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276. Engagement Ep – Anxiety

“So, you were scolded?”

Prince Anolf de Klaus nodded. He had failed to persuade his father. Still in his travel clothes, the prince gulped down the drink offered to him in frustration…

“What! What is this?”

…he downed it only to spit it out.

It was extremely disgusting. No matter how inexperienced the prince was with alcohol, this was beyond absurd. The bitterness felt like drinking straight alcohol.

How dare they give such a mysterious concoction to a prince? However, the other party replied cheerfully.

“Oh dear, my apologies. I gave you mine by mistake.”

It was Baron Arpen Albasete, the Swordmaster of this kingdom.

Baron Albasete opened a lavish cupboard with a silver handle and pulled out a drink he thought the prince would like. It was low in alcohol yet had a strong aroma. Though, by his standards, it was considered low.

The baron personally exchanged the prince’s cup and poured the new drink for him.

However… the ceramic cup was excessively elegant. The back of his hand, holding the cup, was covered in thick hair, making it even more unfit.

It wasn’t brought out just for the prince; the baron’s own cup was the same, and if we had to choose one thing that didn’t match the elegance of this reception room, it would be Baron Arpen Albasete himself.

Yet, this mansion belonged to Baron Albasete. The baron, dressed in noble attire that looked like it might burst from his muscular physique, elegantly tipped back the drink.

Even his pinky, raised in a refined manner, sprouted thick hair.

“It seems the king has set his mind on starting a war. I tried to persuade him, and the ministers expressed their concerns, yet he didn’t budge, so please don’t be too hard on yourself, Your Highness.”

“…Is that so? Hah… this is serious. It’s only been about ten years since the Nine-Day War ended… just when civilian life was stabilizing… It’s my fault.”

Baron Albasete shrugged.

He had no interest in civilian matters, but he offered warm consolation to the prince.

“Everything will be fine. After all, there’s a saying, isn’t there? Children grow up fighting.”

“…”

Of course, that was no help at all. The prince forced a smile.

“Yeah… I suppose so. Regardless, since it has come to this, I will head to the battlefield. Since this has happened, we must at least win. I hope for much assistance from you, Baron.”

Baron Albasete was his greatest supporter. The prince had no doubt the baron would readily accept, but to his surprise, the response was rejection.

“I won’t be going.”

“……Could you say that again? You’re not going to the battlefield?”

“Yes. I won’t be going. You too, Your Highness, shouldn’t go.”

“W-what do you mean… It’s the Belita Kingdom we’re up against!”

Glug.

Arpen took a sip of his drink. He sipped it as if regretting the alcohol now left at the bottom of his cup.

“We can lose. Honestly, I kind of feel like losing would be better. After all, losing doesn’t mean the country will fall.”

“You’re on that ‘feeling’ nonsense again. I’m sorry, but I can’t trust that anymore. Last time you suggested it would be good to visit the Belita Kingdom…”

“I didn’t say it like that. I just thought it would be better for you to stay away from the capital.”

“But isn’t that the same thing? If I go, where would I even go?”

“Anyway, I’m not going. I’ve had a bad feeling for several months now. It feels like I shouldn’t leave here…”

“Are you not even worried about my safety on the battlefield? The Belita Kingdom has Count Hermann Forte. He will surely be on the battlefield.”

“I’m sorry, but no. I’m not worried. Even if our army loses, you’ll at worst be captured. If a ransom is paid, you’ll be released, so what’s there to worry about? It’s a shame I won’t get to face Count Hermann Forte. He’s strong, right?”

“…You’ve been stubborn about this for days! I command you in the name of the prince! You will take the field!”

Anolf de Klaus said in mock anger. However, the baron merely stared blankly with his bulging, menacing eyes.

“Whether I go or not is the prerogative of the Knight Commander. And I’ve already informed the king.”

“You mean my father? Don’t tell me… you received his permission?”

“Yes. He seemed quite disappointed. How rude of me… oh, I misspoke. My apologies.”

Had someone else made that slip, they might have lost their head.

However, the baron was the first noble to rise from commoner (barbarian) status, often hampered by a lack of etiquette, so Prince Anolf allowed it and moved on. The baron quickly acknowledged and apologized for his mistake, so no significant issues had arisen so far.

No, that wasn’t the issue, the prince protested.

“Baron Arpen Albasete. I beg of you. Please come with me. How about this: You don’t have to do anything. Just showing up on the battlefield will boost the soldiers’ morale significantly, reducing their losses.”

But Baron Albasete just crossed his arms and shook his head, causing the prince’s frustration to blaze. All means of persuasion and even threats had failed when suddenly the butler knocked and entered.

“What is it?”

“I apologize for the intrusion. It’s just… a guest has arrived.”

“A guest? I’m talking with the prince right now. Tell them to leave.”

“Well, they… they know the prince is here. They insisted I relay this to you.”

“Who is it?”

The prince frowned. Shouldn’t they ask for my leave first before announcing? But the name the butler uttered was shocking even to him.

“Lord Noel Dexter and his son.”

“What? Noel? Have him come in immediately… Ah, your Highness, is that okay?”

