Vol. 3 Chapter 21: Operation: Sweet Roses (Part 1) (Patreon)

Rogan observed the knights preparing their arsenals in the courtyard, the sun still barely up, with only its light slightly touching the edges of the horizon. Everyone had serious expressions on their faces, as they have come to acknowledge the severity of their opposition after the meeting with the princess yesterday.

The details of the plans, however, were not as detailed, but merely the generalization of it — like their role and the end goals of the operation. In addition, it was the timing of when everyone would be dispatched as there were requirements that the princess didn’t try to share. But in the end, everyone was said to wait for the right moment, no matter how long.

Rogan still remembered how strict the princess was when she said to follow her orders. Do not disobey. However, do what you think will be of great benefit to the mission, think for yourself.

One might think that the last sentence was quite odd, but everyone of course understood what she meant by it. They can choose to act on their own. However, if that was a foolish action, then she would take it as disobedience and the person who did it would surely receive some sort of penalty or punishment.

Rogan had been preparing himself. The princess was the target of those creatures, and he had to be on guard when the confrontation comes. He shifted his gaze to the spear in his hand. Unlike when he was guarding the princess in the palace, he had to discard the sword and use the type of weapon he always used.

His gaze returned to the knights. He should be with the princess, truth be told, but he was ordered to oversee the knights’ preparations for a while. But there didn’t seem to be any need for him here, except watch.

His eyes ended up on Alan, the young man desperate to keep his place in the Order. Truly, Alan was to be admired as someone who resists his parents’ wishes. Just like Rogan himself. Well, at least Alan was being demanded by his family to return.

Unlike Rogan’s, where his family only tried to reconnect with him when word he became the princess’s personal knight came out. Of course, he had no intention to speak with them. They were selfish buggers.

They do not care about him, they only care about rising up to the ranks. They would just only use the princess to gain some leverage, they likely thought the princess was an easy game. Working under the princess, Rogan learned that she was no fool. Should he fear for the princess who might get played by his family, or should he fear what would happen to his family if the princess came to realize that?

Although, perhaps he can’t blame them for attempting to. Nobles desire power, to rise. They would take the easy way if such a way exists. And, they had no idea who the princess truly was. There was nothing to barely any information about her. Even Rogan who was always around the palace didn’t know very much about the mysterious princess in the past.

Although, her being a treasure that must be protected at all costs was no ruse.

Rogan began walking, his armor faintly clanking, and approached Alan who was tightening his armor.

“Feeling relieved that you’ll finally get another chance?”

Alan paused and turned to face Rogan. “Yes, and I am grateful for it,” he said with a smile.

“Good, that’s good. However, you are placed right at the rear though.”

“Yes… But I understand, best to leave the vanguard to the best.”

“You might not get the shine that you want.”

“... Being involved in this is plenty. Still… I can’t be sure if this will help change my family’s decision. But a man can only hope.”

Rogan nodded. “Just don’t die.”

“Yeah.”

Better make sure you do.

It would hurt for Alan to die out there, although that didn’t matter much to Rogan. He only hoped that Alan wouldn’t die because the princess was troubled if a weakling like Alan would die during a confrontation under her command.

And Rogan was one of the two that pleaded with the princess to insert Alan somewhere, and she was quite displeased about it, despite making the decision out of kindness. If Alan dies, Rogan didn’t want to be the target of the princess’s resentment, even if little. Heartless it may be to care more about one’s master than one’s friend, but that was how it was supposed to be. No hard feelings. Besides, it was already decided that Alan’s life was in his own hands, and his blood will not stain anyone’s. If he dies, then it is his own fault.

Rogan then caught in his eyes a woman he knew very well. He smiled as he left Alan to walk towards that woman with a carefree demeanor.

“Hey, Ayana!”

The woman, Ayana, turned towards him with a neutral expression after pausing her work. “Rogan…”

“So…. how are you holding up?”

“Fine, I’m fine. You on the other hand, don’t even seem serious about this.”

“Oh come on, really?”

“...Hm, I suppose you are serious about this.”

“Of course I am.”

“That’s good. You should be plenty motivated for your mistress.”

“...Yeah, I’ll get scolded if I slack around.”

“Hm.”

Rogan looked around as if thinking of what to say next and audibly cleared his throat.

“Uh, Ayana… when this operation’s done. Want to hang out?”

“Hang out? And where would we go? I am quite busy.”

