1

The ones waiting for us at the hangar when we returned to the capital weren’t cheering crowds or dazzling princesses—just soldiers, armed and tense.

Even if the infantry were armed against the Armunale, it wouldn’t mean much in terms of force—but to the comrades riding in the magitech carriage, it was quite the threat.

I was still seated in the cockpit as I slid it into the hangar, asking them.

What kind of situation is this?

"Eld, get out of the machine right now—drop your weapons and come down in front of us. A direct order’s been issued: you’re forbidden from touching the machine at this time."

"Where from, do you think?"

It’s an order from Their Majesty. There’s also a written decree here.

A grunt in a commander’s coat shoved a single sheet of paper in front of my machine.

I use the camera to check the paper’s contents.

It clearly states a ban on touching my machine, specifying that it’s during Lady Ines’s period of suspension, and bears the royal seal.

Well, no doubt about it being real. Wouldn’t expect a coup to break out at a time like this.

“Confirmed. I’ll disarm and disembark.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

Honestly, could’ve handled this a bit smoother—no need for all this caution. Something’s got them rattled?

I step down from the machine and hand my sword to a nearby soldier.

The infantry then move away from the magi-vehicle and line up behind their captain-like figure. So, once I’d stepped off the machine, the crew didn’t matter at all.

When I reach the captain-like man, he snaps a crisp salute. I return it, then we exchange a brief handshake.

"Thank you for your service. I imagine this sudden turn of events caught you off guard—but we received direct orders from the Emperor himself."

"No, if that’s the case, there’s nothing to be done. But tell me, who can explain the details?"

I understood, at least, that I’d been given a strict order not to touch the machine—but I had no idea why, or what had led up to it. I needed someone to fill me in.

I was about to ask when the captain handed me another sheet of paper.

"An order meant for me?"

"It’s all written down there."

"Understood. I’ll take a look. By the way—was the other pilot who returned with me given the same command?"

"Not quite to Eld’s level, but still quite a bit."

"Ah. I see."

Leon’s probably getting pulled out of the machine right about now. Well, that reaction was kind of expected. Even if it was Ines-sama’s order, we’d still been using the generator—His Majesty’s property—without permission.

I skimmed through the command document, pulling out what I needed right here and now.

First off, I’m not allowed to touch any machines until Ines-sama lifts my suspension. That’s going to be rough...

And then, about maintenance—seems like that’s not meant as punishment just for me. The team’s mechanics can go ahead and handle it normally.

So, I’ll get right to it and pass the word to Orell and the others.

“Orell, you can go ahead with the usual maintenance. Get started.”

“Oh, right. Got it! Alright, you lot—break her down for full maintenance. Looks like the captain’s gonna stay off the machine for a spell. Perfect chance to polish every last corner, huh!”

‘Wiiis!’

Ritz and the mechanics in the hangar shout back, already climbing onto Armunale.

I barely notice. I keep checking the details.

This order’s addressed to me, but it’s meant for the whole squad.

Restricted to the capital city, sure—but no time limits at all.

Translation? The second princess is grounded, stuck in her room, so you’re all staying put too.

“Got the general idea. I’ll head to Lady Ines next, confirm a few things.”

“Understood. Thank you for your cooperation.”

The infantry unit bowed, then clattered off into the storage bay.

When they’d vanished, Ange and the others came rushing toward me.

“Eld—what was that about? Those people were awfully hostile back there…”

“Guess we’re not getting off scot-free after helping the princess go off the rails. Those guys? Probably just insurance—just in case we went wild after hearing about it.”

You don’t want to mess with Armunale when you’re already in trouble.

We defied the king’s orders, moved on our own—so getting a little scolding? Fair enough.

“For now, we’re stuck to staying in the capital. No need to stress. I’m heading to the princess next, but what about the rest of you?”

We’re heading over to the stables. Haven’t seen the horses in a while, you know.

Bnois is taking Catrea to the stables. He hasn’t seen his own horses in ages—those he keeps, I mean. Scouts need a good bond with their mounts, so it makes sense, really.

“Got it. Ange, what about you?”

“I’ll stick with Eld.”

“Alright. Bnois, if you find out anything more, I’ll let the rest of the squad know. Tell them we’ll have a meeting tonight.”

“Understood.”

“Then let’s go.”

I took Ange with me, heading to the princess to find out what’s really going on.

When we were led into the princess’s chamber, what we saw was… her, squatting.

