Chapter 88. The Holy Kingdom of Fernand (1)
To be honest, what Prince Eulsis intended to do was a plan that seemed odd not to have been delayed by fear.
He had already been threatened by a demon and had even sustained injuries.
For an average person, it would have been natural to abandon the grand goal of leaving for the Holy Kingdom after several setbacks.
"It's a relief that Fernand isn't too far. If the weather had been bad, it would have taken longer."
However, Eulsis made his decision in less than a day.
Considering he had three brothers who were higher in the succession line above him and the fact that the position of emperor valued noble blood over gender, his four older sisters outranked him too.
'A prince who cannot become emperor no matter how hard he tries.'
Thus, he must have made his decision quickly.
It's a reasonable thought.
By establishing merit in this manner, he could position himself favorably in the future.
Well, you never know. Perhaps the Dawn Society or some other external force could wipe out his siblings.
My smile was one of amusement at such absurd thoughts.
That was that.
'... How pitiful.'
The procession heading towards the Holy Kingdom in this carriage!
Even though a prince of the empire was aboard, its appearance was embarrassingly plain.
There were only two carriages.
Not drawn by eight fine horses, nor was it a dazzlingly golden carriage.
The carriage was something one might see in any village, though perhaps slightly better—it was just a bit more than that.
The prince and his attendants shared these carriages.
One carriage for the prince and another for his attendants, as it were.
Although it had been planned that guards and others from the border town Veliniden would join them, Eulsis firmly refused.
― Who knows where the Dawn Society is hiding. So, I want to only travel with those familiar to me.
I thought it was a reasonable reason.
Given what had already happened on the train.
Phuiing—!
"... Ugh."
I turned my head at an odd sound while riding next to the carriage.
There was Rinne holding the reins, appearing very awkward in her riding.
"The Sword Saint didn't teach you horseback riding, it seems. You look as lacking in that as you do in your aura."
"It's because it's not the horse I usually ride! Hup!"
Rinne retorted to my teasing, barely catching herself from falling off to the side by grabbing the reins and regaining her balance.
Not the usual horse, she says.
I decided to silently agree with myself that it seemed more like a lack of knowing how to ride.
"It's a shame. If the railway had extended to the Holy Kingdom, you wouldn't be struggling this much. Haha."
Naturally, the railroad of the resonance train dividing the empire did not extend to the Holy Kingdom.
The empire wasn't so lenient to offer convenience to an enemy country.
Even if it did extend, whether or not we could have taken it is uncertain.
"Don't treat me like a fool! This horse just has a bad temper... Hicc! That's all. Only a bit more... ack!"
Rinne, who was flustered, tried adjusting the saddle and putting more strength into her thighs, but the horse shook her off.
'I could almost sense the horse's expression saying, "How dare you"... But it must be my imagination.'
Seeing her struggle that much, it seemed riding in the carriage would be easier... Ah, maybe it's more uncomfortable to be with the prince.
I clapped internally at her effort to avoid an uncomfortable situation and decided to offer a few tips.
Of course, it was 'Yulian's' experience, but I could still take some credit.
"That's why it's resisting when you try to force it that way."
"I-I do know that... Eek!"
Despite my advice, Rinne stubbornly tried managing the horse in her own way.
Tsk tsk. It won't work that way.
"It seems you don't. Start by adjusting your posture properly. Align your shoulders, pelvis, and heels in a straight line first."
In truth, when first trying to get the posture right, many people end up toppling forward due to not properly maintaining balance.
Moreover, the pose can be slightly embarrassing.
Rinne squinted at me, seemingly checking if I was teasing her.
If you dislike it so much, just don't do it.
As I was about to move past giving advice, Rinne adjusted her posture to what I suggested.
"... And then?"
Her sullen acceptance of my words was quite a sight.
A face of unwilling compliance, much like a child forced to do something despite disliking it.
Though I chuckled to myself, I had a helping hand to offer.
"Focus on your hips, not your thighs."
Rinne took a deep breath and then acted accordingly.
Despite only receiving brief verbal guidance, she began adapting to horseback riding effortlessly.
"Like this?"