“We should get some free time when the job’s done. The princess would certainly let me go on a day off. And surely you would get one as well. So, how about we go get something to eat out there in the city?” Rogan formed a strained smile.

Ayana furrowed her brows slightly. “No, I don’t see the point of going to the city to eat. We have plenty here already.”

“Y-Yeah, but—”

“And I would like to take a rest if the mission is done. As what every day off should.”

“It will be a restful occasion…”

“As I said, no. No eating in the city will happen.”

“...”

“Hm, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check on my squad.”

And with that, Ayana left.

Rogan could only stare at her speechless before heaving a heavy sigh.

No use, huh…

Many times he had asked Ayana something similar, and she would always refuse. He has been trying to get some time, some special time, with her ever since they met. However, nothing.

And I thought we were getting along so well.

They treated each other as close friends. However, it would seem that closeness cannot grow into special fondness. And it was saddening and heartbreaking for him, his heart pained and legs slightly weakened. He had already been losing hope for some time now, in fact.

But now…

There’s no hope after all… guess I should just give up.

He thought there was something special between them, given how they always interacted with each other. But, it would appear that was the limit to their relationship. That was as far as they can get. He tried going past it, but no, he cannot push through anymore.

Aaaah, dammit. Can’t let this cloud my mind while doing my duty… At least it didn’t hurt as much as I imagined it would.

Was it because he had expected it or because of something else?

He only asked now as one last attempt, after many before. And now she refused, it proved there was no chance in this.

He returned to where he was standing before and waited while the knights were still finishing up their preparations, and then Estevan arrived. After that, he returned to the palace to meet with his superior, the princess.

He arrived at the princess’s study room, which Vernon allowed him to enter. Vernon was not wearing his usual butler’s outfit, but now apparels fit for combat. A shirt, but on top of them was a chest armor, going to his back. A small shoulder armor, and metal paddings on his forearms. He wore brown boots, and his legs were also lightly protected but still allowed for flexibility.

Vernon closed the door after Rogan entered inside.

His eyes met the princess’s. The princess wore a dark blue blouse with a black leather waistband tied with laces. Her blouse was inserted into her fit dark trousers. She also wore brown boots, which along with her other outfit, looked quite expensive. As one would expect from royalty.

She had no weapons whatsoever.

In her hand was a wooden cylinder she received from the Church. Rogan had always been curious the moment he saw that being always on her person, but the princess have been pretty secretive about it. Even to her closest aides, she didn’t give the details except that she was giving it to Allie.

“Rogan? Everyone preparing well?”

“Yes, princess. How about the Church?”

“They should arrive with their representative shortly.”

“I see. I should say, princess, with the army you just gathered under you, almost look like you’re going to raid a city.”

And they were no normal army, all of the men that made up this army were capable of magic. Small cities would be devastated in their wake.

“That’s because our enemies are capable of wrecking an entire city — maybe… In any case, our goal is capture, not eliminate, we will need this much to try and restrain them.”

“... Are you sure you won’t need a weapon. Maybe you’ll feel better with a sword… or a dagger?”

“Oh my, how crude that would be of me. Violence is not my place, much less dangerous objects such as swords or daggers. Besides, I don’t even know how to use those. I already feel safe knowing that you two will be keeping me safe.”

“Huh… alright.”

“Her highness can cast magic either way if the need arises,” said Vernon.

“Indeed I can…”

Rogan observed her.

“...Are you feeling nervous, princess?” asked Rogan.

She smiled. “I am. But that is normal… mostly stems from the danger of my life. But please make sure to keep me safe, okay Rogan?” her smile was charming as ever.

“Of course, princess. It’s my job.”

Then there came knockings on the door. Rogan opened it and standing there was a person in tight dark robes. Judging from the figure, it was apparent that it was a woman, add to it the long dark hair. Her face on the other hand was covered by a dark mask wrapped around her head.

“Who are you supposed to be?” Asked Rogan casually. If she was allowed entry, then she was no danger. He had an inkling where she came from, but he merely needed confirmation.

The woman removed the masked and revealed a familiar face.

“Astine, from the church.”

After ensuring her identity, he allowed her inside. Astine approached the princess and bowed.

“Your highness, we are ready.”

“Astine… I didn’t expect the mask.”

“We will be operating in the middle of the city. We decided to hide our faces so the citizens would not recognize us, considering that we do rituals in the church.”

