Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

9

The opponent’s sword aiming to split my body in two. I waited for the right timing.

Thud! I swiftly pulled out the sword that had been thrust into the ground a moment ago with my left hand! After blocking the attack, I slid past his right side.

At the same time, I gripped the spear with my right hand and thrust it short into the left side of my waist.

“Illiyaryu Secret Technique! Hwachuk!”

A technique signature to Illiya’s master, pulling in the opponent to take their life.

“Ugh…!”

The one pierced in the side seemed to instinctively sense the spear coming from behind and tried to dodge it, but thunk! The spear pierced through his back.

“Ugh!?”

“Was it a failure…!”

Though inflicting a serious wound, the technique didn’t succeed perfectly.

Originally, I should have aimed higher to pierce the heart, but due to his animalistic reflexes, I missed the heart.

I tried to pull out the spear immediately, but thud! He urgently grabbed onto the spear tip sticking out of his belly and didn’t let go.

“If the spear is pulled out here, it will lead to excessive bleeding and a loss of combat ability.”

“Rather held on!?”

While holding onto my spear, he swung his sword wildly.

“Agh!”

“Tch!”

With a swoosh, I let go of the spear and retreated straight to where Erina was.

“Haak! Haak!”

Breathing heavily mixed with blood, he held the spear tip with his left hand and the spear shaft with his right, breaking the spear shaft without pulling it out, making it easier to move with the spear still stuck in his body.

Disgusted, he mutters, “So, you’re a Chester-type! Who’d have thought I’d see those fools here…!”

“Chester” was a derogatory term for those of the Chester type.

With a sword in the left hand and a spear in the right, handling two weapons simultaneously made it look like a circus act.

The flamboyance and unpredictability were remarkable.

“Although you couldn’t mimic the master’s moves, I didn’t expect you to evade this.”

“You avoided it, you little brat. Can’t you see the spear stuck in my belly?”

“I intended to kill. If I didn’t, then I evaded.”

“Hmph. You talk well.”

Despite being pierced through the abdomen, his gaze remained sharp.

“Do you still intend to continue?”

“If you think you’ve won just by piercing my belly, you’re in for a surprise, kid. Your world is different from mine, like a hothouse flower.”

Thump. Thump. The approaching figure. With his ghostly aura, Erina turned pale.

The spear was taken, and the sword broke while blocking his previous attack.

There was no way to defeat him with just fists.

He, fearing that I might escape, blocked the path and slowly tightened his grip.

“Ah, Lord Alse. What should I do now…!”

“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, I won’t let them kill you.”

“…!”

Since crying out or making a fuss wouldn’t help, Erina reassured herself, her eyes widening in alarm.

There was a way.

She had prepared a trap in case things turned out like this.

It was a bear trap set to the side.

Erina had set up a bear trap here. Until a moment ago, the man was wary and didn’t fall for it, but now, with his guard down, he could easily fall into it.

“What’s that? Even chess pieces have their own strategies.”

“Nonsense. Put away your bluff.”

It was the moment to use the last remaining card.

Rustle! Rustle! Noise erupted in the mountains, audible from below and above.

Both sides’ forces were approaching.

Below, soldiers of Duke Salleon rushed up, sensing the commotion. From above, it was probably the band of thieves.

“hahahaha! You lost, kid.”

The man chuckled wearily.

“The clueless guards won’t find this place directly. But my men will. They’ll follow the marks I left faithfully.”

“Marks…?”

It was strange. The reinforcements were too slow to have done that.

As if caught by the ankle somewhere.

‘Could it be…’

In an instant, I felt deflated.

I let out a sigh and dropped the broken sword.

“What are you doing?”

“I feel a bit empty now that I realize I was playing alone.”

“I don’t know what nonsense you’re spouting, but if you die quietly, I’d appreciate it.”

“No, that’s for the other side. This side’s story has ended as planned. Yes, you’re right. Duke Salleon’s guards are a step behind. But…”

Swish! The man’s right arm suddenly fell off.

“aaahh—!!”

“My maid is a few steps faster than others.”

Dressed in a tight gray outfit, Yumir appeared like a shadow, glaring at the man with a childlike face.

His aura and demeanor were on a different level.

The fight between me and the man felt like child’s play.

“Young master, are you alright?”

“I’m fine. No injuries.”

