The Protagonists of Romance Fantasy Novels Have Escaped - Chapter 166



166 – 166. The Return of the Saint’s Party (3)

Currently, the Marquisate of Hoenberk possessed the military power to swiftly annihilate all forces on the continent.

The Saintess Party.

The Empire’s Red Dragon and the Holy Kingdom’s White Dragon.

And the Bloodthirsty Vampire and the Celestial Archangel contributed to a portion of this power.

Declaring war against the Marquisate of Hoenberk was akin to a death sentence. Should any force mobilize their armies to seize the fertile lands of the Marquisate, they would inevitably face ruin.

An inviolable territory.

All the kings of the continent had effectively declared the Marquisate of Hoenberk a forbidden zone.

“Essentially, the Marquisate of Hoenberk is… a realm of demons.”

A realm of demons.

The final line of defense for humanity that must never be invaded.

The chancellor, who was explaining the military strength of Hoenberk, assessed it with a look of shock, calling it a ‘realm of demons.’ Emperor Barbarossa, who was listening intently from his throne, swallowed hard and nodded.

“How fortunate it is that the Marquis of Hoenberk is such a humble commoner without any ambitions. If the Marquis were an ambitious conqueror dreaming of world domination, the Empire’s throne would be in jeopardy…”

Tap, tap—.

The Emperor spoke while tapping the armrest of his throne.

The chancellor of the Interior Ministry, who had begun the report, opened his mouth again.

“Isn’t Her Highness Ludmila currently residing in the Marquisate as a guest? Moreover, the Saintess Party is also staying there. Additionally, the master of the Red Mage Tower frequently visits, and the invincible swordsman of the Holy Kingdom periodically pays visits to interrogate the Saintess Party.”

“…This is madness.”

Six individuals.

The strongest of the Seven Great Clans associated with the Marquisate numbered six.

The Red Dragon. The Hero. The Mercenary King. The Swordmaster. The Mage Tower Master. The Invincible Swordsman.

All but the Beast King, who ruled over the northern nomadic tribes, were concentrated here.

Even if the Demon King’s army, which had perished in the tribal wars, were to resurrect, if they were to call for extermination against the Marquisate of Hoenberk, they could wipe out even the remnants in one fell swoop. With the current Marquisate, it was entirely possible.

“Father! I heard the Saintess Party has returned!”

A strikingly handsome young man with golden hair rushed into the audience chamber.

It was Crown Prince Alexis.

The Saintess Party had returned.

The Crown Prince’s face was filled with joy like never before upon hearing the news.

Everyone knew that the Crown Prince of the Baltaria Empire was a fervent admirer of the Saintess Party. Thus, the chancellors smiled kindly as they watched the Crown Prince fidgeting with excitement.

“The Saintess Party has returned after defeating the Great Demon who sought to inherit the Death Demon.”

“I knew it! I believed in them!”

The inner workings of the Saintess Party were thoroughly concealed by the upper echelons of the Holy Empire. Barbarossa learned of the details through the report of the Second Princess, Ludmila, but remained silent, revealing nothing to anyone.

It must not be known to the world.

The end of the world threatening the present age,

And the decision of the Saintess Party to resurrect the calamity of death to thwart it.

As she watched the Crown Prince rejoice at the news of the legendary heroes of the Holy Empire returning safely, a bitter smile crept across her face.

“Your Majesty…!”

“What is it?”

A knight from the Intelligence Department approached.

Barbarossa raised her hand, granting permission for the report.

“His Majesty the Emperor has made a surprise visit to the Marquisate of Hohenberg.”

“What? Hohenberg…! That rascal came without a word!”

Kuwung—.

Barbarossa slammed her hand down on the armrest of the throne, rising to her feet.

As the hot-tempered Emperor displayed his fiery temperament, the ministers had to swallow their words in apprehension.

“Isn’t the Second Saintess currently residing in the Hohenberg family? It seems the Emperor wishes to personally welcome the Saintess who has returned from the demon realm.”

“That foolish daughter-loving fool…!”

It was akin to an uninvited intrusion without the master’s permission. If a delegation were sent to point out the Emperor’s diplomatic faux pas, even the arrogant cardinals would have no grounds to object.

A good reason to reproach the Holy Empire had just fallen into their laps.

But this time, she decided to show a broad-mindedness. After all, she too was a father with a daughter.

“Prepare. We will make a visit to the Marquisate of Hohenberg immediately.”

“Yes, yes?!”

“What are you all doing, you sluggish worms! Move at once!”

“Understood…!”

The sharp mustache quivered as her fierce reprimand echoed through the room.

