Betrayal in the Depths
“Year-end's almost here. Don't you think it's time you took a break? Use some vacation days and enjoy Ortus. You need to learn how to have fun in the continent's greatest port city.”
“...Yes, sir. If you put it that way, I'll do it.”
“Good choice. Work and training are fine, but you have to rest properly too. Take a solid two weeks off. I'll extend your leave with my authority.”
Hearing those words from Truman, Tiny realized it for certain.
So, that's when you'll make your move?
Even with so much changed from his previous life, the timing of the disaster was lining up roughly the same. It was almost eerie, but he didn't let it show.
“Thank you, sir.”
“No need. With a young talent like you joining us, it's boosted our unit's prestige.”
Truman smiled warmly as he said it. The subtle scolding from just days ago—why hadn't he visited the First Prince?—was gone without a trace.
If not for that, he'd be a decent guy.
In truth, aside from his ties to the First Prince, Truman's reputation was solid. Summing up the general opinion: a man without greed, with a generous heart.
Still, many wondered why he'd become the First Prince's loyal retainer. Tiny shared the curiosity. What had driven this old knight in his twilight years to such a reckless gamble? Did he even know the First Prince had allied with demon worshippers?
A flood of thoughts made his tongue itch, but he couldn't introduce new variables now.
“You're too kind, sir. But I have no ties here, so I'll probably drop by for training even during leave. I sleep in the barracks anyway. Just got used to it.”
“No training on vacation...? Ahem. Well, do as you like. As long as you don't report for duty, it's fine.”
Just don't show up for duty. That's exactly how Truman's words landed.
And that day, it wasn't just Truman treating Tiny differently.
“...I've obtained reliable information. About those demon worshippers you mentioned.”
“...Isn't that classified? Are you sure you can tell me?”
Tiny feigned concern at Liam's words, but inside, he smiled.
Jay, you nailed it.
If the royal dispatch was Rock Wall Knight Liam von Peterson, it couldn't be better. Jay had stubbornly held out, so Valentia hadn't revealed who was coming, but Carun's ace being Liam meant no major worries.
“His Highness already approved. But you can't join. It's a mission requiring disguise...”
Liam's eyes scanned Tiny up and down. Tiny knew what that meant and nodded calmly.
“I'm grateful just for the heads-up. I'll guard the castle. As I said, I believe their target is the relic.”
He'd already shared the secret told to Prince Henry. Liam nodded with a smile.
“Frankly, that puts my mind at ease.”
Liam clapped Tiny's shoulder. Just days later, word spread through the castle: Royal Knight Captain Liam von Peterson had gained enlightenment and entered secluded training.
* * *
Awooooooo.
Tiny smiled faintly at Wolrang's howl echoing only in his mind.
You're in a good mood, huh?
Deep into the night, Wolrang dashed between the castle's spires and towers in spirit form, basking in moonlight while faithfully playing invisible watchdog.
Grrrrr.
Ah, sorry. Wasn't treating you like a mere guard dog, for real!
Whine.
...A bit sensitive, maybe. So Tiny just rested lightly in his room, waiting for Wolrang's updates.
Even if I used all my senses, I couldn't match Wolrang.
Whine!
He chuckled. Yeah, yeah, you're the best.
Couldn't fully sleep anyway, so idle thoughts kept him alert.
Carun's really influenced by the East Continent. No one bats an eye at a knight captain entering seclusion for 'enlightenment.'
In the kingdom alliance or Aslan Empire, they'd call him mad. That's why the excuse worked so smoothly.
Hope the First Prince's side buys it just as easily.
As far as he knew, by the time the kraken razed Ortus in his past life, the relic was already gone. If they were truly luring it with magic, they'd smuggle the relic out first. So, naturally, they'd act during his two-week leave.
Day five of vacation. A bit tired, no updates on the ship pursuit, but if Jay was right, pressure should mount soon.
Time to stay sharp.
Wonder what the First Prince got in return for handing over the relic. Throne support? Even if the relics seem useless now, he's no fool. Must be something more. What...?
But Carun fell completely in his past life, so no records of what the prince gained.
Or maybe he just went dumb with power lust.
Just then—
Yip!
Wolrang's signal.
* * *
“Your Highness, the relic is humanity's treasure. Handing it over for that price is... Please reconsider.”
“Enough, Sir Truman. Are you trying to disappoint me now?”
