Editing Rakuin no Monshou:Volume7 Chapter4 (section)

=== Part 3 ===

Gowen was suspicious of the Princess’ behaviour. In the end, since coming to Nedain, she had not once gone to visit him nor had him summoned before her.

''I thought she was definitely going to ask about the Prince or about Orba. Has she changed her mind?''

Just like Simon, who had also put himself on guard over the Princess’ visit just like Simon had, he had felt that this was a bit anti-climactic.

It had been ten days since the Garberan princess had come to Nedain.

Right after the sun had set, Gowen was summoned by Rogue Saian. A little while earlier, Gowen had received the news that an air carrier messenger had arrived from Solon. He was wondering whether it had come to convince the Princess to return there, but –

“What?” When he heard the details from Rogue, the former overseer of sword slaves unabashedly opened his eyes wide.

Bewilderment also clung to the General’s deeply wrinkled face like a thin layer of skin; however, he had spent many years on battlefields and immediately ordered the various commanders, Gowen among them, to begin their preparations.

After briefly stopping by the barracks that housed his troops – although, it was no more than a platoon of a few dozen men headed by Pashir and Miguel – to give them his orders, Gowen hastily returned to his own chambers.

Ran, however, was not there. He asked Reeno, the chamberlain, about it.

“She returned for a while in the evening, but…” the boy answered, looking no less confused than Rogue had earlier.

Gowen soon found out the reason for that. A dish of the usual fried Jijis was set imposingly on the dining table. There was enough of it for at least ten people.

“The hell’s this?” Gowen wore the same expression has he had when he had received his orders from Rogue.
 
At around about the same time that Rogue had called for Gowen, Vileena, who had been having her meal with a large number of servants waiting on her, suddenly stood up.

“Princess?”

Glancing at the freckled young woman beside her who had just spoken in a surprised voice, Vileena felt a little depressed. Lined up on the dining table were nothing but dishes that she had previously called “delicious.” She would soon be returning to Solon, and this was probably all that those working at the fortress could do to show her kindness.

Setting aside Lord Jairus’ personality, the people of Nedain were simple and warm-hearted. Because of that, her chest tightened at the thought of what she was about to do.

“I’ve had enough,” Vileena cut short her own thoughts. More than half of the meal was left.

“A-Are you not feeling well, Princess?”

“I will go call a doctor at once…”

“I said I have had enough.”

Vileena shook off the flustered serving girls and left the dining hall that was reserved for the use of aristocrats. No sooner had she done so that she strode towards the port, looking angry and in a huff.
“I wish to return to Solon immediately. I cannot bear to spend another night in this rural backwater. What is with this town? Nothing to eat but dry meat and potatoes, nowhere to go and have fun, and not even any entertainers to amuse guests. When I was in Garbera, I would never have believed it!”

She was utterly different from how she usually was. If anyone who knew the Garberan princess had been there to see her, it would have been clear to them what was going on. ''Ah, she really is a terrible actress'', they would have thought.  The people of Nedain however, did not know Vileena’s personality.

She easily gave up on the white ship, which she had previously been obsessed about, and wilfully had a different one prepared for her return to Solon. It was a medium-sized ship with the capacity to seat about ten people, but taking into account cruising range<ref>The distance an aircraft can fly before it needs to refuel.</ref> , rather than speed, it could travel a long way for its size.

Krau was at the helm. Those manning the other stations were the maintenance crew who had been working with her on repairing the other ship. They had all been thoroughly drilled in how to handle a ship by Krau herself.

The harbourmasters had come flying while Krau was checking the engines.

“Unless it’s for something urgent, you can’t take out a ship that hasn’t been scheduled for departure. Even you can understand that much, right?”

“Well now. Does the Princess wanting to return to Solon as soon as possible count as something urgent for you? Me, I’m just a slave who received her direct orders. Wouldn’t those also be difficult to overturn unless it’s for something urgent?”

The harbourmasters looked at each other. Krau figured that the odds were about fifty-fifty that things would go smoothly, but at that moment, their surroundings were suddenly thrown into upheaval. Armed soldiers were running around, and mechanics that Krau recognised started working on some of the other ships, apparently making urgent flight preparations.

Raised voices were also calling out for the harbourmasters from all around. Krau seized that opportunity to make her way to the bridge.

