As a place that always brimmed with tension, distinguishing the territories between countries, the border had even more heightened tension since the arrival of the Ulfirim Grand Duke.

“Your Excellency.”

While Bellion surveyed beyond the border, Felic approached.

“As you ordered, the knights are ready to deploy at any time.”
Behind Felic, the knights were lined up, holding weapons. Bellion, seeing them, nodded without saying a word.

“How’s the situation?”

“It’s still quiet, but…”

As if he couldn’t afford to be complacent, Bellion continued to stare beyond the border.

“He should be coming.”

In response to Bellion’s words, Felic turned his gaze, accepting the situation. At that moment, a strong wind blew, and dust rose. Simultaneously, a group gradually approaching from afar became visible.

“Your Excellency!”

Having spotted them, Felic turned to Bellion and shouted. Bellion promptly mounted up and rushed towards them. Felic and the knights followed him.

“What’s this? You came out to welcome me?”

The faces of the approaching individuals became clearer. The flag bore the emblem of the Runen Imperial Family, and the man on horseback next to it smiled at Bellion. It was Decar.

“It’s still as hostile here as ever, considering it might be the Ulfirim Grand Duke. Long time no see, Grand Duke. How have you been?”

The Runen Imperial and Ulfirim Grand Duchy forces confronted each other across the border. The knights of the Runen Imperial and the Ulfirim Grand Duchy were ready for battle, as if they could fight at any moment. Felic and Betty also stared at Decar, holding their weapons.

“…Indeed, Your Majesty came directly to this place.”

“Of course. Hearing that the formidable Helium Imperial Army is advancing into our border, wouldn’t it be natural for the Emperor, myself, to take the lead?”

Despite the word “formidable,” Decar’s face remained entertaining. With a smiling face, Decar looked around.

“By the way, is there only the Ulfirim Grand Duchy here? Where are the others?”

“…”

“Where is that fool lady clown going?”

As Decar mentioned Delina, Bellion’s brow instantly furrowed.

“Hearing that she was poisoned and nearly died… However, if that were the case, the Grand Duke would have rushed to kill me as soon as he saw me. She doesn’t seem to be dead, but where has she been busily wandering around?”

It seemed like Decar knew what Delina was doing right now. Without answering Decar, Bellion retorted.

“Was she in a relationship with Celin?”

“…”

“And is the result of that alliance related to the clown’s poisoning incident?”

To Bellion’s straightforward question, Decar neither affirmed nor denied. He just raised the corners of his mouth.

“Why are you asking such obvious things? The answer is already in the Grand Duke’s heart, isn’t it?”

Observing Bellion’s angry reaction, Decar nonchalantly spoke to those around him.

“Now, shall we go to assassinate the Ulfirim Grand Duke who violated the agreement between our countries and invaded the border of the Runen Empire?”

With Decar’s words, the air changed. Simultaneously, Felic approached Bellion.

“Your Excellency, we…”

“…”

“Yes, I will command.”
Seeing Bellion, who didn’t take his eyes off Decar, Felic turned around and spoke to Betty.

“From now on, I’ll be in command. Betty.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Alright, and if I could say a word to everyone…”

“…”

“I hope you all come back safely.”

The conflict between the Runen Imperial and the Ulfirim Grand Duchy was, in essence, nothing short of a war. Soon, knights of the Runen Imperial could be seen rushing from a distance. Felic drew his sword, raised it, and shouted loudly.

“Charge!”

In response to Felic’s command, the knights of the Grand Duchy also rushed towards the knights of Runen. In an instant, swords clashed, and the sounds of their battle cries intertwined. The war had begun.