WeTried Translations

Translator: Hydrogen B

Editor: Hydrogen B

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

Chapter 128: When the First Snow Falls (3)

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Gilbert not only knelt, but lowered his head as well, showing the deepest respect. His manner was less like paying respects to a princess and more like being granted an audience with the Emperor himself.

A high-ranking Imperial noble who had gone into exile at nearly the same time as Grand Duke Rivelius.

Now approaching old age, he had graying hair. Deep lines of time were etched across his stern face. An unmistakable dignity radiated from his bearing. Though he did not train with a sword, his body was well-balanced, likely because he took thorough care of himself.

At a glance, he was the typical head of an old Imperial noble house. Even the way he spoke reflected that. There was only one unusual thing about him. He showed excessive respect toward Elysia, a fugitive branded a traitor by the Imperial family.

Come to think of it, she said he was the most honest and dependable noble.

He looks as though he's finally reunited with his lord after a very long time.

Standing beside Elysia, Kyle looked down at the elderly noble on his knees. Gilbert still had his head bowed. He did not seem to be putting on an act. The joy close to ecstasy Kyle had seen a moment ago could not have been forced.

"Rise, Gilbert. You are nearly sixty now. I worry your knees will suffer."

Elysia smiled gently and made a light joke. Only then did Gilbert rise with trembling hands.

"Your Highness..."

"I'm glad you've been well. You have a few more wrinkles than before."

"I gained them searching for Your Highness every day. I can't remember the last time I had a proper night's sleep..."

"Searching for me?"

"Yes. We learned that you had left Archandia and arrived in the southern continent. We still have spies in both the Empire and the south, though our presence there is not as extensive as it is in the Federation. But all news stopped at the border region of the Kingdom of Brendel."

"You mean the wyvern knights."

Beyond the Ligrid Mountains and the fortress, all the way to the border region adjoining the Duchy of Tervan. The bodies of the two Celestial Knights, along with their Wyverns, had been burned without leaving even a trace, so it was only natural that the news had stopped. They had even paid Serentia to suppress the information.

From Kyle's perspective, it was more surprising that Gilbert knew at least some information about the southern continent, which was difficult to obtain from this far-off Federation.

So it wasn't a lie that he was capable.

"I never imagined you would make it here safely. This is truly a relief."

The elderly noble looked genuinely relieved.

"His Grace will be pleased. He has worried greatly for Your Highness's safety, just as I have. But who is the person beside you...?"

He shifted his gaze from Elysia to Kyle. Black hair and black eyes beneath a black cloak, in stark contrast to Elysia. After noticing the sword at Kyle's waist, Gilbert cautiously looked between them. The emotion of their reunion had faded enough for him to finally become curious about Kyle's identity.

"It seems we have much to say before we can catch up."

Elysia gave a bitter smile. She glanced toward the closed door and added,

"We will need somewhere quiet to speak. Could you have your people withdraw?"

* * *

The moment Elysia finished speaking, Gilbert dismissed the knight waiting behind the door. The knight who had guided them here left without a word at Gilbert's order.

Setting aside his paperwork, he invited Kyle and Elysia to sit on the sofas in his office. It seemed their conversation would take quite some time, and there was no reason to remain standing. Kyle stirred the mana in his ring and inspected the room once before sitting on the sofa Gilbert had indicated with Elysia.

Gilbert had a maid bring in a tea table, then sat opposite them and spoke in a warm, informal tone.

"This is the tea Your Highness used to enjoy."

"...It has been a long time."

Elysia held the teacup before her. Looking down at the pale white steam rising from it, she lifted the cup to her lips.

"Does it suit your taste?"

"It tastes as it always did. It brings back old memories."

"...Yes. It reminds me of when Her Majesty the Empress was still alive."

Elysia's lips curved faintly. It was not simply a happy smile. There was bitterness in it.

"I believe I should introduce myself first."

Gilbert turned toward Kyle. Kyle quietly met the elderly noble's eyes. Neither looked away. For a moment, their gazes tangled in the air.

Neither side knows the other anyway.

They were only meeting face-to-face because Elysia stood between them. At their core, Kyle and Gilbert were strangers. No matter how confidently Elysia claimed that Gilbert could be trusted, Kyle was the kind of person who only believed what he saw with his own eyes. Gilbert appeared to be much the same.

"My name is Gilbert Perian. I was once the head of House Perian and served the Empire, but five years ago, I took my entire family and followed His Grace into exile in the Grandecia Federation."

Gilbert spoke first. In response to his polite introduction, Kyle gave a small nod.

"I'm Kyle. I currently work as a mercenary."

"A mercenary? I see. You must have taken the long route through the southern continent to reach the Federation from the Empire. Did you accept a request to escort Her Highness?"

"Yes."

"You do not appear to be an ordinary mercenary. What was your status in the past?"

Gilbert did not beat around the bush. At the direct question, Kyle looked up from his teacup and glanced at Elysia beside him.

