Standing before Ren, Ulysses shrugged his shoulders and laughed, just as he had done only a moment before.
"Lord Ulysses!"
"Ah, it has been a long time. My apologies, as well. I truly didn't want to involve you and your friends, so the Prince and I intended to resolve this ourselves."
"Then..."
"You have already figured it out, haven't you? You know exactly where we intend to lie in wait for the enemy."
Ren gave a firm nod.
Ulysses said, "Follow me," and led Ren outside.
The click of their leather soles echoed through the long corridor.
"Regarding what we were just discussing, I should apologize as well," Ren said.
"Hmm? For what?"
"Even though you and the Prince were looking out for us, I insisted on prying because I was worried."
"Well, I understand the feeling. In fact, it would have been more unsettling if you hadn't come to us."
"Unsettling?"
"You're far too brave, after all. It’s more worrying for us if you learn something behind our backs and start moving in secret. I’m grateful you spoke to us directly."
This was partly due to Ren’s own personality, something he couldn't quite help, though he acted with the self-awareness that it was a double-edged sword. Consequently, he wore an awkward, sheepish expression.
"That is exactly why you were so considerate of us, Lord Ulysses."
"That was part of it, but I also had no desire to involve the Clausel family, to whom I owe a great debt. I shared only what absolutely had to be shared, hoping you could remain uninvolved beyond that."
Ren and Ulysses both apologized and shared a laugh once they saw the expressions on each other's faces. They both reflected on the fact that there had been a slight misunderstanding of intentions.
"Just between us, I have spent my life fighting alone until now. Since I never had what you would call true comrades, I didn't know how to rely on others."
Ulysses offered a wry smile. Ren felt the same way. If someone had pointed it out, he might have denied it, but he too had handled many battles alone until today. When it came to the Demon King Cult specifically, he had often shouldered far too much of the burden by himself. His first encounter with Radius on the plains was a perfect example. Both men standing there had a notable tendency toward self-reliance to a fault.
"I heard you were worried about me," Ulysses added.
"Ah, so you heard that too."
"Just that part. Honestly, it made me quite happy. Despite my age, I felt a certain warmth in my chest. At the same time, it made me reflect on my own choices."
"I say it again, I shouldn't have interfered..."
"Enough of that. Let's just say that in this instance, we were both far too used to acting alone."
The two exchanged a handshake as they walked. Somehow, it felt as though they understood each other better than they ever had before.
"Our military strength is sufficient. We have made meticulous preparations to face the Demon King Cult ourselves, specifically to avoid causing you as much trouble as possible."
However, Ulysses paused.
"Having said that, I have something to discuss with you. There is a matter where, if we have your assistance, we could achieve a far better outcome."
They stepped out of the Lion Sanctum. Ulysses's jet-black carriage was parked outside. Edgar, who had arrived a short while later, was already seated in the coachman's seat.
"We will discuss the details at the inn."
Ren climbed into the carriage, and they headed toward their destination. Inside, as Ulysses recalled Ren saying he was worried, a satisfied smile played across his lips.
The inn was called Arnea. Owned by the Arnevelde Company, it was one of the most prestigious luxury lodgings in the Imperial Capital. Inside one of the private suites, Radius and Lezard were waiting. Both were surprised by Ren's arrival, but they calmed down after hearing Ulysses's explanation.
Once the four of them were settled on the sofas, Ulysses was the first to speak.
"First, let's hear the conclusion Ren Ashton has reached."
When prompted, Ren didn't hesitate.
"Before Academy Principal Chronoa returns, something is going to happen at the Great Clock Tower of Erendil."
The three men understood immediately. As expected, Ren had arrived at the correct answer.
"Next month, the Mana Stone at the top of the Great Clock Tower is scheduled for replacement. I heard that during the swap, the tower's operations cease entirely."
The power protecting the Imperial Capital and Erendil would also vanish. He could only assume the Cult would target that specific window of vulnerability. Since the three listening were nodding, he knew he was on the right track.
"By conquering that Great Clock Tower—built with the technology of one of the Seven Heroes, Milim Altia—I believe they intend to use it as a foothold to strike at the Imperial Capital."
This was the goal of the Demon King Cult, who had been gathering intelligence on the Magic Tools used throughout the city, including those in the capital and Erendia. The men in the room were certain that the tower was the target. Naturally, the Cult would look for security gaps, but they likely wanted every scrap of data they could find regarding the tower’s inner workings. That was Ren’s deduction.
"They might be planning to destroy the barrier protecting the capital and Erendil—or perhaps they intend to install a device to lure in Monsters."
