Chapter 83
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 83
Chapter Title: The Dragon's Master (2)
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As startled horses began bucking wildly in every direction and the flustered knights grabbed their reins, I too threw my arms around Rania's neck, spooked by the thunder.
I hurriedly whispered a calming spell into her ear. Only then did Rania finally settle down.
Stroking her mane, I lifted my head.
Dark storm clouds roiled overhead, heavy with lightning. Kurrrung—a chilling rumble echoed as bolts crackled fiercely.
The sharp rain lashing my face hadn't let up, and now thunder and lightning too.
This is bad. Really bad...
At that moment, a group of men wielding swords burst from inside the gates, roaring ferociously.
"Take down Raymond's dogs!"
"Save Duke Lesis!"
Men dressed like mercenaries charged at the kingdom knights, swinging their blades.
The kingdom knights, caught off guard, drew their swords in surprise but were overwhelmed by the momentum and began collapsing helplessly.
In the chaos, a man in leather armor shouted toward Duke Lesis.
"Your Grace! Get to safety! Prince Raymond is rounding up nobles left and right!"
"W-what?!"
Duke Lesis's eyes bulged wide.
They were private soldiers of other nobles, caught unprepared without even proper armor in the sudden crisis.
"Traitors! Stop them!"
Knight Logwood drew his sword again and barked orders at the kingdom knights. He then whipped around to glare at the White Guard Knight, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Even now, you claim this isn't treason? Prius, leave this place at once. Otherwise, we'll have no choice but to use force!"
Kwabang!
Thunder crashed again, splitting the furious sky in a flash.
Clemence screamed, so I grabbed her arm and the horse's reins just in time. Our two horses collided, swaying precariously.
Thunder and lightning flashed relentlessly from all sides, as if the battle raging on the ground was unfolding in the heavens too.
Someone among the Prius knights shouted to calm the horses and fall back for now.
As the chaos began to subside, a horrific cry pierced through the thunder—different from the rest.
"D-dragon... a dragon's appeared!"
Everyone who heard it looked up at the sky in unison.
Far beyond the downpour of lightning bolts, atop a pointed spire, the unmistakable form of a dragon was visible.
Against the blinding white sky, the dragon hung from the spire, its massive wings spread wide.
"What... what is that? Some kind of illusion?"
"No way..."
Most people there stared up in confusion, forgetting the fight for the moment.
The dragon atop the spire shifted position with every flash of lightning. It wasn't an illusion or trick of the eye, nor a misseen statue.
The dragon was alive.
Even from this distance, its overwhelming presence filled their faces with terror.
"Knight Logwood! Where is that?!"
The White Guard Knight seized Knight Logwood roughly.
He had been gaping at the sky, then turned to the White Guard Knight with a startled look.
"Th-that spire is definitely on the Edelia Retreat..."
Knight Logwood's face paled as he spoke.
"His Majesty! His Majesty and the Crown Prince are there!"
Only then did Knight Logwood realize this wasn't the time to be here.
"Ignore the traitors! Saving His Majesty comes first! To the Edelia Retreat—now!"
Knight Logwood hurriedly rallied the kingdom knights.
The White Guard Knight spun to mount his horse and asked Knight Jennerd to guide them to the Edelia Retreat. He then looked down coldly at the Lesis couple.
"Follow. See with your own eyes what becomes of the seeds you've sown!"
The White Guard Knight chased after the leading Knight Jennerd. Behind him followed my father, the Silver Guard Knight, and the Prius knights.
We kept pace with the group without breaking formation.
I wanted to leave Clemence behind, but everything had happened so fast there was no time to react.
Besides, her face was set in such grim resolve that I couldn't bring myself to tell her to stay back.
"A real... dragon? That thing?"
Weddin muttered, pale-faced. Even as he urged his horse to keep formation, his eyes were glued to the dragon atop the spire.
The Edelia Retreat's spire was the tallest around, visible the whole way as we crossed Elgrace City.
I too couldn't tear my eyes from the black dragon.
No illusion, no mistake—it was real. An unbelievable reality.
I hadn't wanted to believe it even when I saw the dragon's blood spilling from the red flower box...
Now I had to accept it. Bertharot had regained its true form.
How was this possible? My mind swirled in chaos.
The imperial magic that turned Bertharot human had been cast on the spot, infused with will.
Had Bertharot willed itself back? Or had the Court Mage Commander forced it?
Kingdom magic couldn't break it...
I bit my lip and focused on keeping pace with the rider ahead.
As we passed the desolate streets and cold plazas, a grand palace loomed into view.
The white stone palace took on an eerie gray under the storm clouds.
"The retreat is this way!"
