NOVEL SIMPLE Book 6: Chapter 3
The morning sun flooded the island with many colors.
Its shadows seemed inkier in contrast.
The faces of boulders and the forests glowed white with light. Darkness stretched out behind them. The rays that passed through the tree branches fanned across the ground like white arrows.
“Has the storm passed?” Wein murmured, holding up his hand against the light streaming from the window of his room.
They were in a house in the forest, built in a hollow that couldn’t be seen from the ocean—a proper hideout.
They had arrived there in the dead of night. Just as Felite had predicted, a storm had turned the sea into thrashing waves. They’d reached this island just as things were taking a turn for the worse.
They’d concealed the boat in the shadow of a boulder and set forth until they found this house. After determining this was Felite’s hideout, the group had spent the rest of the night holed up in here.
“Well, then…”
Wein rose from the bed, stretching his limbs gently. No issues there. He left the room and met a soldier patrolling the hallway.
“Good morning, Your Highness.” The soldier immediately bowed.
Wein nodded in approval. “Thanks for keeping an eye out. Anything out of the ordinary?”
“No. Fortunately, all has been calm.” The soldier’s face started to cloud over. “However, because we lack proper manpower, I cannot say our security is infallible. It is best if we leave as soon as possible and rejoin the rest of the group.”
“I can’t argue with that…”
They had only three people who could serve as guards, one of them being Ninym. Even if they worked in shifts, it would pose major difficulties. The two Flahm accompanying them were the sailors who’d handled the ship and had no battle training. They could undertake the role of guard in a pinch, but it certainly wasn’t optimal.
“And where’s Ninym?”
“She has not yet left the room next door, so it is my understanding that she is still asleep.”
This was surprising. Since Ninym almost always woke up earlier than Wein, he’d figured this day would be no different.
“I hope I am not out of line for revealing this, but Lady Ninym has not had much sleep since you fell overboard. I think the exhaustion hit when she confirmed your safety.”
“Ah…I see. That makes sense.”
It wasn’t hard to imagine the anguish that had tormented her after her master fell into the sea. He had been able to kick back in his jail cell only because he’d known their ship hadn’t been captured. If it had either been seized or gone missing, he would have been pacing in his cell.
“Of course, we were all anxious over Your Highness’s safety. I realize I’m a bit late in saying so, but I am so relieved you are safe.”
“I’m sorry about that. I guess I was pretty reckless.”
“I will fall into the sea in your stead next time.”
“I’ll try and be more careful so there is no next time. I think I’ll go check on her.” Wein knocked lightly on the door next to his. No answer.
“I’m coming in.” He nudged open the door.
The room was simple, like Wein’s. There were almost no furnishings in the hideout, and the room was outfitted with only a simple bookshelf and a bed.
Ninym was fast asleep—deep in her dreams. She didn’t even respond when he stepped into her room. He drew near, gently stroking her hair.
He’d caused her to worry so much, but he was glad things had turned out the way they had. Wein wasn’t sure what would have happened if Ninym had been captured by those pirates.
He didn’t doubt Ninym would have found some genius way to escape their grasp, too. Maybe even by stealing a ship.
In the end, he did not regret his snap judgment to rescue her.
…If my old self saw me, I bet he’d think I’d gone off the deep end.
Though he was still a greenhorn in the eyes of society, there was a time when he had been even more immature.
It wasn’t that he had been a teenage rebel. In fact, he had been just the opposite. He’d been reserved, and he’d done what others expected of him. It had been as if he had no heart at all.
Humans were truly unpredictable creatures, especially if a single girl could totally transform him. For better or worse, people could change. Wein was no exception.
He could say with confidence he’d changed for the better. It was impossible to imagine Ninym would be a bad influence on him.
If there was anyone who dared to suggest she was…well, they would need to prepare to become his mortal enemy.
“Mmm…” Ninym quietly slurred in her sleep. “Wein…”
Was she dreaming of him? He caressed her cheek as if to reassure her.
She tenderly placed her hand over his…
“—There’s still more work to do.”
Wein yanked away his hand on reflex.
…But not before she closed in on him, hugging his neck tightly.
“Ngh! Miss Ninym! I can’t breathe! You’re suffocating me!”
“Zzz… If you don’t finish in five minutes…I’ll choke you to death…”
“Five minutes? I won’t last five seconds like this! Wake up! Please! Get up! Miss Ninym!”
“Zzz…”
Wein thrashed around, desperately trying to undo her unconscious choke hold.
“Aaaaah…” Ninym yawned, enjoying the warm weather.
She slowly came to her senses, stretching out her limbs to wake them up. Her body felt light. It had been a long time since she’d slept so soundly.
Had she overslept? Ninym was about to jump out of bed to check the time.
“…Wein? What are you doing?”
Just then, she found Wein lying across the floor and breathing feebly.
“Nothing… I came to check on you since you weren’t up yet…”
“Ah, I knew I overslept. I’m sorry. You know, you shouldn’t just enter a girl’s room when she’s getting her beauty sleep.”
“I’ll take that to heart…” he answered weakly as she admonished him with a flushed face.
Had he been exercising? What a strange master she had.
Ninym ordered him to wait outside, shoving him from the room before fixing herself up. A bath would have been nice, but such luxuries weren’t available in their current situation.
She left her room, ready to start the day.
“Thank you for waiting, Your Highness.”
“It was like walking on clouds, compared to those five minutes of hell.”
What in the world was he talking about?
“Let us see to your breakfast. We have access to some preserved foods, fortunately, so we will be able to prepare something in no time at all. I should mention it will be modest fare.”
“I’m not going to order anyone to bring in something gourmet in our circumstances.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Ninym said. “After your meal, we will discuss what lies ahead. I am concerned about Felite’s condition…”
The patrol guard’s ears perked up. “We received a report from the seamen while you were both sleeping. His condition is stable, and he’s expected to take a turn for the better with some rest, though we cannot say when he will wake.”
“I see. I’m glad to hear it,” Wein responded.
Felite was being looked after by Flahm sailors after having been carried to the hideout, which was stocked with medicine and food. Felite, mercifully, was able to receive the treatment he needed.
“I’ll see how he’s doing later…which means I’ve got some time to kill until breakfast.”
“We’re being chased. I imagine we’ll undergo some unexpected trials. It would be best if Your Highness is nourished so you may act quickly should anything happen.”
In other words, Ninym was telling Wein to stay put.
There really wasn’t anything for the prince to do. Wein knew wandering around would just cause the guards more trouble.
“In that case…I think I’ll go check out that room.”
“‘That room’…? Ah yes. I think that would be the perfect place to pass the time.”
Wein nodded.
It was the best time to check out the library farther within the hideout.
The room wasn’t marked by a special nameplate, but it was obvious it was a library based on the heaps of books that filled the room.
“I’ll be standing guard outside.”
“Thanks.”
With the guard posted outside the door, Wein began his hunt.
The great room was lined with bookshelves, though not nearly enough to contain all the thick tomes. They were set in piles on the floor—heaps of bound books and bundles of paper loosely tied together.
“Hmm, it looks like most of these are on the history of Patura. This one has its…mythology? It’s about the sea god Auvert, who carried a golden spear and white-silver shield and wore the shining Rainbow Crown. Patura’s central deity, huh.”
Wein had always been a bookworm. All his vassals knew that about him. His motivation to read was simple: It was another way to study.
