novelraw Chapter 262
Chapter 262
Chapter 262. The Dreadful Bastard I Respect (3)
The Imperial Knights' prowess was generally considered equivalent to that of a commander, particularly a 'high-ranking' commander.
"Maybe Uruhar's power is similar to Schvalt's."
Moreover, as the senior member of the Imperial Knights, Kikubad's abilities were formidable.
"At least two commanders."
At best, a Sword Saint.
Originally, he held the position of Sword Saint. If not for being ousted due to misconduct, the old man would still bear the title of Sword Saint.
"In that sense, I hoped Uruhar would side with me."
More precisely, I hoped he would break free from Eulsis's grasp and support Kaldrach instead.
Since Eulsis had acquired the Heavenly Reverence Guards, the chances of opposing him weren't small. Therefore, it would be beneficial to weaken the enemy's strength, even if just by a little.
"Moreover, the Heavenly Reverence Guards aside from the Imperial Knights will be dealt with by Kaldrach's wedges."
If it ever came down to a direct confrontation, the probability favored the Imperial Knights' side.
"Hmm."
As I thought about these things, a sigh escaped my lips.
The inspection was over. Prince Osborne had left, and the crowd in the plaza began to disperse.
'I hope the time I invested in Uruhar wasn't in vain.'
I wasn't sure. His last reaction was enigmatic.
To be honest, if I revealed my true feelings:
'It might not have meant anything.'
No matter how deep Uruhar's respect for the Black Knight ran, it might not be enough to escape the grasp of the 'imperial family'.
Even if the current imperial family was corrupt.
Even if it had little to do with Emperor Adratan, the thought of correcting it might not even cross his mind.
'Just like me.'
Who works for the greater good? It's all for self-interest.
"Haaa."
A sigh slipped out inadvertently. It would have been better to get a clear answer instead of such an ambiguous reaction.
"I was too hasty."
Whatever the case, what's done is done.
Since the Black Knight revealed his opposition to Eulsis to Uruhar, I had to accept whatever direction things took.
"... After all."
It probably wouldn't end on a good note.
"In a sense, Imperial Knights are civil servants too. They won't leave a comfortable job to tackle a difficult one."
***
Yulian's prediction was accurate. Uruhar chose not to leave a comfortable job to tackle a difficult one.
However, from 'Uruhar's perspective, not 'Yulian's.
"I'll do what's comfortable for me."
In his view, helping the Black Knight was the comfortable task, whereas ignoring the terminally ill Black Knight was the hard one.
"Demon God's Horn."
What the Black Knight requested through Yulian was to ascertain the location of the Demon God's Horn.
Uruhar thought it wouldn't be that difficult to find out.
"The emperor's seal that I hold."
Originally meant to be retrieved, but with Emperor Adratan fallen, Uruhar unexpectedly still had the seal.
"If I use this, I can know most of what's happening inside the imperial court."
As the vacant chambers 1-3 suggested, if the Demon God's Horn wasn't in the Heavenly Star Tower, appropriate measures had to be taken.
"That Demon God's Horn."
The Demon God's Horn was said to resemble a Soul Stone, thereby constantly emitting demonic energy.
Considering that a large amount of resonance stones was needed for the preservation of a tri-horned Demon's Soul Stone being researched at the Magic Tower,
"A corresponding amount of resonance stones would be necessary."
With that thought, Uruhar's mind began to work.
"Besides, given the circumstances, the Black Knight... No, his Highness Kaldrach wants to retrieve the horn held by His Highness Eulsis."
Probably, his Highness Kaldrach intends not only to retrieve but also destroy the horn.
"If His Highness Eulsis indeed holds the Demon God's Horn."
To avoid any contingency, the Demon God's Horn was likely stored and guarded at various locations.
"To understand this flow, it's essential to pinpoint where the resonance stones are headed."
Squeeze.
Uruhar gripped the emperor's seal tightly with determination.
"Emperor Adratan, forgive this excessive wielding."
I have a duty to fulfill.
Even if it means breaching rules, I need to assist the Black Knight to reach his final harvest.
***
To ascertain the location of the Demon God's Horn, it was necessary to track where the resonance stones were going.
Realizing this, Uruhar headed immediately to the Magic Tower, where the resonance stones were managed, and questioned the mages there.
Of course, given the infamous rift between mages and knights, his inquiry initially sparked skepticism, but Uruhar had a magical command to instantly dispel any doubt.
"It's an imperial order."
The emperor's seal.
Upon presenting this, the mages quickly organized documents and brought them to him.
"Here are the withdrawal documents for the resonance stones requested by Sir Uruhar."
Receiving the documents, Uruhar began reading through the contents.
"Quite a lot."
Although he internally grimaced at the cluttered records, a calmer assessment helped him realize exclusion method could work.
"Exclude the nobles managing other cities."
Their usage is obvious. To maintain a barrier to protect the city.
"Exclude the withdrawals by mages for research."
The secrets of the resonance stones have yet to be fully understood. Exclude those researching to unearth their powers.
"Abigail."
