The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 62

“The involvement of the Demonic Beast is highly likely in both the recent attacks on the Nina race and the Dras village. What do you think that means? They are searching for our village.”

“…!”

“Everyone, get a grip. The era of peace is over.”

Those who had sighed now gritted their teeth. Each face, lifted and aligned with resolve, radiated determination. Only then did Kalph, wearing an approving expression, nod.

“We’ll hold a strategy meeting now. We need to contact the main territory, so Talis, prepare the communications again.”

“Yes, Lord Kalph.”

“Kalph, before that, please take this…”

Aska handed something to the busy Kalph. It was a well-preserved leaf. Kalph, staring blankly, took it with trembling hands.

“This is…”

“It’s Rashian’s remains. I thought it would be proper to bury him in the village.”

“Ah…”

Remains? Was he referring to the leaf?

The situation was difficult for me to understand, but everyone else seemed to grasp it immediately. They all held their breath with somber expressions. Even Kalph, who had remained composed, now displayed sorrow for the first time. He held the leaf to his chest and bit his lip, though he didn’t shed any tears.

“What was his last wish?”

“To take good care of the King and the race…”

“……I see.”

Kalph nodded calmly, but his face looked indescribably hollow. Aska, who delivered the last wish, wore an equally pained expression.

“Now, there are only four knights left.”

“……When the King awakens, a new knight will be chosen again.”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

Kalph’s seemingly indifferent smile was tinged with bitterness. His gaze then shifted to Syran, who stood beside me, looking lost. Since earlier, Syran had been clutching my clothes with a pale face, showing no expression, making me worry about whether he was even breathing.

“Syran, come here.”

At Kalph’s call, Syran bit his lip and stepped forward. His face looked like he might burst into tears at any moment. However, as he stood beside Kalph, he appeared composed, without a hint of instability. Kalph patted his head approvingly and then addressed everyone.

“Before we begin the meeting, there’s something we must do first. As I mentioned, Rashian Milt, the King’s Third Knight, has fulfilled his duties and returned to the earth. Thankfully, Aska has brought back his remains, so we will conduct his funeral rites here and now.”

“Lord Rashian…”

“He’s gone…”

Those who had barely held back their tears began to cry again, one by one. This time, Kalph did not chastise them. He merely took a heavy breath, as if to steady his own overwhelming emotions.

“Don’t cry. His sacrifice was for the King and was the most honorable death for a Knight. Rashian would have been pleased to have fulfilled his duty. He wouldn’t want to see us grieving.”

With Kalph’s somber words, the tearful people nodded reluctantly. Though many struggled with their emotions, they gradually found comfort by embracing and consoling each other.

Soon, the ceremony began with everyone watching.

Kalph first held the leaf with both hands. Raising it high towards the sky, he spoke.

“We beseech the God of Light. Grant eternal rest to Rashian Milt, a Knight of the King and our dear friend. He was courageous and kind beyond measure; let him find peace.”

Swish—

At that moment, a gentle breeze blew, as if in response. Simultaneously, the leaf in Kalph’s hands began to float upward. It was as if someone had cast a spell.

Watching this, Syran slowly closed his eyes and opened his mouth. Soon, a beautiful melody flowed from his throat, adding to the serene atmosphere.

I serve you, my fate bound by blood.

Behold, O King, for I live for you.

I am for you, a vow sealed in blood.

Behold, O King, for I shall die for you.

I guard you, a contract in blood.

Behold, O King, for I am your Knight.

Be intoxicated by this fragrance. Hear the song of our kin.

This life belongs to you; I offer it for your sake.

The song, which I heard for the first time, was incredibly beautiful yet simultaneously sorrowful and melancholic. The air, which had just settled, again felt laden with moisture.

“It’s a song sung during the knight’s oath ceremony. All Knights sing this song as they pledge their loyalty before the King when they are inaugurated,”

“…I see.”

Irei whispered to me from beside me. I nodded in response, unable to take my eyes off the ceremony. The leaf, released from Kalph’s hand, floated freely, dancing in the sky to the rhythm of the song. After a while, the leaf transformed into specks of light and began to scatter gently.

