Chapter 10: Commence


    Thergest city in the eastern part of the empire: Kiel


    This city that is the center of the Knights Hunting festival is now jam-packed with people.


    The merchants mustered their wit ande up with various kinds of stalls on the street of Kiel. Just by walking around you would find a lot of strange things that you never have seen before being sold on the street.


    After buying and eating a lot of stuff, I and Leo are currently standing on the wall of Kiel.


    It is really a big crowd huh.


    Yeah. its a good thing. The eastern people have been under the threat of monsters all this time after all, I think something like this is necessary for them.


    Right. They seem to think that it is fathers fault that the problem hasnt been dealt with sooner. It is like he is trying to use the money to please them. Like: Just enjoy the festival, or something like that.


    He must have guessed that the peoples dissatisfaction wouldnt be dispelled just by doing this festival.


    It would be meaningless to have a festival if the people dont loosen their wallets after all. He just spent his money as a trigger for them to do so.


    The eastern people who were troubled by the monsters are very cautious. They wouldnt spend their money unless we do so first.


    In a sense, he is quite a great person.


    So you are here?


    As we heard a voiceing from behind, we turn around at the same time.


    Doing so, we found Elna standing there.


    Hey, Elna. How are you doing?


    Unn, as usual, I guess. What about you?


    It is as usual for me too. But Im feeling better now.


    Ara? Why is that?


    It is unusual for Leo to say something like this.


    He is a guy who always ys it safe after all.


    I sense troublesome thingsing my way again.


    On our way here, I have been looking around the viges that were damaged by monsters. I think it is our duty as a member of the imperial family to help them. If I win I will get the reward money anyway so I donated the money I have to those people on our way here.


    ..So youve been doing something like that


    Haaand what were you doing in the meantime, Al?


    Shopping at the stalls.


    Elna touched her forehead and sighed when I showed her my spoil of war, the grilled earth-lizard.


    You dont have to let out such a huge sigh.


    If Al has at least one of Leos good points then I can feel relieved as your childhood friend though..


    Nii-san has a lot of good points you know? People just dont notice them.


    Well said. As expected of you, Leo. As a reward, I will let you take a bite.


    Thank you. Nn? It is unexpectedly good huh.


    Right? I have a talent for finding good stuff from the stalls you know.


    That talent, I dont think it is necessary for a prince though..Alright, were going. Leo too, the festival will start soon so you should head back too.


    Urged by Elna, I quickly stuffed the grilled earth-lizard into my mouth.


    The Knights Hunting will soon begin.


    Our empire is a country with little experience of monster damages. Because of that, our response isgging behind. This time the people of the east have suffered because of theck of ability on my part. I am truly sorry. I want you to please forgive this foolish emperor of yours.


    Father is giving a speech in front of the crowd.


    Our turn wille a littleter.


    I was using a room inside the lords mansion as a waiting room when a guest hase in.


    I thought that it would be Elna or Finne but the person that appeared there was a little unexpected.


    Christa.? Whats wrong?


    Nii-sama..


    That person is Christa Lakes Adler, the 12 years old third princess of the empire.


    My little sister with glossy blond hair and purple eyes. In the future, her beauty should be able to rival that of Finne. People said that her beauty is like that of a doll. That is because Christa is a child that usually shows little of her facial expression.


    Carrying her favorite bunny doll, she expressionlessly staring at me. Looking at her appearance, she is really like a doll. However, her eyes are slightly shaken. This is a sign that she is feeling anxious.


    Come in. Whats wrong? Something is troubling you?


    UUnChrista isnt troubled.the people here are the one in trouble.


    Such a confusing answer.


    Most people would just dismiss her with that but I cant do that with Christa.


    I sit Christa on a chair and crouch down to match her eyes level.


    This child is a special existent among the imperial family.


    No one has noticed it. No, they might be pretending to not noticed it but this child was born with an innate magic.


    Normally, magic is something that you have to train in order to use it but there are few people in this world who can naturally use magic. Those who can use innate magics are extremely valuable and powerful. The reason is because that person is the only one who can use such magic. It is something that can never be used by others.


    Christa is one of them.


    Her ability is probably a future prediction or something simr. When the Crown Prince passed away, she was crying in front of me and saying that our brother is dead.


    If the fact that she can do such a thing get out, someone like Zandra would dly make use of her. Thats why I told her not to talk about it with anyone and if she sees something, she shoulde to me. The fact that she came here must mean that something will happen.


    What did you see this time?


    .This city was surrounded by monsters.


    Christas ability is still unstable.


    Sometimes she would see the image of the future but to Christa, those images are something close to a nightmare.


    Moreover, it doesnt mean her vision wille true every time. Though, there are times that she was correct as well.


    Thats why I cant leave it alone.


    You didnt clearly see the death of anyone right?


    Un..


    I see. You did well telling me this. You made it much easier for me to act.


    ..Nii-sama is going too?


    Yeah. I cant stay with you.


    .


    Christa has a dissatisfied expression.


    She probably doesnt like having to be left alone with her anxiety. Even so, I have to go.


    In the first ce, if the city is surrounded by monsters, it would be easier to deal with if I am outside.


    Excuse me. Its Finne.


    Finne entered the room at a good timing.


    She has sweets in her hand as well.


    Nice.


    Christa, I will introduce you. This is my friend, Finne.


    Pl, Pleased to meet you, Your Highness Christa. I am Finne von Kleinert.


    I know. ue Mowe. the most beautiful person in the empire.


    You know well.


