Dudududu!

The sound of horse steps rang out while the ground shook.
A luxurious carriage with tens of escorting knights were charging through a long road.

“Ugh!”
“Do, dodge!”

The people walking on the road moved their bodies sideways and dodged the carriage.
Their sight naturally followed the back of the carriage moving further away.

“That’s the carriage of Duke Webster, right?”
“It is. There’s the flag on it.”

The people murmured with serious expressions.
They perfectly remembered things like the flag and symbol of a noble, just like citizens of the capital of Miller.

“Just what happened?”
“Yeah. Already more than ten carriages have entered the palace.”
“And really urgently at that.”

Their eyes, following the carriages, moved to the high palace.
There was a fear they couldn’t hide in their eyes.
The capital of Miller was covered over in a cloud of tension.
Because tens of nobles’ carriages entered the royal palace for exactly two days.
But this kind of thing had only happened once.
The invasion from the Istel and Byron kingdom.
At that time, the big noble families gathered at the palace to have a meeting.

“Is there going to be another war?”

Words you didn’t want to hear came out from someone’s mouth.

“Ei, that can’t be……”

And a denying sound was heard afterwards.
But the nervousness and fear in their eyes became even denser.

Gulp.

Their adam’s apples trembled.
The citizens looked at the palace in dead silence.

*****

Bang!

The thick door opened up abruptly.
The person that appeared was an old man wearing luxurious clothes.
He was one of the four dukes of Rinse kingdom and the person with the biggest force in the western region of Rinse kingdom, Bradley Webster.

“I was late because I was subjugating the monsters in the Grain mountain range.”

He had an urgent voice and expression.
He moved his feet and sat in an empty seat.
There were already tens of nobles seated in the huge conference room.
Bradley and the other dukes were positioned in the upper seats.

“Let’s proceed with the meeting.”

He spoke with a voice and expression that wasn’t satisfactory.
The center of the upper seats was for the representing nobles and at the top of the ranks, and in that place Duke Edwin Voisa was seated.
Edwin and Bradley didn’t seem to be on good terms.
No, precisely speaking, among the four dukes Edwin Voisa, Bradley Webster, and Liss Kowan had a relationship of being political enemies.
Only Francis Wilson maintained a good relationship with the other dukes.
And that was because of the stifling situation in the royal palace of Rinse kingdom.
The current king, Deni Von Rinse, had seven wives and he obtained one son from three of them.
Three princes.
Their grandfathers were Edwin, Bradley, and Liss.
The actual king Deni III wasn’t interested in politics and power.
On top of that, he was an improviser and fickle.
Although he wasn’t that bad of a mess, he still wasn’t an excellent king.
Compared to him, the three princes had outstanding abilities and their ambitions were also great.
As they were all born at the same time, based on the situation, anyone could become the king.
Because of that, the nobles of Rinse kingdom were currently in a battle of strength with Edwin, Bradley, and Liss at the center of it.

“Just like I told you, monsters moved onto the land from Poskein lake. It’s known that they are all strange and odd monsters and their battle strength is a bit stronger than the ground monsters.”

This was the report of a noble.
Followed by that, another noble said.

“The monsters on the ground are moving to the inner parts of the country evading the lake. Because of that, the damage caused by the monsters isn’t only occurring in the lake, but in the entire kingdom.”

Several reports followed.
Edwin, who was listening to it still, asked back with a serious expression.

“Was the cause revealed?”

The answer was quick.

“Based on the opinions of the residents near the lake, they said that the lake boiled for four days before the monsters poured out. Aside from that, there’s nothing else revealed.”

This meant that in the end, they couldn’t find the cause.
Then, Bradley who was silent, turned his head and looked at a noble near the upper seats.

“I heard that the damage in that region is insignificant…….”

An existence even a duke of the palace couldn’t speak freely.

“Yes. Fortunately, we could react quickly.”

The noble replying modestly.
He was none other than Io Lancephil.

‘This is all because of Roan.’

His mouth slightly rose up.
Actually, it was also a perplexing thing for him that monsters poured out from the lake.
But Roan, who was patrolling the region of Tale, moved quickly to set up a defensive line and block their advance.
Thanks to that, contrary to the other regions that became a wasteland, Lancephil’s territory didn’t suffer much damage.

“You said that the one that raised this clear merit was called Roan?”

Bradley continued to show interest.
Io nodded and answered.

“Yes. He’s the troop commander that was remitted to some conditions and is now in charge of the region of Tale.”
“Mmm.”

Several nobles let out low exclamations.
They also very knew clearly about the actions.
The performance of Roan and the Amaranth troop.

‘He’s defending one region without damages with only thousands of soldiers?’
‘From the subjugation of the Pedian plain, the war with the Istel and Byron kingdom, and the movement of the monsters from Poskein lake. He’s someone who I hear his name mentioned a lot recently.’
‘If only he didn’t strike a noble, by now he would be a noble himself?’
‘He was someone that had clear abilities.’
‘He is following Count Io Lancephil.’
‘If he crosses over to another side…..He would have to be removed by then.’