“I see. Have those assigned to blend with the crowd already been deployed?”

“Yes.”

“Splendid. My brother should be done on his part shortly.”

Another group of knocks sounded on the door again, and Rogan let the person inside, namely Estevan.

“Sister, I have done my task.”

“Very good! Meet me outside where the knights train. I will need to speak to a collaborator.”

With a nod, Astine and Estevan left the room first.

“Father and Mother will be seeing me out, yes?” she asked Vernon.

“Indeed.”

“Okay… Vernon, please call Mera. Bring Allie to me.”

The moment Vernon left, the princess opened the bottom of the cylinder-shaped item with a twist. Rogan was a bit surprised, the gap wasn’t even that obvious, so none would even try to assume that it can be opened from the bottom tip.

Rogan didn’t see what was inside, but the princess was peeking. With a nod, she held out her hand, and mana in the color of red and orange emanated from her fingertips and flowed inside the cylinder. It was a sizable amount in Rogan’s opinion.

When she was done, the mana stopped, and then she closed it tight.

“Princess, what is that?”

“A magic item. Without magic, it’s basically pointless, isn’t it?”

No that’s not…

Was that all there was? He was not sure. Was it truly for fueling that magic item or for something else?

Rogan subtly shook his head and moved on from the questions in his mind. It was then he noticed the princess staring at him intently. She narrowed her eyes as if reading through him.

“P-Princess, what’s up?”

“Is something troubling you?” she asked, concern tinged in her voice.

“What? No, no. What could trouble me?”

“Rogan…”

“...” Rogan frowned before sighing. “It’s um, it’s a personal problem.”

“Not willing to share I see. That’s alright.”

“...”

“But don’t let it interfere in the mission. If it does, I’ll be mad at you.”

“Sure, princess. I’ll be focused, don’t worry.”

A while later, Vernon returned, and with him were Allie and Mera. Mera was wearing her usual maid uniform as she would not be coming along for the operation, as obviously, she was no combatant. Allie on the other hand was wearing plain clothes.

The princess stood up and walked toward Allie. “Today is the day, Allie. I assume you remember everything I told you?”

“Yes.”

“Perfect. I’m glad you’re doing this. And here.”

The princess presented the small cylinder and Allie received it.

“Remember what I instructed you for this one. May the light you bring guide us all.”

“Yes, princess. I will make sure to succeed.”

“Thank you. Now then, as planned, we will be leaving in advance. In a couple of hours, it is your turn to leave this palace. Good luck.”

The princess left the room, Vernon and Rogan following behind her. Incidentally, Vernon carrying in his arm was a cloak for the princess to use. Not only was she the enemy’s target, but she was also extremely eye-catching. If she was to go to the city, it was only normal for her to be covered.

They went down the stairs and left the palace halls, heading for the knights’ training ground. When they arrived, knights and church soldiers have already lined up, wearing cloaks around them. However, not all of the knights and church members were there.

Sixty percent of the knights and another sixty percent of the church members were already deployed to mix in with the crowds in the city, to act as civilians. They were carrying arms of course except for the church, but it was not odd for civilians to carry swords and wear armor. They just didn’t have anything on them to determine that they were knights.

The princess stood in front of everyone, a smile blooming on her lips.

“Know that I am happy to have your help. And I thank you all. In the duration of this operation, we will be hunting our enemies that have been lurking and hiding within our own city for years. They cannot be allowed to remain free for the sake of our home kingdom!” her voice was full of confidence and energy, as how a leader would speak to her soldiers. “Let us all be successful under the watchful gaze of the gods. For the peace and unity in our homeland!”

“In the name of the Lord and Lady!” The knights placed their fists on their chests. While the church placed their palm on their hearts.

“Now then, let’s move.”

The knights and the church moved by squad, riding into their own simple-looking carriages, ones that has been brought yesterday in the pretext and in the appearance of bringing in and bringing out supplies.

One carriage moved out of the palace first, then after several minutes, another went out.

There were a few more carriages that would leave one by one. They didn’t move out all at once just so they would not attract a lot of attention.

The princess received and wore her cloak. Upon arrival at the front palace entrance, she met with her parents and eldest brother then waved goodbyes.

“Be safe,” her family said.

Afterward, she entered a carriage with Vernon and Rogan. Meanwhile, Estevan and Astine each rode in different carriages.

The princess’s carriage was the last to move out of the palace.