Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Branza Kuran Follet (3): And the Stage Was Set
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“…And that’s what happened.” (Rita)
Upon hearing the outcome of Rita and Duute’s secret conversation from the previous night, the group let out sighs that were a mix of admiration and exasperation. Among them, trying to stifle his laughter, was Follet.
“Rita, I’ve known you for quite some time now, but you always manage to exceed my expectations in the most unexpected ways.” (Follet)
“Is that so? By the way, Follet-sama, you sound a little mischievous when you laugh like that.” (Rita)
“Hey, Rita!” (Slar)
Slar scolded Rita, but Follet waved it off.
“It’s fine, it’s fine.” (Follet)
“Now then, I haven’t asked the most important question yet. What exactly did you agree upon with Duute?” (Follet)
“The military suppression of the royal capital.” (Rita)
Rita answered concisely, and for a brief moment, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
“…That doesn’t sound very peaceful.” (Follet)
“Indeed. The military nobility is divided between the Deran Household, the Fasel Household, and the Vulma Household on one side, and the Parady Household and the Hilk Household on the other.” (Rita)
Follet and the others had already heard that the Parady and Hilk Households had recently taken a wait-and-see stance.
“I see. The Deran Household and the Fasel Household will deploy soldiers to the military academy, while the Vulma Household is responsible for keeping the royal capital in check. So, the plan is to strike the Vulma Household?” (Follet)
“Yes, exactly. We will give the Parady Household a suitable justification to arrest the key members of the Vulma Household.” (Rita)
“If that happens, even if only temporarily, the royal capital will be freed from Deran’s control. Fortunately, we also have Nork-sama with us.” (Rita)
Being addressed, Nork nodded vigorously.
“As the Princess has entrusted me with the security of the royal capital, I swear upon my name that I will not allow the Vulma Household to do as they please!” (Nork)
Seeing Nork’s determined expression, Follet said, “I’m counting on you,” before turning back to Rita.
“What justification will you use to attack the Vulma Household?” (Follet)
“That’s not my job.” (Rita)
Her response was blunt, leaving Follet with no choice but to chuckle wryly.
“Then, I suppose it’s time for the experts to step in. Yorg-dono, Slar, I leave it to you.” (Follet)
The white-bearded Yorg, who had been appointed by Follet, exchanged glances with Slar and replied with a slight smile.
“Understood.” (Yorg)
Seeing the two nod, Follet turned his gaze back to Rita.
“In any case, you did well. This gives us a significant advantage. And…” (Follet)
“And?” (Rita)
“Yes. This, too, may be fate. If our next move goes well, it could be our last mission. Hopefully, it will be. You see, I received a letter through a certain route…” (Follet)
With a calm expression, Follet began discussing a plan so surprising that even Rita was taken aback.
After several rounds of questions and fine-tuning of the details, Follet concluded the meeting by saying, “Let’s leave it at that for now”. One by one, the members rose from their seats. Then, at different intervals, they each left through one of the many doors lining the walls. Beyond these doors lay various parts of the royal palace.
These doors were not something Follet had prepared. They were remnants of the past. However, at present, only those gathered here knew of this place’s existence. Every exit was a cleverly concealed hidden door, impossible to detect through ordinary means. At some point in history, a certain Princess must have used this place. But for what purpose had it been created? No records remained, and officially, this room did not exist.
Follet had discovered this place in his childhood, purely by chance. At first, he had played in it as his own secret hideout. Little did he imagine that, even as an adult, it would still serve as a hideout.
Yorg was the last to leave after Follet, watching as the door shut behind him. Follet, then, looked up at the ceiling and let out a deep breath.
Just a little more. Just a little more, and I will see this through. Even if it costs me my life.
As if in response to Follet’s unwavering resolve, the flame of the lamp flickered ever so slightly stronger.
—
“Well then, I leave the rest to you.” (Follet)
From atop his horse, Follet spoke to Nork, who had come to see him off.
The other members were not present.
Given his position, Nork could see Follet off without issue, but if the others were to be seen with him, unnecessary suspicion might arise. Especially in Rita’s case, she was currently a wanted fugitive.
“You can count on me. Rather, please take care of yourself.” (Nork)
Feeling reassured by Nork’s words.
“Well, I’ll try not to die, at least.” (Follet)
With that, he nudged his horse gently with his foot. His steed began to walk at a slow pace. A carriage had been prepared as well, but for today, Follet had insisted on riding a horse. As he passed through the castle gates, he turned to look back at the royal capital.
Will I be the one to return here with a smile? Or will it be Bowman Deran Baxwal? Only one of us will.
And so, at the Oran Knight Military Academy, once the estate of the Duke Lengrad, individuals with their own motives began to gather. The fated day was approaching, moment by moment.
—
And the stage was set.
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