The Truth
Rom, sitting on the other side of the room, looks at me with a heavy expression too. However, unlike Reinhard's intensity, what I see in Rom is guilt. I'm not entirely sure of the reasons behind the royal family's disappearance, but it seems like he knows more than he's willing to share.
'Taking care of Felt could be seen as a way of making up for it.'
"I think everyone assumed the same thing—Felt is a descendant of the royal family, right?"
I ask, and Felt's eyes widen as if I've just spoken something blasphemous.
I reach out my hand, but it doesn't seem to calm her down.
"HA? You're saying that so calmly, that I'm a descendant of the royal family?" She grabs my hand, squeezing it hard, her face only showing irritation. "That's impossible! I grew up my whole life in the slums!"
Felt looks over at Rom and Reinhard, but they stay silent.
"You knew, didn't you?" Even though it's phrased as a question, it doesn't really sound like one. "Answer me!"
"I didn't mean to hide it, and I deeply apologize," Reinhard kneels before Felt, bowing to try and soothe her.
The news that Felt is of royal blood wouldn't go unnoticed by anyone. In fact, just this revelation alone would launch her political campaign into success. The problem is, given the circumstances surrounding the royal family's disappearance, there's no way to be sure who wiped them out or why.
"It's not something confirmed, you don't need to jump to conclusions." I smile slightly, trying to calm her. "Reinhard couldn't confirm it either, especially with what it means to be a descendant."
Reinhard locks eyes with me, and through that look, I understand that he thinks the same thing.
"What does it mean?" Emilia asks.
"They'll try to kill her," Rom responds, intertwining his fingers. "The royal family didn't die from natural causes. No illness works like that."
Reinhard, for the first time, opens his eyes a little wider. The look on his face shows that he wasn't expecting Rom to talk about this. I don't know all of Reinhard's abilities, but I'm sure his divine blessing allowed him to see Rom's thoughts at some point.
We all fall silent, waiting for Rom to decide if he's going to speak.
"You know, don't you? Redhead, you know who I really am." Rom's gaze at Reinhard could be described as threatening, but the unflinching expression of the knight shows that, indeed, he knows Rom's identity.
'What is Rom talking about?' Honestly, I don't understand what he could be referring to. I didn't read anything about this in the novel.
"Don't play dumb! Tch, talking to kids is always such a pain." He spits on the ground, looking at us with a kind of... fear?
"You can say it without fear. This conversation doesn't exist anyway." I grin, signaling to him that there's nothing to worry about.
Reinhard closes his eyes for a few seconds before nodding in approval.
"I'm not here today as the knight Reinhard Van Astrea, nor as a member of my family." He opens his eyes, and I see a deep change in his gaze, one I can't fully grasp. "Today, I'm just Reinhard."
"Reinhard..." I look at him, surprised, but then Felt grimaces.
"Ugh, what's with this depressing vibe? It's just his past; it doesn't even matter." Felt crosses her arms. "Old man Rom is and will always be old man Rom! Being cranky and ancient is just part of who he is!"
Rom smiles slightly, but the love he has for Felt is clear in his eyes. It's obvious that he sees her as a daughter, as the most important person in his life.
"Those aren't the sweetest words, brat." Rom pats Felt's head, and she immediately tries to pull away.
"Hey! Stop...!" Felt goes silent as she notices Rom's expression.
We all fall silent again. It's not that we're afraid to speak; it just seems like Rom is truly scared to continue.
"I was one of the generals who fought in the Demihuman War."
Emilia gasps, covering her mouth, while Felt just stares at him. I look at him indifferently since it doesn't really mean much to me. I understand that it's a big revelation, but there were reasons behind that war.
Reasons that still aren't fully clear.
History books show that both sides were quite greedy. Both made mistakes, so it's not something he should fear. The problem seems much deeper than that.
"The spread of the 'illness' that struck the royal family wasn't a coincidence. In fact, it was something much more... sinister." Rom's expression darkens, and then, he finally speaks. "Sphinx, does that name ring a bell?"
We all shake our heads—everyone except Reinhard.
"He was one of the three generals. In fact, that name... confirms that you were a general." Reinhard's voice is deep, and his usually calm and serious demeanor now feels heavy. "Her name was erased from history to stop the fear of her existence from spreading."
There's no murderous intent, but somehow, there's still a lingering resentment.
"His power was immense, so they decided to hide it to lessen the impact she had after the war." Reinhard clasps his hands together. "I only know her because of my title... she's a walking disaster."
"The power to bring back the dead, that's the ability so many have desired." Rom clenches his fist. "The sacrament of the immortal king."