Though her face remained as stoic as ever, her eyes held a glint of confidence.
Her inherent physical ability seemed no trivial matter.
"Initially, I didn't understand what you were saying, but once I loosened up, handling the reins became noticeably easier."
"Well done."
"Sir Yulian, who taught you how to ride?"
I have no idea. It was something I somehow managed after becoming Yulian.
"I haven't learned from anyone."
This isn't just limited to horseback riding.
The way of the sword.
The handling of mana.
All of it came naturally when I became 'Yulian', simply a memory embedded in the body.
Of course, there were some trials and errors involved.
"Then how do you ride so well?"
If it were 'Yulian', he surely wouldn't give a half-witted response like, "I don't know."
"That's the difference between you and me."
Rinne ignored me, as usual, and focused on riding the horse.
At that moment, the window of Eulsis's carriage opened, and his face peeked through.
"We should soon catch sight of the Holy Kingdom's border."
"Yes, it seems so."
"Before then, weren't we supposed to meet the people sent by the Sword Saint from the Holy Kingdom? But they're still not visible?"
Following Eulsis's words, I scanned the ridge in the distance but found nothing.
"They don't seem to have arrived yet."
"Ah, I see? But Rinne, have you ever been to the Holy Kingdom of Fernand?"
Perhaps feeling awkward, Eulsis changed the subject.
"No, this is my first time."
"Is that so? I have been there before, though it was when I was young. My nurse said it was for receiving baptism. I don't remember it, though."
It was a different kind of 'baptism' than what he's currently going to receive.
Simply a way of announcing one's birth.
What he was going to receive now was an official baptism, signifying conversion to the Church of the Sun.
Displaying a small smile, Eulsis then turned his gaze in my direction.
"Sir Yulian, I've heard you visited the Holy Kingdom quite recently, isn't that correct?"
... This was news to me.
I almost blurted out, "When did I?" but managed to hold it back.
Judging by his assured statement, there must have been some precedent.
Accepting that thought, I nodded in affirmation.
"Haha, indeed."
"I thought so! How's the Holy Kingdom? I've heard their capital is as sophisticated in style as the Imperial City!"
Eulsis looked at me expectantly.
Glancing sideways stealthily, Rinne also remained silent, but she seemed to be waiting for my words.
Hey, I haven't been there either!
"Large windows and slender yet numerous pillars. And the reverent pure white style made of marble left even an art lover like me in awe."
Still, how many hours had I spent playing 〈Let's Kill the Demon King Now〉?
I could roughly describe from what I had seen on-screen.
"Listening to you, Sir Yulian, I can't wait to see it for myself. Ah! How was the food?"
Cut it out, please.
"Your Highness, I see people ahead. I believe they are the ones from the Holy Kingdom you mentioned."
Thankfully, Rinne's timely words spared me from describing the food.
The taste wasn't depicted in the game anyway.
With relief, I looked ahead to see figures standing still in the distance, as if waiting for us.
***
As we approached the ridge, I could clearly discern the attire of the people said to have been sent from the Holy Kingdom.
Neat white and blue ceremonial robes adorned with jewels.
Though not flamboyant, there was a certain sense of inexplicable reverence in their dress.
Among them emerged one person, leading a horse.
Clad in armor instead of ceremonial robes, with a pure white scabbard hanging from his waist, his demeanor hinted at considerable skill in swordsmanship.
"Thank you for coming all this way. I am Frasion, associated with the White Night Chancel of the Holy Kingdom. Prince Eulsis de Adratan, fourth Prince of the Adratan Empire."
"Yes, it must have been arduous."
"Haha, but there might be more challenges ahead. The road can be quite tough from here on out."
He said this while glancing at me.
Despite the neat words spoken by the man, I could sense a tinge of disdain, indicating he knew of my identity.
"Meeting the Smiling Executioner here, in such a place, is unexpected. Whether it's stupidity or sheer audacity."
With biting criticism, he acknowledged my presence.
Isn't it remarkable notoriety? To be so widely recognized, even across countries.
"Are you sure you'll be okay? There are those who shudder at the alias 'Smiling Executioner' and who want revenge, and not just in the empire."
