When we hurried out of the mine—
“This is…”
Fires were breaking out all over the city.
Carried on the wind came the shouts of anger and the screams of people.
“This is awful…”
“Why is something like this happening…?”
“Lady Ascart! Lord Stuart!”
Turning around, we saw Albert running toward us.
His usual calm demeanor was nowhere to be seen—large beads of sweat rolled down his face, and panic was written all over his expression.
“Thank goodness! You’re both safe.”
“What on earth is happening?”
“…We’ve been completely outmaneuvered.”
With a bitter look, Albert began to explain.
It seemed Guld had seen through Albert’s plan to usurp him.
Even if he was a foolish tyrant, he was still cunning when it came to dirty tricks.
“My father… Guld planned to use this opportunity to wipe out all the rebels at once, myself included.”
“Then that means… don’t tell me—”
Realizing a certain possibility, my face went pale.
Albert nodded, as if to say I was right.
“Guld skillfully manipulated information and set another revolutionary force in motion, separate from us. There should have been more time, but… they were maneuvered into acting.”
“So he stirred up the rebels—and not only that, he threw them at us to obstruct our actions?”
“Yes, exactly. Thanks to that, our plan has been thrown completely off course. And then…”
With an extremely grim expression, Albert looked out over the city.
The fires continued to spread.
The shouts of rage and screams grew louder along with them.
“This is terrible…”
“Guld may be a foolish ruler, but to think he’d so casually drag the very people he’s supposed to protect into this…”
Does he have no heart at all?
Filled with anger, Albert clenched his fist tightly.
“…Do you know the situation in the city?”
Sofia, the only one still maintaining her composure, asked quietly.
“The other revolutionary force is rampaging indiscriminately throughout the city. They intend to find and execute Guld, but… unfortunately, he’s one step ahead. They’re being cleverly led around, and if this continues, they’ll be picked off one by one.”
“What about the damage?”
“…As you can see. It’s spread across the entire city.”
Perhaps feeling responsible for failing to prevent this situation, Albert looked deeply frustrated.
But now wasn’t the time for regret.
We had to focus solely on stopping this.
“I’m truly sorry for bringing about such a disaster and dragging you into it… but we can’t allow things to get any worse. Please, both of you—lend me your strength!”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t.”
“What?”
Apparently not expecting to be refused, Albert froze in shock.
However, I understood what Sofia was thinking.
In fact, I was thinking almost exactly the same thing.
“I have to protect Aisha, Snow, and Licorice. I’m heading to where they are.”
“B-but if we don’t stop this tragedy, it’ll just go on forever—”
“Leave that to Fate.”
“Yeah.”
I’d expected Sofia to say that.
That’s why I could nod without hesitation.
Sofia would protect her family.
And I would eliminate the source that threatened that family.
Everyone had their proper role.
“Do you have any idea where Guld is?”
“…I do.”
“Then please—go with Fate. I must protect my precious family, so I can’t move.”
“I see… very well. Together with him, we’ll make sure to bring this situation under control.”
I’m not a Sword Saint—just an ordinary adventurer.
Albert seemed unsure whether he could really trust me…
But only for a moment. Soon, he accepted it.
That’s one of the things that makes him truly impressive.
He must have many doubts, yet he swallows them all and focuses on what needs to be done now.
He makes the best possible move.
I see.
Albert is far more suited to be a lord.
“Lord Stuart, let’s go!”
“Yes!”
Just as I was about to dash off—
“Fate.”
Called by name, I looked toward Sofia.
She looked worried, but she was smiling.
“Do your best.”
“Yeah!”
With Sofia cheering me on, I felt like I had the strength of a hundred people.
Fired up, I finally dashed off—this time together with Albert.
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