It seemed that the competitive spirit of not wanting to lose as a fellow daughter-loving father had erupted. Given that the Emperor had regarded the Emperor of the Holy Empire as a lifelong rival, it was highly likely that impulsive competitiveness surged in trivial matters.

* * *

In the peaceful outskirts, Otto von Hohenberg had led a simple and modest life.

A quintessential commoner completely devoid of ambition and greed, Otto now found himself at a pivotal moment in his life, preparing to welcome the Emperor of the Holy Empire, who had made an unannounced visit to the Marquisate of Hohenberg.

“I wonder if the black tea will suit your taste.”

“No, it’s quite fragrant. I shall enjoy it, thank you.”

Less-. Less-. Less-.

The hand gripping the teacup trembled to a pitiful degree.

The Sovereign.

The representative of the One True God and the ruler of the Sovereign Nation.

Otto, a devout worshiper of the Earth Mother, felt joy at the arrival of the Sovereign, yet he was also anxious, fearing he might inadvertently offend the Sovereign.

“I did not expect Your Majesty to come all the way to this remote border.”

“How could a seeker of the One True God be particular about the place? I am merely grateful for your warm hospitality.”

True to the praise of being a benevolent father from all the priests and paladins of the Sovereign Nation, Bjoern was a person of gentle character and dignity.

It seemed the steadfast maiden deity had chosen her representative with utmost certainty.

The conversation flowed very smoothly.

With their shared disdain for luxury and indulgence, Otto and Bjoern were able to engage in dialogue with relative ease.

“As the Sovereign of the Sovereign Nation, and as a father… I will never forget the grace of the Hoenberk family.”

“Oh, no…! It was merely my duty.”

For the next six months, there would be restrictions.

Going outside would be impossible.

If anyone were to recognize the Saintess party, all manner of suspicions and doubts would swarm like a hive of bees.

Having sacrificed himself to save the world, he had fallen into a state of seclusion, like a banished sinner. Regardless of the reasons or justifications, the act of attempting to resurrect the calamity of death was the gravest sin, directly opposing the laws of the One True God.

“Excuse me for interrupting the conversation…! Th-the Emperor has arrived!”

Knock-. Knock-.

With an urgent knock that conveyed a sense of haste, the door opened.

Following that, the servant rushed in, delivering shocking news that was enough to leave the master of the Hoenberk estate in a state of panic.

His Majesty has arrived.

Upon hearing the news from the servant, Otto stiffened, hard as granite.

“Ha ha, it seems the Emperor of the Empire cannot wait patiently.”

“…….”

In contrast, Bjoern appeared relaxed as he sipped his black tea.

It seemed he had anticipated that the boisterous Emperor would rush in upon hearing the news.

* * *

The Emperor of the Empire and the Sovereign of the Sovereign Nation faced each other across the table.

And the Marquis of Hoenberk sat centrally like a theatrical host, gazing at both the Emperor and the Sovereign.

Caught in a whale fight.

To think I would have to face the rulers commanding the continent all at once.

If news were to spread that Emperor Barbarossa and Sovereign Boern had secretly met in the Marquisate of Hoenberk, the entire continent would be engulfed in a whirlwind of suspicion. Given that this was a meeting of the leaders who had led the tribal wars to victory, the repercussions would be beyond imagination.

What could they have discussed?

World peace?

Or perhaps world domination?

It was possible they might have discussed the merger of the Empire and the Sovereign State.

The Emperor and the Sovereign were in conference. The kings and nobles of the continent, having received this critical news, would stop at nothing to uncover the purpose of their meeting.

“Cousin, since we’ve met, let’s discuss the wedding date!”

“The Emperor is graciously adhering to protocol. Sir Edanant is scheduled to hold his wedding ceremony with the First Saint of the Sovereign State first.”

“What nonsense! Even the angels of the heavens would be astonished. We exchanged wedding rings… Are you planning to forget your conscience and cut in line?”

“Of course not. The recipient of the wedding ring gifted by Sir Edanant is our First Saint.”

Hmm.

What on earth does that mean?

An absurd situation had unfolded.

It would be impossible unless there were two wedding rings.

The eyes of Barbarossa and Boern, who had been exchanging barbs like sworn enemies across the table, naturally turned to Otto, who was acting as the moderator.

“Um, well, you see…!”

Ta-da.

What if I said that there were actually two wedding rings prepared in advance?

— Surely the Emperor and the Sovereign would respond with delight.

The Marquis of Hoenberk, who had become a shrimp caught in a whale fight, ignited his imagination with a completely unrealistic fantasy.