“I really have no idea what’s going on here,” muttered Dave, the coachman, as he steered the carriage forward. 

Since the incident on the Nahir Plains, relations between Seor and the Grand Duchy, which had seemed to be improving, had once again plummeted to their lowest point. 

From Dave’s point of view, as someone who made his living transporting supplies along the border between Seor and the Grand Duchy, this was an incredibly inconvenient situation. 

After all, during the Nahir Plains incident, Nahir had originally been part of the Empire’s territory.

“Well… it’s our land anyway.”

“Claiming it back is only natural, in a way.”

“Why did His Excellency tolerate this occupation in the first place? We’re not militarily weak anymore.

Despite all the trouble, Dave didn’t think the increase in trade routes was necessarily a bad thing. This time, however, something felt different. 

While many people were outraged – as they had been during the Nahir incident – to hear that Seor assassins had infiltrated the Grand Duchy and wounded the Princess, there were some who remained sceptical. 

“Was the Grand Duchy’s security really that weak, even in the presence of Lord Elsen?”

“Lord Elsen is only human. He could have made a mistake…”

“Still, they say a whole outbuilding burned down? Is that… even possible?”

“The security of the Grand Duchy, just like that?”

Besides, the princess who was supposed to have been injured had not been seen coming out of the Grand Duchy.

“Since the Grand Duchy was breached once, shouldn’t she be moved to another place?”

“Why didn’t she take refuge in the royal palace?”

Some began to spread conspiracy theories, while others voiced their suspicions, sensing that something was amiss. 

Soon, ominous news began to pour out of the Grand Duchy. 

Along with rumours that Viscount Kallian Elsen had been sent to the border, taxes were raised and many people were imprisoned. 

As a commoner from a small territory, Dave couldn’t help but feel deeply concerned.

“Is that why you want to go back to Seor at a time like this?”

Dave asked, looking back at the carriage. 

A handsome man with light golden hair and deep brown eyes had stopped Dave’s carriage while it was moving. Next to him was a woman with her head covered by a scarf and a young, tidy-looking man with brown hair. 

“Can we get to the border?” 

It was only when the man spoke that Dave understood why he had been stopped. 

The man’s accent had a distinct Seor intonation. He was probably trying to leave the Grand Duchy, not wanting to remain a Seor in such uncertain times. 

During the tensions of the Nahir Plains incident, Dave had once transported some Seor citizens who were stranded in the Grand Duchy. 

“Aha. So this is the group.”

Dave knew that remnants of the cultures of polygyny and polyandry still existed in Seor. While these traditions had largely faded, he had heard that they were still practised among wealthy merchants or aristocrats who arranged marriages by contract. The Seor man was clearly from a wealthy family, judging by his appearance. 

“Probably a couple with one wife and two husbands.” 

Dave didn’t particularly dislike the Seor people. It wasn’t just him – those who lived near the border, who often interacted with the Seor for their livelihood, generally felt the same way.

So, without any ill will, Dave started a conversation.

“I heard that a lot of Seor people who didn’t leave last time are going back to Seor now. Looks like you’re one of them?”

“Yes.”

“Well, considering how young you are, it must be like a honeymoon for you. Newlyweds should spend their time somewhere peaceful. Sounds like your husbands made a good choice.”

Cough!

At this remark, the man with the light hair, who seemed to be the leader of the group, cleared his throat.

The brown-haired man also bit his lower lip. Dave looked at the woman and continued in a teasing tone.

“I bet you’re not too comfortable with a woman like that, are you? Well, she must be something to have two husbands.”

“…”.

The woman, presumably the wife, raised her head slightly at Dave’s words, but quickly lowered it again. She was a sad but beautiful woman, no matter how often you looked at her.

“Well, since both husband and wife are handsome and beautiful, your child will surely be beautiful.”
At those words, the woman’s shoulders stiffened. The brown-haired man also seemed concerned, his face turning pale. The blonde-haired man sighed, seemingly trying to change the subject.

“By the way… it looks like we’re getting pretty close to the border. How much further do we have to go?”

“Hmm, I’m curious about that too. The border patrol should have shown up by now…”

The area around them was almost deserted, which was quite unusual. The man brushed his fringe anxiously. Dave sighed too.

“It seems that things are chaotic here because of the rumours about Visccount Elsen’s disappearance.”

“……”
“Ah. Is that something that’s not easy to tell the Seor people?”

“No, it’s fine.”

Just as there are Imperials who don’t harbor much ill will towards the Seor, there are also Seor who don’t harbor much hatred towards the Imperials. It was often heard that some Seor soldiers had a favourable opinion of Viscount Kallian Elsen. Dave’s face brightened when he thought that might be the case.