Wein was crown prince and regent of Natra—positions in which he juggled several governmental responsibilities, including those that were financial, tax related, legal, military, and diplomatic. Though he consulted his vassals about these matters, it was Wein who had to make the final call. How high should taxes be raised? What sorts of wages should people be paid? What should they do if there was a famine?
How did he make these decisions?
In personal situations, instinct was enough for a snap judgment. In matters of national politics, however, even a single bill could affect thousands of subjects. Intuition just didn’t cut it.
That was where the collected documents on the history of Natra came in.
They chronicled the effects of certain laws on citizens, tax systems on military profits and uprisings, military budget cuts on coups.
These records were a huge help to politicians.
There was no question Wein was a great prince. But the teen royal had been able to become a ruler only because he’d studied up on the two hundred years of government decisions in the history of the Kingdom of Natra.
“Here is a sea chart of Patura. This paper documents changes in ocean climate… Oh, this is on the advancement of their ships. I’m interested in that one.”
For this reason, reading documents was a habit of his. He hadn’t had time to come here when they’d arrived last night, but he’d had his eye on this place the entire time.
“Interesting… It’s unexpected, really. I knew the island nation was going to be different from Natra, but how did they manage to keep such pristine records…?”
Wein suddenly felt a breeze on his face. He looked around to see that a window nearby was open. Worried that papers might blow around everywhere, he went to close it—and saw something.
Wet footprints on the window frame.
“ ”
Were they still around? They had to be.
Whoever it was had looked for an opening in the patrol and had sneaked in before Wein got to the library. Wein must have come strolling into the room as they lurked in the shadows.
The guard is outside this room. Even if I call him and he rushes to stand in front of me—he won’t make it in time.
Wein could feel someone behind him. They must have realized he knew they were there.
This is bad. He didn’t even have a short sword on him.
Wein inhaled.
“Enemy attack!” yelled the prince, flinging the book in his hand behind him.
“Gwagh?!” Someone grunted. The tome had hit its target.
Wein wasted no time taking cover behind a nearby bookshelf and rummaging to find another book to throw.
“Don’t touch those, servant! Everything in here belongs to the young master!”
Wein’s hand froze in place—for two reasons. First, because the intruder had referred to a “young master,” and second, because his opponent sounded like a young girl.
“Your Highness!” The guard flew into the room. His eyes caught sight of a girl wielding a short sword at Wein. He unsheathed his own blade without hesitation and swung at her.
“Hah—!”
The guard cut through some bookshelves, tomes and all, but the girl wasn’t in his line of attack. She kicked off the wall, flying to another shelf, barely grazing the ceiling.
Her eyes were focused not on the guard but rather on Wein. She’d realized he’d make a valuable hostage.
Wein faced her. “—Wait! We’re not your enemy!”
“Don’t mess with me!” Nothing could stop her. She kicked off the shelf and closed in on him.
The guard stepped in. “Your Highness! Please stay back!”
“No! Put away your swords, both of you! This is some sort of misunderstanding!”
“Now is not the time to be saying that!”
Wein clicked his tongue in annoyance. How could he put an end to this?
If the fight went on, it would just end in meaningless casualties.
Two human-shaped shadows loomed in the open doorway.
“Your Highness!”
Ninym, still in her apron. She must have heard the commotion while preparing breakfast and come running.
Next to her, another shadow called out, “Apis!”
The girl turned around, caught off guard. Her eyes reflected the sight of Felite leaning against a wall.
“Put down your sword. I’m fine. They aren’t enemies.”
His admonition was affectionate.
The short sword in Apis’s hand dropped to the floor. Lips trembling, she dashed over to Felite and knelt before him.
“Young master! I’m relieved to see you’re okay…!”
“I’m glad to see you safe, too, Apis,” Felite assured the trembling girl, cooing in a gentle voice.
Wein and the guard exchanged glances. He gave a wordless order to the guard to sheathe his sword, and he obeyed, nodding in understanding.
Ninym wasn’t sure how to respond for a little bit. She was still trying to process all of this.
“It seems I’ll need to prepare more breakfast,” she noted.
“I’m terribly sorry for my disgraceful behavior. I had no idea you were the Prince of Natra.”
Wein had proposed they have breakfast first, even though they had a great deal to discuss. All parties scarfed down Ninym’s meal until they were modestly full. Felite’s servant Apis immediately bowed her head when they were done.
“To think I raised a sword against the one who saved Master Felite… I’m ashamed.”
Felite had his head bowed, too. “The fault lies with me. I should have considered and kept you informed of the possibility that she might either be here or arrive while we were on this island. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
Wein nodded, sitting across from them. “The situation called for it. I don’t blame you.”
Felite had been too exhausted to hold a simple conversation with Wein. It would have been unfair to expect him to anticipate Apis in his condition.
Of course, Ninym appeared reluctant to forgive anyone who had raised a sword against Wein, even in the current circumstances. He gave her a look, however, warning her to keep herself in check, with which she reluctantly complied. If Wein had received so much as the slightest scratch, things would have gone south. Luckily for everyone, they’d managed to settle things without injury.
“There’s something more constructive we could be discussing,” Wein said.
Felite nodded. “You’re right. Let’s break down the situation. As you know, I am Felite Zarif, the second son of Alois. I was captured by my older brother during his raid and thrown in prison as Alois died in the chaos.”
“And I am the prince of Natra, who came to meet Alois to negotiate a trade deal. I was caught by Legul’s patrol ship and taken prisoner. I bet you never expected a foreign prince to be in the cell right next to you.”
“Indeed… So you really are Prince Wein.”
“Sorry for lying. I couldn’t tell a stranger of my identity in our situation.”
“I completely understand.” Felite turned his gaze to his servant. “Apis, I must ask you: Why did you come to this island on your own? I thought I instructed you to bring the islands’ leaders together.”
“……” She looked troubled, suddenly kneeling before him. Her voice was strained. “I’m so sorry… I have betrayed your faith in me…!”
Wein and Ninym looked at one another.
Felite closed his eyes tightly. “So you’ve lost…the Rainbow Crown.”
“Yes…! I am so sorry…!”
The Rainbow Crown.
It had come up during Felite and Legul’s conversation in jail and in the legend from the book in the library.
“It belonged to the sea god Auvert. One of Patura’s great treasures, right?”
“Exactly. One hundred years ago, my ancestor and the priest at the time—Malaze—held up the Rainbow Crown before the people, presenting it as a gift from the sea god.”
It was said that when light struck this treasure, it shined in all the colors of the rainbow, giving one the power to control the sea and sky as desired. Whenever other nations threatened Patura, the Ladu would use the Rainbow Crown to drive them off.
To someone like Wein, born and raised in Natra, the legend was dubious at best, but that wasn’t the case for the people of Patura. Many of the islanders believed the Rainbow Crown held such power.
It made sense that Levetia had no leverage on these islands. To the people of Patura, this was the holy nation protected by the sea god and the power of the Rainbow Crown.
“Is the Rainbow Crown really that amazing?” Wein asked.
“Yes… Its magical power captivates those who look upon it, me included. But its ability to control sea and sky is just a hoax started by Malaze,” Felite replied. “When emergency situations arose, he spread word that it was all resolved by the power of the Rainbow Crown. Whenever a storm brewed, he attributed it to the treasure. It didn’t take long for the islanders to come around and accept that as truth. Over a hundred years, it’s become a symbol of Patura.”
