I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game [EN]: Chapter 331

A few more days flew by. Soon, Stage 14 was just around the corner.

“Whoa……”

Snowflakes began to pour down from the sky.

“It’s completely winter now.”

I watched the snow pile up in the mansion’s yard before closing the window. Brr, it’s cold.

Crossroad was located in the southern part of the continent, so it was supposed to be relatively warm. But, the concept of defense is relative.

Being in the south compared to other countries to the north meant it was ‘relatively’ warmer, not that the climate was tropical.

It felt similar to Korea… the four seasons were quite distinct.

‘If this is how it is here in the southernmost part, what kind of winters are the countries in the north of the continent experiencing?’

I remembered the stories of the northern kingdom where it snowed even in the summer. Does that mean they get snow avalanches from the sky in the winter?

‘I’m never going to the north, no matter what.’

I wrapped myself in a blanket and sat on a chair in front of the fireplace, shivering.

There was no way this fantasy world would have a hot ondol system [Korean floor heating system], so sitting in front of the fireplace and drinking the hot cocoa that Aider made was the only way to keep warm.

“Are you alright, Senior?”

Evangeline, who was sitting on the chair next to me, fidgeting and reading a book, gave me a worried look.

“You seem to be very sensitive to the cold……?”

“Yeah, I’m usually a bit weak in the winter… It’s okay, I’ll get used to it soon.”

Still, it was a bit better to sip cocoa, stick close to the fireplace, and wrap myself in a blanket.

I should just stay like this all day and do some paperwork……

“Lord!”

Just then, the office door burst open, and Aider rushed in, looking flustered.

Ah, this was the feeling of work. Something must have come up that required me to leave this cozy nest.

With a sad face, I pulled the blanket up to my neck and asked,

“Yes, the Lord is here. What’s the matter? Did the roof collapse because of the snow? Are there not enough tools for snow removal? If possible, I’d like to handle it with non-face-to-face document approval……”

But it wasn’t that kind of issue.

“We have guests from the Imperial City!”

At those words, I jumped up from my seat.

“It’s the Imperial Consort, the wife of First Prince Larc, and her three sons!”

“They’ve finally arrived!”

Larc’s brother’s wife and three sons.

I had ordered them to be secretly taken out of the Imperial City before.

I had heard a report that they had escaped the Imperial City and headed south towards this place, and they had finally arrived at Crossroad.

***

The Winter Silver Merchant Guild branch, located in the center of Crossroad.

The guests were first taken here. I, wearing a thick coat and scarf, quickly entered the building.

“Your Highness.”

At that moment, a navy-haired maid standing at the entrance of the building greeted me. She had a large sword case on her back.

Elise, Serenade’s exclusive bodyguard and the SSR-grade swordsman [a very high rank in a game or system] who was in charge of executing the Larc family’s escape operation.

I was delighted and patted Elise on the shoulder.

“Elise! You’ve worked hard. Were there any difficulties during the escape?”

“The escape itself went smoothly without any major difficulties. However, the road was quite long, so the honored guests were a bit tired. But everyone is safe.”

“Were there any pursuers?”

“There were, but I eliminated them.”

Elise was saying something strangely scary with a calm expression.

Anyway, as expected of one of the top-tier characters among the swordsman class characters, Elise had protected them well on their way down.

I repeatedly praised her and smiled at Elise, then suddenly tilted my head.

“Oh, come to think of it, where’s Alberto? I thought he’d come to greet me first when I arrived?”

“He came with us until halfway, but he went back to the Imperial City. He said that no matter what, there had to be a contact in the Imperial City……”

“That old man, really……”

I clicked my tongue briefly.

Now that even the Imperial City would be engulfed in the flames of war, it wouldn’t be safe at all. It seemed that Alberto, that old man, had volunteered to go back there.

Of course, it would be good if we had a card left to use in the Imperial City. But still, for that elderly old man to risk danger like that.

‘He’ll be fine. How much experience has he accumulated as the Imperial Palace’s chief steward?’

Still, I’m a little worried……

“Anyway, let’s go inside.”

Elise gestured towards the inside of the building.

“My master is receiving the honored guests.”