My lips begin to tremble, as if a small piece of information has triggered an avalanche of thoughts.
'The sacrament of the immortal king?' I read something about it in Echidna's books. It's a skill that allows a person to use someone's body as a shell, preserving their memories, but they're completely controllable by the one who wields power.
'An ability like that would require entire massacres... that means the war...'
I'd better stop making wild guesses; it can't be that simple.
"But what does that have to do with this?" I ask, trying to cut to the chase.
"I once overheard a conversation between Sphinx and someone I didn't recognize. 'I need a royal corpse, and then I'll give you the item you desire.' Those were the exact words. It was before I lost contact with her." His gaze falls. "As you can see, the royal family died under those conditions, meaning they got what they were after."
'Fourier Lugunica...'
Sweat starts to drip from my forehead, and my hands tremble slightly.
I think I'm starting to understand a little more about why they've appeared, why they're so strong, and why the timing is so... convenient.
'Frey... no, is Fourier's body being used as a means to seize the kingdom of Lugunica?'
'There has to be more to it than just a kingdom...'
"The issue is with who that person was talking to. The name Sphinx doesn't ring a bell at all."
'The witch cult doesn't crave the kingdom, but there's definitely something they must want.'
"The fact that Felt is still alive, considering these circumstances, is only because she's been missing all this time, probably presumed dead." I grab my chin, looking at Felt.
Then, Emilia concludes, "She's the biggest proof that it wasn't some common disease but something deliberate. That news would shake the entire kingdom."
We all nod, and she steps closer to Felt.
"That's horrible to have the whole family murdered!" Emilia looks at Reinhard, as if seeking some hope from him.
"Ford Lugunica, I believe, may be your father, Miss Felt," Reinhard interrupts, and she falls silent, pressing her lips together. "Perhaps Lord Ford knew about the situation and decided to abandon you to save you from what was coming."
"That means it could have been an internal betrayal within the royal family," I conclude, and Reinhard lowers his head.
This is crucial, discovering that the royal family was aware of what would happen. A plan that wiped out the royal family, and of course, led to their demise. The problem is, I can't understand why Felt was saved.
Maybe Ford Lugunica sacrificed himself to save her after learning of the betrayal, or he was directly threatened into betraying the royal family.
'If only I had read more about history, instead of just the basics.'
"But, leaving her at the mercy of hunger and need, could've left her in better condition." Emilia's eyes fill with sadness and pain.
Reinhard tilts his head. "Every move the royal family made was recorded, which is why they had to be perfect." Reinhard clenches his fists. "In fact, the disappearance of Ford's daughter was never recorded. I found this out when I was investigating Miss Felt's possible identity, but I couldn't get more information."
'Miklotov must know who caused this.'
If he knew, then he could have made a more decisive move, using that knowledge to draw Felt into the spotlight and destroy the entire internal politics. Reinhard Van Astrea is an indestructible wall, so Felt really can't die while under his protection.
'Why did they choose us?' That thought lingers like a needle, constantly pricking, warning me.
"So, it's almost certain that..." Emilia looks at Felt, and she lowers her head, clenching her hands over her knees.
We all fall silent for a few seconds, then Felt suddenly stands up.
"AHHHH! All these stupid assumptions and reasons just give me a headache!" Felt glares at everyone, frustrated. "So, what if I belong to the royal family?!"
She hits her chest, her crimson eyes burning, demanding attention.
"I'm Felt! I don't know who this daughter of Ford is or whatever his name is." She points at Rom, looking at him with annoyance. "This old man is the one who raised me! Whatever happened, I don't remember! And I don't care!"
Reinhard stands up, trying to approach Felt.
"I'm not finished!" Felt backs away from Reinhard. "Just because I'm part of the royal family doesn't mean a damn thing, because I'm from the slums. That's where Felt was born, not in some golden cradle of royalty."
"Well said." I nod approvingly, and Felt smiles, noticing that she has support. "Your beginnings don't matter; what matters is who you are now."
"The problem is what can be done with that information," Reinhard says, looking at Emilia and me. "Even if it can't be confirmed, the enemy would clearly recognize it. If someone from the royal family is still alive, that means they'll have to acknowledge Felt."
"But they wouldn't be able to confirm it. Without a doubt, it would just be a suspicion." I stare at Reinhard, still not convinced because we're not getting anywhere.
"If something happens, I'll just have to kick some asses!" Felt clenches her fists, showing her strength.
The way Felt talks reminds me of when I was a kid. I used to talk the same way, using cuss words because I thought it made me seem grown-up.
I smile, glancing down a bit.
"I'm sorry for bringing you all here. I thought I could ask a favor by helping you with this information, but now that you already had your suspicions, I don't see it as useful."
