Arc-4 Ch-09

The vibration subsided, and the carriage door slowly opened. Having hurriedly traveled along an unpaved road, my body ached all over.

The soldiers, spotting the men of the Bartfort family stepping out of the carriage, paused their work to salute.

Since winter brings early sunsets, the airfield was lit up as much as possible, despite usually conserving lighting. The grounds buzzed with an unusual energy, almost like preparations for a festival.

War and conflict are extraordinary events, so in a way, they might resemble a festival. But it’s definitely not something I’d ever want to enjoy or participate in.

As three more carriages approached the airfield entrance, we knelt to greet them, and the soldiers, though surprised, began to follow suit. Four men stepped out of the carriages, looking around, followed by His Highness Julius descending last.

Etiquette demands laying out a carpet to welcome royalty, but this airfield had no such luxuries. Even the carriages were so plain they bordered on disrespectful for carrying royalty.

His Highness lightly waved to acknowledge the soldiers, so I signaled them to resume their tasks. While my brother and father guided the group to a barracks in one corner of the airfield, Deidere-san stepped out of another carriage, and I entrusted her to Colin.

I ordered the soldiers to unload the luggage from the final carriage. Four hours had passed since Angie and the others were kidnapped and the airship arrived at Bartfort territory.

It took this long to sift through information gathered from the crew and passengers, rally available soldiers, and prepare necessary supplies from the mansion. Many nobles think it’s enough to leave war preparations to subordinates, but as a cautious person, I can’t feel at ease unless I oversee things myself.

It’s faster for me to give orders directly at the airfield than to coordinate with the Bartfort estate remotely. Though I hadn’t expected His Highness and the others to join us. The empty rooms in the barracks had been cleaned on my orders, and necessary documents and maps were brought in.

A room with a simple table, chairs, and stacks of documents became our strategy headquarters. Waiting in the room were knights who had served the Bartfort family since my father’s time—familiar faces I’d known since childhood, who would give direct orders to the soldiers.

Also present were knights under the royal family accompanying His Highness, their polished, high-end military uniforms dazzling enough to strain my eyes. The strategy we devise now will determine the hostages’ fate. The responsibility is immense.

“Let’s begin the strategy meeting. I, Leon Fou Bartfort, will serve as the facilitator.”

After everyone gathered around the table, I bowed and scanned the room. From the pile of documents on the cramped table, I first opened a shipyard catalog and placed it on the table.

“First, I’d like to confirm with His Highness and the others: is this the airship owned by the remnants of the Forest of Ladies?”

“…Yes, that’s the one.”

“It’s a common ship type in the kingdom.”

“Likely owned by one of their members or purchased from a disgraced noble.”

“Lady Deidere, are you certain?”

“Yes, though the details differ slightly, this is the ship.”

Having confirmed the airship, I opened the page listing its specifications and reviewed them. Using a ruler and compass, I drew two rough circles on the map.

“The attack took place here. If the airship hasn’t been modified, the smaller circle represents the distance it could travel in half a day, and the larger one in a full day.”

“Isn’t that estimate too broad? It covers most of the kingdom’s floating islands.”

“It’s impossible to fly at maximum speed continuously. They’d likely slow down or return to a base.”

“I understand, but this is just an estimated range. I’ve ignored wind strength and cloud movements for now. Have we identified all the Forest of Ladies’ bases?”

“We’ve destroyed their major bases capable of housing airships over the past half-month, assuming they’ve revealed everything.”

“There’s one airship left with the remnants, correct?”

“Yes, but the attack involved two airships. We don’t know if there’s a separate unit or another organization involved.”

“Lady Deidere, is the other airship among these?”

I showed her photos and drawings of airships manufactured outside the Holfort Kingdom. Airships vary in design by country or region, especially those used in combat. After reviewing the documents, Deidere-san pointed to one.

“This is the one. The shape is slightly different, but it’s this ship.”

“Thank you. This is a military airship from the Fanoss Principality.”

“So the former principality is behind this?”

“No, the principality surrendered and had all its military assets confiscated. They wouldn’t risk further disadvantage with such a reckless move.”

“It’s probably an airship captured during the last war. Whether it was sold off or traded secretly, I don’t know.”