Everything was to cement the Zarif’s authority. As long as the people thought the Rainbow Crown was blessed with the power of the god, the Zarif could command these waters.
Wein thought it was a brilliant strategy. Something like that was easier said than done. There had to be periods when it seemed as if the crown might lose its hold on the people—such as when it failed to deliver. Even so, this little hoax held strong even after a century and multiple generations. The Rainbow Crown continued to own its prestige. But there was something ironic about this whole thing.
The Rainbow Crown had been stolen because it had tricked the people a little too well.
“Who was the traitor, Apis?”
“…Sir Rodolphe,” she answered, almost in a whisper. “Because you acted as the bait, young master, I was able to take the Rainbow Crown and escape Legul and his pursuers. However, his subordinates were keeping watch on Sir Voras, whose aid you initially requested. I couldn’t make contact with him…”
“So you entrusted it to Rodolphe.” Felite looked up at the ceiling. After a few seconds of silence, he looked at Wein and explained. “Rodolphe has supported the Zarif for a long, long time. He is one of the Kelil, trusted by my father… It seems he’s been entranced by the magic of the Rainbow Crown…”
“Yes…” Apis agreed. “He readily agreed to help you when I brought him the crown, but he’s abandoned you now, plotting to make himself the next Ladu as soon as Legul and the other Kelil crush each other…”
“We may have safely made our escape, but we can’t trust anyone now that Rodolphe has betrayed us. Now that the Rainbow Crown has been stolen, it’ll be difficult to unite the people under me. I imagine you thought you could rescue me yourself and came here to prepare, right?”
“Yes… I’m so sorry, young master…” Tears rolled down Apis’s cheeks. Felite gently stroked his servant’s hair.
“No need to cry, Apis. This is tough, but it’s not the worst that could happen. We’re both safe. Let’s be grateful for that.” Felite turned back to Wein. “Prince Wein, that’s our situation.”
“Looks like you’ve really been driven into a corner.”
“Embarrassingly so. I have no soldiers, no wealth, and no authority.”
Wein could feel great power resting in Felite’s gaze.
“Prince Wein, I would like to ask for your assistance in taking back the Patura Archipelago.”
Wein had known this would happen.
Felite had been left to his own devices. In reality, it was worse. This was a desperate situation from which there was no escape.
After all, the foreign prince joining him at the breakfast table wasn’t an ally. The two were nothing more than accidental travel partners.
“I understand that to you, Prince, this is nothing more than an unfortunate accident. No one would blame you for turning a blind eye to this situation and returning to your country. Even better, you could divulge information about the Rainbow Crown and deliver my severed head to Legul as a gift.”
Apis jumped in her skin. It seemed she hadn’t considered this. When she realized she’d made a gaffe, she prepared to face off against Wein, but Felite stopped her.
“You, however, have made no effort to leave. I see there is room for discussion. What do you say?”
“…You’re putting me in a tough spot.” Wein flashed a wry smile. “I would never imagine turning you over to Legul, but it is an option, now that you mention it.”
A white lie. Wein had already taken the idea into account. He had even given the two soldiers on standby orders to be ready to rush in on Felite at any time.
“In other words, you need me to serve as your ally. Seems to me like you don’t have many bargaining chips in this situation, Sir Felite. It’s bold of you, but I’ll show some mercy.”
“Honestly, I’m so nervous, my stomach is in knots… If I may say so, I would still try to win you over as an ally even if it weren’t out of necessity.”
“Oh?” That certainly caught Wein’s attention. “Why is that? I hate to tell you that I haven’t brought any men or money with me. Even if we team up, I wouldn’t expect us to be much help.”
“I understand. Why don’t we think of it this way? I’ve lost my troops, wealth, and influence…even my dignity now that I’ve been caught once by Legul. I’ll never control these waters again unless I have your full cooperation.”
“Kch.” A sound escaped Wein’s vocal cords.
Only Ninym realized he was trying to hold back a laugh.
Felite continued. “This is a preliminary battle. I am gauging my own skills to see if I can take on the trial imposed upon me and convince you to form an alliance with us.”
The man looked straight at Wein, eyes shining with confidence.
“…Bold of you to toy with royalty to test your strength.” Wein’s lips curled into a smile. “All right. If you’re going to go that far, I guess I can lend an ear. How will you help us?”
“As soon as we take back Patura, we will trade with you under your conditions.”
“Hmm. Anything else?”
“We’ll provide you with vessels and disclose our shipbuilding techniques. We can also offer instruction in seamanship.”
“Wonderful. And?”
“If Natra goes to war with another nation and requires a naval fleet, we will come to your aid.”
“Yes, yes, I see…” Wein nodded. “It’s not nearly enough.”
He completely shut Felite down.
“A feast of empty promises is fine and all, but you’re only talking about after you’ve beaten Legul. You don’t have enough resources to make me believe in your victory.”
It was a cold refusal, but Felite didn’t recoil.
“I understand where you’re coming from. That is why I will provide one last offering.”
“Oh, and what might that be?”
“The history of the Zarif,” he replied. “I will give you everything the Zarif has recorded about Patura.”
“ ” Wein’s eyes widened. His reaction encouraged Felite to continue.
“If the rumors about you are true, you will understand the value of my offer. In truth, that library is filled with information on the island, written by the Zarif, including yours truly. I will use those records to take down Legul.”
Felite had aimed for the right spot.
The royal family of Natra had two hundred years of accumulated history. That was precisely why Wein understood the value in such a blessing.
“…Why would you give us something so important?”
“The authority of the Rainbow Crown has grown too powerful. It’s only misled the islanders—and the Zarif themselves. It makes such documents seem unnecessary. I’ve been preserving them because I believe they represent the real hopes of the Zarif.”
He took a deep breath.
“Well, Wein Salema Arbalest? Vessels! Men! Skills! History! Am I worthy enough for you to take your chances on me?!”
The room was silent. Apis and Ninym looked at their masters, gulping.
After an agonizing moment of silence, Wein spoke up. “…I’d like to know what you’re planning to do next.”
“I’ll need the Rainbow Crown if I hope to build a group against Legul. To make that happen, I’ll contact some Kelil behind closed doors. There’s a detailed sea chart of Patura among our documents, along with information about the Kelil. I’ll use those to seek aid and steal the Rainbow Crown back from Rodolphe.”
“It won’t work.” Wein shut down Felite’s plan on the spot. “We’d be too late by then. As we’re bogged down by the task of persuading each of the Kelil, Legul will get his ships and rip the crown from Rodolphe’s hands.”
“Ngh…” Felite was rendered speechless.
Wein turned to his aide. “Ninym, bring the sea charts and every document on the Kelil from the library.”
“Yes, understood.” Ninym immediately jumped up to leave the room.
“Prince Wein… What are you…?” Felite looked stumped.
“You’ve shown me your value, Sir Felite.” Wein turned to the man, beaming at him.
“Now it’s my turn to prove myself a worthy ally.”
In the future, Felite Zarif would come to record this day in the history book of the Zarif:
On this day, in a small hideaway that draws no attention, I secured the continent’s greatest ally.
“—They’re late!”
The northwestern Patura Archipelago.
In a room of a mansion built on one of the many scattered islands, Tolcheila seemed positively perturbed.
“Curses! When does Prince Wein plan on coming back?!”
Tolcheila had heard he’d safely escaped Legul’s stronghold. It was only natural that he should seek refuge with them—except he still hadn’t shown his face around these parts.