“Something seems to have happened,” she reported. The Princess was of course already on the bridge, as was Hou Ran.

Vileena looked dubious for a moment, “Are they practicing night flights?”

“No. It looks like whatever it is wasn’t scheduled either, so that can’t be it. And secondly, General Saian himself is…”

“Princess!”

Theresia came into sight. Apparently, she had come running as soon as she had heard. Her face was bright red because of it. With her eyes flaring, she demanded, “What is it that you are planning to do this time?”

“Something scandalous. Isn’t acting outrageously normal for me?”

“That is certain,” Theresia acknowledged, “However, equally, you do not do things without thinking, Princess.”

“I wonder.”

“I have known you longer than anyone.”

Theresia was of course bitter about the fact that, despite her warning, her mistress had raised the issue of Raymond with Jairus, the lord of Nedain.

What worried her more than anything was that — ''she is using more intricate methods than before''.

Vileena neither interrogated Jairus nor rebuked him. In that sense, she had kept her promise to Theresia. She wondered if that meant that the ever-reckless Princess had become a bit wiser.

“It is futile to try and run away. Kindly confess everything. What on earth are you – ''hic''.”

The end of Theresia’s sentence got lost in a hiccup. It was not only because she had been running that her face was red. That evening, Vileena had presented her with a liquor that was a local specialty in Nedain.

Krau said loudly, “The bridge tends to jolt a lot. It’s dangerous if you’re drunk. The cabin on the second deck is the safest. We’ll take you!”

Calling for one of the mechanics, she had him start to lead Theresia away. She would resist if they were to try and eject her from the ship itself, so Krau’s plan was to lock her in the cabin. Unlike her mistress, Theresia had common-sense. In times like these, she would follow the advice of those who knew what they were talking about.

“There will be punishment waiting for you later… ''hic''.”

The port was getting noisier and noisier. One after another, voices called for the harbourmasters until they were run off their feet.

“What should we do?”

Krau could not conceal her anxiousness as she spoke. Vileena made up her mind. She too felt uneasy about this unexpected situation, but after having come this far, they could do nothing but seize it as a favourable opportunity.

“We fly.”

“Eh?”

“Before it’s too late – Come on Krau, please hurry.”

She had acted unlike herself and had only just managed to grasp this chance. The young girl’s heart had already long since flown to Apta. Now it only remained for her body to catch up.

“Come on!”

Receiving Vileena’s order, Krau reluctantly seized hold of the ship’s wheel. The ether engines roared, startling the men that were near them and making them back away.

Dragging its heavy body, the hull started to rise.

“Who is it that’s getting ahead of themselves!”

A voice could be heard in the distance. General Rogue’s voice. While feeling remorseful towards the general, Vileena was no longer at a point where she could still turn back. The ship soared into the night sky over Nedain.

As expected, both Rogue and Jairus must have received reports that the Princess and her followers were riding on board that ship and that she was returning to Solon. As proof of that, no airships were sent to chase after them.

Jairus’ thoughts were probably along the lines of — ''doing whatever she pleases. Still, it spares me the trouble of seeing her off''.

Vileena’s destination, however, was not Solon. They planned to leave towards the north to make it look as though they were headed towards the capital, then turn southwest for Apta.

Normally, when flying at night, two or more ships would always sail together; that would allow them to mutually check positions by each other’s lights. However, Krau had been thoroughly drilled in solo night flights from her long years with Zaj Haman. That was because she was mainly involved in trading with the west, something which had been prohibited in Mephius at the time.

She had a mechanic stand near the steerage system and plot a navigation course with a compass and map. Her knowledge and skill matched those of any non-commissioned officer.

Having for now left for the skies, Vileena heaved a sigh of relief.

Still, there would be no avoiding the uproar once they had arrived in Apta. Her wilful behaviour had gone a little too far. If rumour of it reached her home country of Garbera, she fully expected to be harshly criticised.

''Even so…''

Even so, she could not step foot on Garbera’s soil without understanding to her own satisfaction what had happened. Prince Gil would have done the same. He who, no matter how far into a corner was driven, nor how much his allies might scorn him, would wait until he saw his chance to bring about the desired results, then act without fail.

“Hyee!” Krau suddenly made a sound like a shriek.

