Chapter 34

The door to the barracks opened. The knight, who was in charge of the prisoner, pushed Sylvia and Siadin roughly into the barracks. The two elves rolled to the ground.

Sylvia looked up slowly.

The flag with a golden dragon painted on a red background was visible. The number ‘5’ painted on the top of the flag stood out the most.

“The Fifth Prince…”

“How rude of you! He is an Imperial Family member of the Pilias Empire!”

“Don’t be so hard on them, Gesteine. They are poor people who have been exploited.”

Sitting under the banner of the imperial family, Raymond, the Fifth Prince, said in a calm voice.

Only then did Gesteine take a step back unwillingly.

His whole body, including his neck and arms, was covered with blood-stained bandages, but his pupils were clearly emitting killing intent as he watched Sylvia and Siadin.

“They are exploited… Are you sure?”

An old man in a blue robe, the blue tower Master, stared at Sylvia with his eyes narrowed.

“Am I wrong? Sylvia Platier.”

‘He knows my name?’

Sylvia’s expression, which had not lost composure while being taken in by the Imperial Army, shook for the first time.

“Uh, how…….”

Sylvia’s eyes shook. Knowing her name meant that her clan was exposed.

Now, she was misunderstood as someone involved in the assassination of an imperial family. If this fact was known to the whole imperial family, the true Imperial Army will move.

Although the Pilias was declining, it was not difficult to kill a small group of elves.

Since the Great War, the unity of the tribes has been broken, so the Platier family has nowhere to ask for support.

“Isn’t that the necklace you’re wearing around your neck, the one that proves the High Elves’s lineage? And with the symbol of the clan in it, it is no shocking that I know your name.”

After the end of the Great War and the end of the Great War, exchanges between humans and ethnic groups disappeared. She thought no one would know about her necklace, so she didn’t hide it, but that was her mistake.

“I know you’ve been exploited, but it’s too early for you to be relieved.”

Raymond said in a firm voice. First of all, he wanted to overwhelm them and get a head start.

[Sylvia Platier, the one who walks ahead. She was literally a pure elf. However, under the threat of the second prince, her situation changed. She was usually timid, but she cn act extremely practical when necessary, sometimes cruel and cold.]

Sylvia Platier. In the novel, she wasn’t just a guide for the protagonist. If she felt danger, she will warned in advance, and overall she acted as the command tower of the main characters.

‘She’s still thinking ways to survive.’

Her description in the novel made it easy for Rayman to guess what she was thinking now.

“Just because you’re exploited doesn’t mean you’re innocent.”

“Fifth Prince, but…….”

“If you want to live, you’d better be honest about who you are. You have no choice right now. Keep that in mind.”

“All right, Your Majesty the Fifth…….”

Sylvia was at the end of her sentence. She tried somehow to lead the mood, but she was completely overwhelmed.

Now that her initiative has been taken away, using tricks will be counterproductive.

Raymond had to suppress the smile on his lips as he nodded. It was now time to change the game as a reminder that he was in control.

“If you answer my question without lying, I will guarantee you both safety. I promise in the name of the Fifth Prince.”

The name of the prince is never light. Sylvia was somewhat relieved by Raymond’s declaration.

“Who’s behind this?”

Although the assassination attempt was an unexpected “variable,” it was easy to deduce who was the one behind.

The reason why he asked Sylvia, even though he already knew the culprit, to let the others know who was the culprit and turn the ‘prisoner’ into a spy.

“Before I tell you know who’s behind this, I have a favor to ask, Fifth Prince.”

Sylvia’s words distorted the faces of the two tower masters and the other protector of the Fifth Prince.

Because, in their view now, Sylvia was not in a position to negotiate with the Fifth Prince.

They wanted to remind her right away, but they remained silent because the Fifth Prince Raymond, seemed to have other plans.

“I’m sure you know you’re not in a position to ask a favor.”

Raymond replied coldly on purpose. He was interested in what she could give, but he had to pretend that he was not.

Only then will Raymond also get what Richard, the protagonist of the novel, got from Sylvia.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness the Fifth…, but the survival of my clan is at stake. Please, I want your help, Your Highness the Fifth.”

“I don’t know why you suddenly brought the topic about the survival of your tribe.”

He already knew the truth, but Raymond pretended to get the most rewards.

“The forces behind the assassination are threatening our people.”