Ulysses spoke up. "It is likely the former. It is difficult to imagine any modern technology surpassing Milim Altia's."
"I see. Now that you mention it, that makes sense."
Milim Altia had developed several vital technologies that remained foundational to the Empire. The Guild Card system was a prime example—a network that allowed all branches to share simple strings of data. While not impossible, the likelihood that the enemy possessed the knowledge to modify a Magic Tool crafted by Milim Altia was extremely low. If they had such advanced skills, they would have handled the previous bandit incident with far more sophistication.
Next, Radius spoke.
"Because the project Ren mentioned falls under the castle's jurisdiction, I can intervene. By my authority, I have secretly postponed the Mana Stone replacement. On the scheduled day, we will swap it with a decoy."
"So, the actual replacement will happen at a later date?"
"Exactly. Even so, the personnel we can deploy is limited. We don't know where a leak might come from. Therefore, Ulysses and I intended to handle it ourselves. Very few people even know that the stone being swapped is a fake."
Ren leaned in, listening intently as the Prince continued.
"Ulysses and I start from the premise that the best-case scenario is dealing with the Cultists before they even set foot in Erendil. We intend to do exactly that if we can, but they slip through cracks like mist. Even if they are fools, their nature as servants of the Demon King makes them no less troublesome."
"So, you're going to lie in wait at the Great Clock Tower as a backup?"
"Yes."
Radius explained that they would strive to intercept the enemy outside the town. However, they couldn't be certain they would eliminate every single one of them, nor did they know the size of the force they would face. There were no guarantees. On the other hand, in the unlikely event that a massive horde appeared...
"We have scouts deployed everywhere and are receiving constant updates. Depending on the situation, I will mobilize the army under my authority. Since Erendil is near the capital, we can respond with overwhelming speed. I will not allow any harm to come to the citizens."
"I want to ask one more thing," Ren said.
He was curious as to why Radius was so adamant about keeping the information secret and trying to resolve it with just himself and Ulysses rather than a public military response.
"Why not involve the army from the very beginning, despite preparing so meticulously?"
When he asked that, Radius spoke with a voice full of authority.
"If we had mobilized the army from the start, we could completely prevent their attack. Obviously. The Leomel army is the strongest in the world; the fact that they haven't made an open move proves they know it."
An aura of ambition drifted from the Prince's expression.
"But would they still attack if they saw that? If they intended to face us head-on, they would have done so already. If we prepared the army, they would simply change their plans. Since we know they're coming, it is better to have them move within a range we can predict."
And besides, he added, "Ulysses and I do not intend for this to end with just fending them off."
"...Could it be that you're planning to go on the offensive instead?"
"Exactly. We will capture them alive to obtain intelligence. For that, we cannot rely on the army from the start. We must move in secret to avoid tipping off the Cultists."
His confidence was staggering. Ren understood the logic, but it was a double-edged sword. At least, it would be for anyone else.
It's because they actually have the strength to pull it off, Ren realized.
They possessed the power to turn the tables and trap the enemy. Ulysses Ignat the Strong-Armed, teaming up with the Third Prince who was rumored to be the Next Emperor. In the game world Ren remembered, these two had eventually killed each other, but now they were allies. That made this plan viable. All of this was to ensure the Demon King Cult didn't have their way. If it was clear they were going to attack, the two men intended to exploit that intent.
"I have already explained this to Baron Clausel," Ulysses said. "The Prince and I will mobilize every elite resource at our disposal. Just in case."
"To hear that you'll mobilize everything available to you both... that sounds incredible."
"I appreciate the compliment. Though it is a small, surgical force. As the Prince said, we are prepared to move the regular army immediately if an emergency arises. Please consider this an expression of our resolve."
Ren looked toward Lezard to gauge his reaction.
"Wait a second. Does that mean Radius is also going to the site?"
"Of course I am."
"No, that's completely insane. Even for you."
"Under normal circumstances, perhaps. But there is a reason. Besides, Ren, you've done plenty of insane things yourself. You're hardly in a position to talk."
"I can't argue with that, but... why put yourself in such a dangerous spot?"
"It is the same as it was back on the plains. There is something I haven't told you, Ren."
Radius proceeded to reveal a secret he had been hiding—a Skill held by the Third Prince that had never been mentioned in The Legend of the Seven Heroes.
"I possess a Unique Skill called Analysis."
Its strength lay in the ability to investigate the properties and information of anything he touched. Describing it as "information" was vague, but for example, if he examined a blade, he would understand the composition of the metals used. It wasn't as if words like "iron" or "steel" simply flashed in his mind; rather, a conclusion would be derived based on Radius's own knowledge, surfacing in his consciousness as a deep understanding. If he lacked the relevant baseline knowledge, the data would remain in his mind as a new, raw mystery to be solved.
