Chapter 74

It was indeed a sight worthy of being called a hanging garden.

Deep within the mountains, where the air had already begun to feel suffocating, the garden was situated. It was a scene that made one feel as if a city were perched on the clouds, a truly mysterious sight.

This was the city where the poet, who had once been invited here, called it the only city in the world where elegance and strangeness held hands. This was the home of the elves, the hanging garden of Gazaria.

A sigh of admiration escaped his lips involuntarily. His eyebrows rose naturally, and his eyes widened.

Even during his travels in the past, this scene had left him breathless. It was truly a fantastical sight, one that made him imagine the world as it must have been when the gods still walked the earth.

How uncharacteristic of me to think such thoughts, he thought, and his cheeks twisted in self-mockery.

A strong wind slapped his cheeks, and it felt strangely cold. He couldn't help but wonder why the top of a mountain, despite being closer to the sun, was so cold. It was a mystery he couldn't solve.

"The Elven King has given his response... He says he will welcome us."

As he savored his chewing tobacco, enjoying the view from the carriage, Matias's clear voice rang out. The messenger sent to the hanging garden must have returned.

His usually irritable tone had softened somewhat.

"Hmm... Surprising. Things don't usually go so smoothly. To be honest, I was prepared to make several trips."

Fialart pouted and spoke with a light-hearted tone.

Indeed, it was surprising. He, like Fialart, hadn't really expected to be granted an audience without any issues.

In fact, deep down, he might have even preferred to be turned away.

His heart was no longer racing, but when he thought of him, his fingertips trembled. It seemed the roots ran deep.

"Anyway, if we can meet, we should. That's how things move forward."

Caria jumped down from the carriage and said this. Her silver hair swayed. It seemed they were ordered to proceed on foot into the city. There was no point in disobeying and risking offending them.

"By the way, do you know the name of the Elven King?"

As he stepped on the ground, confirming that they were indeed not in the air, he suddenly thought to ask Matias, who was walking ahead.

"...His name is Fin Largias. What do you plan to do with that information?"

A rather indifferent response was thrown back. Truly, this woman's words were always laced with venom.

Fin Largias. Fin means king, so his correct title is King Largias.

He was the king who, during the journey to save the world, declared his support for humans and sent Eldis to join the party. His brain, usually not very sharp, had managed to remember that much.

Perhaps there wouldn't be much of a problem after all. A casual thought crossed his mind.

From the history, it was clear that this king was friendly towards humans. Depending on the conditions, there was a high possibility of forming an alliance, or at the very least, a non-aggression pact. If things went well, he could even announce to the surrounding countries that he had secured the elves' support, which would boost morale.

In this era, only a small portion of the ruling class had any dealings with elves. To the common people, elves were still unknown and feared. If he could inflate that fear, it might even lower the morale of the soldiers.

Yes, if things went well, there wouldn't be a problem. He sighed quietly, expelling both optimistic daydreams and pessimistic fantasies.

*

"Holy Knight, Galras Gargantia"

Alyeno didn't immediately recognize that the voice was his own. It took a few moments, and only when the person he had called out to turned around, did he realize his mouth was open.

"Hmm... Oh, it's you, Songstress. What is it? Holy Knight Galras Gargantia, at your service."

He placed his hand on his chest in a mock salute. His demeanor and expressions were so frivolous that it was hard to believe he was a Holy Knight. Alyeno narrowed his golden eyes and shifted his feet slightly.

Despite his skills being among the best of the Holy Knights, he was often called the least knightly of them. Of course, this title was laced with much envy.

His silver armor, which should have inspired awe, seemed out of place on him, and his usual frivolous tone was still evident.

"I'm not a songstress. No, I'm not. ...Um, are you setting out somewhere in that outfit?"

As he responded, he tried to come up with a reason for calling out to Galras. He couldn't quite understand why he had called out to Galras in the first place. He had almost done it subconsciously.

Galras shrugged and spoke, his manner still lacking the gravity expected of a Holy Knight.

"Just some boring business. But you'd understand, Songstress."

You're smart, he added lightly, and smiled.

Alyeno sighed, feeling exasperated by his unchanged demeanor.

They weren't particularly close. They greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries when they met, but that was about it. If anything, in the Great Cathedral where close relationships were rare, they could be considered relatively close. It was a difficult relationship to describe.

Galras himself was an enigmatic person, but his words were honest.

At this time of year, for a Holy Knight to be fully equipped and walking the corridors of the Great Cathedral, the purpose was clear.

He was heading out to suppress the Emblem Cult.

Ah, yes. To suppress the Emblem Cult where Lougis was. Alyeno's eyes narrowed slightly, and his golden eyes seemed to darken.

"Right, so you'll be in Galuamaria in a few days?"

Alyeno's voice was slightly cold. The wind whistled.

Galras shook his head and shrugged. He looked around and then leaned in to speak.

"No, no. This time it's a special mission. I can't say much, but... the Great Cathedral has formed an alliance with the Elven leader."

Alyeno's eyes widened. Elves. The forest dwellers. Why would the Great Cathedral do such a thing? Before he could voice his question, the next words grabbed his attention. He could hear himself swallowing.

"---A magical message came from there. They've captured the witch and... what was it, the traitor."

But the magic used by elves is amazing, Galras muttered. Alyeno's mind had already drifted far away. Those words held no interest, no value.

The traitor. Yes, there was only one person currently called a traitor by the Great Church. Alyeno's mind was filled with the image of a single person. His childhood friend, the one who had entrusted him with a handkerchief and promised to meet again, Lougis.

So that's why. Now he understood why he had called out to Galras without thinking. He had a premonition. He understood that the Holy Knights setting out at this time, when preparations were not yet complete, must be related to the witch of the Emblem Cult or Lougis.

He had hoped that the talkative and carefree Galras would provide some information, and that's why he had called out to him.

Alyeno's breath escaped. The space seemed to waver.

"---So the execution will be in the Elven country?"

"No, if we could, we would, but it's not possible. The Pope desires a live capture."

That's why I'm going alone as a Holy Knight, Galras said, sounding thoroughly annoyed. For a moment, his narrowed eyes lost their usual frivolousness.

I see, a live capture. Alyeno understood the plan.

They likely intended to execute the traitor in the Great Cathedral or the capital of Galraist Kingdom, to suppress the rebellion of the Emblem Cult and reinforce the authority of the Great Church. Such plans didn't matter to Alyeno, but a live capture was excellent.

"Actually, I wanted to take Buckingham with me, but he'd probably kill the traitor if I brought him along."

"---Holy Knight, Galras Gargantia"

Alyeno cut off Galras's muttered words, speaking with an elegant and gentle smile.

"May your journey be a good one. And if possible..."

His small lips trembled, as if trying to form a joyful expression.

"I wish to see the face of the traitor."