Chapter 62

"No way, I absolutely will not surrender!"

In the eastern region of the Kingdom of Zain, Viscount Bobalt Ulfart, a local nobleman with territory in this area, shouted at the knight standing before him.

With his plump belly jiggling, Ulfart yelled, while the young female knight in armor stood in front of him with a look of exasperation.

Sara Raifet, a knight of the Kingdom of Zain and also the deputy of Darren, glared coldly at Ulfart, who was spitting as he shouted.

"Please listen, Viscount. Eventually, an army will be sent to conquer this place. It would be better for your standing with His Majesty the King if you surrendered and handed over your territory before that happens, don't you think?"

Sara had come to this town ahead of Darren and Raidol to advise the traitorous Viscount Ulfart, who had defected to the empire, to surrender.

However, in response to this almost final ultimatum, Viscount Ulfart turned red with anger and shouted.

"Shut up, shut up! What can a young whelp like him do! Besides, if the king hadn't allowed the empire to invade, I never would have betrayed him! And yet, why must I be punished?! If you really want me to surrender, bring a letter from the king promising to overlook everything that has happened!"

"…There's no point in talking to you."

Sara's face twisted at his self-serving words.

Indeed, the loss of the border fortress, Balmes Fortress, was a failure of the kingdom's army, and it could be said to be a mistake of King Granade.

However, the reason why border nobles like Viscount Ulfart were given territories in this area was to repel invasions from enemy countries.

How could someone who abandoned their ancestral duty and even defected to the enemy country they were supposed to fight against speak so arrogantly?

"…The royal capital has already dispatched the thousand-man commander Galsht and His Highness Prince Raidol, the hero who defeated the empire. It's only a matter of time before this town falls. Do you still refuse to surrender?"

"Raidol? Hmph, what can a banished prince do!"

In response to Sara's words, Viscount Ulfart snorted derisively.

The news of the battle at Brein Fortress and the rumors about Raidol had already reached the viscount's ears.

However, he did not believe for a moment that Raidol's strength and his myth-like battle prowess were true.

"This town is impregnable! With thick walls and ample provisions, even a wielder of the holy sword cannot break through!"

(And… this town is originally part of the kingdom. If I take the people as hostages, they won't dare to do anything reckless!)

Ulfart puffed out his chest and looked down at the female knight.

The Arslane Empire might mercilessly burn the town, but as long as Raidol was on the kingdom's side, he wouldn't attack so fiercely.

With this calculation, Ulfart was being overly confident.

"…Why couldn't you show such resolve when the empire attacked?"

Sara sighed deeply, giving up on persuading the man in front of her.

The negotiations had broken down. This arrogant man, interested only in his own status, would never be persuaded.

He would probably never admit his mistakes until the very end, continuing to claim he was right even as his head was cut off.

"The next time we meet will be on the battlefield. Please be prepared."

"I will serve the kingdom again if you guarantee my territory, wealth, and my life! I will return to being a noble of the kingdom! Make sure to convey that!"

"…Excuse me."

There was no point in talking any further.

Leaving the viscount, who was still arrogantly contorted, Sara left the mansion.

(The persuasion has failed. This town will become a battlefield…)

Sara gazed at the town governed by Viscount Ulfart with a worried expression.

As a soldier of the kingdom's army, she was already prepared to fight the enemy country.

However, why did she have to fight those who were once her allies?

(And somewhere in this town, there are arsonists sent by King Granade. They will set fire to the town as soon as Prince Raidol attacks. Is there any way to save the people of this town?)

"What should I report to Sir Darren… and I feel sorry for not meeting His Highness's expectations…"

"Excuse me, miss. May I have a word with you?"

"Eh?"

Sara, who was about to leave the town on her horse, turned around at the voice from behind.

While still mounted, she glared behind her in caution… but there was no one there.

(Could it be… a ghost?)

"No, lower down."

"Huh… what?"

When Sara lowered her gaze further, she saw a small, slender boy.

The boy was dressed in simple but high-quality clothes, suggesting he was from a noble family. Perhaps he was connected to the Ulfart family?

"Um, you are…"

Sara relaxed her tense expression and asked the boy.

The boy placed his hand on his chest and bowed politely.

"Please forgive my rudeness. My name is Sven Arbeil. I am the third son of Ronald Arbeil, the head of the Arbeil family."

"Huh… Arbeil?"

Hearing the boy's name, Sara's eyes widened.

The name of the Arbeil family, which had been destroyed by the empire, left the female knight speechless and confused.

"If it's not too much trouble, I would like to meet His Highness Prince Raidol. I have something to discuss about the future of this town."