Vol 2 Chapter 49 – To the Bergandia Empire【Vol 2: The Hero of the Fairy Tribe】

Assaulted by intense agitation at the fact that the true identity of the enemy who made a World Knight prepare for death was actually another World Knight, Allen listened seriously to Labilia’s story while his head pounded.

He really couldn’t turn a blind eye to this because it was completely his fault, and if things kept going like this, Labilia fully intended to kill Eufaria.

He absolutely did not want to see comrades killing each other since he hadn’t subjugated the Demon Lord Gaivis just to create a future like that.

He had faked his death because he thought the world would be at peace, the burden on the World Knights would decrease, and it would be perfectly fine if he dropped out, but ignoring the agonizing Allen, Labilia continued.

“As Allen’s disciple, you have the right to carry on Allen’s will alongside me. Regrettably, Leonhardt lacks that qualification. I will not forgive those who invite chaos to the continent.”

She was dead serious, so he had to stop both Labilia and Eufaria.

He would intervene in their conflict to somehow mediate between them before recapturing the felons boasting a National-class danger level or higher who had broken out of Gehenna.

His heart growing heavy at the endlessly difficult mission, Allen decided to accept Labilia’s request.

“…Understood. I’ll accept that request.”

“You have my thanks, Sir Noir. I shall pay whatever amount you desire for your reward.”

“N-No, I don’t need… any money.”

Receiving a reward for resolving a massive incident that occurred entirely because of his own actions hurt his conscience.

Looking at Allen, Labilia raised a single eyebrow and crossed her long legs.

“So you will take it on free of charge?”

“…Yes.”

“Hmph, considering the danger level of this request, it wouldn’t be strange at all even if you demanded the national budget of a small country. Just like your master, you possess a noble heart.”

Labilia narrowed her eyes in admiration, but Allen simply felt incredibly awkward.

“…Where are we heading first?”

“Currently, the Obsidian Cult seems to be running rampant in the Bergandia Empire. The Lieutenant Generals of the Imperial Army governing the cities have gone missing.”

“…The Empire, huh…”

Allen had never been there, but he had heard the rumors.

While the Empire, a nation of mixed races, was sometimes praised as an ideal country not leaning toward any single race, the current Emperor’s mother was of the Dark Elf tribe, which meant they heavily favored the Fairy Elf tribe.

The current Emperor’s mother was supposed to be Eufaria’s much older sister, meaning the Fairy Elf King who ruled the fairy nation and the Emperor of Bergandia had a grandfather-and-grandson relationship. This also meant Eufaria and the Emperor had an aunt-and-nephew relationship even though Eufaria was the younger one.

“According to the information I gathered, the Obsidian Cult only kidnaps criminals who have broken the law as sacrifices. We need to investigate exactly why they’ve started targeting the Imperial Army’s Lieutenant Generals.”

“…I see.”

Allen replied, secretly feeling relieved upon learning that they weren’t just indiscriminately kidnapping good, innocent people.

He could still save Eufaria and stop it before it escalated into a deathmatch with Labilia, or rather, he absolutely had to stop it.

“Then, when is our departure? Are we leaving right now?”

At Allen’s question, asked while desperately trying to suppress his racing heart, Labilia raised the corners of her mouth again.

“Even though there are no guarantees for your life, you’re certainly overflowing with motivation. How reliable.”

(…No, that’s completely wrong. I have absolutely zero motivation, I just have no other choice but to do this.)

“Let’s make our departure tomorrow morning. Shiranui is a bit exhausted from the journey here.”

“…Understood.”

Allen nodded while wearing a complicated expression beneath his mask. The snowy country’s climate must be tough on her partner, the Spirit Beast Phoenix, and as for Allen himself, he was going to need some solid time to bid a temporary farewell to Leonhardt anyway.