As I entered the building, a sophisticated and comfortable reception room appeared. It seemed to be better decorated than the Lord’s mansion……?

Larc’s wife and three sons were sitting huddled together on the large sofa in this reception room, drinking hot tea.

Serenade was smiling gently, pouring tea for them, and chatting with them.

As I entered, I shouted,

“Sister-in-law!”

……I don’t know if this title is okay, but well, it’s Ash. I just called out casually. I’m quite ignorant of imperial etiquette.

“Oh my, Prince Ash!”

Fortunately, Larc’s wife didn’t seem to suspect anything.

Larc’s three sons, who recognized me, jumped up from their seats and clung to me, calling me ‘Uncle! Uncle!’

Haha, even if you cling to me so cutely, I won’t give you any New Year’s money.

After a brief reunion, Serenade brought me a warm teacup as I sat on the sofa next to them.

I expressed my gratitude with my eyes and opened my mouth towards Larc’s wife.

“Things must be chaotic up there?”

Currently, the First Legion led by Larc and the Imperial City Defense Forces led by Fernandes were forming a front line around the Imperial City, engaging in back-and-forth battles.

Surprisingly, the First Legion was having trouble breaking through, and the Imperial City Defense Forces were maintaining a strong defense.

The war situation had become stagnant, and the news of the civil war between the two Everblack princes was already spreading rapidly around the world.

‘What the heck is the Emperor doing in this situation……’

The Emperor was in seclusion, as he had been for the past few years.

He was probably still continuing the battle against the otherworlders who were invading from the spirit realm.

But no matter what, how could he be so uninterested when his own country was becoming such a mess?

“Yes. We almost had several incidents on the way here…… The whole country is in great chaos.”

Larc’s wife smiled bravely.

“But I believe it will be resolved soon. My husband is capable of doing so.”

Her voice was filled with absolute trust in her husband. I smiled back at her.

“Yes. I believe in my brother too. Everything will be over soon.”

Later, when Larc becomes the Emperor, this woman will become the Empress, and one of these little ones might become the next Emperor.

I should make a good impression. I guess I should give them New Year’s money……

“……Prince Fernandes.”

At that moment, Larc’s wife lowered her head and murmured softly.

“Why did he do such a thing?”

“……”

“Is it… because of the throne?”

I didn’t answer.

As I said before. I don’t know why Fernandes is doing this. I don’t care either.

I’m just using the situation as much as I can since I know about it in advance.

After that, we chatted about various things, and then I got up, saying that they must be tired from the long journey and should rest.

“Please stay here comfortably until the war is stabilized. When the situation gets better, I will contact my brother right away so he can come and get you.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Prince Ash.”

And Larc’s wife stared at me. I smiled awkwardly.

“Um, why are you looking at me like that……?”

“……No, I was just thinking that you’ve grown so much. You used to be so small and cute, but now you’ve become a proper adult.”

Come to think of it, Larc said that he used to play with Ash a lot when he was young. It seems that he had also spent some time with this woman who was Larc’s wife.

I smiled and pointed at the nephews.

“These little ones will grow up in an instant like me. Or, like Larc, my brother.”

“Hehe. My husband is a very handsome knight, but he doesn’t have any cuteness.”

Larc’s wife joked and pulled her sons into her arms.

“I wish my children would stay this cute forever.”

Too bad. The children will grow up quickly. And they’ll become muscular men like Larc.

This cuteness will disappear in an instant, right? Enjoy it while you can.

I pinched my nephews’ cheeks once each, and after making eye contact with Larc’s wife for the last time, I left the reception room.

Serenade followed me out with quick steps.

“Thank you, Serenade. For allowing me to host the guests here.”

“It’s my honor. And there’s no reason for a merchant to refuse when we can make such a valuable connection.”

Serenade smiled, covering her mouth, and tilted her head slightly.

“But the fact that you didn’t host them at the Lord’s mansion and instead hosted them here… there must be a reason, right?”

“……Yeah. I’m worried about something.”

Currently, five Aegis Special Forces members were imprisoned in the Crossroad Central Prison.

