Chapter 258

“Well, this is the last, isn’t it?”

At Arthur’s words, I gave a small nod.

Three years. A time spent traveling across Romania after leaving the forest and doing many things.

A time spent caring for the commoners, restoring barren lands, and feeding the hungry.

The time it took to gather the support of the people.

The time it took to gather those who were suspicious about the disappearance of the crown prince who should have inherited the throne after the previous emperor’s death.

The time it took to gather lords loyal to the former emperor rather than the current one.

The time it took to gain the support of external factions, other races, and other nations.

And the time it took for rumors falsely blaming the current emperor for all the land’s problems to spread.

Three years. A long time if you think about it, or a short time depending on your perspective.

The boy who arrived with his younger sister piggybacked, tattered and torn, seeking the forest, had grown into a young man now leading many people.

“Hoo. It was a long journey. Truly.”

“Indeed, a long time. Three whole years.”

“Three years…? Ah… What I meant by ‘long’ was the time it took to return here.”

“Hmm? Ah, I see.”

Eight years. The length of time the boy remembered, excluding the period when he was an infant without memory.

With that much time passed, the boy—Arthur—had managed to return here.

“Now, all that remains is to reclaim what was stolen. Arthur.”

“Yes. This will be the end.”

Because we’ve done everything possible. We’ve helped the commoners, spread rumors to turn public sentiment in Arthur’s favor, pinned the blame for the bad harvests on the emperor to increase resentment…

As a result, there are no lords left who would lead soldiers to rush to the current emperor’s aid.

At most, only the emperor’s personal guard stationed in the capital Sirius remains.

“I thank you for indulging my stubbornness not to spill blood, Master.”

“Not at all. I, too, do not wish for much bloodshed in this land.”

Because we don’t want the blood of the commoners to flow in the power struggles of the highborn.

That’s why I proposed this somewhat troublesome plan, which takes more time and effort.

“And didn’t I tell you to call me Gaia instead of Master? Why the sudden switch?”

“It’s just the two of us now, so please forgive me.”

“Really…”

Watching Arthur pout slightly, I chuckled softly.

“If it weren’t for Master… Eight years ago, I might have met my end at the hands of soldiers. You are… my greatest benefactor.”

“Heheh. Why are you saying such embarrassing things?”

“I am simply grateful—for everything you’ve done for me.”

At Arthur’s words, I felt a little flustered and scratched the bridge of my nose.

Just then, the sound of rustling accompanied the stone fragment hidden under the illusion magic as it fell away.

Hmm. Time is almost up. Still, perhaps I’ll get to see Arthur reclaim his rightful place as emperor.

“To my mentor, I have something to say… Hmm… No, let’s save that story for after everything is done.”

“Hmm? Something to say?”

“It’s not the right moment now. I’ll speak after everything concludes.”

Though I’m curious what Arthur intends to say… Hmm. Chances are I won’t hear it afterward.

Maybe he just wants to express gratitude and take care of various things?

“Alright, it’s about time.”

In the distance, black smoke signals rise, and the gates guarding Sirius open.

The tightly shut iron gates swing open, and mounted knights pour out.

They are the emperor’s final line of defense—the royal knights.

“I hope Bibi can handle things well.”

“Trust your sister, Arthur. Bibi will do fine.”

Besides, Bibi isn’t alone. There are the companions who traveled with us for three years and the troops from the lords supporting Arthur—roughly 3,000 soldiers marching toward the direction where the signal fire rose.

Of course, their purpose isn’t to fight. Their role is merely to lure the royal knights barricaded within Sirius outside the city walls.

That’s all they need to do—that’s their sole purpose.

“But really, is it enough with just me and Master? After all, the Epona Knight Order is also in Sirius…”

“The Epona Knight Order won’t intervene.”

Because the Epona Knight Order, closely tied to the Sirius Temple, is paralyzed by the presence of Arthur, the child of the former emperor, and Bibi, the Dragon Priestess.

Had Bibi not been here, the emperor might have somehow swayed the Epona Knight Order, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.

“They haven’t officially declared it, but they have no choice but to remain neutral.”

Honestly, it’s hard for them to act against this side, which has the Dragon Priestess.

At most, only the royal knights absolutely loyal to the emperor can move properly.

I doubt even the defenders of Sirius want to fight.

“This is the power of rumors well-spread. Remember this lesson.”

“You’re still teaching me lessons even in this situation.”

“Heheh. That’s because I’m your mentor.”

Though these days of mentoring won’t last much longer…

After some time passed, we watched the retreating backs of the royal knights who had departed toward the rising signal fire.

“Let’s move, Arthur.”

“Yes, Master.”

Keeping our concealment intact, Arthur and I began to move.

Hmm. Teaching Arthur stealth was a good decision—it allows us to sneak close to the gate undetected by the guards.

“Master, the gate is closing. What should we do?”

“Hmm… What would Arthur do?”

At my question, Arthur thought for a moment before replying.

“The simplest way would be to punch a hole through the gate or wall with a sword, but that would create unnecessary cleanup later… Perhaps delaying the gate from closing would suffice?”

“That could work, but using Arthur’s means, stopping the gate would be difficult.”

The gate of Sirius is a massive iron door that opens sideways. Many soldiers work together to open and close it, so obstructing it wouldn’t be easy for Arthur.

“The easiest option would be eliminating the soldiers operating the gate, but you wouldn’t want bloodshed, right?”

“Yes. They are citizens of Romania as well.”

I smiled faintly. Arthur already cherishes the people deeply enough to become a good emperor.

Arthur will indeed make a fine emperor.

“In that case, another method. The gate is large, heavy, and sturdy, but the part fixing it to the wall must be weaker than the gate itself, correct?”

“Indeed… Cutting that part would allow us to remove the gate.”

“True, though even if we remove it, getting past the heavy iron door is another issue.”

Such a large iron gate would weigh quite a lot.

So…

“For now, let’s use a bit of clever trickery.”

Since the gate hasn’t fully closed yet, placing something in the gap could delay its closure.

I made a small rock protrude in the gap between the closing gates, halting them momentarily.

The gap wasn’t wide, but it was enough for one person to slip through.

I stopped my steps and nudged Arthur forward.

“Go ahead, Arthur. Face your uncle alone and reclaim what is rightfully yours.”

“Will Master not come with me?”

“The royal knights heading toward Bibi and the forces will realize they don’t want to fight and return quickly. Someone needs to stop them.”

It’s a lie. Sending Arthur alone in such a situation isn’t the wisest choice, but I wanted to create a scene where only the emperor and Arthur confront each other.

The cursed one and the stolen one.

Nephew and uncle.

The current emperor and the son of the former emperor.

Their opposing stories will surely become an intriguing tale that captivates many.

“Will Master be alright alone?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll just buy some time.”

All I need to do is stall until Arthur captures the emperor. It shouldn’t take long.

“Alright. The emperor sits on the throne. Surely you know the location?”

“Yes!”

“Don’t look back. Don’t hesitate. Run straight ahead. Leave the royal knights to me.”

At my words, Arthur hesitated briefly but then nodded firmly in determination.

“I entrust this to you, Master!”

“Return swiftly, my disciple.”

Once Arthur slipped through the narrow gap in the gate that barely allowed one person to pass, the rock holding the gate broke, and the gate closed.

Inside Sirius, Arthur ran without hesitation.

Some soldiers noticed him but didn’t act immediately.

No one would expect Arthur to infiltrate alone into the heart of enemy territory known as Sirius.

They’d dismiss it as a mistake and turn away.

Thus, Arthur moved confidently through the streets of Sirius toward the castle.

Toward the place where his destiny awaited.

Toward the emperor.