PS2: Click here to start reading Oran Knight 167 and Merchant Noble 191.

 

 

Branza Kuran Follet (1): In a Room Without Windows

Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

In the somewhat modest room that belonged to Follet, the younger brother of the princess who stood at the pinnacle of this country, they had gathered.

There were no windows in the room. The lighting was minimal. There was a single table with eight chairs arranged around it. However, if someone were to enter this room for the first time, the first thing that would catch their eye would be the number of doors in the room, three on each of the four walls, twelve in total. The sight was bizarre.

Six men and women were already seated in the arranged chairs, and besides them, there was one young man standing with his hands clasped behind his back and his spine straight. The room was quiet. It was not an oppressive silence, but rather the kind of silence that felt natural at this moment.

“Is it about time?” (Follet)

The one who broke the silence was the master of the room, Follet. As if in response to his words, one of the doors to his right clicked open. The ones who appeared were Rita and Slar. Each of them, with familiar steps, took their usual seats. After confirming that the two were seated, Follet took a small breath and then spoke.

“Well, it’s been a while since all eight of us have gathered. First of all, Rita, I’m glad you’re safe. When I heard that Baxwal had taken extreme measures, I was beside myself with worry.” (Follet)

“I’m sorry to have worried you. Thanks to a certain boy’s guidance, I managed to make it here safely.” (Rita)

“A boy? A student from the academy?” (Follet)

“Yes. Someone you’re quite familiar with, Follet-sama.” (Rita)

“Someone I’m familiar with… Could it be the one from the mansion?” (Follet)

“Yes. One of the ones you had breakfast with that day, Lux.” (Rita)

Rita gave a brief account of the events that led to her escape from the academy. Those who had been silently listening to the conversation between Rita and Follet let out murmurs of “Oh” and “I see” in admiration.

“So… that boy from that time… and to think he used the Seven Mysteries to help Rita escape…” (Follet)

As Follet showed a slightly nostalgic expression, an elderly man with a full white beard and hair, looking every bit the part of an aristocrat, gave a deliberate cough.

“Ah, I let the conversation stray a bit, didn’t I? My apologies.” (Follet)

The elderly man who had been apologized to responded.

“Not at all. Rita-kun’s story was quite interesting to hear. However, Follet-sama, we would like to express our joy for Rita-kun’s safe return as well.” (??)

“Ah, of course, you’re right.” (Follet)

Follet said, gesturing with his right hand to invite them to speak. Then, one by one, the others conveyed their relief to Rita.

Lastly, a man with good posture and a large scar above his left eye told Rita, “I’m glad you’re safe,” and then, gave a small chuckle.

“Reggie, did you find something amusing?” (Follet)

The man called Reggie replied with a “No, not particularly,” before adding.

“It’s just that, thanks to Baxwal’s hasty actions, all eight of us were able to gather at this time. I find it quite ironic.” (Reggie)

Hearing this, the group shared quiet smiles.

Originally, Rita was supposed to remain at the Oran Knights Military Academy until the end of the inter-academy competition. But thanks to their enemy, Baxwal, all eight of them were now gathered together, an irony indeed. The seven people sitting with Follet were individuals who had agreed with Follet’s intentions and earned his trust. Counting from the beginning, it had taken five years to reach this point.

As a teenager, Follet had learned that a war had started over something ridiculously trivial among the leaders of countries. From then on, he had observed war with a cynical detachment. He wanted nothing to do with it, not with the war, nor with the military aristocrats who wielded their influence.

“Then why don’t you end the war yourself?” (Slar)

Bathed in the light of the setting sun, Follet had been weeping over his powerlessness when Slar spoke those words to him, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. Follet never forgot that moment.

After that day, Follet and Slar began to gather allies in secret, people who would fight alongside them toward peace. It started with six people from the royal capital, five nobles and court officials. Then, Slar brought Rita, who had clashed with Baxwal. Lastly, two years ago, Kinder Via Nork joined their cause. And now, finally, they had come this far.

“Well, we can’t afford to dawdle. Let’s move on to the matter at hand.” (Follet)

Follet, who had nearly drifted into old memories, shook it off and refocused on the meeting.

 

—

 

“First of all, Follet-sama, I apologize for my shortcomings.” (Nork)

Just as they were about to start their discussion, Nork deeply bowed his head toward Follet. The young man standing behind him followed suit.

“No, Nork-san, there’s nothing for you to apologize for. With how aggressively Baxwal forced their way through, no one could have done anything.” (Follet)

Nork had come all the way from his territory with his private soldiers to seek permission to assist with the security during the inter-academy competition. As a neutral noble with a renowned military reputation, the Via Household seemed like the perfect candidate. But Baxwal upended their plans.

As a result, instead of the academy, Nork was tasked with supplementing the royal capital’s defenses while the military aristocrats were away.

The young man behind Nork was his nephew, Lamie’s younger brother, Racks. He was considered the likely successor to the Via Household. Officially, Racks was brought along to gain experience, but the reality was a bit different. Racks had learned of Nork’s connection with Follet and practically threatened his way into accompanying him. Once he made up his mind, he was as unyielding as his sister, Lamie.

“Still…” (Nork)

“No, I genuinely think this situation turned out for the best. And I’m not just saying that to comfort you, Nork-dono. I’ll explain why shortly. Racks-kun, as I said before, why not take a seat? There are plenty of empty chairs.” (Follet)

Lux responded without relaxing his posture.

“I’m fine like this.” (Lux)

“I see. Feel free to sit whenever you want, though… We’re not some kind of secret society, you know? Anyway, sit if you feel like it.” (Follet)

“Yes, sir!” (Lux)

Seeing that convincing Lux was futile, Follet continued.

“Well, as I was saying, the Deran and Fasel Households of Baxwal are sending soldiers to the academy. The fact that the nosiest of them will be away from the capital is significant.” (Follet)

Slar picked up where Follet left off.

“Indeed. It will give us more freedom to move. However, three other military aristocratic heads will remain in the capital…” (Slar)

“Regarding that,” Rita raised her hand to ask for permission to speak. Follet nodded.

“Among the military aristocrats, the Parady Household and the Hilk Household will not act.” (Rita)

“What do you mean?” (Follet)

While Follet tilted his head in confusion, Slar seemed to realize something and put a hand to his forehead.

“You’ve done something reckless again…” (Slar)

“Yesterday, I had a little chat with the head of the Parady Household.” (Rita)

Rita said it as casually as if she’d just gone to the bakery.

Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @

Previous Chapter | Table of Content | Next Chapter