Episode 153: The Star Performer

“It’s over… huh.”

The moment she confirmed Karlheinz’s final breath, Fen’s body swayed unsteadily.

She had taken the impact wave released from Karlheinz’s shield head-on.

She had been putting on a brave front, but… in the end, she couldn’t hide the extent of the damage.

“Miss!”

The beastmen of the Gray Wolf Tribe rushed over in a panic.

“…I’m fine. More importantly, don’t let your guard down.”

Fen scanned the surroundings.

The Royal Guard Knight Order—they were staring over here with expressions of shock, and anger was gradually beginning to color their faces.

They had surrendered on Karlheinz’s orders, but now that he himself had met an untimely death, they might harden their resolve to fight once more.

Their weapons had been taken, but there could still be some trouble—just as she thought that.

“Impressive.”

A clear voice echoed through the area. Reflexively, everyone’s gaze turned toward the source of the voice.

Approaching with calm steps was a silver-haired young man. At his side was the figure of a red-haired knight.

“That was a splendid conclusion, perfectly highlighting the villain known as Karlheinz. In terms of making evil stand out—in that regard alone, you might be the best among my subordinates… Fen.”

The silver-haired young man—Siegfried—wore a smile on his lips as he added more words.

“Zefard has fallen as well. —By Beatrice’s hand.”

At that declaration, the Royal Guard Knights stirred with murmurs.

“Wha… Grand Master Zefard, the Knight Order Commander…!?”

The kingdom’s strongest. The symbol of martial prowess in Kirchhen. It was hard to believe at first that he had died.

But they themselves had seen Zefard leave the battlefield in pursuit of Beatrice.

And the fact that Beatrice had returned alive—that made the answer clear.

“U… ugh…”

That groan was proof that the Royal Guard Knights had completely lost their will to fight.

It wasn’t just because Zefard had been defeated.

The overwhelming presence emanating from the silver-haired young man who had suddenly appeared… from Siegfried, had shattered their spirits.

And so, the Royal Guard Knight Order once again indicated their surrender.

The beastmen of the Gray Wolf Tribe led by Fen, along with the knights under Beatrice, calmly proceeded to restrain them.

Glancing at that scene from the side, Fen questioned Siegfried.

“…What about that big princess over there?”

Needless to say, she was referring to Leon.

For the record, she wasn’t mocking Leon by calling her that.

Siegfried had told her that “Leon believes herself to be a princess,” and she had taken it at face value without question.

“They won safely as well. Thanks to the efforts of Dominik and Ricardo, the suppression of the enemy is complete.”

“I see.”

A relieved smile appeared on Fen’s face.

By now, Leon and Dominik had become important comrades to her.

“Then… next up is finally storming the royal palace, right? At last, we get to smash that king who’s been oppressing us.”

“That’s right. However, you all will stand by here.”

“Huh? Why!?”

“You and Beatrice are already battered and bruised. And the situation is no different for Leon and the others.”

Though Siegfried had healed Leon’s wounds, her magical power hadn’t been restored.

Moreover, recovery through blood wasn’t something that could be used repeatedly. It placed a heavy burden on the soul.

If Leon were to suffer a fatal injury next time, recovering from it would come with great risk.

The vampires from Serodonia led by Ricardo had also reached their operational limits.

“You all stay in this area and keep watch to block any reinforcements heading to the royal palace.”

Though the enemy’s main forces had been annihilated, a large number of soldiers still remained on the city walls. For now, they were wary of Siegfried’s moves and staying put, but if the royal palace were attacked, they would likely head there to rescue Luverios.

However, if Fen and the others sealed off the surroundings, that movement could be blocked as well.

“As for the royal palace—I’ll head there alone.”

“No, but—”

Fen raised her voice reflexively.

Naturally, there should be guard soldiers in the royal palace. Above all, there was also the presence of the court chief magician, Grand Caster Ignas, waiting.

But she quickly swallowed her words.

Siegfried’s expression said it all.

Those blue eyes were shining with an innocent gleam, like a boy about to go out and play.

“—Got it.”

Fen let out a sigh as if resigning herself.

“You were aiming for that from the start, weren’t you?”

Siegfried’s goal—was to personally charge into the royal palace and settle things with King Luverios.

All the battles up to now had merely been groundwork for that.

“In the end, we’re just the opening act before the main event, huh. …Well, whatever.”

“Yes, indeed an opening act. But it’s because of the opening act that the star performer’s evil shines all the more brilliantly. The battles of Leon, Beatrice, and you… were all indispensable elements in shaping my stage. They were by no means inferior to the star performer. —Well done, Fen.”

Siegfried placed his hand on Fen’s head and lightly patted it two or three times.

Fen was stunned for a moment, but she quickly came to her senses and hurriedly pulled away.

“I-Idiot! Don’t pat my head!”

“Would you have preferred I crushed your head instead?”

“Why would I!? Don’t say scary things!”

Hmph… Fen snorted, folded her arms, and turned away. Then, she looked up at Siegfried.

“You brought us this far. —Make sure you take responsibility and come back alive.”

“Of course.”

Siegfried quietly turned his back and began to walk away.

To that back, the red-haired knight sent a short message.

“—Good fortune in battle.”

The young man didn’t turn around.

But his back spoke a silent reply.

The sun was already sinking beyond the horizon.

With the approaching night, the star performer would take the stage.

The battle for the royal capital—its final chapter was about to begin.