“Does it make sense to enter the library in this situation?”
Epherna’s question seemed to question Ern’s sanity, to which he countered.
“Think about it. When else will we have the chance to look into the Grand Mage’s library?”
“Still, rescuing Duchess Katia should come first. We can go in later; it won’t be too late.”
“For the time being, we’ll only have a standoff. Until the situation reaches the capital, there’s nothing we can do. Rather than doing nothing, it’s better to become a bit stronger.”
Despite some gaps, the prevailing belief was that the standoff would continue for a while.
Currently, the empire is at a disadvantage with Bergamot held hostage. Any rash action could worsen the situation.
Forming a rescue team to save Bergamot is uncertain and could potentially aggravate matters.
“You’ve been saying you don’t know what magic to learn next. The Grand Mage’s library might have good answers.”
Bergamot’s library isn’t just full of books.
It’s also a treasure trove of magic tools and materials she collected over her lifetime.
Any mage would be tempted by such valuable items.
However, Epherna was resolute.
“No. The head of the family won’t look kindly on it. How would it look if the higher-ups are just enjoying books while their wife is kidnapped?”
Ern felt frustrated but couldn’t argue.
He was lying, and Epherna was admirably fulfilling her duties more as a princess than a mage.
Ern decided to use his last resort.
“…If you let me enter the library for two days, I’ll grant you one wish.”
Epherna blinked, wondering if she had heard wrong.
She pinched her cheek to check if it was a dream but realized it was reality.
“Mister, are you hiding something?”
Epherna asked, suspicious of Ern’s strange behavior.
“Yes, I am.”
Ern decided to be straightforward.
“If you stay here for just two days, I’ll explain everything.”
“…Sounds suspicious.”
“Just trust me this once. I’m asking you.”
Normally, she would have refused.
The idea of leisurely practicing magic in such an emergency was absurd.
Yet, she hesitated because Ern had never asked for a favor before.
‘Mister, you’re not the type to do something weird.’
Since he promised to explain afterward, she decided to trust him.
“Alright.”
*****
This is better.
I’ll get scolded when I return, but I’ll have to endure it.
“I have controlled the spread of the news to the capital.”
“Thank you.”
Epherna would think the news of Bergamot’s kidnapping would reach the capital, but it won’t.
The Katia Duchy is within Damien’s domain.
Controlling the flow of information to prevent leaks is easy.
“Do you need anything else?”
“No, thank you. If you have a good coat, please prepare one.”
“Understood.”
My favorite coat from the Lemea Duchy got torn.
I’ve been trying to find a new one, but nothing has caught my fancy.
I hope I like the coat Damien prepares.
*****
The border between the Katia Duchy and the plains is marked by a large wall.
Crossing it leads directly into the plains.
Wearing my new coat, I crossed the wall.
The goal is to rescue Bergamot, held by the Urgan tribe, within two days.
Ordinarily, I would sneak in quietly, but there’s no need.
I have the blessing of the wind.
The emblem of the blessing, engraved by Sky King Temur himself, still remains on the back of my hand.
I should keep it active just in case.
Focusing mana on the back of my hand, a pattern emerged.
It’s the same pattern the Urgan tribe inscribes on their closest friends.
Showing this pattern to the Urgan tribe would establish a bond akin to family.
To do that, I first need to find the Urgan tribe’s territory.
I cast a detection spell.
The principle is the same as Epherna’s.
By releasing mana around me, I can detect any movements within a range.
The range is about 300 meters.
Though shorter than Epherna’s, it’s sufficient.
No matter how vast the plains are, I know where the Urgan tribe usually settles.
I once spent two years tirelessly searching for this information, so I wouldn’t forget.
The Urgan tribe usually settles where good grass grows, essential for raising their horses, which are both their means of transport and weapons of war.
Only a few places are suitable for the Urgan tribe, given their strong influence and military power.
So the approximate time it would take is…
‘About 4 hours.’
