Chapter 96

"--- All personnel, attention."

The next day at the Knights' Hall.

Alyssia's stern voice echoed across the square. This scene had become all too familiar.

However, while her voice was firm, it seemed to lack the vigor and strength it had before yesterday.

I wonder what's going on. From what I can see, she doesn't seem to be in poor health. If that's the case, perhaps something unavoidable has happened.

"First, let me state the conclusion. Prince Glen's tour will proceed as originally planned."

"Huh?"

Seriously?

I couldn't help but let out a voice. The knights who were listening also began to murmur.

Yesterday, after escorting the prince and princess to the palace, a meeting was held with Alyssia and Gathgar included.

I left immediately after that, so I don't know what exactly was discussed.

However, based on the initial predictions, the tour was almost certainly going to be canceled. I wonder what changed to lead to this decision to continue.

"Yesterday's incident is known to all. I want everyone to be even more vigilant in carrying out their duties."

"Understood!"

The knights' response was as strong as ever, just like on the first day.

If the targets of our protection had been injured or killed during an attack, it would have been a clear sign of the Reberio Knights' inadequacy.

Each knight takes pride in the order, and they cannot afford to be defeated by an attack. This pride is evident in the strength of their responses.

This is a good thing. It shows that everyone feels a sense of purpose and pride in their work.

However, they are not just strong in combat; they are also intelligent. Given this, it's understandable that they would have questions about this decision.

Everyone's morale is high.

But if asked whether there were no doubts, it would be a bit complicated.

The atmosphere was like that.

"Then, let's begin the movement!"

Despite some murmurs, the scene was brought under control by Alyssia's voice. At the same time, the knights began to move as usual.

"...Alyssia"

I couldn't help but call out, driven by a desire to understand the situation.

After hearing various things about Sphendyard Bania from Lucy yesterday, I was even more concerned about this decision.

"It's Prince Glen's strong wish. ...For now, that's all I can say."

"I see... Understood."

It seems she has no intention of saying more for now. The only thing I understood is that the tour is continuing due to Prince Glen's strong wish.

I tried to think about why he is so determined.

From an objective standpoint, given the current situation where his life is being targeted, there is no reason to continue the event. No matter how important the event is to the country, anyone would prioritize their own life over the success of the event. This is especially true for royalty.

In other words, the continuation of this event is essentially Prince Glen's stubbornness.

The feelings of Princess Salakia, who has to accompany him, are another matter, but we have to do our best. It's the duty of the Reberio Knights to ensure the safety of the royal family.

So,

The reason why Prince Glen wants to continue this tour. With my limited knowledge and intelligence, I can't come up with a good answer, but Lucy's words from yesterday are still on my mind.

That is, the prediction that Prince Glen's succession to the throne is near.

The prince's tour is scheduled to last several days, but the Reberio Knights will be escorting him until the day before the final day.

On the last day, there is no need for the knights' protection. More specifically, he won't be going outside. All the day's activities are scheduled to take place within the palace.

I don't know the specific plans for that day.

But if I consider that something related to national affairs is planned as the conclusion of his visit, Lucy's prediction makes sense. And it connects, albeit forcefully, to why Prince Glen is insisting on continuing the tour.

In fact, I can't think of any other way to connect the dots.

It can't be something trivial like wanting to make a good impression on Princess Salakia until the end. If that were the case, someone around him would have stopped him.

The prince doesn't seem to be foolish. Despite his youth, he should have the ability to consider others.

Therefore, the reason must be related to the administration of the country.

In other words, it must be a matter of state.

Ugh, I don't want to think about it. Of course, I intend to fulfill my duty as an escort, but I still don't understand what the higher-ups are thinking.

If I were in his shoes, I would have returned to my home country with my tail between my legs. As I've said before, anyone would value their life. If you know you're being targeted, there's no need to put yourself in danger.

...No, wait.

If our predictions are correct, he might be targeted even if he returns to his country.

In that case, might the current situation, with the Reberio Knights providing protection, be less dangerous overall?

Hmm, but I'm not sure.

My assumption is based on the premise that Prince Glen is the target. If it turns out that Princess Salakia is the target and Prince Glen still wants to continue the tour, that would change things.

I can't figure it out. I don't know which is the right answer.

I guess it's no use for someone like me to overthink it. I should just focus on following orders.

"Sir?"

"--- Ah, sorry. I was just thinking."

I was lost in thought, but Alyssia's voice brought me back to reality.

I need to stop overthinking. It's a bad habit to get lost in thought, and it won't change anything. I need to switch gears.

"Well, what will happen today..."

"The best outcome would be for nothing to happen. If something does happen, we must stop it."

"You're right."

That's true.

After such an incident, the best outcome would be for the tour to end without any further incidents. Anything else would be asking too much.

If something does happen, we'll have to deal with it. Based on our predictions, the likelihood of something happening is very high.

"I hope we don't have any more trouble."

The sky was clear and sunny, as if it had no knowledge of the events on the ground.

The sun shone brightly, promising a wonderful day if nothing went wrong.

My muttered words dissolved into the clear sky.

"Then, let's have a good day today."

"Understood."

The scene shifted to the front of the palace.

We welcomed Princess Salakia and Prince Glen as we did yesterday and took up our guard positions. The only difference was that the prince and princess seemed a bit more somber than before.

Well, they're not foolish enough to be smiling carefree when their lives are being targeted. I can understand their tension.

But if they're really scared, they should just cancel the tour.

"Gardnaut"

"Hmm? Oh, Gathgar."

Today, I'm on external guard duty. I won't be able to relax in the carriage.

I was thinking that walking might be better for my health than sitting all day when Gathgar called out to me.

His expression had changed more noticeably than that of the prince or princess.

"I have something I want you to hear."

"..."

His voice was low, probably to avoid being overheard. But I wished he had chosen a better place to talk.

However, this is the only place where Gathgar and I can meet, so I guess it can't be helped.

"Yesterday's attack... I think the culprit is one of our former members."

"Ah, I see. You mean Hinnis?"

"Yes, the man who was deputy commander before Rose."

It seems Gathgar's words from yesterday align with my predictions.

However, the idea that a former deputy commander of the Church Knights is a suspect in an attack on the royal family is quite shocking. But there's no point in interrogating Gathgar here. Even if we knew the culprit's name, it wouldn't change the security situation.

"If he shows up, I'll take responsibility for stopping him. ...I wanted to let you know that."

"Understood."

There are various aspects of pride and appearance as a knight. I don't share his position, but I can understand his reasoning.

"Does Alyssia know about this?"

"Yes, she knows. We talked about it yesterday."

It seems Alyssia was already informed.

Hmm. In that case, it's not my place to interfere. If Alyssia and Gathgar, as the leaders of their respective knight orders, agree with this, I should follow their lead.

I can understand the desire to deal with a former member's misdeeds personally.

While we were talking, Prince Glen and Princess Salakia got into the carriage, and it was time to set off.

Well, I understand Gathgar's situation, but I can't afford to let my guard down. Anything could happen. I need to stay alert.

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Thank you to everyone who has picked it up.