"I belonged to the Knights of Ash."

"The Knights of Ash..."

For an instant, Gilbert's hand around the teacup trembled. It did not last long. His eyes, visible through his graying hair, flickered just as briefly. His reaction was ambiguous, as though he was somewhat surprised, yet not entirely.

"That explains the questions that had remained unanswered."

Only after a short silence did he speak again.

"Leaving aside the reason you came to travel with Her Highness."

"..."

"As I mentioned earlier, His Grace has taken a great interest in Your Highness's whereabouts. If it is not too rude, could you tell me about your journey from the Empire to the Federation?"

This was the point of it all. Gilbert carefully watched their reactions as he asked.

"That..."

Kyle could not answer at once. The events that had brought them here after he met Elysia covered nearly half a year. He had no idea where to begin. The deaths of the two wyvern knights and the unbelievable events on the Corsa Archipelago were mixed into that journey as well.

"It's all right, Kyle. I'll explain."

As Kyle hesitated, Elysia stepped in.

"You don't mind?"

She looked at Kyle as if seeking his agreement. He nodded without a word.

"All right. It began more than half a year ago in Archandia. I..."

After clearing her throat twice, Elysia slowly began recounting the past. In a calm voice, she told Gilbert what had happened, selecting and altering details where necessary.

She spoke of fleeing the Imperial capital and reaching the southern continent. Of being pursued by two wyvern knights along the way. Of entering Ligrid Gate in near despair, meeting Kyle there, and reaching the border region adjoining the Duchy of Tervan.

The battles that had taken place along the way, along with the deaths of the two wyvern knights, were altered into something believable. The same was true of what happened after they passed through the Duchy of Tervan and reached an island in the Corsa Archipelago. Much of her encounter with Alfred, including the time travel and the secret of the Dragon Heart, was omitted.

Even so, Gilbert looked unable to believe what he had heard. No, he seemed to struggle simply to accept it.

"...That is what happened."

Elysia's explanation ended. Silence filled the office for a while.

"The current Emperor... is the First Emperor himself?"

Gilbert finally regained his senses and barely broke the silence. With his fingers interlaced, he stared at his now-cold tea. His eyes held both doubt and a refusal to accept reality.

"Yes. My father is dead. Only his body remains."

"But..."

"You once said that my father seemed to be changing. You were right. My father was killed by the First Emperor. His mind was taken from him."

Gilbert did not deny it. He could not. The Emperor's strange behavior over the last ten years had already become a widely circulated rumor.

"Then the Dragon Heart..."

"It is here."

Kyle untied the cord around his neck and placed the pendant on the table. Gilbert's eyes widened at the Dragon Heart, shaped like a white gemstone.

"This... Anyone can see that it is genuine. I heard the Dragon Heart had vanished from the Imperial family, but I never expected to see it with my own eyes."

"Is this your first time seeing it?"

"Yes. Prisia's Dragon Heart, along with the Emperor's sword, Dawn, is one of the Archandia Imperial family's greatest treasures. It is only natural, since it is the sole remaining legacy of Prisia. Only a very small number of people were even allowed to read the magical research concerning the Dragon Heart."

The Emperor's sword, Dawn, had killed the minds of successive Emperors and left behind only their empty shells. A fragment of Prisia's Dragon Heart had resisted the First Emperor. Two wyvern knights had died. And now there were the Imperial family's secrets, which had remained hidden until this moment.

"We have one request, Gilbert."

While Gilbert was overwhelmed by the flood of information, Elysia continued as if urging him on. Kyle put the Dragon Heart he had placed on the table back inside his clothes.

"We need to reach Renavik, where the Federation parliament is located, as quickly as possible. Only then can I meet my uncle. Before that, I would also like to send him a letter. But I have no way to send one to him myself right now, so I would like to borrow your help."

Having finished, Elysia silently watched the elderly noble before her. He had one hand against his forehead as he looked down at his half-full teacup.

"...Before that, I would like to ask one thing."

After silently groaning to himself, Gilbert raised his head with a resolute expression.

"Your Highness. And Sir Kyle."

"..."

"If I am correct... are the two of you seeking revenge?"

The Emperor's death and the Empire's destruction.

Elysia did not answer. Neither did Kyle. Their silence was an affirmation. As though he had expected it, Gilbert lowered his raised head again.

"...I see."

Silence returned to the office. Kyle, Elysia, and Gilbert all remained quiet, lost in thought. Only the three teacups on the table continued to grow cold.

"I will send the letter by tomorrow."

Gilbert spoke first. Elysia's expression brightened.

"Then..."

"It will take some time before a reply arrives. His Grace is not currently in Renavik."

"My uncle is not in Renavik?"

Gilbert nodded. Aside from Grand Duke Rivelius, the members of the High Council were all kings of the five kingdoms.

Kalov in the north, with the largest territory and population.

Valone, the land of knights directly below Kalov, home to the Chevaliers' headquarters.