Yumir had been staying in Gransel for a few days now. It was to find affordable lodging for him to attend the academy after finishing his steward training.

Today, just in case, I had asked him to wait below the mountain. It was the minimum insurance I had set up.

“I apologize for being late. If I had known something like this would happen, I would have come up the mountain with you…”

“No, it’s my fault for today’s incident.”

“Your fault, my lord?”

“Never mind. Let’s clean up first.”

With my hidden card, Yumir, appearing, there was no longer any chance for the guy.

In the game, Yumir’s official combat power was 93, placing him within the top three among support characters.

The guy in front of me had a combat power of about 72 at best. There was an unbridgeable gap between us.

“What, what are you…!”

The guy lost his composure. Realizing he couldn’t escape Yumir’s grasp despite being injured, he began to struggle desperately.

“P-Please spare me! I was just…! Someone, someone come here quickly! Hurry!”

As he cried out, a man appeared with a rustling sound.

It was Makias, who had spoken to me before we started bear hunting.

He appeared with a fierce expression, glancing at us arrogantly.

“Ugh, were there two more of you!”

With that, he launched an attack without hesitation.

Yumir, losing an arm, threw a dagger at the struggling man’s head, neutralizing the threat before engaging in combat.

They fiercely exchanged blows, but soon Makias began to overpower Yumir.

Although Makias was more skilled than the guy I faced, he was no match for Yumir.

“T-This can’t be… How can a mere thief like you be this skilled…!”

Makias was astonished. My suspicions were confirmed.

“Stop, Yumir. They’re our allies.”

Thud! Yumir immediately ceased his attack without question, stepping back to guard my side.

Makias, clueless about the situation, then realized the truth and bowed deeply.

“Who are you. You’re not a thief.”

“There was a misunderstanding. I understand.”

From Makias’ perspective, it must have seemed like I suddenly attacked Erina and fled with her upon the appearance of the thieves.

“It seems you’re a disguised guard assigned by the duke.”

“It’s a bit different… Well, somewhat similar. There are some circumstances.”

In the end, I ended up putting on a solo act. The best course of action was to remain silent.

“I apologize for the confusion I caused by acting rashly.”

“No, it was my fault for hiding our side’s mistake.”

Before long, the guards from the duke’s mansion arrived, including Ariana Salleon, the lady of Salleon.

“Erina!”

Hurriedly rushing over and embracing Erina, Lady Salleon turned to Makias.

“Thank you so much for saving my daughter, Prince Eldrick. How can I repay this kindness…”

“No, Lady Salleon. I did nothing. It was all this young friend’s doing.”

Even if the name Makias was a disguise, Lady Salleon’s attitude towards him, a mere guard, was too respectful.

“Wait, Prince Eldrick?”

Eldrick Schwarzer, the third prince of the Southern Grand Duchy of Burlang Union. He was known as the Wandering Prince.

In the game’s story, he appears as the protagonist’s greatest ally and manifests as a character endowed with martial arts in the story, playable by the player.

Although not appearing as a gacha character, if he does appear, the highest grade UR is a confirmed character.

‘Why is that guy here?’

It was an unexpected appearance of a giant.

* * *

The situation was quickly sorted out.

Interrogations were conducted to find the mastermind, and to explain the whole situation, I was summoned to Altior Marquis with Prince Eldric.

Having shed his title as Makias, Prince Eldric, with his distinct blue hair shining, smirked.

“That’s how it happened. Marquis. So, if there’s a case of saving Erena, it should be given to this young hero, not me.”

“Is that so. The daughter of Viscount Elain… Hmm!”

Erena sat beside, fidgeting uncomfortably, not knowing what to do.

The reason soon became clear.

“More than that, Marquis. This time, it’s about a consultation with Miss Erena.”

Erena flinched. She soon looked at me, sending a gaze that seemed to explain that she didn’t know about it either.

“Perhaps it’s best to pretend this consultation never happened.”

“Is that so. It’s a pity. I thought it would be a good opportunity to foster friendship between the Marquis and the Caliper.”

“I thought so too, but meddling in children’s love affairs seems like a tactless move.”

“hahahaha! You’ve prepared a good escape plan indeed.”

“Not entirely empty words. I also enjoy this type of story. The pure love between the Marquis’s daughter and the Viscount’s son. Isn’t it splendid?”

