I was with Jürgen and his men at a nearby resting place. Originally, it was a temporary rest spot set up by Jürgen, but now it has become a makeshift field hospital. Worn-out knights kept coming in, and I had been providing necessary treatment for a while.
"I'm sorry... Your Highness..."
"What are you apologizing for?"
"You must have wanted to go and save your brother too... but because of my incompetence..."
"Incompetent? You?"
Inside the hut, Jürgen, who had taken off his armor and was lying down, spoke regretfully. I smiled wryly at his words. No one would call the current Jürgen incompetent.
"You did well today. If anyone laughs at your incompetence, your sister will cut them down."
"But... you..."
"I'm fine. If my staying behind allows your sister to move forward, then I believe I have fulfilled my duty."
When I said this, Jürgen murmured, "Is that so?" and slowly closed his eyes. He must have been exhausted from running without sleep.
"Good work, Duke. The day when I can call you my brother-in-law may not be far off."
After saying this to the sleeping Jürgen, I got up. Fortunately, Jürgen's scattered knights were gathering here. I decided to leave the rest to them. I left the hut where Jürgen was sleeping and headed to the hut assigned to me. I cast a privacy barrier and left an illusion of myself sleeping inside. The privacy barrier wouldn't be very effective if activated remotely, but it should be enough against someone who is tired. Besides, no one would enter the prince's room without permission, but Jürgen might come in when he wakes up. Fine also came in, so I need to be careful with the duke's family. With these thoughts, I teleported from the hut to a hidden room in the capital.
As expected, my butler was waiting for me.
"Welcome back, Lord Arnolt."
"Is everything ready?"
"Of course."
"Good. Let's go, it's time to act in the shadows."
With that, I put on my usual clothes and mask, transforming into Silver.
■■■
"What's the situation?"
"A mysterious sphere has appeared in the south, and a large number of undead monsters are emerging from it."
"What about Leo?"
"According to the Adventurer's Guild, he is safe. Prince Leonardo has requested a raid quest from the guild to deal with the monsters."
"A raid quest? I see. That must be Linfa's idea."
It seems she used the money I gave her effectively. I was right to entrust it to her. It's a clever and resourceful plan, just like an adventurer.
"What about Father's response?"
"There's a problem. The Emperor has ordered the army to send reinforcements to the south and instructed the surrounding lords to support Prince Leonardo, but he hasn't moved the Royal Guard."
"Did something happen when Krista and Rita were saved?"
"...Why are you assuming they were saved?"
"Elina wouldn't fail. When Krista sees someone's death, it's almost inevitable. In the past, when Krista saw a maid's death, I moved the maid to a house with a barrier to protect her. However, the scene Krista saw still came true. It was part of her premonition. No matter what I did, that future would come. So, I put the strongest person I could think of by her side. Elina can handle it with brute force."
"I see. That strategy was indeed successful. Krista and Rita are safe."
I nodded quietly at Sebastian's words. It was a good thing I didn't explicitly say the future was certain. Knowing that a certain future would come no matter what you do can make you hesitant to act. You might start thinking that death is inevitable. That would prevent you from intervening in the future. So, I bet on Elina. I believed she could handle it.
"However, Elina has been dismissed from the Royal Guard and placed under house arrest for exposing Krista to danger. The Emperor hasn't moved the Royal Guard because of this."
"I see... Elina... I need to make amends. But Father prioritized the castle's defense. It's natural after a princess was exposed to danger."
"Is the Adventurer's Guild your main hope for combat power, Lord Arnolt?"
"Is that what you think?"
When I asked, Sebastian nodded quietly. It was as if he knew my thoughts. Indeed, I wasn't counting on the empire's military power. The empire is too large to respond quickly to emergencies, and I, as a royal, know this well. Just because something unusual happens in the south doesn't mean the army can move immediately. The border defense forces would respond to an external invasion, but internal disturbances are not anticipated. It's difficult to decide whether the central government or the southern army should respond. If the Emperor's orders could be transmitted instantly, it would be different, but the capital and the southern border are too far apart. It's a struggle just to convey the decision.
On the other hand, adventurers are more agile. They are more reliable in such situations than the military or the knights of the lords.
"Indeed, I was counting on the adventurers, but how did you know?"
"Fine said you would and acted accordingly. She has been calling on adventurers in the capital and surrounding areas to participate in Prince Leonardo's raid quest."
"Fine did?"
"There's no evidence, but..."
"Typical of Fine. So, the capital branch is gathering adventurers, huh?"
Sebastian nodded at my words. If that's the case, things are easier. Depending on the situation in the south, it would be a big help to bring the capital's adventurers along.
"Then, I'll head out."
"Understood. I will guard Fine."
After thanking him, I teleported to the entrance of the branch. The people nearby were startled by my sudden appearance, but I ignored them and tried to enter the branch. At the same time, a voice from inside the guild was broadcast to the capital.
"Residents of the capital, I apologize for the disturbance. My name is Fine von Kleinert. The Adventurer's Guild is currently seeking adventurers to participate in a raid quest from the south. Please, adventurers, lend us your strength. People are suffering in the south. We need your help to save them."
Fine's speech was broadcast throughout the capital. I smiled at her words. It was typical of Fine to appeal sincerely rather than give orders.
"This is the Adventurer's Guild. As Fine mentioned, we have received a raid quest request. The quest is called 'Rescue of the Blue Seagull.' Any adventurer ranked B or higher can participate! It's been a while since we had a raid quest! It's a great opportunity to earn! Please join us!"
It was probably a guild receptionist. If I had to say, it was a fitting announcement. Still, 'Rescue of the Blue Seagull'? The guild decides the quest name, but it's a bit straightforward. However, for enthusiastic adventurers, this might be just right. They would be happy to fight for the Blue Seagull Princess.
"Hey? Silver is here too? This must be important."
It was Guy who called out to me. He must have rushed over. His hair was messy, and his clothes were disheveled.
"Are you joining too?"
"Of course! How can a man refuse when the Blue Seagull Princess asks?"
Guy smiled brightly. I almost sighed at his enthusiasm, but then he added:
"Besides, my friend's brother is in the south. I have to help him."
"Right..."
Guy grinned and entered the branch. Adventurers who had rushed over started gathering. Some were participants, and others were there to support. I stepped into the branch, which was now filled with adventurers. The moment they saw me, the noisy guild fell silent. Only the receptionist, who was taking down names, spoke.
"Your name and rank, please?"
"SS-rank adventurer, Silver. I'm here to participate in the raid quest."
The receptionist, tense, wrote down my name. Even the Adventurer's Guild doesn't have a way to move to the south immediately, but they gathered adventurers here because of my presence. The adventurers knew this.
The one they were waiting for has arrived.
The adventurers all cheered at once.
"Finally! Silver!"
"Having you here is like having a thousand men!"
"Let's go and help them!"
Behind the cheering adventurers, Fine appeared where the guild staff were. She smiled softly and bowed to me. No words were needed. We understood each other. I nodded quietly and announced to the entire guild.
"The leader of the raid quest is usually the highest-ranked participant. In this case, it's me. Any objections?"
No one objected. It was only natural. The highest rank in the capital branch is SS, but the next highest is AA. However, they are not unreliable. They are seasoned adventurers who have protected the empire in their own way.
"No objections. I will take command. I will be responsible for everyone's lives."
There was no response, but a loud cheer echoed through the branch. Morale was high. With this, we can fight.