Then, the name of the diviner Abigail appeared. But Uruhar excluded her name as well.
"It's too obvious."
Everyone involved knows she's responsible for Emperor Adratan's mental turmoil.
Prince Kaldrach would certainly be aware of her connection to the anomaly within the capital.
"If His Highness Kaldrach were to check the records, 'Abigail' is glaringly suspicious."
Surely the top priority for investigation.
Thus, it was excluded.
"What remains."
A few names came up, but one individual prominently stood out to Uruhar's keen eye.
"Fulcurn."
A member of the social club of nobles, the 'Rose Knights'.
No matter how he thought it over, there was no justifiable reason for this person to withdraw resonance stones.
Moreover, the Rose Knights maintained a seemingly amicable relationship with Eulsis.
"To ensure the Demon God's Horn isn't taken, it seems it should be under the capital's supervision."
Uruhar pointed to the documents and questioned the mage.
"For what reason did Sir Fulcurn withdraw the resonance stones?"
"Pardon?"
The mage, caught off guard by Uruhar's inquiry, hurriedly rummaged through the documents.
After scanning a memo, he responded with a nervous sweat breaking out.
"That...."
"I asked what the matter was."
"He said it was a personal matter and couldn't share it."
"... What?"
Uruhar, incredulous, countered.
The mining yield of resonance stones is far less than ordinary precious metals, making their unauthorized use strictly forbidden by regulations.
"Using resonance stones for personal purposes?"
Naturally, the response left the mage baffled and disconcerted.
"Yes, yes."
The mage, in the midst of managing the situation, nervously nodded as this kind of situation was unfamiliar to him.
"Originally, resonance stones cannot be used for personal purposes. What led to the approval of such a withdrawal?"
Gulp.
The sound of the mage swallowing nervously echoed.
"His Highness Eulsis issued a directive permitting it directly."
Upon hearing this, Uruhar clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth.
He had found the answer right at the start.
***
"Hmm."
Uruhar.
He scheduled another meeting with me. The location was not the imperial palace but a park in the heart of the capital.
As the appointed time approached, I shifted my gaze to Zahard, who was groaning beside me.
Then, Zahard spoke up.
"It seems things didn't go well with Uruhar."
"I'm not sure. Though there was a reaction, it felt unsatisfactory."
"Is that so? That's a bit disappointing."
In response to my question, Zahard prodded the ground with his staff and stood up.
"Was it tedious waiting while I talked with Uruhar?"
In fact, I had said Zahard on standby nearby while meeting Uruhar.
As neither a knight nor an imperial soldier anymore, Zahard had no part in the inspection, but upon hearing of an inspection, he grinned and requested to accompany me.
"Not at all. Watching those juniors scramble was surprisingly entertaining."
Sometimes, I think even this old man isn't all there.
I suppose if he were normal, he wouldn't have considered floating around the 'northern frontline'.
"Still, it's a pity not to have secured Uruhar's cooperation. Opposing the Imperial Knights would be more than a nuisance."
Although normally confident in his skills, Zahard respectfully acknowledged the Imperial Knights.
Zahard, and Yulian too.
Though they might consider themselves unrivaled swordsmen, the Imperial Knights were equally matched combatants.
"Hence the reason you invited me along this time. Not knowing how Uruhar would react, I presume."
Guessing my motive for bringing him, Zahard nodded.
"Yes."
If Uruhar sided with Eulsis, he might attempt to capture me here and now.
To counter any threats, I set up the insurance policy named Zahard.
"It's about time. Would you mind excusing us for a moment?"
"Alright."
Upon hearing my request, Zahard moved to another spot. Being the central park of the capital, the area buzzed with people, making it easy to blend in.
"... Yulian."
Shortly after Zahard vanished, Uruhar appeared.
His face showed signs of firm resolution, easily suggesting that Uruhar had made a significant decision.
"Is it war?"
Judging from his demeanor, the conversation didn't seem likely to proceed smoothly.
To remain prepared, I placed my hand on the sword at my waist, ready to unsheathe it at any moment.
"It looks like you've made up your mind."
I probed Uruhar, just in case, and, like me, he placed his hand on his waist.
"Yes, having heard your words, I've decided."
"The documents detailing the resonance stones' withdrawal."
Huh?
Anticipating Uruhar would draw his sword, I was briefly puzzled when he extended a document attached to his belt.
"To manage the Demon God's Horn, I thought resonance stones would be necessary."
"... Is that so?"
What's happening?
Does this mean he's cooperating?
Still skeptical, I observed Uruhar, who then pulled out another document.
A notebook.
"And this is why I suspect the location of the Demon God's Horn through the withdrawal records."
"... Okay."
This time, he took out a map.
"This is that location."
He presented something resembling a blueprint next.
"This is the floor plan of the suspected person's house."
What's with this guy.
"Though several architects were employed, making for a chaotic blueprint, there's a common feature. A secret door."
Imperial Knights, being civil servants, should prefer avoiding troublesome tasks.
"Why such..."
Is he really committed to cooperation?
What on earth motivated him?