The tension in the room was palpable, a prickling sensation felt by everyone present.
While no one dared to speak—or rather, was unable to—the figure at the center of the scene finally opened her mouth. She reached for the items on the table, which, for her, were of the utmost importance.
"Rei... this was your doing, wasn't it?"
Rei nodded at Frizion's words, which were heavy with certainty.
The atmosphere had been peaceful until they entered the cottage. However, the moment Frizion stepped inside—specifically, the moment she saw what was sitting on the table—she had frozen.
It was the dried meat and dried fruit Rei had found while rummaging through the cottage because he was a bit hungry.
As Rei admitted his guilt, Frizion’s expression softened—just a fraction. It was easy enough to guess how she would have reacted if he had tried to deny it.
Fortunately, the only people inside the cottage were Rei, Frizion, Angela, and Videre. The other knights of the White Rose Knight Order, who harbored their own complicated feelings toward Rei, were outside on high alert. While some had received specialized training to pose as gardeners, Angela had decided it was best to keep them away from Rei to avoid any potential friction.
"This dried meat and dried fruit... they were my special reserve for whenever I come here to relax. The Castle's Cook made them with a complete disregard for the cost. They are precious to me—absolutely indispensable. And you... you..."
Frizion usually gave a gentle, soft impression, but there was almost no trace of that now. The way she stared at Rei with hollow, dead eyes made it impossible to believe she was the First Princess, a woman who held a legitimate Right of Succession to the Throne.
Rei sensed that things were about to take a turn for the worse. Deciding he needed to shift the brunt of her anger, he spoke up.
"Ah—my bad. But Videre was the one who said I could eat whatever I wanted in here. I was just following her lead."
"What!?"
Two voices rose simultaneously, though their meanings were worlds apart. One was a cry of shock, the other of indignation. Frizion felt betrayed by a trusted subordinate, while Videre was furious that he would throw her under the bus so casually.
However, since Videre actually had told him he could eat the food in the cottage, she found herself without an excuse.
"Videre? Care to explain?"
"Ah, no... Your Highness Frizion, it's not what..."
I can't believe you sold me out. Rei quietly looked away from Videre’s burning glare.
They were supposed to be having a critical discussion about the future of the First Princess Faction, yet somehow the conversation had devolved into an argument over snacks.
Angela watched the exchange for a few moments before finally clapping her hands loudly. The sound echoed through the cottage with startling clarity, drawing the attention of Frizion, Videre, and Rei.
"Your Highness Frizion. Let us set that matter aside for now. We came here to meet Rei and, more importantly, to discuss our next steps."
"...You're right, Angela."
Frizion finally let Videre off the hook. Before turning back to Rei, however, she shot a quick glance at Angela and whispered softly.
"I suppose it's easy for you to say since you enjoyed your long, private chat with Rei earlier. Now you're telling me to act like a princess?"
It was a quiet murmur, but Frizion ensured it was loud enough for Angela to hear. Angela reflexively started to snap back, but she bit her tongue, realizing the conversation would never move forward if she engaged. She did, however, resolve to settle this score once they were finished. She felt exactly the same way Frizion had felt toward Videre just a moment ago.
Frizion likely sensed the ominous aura radiating from Angela. Wisely, she chose not to push her luck further and settled back onto the sofa. She usually came to this cottage when she wanted to rest alone, and despite the gravity of the situation, the habit of relaxing here was almost a reflex.
Angela and Videre took their positions standing behind Frizion. As her guards, they never even considered sitting down.
"Now then, Rei. I’ll speak frankly. Regarding the condition in the letter—the requirement to serve under Mercurio. I intend to accept."
"Oh?" Rei let out a small sound of surprise. He hadn't expected her to accept Mercurio's terms so readily.
Frizion continued, seemingly unbothered by his reaction. "That condition is fine. However, I want us to avoid combat as much as possible."
"...Huh?" Rei blurted out, unable to process her words. They were quite different from what he'd heard just seconds ago.
The Rebel Army and the Subjugation Army were already at each other's throats. Blood had been spilled—specifically on the Subjugation Army's side—and lives had been lost. Asking to avoid combat now was...
"That’s impossible," Rei said flatly. He didn't even need to think about it.
From Rei’s perspective, she was being unrealistic. The war was currently turning overwhelmingly in favor of the rebels. Furthermore, as their name suggested, they were technically traitors to the Bestia Empire. Given the circumstances, it was only natural for the Rebel Army—and Mercurio—to aim to remove the two older brothers who held higher claims to the throne, even if they didn't intend to kill them.
