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100. Beggar Siblings – Epilogue

“Princess, don’t worry. The Prince will be safe.”

“…”

Princess Lena was restless, unable to sleep, pacing in her room, worried about the Prince heading toward the royal castle with the knights.

“You saw the knights that left with the Prince earlier, right? They’re going to guard him well. Plus, that’s not all. There are more knights who left earlier.”

“Still… why did my brother insist on going himself? Couldn’t he have left it to the knights?”

“Well…”

Jenia Jaqueri was at a loss for words.

She didn’t know why the prince had insisted on going himself. Prince Leo was unwavering, even despite the knights’ objections.

He insisted he had to go.

He seemed overwhelmed with emotion. It felt like he had lost his composure when the moment for revenge arrived.

‘But he is still young after all.’

The prince, who seemed to have endured through many trials, had a gentle disposition, yet there was a certain dryness about him.

His youthful vigor seemed worn down, like it had been dulled over time.

With the prince being stubborn, the knights felt they had no choice. There was also the reason that the royal knights would be confused if they saw the prince…

“It seems the prince was in a hurry. He’s returning after more than ten years, after all. Please understand him.”

“…”

“When you wake up, the prince will have prepared the castle for you. I assure you, this is absolutely not a futile fight.”

Though Jenia smiled kindly to comfort her, Lena forced a bitter smile.

– Just wait.

I couldn’t help my brother in the end.

As always, I had nothing to do, and he would undoubtedly accomplish it himself. There was just a day left until he would return home with a huge burden.

And the one protecting that burden was none other than…

“Jenia.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Weren’t you eager to go too? Did you stay back because of me? All the other knights seemed excited…”

Lena recalled how Bart hummed a tune. Bart and his companions had been smiling brightly for several days while living in this hideout.

“Why are you all in such a good mood?” — When I asked, they replied it was because they were on the verge of a glorious moment.

So Jenia had missed out on that moment because of me.

“I am the princess’s guard knight. That is my duty, and I am happy to protect you, Your Highness.”

Jenia Jaqueri, who yearned for adventure, deflected the princess’s questions with ease.

It was regrettable. Not being part of a historical moment was indeed disappointing. It would be a lie to say it wasn’t at all disappointing. However, the prince had earnestly requested me to protect the princess, and this was a significant matter.

Whether her answer was comforting or not, Lena brightened her frown.

“…I understand. Then I will go to sleep.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I will see you tomorrow.”

Lena entered her room again to sleep, while Jenia sat near the lobby’s hearth, passing time.

A historic night was passing.

She watched the crackling flames and thought, ‘This isn’t so bad after all?’

In fact, it was thrilling not knowing the situation. With overwhelming victory anticipated, that thrill was possible.

But then,

– Clang! Clang! Clang!

The campfire flickered ominously.

Thick smoke twisted chaotically as if lost, and a bell-like sound that seemed close to breaking could be heard.

It was the bell of the Rutina Church.

“What is it?”

Jenia gripped her sword hilt and held her breath. She stood still, focusing on the sound.

‘Did it succeed? But why is the church…?’

It was the time the operation was supposed to conclude.

If the plan had gone as intended, Duke Tertan and Prince Eric de Yeriel should no longer exist in this world by now.

Then, could that sound be the bell announcing the return of the rightful heir? Could it be the signal announcing that the world had changed before the night was even over?

‘This wasn’t part of the plan!’

Surely, the prince, who despised pretentious affairs, wouldn’t engage in such a commotion. A chill gripped her spine as she sensed something was off.

“Jenia. What’s going on?”

“Your Highness, you shouldn’t—”

The princess, startled by the sound, had come down with messy hair.

“Why is the bell ringing?”

“…I don’t know either.”

“Could something have happened?”

“No, that can’t be…”

In an instant, something flashed through Jenia’s mind.

– “If it seems something has happened, just run away.”

It was advice the prince had given numerous times.

He had emphasized it so much. If anything even slightly suspicious occurred, she should think of herself as dead and run without looking back.

A chill ran through Jenia’s body.

Was this what Prince Leo had meant? Did he know something would go wrong?

She stood dazed, fidgeting with her left wrist, unable to make a hasty decision.

Should she follow the prince’s words?

Should she take the princess and run now?

But… is it even reasonable to just run away because she heard a bell?

Caught between foreboding and the prince’s admonition, Jenia hesitated.

“Jenia. What’s wrong? Is something happening?”

“Ah, no. Don’t worry, Your Highness. It’s nothing serious.”

“…Is that really nothing serious? Your expression says otherwise. Be honest with me. Something’s happening, isn’t it?”

“…”

“Jenia! Get a grip.”

“Y-yes? Yes, Your Highness.”

Lena felt her heart constricting, but she pretended to act composed.

Looking at Jenia’s face, something felt off. Something must have happened to my brother…

Suppressing her unease, she finally issued an ‘order’ for the first time, pushing the bewildered knight to speak.

“Tell me what you know. What’s going on? Why are you conflicted?”

The commanding gaze of Lena was laden with authority. It was as if this was her true nature, a pressure settling upon her refined forehead, a pride forming on her lovely lips.

Her face, illuminated by the hearth’s light, was more than just beautiful. The dignity of royalty dominated the knight before her with a chilling effect.

“Th-that is…”

As the light dimmed slightly, Jenia returned to her youthful face, but she was clearly taken aback.

“Actually, the prince told me…”

Even though she thought, ‘I shouldn’t say this…’, she reluctantly started to share her concerns. The golden eyes were still looking at her.

Shining brightly.

Staring into the eyes that symbolized the Acaian Empire’s royalty, I was reminded I was just a humble subject, and you were the ruler. It felt strikingly clear.