I stared, stunned. Ange just stood beside me, mouth hanging open.

Ange’s reaction made sense. She’s a wild little princess, but I’ll admit—I never expected her to be squatting like that.

“What on earth are you doing…?”

“Finally you’ve come. This is what’s called a squat. Solomon said doing it right strengthens all your muscles and helps keep you from gaining weight.”

Ah, that big, muscle-bound guy—he probably knows the proper way to squat. But that’s not the point!

“No, I’m not asking about the technique… I mean, why is the princess doing squats at all?”

“How long do you think I’ve been cooped up in this room since Eld returned? I’ve been stuck here the whole time. And yet food still shows up regularly. Of course I’m worried about my health!”

Makes sense. Lady Ines must’ve returned to the capital weeks before us.

If they sentenced him to confinement right away, that’d mean she’s been holed up in her room for over a week now.

A person who’s been bustling about all the time suddenly cooped up? No surprise muscles would waste away and fat would pile on.

I mutter under my breath, my eyes on the princess’s stomach as she does squats.

“Getting fat—”

“Shallap! Do you think it’s proper to say such things to a lady!?”

The princess, beads of sweat dotting her forehead, jabs a finger at me sharply.

“Eld-kun, you’re the one who’s in the wrong here.”

“Ah, sorry.”

“It’s fine. Now that Eld’s here, we can get things moving. I’ll be back in a moment—wait here.”

“Understood.”

“Excuse me.”

We sit down on the sofa as told.

Sipping tea and nibbling sweets from the maids, we relax—when the princess returns, dressed anew.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Now then, how much has Eld heard?"

For now, I learned from the order just a moment ago that the princess is under house arrest, and that we’re forbidden from leaving the capital during that time. And personally, I’m told I can’t have any contact with Armunale.

Ah, well then—let me tell you what was decided in your absence.

The princess explained what she’d discussed with His Majesty while I was taking down the Kailen base.

The contents were something startling to us.

Honestly, I can’t believe His Majesty has no intention of ending the war.

And then—feeding off the frontier villages like that? That hit hard. One wrong step, and our own village could’ve ended up the same way. Gives me chills just thinking about it.

Ange must’ve been thinking the same thing—her fingers, resting on mine, suddenly tightened.

I’d like this war to end as soon as possible. But I reckon that’s exactly why the king took this step—so it wouldn’t end.

The princess and the king are on completely opposite sides. It didn’t take long to figure out that this indefinite suspension was meant to keep her from acting on her own.

Same goes for the ban on touching the Armunale—must be tied to that too.

Not that I’m bragging, but I’ve got the power to turn the tide. If the princess could use it freely under her orders, the king’s plans would fall apart.

So the princess’s suspension probably lasts until this invasion settles down. Whether that’s a week from now, a month, or half a year—I don’t know. But in the meantime, we’re all frozen.

“What do we do?”

“Nothing… no, I can’t. Right now, I’ve got neither sword nor shield. If I forced my way through like this, I’d lose my head for sure. Though I don’t plan to stay frozen like this forever, you know.”

“And then?”

“The seeds are already sown. All that’s left is to wait for them to sprout.”

She’s got something in motion, I bet.

I keep looking at the princess, hoping she’ll explain, but she doesn’t. Seems she’s not going to talk. She’s quite the keeper of secrets, that one.

“What should I do?”

“Do you want to stop the war, my knight? Or do you think, like your father, that war is unavoidable for the sake of the nation?”

“I’ll stop it.”

No hesitation. That’s my answer.

Back at the academy, I saw the clinic. I won’t let that kind of mess happen again. Not ever.

And I made a promise to my master. That I’d end the war quick, and use Armunale peacefully.

So I can’t go along with Your Majesty’s plans.

If there’s an enemy in front of me, I’ll cut them down. I’ll ride Armunale to stop the war.

“I became a knight to stop war.”

“Then stay my knight from now on. Eld’s strength will be needed. Ange’ll be drawn in too, but you’ll support him, won’t you?”

“Of course! I’ll give everything I have to support Eld!”

“Hmph, my knight’s a lucky one.”

The princess sipped her tea, then said, “Well then,” and changed the subject.

“Can’t stay gloomy forever. Let’s talk about something cheerful.”

“Cheerful? In the middle of a war?”

If there’s any good news, maybe some defense line pushed back a bit? Not that His Majesty expected to get shoved this far, from the look of it.