“That’s how it works?”

“It’s not uncommon to sell captured or damaged airships. Even the royal family sold them cheaply to nobles affected by the war to raise funds.”

“The kingdom places restrictions on the number of military airships nobles can own, doesn’t it?”

“You can fake a report of sinking one or fudge the capture records. I know nobles who made a fortune that way. Right after the ceasefire with the principality, rewards were scarce, so everyone turned a blind eye.”

Replenishing weapons lost in war is tough, and building new military airships takes time and money.

Someone thought, “Why not use captured enemy ships?” and acted on it.

Once one person started, others followed. Those meant to enforce the rules were short on funds, so they’d look the other way for a bribe—or even join in. Some even built factories and distribution networks.

Please, royal family and higher-ups, crack down on nobles trading weapons freely.

Selling airships to random lords, raking in profits, and disrupting the military balance is straight-up arms dealer behavior. My family bought an airship, armor, and airbikes cheaply from ducal house, but Angie insisted on proper paperwork to avoid future trouble, so we went through a tedious process.

It’s wrong for honest people to lose out in a world like this.

“There’s not much difference in top speed between the kingdom’s and the principality’s airships. They’re almost certainly within this range.”

“Then let’s head out! Our ship is state-of-the-art, so it’s fast!”

“Flying at top speed, we could catch up before midnight.”

“…No, we’ll use the Bartfort family’s airship.”

I voiced an opinion opposite to the eager Greg, Chris, and Brad. Their faces clearly showed they weren’t convinced. Sure, His Highness’s airship is likely the best in performance, but the best equipment doesn’t always yield the best results.

“What’s the worst-case scenario in this operation?”

“The hostages getting killed, obviously.”

“Right. The ransom demand lowers that risk, but it’s still the worst outcome. What’s the next worst?”

“…”

“His Highness and Jilk would know, right?”

“Likely losing track of the bandits without finding the hostages, correct?”

As expected, Jilk answered. It’s annoying, but he’s sharp. The other three are all muscle-brained, but Jilk considers political angles. Our thought processes differ, yet we reach the same conclusion, which feels unsettling.

“The Forest of Ladies has a mastermind behind them. The Holy Kingdom of Rachel, the Holy Magic Empire of Voldenois, the United Kingdom of Lepart, remnants of the former Fanoss Principality, or radicals from the Alzer Republic—countless factions are scheming to exploit the Holfort Kingdom’s chaos for their gain.”

“Wait, the United Kingdom of Lepart is my mother’s homeland. I doubt they’d break an alliance like that.”

“The Alzer Republic, too. The kingdom provides them aid, and Noelle, the Saintess of the Sacred Tree, is close with Olivia.”

“Your Highness, with all due respect, for the sake of a nation, a princess married off to another country is just a pawn to be discarded if needed. The same goes for the republic. Noelle-san may be the Saintess, but she’s not the ruler.”

Jilk’s point is valid.

Weighing one princess’s life against the future of an entire nation, abandoning her is the logical choice. A ruler needs the resolve to do dirty work for the people’s sake. By that measure, His Highness Julius might lack the ruthlessness needed to be king. Still, I can’t bring myself to like Jilk for bluntly stating it without remorse.

“Angie is the daughter of the Redgrave family, the most prominent noble house in the Holfort Kingdom. She’s my wife now, a viscountess, but still under the duchy’s protection.”

“It wouldn’t be surprising if a country saw her as a bargaining chip.”

“If they escape to another nation, it could spark a diplomatic crisis, potentially pitting the royal family against the duchy.”

“Then we need to hurry!”

“The issue is how they’ll react when they see you. Lady Deidere, did they seem aware that His Highness and the others were in Bartfort territory?”

“No, they mentioned the Bartfort family but nothing about His Highness and the others.”

“So they likely don’t know you’re here. Or maybe they attacked the passenger airship because they didn’t know.”

“They’d avoid us if they knew we were here?”

“Only a fool or a daredevil would pick a fight with the Five Heroes head-on, especially after you nearly wiped out the Forest of Ladies. If I were them, I’d lay low.”

“That’s why we’re using the Bartfort airship?”

“They’re underestimating us, no doubt. We’ll use their arrogance to lure them out.”

