The Empire’s Strongest and the Sword Saint Mushroom Knight
After a brief discussion with Malong, Mia promptly decided to go to the Equestrian Kingdom.
Ludwig was once again deeply impressed by Mia’s strength and decisiveness. He then quietly began making preparations in accordance with her decision.
‘Originally, the plan was to make a brief stop, but this might take longer than expected.’
“Oh my! To think that we would end up having to go to the Equestrian Kingdom next. Now, how is our princess planning to navigate this situation and find common ground?”
Ludwig smiled wryly at Dion, who shrugged his shoulders in exasperation.
“I wonder how things will turn out! Her highness does not often share her plans with us. However , there is no doubt that if the Equestrian Kingdom were to become unstable, the fallout would not bode well for the Tearmoon Empire, or more specifically, for Mia-sama’s plans. ”
The location of the Equestrian Kingdom was strategic in realising Mia’s grand vision of ‘MiaNet’. Situated between Sunkland , Belluga, and Remno, the Equestrian Kingdom served as a significant buffer zone.Rulers with a relaxed concept of borders had ensured a certain degree of peace and stability in the grasslands.
For the people living in the border region of the Equestrian Kingdom, both the Remno Kingdom and the Sunkland Kingdom were close neighbours. Moreover, for those leading a nomadic life in the grasslands, barring a large-scale invasion, small border incursions would seem insignificant. Their livestock would often cross the border of their own volition. Therefore, there was mutual understanding on both sides that the grasslands were just the grasslands – a region where there were no boundary lines drawn. Detailed boundary lines dividing countries were not considered too important.
There would have been considerable tension between the Kingdoms of Sunkland and Remno had the Equestrian Kingdom not existed between them. If a neighbouring country was significantly expanding its military power, Sunkland would never have simply ignored it. On the other hand, the Remno Kingdom would also have wanted to diminish the power of the Sunkland Kingdom. It would not be hard to imagine that Remno would have used any opportunity to instigate a fight.
However, there was rarely any conflict between them due to the existence of the Equestrian Kingdom. There was no way they could leap over their heads to open war; furthermore, the Equestrian Kingdom’s cavalry strength could not be underestimated.
“The destabilisation of the Equestrian Kingdom could disrupt the stability of the entire continent depending on the situation.If the power of the Equestrian Kingdom were to decline, the safety of the pilgrimage route connecting Remno, Sunkland, and Belluga would be at risk.This would hinder the maintenance of the merchant caravan as well. Wouldn’t that be exactly the kind of situation that the Chaos Serpents would rejoice in?”
“If Princess Mia intends to provide an uninterrupted food supply across nations, then this situation cannot be ignored. Well, I think the princess would definitely ensure this, but I wonder how she plans to accomplish that?”
Then, as if he had thought of something, Dion’s face broke into a mischievous smile. “Or perhaps she is just thinking about indulging in the delicious treats of the Equestrian Kingdom.”
“Ha ha ha. Well, the initial objective might have been the sheep butter, but knowing Mia-sama, she might be thinking of solving this time’s trouble while she’s at it.”
Ludwig responded lightly to Dion’s joke, and the two men exchanged smiles. It was a cheerful smile that had never once appeared during the time when they had served the central aristocrats of the Empire.
After parting ways with Ludwig, Dion headed towards the carriage where the bandit girl, Aima, was being held. She was currently under the surveillance of two members of the Imperial Princess Guard.
“Is everything fine?” asked Dion.
“Actually, Captain Dion… no, Sir Dion”
“Ha ha ha. Well, either is fine. So, is there any change?”
“No. She hasn’t shown any signs of trying to escape and seems to be sleeping.”
“Oh, really. She’s quite fearless.”
After nodding in admiration, Dion suddenly turned his gaze.
Clank , clatter. Someone was approaching, making loud metallic sounds. The one who appeared was Grammateus, the one and only guardian knight of the Remno Empire. Grammateus turned his face towards Dion and approached, raising his hand in greeting.
“Working hard, Sir Dion.”
“Sir Grammateus, what brings you here? Is anything the matter?”
On this journey, the Tearmoon Empire guards were the centre of the security operation. Grammateus was also included in the security plan.However, considering his age, he was positioned to remain close to Prince Abel as far as possible.
While patting his head, Grammateus said “Oh, it’s nothing. It wouldn’t do for the thief to escape even if there is a one in a million chance of that happening. So, I’ve come to volunteer my services. Besides, I imagine that you are busy as the princess’s guard.”
“Sorry, but your concern is unnecessary. The princess is surrounded by the Imperial Guards, and even the prince of your country is with her.”
‘Currently, Rafina, Abel, and others like Citrina are with Princess Mia. It so happens that all the important people are gathered in one place. Naturally , the forces of the Royal Guard are also concentrated there. The people from the Equestrian Kingdom are also focused on protecting them.’
If that was the case, then Dion’s gut instinct was telling him that it was far more dangerous here. ‘Right now, it seemed that the one whose life might be targeted was the bandit girl, Aima.’
“Sir Grammateus, you must also be busy being Prince Abel’s guard. Can you please leave this to me and focus on guarding Prince Abel.”
“I see. In that case, I will leave this to the Strongest Knight of the Empire.”
Grammateus nodded deeply and said “Anyhow, Her Highness, Princess Mia, is quite the unusual person.I never thought that she would suddenly sit at the table with a bandit…”
“Hahaha. Yeah, there is no denying that.”
While answering, Dion observed carefully, watching every single move that Grammateus made, inwardly impressed.
‘That is incredible. As expected of the Sword Saint of Remno.I can’t envision him being taken out by a surprise sword attack. No matter how you attack, it seems like he would be able to handle it deftly.’
Dion knew instinctively that in a normal fight, he would find it difficult to even strike his blade against the metal armour. ‘If, in any case, I had to fight him, it would certainly be enjoyable!’
Whether he knew Dion’s inner thoughts or not, Grammateus didn’t seem to be particularly worried. He bowed deeply saying “Then I leave this place to you, Sir Dion” and left.
Hi, everyone. Thank you very much for all the encouraging comments. They really got me feeling happy and motivated.
~Saiki
