"...So that’s the Imperial Capital Castle."
The murmur came from Rei.
He had been impressed upon arriving in the Imperial Capital, but this sight surpassed that by far.
When he had seen the streets of the city, he had been astonished by their vast scale and dense crowds, but this was different. The elegant exterior of the castle itself left Rei breathless.
Beside him, Daskar and Elk also voiced their admiration, their voices echoing within the carriage.
Though Rei usually traveled atop Set, he had left the Gryphon behind at the Eternal Sky Inn Stables today, given that they were heading into the heart of the government.
Rei had easily agreed to Daskar's suggestion, knowing full well that bringing a creature like Set into the castle would only spark unnecessary trouble.
Set itself had clearly wanted to accompany its partner. Having been at Rei’s side throughout their long journey, it had initially looked quite disgruntled, but eventually, it resigned itself to staying behind in the stables.
Because of that, their party consisted of only a single carriage and two escort knights.
"Now then. We’re almost there. Whatever you do, do not cause a scene—especially you, Rei. While our goal is to draw the attention of the Empire’s upper management, overdoing it could easily backfire. The Kingdom of Mireana would prefer to avoid another war next spring."
Daskar turned his gaze away from the graceful castle to address Rei directly.
Rei had no intention of starting trouble in such a place of his own volition, so he nodded without complaint.
"Understood. I’ll be as careful as I can. ...However."
He trailed off, keenly aware of the intense loathing the people of this nation harbored for him.
Daskar understood and nodded before Rei could finish.
"I know. If you feel your life is in danger, handle it accordingly. A limb or two is fine. Just whatever you do, do not kill anyone. If an imperial noble is murdered within these walls by a foreigner—especially an adventurer who isn't even a noble—the Bestia Empire won't be able to back down quietly without losing all prestige."
"I understand. I'll be careful."
The carriage rolled forward as they spoke, eventually being ushered into the castle grounds.
After handing the vehicle over to the castle attendants, they were immediately met by an elderly man in his 50s.
It was Ombrel, the guide assigned to Daskar’s entourage.
"Margrave Larkus, my apologies, but the Chancellor is currently occupied. He asks that you wait just a short while..."
"That’s fine. We’re the ones who arrived unannounced, after all."
A faint look of relief crossed Ombrel’s face at Daskar's words, and he offered a polite bow.
"Thank you. Then, please allow me to show you inside."
Ombrel exhaled softly and led the group—Daskar, Elk, Min, Rhodos, Rei, and the two knights—through the castle interior.
The fact that they encountered almost no other nobles along the way was likely a deliberate courtesy from the Empire.
Or perhaps they simply feared that if Rei were provoked, he might unleash a Flame Tornado inside the castle.
The Spring War must have truly chilled the bones of the Bestia Empire's leadership, Daskar mused.
In contrast to Daskar’s internal calculations, Rei was looking around with pure curiosity, as it was his first time inside the palace.
Plush, expensive carpets lined the floors, and the walls were adorned with paintings, vases of fresh flowers, and sets of knightly armor.
As Rei surveyed his surroundings, Rhodos gave the hem of the dragon robe a sharp tug.
"Hey, stop acting like a tourist. If you keep gawking, people will look down on Lord Daskar for bringing you."
"...You’re remarkably used to this."
Rei was slightly surprised. Despite being in the absolute heart of the Bestia Empire, Rhodos seemed as composed as ever.
Rhodos shrugged and let out a small sigh.
"Well, obviously. It’s my first time in this specific castle, but I’ve been to the palace in the Kingdom of Mireana several times."
Rei blinked in surprise, but the logic clicked quickly.
"Ah, so you were just tagging along with Elk."
"Yeah, something like that. But even if I was just an extra at my father’s side, the fact remains that I’ve got experience in places like this."
Though Rei’s comment had a provocative edge, Rhodos parried it with a casual shrug.
Rei was about to retort when he noticed something.
"Hm?"
A group was approaching from the opposite end of the hallway.
At the front walked a man in his 50s, followed by about ten others.
Under normal circumstances, it would have looked like a noble leading his retainers. However, their dress indicated that every person in the group was a noble.
That alone might have been a rare sight, but what truly caught Rei’s attention was the sheer, concentrated malice they were projecting toward him.
What is this? A lynch mob that just wanted to see my face?
Rei relaxed his body, mentally preparing to react instantly if any of the nobles made a move.
Only Daskar, Elk, and Min noticed his sudden shift in tension.
The distance closed until they were within arm’s reach, but in the end, the two groups passed each other without incident.
Malice continued to radiate from the passing nobles—their hateful glares never wavering—but they remained silent and made no attempt to interfere as they distanced themselves from Daskar’s party.
"Well, nothing happened," Elk murmured.
Everyone except Ombrel nodded in agreement.
The guide turned to Daskar—and then to Rei—with an apologetic bow.