Upon hearing this, Erena’s face turned bright red.

Eldric looked at me and said, “Now’s the time. If it’s now, even Marquis Salion won’t be able to refuse. He’ll grant any request after seeing my face. Even if it’s a proposal.”

“Is that so?”

Altior Marquis scratched his head awkwardly, Lady Salion was speechless. Erena also fidgeted more.

If Gilbert Salion, the actual lord and Erena’s father, were present, he would have jumped up.

“If that’s the case, there is something I’d like to request.”

“Go ahead, spill it.”

After glancing at Eldric, who was goading me, I spoke, “Please give me 5 million silans as a token of gratitude.”

The room fell silent as if a mouse had died.

“…”

“…If it’s too much, 3 million silans would be fine?”

It was a good opportunity to make up for the money lost in the chess game.

Well, cash compensation is always the best.

Ultimately, Marquis Salion agreed to pay 3 million silans without hesitation.

From their perspective, it must have put their minds at ease. Even if he was a benefactor of life, the Viscount’s son wouldn’t want to marry off his daughter to a penniless lord.

“Whew! What an unexpected harvest.”

While 3 million silans might not have been a significant amount for the Marquis, it was a substantial sum for a poor Viscount like us.

“Hmph, even though you’re young, you’re quite skilled.”

“…?”

He was Prince Eldrick.

“Can I have a moment to talk, youngster? About… the son of the Viscount, was it?”

“Please call me Ilaine.”

“Alright. Ilaine.”

Eldrick had moved to a secluded place to discuss matters.

I was intrigued by him as well.

He was the one who had warned against hasty internal conflicts when Als was branded a traitor, suggesting it could be someone’s scheme.

His overall attitude towards Als was friendly, and as a sponsor and mentor to the protagonist, the possibility of him being a traitor was slim.

I was curious about what he wanted to talk to me about, but the content turned out to be truly absurd.

“You seem to have talent. More than Erena Salion, known as the Jewel of Granthel.”

“Talent…?”

“Yes, the ability to showcase skills from a high position. How about working under me? I promise not to treat you lightly.”

An unexpected scouting offer. I chuckled in disbelief. Unaware, Eldrick continued.

He seemed to not even consider the possibility of being rejected.

It was only natural. The path of a Viscount’s son who couldn’t inherit the title was like threading a needle.

Being appointed as a prince’s aide was like a dream.

If he had made the same offer to the noble youths currently studying under him, at least ten out of ten would have accepted.

“But there is one condition.”

I was already considering rejecting, but since he mentioned a condition, I wanted to hear it.

“What is it?”

“You need to change your ruthless policy.”

He pointed out my heartless act of abandoning the others without hesitation when rescuing Erena.

“I detest the insane idea that cattle must be sacrificed for the greater good. If you work with me, you must never do such a thing again.”

“…”

“Your actions were like watching a game of chess. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how or who dies as long as you win.”

Finally, everything made sense to me.

It was about why Eldrick didn’t immediately chase after me when I took Erena and ran.

“I see. At that time, you were helping the other prospective aides.”

“Yes. It may sound strange, but we can’t let everyone else die just to save one of the Count’s ladies.”

“hahahaha! hahahaha!”

“…Is that laughter?”

I couldn’t hold back the burst of laughter.

“Of course, it’s laughter. You’re truly remarkable. I had no idea. That wandering prince was such a funny person.”

“…!”

Upon hearing this, Gehan, who was guarding Eldrick from behind, stepped forward.

“How dare a lowly person speak to the prince like that! I’ll rip that mouth of yours apart!”

Tension rises.

Eldrick speaks.

“Step back, Krans.”

“But, Your Highness…!”

“I don’t care. Besides, this isn’t Brung. Here, I’m just an ordinary young man. Don’t live your life feeling a little insulted.”

“Ugh… I’m sorry.”

The man known as Krans looked at me and then withdrew his gaze.

‘I haven’t heard of the name Krans before. Is he a character appearing in the next story update?’

Although I couldn’t know for sure, his demeanor clearly indicated he was a significant figure.

“My subordinate was rude. Apologize.”

“No, I’ve been rude as well.”

“Rather, am I a fool… May I hear the reason?”

“Exactly. You are foolish. You don’t even realize your own contradictions.”

