14
“This concludes our report on the capture of the unauthorized entrant from the empire, Glamdart Holstoy. He will be returned to his homeland to face judgment.”
Five were in the captain’s office at the royal guard’s barracks: Julius, Ferris, and the two generals of the empire were presenting the report before the room’s owner, Marcus. The four had all agreed upon the details of their story, to which Marcus was now listening quietly, his eyes closed.
“Allow me to express our utmost gratitude for your prompt acceptance of our admittedly most uncouth request. It enabled us to prevent any further harm to the empire at the earliest possible moment, for which we can only thank you.”
“…I’m certainly glad you were able to catch him before things got out of hand. And if my subordinates were able to be of help to you, then I appreciate knowing I made the right choice sending them with you.”
“Our emperor, His Majesty Vincent Volakia, is a most reasonable man. I’m confident this case will not go without its rewards. Our fervent hope is only that they bring further honor and prosperity to both our nations.” Chisha was careful to express his country’s gratitude in the most elaborate possible terms as they concluded the concocted report. This time, they had agreed, it would be the empire that was in the kingdom’s debt. It was an excellent compromise.
Or it would have been…
“Juukulius, Argyle.”
“ ” Julius and Ferris, standing side by side, straightened up. Marcus hardly ever called them by their surnames. The captain’s gravelly voice made it impossible to guess whether he was about to say something good or bad. The two of them waited silently.
Finally…
“…Well done, both of you. I hope I can expect the same in the future.”
Julius and Ferris let out the collective breath they were holding. Then they each snapped off a neat salute to cover how relieved they were.
“Yes sir,” Julius said after a pause.
“Yes sir, Ferri’s on it!”
And that was the end of the matter. Obviously, they felt guilty about giving a report that didn’t precisely match the facts of the case. But Marcus’s final bit of praise for them somehow freed them of that feeling. It seemed to them that he could tell what had happened. Otherwise, how could they explain why he “happened” to assign Julius and Ferris to work with Chisha? To the end, though, Marcus’s rugged face denied any attempt to read his inner thoughts.
“Ahhh, I’m so glad this is all over. I was told not to talk, but even so, I don’t mind telling you; my shoulders were so stiff…” Now that the interview was over, Cecils stepped forward, clearly very relieved. Despite being at the center of it all, he had acted like a mute doll throughout the report—and now that the official business was at an end, he turned to Marcus with a pleasant grin. “Still, what a pleasure to come face-to-face with Old Cliffside himself, Master Marcus Gildark. I would certainly love to see what I could learn from you in a match…”
“The honor is mine. But I believe I’ll refrain.”
“Hmm, that’s too bad. Really too bad.” The Blue Lightning of Volakia slumped.
“Don’t be too disappointed,” Marcus said with the grin of a true warrior, an expression full of blood and steel. The captain nodded at Cecils. “I know of a much better opponent for you. He’s just come back—and I’m happy to tell you he’s quite open to the idea of accepting your challenge.”
Julius started. “…! Captain, you don’t mean—?”
“Aw, you’ve got to be kidding… You are kidding, right?” Ferris added, all too aware of what Marcus had in mind. Their shock came from different places, but the result was the same. Their reactions hinted to Cecils what must be going on, that his wish had unexpectedly been granted. “This better opponent—could it be…?”
“The Sword Saint,” Marcus said, putting an end to all doubt. Then he added, “Reinhard van Astrea is awaiting Master Cecils Segmund in the training ground. Just…try not to kill each other.”
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