Finding the desired tribe within four hours on this vast plain is impressive.
I guarantee that even Epherna, with her detection range twice as wide as mine, couldn’t find them in four hours.
Before I moved in earnest, I used a spell to conceal my presence.
It would be problematic to encounter and fight another tribe while searching for the Urgan tribe.
Time passed and dawn came.
Time passed, and dawn arrived. I scouted four areas where the Urgan tribe might be, taking about three hours. Finally, I spotted someone who appeared to be from the Urgan tribe.
Seeing him alone, he seemed to be either on patrol or taking a stroll.
Without hesitation, I approached him.
“Hey.”
The Urgan tribesman flinched upon seeing me.
It was only natural, as my appearance clearly marked me as an Imperial.
I immediately showed the emblem on the back of my hand.
If he was part of the Urgan tribe, he couldn’t possibly mistake this sign of friendship.
The man laughed heartily, almost in relief.
“Wahaha! You startled me! What brings you here, friend?”
“I need to meet your chief.”
“Temur, you mean? Did you get that emblem from him?”
“Yes. You can confirm it if you’re unsure.”
“No need! Temur’s mark is clear on you. Follow me!”
He gestured for me to follow and turned around.
*****
Sky King Temur is officially reported dead in the empire.
I reported it that way, and Temur played dead as planned.
Maybe because four years have passed, Temur seems tired of hiding and wants to reveal his presence.
Forgetting even his contract with me.
“This is it! Temur will be waiting for you when you go in!”
“Thank you.”
What lay before me was the largest and most magnificent tent.
Anyone could tell this was where the chief lived, and the interior was equally distinctive.
Expensive animal hides were spread out, and rare decorations not seen on the plains were displayed.
The most striking item was, of course, the bow.
The bow Temur used during wartime pierced the hearts of dozens of soldiers with a single arrow.
“Long time no see, Astra.”
A voice came from behind a curtain across from me.
Pulling back the curtain, I saw a familiar face.
Sky King Temur.
One of the formidable leaders who once threatened the empire alongside the Wild King.
“Are you here because of the Duchess?”
“I’m glad you know. You ungrateful b*stard.”
Temur’s expression turned grim.
It seemed even he felt some shame.
“I told you. As long as you’re alive, the plains mustn’t defy the empire.”
“Just because I’m the Khan of Urgan doesn’t mean everything goes my way.”
“Did I ask for that? I warned you. If we meet again, you’ll have to face death.”
I showed the emblem on the back of my hand.
While this symbolizes friendship with the Urgan tribe, it also serves as evidence of our ‘contract’.
“You swore. If you broke the contract, you’d surrender your life.”
“…”
“I have the authority to execute you on the spot. You have no right to refuse.”
No matter how strong he is, it doesn’t matter.
Since breaking the oath taken with the Autumn Wind, Temur cannot resist me.
“…What must I do?”
“So, you still value your life?”
“I haven’t yet bestowed my blessing on my successor.”
It seemed he had his reasons, but that was none of my concern.
“You will die today.”
Of course, after you release Duchess Katia.
“Please spare me.”
“Do you have no pride?”
“My pride shattered when I begged for my life from you four years ago.”
I suppose so.
To save the plains, he had no other choice.
Four years ago, the Second Prince ordered me to kill Temur because he was the only unifying force left on the plains.
Specifically, he was a symbol of power capable of maintaining the unity of the plains tribes after centuries.
If he died, the plains would again fall into a state of each tribe fending for itself.
If that were all, it might be fortunate, but the Urgan tribe, which had long held the top spot on the plains, would face constant opposition from other tribes, leading to decline and eventually extinction.
“I’ll do anything if you spare me.”
Temur was desperate.
Although he had mistakenly captured Bergamot under his tribe’s pressure, he didn’t want his tribe to decline.
He was not like the Wild King, fit to be a tribe’s king, so he had no other options.
Ern spoke.
“So, how about you join the Personal Guard?”
