NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen: Part One, Scarlet Flame
On the morning of the second day, Miss Vilyric was sitting cross-legged on the soft cushion of the princess’s carriage, eyes closed and breathing deeply. Next to her, a lovely blue-haired girl lay snoozing lightly, her fair collarbone peeking out from her loose pajamas.
Recently, a certain priestess had discovered that resting in this meditative way seemed more convenient than normal sleeping. Considering the carriage was large but lacked space for several people to lie down, Vilyric decisively chose this method to avoid awkwardness.
Of course, the only one feeling awkward was Vilyric herself, who used to be a man. Liliya and Miss Hua, who occasionally came in to rest, didn’t notice they were benefiting someone.
Ahem, let’s skip the details.
During this time, Vilyric hadn’t brought out her Little Dragon Daughter. On one hand, it was inconvenient; on the other hand, the little dragon probably didn’t get along with Hua, and it would be troublesome if she snatched at her while Vilyric wasn’t paying attention. Vilyric still vividly remembered that scene of the fierce dragon roar.
When it came to destructive power, Xiao Guang could be said to far surpass Vilyric’s usual state.
Additionally, Vilyric wanted to test what she could accomplish in this world without relying on her guardian pet. Back in the game, she usually didn’t participate in battles with teammates protecting her; if she happened to die, she could just respawn. But here…
In any case, Vilyric discovered later that even if Little Dragon Daughter stayed in the pet space, they could communicate through their contract thoughts, or even share Xiao Guang’s vision, which meant she wouldn’t be lonely. If she really couldn’t hold it in any longer, she could secretly let her fly a few circles in the sky.
A sudden rush of air caught Vilyric’s attention, and she opened her eyes with her brow slightly furrowed.
The carriage curtain was lifted by a short-haired woman carrying a short bow. Miss Hua darted into the carriage like a gust of wind. Vilyric wasn’t surprised; she had sensed the familiar presence outside with her probing magic earlier.
Glancing at the yawning black-haired girl, Hua said nothing but moved up to gently shake awake the princess who was curled up sleeping in bed. Once the princess regained her senses, Hua spoke in a soft tone that only appeared when they were alone.
“Liliya, the vanguard has arrived at the eastern gate of Wanku Fortress. You’ll need to show yourself to prove our identity due to those prisoners and traces of battle, what do you say?”
“Mm? Oh… this was to be expected. Let’s go; staying in this carriage for too long is going to rust my bones. Miss Vilyric, are you coming along?”
“Of course! After all, I’m now the princess’s guard; naturally, I’ll be protecting you closely.”
The priestess jumped off her seat with a stretch and a bright smile.
Liliya wasn’t mad; after spending so many days together, they understood each other’s personalities. She knew Vilyric was just teasing her, and it actually proved their close relationship.
Regarding this mysterious young lady with at least legendary-level strength, the princess wouldn’t put on any airs.
The three of them got off the carriage and marched ahead along the troops’ formation. After not long, they rounded the final valley and saw the magnificent fortress standing tall, with dense troops and defensive apparatus atop the several-meter-high walls.
At the sight, Liliya suddenly paused for a moment. Though she quickly regained her composure and continued walking, both Hua and Vilyric easily observed her slight reaction.
Vilyric didn’t speak; she was now the hired princess’s guard and, in strict terms, was in a superior-subordinate relationship with Liliya. As the saying goes, subordinates shouldn’t casually get chummy with superiors… Uh, I mean, subordinates should maintain the princess’s dignity in public, so she wouldn’t casually whisper to her.
However, after doing nothing for several days and reading the various royal collections that Liliya had gifted her, Vilyric became quite knowledgeable about this continent and various matters within the United Kingdom of Humanity.
Something felt off; the defenses were too tight.
This was the eastern gate of Wanku City, facing inward to the kingdom. Unless the city was about to fall, there was no way it could face threats from the Beastmen. Normally, guards should be sparse enough to maintain order at the city gates.
But now, it felt like they were on the brink of a siege. After all, this was the princess’s carriage, and she was ordered to command the new campaign against the Western front. Wanku Fortress couldn’t possibly be totally unaware; who were they preparing against with such a tense stance?
There are two explanations for the current situation: One: Wanku City has revolted and openly sided with the Beast Kingdom.
That seemed impossible; not to mention General Layton’s presence, if the Beastmen really took Wanku Fortress, they would’ve long since advanced eastward, pillaging and burning, so how could it be so quiet?
Then there’s the other explanation: Something serious has happened in Wanku City, leading even the laziest eastern gate to strengthen defenses—better safe than sorry.
Coincidentally, something went wrong just as Liliya arrived… could it be a coincidence?
…But no matter what, those three princes couldn’t be so foolish as to gamble their sister’s safety at the western border gates, could they?
Wait, this possibility is quite real…
“I am the Fifth Princess of the United Kingdom of Humanity, Liliya Meikailande. I am here on orders to oversee the war against the Beastmen from the west. The council’s proxy orders must have already been issued. What do you mean by this? Are you raising weapons against the royal family? Are you plotting rebellion!!”
Liliya fearlessly stepped forward, her voice amplified through a special sound magic item, reaching almost half of the eastern gate. Hearing this, the guards on the walls clearly showed expressions of shock and hesitation, their weapons loosening involuntarily.
Thankfully, it seemed the worst possible scenario hadn’t occurred.
The troops exchanged glances, and soon a young officer in red robes and white armor stepped forward, striding to the edge of the wall. Without using any amplification tools, he spoke loudly.
“Your Highness Liliya, we have received word through magical communication. However, we apologize; currently, there are some issues within Wanku City. If you wish to bring such a large number of troops inside, you must first prove your identity as a princess. This matter is serious, and we seek your understanding in these urgent circumstances!”
“…”
Liliya looked expressionlessly up at the wall, not speaking further, and it was unclear what she was thinking.
After a moment, she pulled out a badge and a scroll from her storage magic ring and handed them to the red-haired woman behind her.
“Hua, show it to him.”
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
Hua said nothing more, taking the two items and pulling out an arrow from behind, tying the badge and scroll to the arrow shaft. She readied her bow and nocked the arrow.
Seeing this, the young officer on the wall felt a cold chill wash over him.
No way, his battlefield-honed instinct was telling him…
【That arrow was aimed at him! And if hit, he would die for sure!】
The crimson light began to bloom around the arrow, looking like a beautifully blooming scarlet flower from afar, but the targeted officer was starting to freeze in fear, his pupils constricting.
“Part One, Scarlet Flame.”
What seemed like a long time was just a moment, and in the instant everyone didn’t react, the blazing scarlet flame, shimmering with a dreamlike light, rushed out!
“Void Slash!”
The young officer didn’t let the surrounding shield-bearers come to protect him; they hadn’t the time, nor could they stop it. He pushed aside his aide beside him, drew his sword, and shouted as he swung down his strongest strike against the incoming red light!
Clang!
With the clear sound of metal clashing, the officer was knocked to the ground. He realized that not only did he fail to intercept the arrow shot at him, but even his sturdy blade, forged over years, had been punctured through with a gaping hole…
And that arrow, once wrapped in crimson flames, had lodged perfectly at the top of his helmet, scaring him half to death without causing him an ounce of harm. It was clear she had done this intentionally.
To suppress him, a person of his caliber, to this extent could only be explained in two words.
“Legendary…”