215 CHAPTER IX BEFORE WAR (iii) (1/2)

SIDE: Kite.

We're going to have to go to war with Leo now: ......

On the carriage ride home, I was nodding off.

These past two years I'd worked so hard to keep us out of this war, and now it had all been for nothing.

And I had no hope of winning against that Leo.

Huh, I'm done. .......

'Already!　Let it go and move on. This war could be very different depending on you.

Of course I know that. But I didn't expect the king to do something so unscheduled.

Elaine's right. There's no kingdom to be won if I don't do my best.

I've got to go for it.

But there's no way I'm going to change my mind right now.

That's true: ....... Father, did you notice what we were trying to do?

'I don't think that's possible: ....... How could that king be so devious?

You're working with Lambros. It was always your father's idea of a good time.

I guess so: ......

I don't think it's even Lambros: .......

Lambros, I've been feeling strangely frightened lately .

I don't know what's spooking him, but there's definitely something behind that guy.

Who the hell was that guy?　Could it be the former king?

The man said he liked it when the country was in turmoil.

Maybe he'd force a war.

Whoever asked for it, it's too late. Whatever it is, it's a war. Do you even have a plan in your head?

'Of course . It's just ...... to win, but I can't believe you're going to do that much .......

Yesterday, a messenger was sent by the kingdom's general to explain our mission.

I took offense to the inhumane idea of using bandits, but it was a bad idea for the messenger.

It wasn't his idea.

We are outnumbered and it's the only thing we can do. It's the only thing we can do.

It's true that no matter how hard we try, we can't win a head-to-head match.

I'm sure that Leo has no intention of going head-to-head with us.

Still, ...... no, I don't know if I need to say any more.

This is war. We'll have to accept it.

Hey, kite. ......

What?

You have to make it out alive.

Hélène's hand was shaking in mine as she said that.

That's right. There's no way Elaine isn't scared.

And yet, you've been so encouraging to me: .......

Hey, pull it together. Me!

Of course. We'll come back alive. Definitely. Don't worry.

He squeezed Hélène's hand back gently as he answered emphatically.

I'm going to be a father soon. I'm going to be a father soon.

Well, you're never going to die until you see your child.

Oh, right. Here, I'll give this back to you. I won't have time to give it to you when you get there.

Then he showed Hélène the necklace around her neck.

It was a necklace given to Hélène by her mother, from a loved one. It must be returned before the war.

The time has come at last. ......

Hélène had an indescribable look on her face as she looked at the necklace.

Even though she thought of it as a way to make up for her mother's disappointment, she still had the fear that she too might lose her beloved.

'I'm fine. It's not going to be what Elaine is worried about. No, I won't let it.

I'm scared too. But strangely enough, the thought of being here for Hélène gives me strength.

And I'm not gonna lose. And I'm even stronger than I was then. I'll give Leo a run for his money.

”Yeah. I think Kite can do it. I can't wait to hear about your exploits in King's Landing.

Look forward to it. I'm sure I'll do something to make Elaine happy.

Now that you're looking forward to it, I guess I'll just do my best.