“Then we’ll board the Bartfort airship.”

The broad strokes of the plan are set. Now we need to pool everyone’s information and ideas to refine multiple strategies. I beckoned a knight, likely one of His Highness’s subordinates. He’s probably older than me and seems to come from a good family, but hesitation won’t save lives.

“Can the detection equipment on His Highness’s airship be transferred to ours?”

“It’s likely possible, but connecting it will take time.”

“Then start immediately. Your Highness, is that acceptable?”

“Go ahead. Tell the mechanics to hurry.”

“My men can help. Tell them to finish in two hours.”

“Yes, sir!”

The knight jogged out of the room. Even if the work’s done in two hours, whether the equipment will track properly in a real chase is down to luck. Until then, we’ll analyze every bit of information and discuss every possible strategy.

“Assuming we catch up, we’ll definitely end up in combat.”

“The confirmed intel: two military airships, about ten armors, and an unknown number of remnant and pirate crew.”

“Is the armor count certain?”

“I only saw them through the airship’s window, so I can’t be sure.”

“Based on the catalog, the remnants’ airship can carry ten armors, fifteen at most if overloaded.”

“The pirates’ airship has a similar capacity, if the reports are accurate.”

“We can’t rule out additional pirate forces, like a separate unit or base.”

It’s wise to prepare for the unexpected, but overestimating the enemy out of fear is a mistake. The remnants likely have ten armors, fifteen at most, based on maximum capacity. The pirates’ numbers range from zero to fifteen. That’s assuming no additional units, which is optimistic. The Bartfort territory has about ten armors at full mobilization—a tough number for a head-on fight.

To rescue the hostages, we’ll need the help of the Five Heroes.

“Who had the most kills among the five of you during the war?”

The five exchanged glances, discussing among themselves. Reports and newspapers from the war claimed these five alone were stronger than an average noble’s army. I’ve seen their combat prowess firsthand a few times, but as an average pilot, I can’t tell what’s true or exaggerated about their armor skills.

Finally, one raised his hand—Greg Fou Seberg, the red-haired giant.

I’ve heard plenty about him: a reckless charger who storms enemy lines and disrupts the battlefield. No ordinary defense can stop his charge; anyone in his way is literally crushed.

“They say his armor’s red is stained with enemy blood.”

“A human-shaped lance.”

Called the Crimson Spear by principality soldiers, feared as such. Meanwhile, I’m stuck with a lousy nickname like “Villainous Knight.” His cool moniker ticks me off.

“Greg, can you take on twenty armors alone?”

“Depends on the conditions. One-on-one, I’d win easily.”

“In a battlefield scenario?”

“Depends on their skill and gear.”

“Twenty armors with knight-level skill, standard kingdom mass-produced models, equipped for both close and ranged combat?”

“Sure.”

So he could win against twenty in one-on-one duels? I’d be lucky to take down five.

The other four are similar—absolute monsters.

“When I charge, my squad or these guys cover my flanks and rear. My armor’s built for close combat and straight-line speed. If I charge alone, get surrounded, and overwhelmed by ranged attacks, I’m done.”

“Sounds like you’ve been through it.”

“Almost died a few times like that. I’ve avoided reckless charges since.”

Real experience, huh? And you survived that ? What kind of luck and skill does it take? I’d be torn apart, helpless.

“What do you need to win under those conditions?”

“Rear support or at least one pilot as skilled as me to watch my back.”

“Then I’ll volunteer.”

Jilk raised his hand. He excels at long-range combat. During the war, he racked up kills with precise, annoying sniping. Equip him with powerful ranged weapons, he’s a mobile turret, mowing down enemies one-sidedly.

“Jilk, huh? Yeah, that’s probably the best combo.”

“Leave it to me. Just don’t let me outscore you.”

“You punk!”

“Back to the point. That scenario assumes the minimum forces we think they have. If they’ve got reinforcements, it could be double or more. You four think you can take on forty armors?”

““““Piece of cake .””””

“…Right.”

“The Wing Shark pirates had about that many, didn’t they?”

“No, they had over five airships. Pretty skilled bunch, too.”

“Their leader was a wanted bounty, quite the veteran.”

