"...So, the enemy's base is most likely located outside the country, separate from the market, though it’s still in a foreign location. The base itself shouldn’t be too far from our country," I stated, summarizing the information Gilbert had brought back with him.
Gilbert, who had returned with Stayle, brought a wealth of information, far more than expected in just a few minutes. Stayle had hidden during most of the exchange, and Gilbert assured us, "Rest assured, this is not an illegal transaction." He smiled warmly at me, but I couldn't shake the feeling of unease after Arthur muttered, "That sounds suspicious."
Nevertheless, things were beginning to fall into place. The two children who had been kidnapped—Val’s children—were probably taken to that base. The fact that it was outside the country was unfortunate, but we had pinpointed the location to a certain extent. More importantly, it seemed the human trafficking market hadn’t opened yet, so I didn’t need to worry about them being sold off before fulfilling my promise to Val. He had insisted on bringing five substitutes, so it's clear that the supply was still insufficient.
With that in mind, I asked, "Pryde-sama, may I ask you a few questions?"
Gilbert's sudden inquiry made me jump slightly. "Yes?" I asked, my voice betraying my surprise as I looked at him.
"...You don’t mean to personally rescue the children yourself, do you?" Gilbert asked, bending slightly to match my posture, his face unreadable. At his words, Arthur took a sharp breath, and I could hear Tiara and Stayle exhale softly. Arthur seemed caught off guard, but Tiara and Stayle appeared to have expected this. Of course, my younger siblings were already one step ahead. I took a breath, and I could hear Val behind me let out a loud "Huh?!". Yeah, that’s probably the most accurate reaction.
Indeed, I had intended to go myself. With the information Gilbert provided, I had a pretty good idea of the location and situation, but if I left it to the guards and knights, I couldn’t be certain that the kidnapped children and others would be safe. It would require a large operation, and there would be plenty of preparation. If even the slightest hint of our plan reached the enemy, they might destroy evidence, leaving the victims vulnerable. In this case…
"If you're concerned about the safety of the hostages while moving knights and guards in large numbers, we could narrow it down to a small, elite team of knights, sending them to infiltrate under cover of night. We know Val will come to our country for the deal, and by tracking him, we can easily locate the enemy base. Afterward, a small elite group can secure the hostages' safety. Once that’s done, we can then send in the full force to wipe them out. By that time, we won’t need to intervene."
Gilbert spoke so smoothly, outlining the most efficient and foolproof plan.
"Then, there’s a possibility that Val, who couldn’t bring any substitutes for the exchange, will see the children who’ve been taken as hostages killed right there on the spot."
"Then we could always assign new recruits or guards as substitutes. If we select those skilled at protecting themselves, it would minimize risk."
As expected, the genius tactician had no room for debate. I lowered my head and averted my gaze from him.
But then, Val yelled, "No way! If you’ve got big, strong guys, they’ll never trust anything I bring to the table!" It was true. If Val said he'd captured five tough knights in two days, no one would believe him.
However, Stayle, likely sharing the same opinion as Gilbert, silently observed us through the glasses perched on his nose, never uttering a word.
...But even if we managed to save others, I couldn’t help but think about the possibility that, if the enemy had brought the two children for trade with Val, they might kill them anyway. If the mission escalated into a large-scale battle, even if the knights witnessed the children being killed right before their eyes, they’d have to abandon them in order to carry out the mission. After that, we’d have to track the enemy and confirm the base location, saving as many of our people as we could.
If that were the case, I would have to go alone. But...wait a second.
I paused, realizing something. The number of people who had been turned into merchandise could be quite high. In fact, it had to be, given that they were preparing to open a market. If it was just the two children, I might manage, but could I really fight off a group of kidnappers, whose numbers we didn’t even know, while trying to protect all the victims?
"Even so, you still wish to act on your own, to rescue them?"
I froze, overwhelmed by doubt and anxiety, as Gilbert’s follow-up words left me speechless. Indeed, there was no choice but to follow Gilbert’s advice…
"Then, I will go with you."
I blinked in surprise, looking up at him. Gilbert’s expression, which had been unreadable earlier, softened into a warm, gentle smile as he looked at me.
"I will accompany you. I can’t allow you to risk your life for the sake of our future citizens. And personally, I cannot discard even one citizen. Your Highness, Princess Pryde, I will see to it that your words and wishes are fulfilled, with all my heart."
Gilbert’s sudden declaration left me speechless. He was going with me? To the dangerous human trafficking organization’s base?
In shock, I stammered, "N-No, there’s no need for you to go to such a dangerous place... I mean, Stella has just been born..."
"I am here to serve the people," he countered firmly, pushing me to accept. I had no more words to counter him. Then, without warning, Gilbert gracefully knelt before me, taking my hand and pressing his lips to the back of my hand.
"Everything, as Princess Pryde commands."
I suddenly recalled a vow from two years ago, feeling my face heat up. I realized that this was probably what Gilbert meant by his words. And then, to my surprise, Stayle knelt beside him, just as Gilbert had.
"I agree with Gilbert, my sister. If you are to go alone, then I will go with you. If this is the course you believe is best, I will follow you. Everything, as the heart of Princess Pryde dictates."
"Though I’m dissatisfied that Gilbert beat me to it," he murmured with a deep bow.
I stood there, too stunned to speak, struggling to figure out what to say. Before I could decide, I heard the unmistakable sound of metal clinking behind me. When I turned, I found Arthur kneeling before me, too. Behind him, I saw Val, eyes wide with shock, more surprised than I was. I covered my mouth with both hands, spinning to face Arthur. He bowed deeply, his words unwavering.
"My intentions have never changed. I am your knight. No matter what happens, I will protect you. Everything, as the proud will of Princess Pryde commands."
As my head struggled to process it all, I turned to Tiara, who, to my surprise, elegantly spread her dress with her fingers and gave a small bow.
Could this really be happening?
My wish was a selfish indulgence. As a royal, it would have been proper to follow Gilbert’s earlier advice and instruct the knights and guards through my parents. It would have been natural for me to be stopped from going to a den of criminals.
I knew that I shouldn’t move.
And yet, everyone was supporting my wish. Tiara, Stayle, even Arthur—who, four years ago, had cried so much when I returned from the cliff collapse. Suddenly, a flood of emotions overcame me, and I nearly cried. I managed to hold back tears, touching my eyes and whispering a heartfelt "Thank you."
"Then, my sister. Please, command us," Stayle said, his head still bowed, his tone resolute.
At that moment, it was only I and Val, still frozen in shock, standing upright.
I straightened my posture, meeting Val's gaze directly. He seemed to notice and took a small step back, staring at me as if I were some monster.
—To him, I might still be nothing more than a monster. The harm that brought him to his current fate.
—But still…
"Princess Pryde Royal Ivy commands once more."
I turned my gaze to Val, calling upon those who supported me.
—As the First Princess, and as his master, there was only one thing I must do.
"I will go to rescue the children, along with the other captives. Please support me, and lend me your strength."
—Now, I will take his hand not as a sinner, but as one of my people.
—With my hand, not anyone else's, I will make sure of it.
"At your command," echoed four voices in unison, resonating throughout the room.
**********
EUN: I spiraled down the AHOF hole. Seriously, please help the nameless fandom in voting for them in duckad. Or just try checking them out. They're extremely talented and hilarious af.
While I was translating some of my ongoing projects, I was cackling and laughing so hard at their antics and the duality of the members.
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