“Contradictions? What do you mean?”

“You said it yourself. You can’t tolerate sacrificing the small for the sake of the greater good.”

“Yes. It’s my unwavering philosophy.”

“Is it really? But wasn’t it different this time? Perhaps your previous choices weren’t like that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Didn’t you make the choice to sacrifice Erina for the greater good?”

“…!”

“You believe in saving others as justice. In other words, you sacrificed the daughter of a duke for that justice. Isn’t that sacrificing the small for the greater good?”

Eldric fell silent, seemingly unable to speak.

“One can’t have everything in the world. When you take one thing, you have to give up another. You may have thought you chose the greater good by not taking the throne and protecting the smaller ones, but that can change depending on perspective.”

“That… is…”

“Of course, right and wrong are determined by oneself. It’s your freedom to make choices based on that philosophy. But forcing that choice on others is truly foolish. Do you understand now why I called you foolish?”

“…”

Despite his reluctance to admit it, Eldric seemed to realize he had been cornered and remained silent.

“I believe this also serves as your answer to the prince’s proposal. May I take my leave now?”

“Yes. I apologize for taking your time.”

“Very well then.”

As I walked away, I could feel Eldric’s piercing gaze on my back, as if he had finally recognized me as a presence to be reckoned with.

* * *

The recent failed kidnapping incident had greatly shaken the kingdom.

It was revealed during the interrogation that one of the two major ducal factions, the Helian Duchy, was behind this incident.

Although it was not directly ordered by the Helian Duke himself, it was a solo act carried out by a noble belonging to his faction. Nonetheless, regardless of the details, this was a major incident.

As a result of this incident, the nobility was split into factions, with the Salion and Helian Dukes seemingly ready to devour each other.

In the process, even those nobles like us who had maintained neutrality were pressured to pick sides discreetly.

– Salion or Helian. Choose!

After much deliberation, my father chose the Helian Duchy.

This was because the Helian Duke wielded significant influence over the military.

As a cadet, myself, my third brother Fergie, and my elder sister Yulia were all aligned with the military, so aligning with the Helian Duchy ensured our path forward wasn’t blocked.

Due to this, I could no longer continue my stewardship lessons. I couldn’t even attend the Granthel Intermediate Academy.

Those in similar positions to me were forced to leave as if being expelled.

I was relatively graciously bid farewell due to my contribution in protecting Erina.

As soon as I received a modest sum of 3 million silans, I decided to return home.

When coming, I rode a shabby carriage, but when leaving, it seemed like I could afford a better one.

It was while waiting for Yumir to arrange for a carriage that Erina appeared with Sir Joanne.

“Wait a moment.”

Erina instructed a servant to hand me a pouch without a word.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a sword. The one you had broke while protecting me, remember? I had it made by the artisan of our estate, so the quality shouldn’t be inferior to what you had back then.”

I untied the pouch and took out the sword.

It was a well-crafted black iron sword. It felt slightly heavy, but it seemed to fit well with my growing strength and physique.

“Thank you. I’ll make good use of it.”

Erina hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“…Will you reconsider?”

“Now you want me to become a steward? Our family is already aligned with the Helian side. Next time we meet, I might have to growl at you.”

“This is a power struggle unrelated to minor nobility like you.”

“Well, that may be true. Still, I’ll decline. My goal is much bigger than being a steward.”

“How big of a goal are we talking about?”

Erina suddenly sharpened her gaze and probed.

“Why?”

“Just tell me now that we’re done.”

“Well…”

Hmm, if one were to achieve some success by the protagonist’s side.

“Maybe the level of a general in the military.”

“A general… If it’s that high, then even my father…”

Erina mumbled as if relieved, then looked up and smiled.

“Make sure to achieve that goal.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Securing the sword and loading it onto the carriage, I suddenly remembered something I had bought in the city.

It was a fan I had bought to give to my mother as a gift.

Back then, I didn’t have much money, so I bought a fan, but now that I had money, I decided to prepare a better gift on my way back. As a token of gratitude for the sword, I decided to give this fan to Erina.

“This… for me?”

“If you don’t need it, you can discard it. Farewell then. Heave-ho! Let’s go, Yumir.”

As I boarded the carriage, I signaled Yumir to depart.

Erina held the fan tightly to her chest, wearing a strange expression.