They all thought about similar but slightly different things.
Bradley’s expression brightened up.

“I heard that he is achieving victory alone when all of the other territories are suffering damages. Actually, now that we started talking about him, aren’t the merits he had achieved until now, amazing? By now, we will be able to completely pardon his sins and entrust him with leading an army at Poskein lake.”

This was an exception proposal.
Bradley was the one with the most affection for Io among the four dukes.
Bradley was thinking of being the strength to Io and Roan with this time’s merit.
Io bowed.

“As he has plenty of abilities, if you believe and entrust him, I……..”

When he spoke up to then.

“I don’t think it’s something to decide that urgently.”

A cold voice spoke out.
The one that interrupted him was Edwin.

‘You thought I would let you do as you pleased.’

A fierce light roamed inside his eyes.

“For now, let’s decide on how to suppress the monsters and subjugate them.”

The change of the topic.

“That would be good.”

Liss added on as if he was waiting for it.
Bradley was about to say one more thing but he decided to shut up.
If he made a mistake he could get pincer attacked and get driven to a corner.

“Now, if you have any good ideas, say it without hesitating.”

At Edwin’s words, the nobles that were aware, started to state their opinions one by one.
But when one side said an opinion, another side butted in.
A battle of force had started with the dukes as the center.
Io, who was looking at the situation, let out a short sigh.

‘Whew. It’s like this again.’

Now, the conference would become a mess because of the battle of force among the dukes.
This was the reason why they couldn’t come to a quick conclusion when the Istel and Byron kingdom invaded last time.

“We can’t do that!”
“The opinion you said right now is nonsense!”

The voices became louder.
Then.
The stiffly closed doors opened up.

“The sun of the kingdom, he’s the representative of the god Crea, His Majesty Deni III is entering. The vassals loyal to the kingdom are to show your manners.”

The Grand Chamberlain Logan Deil hit the floor three times with a huge staff.

“Your Majesty.”
“Your Majesty.”

The nobles who were arguing just now all stood up and bowed.
And that was the same for Edwin, Bradley, Liss, and Francas.
An old man moved his feet with a smiling face.
He stood at the highest seat that could control all of the conference room.
It was a seat that was adorned with gold and only the king could sit in.

“Hohoho. You’re all working hard.”

Deni III laughed.

“Is the conference proceeding well?”

It was a light asking question.

“Yes. Your majesty.”

Duke Edwin replied after stepping up and kissing the ring of Deni III.
The luxurious ring was the seal of the king and a symbol of power.

“Hohoho.”

He once again laughed.
But the laughter didn’t last long.
The expression of Deni III turned stiff just like the laugh from just now was fake.

“When I was listening outside you were all quacking like fucking geese, and a proper plan didn’t come out but it’s proceeding well?”

At the rebuke of Deni III, all of the nobles quieted down.
However, this cold rage didn’t last long.
Deni III was this type of person.

“Hohoho, that may also be politics. I understand all of your burdens.”
“We are ashamed, your majesty.”

The nobles replied in one voice.
They all had cold sweat.
Then, Deni III closed his eyes and had a funny expression.”

“That’s why I was saying, I have a good method.”

He looked at three young men that were standing at his back.
The heads of the nobles moved following Deni III’s head.

“And that method is these three princes.”

Three young people.
They were the three princes of Rinse kingdom.
Their eyes were deep and clear and they all looked really beautiful.
They were all born in the same year, but the months were different.
The one at the right of Deni III was the first, Simon Rinse. The second was the one left of Deni, Tommy Rinse, and the one next to him was Kallum Rinse, the third prince.
Simon’s grandfather was Bradley, Edwin for Tommy, and Liss for Kallum.
Deni III brightly smiled and said.

“I’m entrusting the subjugation of Poskein lake to these three princes.”
“Yes?!”

The nobles that were listening silently had surprised expressions.
Deni III continued speaking.

“The north to Simon, the central region to Tommy, and the south to Kallum.”
“Yo…, your majesty. The movements of the monsters are too fierce. At the smallest slip up, the three princes can become greatly in……”

When Edwin stood up and expressed his thoughts.

“It seems like Duke Voisa doesn’t find us to be trustworthy.”

Simon interrupted him with a comical face.

“No, I didn’t mean it that way……..”

Edwin awkwardly laughed and dimmed his last words.
Simon brightly smiled and hit his chest.

“Trust us. We are confident in doing well.”
“Yes? Ah, yes……”

Edwin had a confused expression.
Deni III, who was looking at that funnily, stood up.

“I know that the nobles split up based on following the three princes and fighting among yourselves. Let’s now stop this enmity and go to the battlefield yourselves. I will be giving a big reward to the prince that has the best merits.”
“Mmm.”

Several nobles let out exclamations.
A faint smile appeared on the mouth of Deni III.

“The seat of Grand Duke in Grain is still empty. You don’t know but what kind of influence this subjugation will have is based on the results……..”
“Ah!”