“Modified heavy armor—thick plating, strong. Too tough for us students to take down alone.”

“Olivia was with us then. Fond youthful memories.”

I’m done. How do you four think you can beat an enemy ten times your strength? How did you take down pirates that gave the kingdom’s army trouble while you were still students? Being around these guys warps my sense of reality. I can’t tell if they’re serious or joking. I, an ordinary guy, can’t handle them.

“Then we’ll limit the airship’s armors to just your four.”

“What about your soldiers?”

“They’ll join the rescue operation. Fewer armors mean more manpower for the rescue.”

“Is that safe? This isn’t just about wiping out enemies—hostages’ lives are at stake, so we can’t be reckless.”

“Who do you think I am? A former kingdom soldier who’s been hunting pirates since I was fourteen.”

Study, study. Train, train. Mission, mission.

Since joining the military, I’ve fought pirates repeatedly, earning my superiors’ approval. In the principality war, I rarely piloted armors but saw plenty of infantry combat and nearly died multiple times.

I can’t fight like a noble or knight, but I’m a pro at gritty battles—more than these guys.

First, let’s get a status report from the knights serving the Bartfort family.

“How many soldiers do we have?”

“Excluding those on regular duties, we have four knights and twenty-eight soldiers. Additionally, the Bartfort family’s physician will join the operation.”

“Thirty-two total, plus four Bartfort men makes thirty-six. Of those, twenty-one are me, Father, Brother, and eighteen others. We have ten airbikes from our forces, plus two from the Bartfort family, making twelve.”

“Airbikes instead of armors?”

“Yeah, airbikes are more convenient than armors for boarding an airship. Plus, they’re much lighter, so the airship can move faster with less strain.”

The heavier the load, the slower the vehicle.

Ten armors versus twelve airbikes—the airbikes weigh about a third or less. The airships used by the attackers, carrying ten armors, should be slowed by their weight.

To catch up, we need to keep our load as light as possible.

“Chris, Brad, if the enemy has fewer armors, I want you to join us.”

“Us?”

“The son of Earl Arclight, the Sword Saint, is renowned for close combat. Can’t handle it?”

“No, I can. But I’ve barely had any experience in rescue operations.”

“Same here. I might drag the team down in unfamiliar territory.”

“That’s fine. Your role is diversion and taking out enemy soldiers.”

“So we’re the bait?”

“Exactly. While you draw their attention, my men will execute the rescue. Go wild.”

“Not a bad deal.”

“Our forces will split into two. The larger group is the suppression team, handling combat. I might need you to take simple command if needed.”

“Got it.”

“The smaller group is the rescue team, which I’ll lead directly.”

“Hold on, you’re fighting yourself, as the lord?”

“My wife’s been kidnapped. I’m not calm enough to just direct from the sidelines. Even now, I want to rush out the moment we’re ready.”

“…Alright, leave it to me.”

“Wait, who’s commanding your airship then?”

“I’m leaving it to Colin.”

“What!? Nobody told me!”

Colin let out a wail.

Well, he’s helped with military prep and soldier training under Father, but he’s never seen real combat, so it’s understandable. But we’re desperately short-handed this time. We need Colin’s help to save our family, so he’ll have to step up.

“Father or Brother should take command!”

“We’re leading the rescue. The airship will be short-staffed. You’re the only one fit to command it.”

“No way…”

“You don’t need to fight head-on. Just stall the enemy airship. Even running is fine. Buy time for the rescue.”

“…Alright, I get it.”

“Greg, Jilk, if you’re free, back Colin up.”

“Got it.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep him safe.”

With these guys, he won’t die. Feeling a bit relieved, I got patted on the shoulder repeatedly. Turning, I saw His Highness Julius smiling right in front of me.

“Bartfort.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“Don’t leave me out. There’s still one person without a role.”

“The plan’s outline is coming together.”

“My name hasn’t come up once.”

“Your Highness, I ask that you stay in Bartfort territory.”

“Why!?”

He’s raring to go. Sure, he’s reliable, but as a prince, is that really okay? I don’t have the authority or track record to order a prince around, so please stay put.

“There are two reasons. First, unified command. I can’t possibly order a prince to fight.”

“I don’t mind!”

