Chapter 233 – A Sudden Change!?

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We paid the entrance fee and stepped foot into the city of Langs.

The guards did not try to arrest us or stop us.

Roda’s hatred was not towards Fule or Shia. It was likely only directed towards Remlik.

Also, the city streets seemed oddly quiet.

Of course, there were people around.
However, everyone seemed to be headed in the same direction. The center of the city.

Rienna tilted her head.

“Is it a time for prayer…?”
“But both Vader and the demihumans are going.”

As Fule said, it seemed like all people were headed to the center.
I didn’t know anything about their faith, but I doubted they shared the same gods.
In any case, they seemed to be headed to the same place.

And so I walked close to some demihumans who were talking, and listened to their conversation.

“…Really? Prince Remlik?
“Aye, he was captured.”

—Prince Remlik was captured.

The thing we were worried about had come true.

I was shocked, but their conversation continued.

“Though, I was expecting it to happen eventually. But why…”
“Once the governor general changed, more of the Vader people came to these frontiers. Perhaps the voices of the Vader people made it impossible to leave him free?”
“But Prince Remlik is so strong… Who could have caught him? Also, does the son of a governor-general even have the authority to arrest a prince?”
“I don’t know… In any case, this is sad news for all of us.”
“After all, he was trying to help us…”

The demihumans said with looks of regret.

I understood that Remlik had been arrested.

I could not be at ease.
I became frantic, thinking that something must be done.

However, we did not even know where he was now.

It would be best to calmly gather information…

Also, I still didn’t know why everyone was heading to the plaza.

And so next, I decided to listen to the conversation of the Vader people who were walking.

“The governor’s speech… Does he intend to have the prince publicly executed?”
“I wish I could throw stones, but it won’t be possible.”
“That wingless governor. He does not have the power or authority. Still, how did he manage to capture the prince then…”
“Strength was the one thing he had…”

Apparently, they were going to the plaza in order to hear the governor’s speech.
It was likely related to Remlik’s arrest.

Also, both demihumans and Vader people alike were shocked by the arrest.

Fule then said,

“He was probably ambushed in his sleep then…”
“I don’t know… In any case, we should listen to his speech as well.”

Rienna and Fule nodded their heads.

It was possible that they really would try and have Remlik executed there.

When that happens, what should we do…

We will be forced to make a decision.

Well…I would likely move to help him.

So I better think of an escape route…

As I thought about such things, we entered the plaza.
As there would be a speech, there were no street stalls. Instead, the area was flooded with people.

And the eyes of everyone were directed towards a building, which seemed to be the governor-general’s house.
There were guards standing on the balcony.

I suppose that was where the governor would appear.
However, he and Remlik were nowhere to be found.

Also, there was nothing like an execution platform in the plaza or near the mansion.

Of course, such things were not necessary to execute someone.
It did not mean Remlik was safe now.

As I looked around carefully, the door to the balcony opened.

A thin man in a well-tailored coat emerged. Next to him, was a tall man in splendid, platinum armor.

Which was the governor…?

Upon seeing the thin man, I noticed something.

Rienna and Fule’s eyes widened as well.

We had seen him before.

“He…is the one who came to Sheorl.”
“Yes, I think his name was Arder.”

Previously, some Vader people had come to Sheorl by boat.
And Arder was the captain.

They had transformed into dragons and tried to subjugate us, but they were ultimately defeated and he lost his wings.

If he had returned…
Then Berfalt and Amolis must have been able to return as well.

Well, we had told them to return, so it was not a strange thing.

He is the governor…? Or is it the other man?

Arder and the other man stood on the balcony and looked down.

“He-hey, that…”
“Is it Prince Ruda!?”

The Vader people in the plaza began to murmur.

Apparently, the other person was a prince.

Judging by the lines on his face, he must be older than Remlik.

“He looks strong…”

Fule said. Indeed, he must be skilled.
Even though he was wearing armor, he looked muscular.
He had a similar build to our Erevan.

And his armor was mithril too.

If he wanted to catch Remlik, I doubted it would be impossible.

Just then, Arder opened his mouth.

“People of Langs!! Our city has been honored by a visit from His Highness, Prince Ruda!!”

The Vader people clapped and cheered at this.

Unlike Remlik, this prince had the support of the Vader people.

As Arder bowed his head, Ruda spoke in a low, strong voice.

“Good citizens. There is a reason that I have come to Langs. To answer Governor Arder’s request, and aid in the subjugation of the Sylphium to the south. They are our mortal enemies! And we need your help!”

The Vader people cheered.

Subjugating the Sylphium… The words that I had not wanted to hear.

However, it was a good thing that I was able to hear of the plan in advance.

Arder then continued, as if to support Ruda.

“If you are a proud man of Vader, it is your duty to gather under the banner of the noble prince! Within one month, we will prepare to go to battle. And so, you must gather at the Langs parade ground! And we will fight!”

Upon hearing this, the Vader people roared with approval.

Clearly, they had been wanting to fight this battle.

Arder watched the crowds and then said,

“As for you demihumans. You shall support this holy endeavor by bringing in food and supplies. Each village shall send workers. Your roles will be to set up camps, transport equipment etcetera. But if you refuse, or do not work hard enough, the entire village will be responsible.”

This sudden declaration caused a buzz amongst the demihumans.

“A f-fight?”
“We barely have enough food as it is. How can we support…”

They were in no position to be offering aid to anyone.
However, they had no option of refusing either.

“That is all… Hmm?”

Arder suddenly turned his head towards us.
He must have noticed our presence then.

However, he must have assumed it was a mistake, as he then looked away and shouted.

“That is all! Everyone, remember your duty!”

And like that, Arder and Ruda went back into the mansion.

The plaza was filled with excitement and despair.

…Remlik was arrested.
And the invasion of Sylphium was about to begin.

I had thought that this would be an easy journey.
But things had taken a turn. And I would have to make decisions.

And so I decided to discuss our future plans with Rienna and Fule.

Next Chapter

The Cave King will live a Paradise Life -Becoming the strongest with the mining skill?-