114 [2-48] Same bed, different dreams. (1/2)

When Oswald returned after his meeting with Zithlan, the children who had been waiting anxiously for him greeted him like fish biting at a bait.

”Father. How is your highness?

Steve asked as if he were speaking for all of them.

Oswald replied with a difficult look on his face, rubbing the corners of his eyes.

...... is too good.

”What?

”You look determined and committed. You don't look like you've been coerced or feted in any way, shape or form.

”I hope so. I had hoped that Gislain had made up his mind to do this, rather than being used to further the ambitions of Marks, Marquis of Edfelt, but when Oswald told us, we were all taken aback.

It was so unexpected.

”Or perhaps your Highness is a good king.

Or perhaps your highness is a good king, a learned and thoughtful man who just needs to learn how to make decisions to run a country. ......

”So that's what you're saying now, isn't it? Father.

”But the Noah's Curiau army has left. If Johan ...... and Giresh Hattar are in league, I doubt that Prince Ghislain will be able to win.

Gislain will become king and unite the country. If there is hope for such a future, that's a good thing.

Even if he is qualified to be the king, he can't be the king if his backers don't work. Even if he were to become king, he would only be a source of turmoil.

The Marquis of Edfelt seems to be trying to make a deal with the Holy Kingdom of Diretta, but it's highly likely that he won't make it in time.

Either way, what we're doing here is the same. ”In any case, what we will do here remains the same. If the Rose Princess of Hell is coming, I will protect this city and your highness.”

Oswald's gray eyes shone piercingly.

Oswald has several knights with him as guards, in addition to his own children. He has been asked by Marks to lead them in the defense of the city.

The lords are the king's knights. A candidate for the crown prince has no right to represent his country, but since he's there, it makes sense to protect him.

”Steve. Priscilla. You're in a position where you don't need to be. If ......

Hey, hey, hey!　You smell like water, old man.

Steve cut off Oswald's words.

Steve interrupted Oswald, made a bump on his log-like arm, and yanked it off with a nice little clunk.

I don't see how I can just walk away and let my dad go!　He can't fight properly without us, right?

You're right. You're right. Besides, isn't it even more dangerous to leave the city and run away now?

I'll fight too. To protect your father, Catherine, and the people.

Priscilla also put her hand on the holy seal on her overhanging chest and said so as if praying with dignity.

The Marquis may have gotten what he deserved, but the people of the city are the ones who will be sacrificed when the Rose Princess of Hell attacks. I don't like the idea of abandoning them.

”I wanted to be a priest and dedicated myself to the temple, not the Count's family. But I have not abandoned my duty as a native of the Earl of Keighley.

”Thank you, both of you, .......

Oswald's eyes narrowed as he contorted his stern face.

He seemed both grateful and apologetic, as if he felt guilty that they had left their home to fight for the Count's family.

After all, this was going to be a fight that could kill them.

But, father, ...... can you win?　Even the Royal Knights were defeated, right?

I like to think we have a chance. The holy beasts left behind by Noah Curio's army, the best adventuring party in the country, and the survivors of the Second Order may not be ...... numerous, but with this lineup, they can compete with the top undead.

”Father, I am ......!

I'm going to follow you into battle.

You want me to follow you into battle?　I can't. What's the point? What can I do?

You want me to take care of Rene?　I don't know if I can. Catherine doesn't know what to do with Rene. What can she do with him? And Oswald and his team will be risking their lives to fight Rene.

...... Where should I hide?

It was as if blood was spitting out of his mouth instead of his voice.

She said she was going to save him, but in the end, that was all she could do.

”Let me stay in the chapel in the castle. The undead won't be able to get to that place, and there's a way out if we need to.

”All right. Father, sister and brother, ...... please be careful.

My heart was aching.

”Thank you for coming.

”Thank you for coming, spear spear!”

Marks personally went to the forecourt of the castle and welcomed the ”spear”.

Around him, there were many adventurers who responded to Marks' arrival. All of them looked at the ”best party in the country” with a complicated look of admiration or jealousy.

The leader, Zeft, a fighter.

Cain, the big man in armor who looks like a tank.

Claire, a stylish wizard with shining glasses.

Albina, a priestess with a rustic air.

Chenxi, a female grappler dressed in imperial attire.

Low-ranking adventurers all wore the same kind of equipment, but if they were as good as the ”spear of the lower limb”, each piece of equipment was a one-of-a-kind piece with its own special design.

Cain's armor was ornamented with reliefs like religious paintings, and Chen Shi's colorful, red-colored robe reminded one of a fairy or a spirit living in a fantasy world.

But most of all, they are confident in their own abilities and take pride in being the strongest party in the country. It was this mentality that made the ”spear of sub-zero spear” so impressive.

I am very heartened that the strongest party in Ciel-Teira is willing to lend its support. Please help me for the future of this country. ......

”My Lord Marquis.

Zeft did not take Marks hand when Marks offered his hand for a handshake, but looked at Marks intently. Marks became cowered.