“…Did he really tell you to just run away if something happens? That makes no sense!”

Ew? ─ She looked utterly repulsed. The princess returned to her usual adorable self.

Though surprised by the gap, Jenia did not feel embarrassed to have knelt unconsciously.

After all, she served someone of noble lineage. Despite her lacking upbringing, she was of royal blood. In fact, had she never shown such a side, I might have been disappointed.

“Jenia.”

“Yes. Command me.”

“Could you go outside and find out what’s going on? Please, just let me finish speaking.”

Lena cut off Jenia’s attempt to argue, “But the prince told me not to leave your side,” and continued.

“I’m not saying to go do something; just check the situation lightly, okay? You mentioned the ringing is from the church, so perhaps it’s acceptable to just visit the church, right…?”

Her words became hesitant, losing confidence, hardly remaining a command, yet Jenia showed a relieved expression.

It was a significant burden on her to follow the prince’s outrageous order.

If the knights returned elated after a successful mission while the guard knight clumsily ran away with the princess, it would be a ridiculous scene!

However, the princess’s order relieved her burden.

Knights dedicated themselves to the honors of their lords and were to serve only the commands given, gaining their reputation through actions. Conversely, the lord of the knight was responsible for the desired outcomes with the knight.

And Jenia was a knight.

“Understood. Then I’ll go out just for a moment. You must stay in the room, Your Highness.”

“I understand. Don’t worry.”

Leaving the princess behind, Jenia stepped outside.

She recalled the majesty of the princess, who seemed nothing but beautiful and cute. Indeed, she had made the right choice following Prince Leo.

Thinking ‘Our kingdom’s future will be bright,’ she closed the door. After assessing the situation, she would have to decide whether to run or not… What is that?

Something was floating above the royal castle.

Eyes filled with rotten blood.

When Jenia’s gaze met it, her face was marked with hoof prints. She drew her sword and ran towards the castle, her face dripping with foulness as she sprinted madly.

And Lena,

“Why is it taking so long?”

Waiting endlessly.

She had waited alone in her room, but her guard knight never returned.

*

“Jenia! What are you doing?!”

Leo cried out. Jenia Jaqueri, charged with protecting Lena, was running.

She wasn’t the only one rushing. A young man carrying a chair, an old man repeatedly falling while swinging a cane, a lady wielding a kitchen knife…

Even civilians had grotesque hoof prints smeared across their faces, their eyes wide with madness. They were staring at Oriax.

“Jenia! Jenia! Stop! Go back!”

Leo grabbed her, shaking her shoulder, slapping her cheek.

Please, get a grip… Please.

“Prince! Let go of this! I’ll take care of them right now…!”

Jenia shoved Leo away. She had already thrown herself at the creatures that had multiplied to thirteen.

“Ah… Aah… Aaaah!”

Left behind, Leo let out a scream that was more of a howl than anything.

Lena! My sister!

– Thud!

Someone bumped into him, nearly collapsing as they rushed past him, but Leo didn’t look back.

Where is my sister? Where’s Lena?

He looked around, hoping that perhaps Jenia was lagging behind, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Using {Tracking Skill}, he found his sister remained in the direction of the southern hideout. She seemed fine… but there was no time to feel relieved.

Lena was alone now.

The fact that no one was protecting her clawed at Leo’s heart.

If I die, Lena…

He got up and ran. No longer did thoughts about not approaching his sister or consulting Bart about what to do linger.

He absolutely could not leave his sister alone.

His beautiful sister. Next month she would become an adult, blossoming into a dazzling beauty.

And our hideout… was in a back alley, filled with endless thug traffic, just to avoid other families that had opened information exchanges.

Thugs visited the place at least a dozen times a day.

[ Debuff: Oriax’s Hoofprints – Provocation, cannot escape. November 16, 11:52:43 PM. ]

Leo’s body began to rot away. The further he moved from the castle’s main gate, pieces of him began to drop off.

Monsters pursued him from behind, while curses blocked his path ahead.

“Lenaaaa!”

But the pain of his decaying body was nothing compared to the horror faced by his sister. He even forgot about Oriax’s curious gaze.

Please, just let my sister be safe…

He charged forward desperately, only to suddenly stop.

‘Wait, wait, wait, wait.’

He paused, struggling to gather his thoughts. No, I wasn’t thinking straight. Lena isn’t alone. Bart, his companions, Hazen, the knights. Those who rushed toward Duke Tertan’s house. Even if I die, Lena will…

At that moment, Leo’s eyes widened in terror.

“Ugh… Ugh…! Ugh!”

In the distance, Hazen was rushing toward him.

The entire second knight squad heading to Duke Tertan’s house was running with markings on their faces.

‘Bart, is not here. Bart is gone.’

Among those rushing in, Bart wasn’t there… but nothing appeared in {Tracking Skill}.

Then that means Bart…

Leo urgently grabbed Hazen.

“Wha… Prince? Let go of this—”

“Hazen! Get a grip! Where’s Bart? What happened to him? Hah, what’s happened?”

“Bart is dead. The duke…”

Hazen hadn’t finished his sentence when he pushed Leo away, making Leo’s nose bleed.

Leo, left alone, began to laugh. People racing past him didn’t concern him at all; he simply laughed.

“Ha… Hahaha! Hahaha! This is a dream. It’s a dream. It can’t be true. Hahaha!”

He walked on, denying reality. Towards the hideout. Despite his rotten legs flailing uselessly, he rushed.

In the end, his legs could no longer support him, and he staggered, crawling on his stomach until his arms fell apart, rolling helplessly.

Finally, Leo died. Far from his destination, in a state unbefitting a prince, he decayed away.

‘Le… na… my, sister…’

A message floated above a pool of blood. It blandly announced the end.

[ Leo has died. ]