On the other side, Schuls had the backing of the military and would likely seek to regain the honor he lost in his initial defeat. As for Cabajid, he had been humiliated by a night raid that wiped out his forces without a single casualty on the enemy side. His Honor as the First Prince had been utterly shredded. Rei couldn't imagine anyone in that position simply agreeing to stop fighting.
He glanced at Angela and Videre, but they looked ready to move heaven and earth to fulfill their master's wish if that was what she truly wanted.
"I know it's difficult. But if no one tries just because it's hard, this civil war will never end. The residents of the Bestia Empire will continue to fight a war where blood washes blood, and only hatred and sorrow will remain. More than that, as their sister, I want to stop this fratricidal conflict."
Naive nonsense, Rei thought, but he didn't say it. Frizion’s eyes held a light of such fierce conviction that he knew she wouldn't back down.
"...Well, I don't have any authority over that. For better or worse, my job here is just to be your guard, as you pointed out earlier. If you want to negotiate those kinds of terms, you'll have to talk to Mercurio yourself."
In the end, Rei chose to postpone the debate. It wasn't an incorrect move—he really didn't have the power to negotiate on Mercurio's behalf.
I mean, even if she sneaks out and joins the rebels, then decides to come back because they couldn't agree on terms... I doubt Cabajid or Schuls would welcome her back with open arms. She'll either have to swallow her pride and join the rebellion, or try to declare herself a third party. Either way, she’s in for a rough time, Rei thought. He wondered what choice she would make when the time came; the uncertainty made things somewhat interesting.
"Regardless of your conditions, can I assume you're officially joining the Rebel Army for now?"
"Yes. Regardless of what happens later, I need to speak with Mercurio and Vihera first."
Frizion's nod was firm, and Rei offered one in return.
"I get the gist of it. So, specifically, when can you leave? The sooner, the better as far as I'm concerned."
Rei was still thinking about Cabajid’s face from their encounter near the castle. He wasn't certain the prince had recognized him, but that piercing gaze—the feeling of being peered into—was hard to shake. There was also Dune. Although the man’s attention had been on Videre at the time, there was always the risk that he might suddenly remember Rei’s face later.
Rei wanted to get out of the Imperial Capital as soon as possible.
Of course, Rei was unaware that both Cabajid and Schuls already knew he was inside the castle. He only remained safe because Schuls was wary of getting caught in whatever Cabajid was planning, and perhaps because Schuls had a lingering desire to keep Frizion out of harm's way.
"Well... I've been making quiet preparations since before Videre returned, but please understand it will still take some time."
"And how long is 'some' time?"
"If we wanted to be fully prepared, it would take months. If we settle for a hasty departure, a few days. If we're leaving with nothing but the clothes on our backs, we could go tomorrow... I suppose."
"I'd prefer tomorrow," Rei replied.
He looked toward Angela and Videre, but they both shook their heads in silence.
"Right. Figures."
Rei understood. A total escape by tomorrow was impossible. It was clear Frizion wasn't ready, let alone the other nobles involved. Besides, if they fled tomorrow, they wouldn't even have time to secure proper equipment. Guarding a group of defenseless people was a headache Rei didn't want, and he wasn't particularly eager to hand out the gear—mostly spears—he had stored in his Misty Ring.
The choice was made for him.
"Just make it as fast as you can."
The others seemed to understand his urgency. Angela and Videre nodded, and Frizion gave a knowing look of her own.
"I thought you'd say that. Personally, I'd feel much safer with the 'months' option."
"That's not happening. If we stay that long, I'll hit my limit, and the civil strife will definitely enter a new phase."
And... Rei added privately.
I can't just leave Seto alone forever. I told him to hunt for himself, but Seto is way too friendly for his own good. If he gets lonely, he might try to force his way into the Imperial Capital. The barriers would stop him from flying in... but would he try to ram the Main Gate? God, I don't even want to imagine that.
The mental image of Seto flapping his wings and charging the Main Gate at full speed flashed through his mind. The guards would have no choice but to retaliate, and the resulting chaos would be astronomical.
"Yeah... the sooner we leave, the better."
Rei knew exactly how much Seto loved him, so he knew the possibility wasn't entirely far-fetched. He stared off into the distance, his mind already miles away.