Russel, the heart of the Federation, which had amassed immense wealth through trade and finance as it directly bordered the Empire.

Rustin, deeply influenced by the southern continent and Azaril through maritime trade.

Lastly, Selaine, the land of culture and art at the Federation's easternmost edge, beyond the other four kingdoms.

There were almost no real borders between the Federation's nations, but they were not completely united as one. There were major and minor differences in their cultures and histories.

For that reason, there was no need for the four kings other than Kalov's to remain in Renavik during peacetime instead of living in their own capitals. That meant only Felbric Chergar, King of Kalov and chairman of the parliament, was currently there.

"I thought he would be in Renavik because of the current situation."

Elysia slightly frowned at Gilbert's explanation.

"It appears he judged that the situation was not serious enough to convene a meeting yet."

"Then he must be staying in Rier."

"Yes. It only takes three days to reach Rier from Renvel, but it will likely take a full week for them to receive the letter and send a reply. Renavik is only a few days from there as well, so you can stop by on the way."

Rier was the small city granted to the Grand Duke when he became a member of the council. Located a few days from Renavik, Rier lay within the Kingdom of Valone. It was the complete opposite of this commercial city of Renvel, which was in the Kingdom of Russel.

"I will have rooms prepared for you to use for the time being."

Gilbert briefly glanced at the tea that had gone completely cold, then stood.

"I believe we all need time to think. It is late, so please retire and rest for today."

At the clear dismissal, the two rose from the sofa and left the room. Before the door closed, Kyle looked back once. Gilbert stood by the window, quietly looking out at the scenery beyond it. The elderly noble's face, as he stood there without strength, was full of worry and concern.

* * *

After leaving the office, Kyle and Elysia were guided to a large guest room.

They could have used separate rooms, but neither wanted that. They silently agreed with a look. Kyle was currently serving as Elysia's escort. Until they met Grand Duke Rivelius and reached Renavik, he had no intention of leaving her side.

Kyle had grown used to having Elysia nearby. In fact, he felt more uneasy whenever she was out of sight. Nothing was likely to happen in Renvel, since Gilbert was its lord, but there was always a possibility. The maid who guided them to the room gave them a suspicious look because of it, but Kyle and Elysia paid her no mind.

"A week isn't much longer than we expected. I'm glad things worked out as planned."

Elysia had just entered the room and was looking around when she spoke.

"An unexpected vacation?"

"I don't think resting is such a bad thing. We have traveled diligently for a month, have we not?"

From Belmar, the Federation's southernmost port city, to Renvel, the commercial city of Russel.

Since leaving the Corsa Archipelago, they had traveled without rest. At times, they slept on hard ground outdoors. At other times, they stayed in inns in the cities they stopped at for supplies.

Either way, it wore down their strength. Even if they were no longer being pursued by the Empire, that had not changed. Camping itself drained one's mental strength, and city inns were not as comfortable as guest rooms in a mansion like this. Above all, riding for more than eight hours every day was exhausting even for an experienced knight.

"That's true. We have no other choice until the reply arrives anyway."

Kyle walked to the window and looked out through the glass. From the mansion on the city's hill, he could clearly see the view below.

"It is peaceful."

"...Yes."

Elysia, standing beside him, murmured the word. Kyle answered quietly. The city, which had been dyed vermilion when they first arrived at the mansion, was now submerged in complete darkness.

One by one, lights appeared across it. They came from Magic Stone lamps set along the streets and the buildings scattered throughout the city. Kyle watched the view for a while, then turned his gaze toward the darkness outside the city at a sudden thought. There was only blackness to the north, yet for some reason, he felt as though he could see the scenery of Renavik, a place he had never visited.

A little farther north from here lies the Kingdom of Valone.

And Renavik, the capital of the Kalov Kingdom, sits at Kalov's southernmost edge, so it is not far from Valone. That meant there was less than a month left.

Now that the end of the journey, which had felt so vague, was close at hand, it finally felt real. It seemed they had taken a small step closer to the unreal dream of taking revenge on the Empire.

"Kyle, look..."

As Kyle sank into thought, Elysia, who was standing beside him and looking out the window, tugged insistently at his cloak sleeve without turning her head. Something was slowly falling beyond the clear glass. Tiny white petals.

"It's snowing..."

Elysia murmured softly to herself. Kyle threw the window wide open. Cold air rushed into the room. Large snowflakes drifted down through it.

Pure white snow fell over the evening city filled with lights. At the sight of the falling snow, Elysia unconsciously stretched her hand out the window. The snowflakes settled softly on her pale palm, then vanished like a mirage as though they had never been there. Only clear moisture and a cold chill remained.

"The first snow."

Elysia turned to Kyle. He silently nodded.

The first snow of the year.

It was also the eleventh winter since Kyle had fallen into this isekai. For some reason, he remembered when he had just turned twenty. The first snow had been falling heavily then as well. Kyle and Elysia watched the scene endlessly until late that night.

Footnotes:

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