Everyone watched in a daze as the shimmering particles dispersed. Even then, Syran’s beautiful voice continued to resonate.

Ah, O King, receive glory.

Ah, O King, receive blessings.

* * *

“How are you handling things?!”

The man who had risen from his seat pounded the solid wood table with force. His contorted face was flushed bright red with anger.

However, the reaction from those seated across from him was extremely nonchalant. Their faces, as composed as ever, showed no signs of tension or even guilt. When the man’s anger made his face twitch even more, a soothing voice finally spoke up.

“Prince Altman, please, calm down.”

“Calm down? That’s what you have to say right now?”

The man who shouted again—Altman, the first prince of the Aslan Empire—made no effort to hide his enraged expression. A mere word of comfort was insufficient to soothe the impact of the severe losses they had recently suffered.

“You assured me that everything would go well if I left it to you! You said I wouldn’t even need to kill the Emperor to claim the throne! And what’s this? You’ve only ended up strengthening the Crown Prince’s position!”

An unexpected attack had struck the Emperor down suddenly one day. The Crown Prince, known for his filial piety, had managed to procure a cure from all corners to save his ailing father.

Now, the Empire was buzzing with praise for this touching tale of father and son. Consequently, all the subtly spread rumors about the Crown Prince plotting against the Emperor had vanished into thin air.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince’s brother, Prince Altman, who maintained his usual lifestyle while the Emperor was ill, began to attract much criticism. In particular, his extravagant attire and frequent attendance at parties sparked controversy. Even if these gatherings had been dignified and modest, they would have been problematic; in reality, they were indulgent, decadent affairs held late into the night. As a result, lately, Altman felt like he was walking on a bed of thorns wherever he went.

“We advised you to refrain from such gatherings for a while. We warned you not to be complacent until the Crown Prince was dealt with…”

“And now you’re saying this is my fault?!”

“Haha, I’m just expressing regret over the situation. Don’t take it too harshly.”

The voice that sang these words seemed almost too youthful to belong to an adult. The person skillfully placating Altman wore a deep hood. Seeing the soft smile on this person’s lips, Altman grudgingly swallowed his rising anger. He knew better than anyone what this smiling individual was capable of when provoked. No matter how furious he was, he had to keep his composure.

“There were significant variables in this incident. Who would’ve predicted the Crown Prince would gain Clonne’s assistance at that moment? Esteban the Crown Prince is far luckier than we thought.”

“Ugh, that damned Clonne! What is this Clonne anyway, that it has spoiled everything?”

“My, my. How could you forget the most crucial element in this incident already?

Of course, Altman remembered. Clonne, the sole natural enemy of the Demonic Beast, was said to have sealed them in the underworld long ago.

The Demonic Beast, dreamers of conquering and ruling the continent, and Clonne, the symbol of peace who thwarted them.

When Altman first heard this myth-like tale, he dismissed it as nonsense. But after witnessing the power of the Demonic Beast firsthand, his opinion changed drastically.

They were beings capable of killing high-tier monsters with sheer physical strength. They could tear even the toughest hides with their bare hands and moved with such speed and agility that they were almost impossible to track with the naked eye. Their overwhelming presence sent shivers down his spine.

Clonne was the force capable of subduing such formidable beings. Altman couldn’t even begin to fathom their capabilities. However, accepting this failure without contesting it was not an option for him.

“Fine, I understand that Clonne is strong. But wasn’t their King sealed? I heard that weakened their power significantly. Am I mistaken?”

“No, your understanding is correct. Clonne’s essence originates from their King. Since their King is sealed, their power is considerably diminished. But they are still quite formidable. It would be a mistake to underestimate them, Your Highness. Just as it takes three generations to bring down a single noble family, a race that has dominated the surface for millennia won’t weaken so easily.”

“Hmm, then isn’t this still a problem? I heard Taron is still bedridden. And this Clonne seemed inexperienced in handling their Guardian…”

At this point, the once-silent figures around the table scowled in displeasure. The man with ash-gray hair, seated in the center, spoke with a cold expression.

“Watch your tongue, human. Do you know who sealed their King?”