A bait, revealing my intentions with an honest truth.
It wasn't malicious; it's just what happened. I didn't think they already had the information.
Even if we consider each other friends, we can't treat each other too friendly. Friendship isn't just about acting selflessly. Every human act expecting something in return.
That rule applies to absolutely everything, because with every action, there's a reaction.
Even if I acted and hurt myself selflessly for someone else's good, I'm still expecting something from the one I help.
It doesn't have to be directed at me; it's simply what I hope to achieve with that help.
It could be something as simple as seeing that person smile.
That's why I've always believed that the one who claims to act selflessly is the most selfish of all.
"Are you stupid?" Felt glares at me, making a face while grabbing my coat. "If you wanted a favor, you should've just asked."
That also applies to those who don't think about it.
"You guys saved my life and old man Rom's; we're friends, and friends help each other." Felt's gaze, though sincere, reveals that deep down, she's also seeking something more.
It seems she's grown during the time she's spent with Reinhard.
Since I saw her during the selection, during our meeting.
'She seems to have solidified her worldview.'
People tend to act based on an inner part of themselves; I call it the 'core' of personality. Each person has a way of viewing the world that shapes their underlying personalities.
"Wait! I never said I wasn't going to ask."
"Ahh? Then why didn't you say it earlier?" she asks, getting closer to my face.
That same view can be summed up in a small set of words.
Mine back then was survive.
As long as I could stay alive, I'd act however necessary. Felt is someone who lived that way all the time. But now that she doesn't have to fight for a meal, now that she knows, even if she loses, she'll still have a life with food and water...
She's changed her way of thinking.
A drop of cold sweat runs down my forehead.
"I wrote you that letter because I wanted you to come as soon as possible." I smile slightly, though Reinhard probably knows it's a lie.
"Miss Felt, that's not the attitude of a royal candidate." Reinhard kneels and takes her hand, but Felt tries to punch him in the face.
After blocking it, Reinhard smiles.
"Well, if you want, I can let you hit me."
"Hmph!" Felt scoffs and throws herself onto the sofa, stretching her arms. "I am who I am, and as you see, I'm the candidate you support, redhead."
"And I do it gladly." Reinhard bows.
Emilia places her hand near her mouth with an expectant look, then turns her gaze to meet mine. Her eyes widen suddenly, like a puppy begging desperately for food. I tilt my head slightly, signaling that now isn't the time.
She lowers her head a bit, showing a sad expression.
'I can't believe I have to do this.'
I take Emilia's hand and kneel down, as if I were proposing.
"Just as I do, my future queen." I grit my teeth, trying to keep up appearances.
'I didn't want to do this in front of them.'
"HAHAHAHA!" Rom is the first to burst out laughing, pointing at me while holding his stomach. "They've got you well-trained, boy. Good job, girl!"
Rom gives Emilia a thumb-up, and she returns it with a smile.
"Don't do that again, Reinhard. After seeing this guy, don't ever do it again," Felt says, looking at me with disappointment while Reinhard gives me a condescending glance.
"As you wish, my lady." Reinhard stands up, offering me his hand.
I take his hand, feeling the warmth of the strongest knight in Lugunica.
"Sometimes it's hard to please the ones we serve, isn't it?" Reinhard's eyes soften as I fight back tears.
"Don't say more, you're going to make me cry."
As I stand up, I take a deep breath, filling my lungs; this is fine, relaxing after all that tension clears my mind a little.
When the laughter finally dies down, I look at them seriously.
"I need your help to get Bordeaux's account book."
Their eyes widen in surprise, as that's probably not what they expected.
"The wise Bordeaux is a member of the Witch's Cult."
BAM!
Reinhard is the first to stand, followed by Rom.
"Are you sure about what you're saying?"
"That terribly honest old man could never be part of those people!"
Both of them rush at me, forcing me to raise my hands to stop them.
"I am." I close my eyes for a few seconds, as I didn't expect this reaction. "I get that you have history with him, and maybe that history isn't a lie."
Just like Frey exists in this world, and like Roswaal twisted his personality until he became insane, everything seems to be changing. That means Bordeaux could have been replaced at some point in history.
The problem is that Reinhard is surprised.
Being as honest as possible with myself, Reinhard is the closest thing to divinity in terms of ability. The issue is that his personality stops him from fully using it.
That doesn't change the fact that he couldn't see Bordeaux's true intentions.
"Bordeaux's disciple, Flynn. Along with Erick's confession, I have proof that the kingdom is involved with the Cult."
I sigh, taking Emilia's hand.