    I am stroking her head but Christas expression doesnt change. But it doesnt seem like she dislikes it.


    Christa is only emotionally attached to me, Leo and our eldest sister who is currently at the border. She doesnt let her guard down even to our real father so her surrounding doesnt know how to treat her.


    Of course, this time she has to remain here, but I cant really leave her alone like this.


    Finne. Sorry, but can you stay with Christa for me?


    Nii-sama is enough.


    Finne is trustworthy. Of course, much more than a guy like me. Moreover, her sweets are superb you know? You like that right?


    Saying so I take out the candy from the candy bag that Finne is carrying and show it to Christa.


    It is a rabbit-shaped cookie.


    Christa whose mouth is now timidly shaking has her gaze fixed at Finne.


    Seeing that, I made a bitter smile.


    Congrattion. It seems she likes you.


    Eh? She is..?


    Unless this child took a liking to someone, she wouldnt be staring at them like this. She has no interest in others after all. Christa. Until I and Leoe back, you have to stay with Finne alright?


    Un


    So thats that. Sorry, but can you stay with Christa as much as possible?


    Understood. If thats Al-samas wish then I will happilyply.


    Saying so, Finne smile and start giving more sweets to Christa.


    For a moment, the word Feeding came to my mind but since it would be rude of me I swallowed it down.


    Then I heard a loud cheer from outside.


    Perhaps fathers speech is already over.


    From here on, we must y the leading role.


    Now, lets go. Christa. We have to show our faces to the people.


    .


    Dont make such a face. It couldnt be helped right? We are the imperial family after all.


    .Nii-sama always cks off.


    I dont this time, right? Cmon, lets go.


    I pull Christas hand and leave the room. Finne is following behind us.


    Then at the same time, a troublesome person also came out of her room.


    Ara? Baby-sitting is it, you sure are carefree Arnold. Is it because you partnered up with the Amsberg house?


    The Second Princess Zandra.


    Christa immediately hid behind me. Seeing that, Zandras expression unpleasantly distorted.


    Sister. Isnt Putting it as babysitting is a little harsh. Its natural for a brother to take care of his little sister right?


    Annoying, it seems you still have some leeway to give me such an answer huh.


    You looked irritated my sister. Whats wrong? Was there something that didnt go as you nned?


    Hearing myeback, Zandras expression turned wrathful for a moment but it immediately turns back to normal. She must have realized that resorting to violent here would just be an unnecessary show of her weakness.


    Well, even if she doesnt get angry, I already know that she was the one who sent those assassins. But I dont have to say that.


    Prepare yourself. I will teach you that no matter how powerful a sword is its meaningless if you cant use it.


    Fuhn! What can someone like you teach anything to anyone?


    Hearing our conversation, Gordon appeared.


    Seriously, these two cant be satisfied unless they duke it out with each other huh.


    However, Gordons sharp gazended on me. For a moment, I felt like my heart was grabbed.


    As expected of someone who has been so sessful on the battlefield. His bloodthirst is quite something. I dont use my magic then he would definitely instant-kill me.


    How is it? Arnold. Dont you want to hand your sword over to me? It is still in time you know? Ask our father, cry and beg him that you are not suitable for her and tell him that the worthy one is me.


    Unfortunately, I have no such intention, brother. It would make me appeared like I am questioning fathers decision. Father is really scary after all.


    Hmph, you dont want to share your treasure with others huh. That treasure would end up rotting. Well fine. I will crush you together with the woman over there.


    Thats my line.


    Zandra stares daggers at Gordon.


    We used that chance to sneak away from that ce.


    Nothing good woulde out if I get involved with such a fight.


    Nii-sama.Im scared..


    Its okay. Finne is with you. Moreover, if something happens, I wille and save you. I promise.


    Really..?


    Yeah, really.


    Saying so I squeeze Kristas small hand.


    Maybe she was assured by that, Christa show me a small smile.


    Then after all the children of the Emperor gathered on the balcony, the Emperor announce with a loud voice.


    For this festival! The knights of our imperial knight order are swearing their loyalty to each of my children! My children respect the knights and the knights honor my children, together they will work with each other and confront powerful monsters! We are the imperial family! If theres an enemy of the empire, it is our duty to annihte them! Go! My children! My Knight! From this moment, I herebymence the Knights Hunting festival! ! !


    OOHHHHH ! ! ! !


    GO FOR IT, PRINCE ERIC! !


    No, this time it is for Prince Gordons time to shine right?


    Princess Zandra will surely show us a fantastic tactic!


    I will support Prince Leonard! Its the first time I met such a kind person!


    The knights led by each of the children left the mansion and go to the frontline.


    This time, only Christa remains in the mansion while everyone else goes with their knights to hunt the monsters.


    Those children are flying their own banners that were created just for this day.


    My banner is a white cross on a ck background. On the contrary, Leos is a ck cross on a white background. They are quite easy to understand. The pattern ispletely opposite of Leos after all, it is easy to tell which banner is mine.


    But it doesnt like I hate the design.


    Are you ready?


    Of course, lets go.


    Saying so, I make my horse go forward.


    Behind me is the third knight order led by Elna.


    The only one who received the cheers is just Elna but that is fine with me.


    I am the shadow that works behind the scenes after all.


    If theres someone nning something from the shadow then I can just go behind their back and take them down.


    TLN: Been meaning to ask yall this but do you prefer Aniue, Aneue, Chichiue over brother, sister and father.leavement down below.


    BTW, thats the end of second Arc.Next chapter wille out after Takioto-kun got his Ninja skill.