At that moment, the nobles looked at Deni III with surprised expressions.
Grand Duke of Grain.
It was the land of the god Crea and had the best mountain ranges in the kingdom.
It was the land that the successor for the throne was going to get.
Until now, Deni III has never named the takeover of the throne.
Because of that, the nobles were more than shocked.
They were all absentminded.
On the other hand, Deni III had an expression that he was somewhat enjoying this.
He looked at the faces of the nobles and then yelled towards the escorting knights.

“Let’s go! Today, we are hunting hawks!”

His walk was smooth and confident.
Deni III and the knights disappeared outside the conference room.
It really happened in an instant.

“Your majesty.”
“Your majesty.”

The nobles started to bow late and showed their manners.
A heavy silence fell over the conference room for a moment.
It was just as if a storm had passed by.
The three princes that remained in the conference room had stifled and strange expressions and looked at their faces.

‘My brothers. Let’s battle as much as we please.’
‘I have to raise a merit that’s eye catching enough.’
‘If I make a mistake, I may drop out of the competition.’

Stifling thoughts passed in their heads.
Edwin, who was looking at the situation, cleared his throat.

“Hm!”

Things have already been spilled anyways.

“Then. Just like his majesty had said, the three princes will be participating in this subjugation.”

His eyes trembled.
And that wasn’t only for Edwin.
Bradley’s and Liss’s head became complicated.

‘I have to make the situation to become the most favorable.’
‘I’m pouring in all the strength of my family.’
‘I will even have to gather the nobles that crossed a line with me.’

The atmosphere in the conference room changed.
The outward appearance was as calm as a still lake.
But below that, a fierce battle was happening.
The conference continued night after night like that.

******

‘He’s someone I can’t grasp.’

Io looked sideways to his left.
He was looking at a good looking youth riding a good war horse.
It was Simon Rinse.

‘For the prince that was advised by the king to be prince Simon among the three.’

After the conference ended, the nobles had a separate meeting with the princes they were supporting.
As Io usually followed the inheritance rule, he went to find Simon.
And of course, it was also because of his thick friendship with Bradley.
Simon revealed that it was himself that made the subjugation plan.
But of course, he had never expected that Deni III would also be providing the Grain mountain range.

‘This subjugation became the most important moment for Prince Simon.’

Even if he didn’t do so, Simon was the person that was the most supported by nobles following the inheritance rule.
If he only raised a big merit in this battle, he would have a greater advantage.
By then, no one would be able to stop Simon.

‘Fortunately……..’

Io’s expression faintly changed.

‘Prince Simon has great interest in Roan.’

Roan was a big of subject of interest even in the royal palace.
Their interest and curiosity was activated from the consecutive victories.

‘It’s also a big opportunity for Roan.’

If Roan could enter Simon’s eyes, even if Io didn’t use his hands, he would be able to get pardoned for his sins and climb to an even higher position.

“Compared to the other regions, the region of Tale is really peaceful.”

This was Simon’s voice.
He had an amazed expression.
They had passed several regions while moving from the capital of Miller to the region of Tale.
Tranquility. Silence.
Several regions were suffering severe damages because of the movement of the monsters that appeared out of Poskein lake.
But only the region of Tale was clean.
Traces of burnt monster corpses were everywhere and big and small camps sprinkled about.
On top of that, the road made of gravel and sand made it more comfortable for the soldiers to move much faster.
He had a feeling that he was getting more impressed the more he saw.

“What kind of person is this guy called Roan?”

Simon asked as if he was really curious.

“Roan……”

Io smiled faintly and started to speak stories about Roan.

“Ha! It seems like all the reports that were submitted were lacking.”

Simon was greatly amazed after listening to the stories.
He had read the reports about Roan and the region of Tale.

‘I thought that the merits and the situation of the region were exaggerated.’

But after actually looking at the region of Tale, he realized that the reports were really humble.

“I want to meet that Roan quickly.”

Io just smiled instead of replying.
Then.

“I can hear some yells.”

One of the escorting knights frowned.
The really faint sound was heard from the surroundings.
Simon tilted his ear for a moment and then nodded.

“It seems like a battle is occurring.”

A smile bloomed on his face.
He made a gesture with his head towards Io and then pulled the reins.

“Roan, I think he’s somewhere close.”

He spoke with a humorous tone.
At the same time, he kicked the horse.

Dudududu!

Soon, horse steps were heard clearly.
The escorting knights quickly followed his back.
And Io also moved his chest towards the horse.
How long had they ridden for?
As they moved up a hill, a wide plain was spread out below them.

Puuuuu!

The sound of a horn trumpet was heard.

“Ah….!”

Simon and the several knights let out low exclamations.
A battle was occurring in the plain.
No, the battle was now coming to an end.

“The entire troop is moving like one.”

Amazement.
Simon looked at the soldiers pushing back the monsters fiercely and had a surprised expression.
Io, who arrived late, looked down the hill and put on a smile.

“They are the Amaranth troop.”

< Poskein Exodus (4) > End