Published: July 3, 2025
The capital of the Marquisate of Heinlein, Acre.
In the city, there stands a noble mansion.
This is the base of the b-rank party "White Brigade" affiliated with Run.
The leader of the White Brigade, Phelps, is the heir to the house of Heinrichline that governs Acre, so despite being under Run, the White Brigade was often utilized.
“Indeed, the northern region is acting strangely…”
While comparing several reports, Phelps muttered.
Beside him was the vice-captain, Shena, who had just brought in freshly brewed coffee.
“Shena, I’m sorry, but could you call those four? They should be somewhere in the mansion.”
Upon hearing Phelps' request, Shena bowed once and left the room.
Three minutes later, Shena returned with the four who had been called.
“Captain, we came because you called us~”
A man with two swords crossed on his back announced as he entered the room.
It was the dual-wielder, Blair.
“Really, Blair, I think you should take a course on how to talk!”
A man holding a staff longer than his own height admonished Blair.
He was Wyatt, the earth attribute mage.
“Now, now, both of you, let’s not start that.”
The man who intervened was wearing priest robes.
He was Gideon, the priest.
“…”
The last man entered silently, only shaking his head from side to side.
He was Lorenzo, the scout.
The six of them, including Phelps and Shena, formed what Hugh McGrath referred to as the "core team of the White Brigade."
And these four were known by the other members as the "Four Heavenly Kings."
If Ryo had heard this, he would have undoubtedly exclaimed, “How cliché!”
“I hate to break it to you, but I need the four of you to go to the Duchy of Flitwick in the north.”
“Flitwick is the territory of the younger brother of the crown prince, right?”
“Blair, at least refer to him as your highness the crown prince's younger brother…”
Phelps said, Blair questioned back, and Wyatt scolded their language.
“Yeah, yeah, got it, got it.”
“Shall we head out then…?”
“Alright, that’s enough.”
Phelps completely ignored the usual banter between Blair and Wyatt.
It was Gideon’s role to stop them.
Once Gideon intervened, Phelps resumed the discussion.
“To put it plainly, I think a rebellion or something similar will occur. Moreover, within a year.”
“Seriously…?”
Understanding the gravity of the situation, even Blair stopped his lighthearted remarks.
The Duchy of Flitwick, ruled by the younger brother Raymond, is one of the most powerful territories in the north.
With the second-largest city, Carlyle, as its public capital, it is known for its fertile and vast lands that produce wheat.
A rebellion in such a place… especially one led by the younger brother of the crown prince, would likely attract many nobles to follow.
Those who could not hope for advancement under the current king might seek to join the younger brother Raymond in a desperate bid for power.
If things go poorly, it could lead to a civil war that would divide the kingdom…
“Captain, what specific actions should we take?” Gideon asked.
“I hope you can bring back evidence of the rebellion, if possible. However, there’s no need to risk your lives for it. Your strengths will be most needed afterward.”
“There’s no need to suppress the rebellion…?”
“No, there’s no need. I don’t think it can be easily suppressed, and it might be better to let them start the rebellion and deal with it afterward.”
“Oh, that’s frightening.”
The last words came from the dual-wielder, Blair.
Blair knew that while Captain Phelps possessed one of the best front-breaking powers among knights, he was even more skilled at cunning tactics and schemes.
Given that Phelps was talking about “dealing with it after they started a rebellion,” it was only natural that it felt genuinely frightening.
“Well, for now, I’ll be heading out.”
Thus, the top elite of the White Brigade, the "Four Heavenly Kings," were dispatched to the north.