Chapter 66
Chapter 66
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: Harvest Festival (5)
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Even if it was a peace tinged with unease. It was peace nonetheless, something that had been absent for far too long.
The territory's residents were enjoying it, and even the nobles were savoring this fragile calm.
However, Cain couldn't let his guard down. There were still two factions remaining, after all.
"Where should we allocate the land to give to the wyverns?"
"Wouldn't it be best to place the beastkin right next to them, so they keep each other in check?"
"We can trust the wyverns to some extent, but not the beastkin."
Anna shook her head at Morgana's suggestion. The wyverns could be trusted, more or less.
But the beastkin had only just surrendered and submitted to the empire. That was reason enough not to trust them for now.
Cain nodded. Anna's opinion carried more weight this time.
"Phew... I think we've just about wrapped up the distribution of merits and rewards."
"You've worked hard, my lord."
"Great job."
"It was nothing. This is all thanks to Princess Anna's help."
"I hate to admit it, but... I have to acknowledge it. And isn't Princess Anna the one handling all the harvest festival preparations too?"
Anna nodded wearily. The festival was supposed to be a quiet affair for them to enjoy among themselves...
But circumstances had changed. Drastically so, from the perspective of those preparing it.
The one and only ruler of this nation—the pinnacle of power, the Emperor himself—was coming.
One might say, what's the problem with a high-ranking figure visiting to commend their achievements?
But anyone who had served in the military knew better. The nightmare of a division commander's visit.
And the Emperor? He outranked a division commander entirely—like the president dropping by the base. How insane would that be?
In truth, this harvest festival was set to welcome some extraordinary guests.
"I hear the Dragon Knight Order will arrive in Lenheim ahead of time to escort His Majesty the Emperor..."
"Yes, my lord."
Dragon Knight Order.
The empire's undisputed finest knight order, composed solely of the absolute elite.
Even the lowliest members were at least advanced Sword Experts,
and the fact that all five masters in the empire belonged to it spoke volumes about the order's prestige.
"Of course, the full Dragon Knight Order won't be coming. Forces to escort His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Second Prince will remain behind."
"In other words... everyone except that bare minimum is converging on Lenheim?"
"Precisely."
Cain felt dizzy at Morgana's casual affirmation.
The president alone would be overwhelming enough, but imagine him bringing the defense minister, corps commanders, division commanders...
That was the pressure Cain felt right now. God, I wish they'd all just leave.
"My lord? Are you alright?"
"...Yes, I'm fine."
"Good. Then we should get going."
I really don't want to.
But there was no helping it, unlike his inner thoughts. Cain was Lenheim's lord.
How could they prepare without him? With a deep sigh, Cain rose from his seat.
This time, Princess Anna joined him. She let out a sigh as she spoke.
"Things are pretty hectic this time."
"Can't be helped. His Majesty the Emperor is coming in person... Don't push yourself too hard."
"This is all I can do anyway."
Princess Anna spoke with a bitter expression. She'd come to the empire with them for her kingdom's sake from the start.
Cain Blackguard. Given his talents, he'd surely rise high in the empire before long.
So she believed her role was to stay by his side and delay him drawing his sword against her homeland as much as possible.
But lately, it feels like I'm not helping at all...
Strictly speaking, Princess Anna was contributing plenty. If Morgana was a master of strategy and tactics,
Princess Anna was unrivaled in internal affairs. She had a gentle touch, looking after the people and heeding their voices.
Yet it was also true that her contributions didn't shine as brightly on the surface. That left her anxious.
"Don't say that. Princess Anna's skills are a huge boon to the territory even now."
"Thank you for saying so, my lord."
At least Cain's words lifted her mood a bit. It wasn't as if she was useless.
But Anna had no idea what awaited her.
"Your Highness?"
"...Sir Leonhart?!"
A meeting she could never have imagined.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Leonhart.
The house bearing the straightforward moniker "Lionheart" was a ducal family devoted to the empire.
During the past Ducal Rebellion, they were one of the few ducal houses that sided with the Emperor instead of joining the revolt.
Thanks to that, House Leonhart still enjoyed their ducal rank and privileges in full.
But it was also due to their relentless efforts beyond mere birthright.
For instance, Leonhart's eldest son, Kris von Leonhart—the "little duke"—was the empire's youngest master ever.
Aside from his peculiar personality, they say he has both looks and skill. And it's not wrong.
Sir Leonhart's first impression was quite favorable. Golden hair, a sculpted visage,
and despite his higher rank, he showed humility. That sat well with Cain.
But the moment Sir Leonhart's eyes met Anna's, they changed dramatically.
"Your Highness?"
"...Sir Leonhart?!"
"You two know each other?"
Cain tilted his head. He hadn't expected Princess Anna and Sir Leonhart to be acquainted.
Anna nodded. It wasn't a story she particularly wanted to share.
Reading her mood, Leonhart smoothly changed the subject.
"We had a brief connection in our youth. More importantly, how go the harvest festival preparations?"
"Splendidly. Princess Anna has taken full charge..."
"I see."
Cain knew the deflection but played along.
They both had their reasons. Maybe arrange a private catch-up later.
But for now, priority was finishing the festival preparations.
"The Dragon Knight Order will handle security directly for this harvest festival."
"With the Dragon Knight Order stepping in personally, what is there to fear?"
The reason Sir Leonhart—a master—and other Dragon Knights had come to Lenheim was simple.
To inspect the festival and eliminate any potential threats.
And Sir Leonhart and the Dragon Knights fulfilled their mission diligently.
"The streets brim with vitality, and every soldier radiates exceptional spirit."
"They've seen and endured much. Plus, this harvest festival doubles as a memorial rite."
"Memorial rite...?"
"It also honors those who fell bravely in battle."
"I see. His Majesty the Emperor will surely look after them."
Dutiful with official duties, no personal sentiments shown... He seems perfectly fine. So why does Her Highness the Princess...?
Cain quietly held his tongue. Would the dead truly appreciate a memorial rite from the afterlife?
It was mere self-satisfaction. Paying huge consolation sums to families, holding rites...
Just to avoid the discomfort of doing nothing.
Still, after a thorough fortnight-long inspection, they finally passed.
"Well done. I see no flaws."
"Glad to hear it. What are your plans now?"
"Official duties are complete, so I'll attend to personal matters."
"Personal matters... You mean Princess Anna?"
"That's included, of course, but not the top priority."
Cain tilted his head at Leonhart's words. They had been linked by engagement rumors once.
He'd assumed Anna first, but other business?
Soon enough, Cain understood. Leonhart's intense gaze fixed on him.
"Sir Blackguard, if it's not too much trouble, might I request around a hundred spars?"
"Spars are fin—wait, how many did you say...?"
"Just a light hundred for starters."
"......"
⚙ PRIVATE MESSAGE ⚙ Be careful, my lord. Sir Leonhart is infamous in the empire as the Sword Maniac... in other words, a total sword-obsessed lunatic. Only now did Morgana's earlier warning truly sink in for Cain.
This guy... His head's been full of nothing but sparring from the start.