“Voras! Didn’t you say the rescue mission was a success?!” Tolcheila glared next to her, stiffening her posture.
A man named Voras sat elegantly, balancing a book in one hand. He was one of the Kelil. Though he was an elderly gentleman, his back was as straight and solid as an evergreen. He had a gentle demeanor, but nothing about him was senile.
“Dear me. That was certainly what my subordinates told me,” Voras responded as he looked down at his book. He was like a grandfather dismissing his granddaughter’s mood swings. “I imagine they’re hiding away on a small island somewhere to escape their pursuers. There are plenty of such hideaways across Patura, after all.”
“Nghhhh… That prince and his little band of followers are out of control! I will be in trouble if I don’t return home quickly…!”
Aside from the few personnel who had gone to rescue Wein, almost everyone who had been accompanying the prince and his personal retinue was under Tolcheila’s command. Even so, the fact that they’d left Wein in the sea, prioritizing Tolcheila, didn’t sit well with her. Though she’d heard of his successful escape, the princess hadn’t yet been able to confirm the sovereign’s safety with her own two eyes. She was stewing in fear, on pins and needles, ready for them to burst in at any moment.
“Come, Lady Tolcheila. I’m certain they have their reasons. Worrying will not help. For now, let us be patient.”
“If I could get even a second of rest, I wouldn’t be so pressed! Besides, Voras, don’t you feel helpless in this situation, too?! How can you be so at ease?!”
Legul had taken control of the central island. Even Tolcheila knew his influence was growing by the day. Voras should have been busy dealing with the situation, but the old man was wasting time as if nothing were extraordinary about this situation.
“There’s a storm brewing within Patura. Be that as it may, worrying won’t help, as I just said. We quietly wait for the tide to change.”
“And if we’re swallowed up before it changes?!”
“Then we shall become seaweed, floating in the waves. For those born and raised by the sea, no death is more fitting.”
“Tch…! No wonder you get along with my father…!”
Tolcheila was under Voras’s protection because of his personal friendship with King Gruyere.
During one of Gruyere’s previous visits to the islands, Voras had been personally selected to entertain him. They seemed to be on the same wavelength and hit it off right away. Together, they commanded their fleets and defeated nearby pirates while guzzling booze.
“Regardless of what happens, I shall ensure your escape, Lady Tolcheila. You may rest easy in that regard. If you are still unnerved, why not read a book?” Voras motioned to the one in his hand. “I’m quite fond of this one. It is the legend of how the sea god takes his golden spear and white-silver shield and defeats the dragon terrorizing local waters.”
“I have not the faintest interest!” Tolcheila snapped. Voras cracked a wry smile. “I’ve had enough! If this is how it’ll be, I’ll cook every last bit of food in our stores to distract myself!”
“Ha-ha-ha, I’m certain King Gruyere would be jealous of my position, treated to your cooking, Princess Tolcheila.”
Storming away from Voras, Tolcheila headed for the kitchen.
Just then, a messenger came rushing in.
“Pardon me! I have an urgent message for you, Sir Voras!”
“Calm yourself. There is no need to panic… What is it?”
“Yes, well—”
Tolcheila was stunned at the news.
“It appears,” Voras murmured quietly, “that the tides have changed.”
“Did you just say you know where the Rainbow Crown is?!”
Several days had passed since Felite escaped his cell. Legul had cast a wide search net, yet he’d come up empty. He couldn’t hide his frustration anymore.
Legul jumped to his feet when the subordinate gave his report.
“Where?!” he demanded. “Where is it?!”
“Yes, well, we do not have an exact location yet. However, there is a very good chance that it is currently in the possession of Rodolphe.”
“Rodolphe… That guy…”
Rodolphe’s image flashed in Legul’s mind. He was one of the Kelil trusted by Alois Zarif. Their last encounter had been before Legul was exiled from Patura. If Rodolphe was still alive, he had to be an old man like Voras.
“You’re sure it’s not Voras?”
“Yes. Rumors have been circulating that Rodolphe has been hiding it. We conducted our investigations and obtained several testimonials that say they saw Rodolphe with the treasure.” The messenger continued. “It seems that after increasing his number of ships, he locked himself away in his mansion, refusing a public appearance since. Eyewitnesses say they saw someone who looked like Apis carrying out operations nearby. She had a large bundle with her.”
“Hmm…”
Based on the current situation, it wasn’t strange for anyone to expand their battle forces.
But Apis’s appearance was a key clue. She was Felite’s trusted retainer, and Legul hadn’t been able to find her during the raid. This was enough to make them believe that Felite had entrusted her with the Rainbow Crown.
There were some things that weren’t adding up.
“…Has Voras done anything?”
“Nothing in particular to report at the moment…”
“Tch. What’s that grandpa thinking?”
Legul had expected Felite to join up with Voras, mostly because of that young man who had escaped with his brother. He seemed like a key player in Soljest and had run off almost as soon as Legul had caught him. Apparently, the intermediary company that was going to pay the ransom had slipped away. If the two men had been able to act so swiftly, the escape must have been the other man’s idea. Felite was just a lucky extra.
The escaped man would have headed for the delegation vessel currently docked at Voras’s place, and Felite wouldn’t object to asking for help from a Kelil. Once he was under Voras’s protection, they would try to collect the Rainbow Crown.
Legul had planned on stopping them there. He’d never imagined Rodolphe would be in possession of it!
“Was Felite seen at Rodolphe’s?”
“That has not been confirmed.”
“……”
The Rainbow Crown was there. Felite was not. There was radio silence from Rodolphe’s end. He hadn’t even launched an attack on Legul.
If he were planning to go up against me, he would be endorsing Felite and coming forward with the Rainbow Crown. Instead, he’s trying to keep the crown a secret… Did he kill Felite to take it for himself?
It was possible. Legul wasn’t the only one with motives. In fact, he thought everyone in Patura wanted the Rainbow Crown.
The messenger was ready to back up his theory. “We haven’t investigated this enough, but we’ve noticed some activity from the other Kelil. They must have received similar information and are planning on taking the crown for themselves.”
“…Guess we’ve got no time to waste.”
There was something that bothered him. The rumors of the crown being with Rodolphe seemed suspicious. Maybe they were trying to get a reaction out of him.
Who was behind this? Felite, Voras, or someone else? He thought it over for a moment, but he immediately stopped himself. It wasn’t as if he understood everything about Patura; he had been exiled and returned only recently. Naturally, Legul had researched things for his plan, but some information is impossible to know without lived experiences. Asking any more pointless questions that had no answers would be a waste of time.
“Whoever it is, we’ll just crush them all.”
Legul had to prove himself. Prove that he, the exiled Legul Zarif, was the absolute ruler of the Patura islands. Once Legul got the Rainbow Crown, he would destroy every Kelil loyal to Alois. Then everyone would realize banishing him had been a terrible mistake!
“Prepare the ships,” Legul barked. “I’ll annihilate Rodolphe and get my hands on the Rainbow Crown!”
It was like a rainbow had been locked away in a seashell.
Red. Blue. Yellow. Green. Bits of rainbow scattered in the spiral shell, colorful shards of light overlapping and winking within. It took everyone’s breath away.
Even the dim room couldn’t dull its brilliance.
The Rainbow Crown. Every citizen of this archipelago considered it a national treasure.
