"Turn all the ministers to your side."
That was the condition the Queen had set for Krang. She said they could discuss the throne after fulfilling that condition. The Queen said so, and Krang obeyed.
"Your Majesty."
Krang looked at the Queen. The Queen also looked at Krang.
Encrid didn't know, but the Queen had no desire for the throne. She didn't crave power either.
What she wanted was to live a quiet, peaceful life.
Her dream was to see flowers in the spring, to find shade under trees in the summer and cool off while chatting.
In autumn, she wanted to gather fallen leaves, and in winter, she wished to sip warm tea while watching the snow fall outside her window.
It would be even better if a good person were by her side during all those moments.
In other words, what she truly wished for wasn't a marriage made to maintain the throne, but to spend time with someone she truly liked.
For an ordinary commoner, such a dream would have seemed extravagant. But she was the Queen of Naurillia. So it could be considered a humble dream.
The person who was Queen didn't suit the throne. She desired something other than power.
And yet, she stayed.
She didn't avoid responsibility. She did what she could.
At one point, she even considered handing over power to the noble families, including the Visar family, and leaving.
"If you do that now, Naurillia will be divided into at least three parts. Oh, and those three will either be annexed by other nations or collapse. Ah, the part that survives might just become a city-state. But what are you going to do about that?"
That was the voice of Marquis Visar, her mentor. He was right.
A Queen was like the last bastion against the most ambitious of the powerful.
She couldn't leave.
But she didn't want to hand the throne over to someone like Count Molsen, either.
'My late father.'
Sometimes, there were nights when she missed her father.
The gift from the late King had arrived.
"Kdianath Rangdias Naurill, that's supposed to be my name."
It was like seeing her father as a child. There were many similarities between them.
Krang sought out the Queen before everything began.
Krang had to see the Queen. He had to know if Naurillia was a country worth protecting and living for.
If it wasn't, he shouldn't even start.
"The late King was full of love."
That was the Queen's first words when she met Krang. It was sincere. The late King had many women. Even with a Queen and concubines, he often wandered.
It was surprising that there was only one illegitimate child.
The two had conversations. Afterward, Krang left and returned, seeing the Queen again, leading to this moment.
"Did you ask the question?"
The Queen had said there was one more person left to ask the question to.
No matter her dreams, the Queen loved the Kingdom where she was born and raised. That's why she didn't turn away from her responsibility.
There were three people she intended to ask.
One was, of course, Krang.
The second was Marquis Visar.
She had thought about slowly transferring the throne after raising him to the rank of Grand Duke. But her mentor had refused, so there was nothing she could do.
After that, she had also considered putting the Marquis of Octo on the list, but Marquis Visar opposed that as well.
"No matter what, it will lead to ruin."
Marquis Visar knew that the country needed a universally acknowledged focal point to be maintained.
The Queen's last question had to be directed at Count Molsen.
If he truly cared for the country, then shouldn't she hand over the throne, even to a man with a tongue as slippery as a ghoul's?
Doing things she hated had long since become her specialty.
But she couldn't even ask the question.
'How ridiculous.'
Just before answering, the Queen thought that to herself.
She really had become ridiculous.
She had tried to ask, but only one person remained to be questioned.
The two grand nobles, once revered, had already sided with Krang, and the only other person who could have been questioned, Count Molsen, had become a rebel himself. Count Molsen was a man who could be called a hero.
And yet.
'I can't say that was the right way.'
What he desires is the throne, not the Kingdom.
The Queen saw that clearly.
Thus, only one option remained.
"Was it intentional?"
The Queen asked.
Krang smiled with his eyes.
"I only believed that the ones left would be those who love and wish to protect the Kingdom."
In the end, it was Krang's game.
He had won over the Marquis of Octo and had already concluded his discussions with Marquis Visar.
In any case, if he survived, he had told them to stand behind him then.
Marquis Visar bent one knee. His old knee made a soft thud as it touched the ground.
"May this old man speak a word?"
The Queen nodded.
With his head still bowed, the Marquis spoke.
"May your dream come true, Your Majesty."
He was someone who had spent more time with the Queen than the late King had. It wouldn't be wrong to call him another father.
The Queen did not respond. She simply looked at Krang with an expressionless gaze, betraying no emotion.
Krang had proven himself. Beyond the cleverness of his methods, it was obvious at a glance that every remaining minister in the Royal Court was on his side.
