Chapter 68: Purge (4)

A moonless night. I traverse the snow-covered plains here and there. My breath disperses into the darkness.

Riding a horse would have been too conspicuous, so it was an inevitable choice.

I can sense the spies planted by the princes. There was no risk of being caught.

As soon as I left the base, I used the wind to block all the sounds I made.

I considered telling the spy from the First Prince but shook my head. The rendezvous must proceed as secretly as possible.

I ignored them and moved on. The First Prince was the farthest away, so I had to hurry.

The wind I controlled was at full power. The speed was beyond imagination, faster than riding a horse.

After a while, I arrived at the First Prince's camp without being seen by anyone.

Tents were spread out. Despite the First Prince's camp, the guards were on high alert, but entry was not difficult.

'Going straight in might be a bit much.'

There are always procedures. It would be fortunate if the First Prince doesn't draw his sword.

There's also a good chance it could get noisy.

It took about five minutes to find the knight on guard. He seemed to be taking a nap.

-So, what do you think is the best course of action?

-The best is to observe the situation. They won't target us unless they're crazy.

The First Prince seemed to have heard the news and was holding a meeting with his close aides. That wasn't bad.

I was even worried if he hadn't known.

I surveyed the surroundings and moved. I slipped into the tent like water through the gaps created by the wind.

I could sense that the other person was awake. He has good instincts. I took a step closer and raised my hands above my shoulders.

"Sir Kank."

The knight drew his sword from beside the bed and stood up at the same time I spoke. In an instant, the cold blade was at my throat.

"Who are you?"

"Karl Schurtaffen."

"Karl Schurtaffen? The princess's?"

"Yes."

The knight narrowed his eyes in the darkness. We had met a few times on the way.

He seemed to recognize my face, but the sword didn't lower. His sleepy eyes took me in.

"...Why did you come like a thief?"

"I have come to convey the princess's message to His Highness."

"Why didn't she come herself?"

"To avoid being noticed."

The knight stared at me silently for a moment. The blade was sharp, just touching my skin without cutting.

A slight movement would slice me. Kank sheathed his sword.

"Wait here. I'll speak to His Highness."

"Thank you."

About five minutes later, I knew the conversation had gone well. The knight had ordered the guards to step back.

Soon, the knight returned and lowered his voice.

"Follow me quietly."

It wasn't far, so it was quick. The aides had also stepped back, leaving the First Prince alone in the tent.

The room was lit by a red glow from the fire. Under the flowing golden hair, the prince's eyes were sharp as he looked at me.

"Knight Karl Schurtaffen greets His Highness."

"Get to the point. What brings you here?"

"Her Highness the princess has no interest in the throne."

"I already know that."

"However, she does not wish to suffer any disadvantages in the process."

A glint appeared in the prince's eyes.

"So, you know the second and third princes met. They met secretly, and Erendil is not to be underestimated."

It was due to my efforts. I had warned them from the capital. The knights took turns spying.

The other side would also move cautiously.

Everything was within the expected range.

There were many directions, but I had anticipated the First Prince's advantage and the alliance.

What I came up with was to ally with the First Prince.

Even if the Second and Third Princes joined forces, they couldn't touch the First Prince. He has two knights called Sword Master candidates.

They need to watch each other's backs, so targeting the easier princess is the norm.

Forming an alliance reduces the risk.

"So, you want protection, don't you?"

The prince spoke dismissively.

"No. Her Highness the princess wishes to form an alliance."

"Hmm. I don't see what I would gain from an alliance."

"If you do nothing, the Second Prince will gain the upper hand in this purge."

"Hardly. I trust my brothers' baseness and desires. They won't give up what they want, even if they take it from you."

He's not wrong. I think the same. Without focusing our efforts on one person, a comeback is impossible.

"Besides, I can attack the second and third princes who attacked you. Are you just going to give them up?"

The prince spoke provocatively.

"Well, the power difference is significant, so I understand. It's a bit disappointing, though."

"No. If Your Highness refuses or I fail to return, Her Highness will take her forces to the Second Prince."

"..."

That's why my proposal was a strategy for the princess to become a kingmaker.

Or, in this case, an emperor maker?

By participating in the competition, the princess can now overwhelmingly support someone.

Their hatred for the princess will never unite in the face of desire. They don't get along well either.

'It's not a bad thing for the princess.'

If things go well, two out of the three will be dealt with. A stronger one will remain, but...

I can handle that. The prince smiled bitterly.

"Are you threatening me?"

"Those who have nothing to lose are naturally fearless. Her Highness the princess can do anything."