"I will use this to examine the Mark of the Demon King Cult. Anything will do. I want to obtain every scrap of data I can on them."
"Then you should just wait. You should stay somewhere safe, Radius, and wait for someone to bring you a Cultist who's been knocked out."
"And who will guarantee the results then? Do you remember the disposable member of the Bandit Gang you captured? I didn't tell you, but shortly after his rampage and your departure, he died. The Mark disappeared before I could even begin my investigation."
It wasn't that Ren's attack had been fatal. The man’s entire body had suddenly begun to rot from the inside out. That was why Radius insisted so stubbornly on being present. Since an abnormality might occur before they could even transport a prisoner, Radius had no intention of letting this opportunity slip away. That was why he had prepared so meticulously and hand-picked his team. Like Ren, he possessed a fierce resolve.
"If I can deepen my understanding of the Mark of the Demon King Cult, it will be much easier to track them in the future."
"...So, you have no intention of staying in a safe place?"
"None. No matter what anyone says, I will not hesitate when facing the Cult. I am a Descendant of the Lion King. I cannot stand by and do nothing when those who would harm my people are so close."
What Radius wanted was a guarantee. Therefore, his argument that he must be present at the site was logical; he feared losing the chance to obtain data above all else. Everyone in the room understood that. Since no one else could provide the guarantee he required, his stance was consistent. At least, in theory.
"Lord Lezard, you've heard the details of the operation and you're satisfied with it?" Ren asked.
"Rest assured. I have confirmed everything down to the smallest detail. The plan is solid enough to convince even me."
"...I understand. In that case, I won't say anything more about it." Ren nodded. "Should I just focus on protecting the manor, then?"
As he had said from the beginning, he had no intention of hindering the operation. Ren simply wanted to know his role—how he could act to best serve the goal of protecting others without getting in the way.
"Ah... well, about that..." Radius’s response was uncharacteristically hesitant. "Ulysses, what have you told Ren?"
"I only told him that if he were to join us, it would lead to a far better outcome."
"I see... Then, is it all right if I explain the rest?"
"Yes. It would be better if Your Highness spoke of it."
Radius nodded. There was another reason why Ren had been brought here. It wasn't that they were simply relying on Ren's strength—though that was a significant factor—but it wasn't the primary reason. Lezard hadn't heard this part either, so he tilted his head in confusion.
"As you know, Ren, failure is not an option for this operation."
"Because if it fails, the defenses of the capital and Erendil will fall."
"No, not quite. In fact, you can assume there is no problem whatsoever regarding the defenses."
"...What do you mean?"
"I will tell you everything in detail once the matter is settled. Both you and Lezard."
Radius offered one cryptic hint.
"Milim Altia was a legendary Magic Tool Craftsman, but the idea that the Great Clock Tower depends solely on a single Mana Stone is an old story. Just remember that. It's not as if we in Leomel have been doing nothing for the last few centuries."
There was clearly a secret involved, but he didn't elaborate. However, it didn't change the importance of the mission. Since he had shared this much, he likely intended to brief them fully later. Ulysses seemed to know the truth of it, sitting there with a knowing look.
So that's the secret that made this clandestine operation possible, Ren realized.
Ren and Lezard nodded, and the conversation returned to the main point.
"Back to the subject," Radius said. "The reason things will be better if Ren is there is... well, I'm not saying you must cooperate just because I'm telling you this. Besides, I only heard this from His Imperial Majesty yesterday. Ulysses and I have only just shared the news ourselves."
"His Majesty? Radius, why is the Emperor involved in a conversation about me?"
"I'll tell you everything. First, how this started..."
While the operation was being conducted in secret, there was one person who had to be informed: the absolute authority who ruled Leomel. The task of briefing the Emperor had fallen to Radius.
"I informed His Majesty of all our intentions. He gave his permission and confirmed the details of the operation, saying there would be no problem."
It was unusual for someone considered the Next Emperor to be allowed into a dangerous situation, but Ren finally understood the context. Still, elite knights personally serving the Emperor had been dispatched to guard Radius. A truly flawless formation had been established.
"At that time, we discussed how to handle the other factions. His Majesty promised to manage that after the matter is settled. Ren, you became involved right after that."
Radius had spoken with his father in the Audience Chamber the previous night.
"Ulysses and I were looking for every possible way to ensure success. I asked His Majesty if we might obtain her assistance."
"Her?" The word was vague, but Ren knew immediately. Given the context of someone by the Emperor's side, only one person came to mind.