Even beasts held their breath at the sight of the crown. It possessed a certain magic.
“How beautiful…”
Drunk on its beauty, a man stood by the Rainbow Crown as if in servitude.
Rodolphe. He was one of the six Kelil and the possessor of the Rainbow Crown.
“It’s mine… This radiance is finally mine.”
Rodolphe had first seen the Rainbow Crown as a child. He’d been a pirate at the time. His parents had abandoned him, and he’d been on the verge of starvation when the pirates took him in as an apprentice.
They were vulgar and violent but chummy, treating him well. To an orphan like Rodolphe, the pirates had been family. He’d thought he’d fight by their sides forever and go on wild adventures.
In the end, however, he had destroyed that future for himself.
When he was captured by the fleet of Patura that arrived to suppress the pirates, the Ladu had led him away.
That was when Rodolphe saw the Rainbow Crown.
He felt electrified. Even when he tried to peel his eyes away, it kept drawing him back in.
“From today forward,” the Ladu had told him, “the Rainbow Crown is your master. Serve, attend, and devote yourself to it.”
He tried to refuse, but he couldn’t make a sound. The Rainbow Crown seemed to become brighter. It felt like the light was alive, worming its way into his eyes. Its glow flooded his brain, whispering sweetly into his ear.
“—Sell out your friends.”
Rodolphe found himself revealing the location of his pirate family.
They were all caught and executed, and he was exiled for some time.
Rodolphe, however, felt neither sadness nor regret. After all, he’d done as his master wished.
After that, he polished his skills as a seaman as if possessed until he became a Kelil. He had neither loyalty to the elders nor love for his country. He did it solely to serve his master.
When Alois suddenly died and Apis came to Rodolphe with the Rainbow Crown, the colorful voice spoke to him again.
“—Take control of everything.”
Rodolphe had no objections.
“I won’t hand it over to anyone. This shall be forever mine…” he murmured as he caressed the treasure. He showed none of the acumen that had supported the former Ladu. It wasn’t necessary to fake it anymore.
“Sir Rodolphe!”
The door opened with a bang. A subordinate tumbled in.
“…I recall saying no one is to come in here.”
The look in Rodolphe’s eyes was bloodcurdling. The man instinctively flinched.
“I-I’m terribly sorry. We received a report that Legul’s fleet is heading for this island…!”
“…So he’s here.”
Rodolphe’s face slackened. He had known it wouldn’t be long before word spread that he had the Rainbow Crown. He’d been secretly planning to use the treasure to lead a group against Legul. It seemed, however, that he was too late.
“Is the fleet ready?”
“Yes. We’re ready to depart at any time.”
“Good. Make sure everyone is at their stations. I’ll be there shortly.”
The subordinate hurried out of the room.
Alone once again, Rodolphe murmured, annoyed, “That damn upstart… He thinks he’s a big shot because he got rid of Alois?”
His eyes turned to the Rainbow Crown. This invaluable treasure had to be Legul’s objective. He was going to try to steal it, even though it had chosen Rodolphe!
“I ought to teach him a lesson. I will be the next ruler of Patura.”
The Rainbow Crown continued to shine—either celebrating his victory or presaging his destruction.
One fleet led by Legul. Another directed by Rodolphe.
They were facing off near Rodolphe’s island fortress. Twenty ships for Legul. Fifteen for Rodolphe. For a spectator, the thirty-five ships packing the waters would have been nothing short of a spectacle.
“As you might expect of a Kelil. Impressive military strength,” Legul murmured from his flagship as he observed his opponent’s battle formation.
These weren’t all the ships in Legul’s arsenal, but the other Kelil were always looking for any break in his defenses. That meant he had to leave some ships behind to defend the home base. Twenty ships were about the best he could do.
“Sir Legul, our opponent’s fleet appears to be primarily galleys.”
“So it would seem. Well, that’s hardly surprising.”
Modern ships were separated into two categories: galleys and sailing ships. The former were long, narrow, and leaflike, a dozen yards in length. A galley was outfitted with holes on each side. It was a man-powered boat that could move freely, oars shooting out of the holes as humans rowed from the inside.
On the other hand, sailing ships were rounder vessels that used wind power to push the sails attached to raised masts. Though it wasn’t optimal to be at the will of the wind, there was no rowing involved. Instead, you could load up with goods and soldiers.
Of course, some galleys used sails and some sailing ships used rowers, so it wasn’t as if they were completely different breeds. Sailing ships even had different sail configurations like the square rig to maximize a tailwind and the fore-and-aft rig to catch a headwind to move upwind… But ships were basically separated into galleys and sailing ships.
As for the proper choice for engaging in a battle against Patura…
“Unlike sailing ships, man-powered galleys can handle tight turns. They’re rendered immobile in rough waters, but seeing how we are close to land and these waters are calm, they’re the better choice—”
As Legul offered his levelheaded assessment…
“He brought sailing ships? What an idiot,” Rodolphe spat, scrutinizing his opponent’s formation from the galley that served as his flagship. Legul’s fleet consisted of mainly sailing ships. Although the enemy was larger in number, Rodolphe knew victory was his.
The advantages of sailing ships were their load capacity and speed, which was powered by wind. They were optimal in the open sea—free of any obstacles—not the cluster of small Patura islands where the wind could cause them to crash into land. That said, strong, gusting winds didn’t visit this stretch of ocean often, and they didn’t last long when they did. The wind direction, however, was unpredictable. Such an environment left sailing ships without sufficient speed and made them difficult to control.
“Must be desperate after failing to gather proper sailors,” commented a subordinate.
“Agreed. He wouldn’t have been able to call together enough crew with the skill to run his galleys,” Rodolphe replied, nodding.
For man-powered galleys to maneuver with precision, it was essential that those rowing be in time with one another. That meant skilled rowers were vital, but they were very hard to come by. Since sailing ships needed fewer people to run them, a few sailors were enough to man the vessel.
“Judging by this, he was only able to beat Alois and take over the main island by launching a surprise attack. It’s sad that he was once called a child prodigy.”
Rodolphe raised his hand.
“All ships prepare to attack! Let us give a proper sea burial to those fools bringing chaos to Patura!”
“Sir Legul, the enemy has begun to move.”
“I can see that.”
Fifteen galleys were heading toward them. Legul looked at them and snorted.
“Hmph. Stupid old man. He’s been blinded by the Rainbow Crown.” Legul let out an arrogant laugh. “Allow me, the blessed son of the sea, and my trained men to force you into place.”
The fleets of Legul and Rodolphe. This battle would later be coined the Naval War of Patura, the prelude of the great conflict.
The curtain was rising. Enter the players.
“Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Tolcheila repeated, kicking the bow of the ship as she stared out across the horizon.
“Now, now, there’s no need to be hasty,” answered Voras, acting as the captain of the ship, who was next to her. “The ocean will always be here, whether we move fast or slow.”
His scolding, however, was lost on her.
“The sea might always be here, but we might miss the climax! If that happens, our efforts to come see it will all be for nothing!”
“Goodness. I didn’t think you’d suggest watching a naval battle. You’re just like King Gruyere.”
Tolcheila was currently on a ship headed for the stretch of ocean where Legul and Rodolphe’s battle was unfolding. As Voras had stated, their purpose was to spectate.
They had no intention of intervening. The light frame of their inconspicuous ship would allow them to swiftly escape if need be.
“…Hm?!” Tolcheila spotted a ship-like shadow along the horizon. She craned her neck over the edge. “Is that it?”
