Chapter 439

Before the Gates of Plafard
The interrogation of the prisoners was over, and noon—the appointed time—was drawing near.
Just then, soldiers emerged from inside Plafard and began fortifying the area around the frozen gate.
Hmm, are they the defense force?
If so, they could be soldiers of the Plafard Ducal House, but... what should we do?

“Marquis Vardmoi, what should we do about those soldiers?”

“They’re no threat now, but I’d rather not have to fight here. We made it this far without a scratch, after all. I’d like to enter the city unharmed as well.”

“Then shall we freeze those soldiers too? But if they belong to Duke Plafard, wouldn’t that be bad?”

“That wouldn’t lead to anything good... Hmm? Someone’s coming.”

From the enemy’s camp, a person on horseback approached, guarded by heavily armored knights.
Judging by their attire, they were a noble, but who could it be?
It wasn’t that Credrius guy from yesterday, though.

“Marquis Vardmoi, a man claiming to be Duke Plafard has come from the enemy camp.”

“Duke Plafard, you say? Is that true?”

“We had Kiblinki Saltas read his mind just to be safe—he doesn't appear to be lying.”

Hmm, so Duke Plafard has come to speak with us personally.
That makes things easier.

“Lily. I’m going to speak with Duke Plafard directly. You come too.”

“Understood. I’ll seize him if needed, right?”

“As a last resort. Let’s go.”

Marquis Vardmoi mounted his horse, and I, riding Talat, moved forward with him to face the man who seemed to be Duke Plafard.
He looked a bit older, but had a commanding presence and a dignified air.
Still, he seemed slightly fatigued—perhaps due to the king’s younger brother.

“It’s been a while, Marquis Vardmoi.”

“It has indeed, Duke Plafard.”

“Come on now, drop the ‘Duke.’ We’re enemies at the moment, aren’t we?”

He grinned with a powerful intensity.
That face clearly bore the marks of many past trials.

“So, you’ve come to stop me?”

“That’s the idea. Also, I’d like you to return the soldiers who attacked us last night.”

“You really think that’ll work?”

“Well, not really.”

Duke Plafard shrugged, clearly aware that he was making an unreasonable demand.
Then, the two knights who should have been acting as his guards placed their hands on their swords.
Huh? They’re not guards?

“Our demands are immediate withdrawal, the release of hostages, and payment of reparations.”

“Prince Corinius has some nerve, doesn’t he?”

“Don’t say that. It’s not like I enjoy making such demands.”

… Somehow, Duke Plafard didn’t seem entirely serious about what he was saying.
Maybe I’ll test him a little.

“Talat.”

(Yeah.)

Talat’s chill spread around us, encasing Duke Plafard, Marquis Vardmoi, Talat, and myself in a cocoon of ice, isolating us from everything else.
This should make it easier to speak openly.

“Whoa there, is this the power of the monster we’re about to face? If you can do this without any warning, we’ve got no chance.”

“Indeed. Now then, I’d like to hear your true intentions.”

“Fair enough. The soldiers manning the defenses are mine. Is there any way you can get past them without harming them?”

“Hm. If you clear the way, we’ll pass through peacefully. Also, we’re heading out to take down Prince Corinius. Would you lend us your aid?”

“I’d like nothing more, but I have my own circumstances…”

“By the way, if it’s your family you're worried about, we’re already preparing to rescue the noble families being held as hostages.”

“What!? Is that true!?”

“Yes. The secondary residence where they’re being held has already been secured by our people. However, the exterior is heavily guarded, so they’re still confined inside for now.”

“I see. I’ll lend a hand with that. Do you have anything I can use to show I’m an ally?”

Something to show he’s an ally… I’ll make one now.
I pulled out a piece of silk from my pack, embroidered a lily on it, and dyed it.
If I have Plum relay the meaning, it should serve as a reliable symbol.

“… Whoa, you’re pretty handy with that.”

“It’s my main profession—I’m a tailor. I’m not really cut out for rough work. Here, take this. I’ll make sure our allies know what it means.”

“I’m in your debt. I’ll definitely lend my strength when the time comes to defeat Prince Corinius.”

“Noted. Now then, I’ll undo the ice cocoon. Are you ready?”

“No problem. The next time we meet, it’ll be before Prince Corinius. I wish you success.”

As Duke Plafard turned his horse around, I dispelled the ice cocoon.
Outside, one of the knights had apparently tried to break the cocoon.
Duke Plafard rode between the two knights and returned to his camp.
The two knights tried to follow, but they didn’t seem like true bodyguards—so Talat froze them in place.
I’ll take my time finding out who they really are later.

Shortly after Duke Plafard returned to his camp, a single opening formed in the enemy ranks in front of the gate—unnaturally so.
Alright, now’s our chance!

“Talat, ice wall!”

(Okay!)

Talat created a wall of ice around the enemy troops, preventing them from interfering.
Now we can safely enter the city.
Alright, just a little more to go!

What do you think about this chapter?