"I lost my people; I lost my daughter. I wouldn't lie just for the sake of it." I sigh again, staring at the ceiling. "Much less out of hate."
Emilia squeezes my hand tightly, as if telling me I'm not alone.
"I'm asking for this favor too, even if it goes against what you know." Emilia speaks, looking at them seriously. "I know it's hard, but Marquis Roswaal L. Mathers almost killed us."
"What!?"
The atmosphere instantly tightens.
"I don't think it's fair to hide the truth from you because we want your help," Emilia says, glancing at me. I nod in agreement.
I understand her, but I don't agree with this.
"This is a secret the kingdom can't manage if it gets out."
"They're our friends, aren't they?" her question leaves me speechless.
When she's this stubborn, I can't stop her.
At the very least, I'll take the lead and avoid mentioning things that could hurt us deeply.
"Roswaal's story is long, so we should leave it for another time." I intertwine my fingers. "Roswaal allied himself with an unknown force to revive his beloved, the Witch of Greed. An entity that lived four hundred years ago, yet her soul wasn't returned to Od Laguna."
I guess that will make the balance fair.
"The point is that this enemy manipulated Roswaal to revive her and to kill the great dragon."
"That lunatic!" Felt shouts, clenching her fists.
Everyone's gaze tightens. It's something they never expected from a family that's served the kingdom for decades.
"The kingdom is going through a lot of problems. The traitors are starting to make their moves, and the way they're doing it is through politics and dealing with the Cult."
Why the Cult is in the kingdom is something I need to know. They've never seemed like an organized group to me. The fact that they're trying to infiltrate politics just tells me someone's changed their direction.
The terrorist attacks the Cult conducted were easy to avoid with military force. But attacks using politics are the deadliest, as they're deceitful and hard to detect.
Words are the most dangerous weapon of all because you never know what's behind them.
"When I discovered Roswaal's true intentions, I tried to act cautiously. However, during some problems we had, he attacked us, nearly killing us in the process."
Rom raises his hand slightly.
"That old man is one of the strongest people in the kingdom. It's impossible that you all survived, or at least that all of you did."
I nod my head because it's true.
"In the end, thanks to some strategies, we managed to wound him. But what made him leave was a note that appeared out of nowhere."
"A note?" Rom asks, and I shrug my shoulders.
"I have no idea what it said, but I can assume it came from the person controlling him."
That seems to give them an idea.
"That person is behind all of this. However, I still don't know what their purpose is."
Reinhard crosses his arms. I look at him, surprised, as I thought he could recognize all these changes, all this evil.
If this is beyond what Reinhard can see—if there really is a way to surpass his abilities—
'Then this trial will be really difficult.'
"Then let's kick those bastards out!" Felt takes the lead, looking at us with determination. "If I planned to expel them all once, I became queen, what difference does it make to do it now? I'll go!"
"NO!" Reinhard stands up forcefully, shocking everyone.
Even Felt seems surprised.
"The situation isn't simple. One wrong move, and your life will be in danger. The one who should go—" Felt tries to kick Reinhard.
"If you go, they'll discover the plan immediately." Felt glares at him. "The little brother asked for our help because he wanted me to do it from the start, right?"
I open my eyes slightly, looking at Felt as I nod.
'She has good intuition.'
"Felt's divine blessing is perfect for this situation, plus she already has experience in this."
If I knew someone more capable, I would have chosen them. But honestly, I can't think of anyone else who knows the art of theft and has such a great divine blessing for it. Besides, I also need Reinhard.
"Even so, if she's discovered—"
"Who the hell do you think you are to decide for me!?"
"I don't think it's a good idea either," Rom interrupts, causing Felt to grow more agitated.
"YOU TOO, OLD MAN!?" Felt glares at both of them.
Rom looks at Felt firmly, standing by his words.
"As the boy said, the situation is critical. You've already experienced it during the battle at our old home. What if someone like her show up?" Rom asks, and Felt presses her lips together. "As much as it pains me to agree with an Astrea, this time, I'm on his side."
Neither Emilia nor I can do much, as we're the ones putting her in danger. Emilia genuinely doesn't want her to do it, but the truth is, we have no other option.
"I'm only doing it for your sake. If you get hurt, I…." Reinhard tries to support Rom, but I won't let him finish."
I extend my hand, asking to speak.
"How about we send her with someone?" I ask, but Reinhard still doesn't seem convinced. "Someone who can match that gut-hunter, maybe even surpass her. Would they allow it?"
Reinhard looks at me with disappointment, but I can't let that discourage me. I know it's his duty to protect her, which is why I don't want to argue about it. It's not about convincing them, it's a good idea—it's about showing them it's possible.