“It seems that way… What do we have here?”
“Can you tell who’s winning?!”
Voras nodded. “—Rodolphe appears to be at a disadvantage.”
“No way…”
Rodolphe was stunned by the tide of the battle.
Twenty enemy sailing ships. Fifteen galleys on his side. He had a team of trained sailors and the more maneuverable vessels. Even though he was five boats short, he should be leading them to victory…
And yet…
“Ship Number Three has capsized!”
“Ship Seven! Attacked sideboard and rendered inoperable!”
“The oars of Ship Ten and Ship Twelve have been snapped! It’s impossible for them to move! They’re requesting reinforcements!”
“Sir Rodolphe! We’re in dire straits!”
The reports were the exact opposite of what he’d expected.
“Th-this is…”
Basic naval battle techniques said a long-range battle wasn’t the answer.
For ships knocked around by the wind and waves, it was near impossible to fatally injure opposing sailors with arrows. Even if they tried to set enemy ships ablaze with fire arrows, the hulls were basically fireproof, coated with various paints to prevent rot.
Therefore, a sea battle was all about securing the spots with the best wind, striking each other with metal naval rams, and having your sailors engage in close combat.
Rodolphe had chosen to ignore the wind direction and hit his opponent with naval rams. This item that attached to the front of a ship was a destructive weapon that took advantage of the ship’s momentum. This way, he could pound the enemy ship to pierce its body and stop it from moving.
But things were not going well.
Although Rodolphe’s fleet could handle tight turns, it couldn’t manage to catch any of the sailing ships. Plus, his vessels were being hit with naval rams. These weapons were not unique to galleys, and it hadn’t escaped Rodolphe’s notice that Legul’s entire fleet had them.
Since the sailing ships depended on the wind, they should be having a much harder time hitting their targets than the galleys.
How were they managing to push Rodolphe’s ships back?
There was only one answer to this question.
“It can’t be…!” Rodolphe’s lips trembled.
“He’s reading the wind…!”
“Who would stand with me if I couldn’t pull that off?” Legul asked, flashing a brazen smile on his flagship. “These waters are complex; the wind blows in all directions. If you can read that like the back of your hand, even a sailing ship can maneuver as well as any galley.”
Of course, such a feat wasn’t simple. The ability to read the subtleties of the wind and waves required either tremendous talent or long training. Legul possessed the gift, but the same could not be said of other commanding officers. It had been necessary for him to train them himself, which hadn’t been easy, but Legul had been successful. He’d passed on a portion of his natural ability to his subordinates.
“It’s been a dozen years since I was exiled. Did they think I was sleeping this whole time?”
He loathed Patura, the islands that had banished him. Dark motivation had helped him along the painful path he endured.
“Well, I think it’s about time we deal the finishing flow. —Starboard!”
The bow of the flagship changed course.
Ahead was the ship holding Rodolphe.
“Sir Rodolphe! We’ve made contact with the enemy flagship!”
“Ngh…!”
The ship that carried Legul was closing in on him. It seemed confident, like the king of the sea.
“That damn neophyte…!”
Rodolphe refused to lose. The Rainbow Crown was finally in his hands. He’d never let anyone take it from him, no matter who.
“Full speed ahead toward the enemy flagship! We’ll pass by and come at them from behind!”
The galley oars rowed in synchrony.
Legul’s and Rodolphe’s battleships. The two squared off, rushing in to close the distance between them.
Not yet. Closer…
He was at a disadvantage in terms of his ship’s weight. If they collided head-on, his vessel would be the one to sustain more damage. Thus, he would have to make sure he avoided the enemy’s charge, even if by a hairbreadth.
This, of course, wasn’t lost on his enemy either. Whether Rodolphe chose port or starboard, the enemy ship was going to turn its bow in the same direction to crash into him.
And so he waited. The ship advanced. Rodolphe’s heart felt like it might burst from his chest.
Not yet. Not yet. Not yet, not-yet-not-yet—
“—NOW! TO PORT! STOP ROWING!”
The seamen at the oars instantly obeyed his orders. The portside oars stopped midair. Only the ones on the right continued to move the boat along, letting it stray away from the left and barely skimming past the enemy flagship’s right side.
Rodolphe’s eyes snapped open wide. The enemy ship had stopped before him like magic.
How—? The sails!
The vision filled Rodolphe’s gaze. Before he knew it, the sails of the enemy’s vessel had been folded up. If they weren’t unfurled, it would not be propelled forward.
Did he read my mind?!
The galley was giving the enemy vessel an uninterrupted view of its hull. If it hit with a ram now, the galley wouldn’t stand a chance.
…There was still time.
This isn’t over yet! Now that they’ve closed their sails, they’re sitting ducks until they can catch the wind again!
Rodolphe’s ship, made up of two levels, was equipped with more oars than the others, and it could release explosive amounts of power. There was a chance that he could put distance between them before the sailing ship had the chance to move again.
The enemy had gathered as much, springing to action to open its sails again. But before it could catch the wind again, Rodolphe gave his orders at lightning speed—
“Idiot.”
That voice.
It should have disappeared in the sound of crashing waves, but Rodolphe certainly heard it coming from the bow of the enemy flagship.
Legul stood there.
“Don’t you know I know every last detail of the winds in this sea?”
An instant later, a violent gust of wind smacked Rodolphe in the face…
…and caught the sails of the enemy vessel.
Legul drove his naval ram right into the side of Rodolphe’s flagship.
“Looks like we’re done here,” Legul muttered under his breath as he looked down at the sinking galley, hull gaping with a ram-size hole.
His foe’s ship had been wrecked. The others had lost the will to keep going—either fleeing the scene or surrendering on the spot.
“All that’s left is locating Rodolphe…”
The ocean below was filled with galley sailors clawing through the ship. It’d be hard for even Legul to pick out the face of a man he hadn’t seen in over a decade.
He caught sight of a single boat bursting out from the shadow of the galley. Two oarsmen and one passenger. One face seemed familiar.
“Ditching his subordinates to save himself, huh? And he dares to call himself a Kelil.”
“Sir Legul, the enemy sailors are requesting aid. What shall we do?”
“Leave them. A sea burial is fitting for sailor pawns. Chase that boat.”
After Legul gave his subordinates orders, his expression suddenly soured.
“…Tch. Faster than I thought.”
Straight ahead, on the distant horizon, he saw the shadows of two fleets of ships.
“Those are…the flags of two Kelil, Emelance and Sandia!”
That’s right, Legul agreed wordlessly.
Only the Kelil would act in this situation. Of course they were rushing to the aid of their fellow Kelil Rodolphe.
—Or not. What they were after was the Rainbow Crown.
“Sir Legul, we have enough power and morale to take on another battle.”
“…No, we’ll retreat.”
Legul knew tragedy had befallen Rodolphe because of his inflated ego.
The other two Kelil must have been watching their battle and noticed that Legul’s sailing vessel moved deftly. He didn’t think he’d lose, but he might take unexpected damage.
“We’ll lay siege to the island where Rodolphe has his stronghold while keeping a safe distance from the other fleets. They’re obviously not here to lend us a helping hand, but I doubt they’ll try and draw blood.”
“Understood.”
The subordinate signaled the other ships, and Legul’s fleet slowly began to leave for other waters.
