Joshua was the very picture of a mighty general as he rode his glossy black horse into Peril Castle.

A hundred Wilhelm Knights followed close on his heels, their black armor exuding a subtle aura of mystery.

The castle was almost perfectly silent, much to Count Keiross consternation. Hed expected raucous applause, but most of the soldiers were too dumbfounded to open their mouths. Perhaps Joshua was just that intimidating.

Keiros sighed and stepped forward.

Baron Sanders, were delighted to welcome you to Peril Castle.

Thank you for your kindness. Joshua got off his horse and flashed a winning smile1. His voice was a clean, youthful baritone, belying his actual age.

Count Keiros found himself deeply troubled; Joshua had gone out of his way to help them, despite his young age. Despite their nominal ranks, the Count couldnt bring himself to treat the young Baron like a subordinate. He had trouble figuring out how to treat Joshua, period. It was quite a unique quandary for a nobleman.

Um First of all, thank you. Were enormously grateful for you

Joshua.

Keiros blinked. Young Lady?

Its been some time. The red-haired woman appeared beside Keiros, drawing a wider smile from Joshua. Youve changed a lot since I last saw you. Charless eyes darkened.

Icarus saw that and ran up and prodded Joshua in the side.

Um

It must have been quite difficult.

Well It took a lot of work.

Strangely enough, Icaruss ire melted like snow under the sun from a few short words from Joshua. He had a strange way of making peoples hearts skip a beat2.

Long live the God of War! a voice shouted from somewhere. Words Icarus wanted to say but lacked the confidence to do so. It felt like a disease festering in Icaruss heart.

Long live Baron Sanders!

Hail to the Baron! Welcome to Peril Castle!

Thank you! Thank you! Master!

Peril Castle rumbled with shouts and celebration.

The Wilhelm Knights watched this from behind Joshua and smiled to themselves. They were proudelatedto have a man like this at their head. They would be together for a long time, that much was certain.

Count Keiros smiled at Charles and Joshua.

Everyone, stand to attention! he suddenly shouted. To Baron Joshua Sanders, who traveled far to help our family! Salute!

The Pontiers troops brandished their weapons and cheered. Then, as one, they stamped their feet.

That Sunday afternoon, the warm noon sunlight lit Peril Castle in a golden glow.

You wanna die?

Cain broke out in a cold sweat under Icaruss murderous gaze.

What do you mean, miss?

Miss? MISS?

Cain wisely kept his mouth shut.

Im not going to believe a single word that comes out of your mouth from now on. You have to be crazy to come up with a joke right nowyou have to be even crazier to say it out loud!

What did I do wrong? Im just kidding, so

His quip earned him another death glare from Icarus.

How amusing. Just what do you think about me?

What?

That elbow.

Cain followed Icaruss eyes and flinched.

You got yourself hurt pointlessly. You went in at the most dangerous moment possible, and you had no idea what the enemy was going to do. If you had any faith in my tactical skill, if you ever thought of me as your comradeno, I guess not.

After a moment of stiff silence, Cain bowed his head.

Sorry.

The apology came from his heart. Icarus was right: hed been careless. There was nothing else he could say.

Its not that he didnt care about Icarus, but for a split second, he couldnt control himself; he was too eager to wield his sword alongside his master.

Icarus eyed his lowered head and sighed.

You better not do this again if you care about me at all.3

Ill remember! Cain saluted. Its never going to happen again.

That better not be lip service

I swear it on my name, Cain de Harry, First Knight.

Youre having a lot of fun with this first thing. Icarus snorted with pursed lips. Must be nice.

What are you two talking about?

Ack!

They spun around with wide eyes.

How are you feeling? Joshua smiled at them. This was the first time all three of them had been in the same place at the same time since the Master Battle.

Icarus shivered wordlessly, but Cain

Master. Let me hug you, just once.4 Just one hug.

Joshua took a step back as Cain approached him.

The main force will arrive soon. Marquis Crombell and the Mercenary King are on their way.

Cain and Icarus straightened up immediately.

The Mercenary King is bringing tens of thousands of hired troops with him. We cant treat them like the ones we fought earlier.

You mean

I dont know about the Mercenary King, but the Marquiss forces shouldnt be too bad.

Joshuas companions clapped their hands over their mouths. They couldnt believe that their master was treating the threat so flippantly. War was no joke; who could fight when they were outnumbered by a dozen or even a hundred times?

Is it possible?

Joshua and Cain turned to regard Icarus. The young tactician5 was startled to discover the trust in their gazes.

Time to use your hidden cards, Icarus said to Joshua.

Got it. He grinned.

It would be ideal if I could pick somewhere near Reinhardt. To do that, we need a qualified, neutral, and well-regarded notary.

I know just the one.

Then its settled.

Cain frowned. What do you mean

First, can I ask you for your thoughts?

Anything. Joshua nodded to Icaruss beautiful face6.

What is your real goal, master?

Cains eyes narrowed. He was very curious as well.

I want to rule the world. A little bit of it is just personal satisfaction, but its mostly to protect my people.

Woah Cains jaw dropped. He looked around nervously. If anyone had heard that, it wouldnt be surprising if Joshua was immediately sentenced to death for treason.

Does that mean youre considering it7 for the job? As far as I know, only a Britten can be the Emperor. The idea seemed to put Icarus in a poor mood. It was like sacrificing yourself to save someone else.

It was just Icaruss misunderstanding, though.

How old-fashioned. I dont need to stick to the Britten name.

Icarus blinked in surprise and smiled widely. I have a dream, too. I want to be a member of the Royal Knights, not of a noble houses order.

You can be. Joshua smiled back.

Ah! I dont care how hard it is; the first position belongs to me, master, Cain loudly insisted.

Joshua and Icarus gave him a bemused look. No doubt Iceline would have had many things to say if shed been there.

Were there not Seven Knights of the Emperor, once upon a time? When the Avalon Empire was at its strongest. Cain raised his chin. If anyone asks, Im the First Sword.

Ill consider it, Joshua said with a laugh.

Master!

For the record, Im in charge of choosing whos who.

Cain was silent for a moment.

Now that I think about it, the Second Sword doesnt sound so bad either. Well, the numbers dont really matter that much. Even a three-year-old wouldnt be so childish8

Pft The abrupt change in position made Icarus laugh helplessly.

The day after the battle ended in good cheer.