Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Sword Maniac (4)
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People of high status like the emperor were more than enough to grace an event just by attending the festival.
Moreover, Emperor Leonis had not only attended in person but had even chosen to leave Crown Prince Siegfried behind.
This was proof of just how much the emperor cared about Renheim and Blackguard.
Of course, from Cain's perspective, who had to personally entertain the distinguished guest, it wasn't exactly welcome news.
'The harvest festival is almost over... Can't he just go home already?'
The harvest festival had undoubtedly been a success. Especially when the emperor read words of encouragement to the troops, the cheers had been deafening...
Of course, there had been issues like the noble assembly nitpicking midway through,
but all things considered, it was a solid achievement for a first try. If only the crown prince hadn't stayed in Renheim.
Siegfried von Adelnö Ragna.
The crown prince of the Garon Empire, widely known by the moniker "Golden."
But the reason Cain knew of him wasn't his fame—it was purely because of the game.
After all, he was one of the romanceable male leads in the romance scenario.
'I remember it being something like a commoner heroine supporting Siegfried through strategy and tactics in a romance scenario...'
Naturally, Cain—who had zero interest in yaoi, not even a speck—had never once played the romance scenario.
Thanks to that, Cain found the current situation utterly uncomfortable. In the office prepared in the mansion for lordly duties...
There, Cain was meeting alone with Crown Prince Siegfried.
To be precise, it was three people including Scardi, the knight guarding him...
"I never imagined Your Highness the Crown Prince would still be remaining in Renheim."
"Renheim's scenery has quite the charm, so I thought I'd linger a bit longer before departing."
"I see."
Cain nodded appropriately. Of course, he didn't believe a word of it.
This wasn't just anyone—the crown prince of an entire empire deciding to stick around for the scenery? It didn't add up.
In other words... Siegfried had business with Cain. And it was very important business.
"I've lived my entire life as a soldier. So I'm not one for beating around the bush, Your Highness."
"Insolent! How dare you be rude to His Highness the Crown Prince..."
"Enough."
Scardi shot him a sharp glare, about to unleash her intimidating aura. But the crown prince raised a hand to stop her.
After all, if a master-level fighter pressured him, a proper conversation would be impossible.
Even agreeing to this private meeting with her guard present was already a significant concession from Cain.
Regardless of status differences, brute force would only provoke backlash. That was why he maintained decorum.
"If Lord Blackguard wishes... then let's get straight to the point."
"Good."
"The times are changing. His Majesty the Emperor's ambitions, once quelled, are reigniting, and the Alliance is making preparations as well."
"What sort of preparations do you mean?"
"War."
The heavy word that sprang from Siegfried's lips crushed Cain's chest.
War. They were fighting one now, of course, but the war the crown prince meant was incomparable to the Magical Wasteland campaign.
In other words, a continental war. If the Empire and Alliance clashed, countless lives would be lost.
But there was no stopping the tide. Not only the Empire but even the Alliance was steadily preparing.
"You're speaking of a continental war."
"Yes."
"But... it might not happen."
"His Majesty may not know, but I have no intention of starting a war with my own hands. But do you think our enemies feel the same?"
For now, the common enemy called the Empire kept it together,
but in truth, the Alliance was shaking far more than one might think. The alliance treaty itself had become a major issue right off the bat.
All nations in the Alliance received equal treatment. Of course, treatment varied by national power,
but on the surface, every nation held equal rights. And that was the problem.
"Powerful nations in the Alliance chafe at being treated the same as weaklings, and even the weaklings have their own grievances."
"When internal discontent festers, the best way to redirect it is outward."
"Exactly. And they even have a pretext for it. Called the Holy War. A grand campaign to reclaim stolen lands and history in the name of the gods."
"......"
From its founding purpose to even the state religion they believed in, the Alliance utterly demonized the Empire.
They weren't content with mere defense against imperial invasions—they sought to reclaim lost territories someday.
Thus, a clash with the Alliance in the near future was inevitable.
"And that will likely happen after I ascend to the throne."
"......What is it you want to say?"
"I just wanted to talk. I suspect I'll be relying on you a great deal going forward."
Indeed. That was why the crown prince was conversing with such decorum.
Cain nodded as if he'd caught on to Siegfried's overt intent.
The continental war scenario was the game's final one... so it wouldn't differ much here.
Seeing Cain remain composed, Siegfried remarked with surprise.
"You're calmer than expected. As if you knew already..."
"Even back in the kingdom, I'd sensed the ominous currents brewing."
"Impressive... A vision befitting a famed general."
Of course, it was a lie. Cain, far from any famed general, had no such insight.
He was just guessing based on memories from playing the game a few times.
But Crown Prince Siegfried, oblivious to that, mentally upgraded his assessment of Cain's abilities.
"I was planning to discuss future strategies, but it seems unnecessary."
"My thanks, Your Highness."
"It's hardly repayment, but... how about I propose an entertaining event?"
"An entertaining event, you say?"
Cain tilted his head, openly showing his reluctance without hiding his sour expression.
Of course, compared to the first and second days, there really wasn't much to see anymore.
But with the harvest festival winding down anyway, was there any need for more?
"We've already executed half of the Two Great Water Kings, providing quite the spectacle... What more could there be?"
"There's an amusing rumor circulating in Renheim lately, isn't there?"
"......"
"For example... rumors that the lord defeated Sir Leonhart in a spar."
"That was just a light spar."
Cain couldn't possibly be unaware of the rumors that had spread beyond Renheim territory to the entire Empire.
The problem was that they were inflating his skills far beyond reality.
Going all-out against a master in peak condition would obviously end in Cain's defeat.
"But why bring up such baseless gossip all of a sudden...?"
"Isn't this the perfect chance to prove whether the rumors are true?"
"......"
Sometimes, harsh truths crash into reality without warning. This was one such moment.
The instant he met the crown prince's mischievous expression, Cain intuited his impending doom.
Of course, he could refuse. But his opponent was the crown prince—like the chairman's son and vice-chairman of a company.
How could a lowly subordinate turn down an invitation from someone that high up?
'I've heard the stories. Your achievements are real enough. But... I want to see it with my own eyes.'
Of course, the crown prince wasn't proposing this to toy with Cain.
Such idle suggestions weren't feasible for someone in his position to begin with.
He'd heard the stories. He knew of the massive achievements in just one year.
But precisely because of that, he needed to confirm it personally. The coming war would rewrite history.
"......So my opponent would be Sir Chris von Leonhart?"
"No, your opponent will be Sir Scardi von Leonhart, right here."
"No helping it, then."
Siegfried inwardly admired Cain's calm acceptance of the duel.
The courage to face a master without flinching... It meant he was that confident in his skills.
Of course, Cain was just swallowing his tears and going along with it, but Siegfried had no way of knowing.
And so time passed, until at last, the end of the harvest festival drew near.