“A one-sided battle, eh?” Tolcheila observed from their ship hidden in the shadow of an island. Her eyes trailed after Legul leaving the aftermath. “Legul is the real deal.”
“He certainly does know how to handle a ship. Goodness, that was a surprise.”
Voras nodded in admiration. Even though a fellow Kelil was just soundly defeated, it didn’t seem like it affected him.
“So, Voras, what do you think will happen next?”
“They will be in a deadlock for some time, I presume,” he answered. “I do not know what has become of Rodolphe, but I imagine he escaped. That man is rather persistent, after all. I suppose he will hole up in his manor for the time being.”
“But he’ll starve to death if he’s surrounded. Rodolphe will have nowhere to turn. If Legul sends his crew ashore to torture him, he may break long before that.”
“There is no fear of that happening. After all, the Kelil closing in at the end of the battle would then turn their weapons against Legul.”
“You mean Emelance and Sandia? It was sly of them to make an appearance once the battle had already been decided.”
Tolcheila and Voras had watched as the two fleets had entered Rodolphe and Legul’s battle. Staying out of sight had been the right choice for the princess and her temporary keeper.
“Legul’s forces are undeniably powerful—when they’re among ships and seas. But for ground warfare and marching directly into the manor, they’re not much stronger than your average soldiers,” Voras remarked.
“I see; so it is the ocean that gives them strength. If those two Kelil take one step on the island, Legul’s soldiers will put knives in their backs. They can’t be careless. It’s a deadlock. Will Rodolphe accept aid or surrender?”
Voras shook his head. “I very much doubt it. Now that he has been captivated by the Rainbow Crown, he will never agree to relinquish it.”
“Maybe the other two will conspire to attack Rodolphe?”
“That would be difficult. They aren’t allies but rivals, both aiming for the Rainbow Crown. If they took the time to negotiate, the two could temporarily join forces, but Legul will call reinforcements to the stronghold beforehand.”
“Hmm, I see. So the stalemate will last until Legul requests extra aid. Whether or not Rodolphe hides away in his manor or the two Kelil look for their chance to strike, we must make a move before then.”
Tolcheila looked stunned but hated herself for it.
“Everything happened just as he said.”
“Indeed it has.”
Voras’s gentle demeanor was touched by fear.
“He’s a fearsome fellow—that Prince Wein.”
Rodolphe was going to carry the Rainbow Crown away from the island.
Days had passed since his naval fleet had sunk into the sea. With nowhere else to turn—unable to even lock himself away in his manor—this had been his last resort.
“Sir Rodolphe, we’re ready.”
“Right…”
He was going to take an emergency route that he’d prepared in case anything went awry. It was a cave that led to the ocean. A small escape boat bobbed in the waters before him.
This would be his ticket out.
“Damn Legul… I won’t forget this…!” Rodolphe muttered as he got in the boat.
It was humiliating. He’d lost years of accumulated military power and, essentially, his title. His situation looked bleak now that his fortune was all but lost.
The one thing that kept him from losing all hope was the precious Rainbow Crown in the box he was holding.
With this, I can start over…even if I lose everything else.
He gripped the box tightly. This Rainbow Crown roused Rodolphe’s heart, although he had nothing. It acted as a final lifeline.
“Let us get going.”
The boat set off slowly.
The cave led to the southwest sector of the island. The waters here were shallow, and any large vessel heavy enough to sink deep in the water was unable to pass. There were numerous reefs, and any ship that tried to enter unawares was almost guaranteed to run aground. Even Legul and the two Kelil couldn’t approach it. Attempting to sail through these waters on a cloudy, starless night was basically suicide.
And so that was the path Rodolphe would take.
I know this place like the back of my hand. So do my men. Even if no stars are out, we’ll be able to navigate the reef with our experience and the lighthouse.
They emerged from the cave and entered the reef as he’d expected, passing through without incident. They would have to stay alert and watch out for enemy patrols. How could the group avoid them?
Even a blockade has limits. If we can weave between the guards and break through—
Rodolphe’s mind was racing.
“…Hmm?”
Something about the sight before him felt off.
“What…?”
It was strange. Everything was going according to plan, but something didn’t feel right. He wasn’t sure why, but his seafaring experience was setting off alarm bells in his head.
Rodolphe looked around him. The inky ocean. A cloudy sky. The glow of the lighthouse visible from the other side of the sea. Everything passed through his field of vision—until he noticed the thing he dreaded.
“Stop the boat! Now!” he barked.
The sailor controlling the boat jolted.
A moment later, something rocked the boat.
“GWAGH—?!”
Almost everyone in the boat was launched off, plummeting straight into the sea. Rodolphe clung to the vessel, clutching the box containing the Rainbow Crown for dear life.
Then he saw that the boat was in the air, a jagged rock piercing through the floorboards.
“A reef?! Why is that here?!” one of the sailors cried out in anguish.
They’d crossed these waters more times than they could count. The seafarers all swore the reef hadn’t been there before.
“It’s the lighthouse…”
Rodolphe knew the answer, and his voice trembled. He gazed upon the light beyond the darkness. “There’s something different about the light coming from the lighthouse…!”
His sailor subordinates turned toward it, realizing what their master said was true. The light was not in its usual location.
The lighthouse was a crucial compass that allowed safe passage through the darkness. It was not something those who often traveled these waters would ever doubt. And it was the reason they had run aground.
There was the question of whether this was all part of someone’s plan.
A midsize ship soundlessly crept up before them in the night. He knew the person standing at its edge.
“Master…Felite…?!”
“It’s been a while, Rodolphe.”
Felite Zarif faced the stunned man and offered a small smile.
“We don’t have enough people,” Wein started as he explained his plan. “I highly doubt Rodolphe will hand over the Rainbow Crown if we visit him, and we don’t have the military power to rip it from his hands. —So we’ll spread rumors throughout all of Patura that he has it.”
He paused, then went on.
“Once Legul hears of this, he’ll confirm whether the rumors are true. After all, if Rodolphe doesn’t have the crown or know where it is, Legul will have to start from square one.”
“Even if Legul dispatches one of his subordinates with the task, he’ll have to shoulder the risk that they might keep the Rainbow Crown for themselves. Legul will take his fleet and go straight to him himself,” Felite replied. “But what if Legul defeats Rodolphe and takes the crown?”
“We’d have another Kelil cut in,” Wein replied. “Rodolphe has been one for a long time, right? If even he stole the crown, there had to be at least two or three others with the same goal.”
Wein motioned to one of the documents in his hand. It came from the library and contained all sorts on information on the Kelil.
“Based on these papers, Emelance, Sandia, and Corvino seem to have their own plans in mind. Let’s have them fight for the Rainbow Crown and create a deadlock.”
“‘Create a deadlock’…? And how would we do that?” Felite asked.
“We’ll let Rodolphe escape. With the crown.” Wein pointed to another sheet of paper. “There’s a reef in the southwest part of the island where Rodolphe has his stronghold. Once his island is surrounded, I imagine he’ll try to escape from there under the cover of night. That’s where we’ll catch him. Even if he dies in the battle or gets assassinated, someone else will try to escape from these islands with the treasure. That is, if the magic of the Rainbow Crown is the real deal.”
“…Indeed. Now that it is in his possession, I cannot easily imagine Rodolphe relinquishing it to anyone, even at the cost of his life. If there is a path of escape, he will take it. Will we be able to catch him? The waters are dangerous at night. Rodolphe is confident in his ability to navigate them with his crew.”
