Chapter 68: Pector of Despair Part 3

Aslan, who had been harshly criticized by the elders, hung his head low.

‘How pathetic.’

Although there was an established council and some restrictions on imperial education for the crown prince or princess, who would have thought it would be this limited?

“You should have listened to them until the end.”

“Isn’t it normal to leave in such situations? Olivia, if things are as you say, those people…”

“Even if peace comes, they’ll eventually return to their homeland. What are they supposed to do then? They’ll have to reclaim and cultivate desolate land all over again. And if they leave it unattended, this place will become a no-man’s-land.”

“Empty land invites monsters and bandits.”

“This is imperial territory, after all.”

It can’t be abandoned, especially not at the border, as neglecting it would make it vulnerable to attacks by the Four Generals.

“That’s why we’ll continue supporting them—”

“They’re in urgent need right now. Sure, some might want to settle in other territories, but older folks like them can’t abandon their birthplace. Nearby territories are at least accessible, so they can return anytime, but the imperial capital or central noble lands are too far away. The empire is massive, isn’t it?”

Traveling from the border to the center takes an immense amount of time, especially in the northwestern regions.

To provide those refugees with any assistance, the neighboring lords would need to station large-scale armies, build houses, and supply food while homes were being constructed.

“Does this mean we just have to stand by and watch?”

“We need support from other lords. Now that we know the situation, we should request aid from Ashtar and other central nobles.”

‘We know now, so that’s enough.’

That much suffices.

***

“So, what’s next?”

“What else? We return. We’ve made our presence known, and that’s all we needed to do.”

“Return just like that?”

“There’s also Pector to consider. Returning quickly the way we came might be best. We can’t defeat Pector with the forces we have now.”

‘We can’t protect and fight simultaneously.’

“Taking a slightly longer route under the guise of inspecting the land might be risky, but what do you think?”

‘Yuria, you’re useless at times like this.’

“This isn’t the time for leisurely detours.”

“As the ‘Grand Commander’ said, isn’t that the best option? If we’re not going to stop by, it’s better to at least make it look like a proper inspection.”

“Pector provides justification for that.”

It would be foolish to continue inspecting the land while the Four Generals could strike at any moment.

Even if they had the forces to defeat the Four Generals, Aslan is still the crown prince.

His safety takes precedence.

“What if Pector doesn’t show up?”

“How could you be sure of that?”

Whatever the reason, even if Pector doesn’t appear, Aslan’s life remains the priority.

‘He is a prince for a reason.’

“Pector is one of the Four Generals commanding armies. If he moves with an army, there’s no way Ashtar wouldn’t know, is there?”

“Do you think Pector is stupid?”

“While Pector’s current maneuvers were unexpected, he had many ways to mobilize troops.”

“He could lead a small force and then summon a large one.”

“That’s his capability.”

“If that’s not the case, doesn’t it imply Ashtar has practically ceded imperial land to Pector?”

“Touché.”

“Unless you’re suggesting the Grand Commander himself go after Pector. We can split into teams here, dividing those who continue the inspection and those who don’t.”

‘Oh, that’s where you’re going with this.’

“Are you willing to take the long way around, no matter what?”

“Yes. It will benefit the crown prince’s future.”

‘What nonsense. You’re just trying to win favor with the prince.’

‘You’re already engaged. Why so desperate?’

“What do the others think? What about young master Rivelte?”

“I don’t have much of an opinion. Do I look like I know politics?”

‘Right. I know your head is as thick as a rock. But at least understand the situation.’

“Don’t you understand the flow? It’s not about politics. This is about the prince’s life.”

“If it’s just about life, then I’d turn back.”

Rivelte was realistic.

“I’ll only follow the prince’s orders. If the prince takes on something challenging, it’s my duty as his servant to assist him.”

‘Raileur is as crazy as ever.’

‘What a lunatic. It’s also a servant’s job to stop their lord from taking the wrong path.’

‘A simple pretense would suffice.’

‘Why are they so devoted in a system that isn’t even fully centralized or absolutist?’

***

“Lady Olivia.”

“What?”

“This time, I believe the prince’s decision is correct.”

Even Claire sided with the prince this time.

“I think so too,” said Syria, supporting Yuria’s position.

“Don’t worry. I’m here with the prince!” Sharial declared, patting her chest while holding her bow.

‘Looks like that elf has taken their side too.’

‘She must be determined to follow Aslan, especially since we promised her a position in the empire.’

‘Maybe Sharial is stronger than Ella.’

“Lady Sharial, are you strong?”

“I think I’m at least on par with my sister!”

‘Against Pector, we’re barely holding out in a 3-on-1 fight. If Ella’s barely pulling her weight, can we trust this?’

‘There’s no other option.’

I pointed to a location on the map.

“If they’ve passed the western border of Ashtar, they might be near the military stronghold of Karchem. At the very least, take the opposite route.”

“Hm. I’ll keep that in mind.”

‘Not keep it in mind—do it.’

***

The teams were divided.

The inspection team departed first, while the rest returned to Ashtar’s territory.

“For now, we focus on finding Pector. Yuria’s right. If we’re careless, Ashtar’s reputation could be tarnished.”

