Volume 2 Chapter 20 The Hand Of Salvation
The Eleonora squad had infiltrated Teanuki, and their first move was to scout the palace.
It was under heavy security. Attacking it directly with only 300 soldiers would be impossible.
"If we send a small team to sneak in and secure King Charles, the rest of the force can focus on the ship," one soldier suggested.
"But... do we even have anyone good at moving quietly?" another asked nervously.
"Just getting us to the sea is enough," came the reply. "After that, the experts will take over."
"Wait, are you from the Suno tribe?"
Preparing the ship and loading the supplies had taken time, but if it had all been finished in the past few days, then with skilled sailing, they could glide across the sea and arrive quickly.
The Suno people had flourished since arriving in this warmer land—gaining livestock, wealth, and even wives.
When it came to war, they rushed to Teanuki's harbor with excitement, eager for loot.
"Then, the only issue left is how to get into the palace—"
"Eleonora!"
She was cut off by a familiar voice calling her name. Turning around, she doubted she would know anyone here—but when she saw the man's face, she gasped.
"...Guamaji? You're the one who gave me that hunting panther as a gift."
"Oh! You remembered!" he beamed. "That makes me happy! What brings you here?"
The man was a bulky Rubelbe merchant, his muscular frame decked out with gold jewelry. He had once been rescued by Erik, Eleonora's former retainer, and now he approached her with excitement, speaking in the awkward, choppy Naroppa tongue.
"Just... a few things came up. And you? Are you here to buy goods?"
"No! I brought pepper! Naroppa people love pepper! They pay big! I'll be rich soon!"
Behind him, several broad-shouldered, dark-skinned men were loading wagons with huge sacks—likely filled with pepper and other spices.
"They say I might only make a small profit, but I think it's worth it."
"That's great," Eleonora replied. "People who work hard and make money are admirable."
"With money, I can do anything! Get a beautiful wife! Eat what I like! Build water channels for my homeland! But the elders... they say making money is shameful."
His excitement slowly faded. Shoulders drooping, Guamaji let out a heavy sigh.
"Back home, everyone works hard—gathering dates, herding sheep... but still, we're poor. If someone gets sick, they just give up. But if we had money, they could live. That's why I work so hard. I use what's left for myself... that's not so bad, right?"
"No," Eleonora said, nodding. "That's not wrong at all. You're a true capitalist."
"Capitalist? What's that?"
"It means... someone who believes money decides what's right."
"Then I'm a capitalist! Everyone should be one! Having money is very, very good!"
Eleonora let out a dry laugh.
She thought it was better not to tell him that for every rich person, ten poor ones were born.
At least he wasn't stingy—he wanted to use his wealth to repay his homeland. She didn't want to shatter that dream.
"...You might actually be useful."
* * *
Narrow, who had been watching the conversation, stepped forward and glanced at the cart being loaded.
"Excuse me, merchant. I'm Narrow, commander under Lady Eleonora."
Guamaji blinked at the masked man. But he wasn't afraid.
After all, he'd survived lions and bandits—what was one odd-looking man?
"Are you interested in becoming a royal merchant?"
"Royal merchant!?"
Guamaji's eyes went wide. Eleonora gave Narrow a sharp look.
"Don't go offering things you don't have authority for."
"Not at all," Narrow replied. "Princess Elodia may be queen, but she's inexperienced with money.
Parisess could support an army of 100,000, but only if there are skilled farmers, smart officials, and merchants who bring real value. She'll need good people."
Then, Narrow met Guamaji's eyes squarely.
"Lose one cart of goods, and you might earn tax exemption for life."
Guamaji's expression brightened immediately.
"What do you want?"
"We're going with the classic plan—just like the heroes before us. We'll send in a wooden horse."
The palace gates were packed with guards, more than usual.
Nobles under Dolbor had gathered, preparing to march into Fran Nuse, as declared by Princess Elodia. No suspicious people were allowed through.
"State your business. This area is restricted for troop assembly!"
"Oh! Soldier-san, your hard work is amazing! I feel safe seeing you here!"
The large man with dark skin and a wide grin stepped off the cart, arms open in peace.
"I'm a merchant! I heard there's going to be war! I want to sell at the taverns! This is a gift of goodwill!"
The cart was stuffed with food and barrels of alcohol under a large tarp.
"Goodwill...?"
"I really want to meet the Duke! Doing business here is hard without connections!"
Guamaji drooped his shoulders, pretending to have suffered great hardship.
"Check the cargo," one guard said.
"Aren't you thirsty, soldier?"
He handed over a wine pouch. But when the captain held it, it felt... wrong. Too heavy. No slosh.
He sliced it open—and out spilled shining silver coins.
"You're a bad one, aren't you?" the captain chuckled.
"No need to check the rest. Let them through."
"Thank you, Captain! Thank you very much!" Guamaji stammered, bowing over and over.
"So, what's your name?"
"Guamaji."
The cart was brought behind the palace dining hall. Once the coast was clear, Eleonora slipped out from beneath it, joints aching from staying cramped so long.
