Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Reunion
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“The fortress is in sight!” (Voice from outside)
A voice is heard from outside, and soon the carriage comes to a stop.
The outside is already pitch black. The light from the torches illuminates the fortress, giving off an overwhelming sense of intimidation. Thanks to the escort who went ahead to notify them, we were able to enter the fortress without delay. The interior of the fortress was covered with a roof, making it feel like one large house. After getting off the carriage, it didn’t feel that cold but rather, it was somewhat warm.
In front of us stood what seemed to be the commander of the fortress, a well-built man, surrounded by soldiers clad in finely crafted armor. Of course, they weren’t here to welcome us. As we disembarked first, we quickly moved aside. Beretta-san then descended gracefully, bowing with an air of elegance. She seemed just like a princess.
“Are you General Isaiah? I am Mathias Roal Beretta. It is a pleasure to meet you. I deeply appreciate you accommodating my selfish request.” (Beretta)
“It is an honor. To have Princess Beretta grace such a rugged place as this is beyond our expectations. I hear you were attacked by bandits. To think such heinous acts would occur under our watch… I am deeply ashamed. We have already dispatched our forces to the surrounding area. Rest assured, we will have them rounded up in no time.” (Isaiah)
With a deep voice, General Isaiah responded, and Beretta showed a sorrowful expression.
“However, the escorts from your country risked their lives to protect us. I express both my gratitude and condolences.” (Beretta)
“It would mean the world to those who have given their lives to hear such words from the princess. On their behalf, I offer my thanks.” (Isaiah)
With that exchange concluded, General Isaiah shifted his gaze to General Verger, a bear of a man. General Isaiah himself was quite large, so it felt like a bear versus bear situation. Since all the generals of Rozan were Knight(Ritter), this man must also be a noble despite his imposing stature.
“You must be General Verger, the hero of Remnos. I’ve long wanted to meet you. It is an honor.” (Isaiah)
“I have also heard much about you, General Isaiah. The honor is mine.” (Verger)
The two mountains clasped hands firmly. As I watched such a scene, straight out of a story, I realized that our mission to safely deliver Princess Beretta to the fortress had finally come to an end.
—
“What? You’re not accompanying us to Remnos?” (Beretta)
While enjoying a late dinner and sipping warm tea in our private room, Beretta-san spoke in slight surprise. Though she was relaxing in our room as if it were natural, I wondered if this was really okay.
“Of course not. If we went all the way to Remnos, it would be New Year’s by the time we returned to Rodon.” (Heinz)
Heinz answered matter-of-factly.
“Aw, that’s boring for the return trip… But well, I suppose I can’t help it. Although, Heinz, you should at least stay until Orfas arrives at the fortress! I want to introduce everyone, and Heinz, you should greet him too.” (Beretta)
Orfas-san was Beretta-san’s fiancé, the son of General Verger. Currently, like Beretta-san, he was passing through the military academy of the northern Principality of Solar and inspecting the enemy fortress.
“Orfas is coming here?” (Heinz)
“Of course. There’s no need for us to return separately. We plan to rendezvous here. If all goes smoothly, he should arrive tomorrow or the day after.” (Beretta)
“So, he’s coming through the front lines, degozaru?” (Hana)
“Exactly.” (Beretta)
“…Wow, this truly is practically a ceasefire, degozaru.” (Hana)
Hana murmured with deep emotion. I felt the same way.
“But, Hana-chan. This is only temporary. It won’t truly be a ceasefire until we publicly announce our engagement, both nations formally declare a truce, and the secret summit between our countries concludes successfully.” (Beretta)
“Still, it’s hard to believe. There was always war when I was born, degozaru.” (Hana)
“True. And it’s also true that you all played a part in bringing this war closer to an end. You should be proud of that.” (Beretta)
When we found the Duke Lengard’s journal, it felt like a treasure hunt. Hearing her say that now makes it feel like we’ve done something significant, but it still doesn’t seem real.