“Even if you don’t, others won’t accept it. Please restrain yourself.”

“Second, defending Bartfort territory. I suspect the kidnapping’s goal isn’t just ransom.”

“Another motive?”

“Yes. If it were just the remnants’ airship, I’d bring you along. But them teaming up with pirates bothers me. I suspect kidnapping my family is a trap to lure me out.”

“I see. Use the hostages to draw Bartfort’s forces away, then attack the vulnerable territory.”

“Exactly. To wipe out the remnants, we’d need most of our forces. That leaves the territory defenseless. One pirate airship and ten armors could overrun it. If their goal is looting or slaughter, this is more efficient.”

“I doubt the remnants or pirates are that clever.”

“I used this tactic often in the war. Distract the enemy, then hit their base or supply lines to break their will. I took out the principality’s commander by using a fleeing superior as bait. If Zola’s kidnapping is harassment, they might use my own strategy. It’s the most humiliating way, and they’re infuriating.”

There’s also a chance both airships are decoys with a separate unit. Either way, someone needs to stay to protect Bartfort territory. Leaving His Highness is the most efficient choice. This is a well-thought-out proposal, not because I can’t handle these troublesome guys.

Looking back, everyone’s staring at me with grim expressions.

“What’s with the looks?”

“You shouldn’t say stuff like that in public.”

“Too many decoys and ambushes make you hated.”

“That’s why they call you the Villainous Knight.”

“If you’d lost to the principality, they’d have executed you without surrender.”

“Bartfort, you’re the last guy I’d want as an enemy, but I’d hesitate to have you as an ally too.”

“Shut up! Unlike you freaks, I’m a normal guy who needs dirty tricks to win!”

I feel insulted and want to cry. The strategy meeting continued. We planned for every scenario, exchanged ideas, and prepared. By the time we ran out of ideas, the airship’s detection equipment, armors, and airbikes were loaded.

Entering an empty barracks room with Father and Brother, I opened a bag brought from the mansion and laid out its contents on the floor. Military uniform, boots, protective helmet, gun, knife, and miscellaneous items, checked one by one. I tested the gun’s action, confirmed it was fine, and holstered it.

“But was that okay? I’d rather have Father or Brother command the airship than Colin.”

“If Zola’s involved, I’ll settle it myself. I’ll kill her.”

Father’s unusually bloodthirsty. Years of pent-up frustration, I guess. He checked his beloved sword for nicks, wiping it with an oiled cloth.

He’s meticulous to ensure blood doesn’t dull the edge.

Zola’s as good as dead.

“The whole thing started because I stopped Dorothea from visiting on the Roseblade airship. I have to go to make amends.”

Brother carefully loaded bullets into a magazine from a box. No magic bullets for this mission.

With human enemies and a rescue operation, high-powered weapons could harm hostages or the airship. Plus, they’re expensive and not well-stocked.

“About Dorothea-san, what’s your plan, Brother? This is too big to hide.”

“…I’ll beg the earl to annul the engagement.”

“Whoa, Nicks, that’s a quick decision.”

“If I’d gone to her, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s all my fault.”

“But Dorothea-san’s genuinely in love with you.”

“She’s just caught up in her first love. She’ll find someone better.”

“I thought she’d make a great wife for you. Ruth feels the same.”

“Stop. We’re from different worlds.”

“So, back to wife-hunting?”

“That’s why we’re rescuing everyone, right? Get fired up.”

“Yeah!”

“Got it!”

I stripped off my noble clothes, standing in underwear. Bulletproof vest first, then military uniform, followed by protective gear, ammo belt, and knife sheath.

It’s about the weight of a small child.

Over half a year since the principality war, my body feels sluggish, movements stiff. I’m about to give the pre-mission speech, but my mind and body aren’t synced.

Father and Brother are already changed—Brother in the same gear as me, Father in an older noble’s battle attire.

“Let’s go.”

Gun in hand, I left the room. The barracks at night, lit by lamps, were eerily quiet. The earlier noises from outside had faded. Everyone’s ready, awaiting orders. The winter chill and silence felt like death’s presence, weighing on me.

We’re about to kill or be killed.

Why am I always dragged into these fights?

“There you are!”

