The Tale of the Teapot Hero’s Revenge

Chapter 12 - Interlude: The King's Wrath and the Day of a Certain Knight

"Do you know why you've been summoned?"

The five surviving soldiers who participated in the village raid under Carion were summoned before King Brutogyu. They were all sweating profusely and trembling slightly.

"W-We were summoned regarding General Carion's incident, Your Majesty!" One soldier gathered his courage and spoke up.

"Indeed, it's about Carion."

He was affirmed by the king, and his expression relaxed slightly, but...

"Why did you return from the village under Carion's command? Why didn't you confirm the death of the Hero?"

They were met with a gaze filled with murderous intent, and they immediately realized that their lives would end today.

"The assassination of the Hero was an order directly given by me. You, who disregarded that order by obeying Carion, have effectively opposed me and our country."

"T-That's not true, Your Majesty! Please listen!"

"I won't tolerate any backtalk."

The king's body disappeared from the throne, and in the next moment...

"Gyap!"

The soldier's torso was severed by the two-meter sword swung by the king.

"We don't need useless tools."

"Hi...aah...aaghh..."

"Help...me..."

One after another, the soldiers were slaughtered, their blood and entrails splattering. Within five seconds, they all turned into mere chunks of flesh.

"...Minister."

Gustav had been watching this brutal execution without changing his expression, but his expression stiffened when his name was called.

"Yes!"

"Find the Hero Kirie by any means necessary, even if you have to uproot every blade of grass. Kill her using any means available. Offer her head before me. Understood?"

"I understand."

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At six in the morning, shortly after the sun rises, I, Ilaria Ulysses, begin my day. First, I practiced my swordplay. I had never missed a single day of training. Everything I did was for the sake of a single person, to become a knight worthy of that person. I truly believed that all of my eighteen years of life was spent solely to become a knight for that person.

After working up a sweat, it's time for breakfast. I had instructed the maids to bring a menu that balanced meat and vegetables. The meals were for building my body, so that I could be of service to that person when the time comes.

And then, at eight in the morning. I headed to that person's room with a little bit of excitement in my heart, as usual. Toward the east side of the castle, where the sun rises.

"Has Perne-sama awakened?"

I asked the maids waiting in front of the room. They were the elite among the ladies-in-waiting entrusted with the care of that person. They maintained a dignified attitude even in front of me.

"She woke up about an hour ago and has already had breakfast."

"I see. May I enter?"

"Of course. Perne-sama, Ilaria-sama is here."

"Please come in."

Her voice sounded from behind the door, prompting the maid to open the door. I then stepped into the room where sunlight streamed in.

"Punctual as always. You really are a diligent person."

And there she was... My master, Second Princess Perne Pertrant Deltirado, smiled at me.

"It is my duty as a knight of the Royal Guard, dedicated to faithfully fulfilling my responsibilities for you, my lady."

"Don't be so stiff. If you're always like that, you'll end up getting tired."

She commends me, her blue eyes gleaming in the light of the rising sun. Just that alone made all my hardships worthwhile, but I couldn’t say that.

"...By the way, Ilaria. Have you heard? General Carion was assassinated."

"Yes, it happened three days ago, if I recall correctly. Rumors have been spreading throughout the castle."

The Princess' smile turned sour. The assassination of General Carion was rumored to be the work of the opposition forces. Why did they dare to oppose the kingdom? The remnants of the countries that were defeated and annihilated by the king still bear grudges and continued their activities, but revenge would not produce anything but further destruction, death, and chaos.

"Ilaria? You're lost in thought again. Your brow is furrowed."

"Ah, n-nothing... It must be an unsightly sight."

She poked between my eyebrows. Then, she gently stroked my red hair. I didn’t move since it would be presumptuous of me to intervene in what the princess does.

"You're a bit too serious. And your way of thinking is a bit rigid. If you think you're always right, people won't follow you, you know?"

"...I will keep that in mind."

I wondered if I was really so rigid.

"Now, we have some time before official duties. Shall we take a stroll around the castle?"

"I would be honored to accompany you."

I would fully guard Princess Perne during her walk. That seemed to be my first task for today.

I walked half a step behind Princess Perne as she walked through the castle corridors.

The princes from the first to the thirteenth were known for their hot-bloodedness, inheriting the king's temperament. Even the princesses, from the first princess to the seventeenth princess, were not particularly pleasant in character.

However, despite her age of thirteen, the second princess was kind-hearted and had been deeply concerned about her father's actions. This fascinated me so that I offered my sword to her.

"Oh, Gilius-sama."

A large knight wearing silver armor walked towards us. At the princess’ greeting, Gilius-dono kneeled before her and bowed deeply.

"Princess, you seem to be in good spirits..."

"I'm glad to see that you're well and good as well."

"Are you referring to my safety?"

"I heard that you let the culprit behind General Carion's assassination escape. I was worried that you would be severely reprimanded by His Majesty."

"I appreciate your concern. But, as you can see, I am unharmed."

"I'm truly relieved."

Gilius-dono was an excellent knight His strength was said to rival the top knights in the kingdom. I already told the princess that the king wouldn't dispose of him over trivial matters, but it seemed she still worried. Truly a kind-hearted person.

"Oh, I have a good idea. Gilius-sama, could you teach Ilaria some sword techniques?"

"P-Princess!? Why all of a sudden..."

"Come on, this will benefit you too, won't it?"

Even if you say it would benefit me... I was sure Gilius-dono didn't have much free time on his hands.

"Very well."

Was it really alright? He seemed to have some free time.

"Let's go to the training grounds then. I'm looking forward to seeing both of you demonstrate your sword skills."

Following the cheerful princess, Gilius-dono and I walked behind her. With her temperament, it's no wonder she's interested in martial arts. Truly the daughter of the king.

"Gilius-dono, please go easy on me."

"If we're going to do it, let's give it our all. So, be prepared."

I really needed to be prepared.

"By the way, Gilius-dono, regarding the recent incident with General Carion's assassination..."

"Oh, you won't hear anything interesting. They simply slipped away because they were agile."

"No, that's not what I meant. I don't understand. Why do they risk their lives to oppose the kingdom?"

If anyone could give me an answer to my question, it would be this great senior knight. I just couldn't understand why.

"Well, who knows. There are just things one can't yield. Isn't that it?"

"Things one can't yield...?"

"Like revenge, for example."

Revenge. When Gilius-dono mentioned it, his expression seemed distant.

"Um..."

"Wait a minute, both of you. You're having a difficult conversation."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Having such a conversation in front of the princess!"

That's right, we're in front of the princess now, and dedicating everything to her was my reason to live. And for now, my concern was whether I could finish this fight without getting injured against the kingdom's strongest knight.