Prince of Ludonia
Before us appeared thirty knights astride their steeds. Most wore matching silver armor, but the leading knight was clad in black.
As the black knight raised a hand, a fireball materialized.
(A knight who can use magic?)
Before I could even finish my surprise, the fireball annihilated the group of goblins in one strike.
The sheer power was astonishing. It wasn’t quite on Solon’s level, but far stronger than my magic.
The black knight then drew his sword, cutting down a hobgoblin in one stroke as he passed it. Despite being on horseback, his swordsmanship was dazzling.
The other knights also joined the fray, fighting the monsters. Their skill was formidable, clearly seasoned warriors.
“…These guys are battle-hardened. The Country of Ludonia Knights?”
Solon muttered between ragged breaths. No doubt from exhaustion after casting powerful spells just moments ago.
That was dangerous. I’m truly grateful the knights arrived when they did.
The Country of Ludonia Knights, renowned for their prowess.
Their fame echoes throughout neighboring nations.
“Are you alright, Ares-sama? Are you injured?”
Maria gently touched my arm, carefully checking for wounds.
“I’m fine, Maria. Heal Leon first.”
Following my pointing finger, the sword saint Leon emerged at last from the monsters’ encirclement, his body covered in wounds.
“Perhaps Leon should endure a little longer? After rushing off recklessly and endangering us all.”
Maria’s words cut sharply. Indeed, Leon’s actions today were inexcusable.
“Please, Maria. I’ll scold Leon myself.”
Begrudgingly, Maria began casting healing magic toward Leon after my plea.
Leon himself seemed remorseful, accepting the magic with a solemn expression as he fought on, clearly trying to redeem himself.
Despite his mistake, Leon was still stronger than any of the Country of Ludonia knights.
When the Country of Ludonia Knights felled about half the monsters, the rest scattered. Most of the knights gave chase.
They probably wanted no monsters left within their territory. Meanwhile, the apparent commander in black approached us with two accompanying knights.
“To face such a horde and hold your ground with just four? Truly impressive.”
The black knight removed his helm, revealing his face.
Silver hair, azure eyes, and a sharp, lively demeanor. At a glance, it was obvious – the visage of a hero. Though older than us by a few years, his presence carried the bearing of someone far more mature.
“Thank you. You’ve saved us.”
I quickly expressed my gratitude, beating Solon and Maria to any potentially awkward remarks.
“Nonsense. Driving monsters from our lands is our duty as knights. We should be thanking you.”
Though clearly of high rank, the black knight’s easy manner was unexpectedly warm. However, his two companions watched us closely, their eyes scrutinizing.
“You are adventurers… or could you be The Kingdom’s Heroes?”
At those words, Leon tightened his grip on his sword, and Solon on his staff, clearly wary of danger. The two knights also reached for their weapons, but the black knight raised a hand to stop them.
“None of that. I mean no harm to the Heroes. If you defeat the Demon King, all nations will welcome you.”
The black knight laughed heartily.
“But Your Highness! The only one who can defeat the Demon King is Prince Carlos, the Hero of Ludonia! These outsiders could never succeed!”
One of the knights removed his helm, his golden hair and blue eyes betraying his youth, about our age.
Yet his expression bore the arrogance typical of nobility, reminiscent of Leon’s past self.
“The Hero of Ludonia? Could you be Prince Carlos?”
Upon hearing this, Leon quickly knelt.
The Hero of Ludonia, Prince Carlos. I’d heard of him too – the prince skilled in both sword and magic, celebrated for his heroic deeds against the Demon King’s army.
Following Leon’s lead, I knelt too, signaling Solon and Maria with my eyes.
Solon stood reluctantly, while Maria knelt with graceful poise.
“Rise, rise. No need for formalities from foreign guests.”
Prince Carlos urged us with easy grace.
Solon was the first to stand.
“Prince Carlos, we came as adventurers to slay monsters, but that horde was clearly the Demon King’s army. Has the Country of Ludonia’s border been breached?”
“Nonsense!”
The golden-haired knight frowned.
“The Country of Ludonia army under His Highness’ command is unparalleled! We’d never fall behind the Demon King’s forces!”
“Then what about those monsters? They were clearly trained. Not only goblins, but ogres and hobgoblins worked together, even using decoys in ambushes. If this was the Demon King’s doing, or worse, if monsters acted on their own, then humanity’s future is truly bleak.”
Solon replied with biting sarcasm, unflinching.
The golden-haired knight faltered slightly at the retort, but the other knight removed his helm to speak.
“He’s right – those were indeed the Demon King’s forces. However, Felip’s words hold truth as well. Our border battles against the Demon King remain favorable.”
This knight, like Prince Carlos, had silver hair and blue eyes. He might be a blood relative – probably the same age as the prince, with a calm, slightly aloof countenance. Felip must be the golden-haired knight.
“Then why did the Demon King’s forces enter the Country of Ludonia?”
Solon continued speaking bluntly, making everyone feel uneasy.
“A traitor. Someone has been aiding the Demon King.”
Prince Carlos answered.
“Your Highness…”
The silver-haired knight frowned.
“Eliot, it’s fine. This mage would see through any evasion. Nothing will come of evading the question. It would be more meaningful to speak frankly.”
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Prince Carlos smiled warmly, his handsome features radiating charm. I glanced cautiously at Maria, surprised to see her expression unusually stern.
“If His Highness says so…”
The knight called Elioit complied obediently.
“I suspected human collaborators, but not on this scale. What could their goal be? Rear sabotage? But why target us? What purpose in hunting mere adventurers?”
Solon muttered, his voice fading as he trailed into thought.
“Wait, hold on!”
He suddenly raised his voice.
“How did they know we were the Heroes? We kept it secret even from The Kingdom!”
His tone turned accusatory, abandoning any pretense of etiquette. Felip and Elliot exchanged glances, while Leon looked displeased. Only Prince Carlos remained unfazed.
“Even in peacetime, the Country of Ludonia monitors The Kingdom’s movements. When a new Hero is chosen, naturally their movements are tracked. While your departure and route were concealed, that very secrecy marked you as cautious. Thus, it’s logical you’d take the relatively stable route through the Country of Ludonia. Plus, your strength against so many monsters – no ordinary adventurers could manage that. Your identities soon became clear. Sword Saint Leon, Priestess Maria, Sage Solon – true legends indeed.”
Prince Carlos nodded toward the others before fixing his gaze on me.
“So then, you are the Hero of The Kingdom? Ares?”
The smile vanished from his face, his expression turning piercing.
“Hero of The Kingdom, Ares, can you proudly claim to be the true Hero?”
TLNOTE:
Because of that volume 1 and 2 fan translation in this site will be removed in the near future
otherwise check the internet archive
As usual, please consider reading other novels written by Daken sensei listed below :
- Monster Meat Led Me to the Throne
- The Wicked Princess and 12 Eyes – The Strongest Squires and the Legendary Evil Woman, the Second Time in Her Life
- The Castle of Canaan ~ The Lost Kingdom’s Princess, the World’s Hidden Treasure, and the Grand Adventure of the Mightiest Band of Thieves Versus an Empire ~
- The Suspects of Necromancy
- The Exiled Merchant Saves the World with the Power of Gold (translated by my friend meerkat)
- The Last Magic (translated by my friend narwhal)
Also check out my friend Localizermeerkat for more LN translations!
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