"Protect the Kingdom from external threats and punish the traitors. If you do that, I will personally place the crown upon your head."
The Queen declared.
Encrid knew that Krang had done all kinds of things to achieve this.
There was no way such a conclusion would have been reached otherwise.
Most of all, he could tell that Krang and the Queen had already finished their discussions.
'This is something he began with the promise of the throne.'
"Fulfill your duty."
Krang said as he turned to leave.
"So I shall. Now go and do what you must."
The Queen stood up and called out. Krang bowed and turned away. Marquis Visar and the Marquis of Octo followed behind him.
Encrid, too, exited with his group. Just before stepping out, Encrid looked back.
He saw the Queen extending her hand to the woman who seemed to be a court wizard. It was a gesture of concern, asking if she was okay.
The wizard waved her hand dismissively.
Was it just his imagination, or was there something more between them?
Encrid thought it was none of his business to know.
"Where have you been?"
He asked Esther.
"Some guy tried to persuade me to join his side."
There was no need to ask who.
It was Count Molsen. Just as he said, it would have been a wizard trying to sway her.
Encrid thought it wouldn't have been surprising if Esther had left. But she stayed. Should he ask why? Even if he did, it didn't seem like he'd get a proper answer.
Just because? Or was it simply a whim?
Still, he wanted to ask.
"Why didn't you go?"
Esther turned her head at his question.
She had just come from burning two half-witted wizards who were mumbling spells, turning them into ash.
"I don't usually listen to others very well."
She said.
Encrid thought, considering that statement, she seemed to listen to his requests quite often.
Krang walked slowly, talking with the two Marquises. They exchanged words about promises, conditions, and what Count Molsen might do next. They also discussed how to defend the Capital using the forces the two Marquises had at their disposal. Ingis was with them as well.
"Your Highness, I have forces with me that came from the south."
He said.
Without even a moment of hesitation, Krang responded without pausing for breath.
"I'll give you a few fine horses. Recover from your fatigue briefly, and then it would be best to return."
He still wore his ever-present smile.
Was the Count's army not even a threat?
The forces that had just arrived were certainly significant, but Krang told them to return.
Ingis seemed to be considering something and was about to speak when Krang spoke first.
"Defend against the threats in the south. That is your duty."
Ingis agreed.
They had bought about three days, but if there was nothing to be done here, they would have to return.
Stop Count Molsen? Ingis thought that wasn't his task.
But from Krang's perspective, excluding someone as strong as Ingis must have required a big decision, right?
Surely, it must have.
And yet, there was no hesitation.
Is this what they call leadership?
Even the master had said something similar.
"It's a shame to see a vessel like that break. Go and help him."
Wasn't that why Ingis had come all this way, following his master's words?
Encrid, listening to Krang's words from behind, felt a bit disappointed. But there was nothing that could be done.
'Should I suggest sparring before I leave?'
No, that wouldn't work. Encrid wasn't Rem. He knew how to discern situations.
He was someone who had rushed here from the southern battlefield, unable even to wipe the bloodstains off his armor.
Knowing the exhaustion and fatigue, it was something he shouldn't do.
If anyone else knew what Encrid was thinking, they might tilt their head in confusion, but Encrid knew when to step in and when to step back.
That's why, just moments ago, he hadn't interrupted until Krang spoke.
"Enki, I've heard the Border Guard is under threat. You can head back immediately as well."
Krang said from the front. Encrid nodded and replied.
"It should be fine even if I don't go back."
Audin and Krais are at the Border Guard. If it were really a dangerous situation, they would have sent word by now.
Even if all the scouts had been blocked, would there be no one capable of getting a message through?
It's Krais we're talking about.
He surely would have found dozens of ways to handle things.
Besides, with Audin and Teresa there, even a Junior-Knight like the one who tried to block Encrid wouldn't stand a chance.
How many Knights of that skill level would be capable of stopping him?
That Junior-Knight had been undeniably skilled.
The only issue was Ragna showing up.
If there was anyone who could match Ragna in a fight right now, it would likely be Audin.
'I should be worrying about those who deserve it.'
And behind Audin was the scheming Krais.
After giving that answer, the eyes of the two Marquises turned to Encrid.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Encrid casually asked back, his tone indifferent, as if he really didn't understand. The expressions of the two Marquises were strange. The Marquis of Octo blinked, while Marquis Visar's lips trembled slightly, though his face remained expressionless.
It was because of the informal speech.