“Still, when he was around, the borders between the two sides were pretty stable. There were occasional disturbances, but nothing too serious.”

“I can’t deny that.”

“Unbelievable, that he really disappeared.”

Dave scratched the back of his head.

“It’s been a long time since he was last seen. There are only disturbing rumours that he was taken prisoner or died in battle.”

“……”

“Nowadays there are more and more clashes on the border. The armies of both sides keep clashing and there are rumours that war could break out. It’s a big problem.”

As Dave continued, the faces of his companions began to darken. The woman in particular went pale, which made Dave cluck his tongue. 

“But don’t worry. Even if it seems otherwise, I know a few people from Seor, so I can handle this…”

“Is there another story?”

The woman asked in a soft, gentle voice. Dave widened his eyes.

“What kind of story?” 

“Something other than the rumours that he was captured or died in battle.” 

“Hmm, I don’t know much about that. It’s been a few weeks since he went missing.” 

The woman fell silent again and lowered her eyes. Seeing her like that, looking so pitiful, Dave couldn’t help but sigh. 

“Anyway, we’ll be crossing the border soon, so don’t worry.” 

“……”

“I know this route very well, and so far the army hasn’t crossed this way…”

Thud!

In the next instant, something powerful flew and struck the front of the carriage. It was an arrow, almost as big as a spear. The coachman’s eyes widened.

“What’s that…?”

“Hee-ee-ee-ee-ee!”

The wagon was attacked several times and torn apart. The startled horses took the opportunity to break free and scattered in all directions. The street was immediately thrown into chaos. The coachman quickly fell from his seat and disappeared, only to be seen running off in the distance. Those who had attacked the carriage didn’t follow him. It wasn’t an act of excessive compassion, but rather a calculated decision.

“Just let him go!”

“Go back and spread the word about the atmosphere on the border!”

“Spread the word that Seor no longer favours the Empire!”

“Kill the rest!”

Soon the soldiers poured in.

“Madam!”

Ruben quickly drew his sword and jumped out of the carriage, holding Elliopé in his arms. Cylon, the Seor ambassador, also quickly rolled and escaped from the carriage. As soon as they hit the ground, men poured out of the forest. They were soldiers of Seor, marked with the Seor insignia. A loud voice with a strong Seor accent called out.

“Catch them all!”

“Now that Ilmos’ hunting dogs are gone, there’s nothing to fear!”

They ran towards them, swords drawn. Then Cylon, the Seor ambassador, shouted in Seor.

“Stop! We are allies!”

The Seor soldier leading the charge hesitated. Cylon shouted again.

“Do you intend to stain your sword with the blood of your own people? Stop!”

The soldier looked at the Cylon with a curious gaze, tilting his head.

“Are you from the same region?”

“But the Seor people near the border must have moved to Seor recently.”

“Did any of our people stay behind?”

The soldier’s suspicious look lingered. Then someone pushed through the soldiers.

An older soldier smiled at Cylon. Recognising him, Cylon swallowed nervously.

“Who is it? Is it not young Lord Cylon?”

“……”
“When did we last meet? At the Duke’s banquet? Was that a year ago?” 

The Seor commander, who had met Cylon a few times as the son of a high-ranking noble, scoffed. 

“You’ve been babbling about setting up an embassy at the Council of Nobles, and now, when it looks like war is about to break out, you’re running off to Seor?” 

“Enough of this nonsense, Marquis Yeongsik.” 

“How can that be?” 

Soon, the man called Marquis Yeongsik nonchalantly dismounted from his horse and confidently approached Cylon. 

“Oh?”
Marquis Yeongsik looked at Elliopé and Ruben standing behind him and whistled. 

“Have you even started a family there? And with several husbands?” 

Yeongsik sneered openly and shrugged his shoulders. 

“Impressive. A person from the Empire mixing with Seor people like that. Truly fitting for a traitor who calls for peace.” 

“……” 

“And who chooses to share a woman with another man.”

A sardonic smile followed.

“Sounds like something a coward would do. That’s probably why you chose the Second Prince.” 

“Don’t speak ill of His Highness the Second Prince.” 

“Ha! What’s wrong with that? Do you still think you’re the esteemed Duke Yeongsik?” 

“At least show some respect. I am also a Seor.” 

“No. Once the war starts, His Highness the Crown Prince will take full control. Traitors like you who have gone to the Grand Duchy of the Empire and married will no longer be considered Seor.” 

As Marquis Yeongsik spoke, he looked at Elliopé and curled his lips slightly. 

“She’s quite a beauty for an imperial wife.”