Knight Jennerd ahead veered right around the palace. We tore our eyes from it and galloped toward the retreat.
The Edelia Retreat sat atop a hill not far from the palace.
With all kingdom knights scattered arresting nobles, no one blocked our path.
The retreat's tall spires and ornate roofs loomed overhead, hiding the dragon from sight.
Yet I felt the black dragon's awe-inspiring mana drawing nearer.
The endless thunder and falling lightning bolts were surely its doing.
"Ah, fire...!"
Climbing the hill, Clemence let out a short cry.
Black smoke rose from spots across the city.
Blind lightning or harsh orders to round up traitors—who knew.
We charged straight into the Edelia Retreat.
As expected, no kingdom knights, soldiers, or even guards in sight.
In the rain-soaked darkness, the cold garden held colonnades, buildings large and small, and various towers.
"Knight Jennerd, which way to the tallest spire?"
The White Guard Knight asked, dismounting.
"That building. Big banquet hall on the first floor, spire above it."
Knight Jennerd pointed to the largest structure.
The White Guard Knight rattled the firmly shut door a few times, then shook his head.
No guards, no kingdom knights, not even servants or maids.
As if they'd anticipated us—they'd all evacuated, locked the doors.
"We'll find another way."
"We can go through colonnades from other buildings. Or break a window..."
"White Guard Knight, given the situation, there might be traps or magical beasts inside. Best to split up and enter."
The White Guard Knight accepted Father's suggestion without hesitation.
After a quick meeting there, they divided the knights with White, Silver, and Blue Guard Knights leading, entering from multiple points.
"Lib, support the White Guard Knight well."
Father clearly reminded me of my role in those few words.
It wasn't surprising.
As the delegation's mage, I'd spot any magical traps from the Court Mage Commander fastest.
"Yes, don't worry. But Father... is your arm okay?"
Shuren of the Silver Moon Knights would follow the Silver Guard Knight, so I couldn't help Father.
I eyed his injured arm worriedly, but Father grinned and clapped my shoulder.
"Don't worry about that. Erner's always by my side. He glares at me with those scary eyes if I push too hard."
"Then I'm relieved."
With Vice Officer Erner watching him, I could breathe easier. I sighed in relief.
"Yeah, you don't push yourself either."
Father patted my shoulder and went to relay orders to the other knights.
Non-combatants like Clemence, Weddin, and Clerk Wilton would stay in the garden with the Lesis couple until it was safe to enter.
Knight Logwood and his kingdom knights, arriving late, would wait for Prius knights to scout inside and open the doors.
Knight Logwood insisted on saving the king immediately but was at a loss about the black dragon looming above.
"We need to run now. A black dragon means death for everyone..."
Terror-filled murmurs spread among the kingdom knights.
It was etched in their blood; I couldn't demand they face it bravely like Prius knights.
I turned from the kingdom knights and approached Clemence and Weddin.
They huddled under a colonnade in the garden, unable to hide their anxiety.
"Don't worry."
"What plan do you have? How're you gonna handle this? Think you can take on a dragon?"
One word from me, and Weddin unleashed a torrent. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't laugh! Time to laugh? We might die!"
Weddin snapped in a huff.
I stifled my laughter and explained the Silver Guard Knight's plan, hoping it'd ease their minds a bit.
"The Court Mage Commander's probably controlling the dragon, so we'll capture her. Tricky with His Majesty as hostage, but..."
The Silver Guard Knight had devised the best option he could.
Directly attacking the dragon was questionable; subdue the mage first.
Best plan I could think of too.
"Lib..."
Clemence clasped her trembling hands. I placed mine over them.
"Stay here, Clemence. If the building looks dangerous, head down the hill. Weddin too, stay..."
"Shut up, I'm going."
"W-what?"
I gasped at Weddin's sudden declaration.
Still fuming, breathing hard, he grilled me.
"Won't see you shove me aside and yell 'run' like some hero again. Damn it, I can fight too!"
He half-drew the short sword at his waist for emphasis.
Flustered, I opened my mouth.
"Weddin, you're a holy mage..."
"Then I'll go as one! Hurt someone, I'll heal 'em faster than they get hurt."
He shot back before I finished.
"...You get what you're saying, right?"
Clearly venting unknown frustration.
I wanted to stop him, but no time.
Knight groups had scattered following Blue and Silver Guard Knights for entry. White Guard Knight and his had already smashed a colonnade door.
"Liberic! Over here!"
The White Guard Knight called me. No time to deliberate.
"...Let's go, Weddin. See you soon, Clemence."
"Y-yeah! Be careful, both of you!"
With Clemence's earnest cry behind us, Weddin and I headed to the colonnade door where the White Guard Knight waited.