“Beretta’s right. Nothing’s set in stone yet. One mishap during today’s attack could have toppled this fragile balance. We can’t let our guard down.” (Heinz)
Heinz said, his expression grim.
“Don’t stress over it, Heinz. It’s not your engagement announcement after all.” (Beretta)
Changing the mood, Beretta laughed heartily as she teased him.
—
The next day, we toured the fortress with Beretta-san. The fortress was incredibly large, and the fact that such a vast area was covered by a roof was remarkable upon reflection. Most facilities were military-related, but there were simple pubs and recreation areas as well.
“There are several such fortresses on the front lines, each housing multiple units. This one, however, is the largest in scale.” (??)
The young soldier guiding us, a soft-spoken and gentle lieutenant, seemed to have been selected to escort the princess. As we wandered the fortress, a soldier in Remnos armor approached us. He had been part of our escort.
“Princess Beretta, may I have a moment?” (??)
“Go ahead. What is it?” (Beretta)
When Beretta-san gave permission in her formal tone, the soldier continued.
“We’ve received a message from the northern patrol unit. The main force will arrive by evening.” (??)
“Oh, sooner than expected. Understood. Thank you.” (Beretta)
Thanked by Beretta-san, the soldier withdrew.
“There’s still some time before Orfas arrives. Shall we continue our tour?” (Beretta)
Our guide, the brigadier general, replied calmly, “Of course,” and we again trudged through the fort.
—
That evening, there was some commotion at the fortress entrance. Having thoroughly enjoyed the fortress tour, we approached the source of the noise. At the entrance stood General Isaiah, arms crossed and wearing a grim expression.
“Is something the matter?” (Beretta)
“Ah, Princess. Orfas-sama has arrived, but we face a slight problem.” (Isaiah)
“A problem?” (Beretta)
“Indeed. It seems a few students from the Solar military academy followed Orfas-sama here. While this may not be an issue elsewhere, this is a military facility, and we cannot permit enemy personnel entry.” (Isaiah)
“I see. What does Orfas say?” (Beretta)
“He insists that he has something he absolutely must deliver to you, Princess, and that he’ll leave immediately after doing so. However, sending them back now, at this late hour, risks potential disaster, which could ignite further tensions.” (Isaiah)
“Understood. Then let’s allow Orfas to use his carriage temporarily. They may stay inside but must not set foot outside. My guards will keep watch overnight, and they will depart at first light.” (Beretta)
“…Very well. I will make the arrangements. However, our men will handle the watch.” (Isaiah)
“That’s fine. Please proceed.” (Beretta)
After this exchange, a tall, slender young man walked through the gate on foot.
“Man, I wasn’t thinking. Bringing Solal students along wasn’t the best idea.” (??)
He said nonchalantly as he strolled over.
“Hey, Heinz! Long time no see!” (Orfas)
“Hey, Orfas. Still the same as ever, I see.” (Heinz)
“Likewise. Good to see you well.” (Orfas)
While the two exchanged updates, a bear of a man stepped forward and struck Orfas with a fist.
“Ow! That hurts! What was that for, Father?!” (Orfas)
“For not greeting the princess and General Isaiah first!” (Verger)
Clutching his head with tearful eyes, Orfas apologized and greeted the two… This wasn’t quite the image I had of him.
As I watched Orfas, a few carriages followed into the fortress.
“Oh, Heinz, the Solar students wanted to deliver something to you. That’s why I brought them along. Would you meet them?” (Orfas)
“…I heard. What is it they want to give me?” (Heinz)
“Ask them yourself. I’ve confirmed it’s not dangerous, though in a way, it might be.” (Orfas)
“That’s just like you, Orfas. Fine, since you say it’s safe. Lux, Lites, come with me.” (Heinz)
Approaching the carriage heavily guarded by soldiers, the door was ceremoniously opened.
We cautiously stepped inside.
“Huh?!” (??)
A startled voice caught our attention.
To our surprise, it was Willard, the boy who had helped Maria and Norris during the summer vacation. He stared at us, wide-eyed.
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