Even though Valère is fast, he can’t instantly move from the Empire to the Kingdom like I can.
In the meantime, I returned to the academy.
If I’m going to act as the Sword Saint and the Great Sage, Roy the failed noble is a hindrance.
I recall the map Valère had spread out in my mind.
If one goes straight from the port to the capital.
This academy lies just before the capital.
If enemies approach the capital, this academy will likely act to hold them back.
There isn’t a base in the surrounding area, or rather within the Grand Duchy, that has more military strength than this academy.
Even if the students don’t participate, the elite teachers alone are a considerable force.
If that’s the case, staying here means I’ll have to keep acting as Roy.
I don’t have that luxury.
Valère said he would notify the Grand Duchy on his way to the Kingdom.
In the Grand Duchy, this academy is the next most important location after the capital.
A messenger should arrive soon.
Once that happens, I’ll start moving.
I stayed in my room, waiting patiently.
For that moment.
And then, it came.
“Brother! Something terrible has happened!”
Rena burst into the room, unusually flustered.
I got up from the bed where I had been lying down.
“What’s wrong?”
“A messenger just arrived… It seems the Imperial Army has infiltrated the Grand Duchy and is moving to capture the capital!”
“The Imperial Army in the Grand Duchy? Isn’t that a false report?”
“No, it’s confirmed information from the Twelve Heavenly Magicians of the Empire! The academy is abuzz with the news!”
I expected Rena to come to me as soon as she heard the news.
That’s why I stayed in my room.
Now I can move without any reservations.
“If it’s reliable information, there’s only one thing to do.”
“Yes! The academy is preparing for defense! However, the third-year students of the high division are out for practical training, so…”
“Even if they were here, it wouldn’t make much difference. If the Imperial Army is serious about capturing the capital, they must be prepared to break through the academy’s resistance. This place gathers the elite of three nations, after all.”
As I spoke, I got out of bed and started to get ready.
Not preparing for classes, but preparing to leave the academy.
“Brother…?”
“Get ready. We’re going to inform Father.”
“Eh…?”
“We don’t know when the enemy will arrive. We should inform Father quickly. Although a messenger will likely be sent from the capital, Father is often underestimated. It’s faster if we tell him ourselves.”
“But…”
Rena hesitated, lost for words.
I understood what she wanted to say.
“Don’t worry. The academy won’t make the students fight. They are valuable resources. The students from the Kingdom and the Empire will likely be evacuated, and those of us from the Grand Duchy will be sent outside as well.”
“I understand. However… If the two of us head to the territory, the people of Baron Luvell’s house will be seen as cowards.”
“Let them think what they want.”
“Even if you don’t mind, Brother, I can’t accept that! I can’t stand our house being spoken ill of, even if it’s me being mocked! Father always thinks about the country!”
Rena said, looking at my face.
She usually obeys what I say.
But she couldn’t follow me this time.
She may not show it, but she seems to have been frustrated by the things said about the Luvell Baron family.
This is troublesome.
I planned to take her to the territory and make an excuse not to accompany Father.
Well, it’s not all bad.
If Rena stays behind, I can move as the Sword Saint and the Great Sage without worrying about being seen.
Still, I’m concerned. Leaving Rena in a potentially dangerous place is worrisome.
“If I stay, no one will say Brother ran away. I can protect the honor of the Luvell Baron family.”
“Your resolve is commendable, but even if you stay, people will talk. Let them say what they want.”
“I can argue back! Even if Brother doesn’t care, I want to respond! I’ve already decided!”
With that, Rena bowed and ran off.
Chasing her would waste time.
Rena is an excellent student.
She won’t fall behind the Imperial soldiers.
Still, leaving her in a potential battlefield is unsettling.
If it comes to it, I’ll drop everything to rescue her.
“A rebellious phase for the cute little sister?”
“Something like that. She was always an obedient child.”
“I think she’s just being a doting sister.”
Yukina-san, who had come to the room, said with a small laugh.
She held a sword in her hand.
“Are you staying too?”
“Yes, I have a duty to uphold the treaty of the three nations.”
“Honestly, it’s like trying to put out a fire with a cup of water.”
“Even so. My presence here has meaning. It’s easy to escape. Many are already preparing to flee. But… I came to this academy to protect my homeland. That means fighting the Empire. I can’t run away. My resolve to protect my homeland isn’t that weak.”
“That’s admirable. But the plan was for students to fight when they’re fully grown. They might not be strong enough now. Running is a valid option. The academy won’t force the students.”
“That may be true. But the enemy won’t wait. If we wait to become strong, we’ll never fight. Since deciding to become the Sword Saint, I’ve resolved to face strong opponents. Without that resolve, I can’t become the Sword Saint. You can’t trust someone who runs from stronger foes.”
Yukina-san spoke naturally.
It wasn’t forced.
She truly believed what she was saying.
Her mentality was far beyond that of other students.
She had the mindset of a warrior on the front lines.
“Leave Rena to me. I’ll protect her.”
“I’d prefer if both of you escaped.”
“Not an option. If we let them pass, the capital will fall. The alliance of the three nations will collapse. Buying time here is crucial. Reinforcements will come. I’ll hold out until then.”
Yukina-san understood the importance of this place.
She predicted the Empire’s intentions from their target on the capital.
Therefore, buying time here was essential.
But…
“I’ll lead Father here, but… we can’t be sure it will make a difference. Reinforcements will come, but we don’t know if they’ll be decisive. Can you still fight?”
“I don’t know about the Empire, but I know the Kingdom well. Our king understands the importance of the alliance. He will surely send reinforcements. Until then, I’ll defend this place as the representative of the Kingdom.”
“If you have such resolve, I won’t say more. But… don’t be reckless. My father is the best commander of the three nations. If he comes, we can buy plenty of time.”
“I expect so.”
Yukina-san smiled.
I passed by her and left the room.
There, she asked.
“Can I ask something?”
“What?”
“Will Roy-kun come?”
“If I have the energy.”
I gave a short reply and walked away.
This freed me from having to act as Roy.
There are many concerns…
I can only deal with them one by one.