It had been less than an hour since they had set a course for the southwest. Krau suddenly cut down on their altitude. Abruptly flung forward, Vileena nearly fell from her seat.

“What happened?”

Krau had good eyesight. The mechanic who had been peering through binoculars also noticed, albeit belatedly.

“Ships in sight,” he reported in a tense voice. “Their number… two… three. The central one is, there’s no mistake, General Saian’s own flagship?”

“Are they chasing after us?” Vileena’s expression also stiffened.

They must have noticed their intention to head for Apta and had come to block the way. Although their ship was only medium-sized, it was not built for speed. If their opponent sent out airships, and had them take up battle formation, shaking them off would be difficult.

''If the General himself is on board'' — Vileena fleetingly considered. The General had been fond of the Prince... If she explained the situation, she might be able to persuade him.

However, Rogue was already under intense scrutiny from the Emperor. It was naturally not Vileena’s intention to involve him any further, or to cause him any disgrace. There had to be some way out of this – she was straining her wits to think of one when...

“No,” Krau muttered as she narrowed her eyes. “There’s no sign that they’ve noticed us and it doesn’t look like the airships have been sent out to search. Somehow, they don’t seem to be chasing after us. Princess, those must the ships that were being readied at the port. It looks like they’re going in the same direction as us.”

According to Krau’s explanation, the fleet under Rogue Saian’s command, was flying in the same direction as they were. Which meant...

“General Saian is also going to Apta?” Vileena voiced the question.

Krau had said that there were no ships cleared for departure that evening. And yet, Rogue had hurriedly launched three ships. Additionally, their destination was Apta. The situation was clearly serious.
Krau turned to look over her shoulder at Vileena, her plump face covered in sweat.

“What should we do?”

“There is no helping it.”

“Are we turning back?” Krau looked relieved.

“No. Stay far enough away that they will not be able to notice us, and follow after them.”

At her mistress’ order, for one second only, Krau looked looked upwards as though seeking help.
 


It was a two-day journey from Nedain.

Vileena’s ship had just enough ether loading capacity to cover the distance. Finally, when Apta was coming into sight, the ship had no choice but to lessen the distance with Rogue Saian’s fleet.

“I-If we get any closer than this, we’ll be spotted,” Krau screeched.

“Don’t worry. We won’t be found, we will be letting ourselves be found,” Vileena answered with a decided expression.

She was worried that if they remained behind the fleet that was moving at a fixed speed, their ether might run out before they reached the port. Besides, Apta was right in front of their eyes. Even if they were detected at this point, she was not worried that they would be ordered to turn back. Such was Vileena’s calculation.

Krau increased their speed in a frantic state of mind and steadily drew level with Rogue Saian’s ships. Naturally, their ship also bore the crest of Mephius, but Rogue, suspicious of their affiliation, sent an airship out to them.

At Vileena’s instructions, they received it on board without offering any resistance. The young pilot climbed up to the bridge.

“P-Princess!” At one glimpse of Princess Vileena, his voice broke into a falsetto.

The Princess also remembered his face. His name was Neil Tonson and he had been one of Prince Gil’s Imperial Guards. He had served as the leader of the airship unit that, while stationed in Apta, Vileena had given some piloting instruction to.

He was currently affiliated to Gowen’s platoon. Unlike the startled and flustered Neil, Vileena’s expression was as cool as could be.

“We will land first. I would like to ask you to guide us,” she said shrewdly.

Neil’s naturally ruddy face flushed even redder. “A-Aye, aye.”
He had no choice but to obey.
 


With Neil’s airship serving as guide, Vileena’s ship, followed by General Saian’s fleet, touched down one after another at Apta’s landing area. After arriving at port, Rogue Saian practically pushed the other soldiers aside while energetically rushing towards the Princess, who had just appeared from her ship.

Even so, there was someone who was even faster to greet her.

Nabarl Metti.

“This is a delightfully unexpected visit.” He had, of course, also heard the sudden news of her arrival, and was unable to wipe the expression of displeasure from his face.

Rogue felt that compared to usual, there was something unexpectedly different in the man’s manner.

“I didn’t expect to see you in Apta either. Weren’t you in Kilro?”

“Indeed, General,” Nabarl spun around and smiled at the veteran general. “And General Lorgo and his troops are expected tomorrow. Now that you have been appointed here, General Saian, I hope to learn from your wisdom.”

