Chapter 49
Chapter 49
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: Chapter 18: Victorious Returnee (3)
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It was a foul nightmare. A nightmare of being dragged into deep darkness by tentacles with a gruesome, slimy texture.
Even before the possession, waking from a nightmare always brought that initial wave of relief that it wasn't real, followed by an inexplicable lingering unease.
"Was it just a simple nightmare...?"
Ever since possessing the body of Raymond, a mere extra in the novel, he'd often felt his sense of touch sharpening in strange ways.
This was the first nightmare so utterly chilling, but he couldn't shake the ominous hunch that something had gone wrong.
He couldn't brush off the foreboding so easily. They were still at the border fortress on the front lines.
Yesterday's clash with the mercenary cavalry from the Free Isirian Kingdom meant the worst-case scenario—they suddenly losing their minds and marching an army to assault the fortress—wasn't impossible.
'Gotta go check.'
He hastily donned his uniform and stepped outside. The Imperial Guard stationed at the entrance turned to him.
"Your Highness, the 5th Prince?"
"Can't sleep. Thought I'd take a stroll."
"We'll escort you."
The guard signaled, and two others from the corridor fell in behind.
At the border's frontline fortress, Gestain had no choice but to prioritize security. Even late at night, a fair number of Imperial Guards were posted around Raymond's chambers.
He exited the building and ascended to the ramparts. Soldiers vigilant from the watchtowers beyond the walls bowed their heads.
Raymond proceeded calmly along the battlements. The guards trailed silently, fulfilling their duty.
The chill wind felt like it was sweeping away the dark aura. He'd woken from the nightmare feeling utterly unrested, but the crisp air along the rampart path lifted his spirits.
"Time to head back?"
It was barely more than a mumble to himself, yet the guards caught it and moved ahead. On the path back to his quarters, Desia descended slowly from the sky, the hem of her blue robe fluttering.
"Your Highness, the 5th Prince—you were here? I've been looking for you."
Desia's urgent tone and expression were enough to stir the anxiety he'd pushed aside moments ago.
But he couldn't let it show before his subordinates, so he masked it carefully before speaking.
"What's this about at the crack of dawn?"
"An urgent summons from the Imperial Capital."
"The Imperial Capital?"
His grim premonition seemed to be hitting the mark. Something felt off in the air.
"Yes. They're urgently seeking Your Highness. You'll need to head to the fortress's secure chamber right away and respond via communication magic."
"Any idea what it's about?"
"Nothing was passed along. Even when I pressed, the Imperial Capital's top mage insisted they wanted only Your Highness."
Desia's reaction alone screamed this was no ordinary matter. Raymond quickened his pace. He roused the fortress commander from sleep and was led to the secure chamber.
Three guards stood vigilant outside the entrance, while Desia unpacked the communication orb and set it up.
"Connecting now."
He nodded, and Desia steadily channeled mana into the orb. Long-distance links demanded a hefty amount.
At last, sated with mana, the orb revealed a top mage from the capital clad in red robes.
"The 5th Prince, Raymond Philius."
With his reply, he displayed the Philius Empire imperial family ring on his right hand.