“Nah, if that were the case, we’d be throwing a little party right about now. They’re working on mass-producing the prototypes over here, but it’ll still take a while, I’d say.”

“Then what?”

“This war’s going to earn Eld a new medal. You were just following my orders, driving off the enemy, but that’s solid proof, right? They probably figured letting that go would drag morale down at the front.”

Ah, right—completely forgot about the punishment. Still, I’ve taken down a fair number of Armunale, and Leon and I took down a base together.

And all I did was follow royal orders. In the field, though, the on-site commander usually takes priority, more often than not.

If they handed out punishment without acknowledging the achievement, that’d be a right mess for the reputation.

“Just the confirmed results alone—six Armunale units and one base, a feat no one would’ve thought possible. Along with the Twin-Lion Medal, Eld will be awarded the Order of Noble Knighthood.”

“Order of Noble Knighthood? Never heard of it.”

I’d studied every medal an Armunale pilot might earn at the Academy, but that one wasn’t among them.

I glanced at Ange—she tilted her head, just as puzzled.

“Well, it’s an old medal, but hardly ever given out, so it’s no surprise you’ve never heard of it. This one’s only awarded when a soldier achieves something truly extraordinary—and the nation simply can’t afford to lose them.”

Don’t want to let you go, huh. The weight of those words hits me square in the eyes.

The princess watching me smiles wider, like she’s caught me red-handed.

“Realized it, did you?”

“A noble?”

If you don’t want to let go, then what’s the solution? Just raise you to noble rank.

Maybe the only shot a commoner ever gets to become one. If that’s the case, no one’d turn it down. Once a noble, you get a stipend for your title, the right to buy land freely, all sorts of privileges.

“Knight’s title—can’t pass it down. Last time it was given was when the king was the one before last. Roughly eighty years ago.”

I get why the current king’s reluctant to hand it out, but not even the previous one ever did? Then it must be quite an honor to receive this medal.

Well, from the current king’s point of view, I’m probably the last thing he wants to deal with. He hates having standout fighters—sent me away from the front lines himself—yet here I am, showing off the best results he’s ever seen. Am I being a bit too much of a pain in the neck, even for him?

I shivered just thinking about it.

To the current king, I’m nothing short of a thorn in his side. Would he really just leave something like that alone? Not me. I’d get rid of it. Without hesitation.

“Um…”

“What?”

“How much… exactly, do you think I’m disliked by the current king?”

She tapped her chin, gave a little thoughtful pause, then smiled brightly.

“Quite a bit.”

“Like… kidnapping? Assassination?”

The moment I said it, Ange’s face went pale—white as snow.

I’d love to be pale too. I’d love to turn completely white and crawl back into my room right now.

"You're definitely on someone's bad side, but no need to worry yourself sick over it."

"Why's that?"

"You're my knight. And you're a key figure—your noble knighthood's already been approved. Just imagine if someone assassinated you. The capital’d go into a panic. Might even crack the whole front line. Not to mention I wouldn’t let it slide. Oh, but don’t get too relaxed. Eld’s probably hated over in the Empire, so there’s no way a hitman won’t try."

"I’ve got it! Not a single finger’ll touch Eld!"

Ange’s promise sounded real solid.

Honestly, I’ve been turning back every single one of the Empire’s attacks. Of course they’d hate me.

But that’s just revenge by reverse logic! We’re just defending ourselves—nothing more. We’re the ones not even starting the fight in the first place!

Yeah, please do. Well, that’s the way it is—just don’t overdo it, okay?

Got it.

Best to be able to defend ourselves, I reckon.

“So, back to the matter—your knight’s medal will be awarded soon. I’ll let you know the exact date once it’s set.”

I’d appreciate that.

“That’s about it, I think. Anyway, take this long break and stretch your wings. Don’t expect the war to end in a month or two—might be worth inviting your parents from the countryside, too.”

Right. We’re forbidden to leave the capital, but calling someone in? That’s perfectly fine.

So maybe… this is the perfect chance to get the wedding sorted out all at once… no, wait—better wait till things settle down a bit.

I catch Ange’s expression—she’s nodding along, happy as a lark when told she can call her parents over.

Well, maybe we’ll sort that out at our own pace. Time’s on our side, after all.

Our war’s wrapped up for now—time for a long rest, at last.

Been fighting nonstop for so long, it feels like we’re in a short story now, just Eld and the others, on holiday.