“What? Odyne Lorgo as well?”

Rogue appeared to be hearing about it for the first time. With two of the twelve generals being gathered in addition of Nabarl’s soldiers who had originally been stationed there, a considerable military force was being amassed at Apta.

Just like Rogue, Vileena was finding it strongly suspicious. She looked up at Nabarl.

“What is this about? Why would so many troops be needed in Apta?”

“I will have a room prepared for you, Princess. Please do consider heading back tomorrow.”
[[Image:Rakuin no Monshou v07 174.jpg|thumb]]

Ignoring Vileena’s question, Nabarl gave a snap of his fingers. Soldiers, who appeared to be his subordinates, emerged from behind him. They were armed with swords and guns. It looked like the reason why he had been waiting at the port had not been to welcome Rogue or the Princess.

“Wait,” Rogue instinctively started to shout. He thought that Nabarl was intending to use brute force to restrain the Princess and send her back. However...

“Among your troops, General Saian, there should be those who used to be the Crown Prince’s Imperial Guards. I will be taking them into temporary custody.”

Nabarl's unexpected words shocked him.

“W-What’s the meaning of this?”

“An order from His Majesty.”

When the Emperor was brought up, Rogue understood the reason for Nabarl’s change in attitude. But even so, he could not comprehend the reason for the order.

The soldiers led by Gowen, in other words, the former sword slaves like Pashir and Miguel, and even Neil Tonson and Hou Ran, were hauled away.

“Wait...” but no matter what he tried, Nabarl would insistently bring out the fact that it was the Emperor’s orders.

Gowen’s expression was grim, but he did not put up any resistance. Perhaps because he had anticipated it beforehand, he did not seem particularly surprised that Ran, his adopted daughter, was there as well. Making large amounts of his favourite food had probably been the only way for Ran, who did not know how to write, to express her solicitude.

“These are soldiers I was entrusted with. Since you are treating them in this way, I expect a convincing explanation from you. Which will of course include what comes next for them.” Glaring at Nabarl, Rogue started to utter words that were close to being a threat.

“Naturally,” Nabarl nodded composedly.

Unable to comprehend the situation, the Princess could only stand there, unmoving, just as she had when Gowen and the others were being led away. Glancing at her, contempt flashed through Nabarl’s eyes.
 


The sun had completely set.

Vileena and Rogue were in the fortress’ dining room. Rogue had just come out of a conference with Nabarl. He had been hesitant, as the hour was already advanced, but thinking that the Princess would want to hear an explanation as soon as possible, he had gone to see her despite how late it was. Even so, it would not do for him to meet an unmarried woman alone in the dead of night, so he insisted on having the dining room for the use of officers be opened up.

For the same reason, a chamberlain and Theresia were also present. Having laid out alcohol and tea, they had then retreated to a distance at which they could not hear the two’s conversation.

“What is going on?” asked Vileena, who had been waiting impatiently.

Rogue scratched through his grey hair. “I would like to ask that myself… Well, at this point, I don’t understand it either.” He wore a bemused expression.

Just before Vileena had flown out of Nedain, a messenger had come from Solon carrying these orders from the Emperor: “outfit three ships with weapons then hurry with them to Apta.”

Without knowing anything more, he had rushed over, and Nabarl had been waiting. When he had subsequently heard the details from him, even Rogue, a long-serving general, had been taken aback.

The same, of course, held true for Vileena. “It can’t be,” she repeatedly murmured while listening to him talk.

Watching from a distance as Vileena’s complexion turned red, then white as though from shock, Theresia worried that her mistress might be on the verge of collapse.

First of all, Nabarl had hurriedly been appointed as one of the twelve generals in Solon. He was filling the position left vacant by the rebel Zaat Quark, but because the Blue Bow Division that Zaat had led was considered to have an inauspicious name, it was changed to the ‘Blue Zenith Division<ref>‘Blue Bow’ (蒼弓) and ‘Blue Zenith’ (蒼穹) not only look very similar, they are also pronounced the same in Japanese (soukyuu)</ref>’.

And the first mission that he received as one of the twelve generals was,

“Conquer Taúlia.”

While Vileena was still reeling from that first shock, Rogue Saian followed up with a second one.

“And along with that… it seems that Oubary Bilan has been released from prison.”



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