Chapter 63

Raidor was heading east to subdue the traitorous noble, but on the way, Sara Raifet, who had been sent ahead as an envoy to surrender, joined him.

It was already approaching evening, and the female knight entered the tent set up for camping. Beside her was the figure of a boy around twelve or thirteen years old.

"I have returned, Prince Raidor, Captain Daren. Well, this boy..."

"It's an honor to meet you, Prince Raidor. I am the third son of Roland Arbale, and my name is Sven Arbale."

Without waiting for Sara's introduction, the boy bowed his head politely and introduced himself.

"Are you the son of Lord Arbale? It's a miracle you survived..."

Daren's eyes widened as he looked at the boy's face. Raidor had only heard the name, but Lord Roland Arbale was a patriotic noble who had been the first to send troops to defend the empire when the border was breached. If it weren't for Lord Arbale's valiant efforts, the empire might have fallen before Raidor could arrive with reinforcements.

"Yes, my father and two older brothers managed to save me. After escaping from the Arbale territory, I sought refuge with the Ulphart family, where my aunt had married."

"I see... Lord Arbale was a truly admirable noble, a model for all the kingdom's nobility. My father Bazal also held Lord Arbale's bravery in high regard."

"Thank you. If I have the recognition of General Galst, the great general who defends the nation, my father would be pleased."

The boy, who seemed very clever, smiled happily at Daren's praise. Despite appearing composed, his expression still looked young for his age.

"So? What does the son of Lord Arbale want from us?"

Raidor interrupted their conversation. He felt bad for dampening the boy's spirits, but he was very curious about why Sven, who had been under the protection of the Ulphart family, had come here.

"Ah, I apologize for not explaining sooner. I have come here to declare that the House of Arbale... well, only a few of us, including myself, have survived, and we do not intend to support the Ulphart family's rebellion. I will surrender to you, Prince Raidor, from this moment on."

"Hmm?"

Raidor glanced at the captain beside him, and Daren nodded in agreement.

"Even though you were under the protection of the traitorous Ulphart family, the loyalty of the House of Arbale is beyond doubt. Considering your voluntary surrender, it is unlikely that the House of Arbale will face any punishment."

"That's a relief. Thank you."

Raidor nodded in satisfaction. It would be unfair for the House of Arbale, which had fought to the death, to be punished. He patted the boy's shoulder in encouragement.

"It seems that's the case. We will protect you. You can stay with us until the battle is over."

"Thank you for your kind words, Prince Raidor... However, I would like to assist in the campaign against the Ulphart family, if possible."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Raidor tilted his head, puzzled by the words of the small boy, who was only as tall as his waist.

"I know the town's structure, the relationships, and the internal affairs of the Ulphart family. I can help in bringing down the family."

"Interesting. What do you want in return?"

It was natural to assume that the boy had some ulterior motive for offering to help in a war, especially one involving his relatives.

"..."

Sven took a deep breath and, with a determined look, began to speak.

"I wish for the restoration of the House of Arbale, with me as the new head. And if possible, I would like Prince Raidor to be my guardian."

"Guardian, huh?"

Raidor pondered Sven's words. The restoration of the House of Arbale seemed reasonable given that Sven was a survivor. However, why did he want Raidor as his guardian?

"If you need a patron, there are more suitable nobles. I... well, to be honest, I'm quite a poor choice, don't you think?"

After all, he was shunned and sought to be expelled by the king, the highest authority in the land. Aligning with Raidor could mean getting caught up in the political struggles.

"If you are referring to your conflict with King Granado, I am prepared for that."

"…You seem to understand the situation. Knowing that I am at odds with Granado, why do you want to align with me?"

"Prince Raidor is a hero who defeated the imperial army. To me, you are the one who avenged my father and brothers. Besides... to be frank, it seems that you have few allies."

"That's true..."

As Sven pointed out, Raidor had few allies within the Kingdom of Zain. Currently, his camp consisted of the maid Nemia, a part of the adventurer guild, and Daren and his soldiers. His faction was still new and lacked the manpower to challenge the king.

Knowing that Raidor was at a disadvantage, why did Sven want to join his ranks?

The boy answered Raidor's question with a straightforward gaze.

"The sooner you get on the winning horse, the better. If I can help you win, not only can I restore the House of Arbale, but I can also become a powerful noble with significant influence in the heart of the kingdom."

"Ha!"

Raidor couldn't help but laugh at Sven's response. It seemed the boy was quite a gambler, willing to bet his life on the revival of the House of Arbale.

"Haha, to think you'd call a royal like me a horse. You're a lively brat, aren't you?"

"Since you prefer a clever child over a well-behaved one, I thought this would be more to your liking. Was I wrong?"

"No, you were right."

Raidor laughed, his shoulders shaking. Sven Arbale was not just a child; he was a shrewd strategist. Having him as an ally would surely give him a powerful weapon against Granado.

(Sometimes, a journey can bring unexpected treasures.)

"So, little strategist, how do you plan to bring down the Ulphart family? If you have a plan, let's hear it."

"Of course, my lord."

With a boyish, innocent smile, Sven began to outline the strategy to bring down the noble family that had once given him refuge.