The Prince Wants to Retire

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Crown Prince Seeks Retirement

60. Trial of Garum (2)

As the key personnel gathered, Kariel spoke with a tired expression.

“We need to go for the Trial of Garum.”

At those words, Talion asked anxiously, “You can’t possibly mean… just us going along, right?”

Shaking his head at Talion’s question, Kariel replied, “Then…”

“Just a few Palace Knights and some Shadows with us.”

“Your Majesty!”

Everyone urged Kariel to reconsider, adamantly insisting this couldn’t happen at least this time.

The allied forces suffered enough damage in this battle that they would find it hard to fight for a while, and Ignit’s main forces needed rest as well.

In contrast, the armies of Roman and Sandria weren’t in the same boat.

Though they too had sustained heavy losses, as long as the Army of Hell was around, threats would persist.

“It’s not the right time! At least wait until the allied forces stabilize…”

At Toto’s words, Kariel shook his head firmly.

“We need to get Garum’s recognition as quickly as possible.”

With that, Kariel shared his thoughts with Talion and the Imperial Guard.

To receive Garum’s recognition, he had no choice but to go himself. If the opponent caught wind of this, they might lead their troops that way.

Should that happen, both Kariel and the main forces of Ignit coming to rescue him could be in danger.

Even if such circumstances didn’t occur, it remained possible that Ignit could seize the opportunity to invade the allied forces again.

Under the current conditions, the allied forces wouldn’t be able to hold back the allied armies of Roman and Sandria.

“So what you’re saying is… to delay until then?”

“Exactly.”

Kariel wanted to project the image that the Emperor and Ignit’s main forces were with the allied forces to block any potential risks.

“But leaving the majority of the Imperial Guard and Shadows behind while you go is far too dangerous. Even the Palace Knights…”

Kariel shook his head firmly at Talion’s words.

If even one of the Imperial Guard, Palace Knights, or Shadows were absent, doubt would arise.

“Your Majesty! Please reconsider just once more.”

Talion spoke with a desperate expression, but Kariel insisted resolutely.

“You saw what happened at the Hell Gate. Once you enter the Trial of Garum, no one can enter.”

“But once the trial is over…”

“That’s why I’ll bring Shadows along.”

With that, Kariel planned to ensure a small number of Shadows and Palace Knights could communicate in case of emergencies.

“This time, I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

As Kariel spoke with a serious expression, everyone else wore grim faces.

Kariel’s health was still poor from facing the Trial of Garum. He bore wounds all over and hadn’t recovered from internal injuries yet.

Even with pouring out Divine Power or downing potions, his recovery was far from complete.

And yet, the upcoming trial would likely be so harsh that it felt like a joke.

“The reason I came here is to deal with this.”

Pointing to an arrow made of flame, Kariel said as everyone silently lowered their heads in agreement.

“I need to ensure the allied forces are stabilized by any means possible during my absence.”

Ignit was already struggling just with the task of stopping the Demon King.

The Army of Hell had to be held back primarily by the allied forces.

As Kariel made this clear, everyone else found themselves speechless.

Talion insisted he would follow him to the end, but Kariel’s decision remained unchanged.

Eventually persuading everyone, Kariel explained the basic operation.

“Move as if you’re escorting me around my personal airship.”

“I’ll deploy additional Fire Priests in the rear. We need more Palace Knights as well.”

With Akhelio’s words, Talion, who had been wearing a gloomy expression, also shared his thoughts.

“I’ll act as if the injuries your Majesty suffered are real.”

“I’ll take some time to recover from my injuries.”

At Kariel’s suggestion, Talion hesitated before speaking up.

“If you leak information too hastily, wouldn’t it raise suspicion instead?”

After pondering Talion’s suggestion, Kariel nodded.

“That’s true… it could go that way.”

The suspicious Black Moon and Roman Emperor could very well be suspicious.

Perhaps it would be better to conceal things thoroughly while making it seem like Kariel was still safe and sound.

“It might be better to control information tightly at first.”

“Right. Pretending that I’m healthy might not be a bad strategy.”

As Talion suggested, at first, they would leak news portraying Kariel as being in good health.

But Kariel would continue to remain sequestered, only playing the media while subtly hinting that healers and priests were active behind the scenes.

While it would take considerable time to execute this plan, given that the Trial of Garum’s conclusion was uncertain, it might be better if rumors of Kariel’s health concerns leaked naturally through foreign media after some time had passed.

“I’ll leave this to you.”

Having entrusted all matters to Talion, Kariel discussed how he would depart.

1. Act alone in secret.

2. Launch airships under the pretense of searching the Hell Gate, then board one of them.

3. Advance with the allied forces to draw attention, then quietly slip away.

These three methods were discussed.

The first option was quickly dismissed.

Even if he moved secretly, acting alone while the Black Moon of Roman was firmly in place was too risky.

“So, ultimately we’ll have to choose between options two and three?”

Muttering in that way, Kariel fell into deep thought.

But the indecision didn’t linger long.

“Let’s go with option two.”

At that, while Talion suggested mobilizing the allied forces to be safer, Kariel shook his head.

That might attract even more attention.

Everyone could see that the current situation of the allied forces required time, hence Kariel directed the airships to simulate a search in the vicinity.

Having devised a plan to head to where Garum resided, Kariel finally found himself alone.

“I didn’t expect it would take this long to leave.”

– After all, there is no way you’ll face Garum’s trial until your body is fully healed.

At Surth’s words, Kariel clenched and relaxed his fists while nodding.

