Chapter 30

In the sky above the Fanhaus Principality.

The one boarding a single airship that had arrived from the kingdom was the former Black Knight, [Bundel Him Zenden].

He receives an item from an agent who had infiltrated the kingdom.

"Is this from the princess?"

"Yes. She said to make sure it is delivered."

Bundel, who has no hair from his forehead to the top of his head and is covered in scars, is a muscular and robust knight, despite his age.

The item he received is the right arm of a black, spiky armor.

"Is this... could it be a Lost Item!?"

"There's no mistake. It seems that that Bartholft had it hidden."

Bundel is not the only one boarding the airship.

The Earl [Gerard], who previously served as an envoy to the kingdom, is also there.

He has a habit of stroking his chin, missing his lost beard.

His eyes are burning with a desire for revenge.

"That [Heretic Knight] had it hidden? Is that all? I wish the princess had sent something better."

Heretic Knight—León's nickname in the principality.

He earned this nickname because his actions deviated from the path of a knight.

Although León did not kill his enemies, he was heavily criticized by the nobles and citizens of the principality.

As León said, Bundel was already treated as an old and useless knight.

He had also lost his title as the Black Knight.

The right arm with the spiky black armor is of unknown origin.

However, when Gerard looks at the delivered letter, his eyes widen, and his gaze repeatedly shifts between the black, spiky right arm and the letter.

"Could it be?"

"What's wrong?"

When Bundel folds his arms and asks, Gerard is smiling.

"Sir Black Knight. No, former Black Knight—do you have the resolve to give up your life?"

Bundel laughs at Gerard's words.

"I'm already a dead old man as a knight. If it's to save the princess, I'll do anything."

"Excellent! Then let me explain. This is a part of armor that existed in ancient times—no, in the age of mythology. It is said to be a Lost Item known only to a few in the royal family."

As everyone's gaze turns to the right arm, Gerard spreads his hands wide.

"What a wonderful gift! Princess Heltrude has fulfilled her role. With this, there will be no enemies for her younger sister—Princess Heltrada! The Heretic Knight will also meet his end this time!"

Heltrada, the second princess of the principality, is the ace who leads the fleet and monsters that fill the sky of the principality.

Bundel narrows his eyes and looks at the right arm.

"I will save Princess Heltrude. For that, I will dedicate my life."

Next to Gerard, who is pleased that he can avenge his beard, Bundel clenches his fist tightly.

◇

In the dungeon of the royal palace.

The damp and cold place is chilly and unpleasant.

The air is stagnant, and it's not a place where one would want to stay for long.

As a prisoner, I have handcuffs on my hands. They are the type that go through a wooden board at the wrists.

While yawning, a guard signals to me.

It seems there is a visitor.

When I see the person, I want to complain.

"You've disappointed me, Bartholft."

The one speaking with a dignified voice might be the man who could become the master of the royal palace.

It was Prince Julius.

He was angry in front of me, but I'm also irritated that he's here.

"…Who are you?"

When I tease him, he turns red and introduces himself.

"I'm Julius! Julius Rafa Holfort! What do you mean by betraying us! I thought you were a coward, but I didn't expect you to do something like this!"

His words are a mess.

No matter how cunning I might be, he probably didn't think I would betray the kingdom.

...But, if I think about it, there are grounds for betrayal.

It's your fault. It's all your fault.

No, wait a moment. It might be due to the matchmaking. Every time I suffered in the matchmaking, I thought about leaving this country.

"I haven't betrayed anyone. It's a false accusation. Please help me, Prince."

"Still cracking jokes. You seem to be in good spirits, Bartholft."

It seems he didn't come to save me.

"What for?"

"You have a big attitude in front of me."

"Do you think I have any attachment to a country that executes traitors? I'll make sure you regret it one day, so remember that."

"…Actually, I have something to talk about."

He dismissed what I said.

"You know, the Partner and Alcants you possessed are being held by the kingdom's knights. They can't be moved, but that's not the problem."

For me, it is a problem.

Well, Luxion will probably handle it.

"There are also movements to defend you, but something is strange in the royal palace."

To me, the royal palace is always strange.

About my promotion, or my promotion... I can't think it's strange now. It's always strange, so I'd like to know when it was normal.

"Then?"

"…I understand that the current royal palace is strange. Bartholft, why did you betray us? What was your purpose?"

It's too harsh to treat me as a traitor.

"I'm telling you it's a false accusation. Someone wants to capture me."

"What!?"

Why are you surprised! You lived in the royal palace as a prince, didn't you? Use your imagination! You're a bit too innocent.

"Did you think I would betray you? If I were to betray, I would do it more skillfully."

"…Indeed. If it were you, you would do something that the other party would dislike more."

I'm angry that Prince Julius understands.

What do you trust about me?

Prince Julius speaks to me, as if consulting with me.

"I haven't experienced war, but it feels like the atmosphere before a war. If they move, it will be the principality, right?"

I was about to say, "Who else would they go to war with?" but I closed my mouth.

If I think about it, the kingdom has many borders—battlefields. It's at war with many countries.

The principality is just one of them.

However, the possibility of the principality is the highest. Why does everything follow the script?

"…Maybe it's the power of correction."

Prince Julius was confused by my muttering.

"Correction? What are you talking about, Bartholft?"

"It's my side of the story. Isn't the principality the most likely? I don't know much since I'm captured."

Prince Julius put his hand on his chin and seemed to be thinking, so I asked him.

"Hey, can you let me out?"

"That's impossible. I don't have the authority now. Even if I did, I can't release a traitor."

What a useless prince. Well, even if I were released, it would be troublesome.

Still... a war is about to break out between the kingdom and the principality. Why did they attack when the ace is within the kingdom?

It's as if it's the power of correction in a story.

"…What a terrible world."

Prince Julius, who ignored my muttering, hurriedly left the dungeon.

If the story proceeds as it is, I have to escape.

I—no, even Luxion—can't defeat the principality's ace.

Just as Prince Julius and I were passing each other in the dungeon, Heltrude arrived. She gave something to the guard, who then left.

She signaled to me as she left.

Did she boldly enter the royal palace?

"You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

"It's because of someone."

"It's not me. I did ask for you to be restrained, but the harsh treatment is due to the kingdom's nobles."

It's your fault. As I sulk, she approaches the iron bars and leans in close. It's a scammer's tactic to approach when someone is weak.

"Shall I let you out? Serving such a country is worse than serving the principality. I promise good treatment. I'll give you the peaceful life you've always wished for."

My body reacted involuntarily.

"Stupid. The nobles of the principality, who underestimate and use factions, are unbearable to watch. I wanted to use you to crush them. They don't understand what they're doing. I didn't expect it to go this well, honestly."

Unlike Prince Julius, Heltrude understands what I seek.

"Kneel before me. I'll make you my knight. It will be better than serving a corrupt kingdom. I promise you a peaceful life, not a position or honor."

Facing her, I—smiling Heltrude—said,

"I refuse."

Her smile changes to one with a hint of irritation, and she seems to want to know why I refused.

"Is the kingdom so important to you? You are a noble, aren't you? You can turn against your family."

"It's a tempting offer, but I have no intention of dealing with a suspicious person or carrying out such a plan."

After all, I'm hated by the principality. Besides, you're the one who belittled me.

Luxion also joins the conversation.

‘Master, didn't you have us captured out of fear? It's typical to extend a hand when someone is weak. Did you think I had lost my judgment?’

Heltrude looks at Luxion.

"An unpleasant familiar."

‘If you were serious