“That’s why we’re going to make them run ashore. We’ll fake the location of their lighthouse.”
“What…?”
Disguise the lighthouse?
Felite had never entertained such an idea before. He immediately unfurled the sea chart before them. After confirming the positions of the surrounding islands and lighthouses, he understood what the prince was suggesting. This would probably work.
“It’ll likely disorient Legul and the Kelil’s patrol boats, too. All we have to do is sneak past the guards into the reef, capture Rodolphe, and secretly make our escape. The next leader of Patura should be able to pull that off in his sleep. Right?”
“You make it sound so easy…but I will do it.”
They had a lot to do. It was going to be a dangerous bridge to cross. Even so, Felite felt Wein’s plot would be more effective than his own plan to win over each Kelil individually.
“Um…I have a question.” Apis raised her hand. “I believe we have connections on each island that we can contact to spread rumors. However, you may need the proper assistance and materials if you wish to do something to the lighthouse…”
“That’s true. We’ll need to get in touch with one of the Kelil. Aside from mobilizing fleets, we should be able to work something out if they’re willing to lend us supplies and people. We can compensate them later.”
“Is there a Kelil we can trust? It’ll be reckless to decide based on the information in these documents. I mean, even Sir Rodolphe betrayed us for the Rainbow Crown,” Felite added.
“That’s what the rumors are for.”
Apis cocked her head in confusion.
Felite seemed to understand. “You’re planning on testing their loyalty by seeing whether they’ll join the fray…?!”
Wein nodded. “There will be those who will plan to take Patura for themselves upon hearing the rumors. And there will be those who offer no reaction—because they have no ambitions, no courage, or no interest. I’ll have the latter convinced in no time.”
He wasn’t bluffing. Wein sounded certain that he could make this a reality.
“At the top of my list,” Wein continued, “is Voras, the guy that’s accommodating Princess Tolcheila. If he doesn’t plan on joining the fray, we can talk. I’d better see him in person.” He looked at Felite. “What do you think? From your documents, this is the best I could come up with.”
“…To be honest, there is a part of me that thinks this is impossible to pull off. But I’m amazed by your ideas. To think you’d be able to concoct this plan from these papers… If we can pull this off, it will be extremely satisfying.”
“You’ve got a real sinister flair.” Wein held out his hand to Felite. “Come on. Let’s be bad wolves together.”
I’ve heard the rumors, but this is something else…
Felite had never imagined the prince would be able to formulate such a plan just by skimming some papers. Even he was struck with awe.
Wein, of course, had proposed more than one plot—and he’d also calculated myriad other scenarios. One could say the prince was bound to come across a winning idea after considering so many, but the truth was that he’d suggested the other plans only to put Felite and Apis at ease. From the start, he’d known this would be the best of all of them.
I thought we both believed history and knowledge were priceless. I wasn’t wrong, but he equips himself with this knowledge far better than I’ve managed to do!
Felite glanced next to him, eyeing Wein and Ninym, who were accompanying him aboard the ship. The prince was indeed the Dragon of the North. He was more dependable than one hundred soldiers. Maybe even one thousand of his best men.
Even though everything is going to plan, he expresses no joy, remaining stoically calm… It’s as if he expected this outcome, Felite thought.
Wein was caught up in his head, too. Urp. I shouldn’t have come. I’m going to throw up if this ship doesn’t stop rocking. He was trying his best to keep a straight face.
Not that Felite could read his mind.
“—Surrender, Rodolphe,” Felite whispered to the man. “Your ship can no longer make the journey. Even if you struggle, there is no escaping here. If you surrender peacefully, we promise to spare the lives of both you and your crew.”
It was a magnanimous decision; Rodolphe had stolen the Rainbow Crown, a symbol of authority. No one would blame Felite if he went on a murderous rampage.
The crew surrounding Rodolphe understood this. They knew they were at an extreme disadvantage. They looked at each other in mutual agreement before nervously turning to Rodolphe.
“………” Rodolphe looked up at Felite, then down at the box in his arms. If he surrendered, he’d lose the Rainbow Crown. His face twisted bitterly.
“…I suppose there’s no other way. Apis,” said Felite, realizing they were getting nowhere.
“Right.”
Led by Apis, a crew of sailors, each armed with a sword, boarded Rodolphe’s boat.
“Sir Rodolphe, please hand it over,” Apis said, pointing the tip of her sword at him.
He had betrayed her. If he resisted, she would kill him.
“…You’re telling me to return this?”
Felite nodded. “Yes. The Rainbow Crown isn’t yours.”
“But…!”
“You were the one who taught me how to sail. I don’t wish to taint that memory with blood.”
Felite was pleading with Rodolphe not to make him raise his sword. To him, the Kelil were close aides who had supported his father. And it wasn’t just Rodolphe. Every person on Rodolphe’s ship was worthy of honor. Felite didn’t want to harm them if he could help it.
“……”
As if Felite had gotten through to him, Rodolphe slowly passed the box to Apis, hands trembling after a long period of agonizing deliberation.
“…You’ve made the right choice.” Felite looked at the box in Apis’s hands, letting out a sigh of relief. “Please see them safely onto the ship. We’ll be departing soon.”
His own sailors and the opposing crew clambered aboard. Just to be safe, Rodolphe’s gang was tied up with rope.
Apis presented the box to Felite. “Please check its contents, Master Felite.”
She snapped open the box. Light sprang forth from the darkness. Felite instinctively narrowed his eyes. Within the box was a multicolored seashell that emitted a mysterious shine.
“…It’s real.”
They had recovered the symbol of authority. Their mission was accomplished, but Felite felt no joy. In fact, it pained him to gaze at the Rainbow Crown.
“Apis, lock that box away in the ship’s hold and place it under strict security.”
“Understood.” She turned away on her heel, taking the treasure with her.
“—Ah, I knew it. I can’t take it.”
Something blurred in the corner of Felite’s vision. Before he even had the chance to perceive it, Rodolphe had seized the sword of a nearby sailor and was racing toward Apis.
“Apis!” Felite screamed, shoving her out of the way.
“The Rainbow Crown’s mine!” Rodolphe rushed in with beast-like ferocity.
“Forgive me, Rodolphe…!”
A moment passed. Felite’s unsheathed blade had sliced cleanly across Rodolphe’s body.
“Gah—?!” The man spewed blood, crumpling to his knees.
Felite’s brow creased with regret, but before he could fully process his actions, he heard another cry.
“Th-the box!”
Felite witnessed the case sliding across the deck. It must have fallen out of Apis’s arms when he’d pushed her. It inched over the edge, about to fall into the ocean—
“—Hup!” Wein skidded over, leaning over the ship, just narrowly grabbing the box.
“Your Highness!”
“Prince Wein!”
“Don’t congratulate me yet! Ninym! Help me out! I’m about to fall along with it.”
Krck. Just as Wein called for backup, the lid of the box snapped off its hinges.
“Ah.”
The Rainbow Crown plunged below the ship. It sounded like something had shattered.
““………””
Everyone on the ship held their breath. Ninym took a step forward and quietly checked the waters below. There she saw Rodolphe’s ship, which had previously run aground.
“I don’t know how to say this,” Ninym spoke up nervously, gaping at the rainbow shards sprayed all over the deck. “I apologize for being the bearer of bad news—but the Rainbow Crown is destroyed.”
Wein and Felite looked at each other.