“But...”
“No arguments, Truman. Final warning. Will you obey, or turn back now?”
Shing.
As the prince drew his sword, Truman squeezed his eyes shut. A mere 1st-circle mage who wasn't even a mana user couldn't fell him with a blade. But the prince knew that too.
“Your merits in training royal knights, reforming the order... All your achievements. However...”
The prince flipped the sword and offered the hilt.
“...Liam became captain and earl solely for his prowess, while you'll retire as a landless baron.”
Truman averted his eyes, but the prince forced the hilt into his hand.
“Henry's the same. That arrogant brat inherits the throne for magical talent? Absurd! Ruling a nation and prospering its people isn't about personal might! Will you accept that nonsense? Then strike me down now!”
The prince spread his arms, eyes shut. Truman's gaze grew conflicted. Offering a sword with no witnesses meant entrusting his life.
...As if.
He knew now. That bold performance only came when the prince was certain of refusal.
Even if he killed him and switched sides, royal assassination meant execution.
How did it come to this?
Had he known the prince allied with demon worshippers, he'd have chosen differently. Proof the prince lagged Henry not just in arms, but kingship.
Yet.
“Unwavering royal authority, true merit evaluation. Isn't that what you wanted? Only I can give it! Only I, born of Carun's blood yet mana-less!”
Those words stirred Truman's heart, as before. Carun's eldest, descendant of grand archmages, yet mana-less—1st circle by cheat. Endless comparisons to siblings. The old knight's bitterness, spurred by genius peer Liam.
Their sole common ground clawed at him again.
Yes, that's right.
He'd realized sword and strength had limits, so pursued merits over training. Yet ended with a barren barony and relic guard post.
His training-obsessed peer Liam soared in rank, worlds apart.
Unfair... Even the Sea King!
So this was fine. Long-buried rage resurfaced.
“...Is the plan solid, Your Highness?”
“With Gail Anderson gone, we lack power against them. Tiny? Future superhuman? Hah, that spineless boy won't help now.”
“Then...”
“Our kingdom will borrow their strength to rise as a continental power. Ruled by the wise, not might—advancing faster than any.”
“...I'll follow.”
“Good.”
The last flicker of conscience in the First Prince's faction vanished.
“The relic guard today is all my men.”
Truman and his knights followed the prince quietly to the inner castle's basement.
“Sure way to move the relic?”
“They provided means. Feasible, though sacrifices needed.”
The black rosary from the prince's bosom chilled Truman.
And that final word.
Sacrifices...
Truman's eyes wavered, but he calmly tapped his pass on the wall.
Vrrrrm.
Grrrrind.
Facing the warm light that had soothed him for years.
“Stop right there.”
Tap.
With light footsteps, a small-statured knight appeared at the corridor's end by the door.
“Prince Lueri, Truman von Enis, and eleven others. You're under arrest for treason and collusion with demon worshippers! Kneel!”
A booming voice echoed, heavy tension settling over the glowing corridor.
Youthful face, smaller than most women, but everyone knew him. Knights like Mahon, who'd clashed before, flinched back.
But others trusted their numbers.
“How dare you!”
“Who do you think you're talking to?!”
“Your Highness, command us!”
Swords drawn in unison.
Prince and Truman exchanged swift glances.
“...Ah, Sir Tiny. Thought you were on leave. What brings you here?”
“His Highness wanted to see the relic, so we came down. Seems you're mistaken, Sir Tiny?”
They steadied their shaken eyes, retorting calmly. Their knights faltered behind.
But Tiny wasn't one to yield.
“Your Highness. Could you show me what's in your bosom?”
“...Hm? W-what do you mean?”
“The 'means they provided' you boasted about.”
The prince's face hardened.
“Hah, no idea what you're on about.”
“Mind if I search you?”
“...Insulting royalty?!”
The prince bellowed, but Tiny grinned fiercely.
“His Majesty granted me full authority over demon worshipper punishments. If you're clean, permit the search.”
“What nonsense...!”
“Refusing?”
His black eyes flashed murder.
Below!
Intruders!
Grab them!
Commotion erupted from the stairs above.
Did we stall too long...!?
Capture now was disaster. The panicked prince gnashed his teeth.
“Attack!”
With that cry, knights surged toward the open door.
And.
“Yeah, this works for me too.”
Tiny grinned savagely, swinging his warhammer.