“Now that you’re so flustered, it seems like the world tree’s spring is involved.”

“……how did you know?”

The conversation didn’t progress, so Raymond pretended not to know and made progress.

“Is the world tree’s spring contaminated?”

He ignored Silvia’s question and asked a question.

Sylvia did not say yes. Instead, she was so surprised and speechless.

Raymond have guessed to some extent since she suddenly brought up her clan, but she didn’t know he’d guessed this much.

Sitting in front of her with a calm look on his face, Raymond seemed to know enough already.  He knows her background, too. Then why did he kept on asking?

‘He want me to tell you who’s behind it.’

She can guess why. Sylvia, who looked down after a moment of contemplation, slowly raised her head and looked at Raymond.

“I dare to ask you one last time before I tell you who’s behind it, Your Highness. Can you help my family?”

When asked by Sylvia, Raymond belatedly realized that he had gone too far.

“You noticed.”

But it doesn’t matter. He forgot for a moment that Sylvia was smart.

Now that this was happening, he have no choice but to reveal some of the cards that he was still holding.

“You don’t be worried, so tell me who’s behind it.”

“Your Highness, the Second Prince”

Sylvia bowed her head quietly and said the name responsible for the assassination attempt. Unlike Raymond, who already knew who was the one behind, the others were shocked.

“All of you get out.”

Raymond, who expected Sylvia to be bombarded with questions by his people, he ordered the two tower masters and the others to step down for a while. But Gesteine and Desia remained.

“You two won’t go out?”

“The Fifth Prince, the shield never leaves its master.”

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Please, keep me and Dame Desia at your side.”

These two people can be trusted. In fact, the two tower masters were the same, but they seemed to want ask Sylvia a lot of questions. Gesteine was quiet and Desia closed her mouth as needed, so Raymond nodded with a short sigh.

All left and Gesteine and Desia and the two kneeling elves remained. Raymond spoke.

“Tell me exactly what happened.”

At Raymond’s words, Sylvia opened her mouth to narrate everything that happened.

“One day, the world tree’s spring was polluted. And then a man sent by the Second Prince came. They knew how to slow down the world tree’s spring pollution.”

It was exactly what was written in the novel.

“As I have said that the pollution has slowed down. But it was impossible without the drugs they supplied, and they began to ask for more and more things in exchange for their supply.”

She began to shed tears.

“At first, it was herb, but the demand grew, and they eventually demanded young elves and part of the world tree’s spring water. And also they asked for elves who could handle spirits.”

Her voice was shaking. Raymond was just listening. When he peeked at the side, Gesteine maintained a calm expressionless expression, while Desia seemed a little angry and bit her lips.

“Continue.”

“We’ve sent 10 elves who can handle spirits. Among them, was me. They were all mobilized for dangerous missions, and I was left alone.”

Raymond knows why Sylvia is left alone. She was such a capable guide that she later gained the title of “the one who walks ahead”.

Richard, the protagonist of the novel, has never been lost since he met her, and eventually escaped from any danger with her help.

“World Tree’s spring water is limited, Your Majesty the Fifth.”

“From what you’ve told you so far, did you think I can solve the pollution of world tree’s spring?”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me why you thought so?”

“Do you want me to?”

Sylvia’s eyes looked at Gesteine and Desia for a while and then headed back to Raymond.

“Are you sure you want to?”

Raymond knew what she meant.

“No, you don’t have to say it.”

Sylvia didn’t even know that Raymond had read this novel. All she guessed was that Raymond has a background that no one knew. However, she acted as if she knew more to increase her value, and Raymond also played along to some extent.

Having read the novel, he knew about the herbs needed for purification.

“It’s not hard to deal with world tree’s spring water pollution.”

That was the answer she wanted to hear. A faint smile hung around Sylvia’s mouth.

“By the way, what can I gain from purifying the waters of the world tree’s spring? Even hostile to Deneb will be gained?”

“Aren’t you already hostile to each other just by the fact that the Second Prince sent the Moon Knights and his minions to kill you, Fifth Prince?”

“That’s a separate issue. You’d better throw away the idea that my help is guaranteed just saying who was behind it.”

“Please tell me what you want.”

She knew that there would be a price. Unlike Siadin, who has a stiff face, Sylvia had already expected this.

“Herbs, your loyalty, and one more thing.”

“I’ve already been abandoned, so it’s not hard to provide my loyalty and some herbs. But what’s the other one.”

