Chapter 32

Duke Gilbert was said to have caused the country to be in turmoil as a result of the Emperor's public announcement to abolish privileges.

For the great nobles, privileges were the main factor in demonstrating their power.

During this month, there was a possibility that His Majesty the King might be assassinated—not only Eric but also, of course, the Emperor himself was aware of this.

That's why it was Eric's duty to find and deal with the restless elements who might take action out of anxiety during this opportunity.

Eric, understanding this, was concerned for His Majesty the King, who was using his own life as bait, and sent his confidant Johan and a few other trusted personnel to the Emperor's guard.

"Johan, will it be alright? The guards of His Majesty also have their pride, you know."

I was worried whether Johan could build relationships within the Emperor's direct guard. Although I myself am not good at building relationships, the title of being directly under the Emperor is considered the elite of the elites among the palace soldiers. Of course, Johan's track record is impeccable, but I was concerned that if they were judged as lacking in strength by Eric, it might lead to dissatisfaction.

"Hmm. Now that you mention it, I am a bit worried. I might have been lacking in courtesy. I'll go and greet the captain of the guard, Alfred, and make sure to convey that I do not neglect the guard."

"I'll accompany you."

"Rinsha will go too!"

When Eric said he would go and greet Alfred, the captain of the guard, Rinsha and I followed.

"Thus, I am saying that you are unnecessary! We are the honor guard of the glorious King Siegfried Elscheid! This is not a job for newcomers like you! Please leave!"

"I cannot simply leave when asked! We were sent here on urgent business by our lord, Prince Eric! Please, consider the will of the Prince!"

"Who cares! No matter how much the Crown Prince requests, we have our pride! The pride of having protected His Majesty for years! For the sake of our honor, we cannot accept you!"

As expected, or rather, more than expected, Johan and the Emperor's guard were in conflict.

The man with the eye patch, that dark-skinned man, is Alfred Renliel, the captain of the guard. He is known for his immense strength, and his reputation has spread to neighboring countries.

"They're fighting."

"They are fighting."

"Rinsha, I'll punch that guy and persuade him."

"Leia, please hold Rinsha back."

"Understood, Lord Eric."

"Oh, what? Strange. I can't move now."

I restrain Rinsha, who is about to punch, with the light chains that bind monsters and assassins. Since Rinsha is very strong, it's impossible to keep her restrained for a long time, but Eric will surely do something before that.

"Hey, Alfred. It's been a while. I've heard everything."

"Prince Eric... If you have heard, then you understand, do you not? Johan Orbran and the other four are nothing but a hindrance to our elite unit. The temporary personnel supplementation is under my authority. Even if you are the Prince, I will not accept any objections."

Alfred, stating that he has been given full authority over personnel, firmly declared that he would not accept Johan and the others, regardless of Eric's intervention. I cannot accept the reason that their skills are insufficient.

"Johan is strong. I can vouch for that."

"What does it matter that the Prince vouches for him? I recall that the Prince learned swordsmanship at the Orbran dojo. I cannot entrust His Majesty's life to a man who became a guard out of the Prince's favor."

Eric explained to Alfred that Johan is strong, but he stubbornly refused to acknowledge it. Moreover, he insinuated that Johan was hired as a guard through favoritism.

"Then, should Johan show his strength?"

"Show his strength? Should Johan and I have a match?"

"No, the match will be between you and me. Since Johan is my fellow disciple, his strength can be gauged. I just wanted to move my body a bit after a long time."

"――What!?"

What? Eric is going to have a match with Alfred? Indeed, Eric is strong, but it's dangerous...

"Prince Eric, this is no laughing matter."

"Hehe, if it were a joke, I would have said something funnier. Of course, it's a friendly match. Try to silence the impudent Crown Prince."

"――Very well. You will regret it."

Before I knew it, Eric had decided to have a match with Alfred, the captain of the Emperor's guard. Since Alfred has his pride, demonstrating strength should be the right choice—but.

We headed to the training ground where the palace soldiers were training—.