"In the past, she never provided assistance to anyone, even on His Majesty's orders. But this time, she said she would help on one condition."
"...And that condition is me?"
"Yes. She promised to provide support from the shadows—if Ren Ashton is fighting by my side."
"I don't understand. Why would she care if I was helping?"
Radius shrugged and let out a sigh. "I don't know. Ulysses doesn't know either. But that was her answer to His Majesty."
From Radius's tone, he was genuinely bewildered.
"She won't be fighting directly alongside us, but she will be nearby just in case."
Ren was at a loss. He looked to Lezard for help, but his lord was equally troubled. Even Ulysses couldn't provide an explanation. However, there was one undeniable fact: if she assisted them, the operation would be virtually guaranteed to succeed. Edgar had likely reached out to Ren because he realized this was the best possible path.
"Honestly... Edgar, you're a very willful butler, aren't you?" Ulysses remarked.
"My deepest apologies, my lord."
"Well, I was hesitating over whether to tell him or not myself. I can't be too harsh."
Ulysses had been unsure about inviting Ren into the fray, but for Ren, the situation had shifted. The fact that she—the Sword King—would assist was an incredible advantage. Regardless of her inscrutable motives, he couldn't turn down that level of support.
"Lord Lezard," Ren said. "Would you give me permission to fight by Radius's side?"
Lezard hesitated. He was wary of relying on Ren's strength yet again, but this matter was far beyond the scope of a mere Baron. As he struggled with the weight of the decision, Ren spoke again.
"As a reward... how about you pay for my academy tuition?"
This was the first time Ren had ever explicitly asked for a reward. Everyone in the room knew he was doing it to make the arrangement feel like a business transaction, easing Lezard's guilt. Against Ren's kindness and the clarity of his resolve, Lezard couldn't remain stubborn. Ren was no longer the small boy from the countryside.
"I shall give you whatever reward you wish. Ren, may we borrow your strength for the sake of Leomel?"
"Yes. Leave it to me." It was an immediate response.
After they finished, Radius added, "However, Lezard, this may lead people to think the Clausel family has officially joined the Imperial Faction. I know you're close with the Riohalde family, and I'll do my best to maintain your reputation for neutrality, but..."
"In that case, I would ask for your continued favor toward the Clausel family," Lezard requested. He didn't call it reputational damage, but he was clearly thinking of the political fallout.
"Oh? And what is your goal?"
"I desire political power. If I rely only on ideals, I will surely be swept up in some other injustice. Therefore, while remaining neutral, I must build a position that cannot be ignored."
"If that's the case, why not simply join my faction?"
Lezard remained silent for a moment.
"I see. That's a different conversation."
"With all due respect, please forgive me for not answering that here. Right now, I have my hands full just protecting my own domain."
Lezard's refusal to jump between factions was born of hard-earned experience. Since he had been successfully expanding his influence lately, he saw no reason to rush. He certainly wouldn't be pressured into a life-altering decision by the momentum of the moment. Radius gave a smirk.
"By nature, nobles should not be bound by petty factions. You are a man who embodies that ideal."
"I would have no choice but to accept it if you called me disrespectful, Your Highness. However, my devotion to Leomel—and to you—is eternal."
"I don't find it disrespectful at all. I am overjoyed to find such a loyal subject." Radius made a promise then and there. "Once this is settled, I shall speak to His Majesty and ensure the Clausel family receives a proper reward. Your neutrality is pure and proud. It is not indecision, but a position born of your love for Leomel. I understand that perfectly."
Radius reached out his hand to Lezard. "Continue to serve for the sake of Leomel."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Normally, shaking hands with royalty was strictly forbidden, yet the two exchanged a firm, meaningful grip. Then, Radius turned his attention back to Ren.
"The plan was for Edgar to stay by my side. However, I think it's better if Edgar stays to protect the Clausel manor. If she is going to be nearby, you'll likely feel more at ease knowing your home is safe, Ren."
"Yeah, thanks. Then I'll..."
"Yes. The one who will stand by my side and protect me is you, Ren."
Radius didn't doubt Ren's strength for a second; if anything, he felt a profound sense of reliability. Though it hadn't been long since they first met, they understood each other on a level that bypassed time.
"I'm trusting you with my back. However, I won't ask you to stand there as a Knight."
"Then what am I? A bodyguard?"
To Ren's honest question, Radius gave a daring, triumphant smile.
"How about as a comrade-in-arms?"
Ren thought it was probably strange to be a "comrade" to the Third Prince, but then he realized it was a little late to worry about decorum. They were already speaking as equals. Ren and Radius both reached out at the same time, and their hands met in a firm grip.