All five members who were dispatched with Mason. Those whose identities were confirmed were all captured and put in the central prison.

They said their purpose was simply to strengthen reconnaissance of Crossroad, but……

‘I’m not an idiot, so how could I believe that?’

In this situation where the civil war was escalating, the elite First Team came all the way to this remote corner of the countryside, which had declared its own independent path, not Larc’s side.

They must be up to something. Then what are they aiming for?

‘The biggest possibility is Larc’s wife and three sons.’

I had secretly taken out those whom Fernandes was trying to take hostage.

What if Fernandes sent the Special Forces First Team to kidnap them again? Then it would make sense.

So, to protect them, I decided to have them stay at this Winter Silver Merchant Guild branch.

This building was located in the center of Crossroad. In other words, all the major military facilities, including the barracks, were right next to it.

It was more advantageous for defense than the Lord’s mansion, which was located slightly on the outskirts.

‘Now that I don’t know exactly what Fernandes is planning, all I can do is to build up defenses.’

I ordered the security around the Winter Silver Merchant Guild building to be strengthened, the number of scouts inside the city to be increased, and the identification of refugees coming from outside to be more strict than before.

The most troublesome guys were in prison, and I would do my best to defend against any additional spies.

I couldn’t be completely relieved, but I felt like I had done everything I could.

After briefly explaining the situation, Serenade nodded her head, saying, “Indeed.”

“We will also do our best to strengthen security. For the time being, we will use Elise as their exclusive bodyguard.”

“Thank you, Serenade. I’m counting on you.”

I let out a sigh.

In the future, many honored guests would visit Crossroad, and there would be many people who were politically sensitive, so these kinds of behind-the-scenes conflicts would become more frequent.

‘I need to establish a solid counterintelligence system……’

And I need to build a hotel quickly.

It’s not easy to disperse and put guests to sleep here and there every time they come. A hotel would solve everything!

While I was thinking about that, Serenade murmured quietly, looking towards the reception room.

“By the way, it’s nice to see, being a couple.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah……?”

“Even when they’re apart, they trust each other firmly, believe in each other’s path, and can strengthen their hearts even in danger… That kind of relationship. It’s wonderful.”

“Y-Yeah, it is.”

“Above all, the children are cute too……”

Serenade, who had said that, gently glanced her silver eyes towards me.

My heart sank. What! What does that mean!

“Your Highness.”

Serenade reached out her hand towards me.

Her long fingers touched my cheek, which was frozen and unable to move-

“You have a fever again.”

She swept her hand upwards and placed it on my forehead.

I, who was blankly stuttering, jumped up a beat late and asked back.

“Huh?! Fever?! Really?! I have a fever?!”

“Yes. You haven’t been well since you were sick last time, and you’ve been overdoing it again, haven’t you? I heard that you collapsed once during this expedition……”

“What, who did you hear that from? I was keeping it a secret……”

“From Miss Evangeline. I bought her some snacks, and she told me right away.”

Evangeliinnnn! You sold the solid trust between you and me for just a few snacks!

“Hehe, don’t blame Miss Evangeline too much. I’m a merchant, you know? I’m also an information broker who focuses on handling information, as Your Highness emphasized before. If snacks weren’t enough, I would have used something else to find out about this.”

Serenade, who had said that calmly, smiled.

“Please don’t overdo it, Your Highness. Winter is just beginning, and there are still battles you have to overcome, right?”

“……”

“I’m worried because you seem to be overdoing it these days.”

Actually, I’ve been feeling a bit off ever since I experienced mana depletion in the dungeon.

But I even ate a dragon heart! And there’s still a mountain of work to do. I can’t just lie down because I’m not feeling well.

But I couldn’t say that in front of Serenade’s worried gaze. I smiled bitterly and waved my hands.

“Okay, I’ll take a good rest after this defense battle. Don’t worry too much.”

***

And two days later, on the morning of the day when monsters were swarming the forward base.

I woke up at dawn, touched my forehead, which was like a ball of fire, and after checking the snot dripping from my nose, I muttered softly.

“……Oh, shit.”

Seriously, stop getting sick! At this rate, I’m more of a glass cannon than Kuilan!