Chapter 27: The Castle of Black Iron

 
The royal tomb was naturally not a place one could enter easily.
 
At first glance, it looked like a small mountain, but stone blocks could be seen protruding here and there, indicating it was artificially constructed. Grass and trees had probably grown on the outside over many long years.
 
The entrance had been kept clear, perhaps maintained regularly, so it was clearly visible.
 
However, it was sealed by such a massive stone door that there was no telling how to open it. The door was covered with ancient script … Read the rest

Claude had grown fond of the place called the deck. Located on the upper part of the airship, it offered a panoramic view of the outside scenery, with clouds spreading endlessly below.
 
The other crew members didn’t approach the deck much. While the airship was a stable vehicle, strong winds could throw off its balance. Being on deck at such times carried the ever-present fear of falling. Thanks to this, Claude could enjoy the scenery alone at his leisure.
 
However, something Claude himself hadn’t noticed was that he had a tendency to avoid contact with people who knew he was … Read the rest

Chapter 26: On the Airship

 
“If this thing falls, we’re dead, right?”
 
Claude, who had boarded the spare airship, felt his groin shrivel as he looked down at the ground receding below them.
 
“I will not die. No, I cannot die. Not until I magnificently defeat the Black Knights and return this sword to His Majesty the Emperor.”
 
Whenever Murakumo had a spare moment, he would gaze rapturously at the sword entrusted to him by the Emperor.
 
(Has this guy switched sides to the Empire?) Claude worried to such an extent.
 
“By the way, I’ll definitely survive, you know? I … Read the rest

The cat ran smoothly through the airship. Having been with Emma the whole time, it couldn’t possibly know about the interior of the ship and must have been running randomly, but it seemed as if it had a destination in mind.
 
Emma desperately chased after it. Garnets and the others must all have been busy, as she didn’t encounter anyone.
 
“Emma-sama, please wait!”
 
A voice called from behind. That female soldier had lost sight of Emma, but she was a knight with high physical abilities. If Emma didn’t hide somewhere quickly, she might be found.
 
However, the cat continued advancing … Read the rest

25. Sky Journey

“So then, Emperor-san, how are we going to chase after them?”
 
Walking along led by the emperor, Claude asked about the method to pursue Garnets and the others.
 
The enemy had flown away through the sky. There was no way to catch up using ordinary methods.
 
The imperial guards made unpleasant faces at Claude’s casual way of speaking to their lord, but Siegfried deliberately let him do as he pleased. The emperor, who had a good eye for people, had seen through that Claude the thief was the type who would rebel if suppressed.… Read the rest

Chapter 24: Surrender

At that moment, the fighting stopped.
 
No one could fully believe that this massive object would actually fly through the sky.
 
However, in just a few seconds from the ear-splitting noise, the airship lifted off.
 
“Unbelievable. I thought it was His Majesty’s pipe dream.”
 
The Imperial Guards murmured among themselves. They had regarded the airship as the Emperor’s hobby.
 
And they hesitated in their judgment. Those inside the airship were probably bandits.
 
Prime Minister Garnets and his men had also entered, but this raised the possibility that the thieves’ talk of rebellion was actually true. So should … Read the rest

Chapter 23: Imperial Guards

“Claude-san!”
 
Seeing the thief she thought was dead, Emma cried out with joy. As if to show he was safe, Claude waved his hand in response.
 
“Thieves, you say? I’ll give you all the money you want later. Right now I don’t have time to deal with you lot.”
 
With this new uncertain element added to his rebellion, Garnets was irritated.
 
“Money isn’t something you receive, it’s something you steal. That’s the thief’s way.”
 
Claude and Murakumo slid down the cylindrical side of the airship.
 
Yuri made the markings on … Read the rest

22 Airship

 
Late at night, Emma, who couldn’t fall asleep, noticed the door to her room slowly opening.
 
“Who is it?”
 
The ones who stepped into the room were the two female soldiers who served as her guards.
 
Since the cat was only slightly alert, they probably bore no ill will.
 
“We’re moving. Please change your clothes.”
 
Their voices were unusually hard.
 
And the change of clothes they had prepared was a green military uniform of the Empire.
 
“At this time of night?”
 
Since she was reluctant to wear the military … Read the rest

21 Infiltration

 
In front of the gate leading into the imperial capital, carriages formed long lines.
 
The lines split into multiple groups partway through, with organized gate guards efficiently checking the cargo loads. Thanks to this system, although there were many carriages waiting in line, they didn’t have to wait very long.
 
This was a sight typical of the Empire, where efficiency was valued above all else.
 
Among them was a caravan of carriages led by a blue-haired female merchant.
 
“Laksh-san, as always, you have an impressive number of carriages. Haven’t you increased them again?”… Read the rest

20. Premonition

“I have new information.”
 
Laksh entered the private house where Claude and the others were hiding, her blue hair flowing.
 
As usual, Yuri sent her a heated gaze at the sight of her. Laksh didn’t seem to mind either, returning an amiable smile.
 
“Has there been movement?”
 
Claude, who had been lying on the bed, quickly sat up.
 
“There has been. It seems Garnets has received a suspension punishment. Instead, His Majesty Emperor Siegfried himself will apparently handle matters related to ancient civilization.”
 
“Garnets fell from grace? Wasn’t he the emperor’s confidant?”… Read the rest