“I want to see the ancient statue.”

“Is that all you want?”

The ancient statue was known to only a small minority of the Elven Platier clan, including the High Elves lineage. So Sylvia became curious about the identity of Raymond, who even knew the existence of the ancient statue.

“It’s just a statue from ancient times.”

True, this is all she knew, but to Raymond it was different.

‘Can it be….’

Sylvia only knew that the statue contains the energy of the first Mana and Aura wielder, Dayrian. However, she did know that if someone endure the magical power of the statue, they can receive a ‘sword and magic blessing’.

The same blessing that made Richard the protagonist.

Raymond’s eyes glistened over Sylvia.

“Is it impossible?”

Raymond asked.

In the novel, Sylvia willingly showed Richard the way to the ancient statue.

But now Raymond needed to think a plan b if she says no, because the meeting with her was unpleasant.

“I promise you, with the blood of the High Elves, that if you can purify the world tree’s spring and protect us, you will be able to do what you want.”

Sylvia bowed her head politely. At the moment when she felt like she have missed something, but the deal was already made.

“Madam, what about Arya!”

Siardin shouted urgently. Only then did Raymond recall the existence of ‘Aria’.

She is Sylvia’s sister and must have been held hostage by the Second Prince’s men at this time.

“Siadine…Aria is in the capital…….”

Sylvia’s voice became blurry. In her attitude, Raymond realized that she didn’t want to tell him that Aria existed.

Fundamentals of negotiation.

‘Never ask for too much.’

For the survival of the tribe, she tried to give up the life of her beloved sister, Aria.

“Siadin, this is where the appointment is, right?”

Sylvia Platier, who possessed platinum bobbed hair, asked with her green eyes shining in the dark.

Siadin is a member of the Elven Platier tribe and she has emerged from the forest to serve as the bodyguard for the descendant of the High Elves. She scratched her chin and reaffirmed by pointing out the map.

“I’m sure. This is where we’re going to join.”

“But why can’t I see anyone?”

Sylvia asked with a low voice. There are two reasons they thought of, first they have come to the wrong place or they have changed the place of appointment at the last minute without informing them. Siadin already double-checked the map with Sylvia, so she didn’t think they were lost.

She was the best scout among the Platinum Elves clan, she was specially brought by Sylvia because of the danger that the world tree was facing.

In the novel that Raymond has read, Sylvia is a High Elf and also one of the companions of the main character, therefore it could be said that the eyes of the Second Prince were far more discerning than the Third Prince’s.

“Isn’t this the second time we came here?”

She hoped this would not be the case.

“We are lost, so please stop seeing us a Joke and come out.”

Sylvia’s eyes trembled. It was a humiliating declaration. But she had no choice.

People dressed in black appeared one by one in the dark.

Everyone was masked, but Sylvia knew that they were the Second Prince’s minions.

“You can’t even read the map?”

“I wonder why His Highness the Second Prince pity such a weak elf.”

The assassins mocked Sylvia right in front of her.

‘I’m angry. I have a lot to say. But I can’t.’

As she bit her lips to the point where blood leaked out, Siadin, who was standing behind her, took two steps closer and whispered with a very low voice, enough to be heard only by her.

Her emotion that was about to explode like a volcano died quickly due to the concern of her subordinate. She mustn’t show her anger here.

She have to put up with it for the sake of the World Tree, for now, she could only follow the Second Prince who held her leashes.

‘I must be a puppet without feelings.’

She whispered to herself as if she was hypnotizing herself. For the World Tree. For the sake of the clan. And for the forest.

She had to be a puppet that is being controlled.

“I’m sure you’ve heard about it, haven’t you?”

A man wearing a silver badge on his chest over the leather armor, which indicated his status as the leader, asked as he approached them.

She wanted to nod her head without hesitation to avoid the mocking eyes of other assassins, but she couldn’t.

Heading to the Black Mountains to strike the Fifth Prince, this is what the Second Prince told her to do.

“If you could tell us a little bit about your plan, it would be a great help to us in order to guide you.”

Sylvia asked while looking down. There was nothing she could do because the Second Prince was holding her weakness.

Seeing the descendants of the High Elves, a noble lineage, bowing to the low-quality Assassin, Siadin bit her lips.

It was hard to see the noble being she served bowing to others. However, she should not waver so she stayed silent.

“How far do you know?”