“…Yes, let him in.”

By then, the baron had already jumped to his feet. As the prince was also eager to meet the knight famous for nobility slaughter, he reluctantly agreed despite being displeased with the baron’s attitude.

Soon, a middle-aged knight and a young man entered the reception room.

“Noel!! Haha! It’s really you, Noel. How long has it been…”

“I am honored to meet the descendant of the Liberator. I am Noel Dexter.”

“I’m Ray Dexter.”

After many years, Baron Arpen rushed over to his most cherished junior and awkwardly pat his own neck. Anolf de Klaus, the prince, welcomed their greetings with joy.

“I am Anolf de Klaus. Lord Arpen, please take a seat.”

Lord.

That was the declaration that their private friendly banter had come to an end.

Baron Albasete pointed out chairs for Noel and the young man, then sat beside the prince. After all, the baron was the host, and Arpen took the lead.

“It’s been a while. I have a lot of questions, but… what business does a retired knight have with the prince?”

Noel cleared his throat. He glanced at his son before pulling the words he had prepared.

“I heard the news that the nation has declared war against the atrocious Belita Kingdom. I came to offer my humble assistance.”

“What? If it’s that… Ahem. It’s truly commendable and appreciated. Isn’t that right, Your Highness?”

“Indeed it is. However, I’m unsure why you needed to seek me out directly… I heard you came knowing I was here, but… do you have a proposal for me?”

“Yes. I apologize for the impertinence, but I would like to request the opportunity to lift the morale of the troops on the day of the mobilization ceremony.”

The prince looked at Noel with a puzzled expression.

“Of course, it’s an honor to have a renowned knight do so, but… I would like to ask the reason.”

From this point on, there was no script. Noel crafted a plausible excuse.

“It’s embarrassing to say, but I’ve been retired for over ten years now. I humbly make this request to return honorably.”

Anolf de Klaus shifted his gaze to Arpen. He recalled that Noel had once been a detached junior knight who was free of ambition. Baron Albasete looked flustered.

“I wouldn’t expect such a request from this friend…”

But for the prince, it was a beneficial proposal. With the Swordmaster adamant about not going, they needed someone to boost the soldiers’ morale, and he thought it a coincidence that this would happen. He readily agreed. On the day of the ceremony, Noel would give a speech.

Noel and his son, the young man, bowed politely and withdrew after finishing their business. The reception room was left with just the prince and the baron.

“…This is somewhat different from what you’ve been saying repeatedly, Baron.”

“…That’s strange. Even if much time has passed, he shouldn’t have changed like that… Still, I guarantee his skill. He must be a level above the Second Knight Commander.”

“Are you saying he’s stronger than Sir Jensen Bailei?”

“Yes. Even if he slacked off, he hasn’t lost the skill he had when he retired. Jensen wouldn’t be his opponent. Jensen was his direct subordinate.”

“And compared to you, Baron?”

“Me?”

Arpen smiled broadly.

“You can’t be comparing the current me with him, right? Hahaha. Back in the day, he was indeed stronger than me. He was the youngest knight in history to join the First Knight Order while I was just a lowly knight in the Third Knight Order. I bet that record still stands. He’s outstanding and has a wealth of experience… I recommend you keep him close on the battlefield.”

“Then you really won’t be going into battle.”

“I’m sorry. You must be tired from the long journey. Should I bring you a change of clothes?”

That was a clear signal that they should end this topic. The prince stood and brushed himself off.

“That won’t be necessary. I understand the baron’s heart, so I will return to the palace now. Please contact me when you wish to visit.”

“Of course.”

Anolf left the reception room.

Baron Arpen escorted him out, and on their way out, the young man known to be Noel Dexter’s son caught the prince’s eye as they awaited in another reception room.

‘Speaking of which, that young man looks peculiar.’

He strangely drew his attention, but the prince left the mansion without regret. After the prince’s departure, Baron Arpen hurried back. He…

– Bang!

Kicked open the half-closed reception room door and shouted.

“Noel! What’s going on? Why are you suddenly saying you want to return? Who gave you the right! Back then, no matter how much I tried to stop you, you retired coldly.”

“Long time no see, senior.”

“Senior or whatever! Hmph! If you’ve come, you should have come to me first and not brought up some odd request in front of the prince… I can’t believe I’m seeing you again.”

The muscular Arpen lowered his head imposingly, poking Noel in the chest. It wasn’t his true intention; he was happy to see him again. However, he was making it clear that he was disappointed.

“I’m sorry. There was a reason.”

“A reason? Fine, share it with me. Let’s see how good this reason is… Huh!?”

The youth standing behind Noel, who looked as if he had just come of age, drew his sword. At that point, it wouldn’t have surprised anyone, but the flaming Oblivion Blade, that white flash, left him dumbfounded.

The warmth radiating gently, the smell of burning metal. That was… real.

The young man steadied the Oblivion Blade, and Noel Dexter calmly spoke to his stunned senior. He seemed to read the baron’s mind, saying,

“I know you’ve been feeling anxious lately.”

─ And thus, the conversation began.