"He's incredibly strong, and more than capable." I grab a bell and ring for a servant.
When the servant opens the door, I order, "Bring Garfield."
"As you wish."
After bowing and leaving, the room falls into silence. Within a few minutes, the noise is broken by the arrival of the young man I brought by force.
"What do ya need from someone as awesome as me!?" Garfield strides in confidently.
I smile, folding my arms.
"Let me introduce you to everyone." I stand, gesturing respectfully toward them. "This is Felt, a candidate for the throne. That's Rom, and he's the one you've been wanting to meet."
Garfield's eyes widen, but it's his mouth that shows the most surprise. Almost like an animal responding to instinct, his first reaction is to bare his fangs.
"Reinhard Van Astrea." Garfield cracks his knuckles, ready to fight.
But something should already be happening.
"Lord Marco!" Some servants rush in, their faces pale—it's already begun.
"There's a group of royal knights here to speak with you!" Their frightened expressions tell me they're not here for friendly reasons.
"Royal knights?" Reinhard asks, and everyone looks worried.
I feign surprise, clenching my hands.
"Let's go."
What Miklotov warned me about is finally happening. The reason I had to rush preparations was for this exact moment.
Emilia steps beside me as we walk toward the exit.
"What's happening?" her question makes me glance at her with a hint of sadness.
"I don't know, but it can't be anything good." I avoid meeting Emilia's eyes.
When we arrive, the first thing I notice is that all the knights are covered head to toe in metal armor. Their gear isn't normal either—there's a faint magical aura around it, telling me it's made of enchanted steel.
'So, they anticipated a response from me.'
Almost like siblings, Felt and Garfield stand in front, glaring angrily and bowing at the same time.
"Who the hell are you guys!?"
I suppress the urge to laugh. With their blond hair, they really do look like siblings.
"We apologize for the intrusion!" The knights bow upon seeing Felt.
"What do the royal knights want with Count Marco?" Reinhard asks seriously.
"The mission was given by the commander of the royal knights, Marcus Gildark," one of the knights declares, shocking both Emilia and Reinhard. "We're asking for your cooperation and for you not to resist."
The knights rise, but Garfield starts radiating mana.
Crimson energy begins to spread, and the knights immediately react.
"Stop him!" They draw their swords, but I step in.
I stand in front of the guard calmly, watching as all their swords point at me.
"Let me beat the crap outta these bastards!" Garfield shouts, but Emilia grabs his hand, looking at me with concern.
"Marco..."
I turn my head for a moment, glancing up at the mansion, where Crusch watches from a window. I nod, signaling to her that it's time to act. She disappears from view, marking the beginning of the next move.
"The Council of Wise Men and the general of the royal knights demand that Count Marco Luz surrender to justice!" the knight shouts, presenting a document with the royal seal.
"What the hell is this!? They're trying to use dirty tricks in a war and..." I raise my hand, cutting Felt off.
Emilia looks at me with concern, but I give her a reassuring smile.
"If that's what the kingdom says, then I'll cooperate. After all, I'm a man who, above all, follows the law." I extend my hands, and the knights quickly bind them with chains, placing their hands on my shoulders.
I glance at everyone, offering a faint smile.
"I'll be back soon. It's just a formality."
One of the knights grips my shoulder, and before I realize it, I'm forced to my knees.
"Ah!" The pain shoots through my shoulders, the weight of his armor catching me off guard.
"What the hell do you think you're doing!?" Felt yells, but I smile back.
"Reinhard, make sure they don't hurt him," she commands, but I shake my head.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. It's just a mistake." I look at the knight, his eyes barely visible through the gaps in his helmet. "I'm not in the best shape after fighting against the Witch's Cult. I won't resist, so I ask you be gentle."
For the plan to work, they need to believe they're in control.
"Marco Luz, you are under arrest for committing war crimes that violate the kingdom's laws." The knight's hands tremble as if he's being forced to do this.
He lifts me up, handling me more carefully now.
"I'm sorry," he says, and I nod.
I give one last look to everyone, their worried expressions weighing on me. Emilia and I lock eyes, but without saying anything more, she fades from view.
They place me in a black carriage with no distinguishing marks.
"You'll be taken to the royal prison until your trial begins. I suggest you don't cause any trouble." After loading me inside, they close the door, leaving me in total darkness. "If we see you try anything, don't blame us for taking action against your life."
It's a clear warning, but I understand the situation.
'I have allies among the enemies.'
"I won't do anything," I whisper, grinning from ear to ear.
Now that I'm imprisoned, I can begin the next phase of my plan.
'It's time to bring down these bastards.'
"I'm not one to cause trouble."