Though he issued not quite a warning, his tone bore one as he smirked.
I feigned nonchalance.
"Thank you for your concern. But I don't believe there's 'anything' here capable of threatening my life, haha."
Clink—!
As the scabbard jostled slightly, Frasion and those behind him flinched.
"Please, relax. I am merely the prince's guard commander."
Not that it was necessary—I was confident that nothing would threaten my position regardless.
Though the long war with the Empire had ended and a ceasefire was in place, the bitterness between the two sides still lingered.
Even so, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the Holy Kingdom was actively seeking peace with the Empire.
Specifically, peace through 'religion'—aiming to widely spread the Church of the Sun within the Empire.
Touching the delegation with 'Eulsis', the starting point of that grand plan, would be folly.
'However, it's worrisome that this guy is here. I ought to discern his motives.'
I observed Frasion intently.
In Holy Kingdom of Fenrnand, where religion has strong ties creating a theocracy, they had something akin to special forces, much like the Empire.
They're known as Chancel of Seven Seats.
Their duties spanned from escorting VIPs to executing assassinations, showcasing elite talent.
Frasion, who introduced himself as part of the White Night Chancel, was among those best suited for guarding within the Chancel of Seven Seats.
'Given the Chancel of Seven Seats is directly subordinate to the high priests, there's no knowing what secret orders he might have received.'
It made me tense and scrutinize Frasion more closely because:
Even though the Holy Kingdom harbored grand ambitions, individual 'reckless actions' might not be included.
Being circumspect regarding any potential happenings proves a prudent choice.
"Understood. In that case, we will ensure your safety to the Holy Kingdom."
Frasion turned and headed toward the Holy Kingdom, retracting his sharp gaze directed at me.
***
With Frasion joining the convoy, the proximity of Fernand in the Holy Kingdom became increasingly palpable.
Structures of pure white, built primarily of marble, exuding an aura of reverence.
These elements defining Fernand once again flashed through my mind.
Due to this, I anticipated a wave of nostalgia, reminiscent of when I played 〈Let's Kill the Demon King Now〉.
However, even before nostalgia could set in, a thudding anticipation about meeting 'him'—the one who triggered my 'transformation'—made my heart pound.
'The Sword Saint.'
The root cause, or at least the significant factor leading to what happened to me.
'What should I say if I see him?'
In some ways, my emotions were complex.
Initially, I sought to avoid him and Rinne, fearing the trailer foreshadowed 'Yulian killing the Sword Saint and Rinne'.
But now, annoyance slightly outweighed concern.
What in the world had he done to forsake his duties and seek asylum in the Holy Kingdom?
'What kind of face does he wear... hmm?'
I tugged the reins and noticed the trail diverged into two paths.
I recognized this path.
It was the first choice encountered when the 'Sword Saint' headed toward the Holy Kingdom during the game.
'Both left and right lead to the Veliniden border.'
Left was the paved road.
Right was the unpaved road.
That much I recalled. Probably.
Moreover, something lurked behind.
Thus, logically, taking the paved road was sensible. While it was negligible on horseback, we also had a carriage to consider.
"To the right."
Contrary to my conclusions, Frasion led the convoy to the right with assertive ease.
Given the right road was visibly readily passable.
The left seemed incomplete, presenting a rough visage.
"Hold on."
"What is it, Sir Yulian?"
Frasion turned back, visibly irritated.
"This path being unpaved might pose challenges for the carriage."
I voiced my counter view. Frasion fixed his steely gaze on me, locking our eyes.
"We know the geography here far better. Sir Yulian, isn't this your 'first' visit to the Holy Kingdom?"
He communicated disdain with his expression.
Yes, it's my first time officially.
But I know another reason why going there is perilous. Haha.
In my memory, Yulian's narrative includes this visit way further down the timeline.
Frasion's reference to this time being the 'first' stands correct.
However, I frequented this place countless times in the past.
"Officially, yes."
Today I felt particularly content with my softly squinting eyes and upwardly curving lips.
Caught off guard, Frasion pondered over my words.
"So...."
Yes, implicitly saying I've unofficially been here.
I probably know the region's landscape better than you do.