Published: July 5, 2025
Episode "Abel the Prisoner"… This is the third night of the four consecutive posts.
"Abel has become a prisoner."
"Prisoner means he was captured, right?"
"Yes. That's exactly what the current situation indicates."
"A king who gets captured and taken to the enemy's capital."
"There’s no word that fits better than 'prisoner.'"
"It's sad that I can't deny it."
They engage in such conversations, but of course, there’s not a shred of sorrowful atmosphere.
It's just the usual banter between the two.
Inside the carriage heading towards the allied capital, Jakelea, are only Ryo and Abel.
No one from the allied forces, like Lord Aubrey, is aboard.
Of course, outside the carriage, there are ten thousand soldiers from the allied forces.
"I have a question."
"Yeah?"
"Why did Lord Aubrey go out of his way to appear directly before Marquis Nyusha? If he intended to capture Abel, he could just send his subordinates instead of getting busy himself."
Ryo expresses his doubt.
Abel almost immediately responds.
"It's a show of force against Marquis Nyusha."
"A show of force? To display strength?"
"Yes. Are they going to manage the country while turning me into their enemy? Are they sure about that?"
"... So, it’s to suggest that he should join the allied forces?"
"Exactly."
It's a terrifying thought.
Lord Aubrey himself made a point to visit and deliberately conversed in front of Marquis Nyusha to encourage him to join the alliance.
Even without going that far, it was to show and make it seem better for them to maintain good relations with the alliance.
Of course, capturing Abel and bringing him to the alliance could also be used for negotiations with the kingdom.
In one action, multiple objectives are concealed.
"Just like His Majesty Rupert and His Majesty Robert Pirlo, those who lead countries are quite frightening."
"That's true."
"It seems Abel is included among them."
"Compared to those two or the Lord Aubrey in front of us, don't you think I'm still far behind?"
"I think so."
"No, what I’d like to hear is, ‘No, don’t worry. You can compete just fine.’”
A sigh escapes from Abel.
"Abel isn't the type to counter with intrigue and stratagem."
"Is that so? Then you counter with a sense of justice or sincerity?"
"... I don't expect such nonsense from Abel."
"I tried to imitate Ryo."
"What I expect from Abel is strength over brains."
"Yeah, that’s not a compliment. A muscle-headed king..."
"Don't worry, I am on Abel's side."
"I don’t quite understand, but thanks anyway."
People struggle with the disconnect between their ideal self and the self that others expect of them.
...
When explained in words, it sounds cool, but of course, Ryo isn't thinking about such complicated matters.
"I understand."
"Did I just feel like I was mocked by Abel...?"
"That's just your imagination. Don’t worry about it."
Abel is the king of the Naitorei Kingdom, the neighboring country of the alliance.
On the surface, the ten thousand soldiers, led by Lord Aubrey, are 'guarding' the king, who is the lord of the realm.
Thus, they end up staying in a luxurious inn in the city at night.
However, Lord Aubrey, until they entered Jakelea, didn't want anyone besides the guards to know about Abel's presence.
If the marquis of the kingdom knew, it could lead to various troublesome situations.
So, they rented out an inn, and dinner was shared among Lord Aubrey, Abel, and Ryo.
There, mainly, the friendship between the top leaders of the nation was deepened.
Of course, Ryo quietly sat there, enjoying the meal.
He left all the difficult matters to Abel.
Huh? Work?
No worries! I must have contributed to the stability of Abel’s heart...
A week after departing from the Marquisate Capital of Nansha.
They finally arrived at the entrance of the allied capital, Jakelea.
Inside the carriage, the king and the first duke are having a secret conversation through the "echo of the soul."
"We need a flashy display."
"Indeed. It wouldn’t be good for the people of the alliance to think, 'King Abel has submitted to the forces of the alliance.' If that reaches the kingdom, it will be even worse."