A carefree voice made me turn. Mother ran up, two tiny golden figures clinging to her chest and back.

“What’s wrong, Ruth?”

“Didn’t we tell you to stay home?”

“Lionel and Ariel won’t stop crying. They miss Leon and Angelica.”

Mother crouched, and the twins scrambled toward me with tiny limbs. I knelt, hugging them, feeling their soft warmth through my gloves. I took off the gloves, stroking their heads until their sobs quieted.

“Father…”

“Yeah? What’s up?”

“Don’t go.”

“Sorry, Papa has to go.”

I wiped their teary faces, looking into their eyes. I’m not a great father, but I need to say this.

“I’ll bring Mama back. Wait at home.”

My resolve seemed to reach them; their tears stopped. I stood, nodding to Brother and Father. It hurts to leave, but I can’t look back or stop. Each step forward steeled my resolve. Outside the barracks, the winter cold made me shiver. The soldiers were lined up, ready, awaiting my command.

Beside them stood the five men and Deidere-san.

Their rugged military uniforms clashed comically with her ornate battle attire.

All eyes turned to me.

It’s time for war.

“Gentlemen! First, thank you for gathering! We’re about to undertake a mission to eliminate rebels and vile pirates threatening the kingdom!”

Each word sent white breath into the cold air, lungs filling with icy air. The soldiers’ morale—and my own madness—will decide this mission’s success.

“The mastermind is Zora Fia Bartfort! No, she’s no longer a Bartfort! Once my father’s wife!”

[T/N - In raw the middle name too was "fia" instead of "fau" most probably Zora didn't take on leon's father rural noble status, Zora's father was court noble]

The soldiers stirred, knowing their enemy, while knights serving us since Father’s time nodded in understanding.

“She and her brats dared claim this land as theirs, saying they’re the ones fit to rule! Outrageous!”

The soldiers grimaced. Here we go. Pour words like oil onto the embers of their anger.

“Who carved out this territory?”

“Us!”

“Who protected it from invaders and looters!?”

“Us!!”

“That’s right! Us!! We built this land!!”

Bartfort soldiers farm when not on duty, half-soldier, half-farmer. Their attachment to this land is stronger than most, so I keep stoking it.

“Yet that hag and her brats, sipping tea in the capital, think we’re slaves—no, animals! Can you forgive that!?”

“No!”

“Louder!!”

“NO!!”

Fire began to burn in the soldiers’ eyes.

Rage, more rage.

Turn their buried frustrations into battle lust and aim it at the enemy.

“At noon, those traitors, no longer nobles, attacked an airship, kidnapping my wife, sisters, and a Roseblade lady!”

Gasps of shock rose.

Angie often joined training, and soldiers escorted my sisters and Finley on outings.

The pain of familiar women being harmed fuels their sense of justice.

“I know you don’t like the Roseblades. Honestly, I’m not fond of them either. All prim, proper, and obsessed with appearances.”

Ease the tension to avoid overdoing it. A bit of humor loosened their faces.

Oh, Deidere-san’s glaring at me.

Sorry, please forgive me.

“But the Roseblade escorts fought to protect them. Three died, one’s gravely injured. Even if we dislike them, their actions were noble. Are we so heartless as to mock that? So ungrateful as to not honor their deaths?”

I gestured theatrically for a moment of silence.

Everyone followed, and silence enveloped us.

“How do we honor their courage? By panicking pathetically?”

“No!”

“By cowering and paying ransom!?”

“NO!!”

“Take them back!! The hostages!! Slam our rage into them!!”

“YES!!”

They’re fired up. Keep pushing, max out their morale. Fool the soldiers, your family, yourself.

I’m a warrior, a hero, the Villainous Knight.

Turn the heat in my head into battle fury.

“Let me introduce those joining us!!”

I raised my arm toward the five, who turned to face the soldiers. Time to drive it home.

“Brad Fou Field! Jilk Fia Marmoria! Chris Fia Arclight! Greg Fou Seberg!”

“WHOA!?”

“And His Highness Julius Rafa Holfort!!”

“WOOOAH!!”

The soldiers’ excitement peaked.

No wonder.

Five heroes who saved the kingdom, all in this backwater? Even I’d think it’s a joke.