The departure of Garum’s soul didn’t merely sap his strength.

The power that had filled his entire body dissipated, leading to imbalances in the flesh maintained by that very strength.

Currently, Kariel’s body was out of balance.

To recover from this, he needed to fill the void with fire energy while gradually reclaiming bodily equilibrium.

– Don’t rush it too much.

As Surth said that, Skoll and Agni appeared, looking worriedly at Kariel.

Even they could tell Kariel was anxious.

“…I get it.”

Though he responded affirmatively, the urgency remained etched on Kariel’s face.

*

While Kariel focused on recovering amidst his unease, the operation led by Talion commenced.

First, Kariel and Ignit’s forces pulled back.

After confirming the complete disappearance of the Hell Gate, Ignit’s forces, surrounded by the allied forces, immediately used some of their troops to conduct a search around.

At the same time, they began modifying the remaining airships.

Since they would be using airships identical to those searched, all airships had to be upgraded.

While receiving the materials needed to enhance the existing airships, the Emperor’s dedicated airship also started undergoing renovations.

At the very least, it needed to appear more formidable than before, showcasing, “The Emperor is here!”

Additionally, healers and priests were discreetly allowed inside.

From here on, groundwork had to be laid if they were to lure the Black Moon, so preparations were made in advance.

Thanks to everyone’s diligent efforts, the preparations could be finished just in time for Kariel’s recovery.

“Is everything ready?”

“It’s done. We’re just waiting for your Majesty to move.”

At Kariel’s question, Talion handed over a report while letting out a small sigh.

Kariel smiled and said, “Don’t worry too much. Luckily, we are distanced from where Roman and Sandria’s main forces are.”

“…Yes.”

Talion answer reluctantly, and Kariel patted his shoulder before gearing up for departure.

Finally looking over the report from Talion, he changed his outfit.

After dyeing his clothing, he donned the helmet and goggles designated for the Red Ghost.

To prepare for any situation, he secured daggers, swords, and bullets inscribed with the Blessing of Fire before making his way to the modified airship for the search.

“…Group five for the search.”

“Yes!”

Seeing the nervous commander of the Red Ghost respond enthusiastically, Kariel acted like a soldier alongside the shadow members in disguise, prompting the commander to clear his throat.

“…I… I will issue orders!”

Watching the stuttering commander, Kariel, who was fully committed to the role of a soldier, offered a salute before joining him aboard the airship.

– Not bad!

Surth commented while observing Kariel’s impressive performance as a soldier.

“I used to end my previous military life as an elite.”

Reflecting on his past on Earth, Kariel made Surth chuckle softly.

– For someone with that background, you’re awfully…

Just then, Kariel’s expression soured, ignoring Surth’s comment.

It was fine up until receiving the orders, but while boarding the airship, he had tripped all on his own.

“…I’m just a bit rusty.”

With that, Kariel loosened the tight military uniform.

“Your Majesty, all preparations are complete.”

At the shadow’s words indicating that everything was ready, Kariel nodded and commanded them to depart.

Then, alongside Kariel’s airship, dozens of smaller airships lifted off at once, scattering in all directions.

One surprising aspect was that numerous airships mobilized for the search within the allied forces, who were too caught up in rebuilding their military.

Thanks to that, Kariel’s airship could move towards where Garum was without raising much suspicion.

“Your Majesty?”

“Stop.”

Feeling Kariel’s hand grasping his shoulder, the shadow pilot hastily halted the airship.

An empty desert stretched before them.

After the airship landed there, Kariel quietly unleashed his power.

Golden sand began to swirl, and as the sand was drawn inward, a green flame burst forth.

“Y-Your Majesty!”

Seeing themselves enveloped by the green flames, the Shadows stared in horror as Kariel said,

“Don’t worry.”

With those words, Kariel was drawn into the gigantic flame.

As Kariel vanished inside, the sand erupted, transforming into a massive sand dune.

It all felt like a dream, yet as Kariel, who should have been in their midst, disappeared, the Shadows realized this whole phenomenon was a reality.

“…Report this situation back to headquarters.”

“Yes.”

Having already been reminded by Kariel several times, they knew the likelihood of such an event occurring was high.

Thus, the Shadows took the actions they could at this moment.

They notified headquarters that Kariel had vanished and organized search parties focusing on this area. They had to be prepared for the possibility of the Black Moon or Sandria’s forces arriving at any moment.

*

As one airship rose once more into the sky over the sandy desert as if searching the area, Kariel, who had stepped inside, encountered a colossal presence.

“Garum.”

Swallowing a gasp as he faced the enormous dog gazing down at him, Kariel felt his tension rise.

– Nice to see you.

Garum, Keeper of all Soul Fragments’ memories, greeted Kariel with a warm expression.

And at the same time, he revealed himself.

– No need to drag this out. Let the trial begin now.

At Garum’s words, Kariel swallowed hard.

Assuming he would have to fight Garum just like at the Hell Gate, Kariel summoned his strength, causing Garum to let out a smirk.

– Do you think you can face me with that power?

– No way…

At Garum’s words, Surth appeared, astonished.

– You have a dreadful taste…

– Ah, Surth? Hahaha! How about you come out and take a look at my old hometown again?

With that, Garum unleashed his power.

In that moment, the landscape transformed into a gray hue, pressing down on Kariel with hellish energy.

– My trial is straightforward. Survive and return from Hell. The timeframe is until I am satisfied.

“This is insane!”

– Then off you go.

With those final words, a gray storm erupted, engulfing Kariel.