[At the Royal Palace of Wilfharm – The Crown Prince's Office].
Prince Agustin tapped his fingers on his desk, his eyes dark with frustration. What could have happened to Phillip? He had attempted multiple magic transmissions, but none had gone through. Was he discovered? Killed? Or... did he betray me?
His thoughts were interrupted as his gaze fell on the sealed envelope in front of him—the emblem of the Adventurers' Guild pressed into the wax. He exhaled sharply. Let's see what excuse Workner has for me now.
Tearing open the letter, he read its contents carefully:
---
[To His Highness, Crown Prince Agustin,]
It is unfortunate, but I will not have the manpower to secure your victory in the upcoming war. A crisis within the guild has led to the loss of most of our strongest members.
As a result, I can only provide:
2 A-rank adventurers
15 B-rank adventurers
45 C-rank adventurers
I understand this is far less than what you requested, but it is also the absolute limit of what I can offer. These are my last remaining high-rank adventurers, and their pay will be substantial, as this will be treated as a mandatory urgent quest.
To make up for the shortage, I will personally participate in the battle as well.
I wish for your victory.
—Guild Master Workner
---
Agustin let out a tired sigh, rubbing his temples. Though confident in his army, the situation was turning out to be more troublesome than expected.
His spies had reported troubling news—Princess Roselle had grown bolder, and her ambition now extended to challenging the entire southern region. The guild had previously boasted over five A-rank adventurers, which would have provided a significant advantage. Now, with only two, his forces were weaker than anticipated.
Still, even a little help was better than none.
As he pondered his next move, a soft yet firm knock sounded at his door. His attention immediately shifted.
"Enter," he commanded.
The door opened, revealing his Chief Palace Guard, standing with a rigid posture.
"Your Majesty," the guard greeted, his voice formal and stiff.
"What is it?" Agustin asked, already returning his focus to the documents before him.
"A foreigner has arrived at the palace gates," the guard reported. "He insists on seeing you. He appears desperate and claims to be from Aelfhim."
At that, Agustin's head snapped up, his expression turning serious. "Aelfhim? Is he an ambassador? A messenger?"
The war had already been set in motion—there was no reason for Aelfhim to send a diplomat.
"I don't believe so," the guard replied. "His attire and manner of speaking are no different from that of a commoner. However, his desperation makes him look more like a fugitive than an official envoy."
The guard hesitated before adding, "Also… his face bears a striking resemblance to someone from the wanted posters that Princess Roselle's guards had prepared to distribute throughout Wilfharm."
A wanted fugitive from Aelfhim?
Prince Agustin's lips curled into a smirk. Interesting…
"Let him in," he ordered without hesitation.
The guard bowed and swiftly exited the room. Agustin straightened his posture, adjusting his appearance—he wanted to project authority and appear more regal than Princess Roselle in the fugitive's eyes.
After about three minutes, the door opened once more.
The foreigner stepped inside.
Agustin's eyes immediately narrowed.
The man before him was not at all what he had expected.
He was calm. Composed. And most notably, he carried the aura of a seasoned warrior—not a desperate runaway.
Leonel bowed slightly, a gentle smile on his face. His movements were refined, his presence exuding a quiet grace and elegance that made even Agustin momentarily flinch.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
His voice was smooth, confident.
Agustin's fingers twitched slightly, but he quickly masked his reaction.
"Leave us," he instructed the guard.
The guard hesitated. He didn't like the idea of leaving the prince alone with an Aelfhim—especially one linked to Princess Roselle's faction. It could be an assassination attempt.
But one look at the sharp glare in Agustin's eyes, and he knew better than to argue.
Reluctantly, the guard bowed and left the room, shutting the door behind him.
Agustin turned back to Leonel, his gaze sharp.
"So," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Who are you? And why have you sought an audience with me?"
He studied Leonel carefully.
Something about him felt… useful.
Leonel maintained his polite expression.
"I presume you are aware that the Princess of Aelfhim has formed a contract with a demon and that her power has vastly increased?"
Agustin's brow furrowed. He was already aware of that much.
Leonel continued.
"I was once under her command. However, upon realizing the corrupt nature of her path, I attempted to flee. She labeled me a traitor and tried to have me executed. That is how I ended up on her wanted posters."
Agustin remained silent, waiting.
Leonel's tone shifted slightly—adding a hint of righteousness, his eyes burning with conviction.
"As a man of justice, I cannot stand by and allow such tyranny to continue. That is why I have come here. I wish to join you in your war against Aelfhim."
A smirk tugged at Agustin's lips.
"I see…" he mused. "I appreciate your noble sense of justice, but tell me—what exactly do I gain from accepting you? My army is more than capable of winning this war without you."
Leonel chuckled lightly, his expression unreadable.
"Then," he said, tilting his head, "perhaps I should share a very important secret with you."
Agustin raised an eyebrow.
Leonel leaned in slightly, his smile sharpening.
"This secret," he said smoothly, "is far more valuable than what I am asking in return."
Agustin's curiosity was piqued. "And how big is this secret?"
Leonel's smile widened.
"Big enough to change the outcome of the war."
A brief silence followed.
Agustin tapped his fingers against his desk before finally speaking.
"Very well," he said, voice serious. "If what you tell me proves useful, I will grant you one request within my power."
Leonel nodded.
"Unfortunately, Your Majesty," he said, his tone light, "this is not the kind of secret you were hoping for. It will not physically change the course of battle."
Agustin frowned slightly.
"But," Leonel continued, his voice dropping slightly, "it will prevent your death."
The room turned eerily silent.
Leonel's eyes gleamed.
"That demonic princess has already sent an assassin for you," he revealed.
Agustin's blood ran cold.
"It will likely reveal itself today."
Leonel leaned back, his smirk returning.
"But don't worry—I know exactly how to defeat it. I've done it before."
He tilted his head playfully.
"Of course, if you'd rather rely on your guards… be my guest."
Agustin clenched his jaw, his mind racing.
He had underestimated the danger he was in, Although something within him screamed not to trust the man in front of him at the same time he couldn't take any risk.
And now, sitting before him, was a man who already knew how to stop it.
For the first time since the conversation began, Agustin truly listened.