ages. There must have been a lot to think about.
“In recent years, the kingdom has been in turmoil with the king bedridden, but Princess Rafa had stabilized it by solidifying her support base. However, I knew this was causing friction between factions…”
The princess took a sip of the prepared tea to wet her throat.
“Feeling the danger around her, Princess Rafa increased her security. Despite this, her guards were wiped out, and she was abducted two days ago. Simultaneously, a faction of the kingdom’s army staged a coup, throwing the kingdom into chaos. Our spies risked their lives to bring this information back.”
“That’s serious.”
It would be a major incident if it happened in our country. Even if the princess was captured by the coup forces, the remaining kingdom’s army would defeat them. At worst, the princess’s life might be lost.
Royalty’s lives are lighter than the nation. The kingdom still has other royals. It would be chaotic regardless of who wins.
The empire would support whichever side was more advantageous.
That would end it, but the fact that they specifically called me indicated the importance. The princess seemed well-supported and had connections with our princess. The best outcome for the empire was to safely rescue Princess Rafa and have her succeed the throne.
“It’s difficult for the imperial army to cross the border and rescue Princess Rafa. We are currently deploying troops at the border, but crossing it requires justification. However, adventurers are not bound by such limitations. Adventurers have no borders, as the guild says.”
Adventurers, essentially mercenaries, can easily cross borders due to their role.
“Go to the kingdom and rescue Princess Rafa.”
Whether this was the princess’s decision or her personal wish, she bowed her head to me. I didn’t miss the slight agitation of the two Imperial Knights behind her.
This wasn’t a job for adventurers. Although adventurers have no borders, they generally don’t interfere with national politics. Let alone rescuing royalty from another country.
Knowing this, she still chose to ask me. I contemplated the bowing princess and the knights behind her.
Arnella seemed anxious, repeatedly glancing at my face to see how I would respond.
This request was precisely because I could move freely and had the strength to confront an army. Refusing was not an option. Continuing my activities, this was unavoidable.
However, I had a very bad feeling about this.
The recent events involving the kingdom: the soldiers trying to incite the Orc Lord, the marquis’s daughter kidnapped by the red-hooded group, and the former deputy commander who imprisoned and tried to hand her over. The red-hooded group likely had ties to the kingdom.
Many recent incidents involved the kingdom. And now, their princess was kidnapped, and part of the army staged a coup.
It’s disjointed. If there’s a mastermind behind this, they’re not acting rationally. The outcome will definitely be disastrous.
Like the fanatical priest who tried to prove God’s existence by summoning an angel, taking the cathedral’s followers with him.
“…I’ll head there immediately. I’ll do my best, but I can’t guarantee Princess Rafa’s safety.”
“Thank you. I’ll leave the decision to retreat to you.”
We signed the paper detailing the request, formalizing it.
Well, I can’t take this through the guild.
I left the castle with Arnella and returned home. The location where Princess Rafa was abducted had already been identified.
After firmly warning Arnella to keep quiet, I quickly prepared my gear and set off. Noel’s eyes widened in surprise.
There’s no time. I used a precious teleport scroll to move to the kingdom’s border.
I wonder if this will be covered as an expense. These things are expensive.