Seeing this, Krang chuckled and said,
"Let it go. Didn't I say we're friends?"
"Your Highness, your dignity may be damaged."
"Others may take it the wrong way."
Both Marquises had already pledged their loyalty to Krang, and their words were appropriate. But their opponent was none other than Krang.
"If my dignity can be diminished by just a few words, or by the words of a friend I've made personally, then there is nothing more I, as a person, can do."
A King must maintain his dignity.
A King must place everyone beneath him.
A King must stand alone, high above all others.
But is that the only way to prove oneself as a King?
Krang's words were like a question thrown out to the world. Even in this moment, he revealed his intentions and showed his character.
He was different. The weight of his words showed that he wasn't like ordinary men.
The heavy atmosphere quickly dissipated.
"What if I scold Enki for his bluntness, and he decides to switch sides to the enemy?"
Krang said playfully.
The two Marquises' faces twisted awkwardly. They knew of Encrid's skills. They also knew about the Madmen Platoon under his command.
If they lost them now, who knew what would happen in the battle against Count Molsen? They couldn't just call upon the Knights, after all.
Well, if they pushed it, they could.
Perhaps Sir Cyprus would come, even from the south.
Krang knew this too. But despite that, he decided not to summon them.
What mattered wasn't the immediate situation.
Preventing civil war was just one step in the process.
Krang believed he needed to handle things this way for the sake of the Kingdom after he claimed the throne.
The first reason was that if they couldn't defend against the southern nation of Rihinstetten or the Demon Realm, they would be unable to recover from the damage.
The second reason was:
'If I don't keep my own word, who will follow me?'
He had fought Count Molsen with words. When they couldn't reach a clear victory, Encrid had lent his support.
It was a ridiculous situation, but one thing was clear.
When words weren't enough, they had to settle it through action.
So, he had to manage without the Knights.
Krang believed it had to be this way.
"You'll help, right?"
Krang asked with a playful tone, and Encrid nodded.
The two Marquises watched Krang and Encrid, realizing they were of a different caliber.
It made sense.
By now, the moon had risen high in the sky, and moonlight streamed in through the windows leading outside the royal hall.
The fighting had seemingly settled down, as there were no more chaotic sounds.
A group of Royal Guards approached, but then stopped.
The one in the lead wore a dark gray helmet.
"Your Highness."
He said, kneeling on one knee. Krang nodded.
"You've worked hard."
"…I will accept my punishment later and seek forgiveness in due time."
"You did what you had to do, not because you're on my side. You performed your duty."
Krang said this and sent him off.
And that wasn't the end.
Most of those who approached were favorable to Krang.
Encrid thought this was Krang's true strength.
Anyone who got to know him, who spent time with him, ended up recognizing him as a person. It was as if Krang had the ability to pull people's hearts toward him.
As they walked, they saw a female Knight with orange hair, clutching her side with one hand. Her broken nose had altered her appearance strangely.
She limped, clearly in terrible shape.
As she approached, she stopped and raised her head.
"Encrid."
Her eyes were focused solely on Encrid, not on Krang.
A gaze directed entirely at him.
Encrid knew she had survived.
At the same time, he realized that today had come to an end.
Had the ferryman said this would be interesting?
He had to admit, it was.
He had saved the person he wanted to save.
For that alone, Encrid was satisfied. His chest felt a strange tickle, seeing Asia, alive and moving, breathing through her mouth since her nose was broken.
"Did you sleep well?"
He asked, packing all his feelings into those words. Asia chuckled, but then clutched her side. It wasn't an injury that would heal in just a day or two.
"Do you know each other?"
Krang asked from the side.
It was time to explain that she had opposed him and sided with the enemy but had her reasons. Encrid opened his mouth.
"Junior Knight, fights well. Just a little worse than me."
At that, Asia's eyes narrowed slightly, and Krang found that explanation sufficient.
"You should focus on healing your injuries."
"Huh?"
"There's a civil war coming."
Krang said with a smile.
He spoke as casually as if suggesting they have a meal together, as if there wasn't the slightest hint of crisis. But Krang was right.
It was the start of the civil war.
The Count had chosen to settle the matter with war.
What had he prepared, exactly?
Encrid found himself oddly looking forward to it.
Whatever it was, he wanted to cut, slash, and stab his way through and then see the Count's face.
Threatening the Border Guard?
Messing with Esther?
There wasn't a single thing he liked about that bastard.