Stories regarding Count Louvre of Alice had long spread to the central empire. Apparently, he was gathering troops and even summoning knights serving his vassal lords. People were worried that he was trying to start a territorial dispute, but all of Alice’s neighboring lands were already under his influence.

Of course, the incident last year regarding his successor, Morgan Louvre, made him a bit estranged from the other lords, but there was no justification or possibility for a territorial war to take place.

“I am sure he must be up to something…”

Raven muttered, and Ian responded.

“Since you and I are heading to the imperial castle, perhaps he wants to show a demonstration of force? For now, though, they say he has been holed up in Fort Carlson.”

“That would be fine, but…”

Raven and Ian were currently quite a distance from the Great Territory of Alice on their way to the imperial castle. Fort Carlson, where Count Louvre had gathered his troops, was even further away. It was impossible for him to lead his troops toward Raven and Ian.

Most importantly, there was no chance that Count Louvre would attack their group when Ian, a royal prince, was accompanying them. As soon as he attacked...