Chapter 677: Gustav's Departure
"Please, wait a moment."
In the room where Fine and Mitsuba were preparing for their escape, Sebas spoke briefly before disappearing. When the two were ready to leave, he returned without a sound.
"I've reduced their numbers. Let's go."
Mitsuba smiled as she, Fine, and Sebas left the room. Six knights lay defeated in the corridor. Mitsuba, Leonard's mother, was the most critical hostage to secure. Thus, knights had been sent to capture her, but they were all eliminated.
"Your skills haven't dulled, Sebas."
"I haven't neglected my training. However, it's challenging to escape when there are so many enemies."
As he spoke, Sebas looked down the corridor. Another squad of knights was approaching.
Nodding at Fine's words, Sebas led them down a different route. The only way to leave the Imperial Sword Castle was to descend, but Sebas wasn't taking the shortest route down.
"Sebas, where are we going?"
"Although the enemy's main forces are focused on the Chancellor and the Empress, their numbers are still overwhelming."
Mitsuba murmured, lowering her gaze slightly. Both the Empress and the Chancellor could have put up more resistance if they had wanted to. But by drawing attention to themselves, they created a chance for Mitsuba and the others to escape. The people who had taken care of her for so long were sacrificing their lives. Mitsuba felt a deep sadness.
There had been plans to escape earlier. But if they had done so, the enemy would have noticed. If Wilhelm turned out to be genuine, such an action would have been an unforgivable insult. Learning that they were suspected of planning an attack would have infuriated Wilhelm's followers.
Moreover, if the Chancellor and the Empress were captured without resistance, there would be no one left to inform those outside the capital. Therefore, Mitsuba and the others remained, aware of the danger. ṚᴀꞐỗβЁS
Measures had been taken to ensure their escape, but the most perilous part was leaving the Imperial Sword Castle. There was no guarantee they would make it.
"If it comes to it, Sebas, leave me behind and ensure Fine's escape."
"You shouldn't say such things."
As he spoke, Sebas pressed a hand against a seemingly solid wall. At first, nothing happened. But after a moment, a hidden door activated, revealing a passageway.
"A secret passage I didn't know about?"
"It's not a passage but a hidden room."
Sebas led them down the revealed path, arriving at a small, dimly lit room. In the center of the room filled with books, an elderly, translucent fairy-like figure sat atop an open book on a desk.
"Something like that, though I am not as cute."
The old man answered Mitsuba's question with a laugh. Suddenly, he grew in size, reaching the height of a typical elderly man. While seemingly bent over with a staff, his presence was still commanding. Seeing him, Mitsuba bowed in surprise.
"I didn't expect you to be alive... Greetings, Emperor Gustav."
"Though most of my portraits have been destroyed. You sure are diligent, Mitsuba. Indeed… I am Gustav Lakes Adler, the Mad Emperor. Though I'm more of a ghost now."
Introducing himself, Gustav chuckled wryly.
"So, it's urgent, Sebas?"
"Yes. We need to leave the castle, but there are too many knights in the way."
"Youngsters these days..."
"The present should be handled by those of the present... but given the circumstances, I'll lend a hand."
With that, Gustav activated a teleportation spell, instantly transporting Mitsuba and the others.
They reappeared in front of the main gate, where numerous knights were stationed. Naturally, these were Wilhelm's knights. Fine whispered to Gustav, who had teleported them right in front of the enemy.
"Your Majesty, what should we do in this situation...?"
"I could have teleported us to a place without people, but I chose this. Causing a commotion here will make it easier for others."
As Gustav slowly approached the knights, they drew their swords. However, seeing Gustav's eyes, the knights collectively stepped back.
"I intended only to help with the escape... But the circumstances demand more. Using one’s son's guise to corner his mother is neither strategy nor intrigue! Such actions disgrace the name of the Imperial Emperor!" The source of thɪs content is NoveIꜰire.net
Gustav struck the ground with his staff, and magic circles appeared around him, gradually glowing brighter and targeting the knights.
"Learn the chill of the underworld—Hell String."
Threads emerged from the magic circles, entangling the knights and pulling them into the ground. Despite their attempts to resist, the threads disregarded their swords and dragged them into the earth. The knights' screams filled the air as they vanished underground, leaving the path to the main gate clear.
"Go... Leave the remaining escapees to me."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Mitsuba and Sebas started running. The commotion would soon attract more enemies. Gustav called out to Fine as she was about to follow.
Fine stopped and looked at Gustav, who smiled gently.
"Sorry for all the trouble that my great-grandson has caused you. Once again, I've put you in a difficult position."
"I've never considered it a problem... It's an honor to be of service."
Fine had always known about the trouble. She knew how precious it was to have someone by one’s side, especially for those who live and act in the shadows.
Grateful for Fine's response, Gustav nodded.
"If I am worthy... I will."
Fine bowed and then ran off. Watching her, Gustav sighed.
"Such a dutiful child. She's too good for him."
Muttering, Gustav teleported back into the castle.