Claire spoke with a serious tone.

‘That might be better.’

Being alone is preferable to staying with Aslan, whose presence feels as suffocating as swallowing a dozen sweet potatoes.

“Is that why we split up?”

“I think splitting up is the better option. After all, capturing one of the Four Generals takes priority.”

‘If she puts it like that, I can’t argue.’

Syria’s point was valid.

I wasn’t planning to head straight back to the capital either.

Noah is dead, and now it’s Olivia.

I don’t know how much of a fight Olivia can put up against Pector, but at the very least, we have to repel him.

More importantly…

I glanced at Balen, who was following behind us.

‘Why is this guy even here?’

“I didn’t expect Rivelte to stay behind. Shouldn’t you be the one guarding them instead?”

“I’d rather stay away from that frustrating group. Besides, there’s a higher chance of encountering the Four Generals here.”

‘That does sound like you.’

To be honest, as an Ashtar, I’m deeply curious about what’s going on in that head of yours.

“What’s your real reason?”

“I wanted to see how you Ashtars handle this situation.”

“Are you seriously planning to confront them?”

‘Of course, you’d say that.’

Rivelte, the epitome of ruthlessness.

“Could you two stop there?”

“So, what’s the plan?”

“For now, we need to track Pector’s movements.”

Even I had no solid method for tracking him at the moment.

The mages’ division should already be on the job.

“Syria, you seem to know a lot about Pector.”

“Me? Uh, well, yes.”

Claire turned to Syria with curiosity.

“Since you suggested Karchem, that does seem likely. But, do you have any insight into Pector’s objectives?”

“Uh… um… maybe he’s searching for Sir Noah?”

“Noah?”

‘That makes sense.’

Pector has always shown an unusual interest in fighting me.

That’s been consistent in every battle so far.

Despite being beaten back, he would always return.

It makes sense, considering our party is composed of heroes.

Pector naturally gravitates toward us.

But his obsession with fighting me specifically has been… peculiar.

If the attack on Fort Berta and his retreat from the hero’s party both stem from my absence, then it all clicks.

‘Wait, does this mean all of this is my fault?’

Pector could be aimlessly wandering in search of me, driven mad after losing his master and rival when Noah died fighting the Demon King.

‘No, that’s Noah’s fault, not mine. Definitely not mine.’

‘So it’s fine. Absolutely fine.’

Since it’s not about me, our priority remains finding Pector.

“Miss, your face has gone pale.”

“In that case, shouldn’t we search between Karchem and Ashtar’s territory?”

‘Oh, Balen Rivelte. A decent suggestion.’

‘Is this wild man eager for a fight with Pector?’

In that case, trusting his instincts might not be a bad idea.

I’ve never led an army before, so relying on someone else for this is probably for the best.

“I’ll trust your instincts, Rivelte. Where do you think he’ll be?”

“What an odd sight—Ashtar asking me for help.”

‘Does it matter whether it’s Rivelte or Ashtar right now?’

Pector’s true objective remains unclear.

“Do you think titles matter in this situation? If I cared about that, I wouldn’t have yelled at the prince earlier.”

‘If it were the first Olivia, Aslan might have at least pretended to comply.’

‘But that’s not me. The same applies to my relationship with Rivelte.’

‘If I need help, I’ll take it.’

Ashtar’s territory is vast, so relying on Rokton isn’t feasible either; he’s likely preoccupied.

“Pector crossed Ashtar’s western border, yet Ashtar has faced no major attacks. If even the mages and knights chasing him haven’t found any clues…”

“Don’t call them incompetent.”

Rivelte clicked his tongue at my remark.

‘This guy is itching to criticize Ashtar.’

“In the end, Pector must have passed through Ashtar’s territory. He might be near Karchem. If his goal really is Noah, he could be watching from somewhere.”

‘It’s not impossible for Pector, but why would he think that way?’

‘Could it be that Pector hasn’t accepted Noah’s death?’

“Why do you think that?”

“If Pector’s aim is Noah, he could be using this as bait to confirm Noah’s presence.”

“So, you’re saying he’ll leave on his own if we stay put?”

“I can’t be certain, but I doubt Pector plans to wage an all-out war with the empire.”

‘That’s a surprisingly logical conclusion.’

‘Does Pector not know that Noah is dead? Or does he not believe it?’

“Noah should be dead, though.”

“It’s too soon to say for sure. I don’t think someone like him would die so easily. Considering how he suddenly fought the Demon King after separating from the hero’s party, there must’ve been a reason.”

‘No, he just charged in recklessly.’

‘That’s why Noah died so foolishly. What nonsense.’

It seems there are more people than I thought who don’t believe Noah is truly dead.

“That’s true. Until there’s direct confirmation of his death, it’s hard to believe. Who knows? He might be living under a new identity.”

‘I should knock some sense into Syria later.’

“Defeating the Demon King did eliminate the greatest threat. The Four Generals are still formidable, but they’re not unbeatable. He could be living a new life somewhere.”

Claire chimed in as well.

My lips were starting to feel dry.

“Let’s start by searching near Karchem.”

If Pector is looking for Noah, Olivia might be a good stand-in for now.