"Even if I refuse or you don't return, the princess will go to the Third Prince, making things more troublesome."

The prince crossed his legs the other way. I quickly continued.

"It's not a disadvantage to Your Highness. You can ascend to the throne on your own, but this makes it easier."

"Fine. If that's the case, the friendly relationship you mentioned will last until I become emperor, right?"

"That depends on Your Highness. When you gain the upper hand, you might treat us differently, won't you?"

"Are you doubting me now?"

"It's not my intention."

To avoid suspicion, I had to mention the possibility of betrayal.

The prince chuckled. The First Prince was smart. He didn't get angry or test me.

"Alright. What does Erendil want?"

"A suitable territory and title in the far north would be sufficient."

"Not bad. Indeed, he's not a fool. Fine, I understand. I'll do as you say."

The prince tapped the armrest with his fingertips.

"It's difficult right now, so I'll announce it later. Is that acceptable?"

"Thank you."

As a prince, he couldn't yet promise territory and titles.

I bowed slightly.

"When do you think the Second and Third Princes will move?"

"I'll ensure you can't respond, so it will be on the last day."

The prince nodded, satisfied.

"I'll take care of the Second Prince."

His tone was strangely aggressive.

"...Is it necessary to fight?"

The prince chuckled at my question.

"When an opportunity arises, you can't let it slip. Those who need to be killed must be killed."

This was also expected. Cruelty was a virtue of the First Prince.

I didn't try to stop him to show our peaceful intentions.

"I will do so. We will monitor the Third Prince."

"Is this your plan?"

It was an unexpected question.

"No. I merely conveyed Her Highness the princess's message."

"Don't lie. Erendil isn't stupid, but he can't be this aggressive."

He didn't believe me. I didn't respond further. Well, Erendil isn't aggressive.

The prince laughed.

"Karl Schurtaffen, would you consider joining me?"

"I'm sorry."

"You're not even considering it?"

The prince seemed amused by the situation.

"Go on."

He didn't insist. It was more like he had planted a seed of temptation.

"Just remember, the door is open for you. I'll be waiting."

"I will take my leave now."

* * *

"How did it go?"

"The prince agreed."

"That's a relief."

"He seems intent on attacking the Second Prince. He wants to properly monitor the situation."

Originally, he couldn't act without considering the Third Prince. Erendil yawned after hearing the details from Kallin.

"Great. Everything is going as you predicted."

"No, anyone could have thought of it."

"Maybe. In a crisis, it might be possible, but you did it from the capital. You foresaw the future in that short time."

Erendil was genuinely impressed. It was the first time she had seen a spy from the intelligence agency.

Despite her young age, she wasn't sent from Haisen for nothing. Her strength and intelligence were beyond imagination.

"Did he say anything else?"

"He asked me to join him."

"First Prince did?"

The princess frowned, clearly displeased.

"Yes. I refused, but there might be a chance to use it later. If I join, I can learn about the prince's plans..."

"Don't do it."

Her tone was firm.

"Wouldn't they suspect you? It seems ambiguous. Besides, you have enough to worry about."

"Yes, you're right."

Considering the risks and efforts, it wasn't a profitable move.

Erendil narrowed her eyes.

"Why didn't you mention it earlier?"

"I didn't think it was important. I had no intention of joining, so I mentioned it to inform Her Highness of the option."

"...I see. Good work."

"Your Highness, I have a request."

Kallin, sensing the princess's mood, spoke up.

"Go on."

"Can I move separately on that day?"

"Do you have other plans?"

"Since the First Prince will monitor the Second Prince, I want to monitor the First Prince."

We can't just sit back and do nothing after borrowing the First Prince's hand.

When the opportunity arises, we need to act.

"...Is that okay?"

"Yes. I can use the pretext of a regular patrol."

Over time, knights and cavalry had often moved alone to hunt monsters.

Especially Kallin, who had always done so. Suspicion might arise, but it's not dangerous.

"Or, I can say I'm monitoring the First Prince's situation. That might be better."

"Do so. But don't get hurt."

"Yes, I will be careful."

There were four days left. The princes would move in three days. Kallin needed to prepare.

The targets were two knights and one aide under the First Prince.

The latter was an easy target, but the former was a problem. There were two Sword Master candidates.

One might be possible, but two were uncertain. We hadn't fought them.

'I'll aim to capture one first.'

On the evening of the third day, it was cloudy, and the moonlight was dim. Even my breath wasn't visible.

Kallin stopped her horse in an uninhabited area and changed clothes. This was the real start of the purge.