Chapter 449

To the Northwest Region
Once preparations were complete, we took to the skies on Talat and the Kiblinki Saltas group, heading toward the region controlled by the Third Prince’s faction, which had once been part of the former country’s northwest territories.
Once we ascended to an altitude unseen from the ground, we rapidly picked up speed, arriving at our target region before sunset.
We arrived… but the place was in ruins.

“Plum, wasn’t the northwest supposed to be a vast granary region?”

“That’s right. This time of year, the harvest should be over, but all I see are trampled, ruined fields.”

Below us stretched farmlands that clearly looked abandoned.
On top of that, there were countless footprints.
Was this place also the site of a battle?
But I’m pretty sure this area is outside the King’s brother faction’s territory, even within the Third Prince’s domain…

“Lily, we don’t have time to inspect those fields. Our first priority is to reach the city where the Third and Fourth Princes have taken refuge—it’s on the verge of falling.”

“I know. Still, it bothers me.”

Leaving those fields behind, we descended into the forest that would serve as our campsite for the night.
There, Talat and the Kiblinki Saltas set up a spider silk barrier, allowing us to rest securely.
Some of the Kiblinki Saltas and a few of Plum’s subordinates headed outside the barrier to gather information.
There wasn’t a town nearby, but perhaps they hoped to pick up something useful.

“So, flying at this speed, it’ll take us another two days?”

“Yes, that’s the plan. We have the map, so there shouldn’t be any mistake.”

Two days, huh. That’s still quite a bit of time.

I tried asking Talat if we could shorten the trip, but he told me, (I could go faster, but the Kiblinki Saltas might not be able to keep up, so that would be reckless.)
Makes sense—so this is where the difference in capability shows.
If it’s not possible, then there’s no helping it.

The next day, we continued flying until sunset, then chose a new campsite and rested.
Again, a few people went off to scout while Plum, Talat, and I stayed behind to hold down the fort.
We’re the kind of members who would cause trouble if we weren’t around in an emergency.

I figured nothing would happen today either and was lounging around when one of Plum’s subordinates returned with a report.
They had captured some suspicious men and wanted to know what to do with them.
Suspicious men? Who?

“Um… who are these suspicious men, exactly?”

“What!? You’re—Lily!? Why are you in a place like this!?”

“Huh?”

(We asked them some questions when we found them, and it seems they’re the former country’s Third and Fourth Princes. Looks like they managed to flee and made it all the way here.)

Ugh, what a hassle we’ve picked up.
Could be a useful bargaining chip in negotiations with the resistance…
Sorry, but I have no reason to spare their lives.

What do you think about this chapter?