"You guys, get out."
With a swift kick, the barrel lid popped off, and soldiers climbed out, groaning.
"Ow... my back's done for."
"My legs are noodles. This sucks."
"You clung under a moving cart with nothing but grip and guts," Eleonora said. "You've still got some fight left."
As the others stretched out, she gazed up at the towering palace.
Could she really find what she was looking for in a place this big?
"Scavenging like a rat, are we?"
The voice came from above. Eleonora turned to see an old woman and a young boy, both dressed like martial artists from an old kung fu flick, jumping down from a tree.
The soldiers stepped forward, but Eleonora stopped them.
"Who are you?"
"Just an old woman with not much time left, and my good grandson keeping me company. No need to be alarmed."
"Then we're just travelers, taking a little tour."
The two sides stared at each other briefly, tension crackling.
Then, the mood softened.
"Sightseeing, huh? If you're lost, I could show you around."
"Then... I want to see the old crown."
"See the new one too. Might as well take it home if you like."
They both smiled and shook hands.
"Greedy, aren't you? Wanting both crowns."
"And you're just as sly as me."
They didn't know each other's names, but they understood enough about the other.
A strange bond formed without words.
"So, which one do you want to see first?"
"The old one. The new one's less risky, but the old one's more likely to be forgotten."
The old woman nodded and looked toward a tower at the edge of the palace.
"Then let's not waste time."
---
In a sealed cell at Teanuki Castle, King Charles sat slumped.
At this rate, the Kingdom of Dolbor's wealth would be eaten away by outside dukes.
His wife and son had become tools for others.
He wasn't brave like his brother. His magic was weak—just enough to fill a jar with water.
Still, he wished, absurdly, to turn that water into wine like a holy child of legend.
"Great Loriengita... perished, huh?"
The words of a rebel noble echoed in his head.
The mighty empire their ancestors had built had fallen in his father's time.
He was nothing but a figurehead now, sitting on a throne passed down by blood.
Even the nobles had stopped pretending to respect him.
──Knock knock knock.
A gentle knock came at the door. Strange—servants usually used a key.
"Your Majesty, step back from the door."
"That voice—!"
He dove behind a chair just as the door burst open. Dust swirled. A guard's unconscious body hit the floor.
"I'm glad you're safe. Sorry—no time to talk."
"Ah... Dorothea! You came!"
He had thought he had no allies left. Even the expensive collection of fairytales he'd entrusted to his son's care had been surrendered to Duke Grandcud.
Soldiers had mocked him as weak, but he hadn't imagined they'd lack even the courage to stand for him.
"In the end, the only thing I can trust is the sword that's always stayed by my side."
"Majesty, first we must save Crown Prince Arsène from Grandcud's hands."
"But... just you and your apprentice..."
Then he noticed the other figure. A tall female knight with short blond hair and eyes as clear as the ocean.
"For safety, it's better if you, the king, come with us. I'll lend a hand."
He reached for her outstretched hand—surprised at how naturally it happened.
"In a little while," she added, "the Suno soldiers will arrive too."
"...Huh?"
Notes:
• Teanuki - The royal capital of Dolbor, located in a bustling commercial area. It is a major port city with a castle overlooking the streets. The city is known for its economic prosperity and strategic importance.
• Charles - Male. King of the West Clanf Kingdom. He has brown skin and a regal appearance, often seen in royal attire. His speech is accented due to his southern roots. He is melancholic and pragmatic, prioritizing economic stability over territorial expansion. He has a newborn son, Arsène, and a sister, Elodia. His relationship with his lords is strained due to his passive governance.
• Guamaji - Male. A robust, muscular merchant from the Fauraka continent. His appearance is imposing, with dark skin and gold jewelry. He is ambitious, optimistic, and driven by the desire to improve his homeland. He is resourceful and adaptable, using his wealth to gain influence. His relationship with Eleonora and Narrow is transactional but mutually beneficial.
• Erik - Son of the fallen warrior Danruhav, seeking revenge and a new land, eager to prove his strength in battle.
• Narrow - Male. A former Viscount's son who severed ties with his family to serve Eleonora. Wears an iron mask due to past leprosy, now cured. Skilled in military strategy, governance, theology, and heraldry. Speaks formally and is determined to prove his worth. Has a distant relationship with his family. His combat style is unknown, but he is entrusted with leading a platoon of 300 men.
• Elodia - The second princess of Loriengita. She has shown favor to Georges, who aims to marry her by achieving military merit.
• Dolbor - A kingdom ruled by Charles, known for its thriving commerce and strategic location. It is located east of the continent and is a key player in regional politics.
• Dorothea - Dorothea de Wafor. An elderly warrior and former member of The Twelve Sacred Blades, known as [Rock Breaker]. Her appearance is not detailed, but she is described as someone who has served for 3 generations. She has a respectful relationship with Bertrand and is considering retirement.
• Arsène - Male. Charles's newborn son, who ascends the throne after Charles is dethroned. His appearance is not detailed, and he is an infant, so his relationship with Charles is minimal.
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