No way I’m not using their fame.

“Rejoice, men!! This’ll be a tale for generations! They’ll all be jealous!!”

Every soldier’s eyes blazed as they stared at me.

Perfect—they’re raring to go.

This should offset our numerical disadvantage.

“All hands!! To your stations!!”

“Yes, sir!!”

At my command, the soldiers scattered, rushing to board the airship. My throat hurt from shouting, and I was sweating from the intensity. I’m exhausted before the fight even begins. I need a break. While I relaxed, the four, Father, and Brother boarded the airship.

Only His Highness, Deidere-san, Mother, and the twins remained.

“Let’s go, Leon.”

As Brother urged me to board, a dark figure stepped in. Looking up, I saw Deidere-san staring at us.

“Quite the rousing speech, Viscount Bartfort.”

“Ha…”

“What was it? ‘Prim,’ ‘proper,’ ‘obsessed with appearances’?”

“Uh, sorry about that.”

I went too far. I thought it’d be fine for morale, but it was too much.

What a jerk I am.

“Leon, apologize now.”

“Sorry. I regret it. Please forgive me.”

“Very well, I forgive you.”

“Phew.”

“You mourned my family’s dead and vowed vengeance. I can’t fault a man like that.”

“Thank you.”

I dodged a bullet.

Getting on the bad side of the prestigious Roseblade house would’ve been trouble. Even if we save Dorothea-san, the future of Bartfort-Roseblade relations is uncertain.

“I’ve sent an urgent message to Roseblade territory as planned. They’re probably in chaos now.”

“Thank you.”

“When my father arrives, he’ll take over defending Bartfort territory from His Highness, right?”

“Yes. If we don’t return by dawn, His Highness will set out.”

“Be careful.”

“Thank you.”

If we fail, His Highness will lead an airship to pursue us. I’d rather not die, and I want to save Angie and the others—but the battlefield is unpredictable. Still, a mere mortal’s duty is to do everything possible.

“If…”

“Hm?”

“If something happens to my sister or Angelica, I’ll marry into the Bartfort family.”

“Don’t jinx it.”

“Listen. Noble marriages are contracts, regardless of personal feelings. If Angelica’s harmed, it could anger Duke Redgrave.”

“True.”

“Your territory relies on their support. If it’s cut off, it’s not just your family, but your people who’ll suffer.”

“So the Roseblades would step in?”

“Forgetting a debt would tarnish the earl’s name. Besides, I rather like you.”

Deidere-san’s smile is stunning, honestly.

If I weren’t married to Angie, I might’ve been swayed.

“I’m honored, but I must decline. Angie is my only wife.”

“You truly love her.”

“Yes. And I’ve always wanted to do one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Be a knight who saves a princess in distress.”

“Ridiculous. Go, everyone’s waiting.”

Brother was already gone. I’m the last one—everyone’s waiting.

“Viscount Bartfort.”

“Yes?”

“Good luck.”

“I’m off.”

As I boarded, the airship’s door closed with a dull thud.

I’m coming, Angie.

I’ll save you, no matter what. With that resolve, I headed to the bridge. Bartfort territory shrank in the window as we ascended.

┳⁠━━━━⁠━⁠⁠━⁠━⁠━━━⁠┳

Authors Note

┻━⁠━━━━⁠━━⁠━━━⁠┻

Inspired by Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.”  

The song’s intense lyrics match Leon’s barbaric vibe in this story.  

I tried to recreate Leon’s speech from the source material in my own way, but it was tough.  

It ended up more like Major’s speech from *Hellsing*. (Sweat)  

The enemy taunting was planned for later.  

Deidere and Leon’s interactions reflect their near-harem dynamic in the original novels.  

Oddly, I planned to finish this before the final novel’s release, but it’s looking unlikely. (Double sweat)

Addendum: At the client’s request, ReiN-Sama and Yasunobu Mogi-Sama drew illustrations of Angie. Thank you!  

- ReiN: Pixiv (Adult content warning)  

- Yasunobu Mogi: Pixiv

Further Addendum: At the client’s request, Fenao-sama drew an illustration for this chapter. Thank you!  

- Fenao: Pixiv

I’d love feedback or thoughts to fuel future work.