"My deepest apologies. That was... well, it was unavoidable..."
"Don’t worry about it," Rei replied. "I came to the Bestia Empire knowing this would happen. Please don't let it bother you."
"Thank you."
Ombrel smiled gratefully and resumed his lead.
"..."
For some reason, Rhodos was staring at Rei with a stunned expression.
"What is it?" Rei asked suspiciously.
"I’m just shocked," Rhodos admitted. "I was certain you were going to pick a fight with them."
"You... what do you think I am? Do I look like the type of idiot who picks a fight anywhere and everywhere?"
"..."
Rhodos silently looked away.
His silence spoke volumes about his true opinion of Rei’s temperament.
Rei, catching the drift, narrowed his eyes.
"Fine. Since I’m apparently such a thoughtless person, I suppose you won't mind if our morning training sessions get a bit more intense."
"Hey, wait a minute!"
Rhodos cried out, but Rei only shrugged with a smirk.
"Since I supposedly act without thinking, it shouldn't be a surprise if my training plans become just as rash, right?"
"No, no, no! Those are two completely different things!"
Rhodos argued desperately.
The training was already grueling. If it got any worse, his body might give out before the Fighting Tournament even began.
Ignoring the cold shiver running down his spine, Rhodos forced a cheerful tone.
"Lord Daskar, let's hurry to the Waiting Room. I’m a bit thirsty."
"Are you sure your throat isn't just dry from being nervous about Rei's threat?"
Daskar muttered in exasperation, but he turned to Ombrel, deciding that lingering here was a waste of time.
Sensing the cue, Ombrel, who had been watching the banter with amusement, continued the tour.
After walking a while longer, they arrived at their destination. Ombrel stopped before the doors and bowed deeply.
"Margrave Larkus, everyone... please wait here for a moment. Someone will come for you as soon as the arrangements are complete. There are maids inside to assist you. ...And again, please accept my apologies for the scene earlier."
Ombrel was referring to the encounter with Count Schwindel and his peers. Daskar shook his head.
"We were at war. It's only natural for people to harbor grudges. I’m not bothered, and Rei doesn't have the kind of delicate sensibilities that would make him dwell on it. Besides, that wasn't your fault, so you don't need to apologize."
"...Thank you."
Rei opened his mouth to object to the "delicate sensibilities" comment, but seeing Ombrel’s earnest gratitude, he chose to swallow his complaint with a small sigh.
Leaving Ombrel at the door, Daskar’s entourage stepped into the room.
"So that’s him... Crimson," Count Schwindel murmured.
As he walked down a hallway a safe distance away from Rei and the others, his voice was thick with anger—but it was also laced with bewilderment.
This was the hated enemy who had killed his daughter’s fiancé.
He had imagined a monster, yet the boy was small, with refined features that leaned more toward girlish than powerful.
He didn't look like he possessed even a fraction of the strength the rumors claimed.
Schwindel shook his head, as if to cast out the foolish thought.
Because of him, Wia has... she’s shut herself away in her room, consumed by grief. Yes, it’s all his fault!
The memory of his beloved daughter’s tears sent a fresh wave of rage through his heart.
It was the same for the nobles surrounding him.
Looking at Rei, it was hard to believe he possessed such legendary combat prowess, but the fact remained: he was the one who had slaughtered their family, friends, and lovers.
Yet, while some burned with hatred, others looked at Rei’s unassuming appearance and saw an opportunity.
"But... honestly, for such a child to hold that much power is dangerous. Such a weapon should be under the control of our Empire. If possible, we should try to recruit him to our side while he’s within our borders..."
"Are you mad?! You want to bring a freak like Crimson into the fold? He’d tear the Empire apart from the inside!"
"Exactly! He may look harmless, but remember what he did!"
"But if we make an enemy of him without reason... won't our losses be even greater?"
"Have you lost your nerve?!"
As the bickering escalated, Count Schwindel spoke.
"Enough. Remember where you are. This is the castle. What if you are overheard?"
He didn't shout. He didn't have to.
The nobles fell silent instantly.
His presence alone made the gap between him and this rabble abundantly clear.
"We cannot let the other nobles know our true feelings about Crimson or Margrave Larkus. If we do, it might expose our plans to target them. ...Is that understood? Refrain from any reckless movements."
The group remained silent.
Several of them still harbored objections, but they lacked the courage to voice them.
Their bravado existed only because they were in a group. If told to face Rei alone, every one of them would have been forced to admit it was impossible.
"...Let’s move. We’ve seen the face of our enemy. Now, we must gather as much information as possible. Given the reputation of the Requiem Bell, failure is unlikely, but we must be prepared for any eventuality."
Yes—if necessary, he would even deploy his own knight order to hunt them down.
Concealing his murderous intent behind a mask of noble resolve, Count Schwindel led his followers down the hall.