Apparently, this time Sylvia’s smile shook for an instant. But she soon regained her composure and lowered her gaze.

‘I am now used to being looked down.’

“I’ve only heard that I’m going to attack the Fifth Prince in the Black Mountains.”

“Well, that’s enough information you need to know.”

“But, am I really going to attack the Fifth Prince? I heard that the Blue Tower and Red Tower Masters are standing by his side.”

The two tower Masters are not as famous as the Heifel Empire’s Ice Tower, but they are famous within the Pilias Empire.

In addition, even though he is one-armed knight, he is also a former high-ranking knight, so the Fifth Prince’s power should not be taken lightly.

“This is none of your business.”

The assassin next to the leader said to her.

But how can she not care?

If they are wiped out, Sylvia, who served as their guide to the Fifth Prince, will not be safe.

“No, this elf should know.”

The Leader spoke with a calm voice to his subordinate. Within few seconds, his eyes looked to Sylvia.

“We have more people that will join us as soon as we arrive at the Black Mountains. With their help, assassination of the Fifth Prince will not be impossible.”

“I see, thank you for letting me know.”

There was no explanation, but Sylvia could easily imagine that the “Moon Knights” from the Kingdom of Edgar were the people that the assassin Leader referred to.

“Guide as the best as you can. Then you can live and die for the long life as an elf.”

Sylvia smiled and nodded at the cold words of the assassin Leader.

However, behind her smile was a cruel blade ready to stab in back, but the man in front didn’t notice.

* * *

“Shadow Squad, gather!”

Gesteine shouted. About twenty Shadow Squad members gathered around. They surrounded, Raymond, the Fifth Prince.

“The battle forces of the Blue Tower and the Red Tower are ready.”

Berenus Kyle, the Master of the Red Tower, said calmly.

After it was decided that they will follow the Imperial Army to the border, 32 people, including knights and intermediate wizards were provided by the two tower Master for the Fifth Prince.

Originally, there were 39 people, but seven lost their lives on their way to the Black Mountains.

“The Imperial Army is at the vanguard!”

Casillas, the commander of the Imperial Army, shouted with a loud voice.

A hundred Imperial soldiers stepped forward. All they have to do now is wait for the war.

Raymond lift his right hand slowly. Then he turned his head for a moment.

As soon as he turned around, Marquis Crayer and his family all came out of the gates of the central city and were seeing Raymond off.

“Fifth Prince! You must come back!”

Under the solemn atmosphere, the marquis’ eldest son and heir, Cron, shouted with all his might. Marquis Crayer smiled at his son’s sincere shout.

“I, Marquis Sand Crayer, awaits for the safe return of the Fifth Prince.”

Then he pulled out his sword and took it toward his chest.

“The Knights!”

“Draw your Sword!”

Knights lined up behind Marquis Crayer and pulled out their sword in unison. The nobles from the other family were also courteous, and without hesitation, they pulled out their swords with their right hands like what the Marquis Crayer did.

“We’re behind you, Fifth Prince! Please always remember it!”

“I will not forget your loyalty.”

Raymond turned his head again and looked in front.

“All units, move forward.”

His voice was calm and full of spirit. Once again, the journey to the dangerous Black Mountains began, but none of the 100 Imperial soldiers, as well as the Shadow Squad and the battle squad from the tower, showed any hesitation.

One hundred Imperial soldiers took the lead.

After one hour, they heard the sound of trumpets.

They initially heard it from a distance, but as gradually they got closer to the streets, soon the 500 cavalry with Marquis of Crayer’s flag welcomed them.

“I’m Lance, commander of the 11th Cavalry from the Crayer Army. With us, the Fifth Prince will be safe in the border.”

There was no heads up that be the Calvary of the Crayer would follow them. This appears to be an extra protection prepared by Marquis Crayer.

It’s also rude to refused, so Raymond joined the 11th Cavalry without any hard feelings.

They followed Raymond and his entourage safely to the border as promised.

After they arrived to Black Mountains, the lead was taken over by the cavalry. Before that resume their way, all the soldiers praised the Fifth Prince.

“In the future, with His Highness the Fifth, there will be endless glory!”

The commander of the cavalry shouted as he looked towards the Fifth Prince with great expectations.

“I never thought I’d be back in the Black Mountains.”

Lisefield, the Blue Tower Master, complained, but there was a faint smile around his mouth.

