Editing Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Epilogue (section)

===Part 4===
Veronica took in a shocking view from the window of the office. Crucified onto a cross, the Paladin Oswald appeared on the deck of the magic ship Claíomh Solais. On both his left and right sides, soldiers with cold eyes stood at the ready with long rifles in hand. The crown symbolising his status as the Paladin had been stripped off, his overall condition seemed haggard, and he was also dressed in the clothing of a prisoner. Upon seeing her father’s miserable state—

“What a disgrace this is…!”

Even as steadfast as Veronica was, even she was taken aback. As if to add insult to injury, Uriel’s voice continued to echo through the air

[These are our requirements. First Princess Veronica, as well as all Dragonars and Breeders, surrender along with your Pals. Otherwise, we shall execute Paladin Oswald on the spot!]

“Princess-sama…!”

“Your Highness Veronica.”

At that moment, Captain Glenn and Captain of the Order Ursula entered the office. Having withstood defeat at Kingsley Fortress, both of them were wounded all over. Their entire bodies were wrapped in bandages. But even so, both of them had their Arks equipped.

“…What do the two of you want? This is a political negotiation. You have not been given a place to speak.”

Veronica’s ferocious glare pierced through Glenn and Ursula. After Glenn knelt down on the spot, he said while gasping for air

“Your Highness, should you order us so…we will lead our Pals to attack, and strike down the Claíomh Solais. All members of your personal guard feel the same way.”

“Our Order of Holy Dragonars was defeated at Kingsley Fortress. For the sake of rescuing our Paladin Oswald, I plead for you to allow us to attack.”

In contrast to Glenn, Ursula looked somewhat more composed. The fact that it wasn’t possible to tell if she was injured or not was one of the reasons for her status.

“No, there is no need for that.”

Veronica sighed and then turned around to face both of them. Just as Glenn and Ursula said, if Veronica gave the order, both the Order of Holy Dragonars and her personal guard would spiritedly fight until the bitter end against the Claíomh Solais. However, their opponent was their own suzerain state. The Lautreamont Knight Country had a long history of loyalty to them. If the Knight Country broke off ties with the Kingdom today, it was equivalent to tainting the spirit of chivalry that the Knight Country had maintained for five hundred years. Veronica’s principles would never allow such a thing to happen. Moreover, she couldn’t turn Fontaine City into a battlefield either. Veronica knew herself well, and considered herself old-fashioned. But if one looked back in history, they could see that it was the Chevron Kingdom which assisted with the founding of the Lautreamont Knight Country, and the great responsibility of being entrusted with the raising and management of dragons. At the time, the Chevron King Lionel III was fearful of the dragons’ overwhelming power. Thus, he entrusted everything to the dependable first Paladin, Durham Lautreamont. If Veronica were to turn against Uriel at this moment — then it would be equivalent to betraying Lionel III, who was renowned for his great kindness and benevolence…. However, if Veronica chose to surrender, she would at least be able to preserve the citizens’ lives. Veronica glared as she gnashed her teeth.

“We have no choice…but surrender.”

“Do you truly wish to surrender? Princess-sama! Even if you do truly surrender, there is no guarantee that Prince Uriel will spare the Paladin! No, perhaps he will not even be satisfied with the Paladin’s life, and he will take your life as well, Princess-sama!”

Although usually well-mannered, Glenn was unable to restrain his emotions. Even so, it was not enough to shake Veronica’s determination.

“…This is for the sake of our precious people. Glenn, take a close look. That bastard Uriel has pointed the main cannon at the city’s centre. He’s already considered the slim possibility that we might try to stage a desperate rescue effort for the Paladin.”

Indeed, Veronica had realised that from the very beginning. The main cannon of the magic ship Claíomh Solais had been locked onto the city from the beginning. If Veronica refused to surrender, the urban area would inevitably be charred to ashes in an instant. After coming this far, Veronica realised that there were no options left—

[—Please wait.]

Suddenly, a magnanimous voice resounded across the dawn sky. Upon hearing that voice, even Veronica peered out the window in shock.

“That ship is…?”

The sight outside the window totally took her by surprise. A completely unknown magic ship that she had never seen before had somehow appeared behind the Claíomh Solais without anyone’s notice.

“Hold on! That voice just now…it had to be Mirabel!”

Indeed, the voice that had been broadcast to the city through magic amplification did belong to Mirabel. Moreover, the unknown magic ship had cast a three-dimensional projection into the sky, something that was impossible for any ordinary magic ship. As for the projection in the air, it showed the beautiful appearance of Mirabel Lautreamont. For some reason, Oscar Brailsford also stood by her side.

[Good morning everyone. I am the Third Princess of the Knight Country, Mirabel Lautreamont.]

The entire city instantly went into uproar. Even Veronica looked bewildered as her mouth fell agape.

Mirabel was essentially a scholar, and she had always cooped herself up in her room to study ever since childhood. She was quite obviously a talented child prodigy, thus Veronica allowed her to pursue her own interests. Everyone in the palace also believed that Mirabel’s fascination with research meant that she was unlikely to be active in public life. However, Mirabel now stood at the helm of the political stage.

[I have become aware of the situation after listening to Prince Uriel’s speech. Regarding this matter…]

Mirabel went silent for almost ten seconds, pushing the expectations and unease of the audience to its utmost limits.

[Even I cannot bear this…][[Image:SnRK V08 394.jpg|thumb]]With a strong tone that differed from her usual manner, she directed her gaze to Oscar who stood beside her. And then, she blurted out the words which no one could believe

[I will expose the virulent evils and treason of the Third Prince Uriel. And I hereby declare Oscar Brailsford who is ranked one hundred and eighth in line to the royal succession as the next Chevron King—.]

“The Avalon Knight Dragner III” is closed.<noinclude>
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