Raymond nodded silently and pulled out a map.

“It takes about two days to get to the seventh stronghold.”

“We’re going to have a fight there, aren’t we?”

“Old man, how come you are so forgetful? I’m sure we’ve already finished planning this all back at the Crayer’s castle.”

“I just asked to confirm.”

Leaving the Grumpy Lisefield behind, Raymond called Casillas and assigned him a route.

The Imperial Army took the lead.

It took them two days to get to the seventh Stronghold.

Along their way they got attacked by some Orcs, but thanks to the presence of two high-ranking wizards, the damage to the Imperial Army was not significant.

“We’ve reached seventh stronghold.”

“With the order of the Fifth Prince, we shall camp here.”

An officer of the Imperial Army reported with a loud voice.

The soldiers of the Imperial Army moved in unison.

The seventh Stronghold was now empty because it had been evacuated after being fatally damaged by the Kingdom of Fresyria.

Anyway, only a minimum of repair was needed to stay temporarily even for a few days.

“How long do you think the repair will take?” Seeing the state of the Stronghold, Lisefield couldn’t help but ask.

“Most of the facilities are intact, so it won’t take long. With the help of the wizards, it looks like everything will be done within two hours.”

Casillas answered the question of Lisefield.

Magic is great. If the repair work had been carried out only by the Imperial soldiers without the help of the wizard, it would have taken more than three hours.

As soon as the repair was over, it was already night. Raymond called his aides to his tent.

“As I said back in the Crayer’s castle, uninvited guests will visit soon.”

He did not mention exactly who the uninvited guests were, but the aides gathered in the barracks did not seem to care about it.

“It won’t be soon. I think there will be a ‘visit’ tonight.”

“Oh, is there any reason why the Red Tower Master thinks so?”

Raymond was curious.

“After a long march, we reached our destination, and a honey-like rest was rewarded. We have just arrived so the military has no choice but to relax.”

Casillas look at the tower Master with a sharp look. He was offended by how Berenus worded it but it was just brushed off by the offender.

“Keep talking.”

“I don’t think we are going to miss this opportunity.”

Berenus’ prediction was correct, the uninvited guests were now on their way.

* * *

Sylvia Platier, the greatest path finder, used the power of the spirits to guide the assassins on a safe route even in the Black Mountains.

It should take two days of travel from the Black Mountains to the 7th stronghold where the Fifth Prince stayed at, but Sylvia found a shortcut and allowed them to arrive within six hours. But the assassins’ gaze toward Sylvia remained indifferent.

“That’s the flag of the Fifth Prince.”

The Moon Knight, who joined them as they arrived in the Black Mountains, said after finding a flag fluttering in the center of the seventh stronghold, the largest.

The Imperial flag, it wasn’t something anyone could carry. The Fifth Prince is definitely here. The eyes of the assassins staring at the stronghold shone sharply.

All their eyes was like from a predator who seems to be looking at a tasty prey.

“Secretly, surround.”

The Moon Knight spoke in a low voice and sent a signal to them. The Moon Knight moved first, followed by the Second Prince’s men and they scattered around the seventh stronghold in unison.

“What am I supposed to do?”

The assassins are moving. So what did she have to do now?

Sylvia asked the assassin who was staying by her side.

“Now that you’re done, you’ll have to secure a quick escape route, so stand by here.”

Three assassins remained around, watching her. Sylvia sighed at the reality that she was being treated as a prisoner.

“We’ll take down the night watchers first.”

The command was sent to all. The assassins of the Second Prince slowly went behind each of the Soldiers at the command of the Moon Knight.

“Cough!”

“Argh!

The assassins’ attacks, which signals the fall of red-uniformed Imperial soldiers, began.

“Start.”

The assassins of the second prince and the Moon Knight all jumped over the wooden fence and ambushed the stronghold. The shadows fluttered through the darkness of the night. It was both discreet and deadly.

But soon they realized that something’s not right.

Only after 15 more soldiers were knocked down, did the Moon Knight realize something was wrong.

“Hey, this is….”

The soldiers from the Imperial Army had scattered around.

“A trap!”

This was obviously a trap. As soon as he tried to warn everybody, a white flare had already soared into the sky and illuminated the dark night sky.

“Fifth Prince, I didn’t expect you are this cunning…….”

The Moon Knight gritted his teeth. His fear for the Fifth Prince has already ingrained in his bones.