On the main road leading to the Royal Capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom, a heavily armed cavalry formation thundered forward, escorting an ornate noble carriage.
The family crest emblazoned on both the carriage and the knights' armor unmistakably announced their identity.
"Make way! Do not obstruct the path of Marquis Brumrash!"
The Knight Captain at the front shouted arrogantly, his voice carrying far down the road. Merchant caravans and pedestrians bristled at the tone—but the moment they recognized the emblem, every complaint died in their throats.
Marquis Brumrash was one of the Six Great Nobles.
In the Kingdom, that status placed him only a step below royalty itself.
Although the Six Great Nobles nominally submitted to the crown, their power rivaled it. Among them, Marquis Brumrash was counted as one of the three who publicly supported the royal faction.
Publicly.
In truth, his name had long been whispered alongside accusations of selling Kingdom intelligence to foreign powers—most notably the Slane Theocracy. The lack of definitive proof had spared him. Removing such a pillar of the royal faction without evidence would fracture the Kingdom overnight.
That, more than innocence, was what kept him alive.
Inside the carriage, a thin-mustached noble leaned forward nervously.
"My lord… why are we rushing to the capital so urgently?"
Marquis Brumrash gazed out the window, his expression unreadable.
"Hmph. Using crude threats to force my hand—how little they think of me."
Two days earlier, a message from the Theocracy had arrived.
A demand.
Support a border baron of the Albert family, or have his treason exposed.
Laughable.
He had sold intelligence for years. If he hadn't prepared scapegoats, he would have been executed long ago. The Theocracy's threat was nothing more than a child's bluff.
And yet…
His interest had been stirred.
What kind of insignificant frontier baron was worth such pressure?
That curiosity alone had brought Marquis Brumrash to the Royal Capital.
Across the Kingdom, similar movements were unfolding. Nobles—some connected to the Theocracy, others merely sensing an approaching storm—began converging on the capital.
It felt like an unspoken summons.
Outside the Royal Capital Gates
A different procession had already arrived.
Rows of soldiers stood in perfect formation, escorting a magic-enhanced carriage. Beneath them prowled massive striped beasts radiating violent mana.
High-tier Magic Tigers.
The Tiger Knight Order.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Magic Beasts…!"
"Who are these people?"
"Magic Beast Knights!? Is this an envoy from the Council State?"
The city gate guards reacted instantly, weapons raised, blocking entry.
A middle-aged officer stepped forward, voice firm despite the sweat forming at his brow.
"Identify yourselves! State your purpose for entering the Royal Capital!"
A Tiger Knight Captain urged his mount forward. The tiger's predatory gaze alone forced the officer to instinctively step back.
"We are the Knight Order of Baron Lock Kote Albert," the captain declared calmly.
"We are here by royal invitation. Documentation was submitted to the Capital Administrator several days ago."
"Albert…?" The officer hesitated, recognition dawning.
"I have received no authorization. I must confirm this. Until then, entry is forbidden."
The Tiger Knight Captain frowned—but did not argue. Instead, he turned and rode toward the central carriage.
"My lord. Entry is being delayed."
Inside the carriage, Lock's voice remained unhurried.
"That's fine. We'll wait. Someone will arrive soon enough."
The order was given.
The Tiger Knights shifted formation smoothly, clearing the main road entirely.
The city guard captain released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
If fighting broke out, he wouldn't last three seconds against those beasts.
A runner was dispatched immediately.
Meanwhile, rumors ignited like wildfire.
Albert.
Magic Beast Knights.
The Starlight Witch's family.
Before the sun dipped lower, the entire Royal Capital was aware of Lock's arrival.
The King's Escort
Not long after, a mounted unit approached.
At its head rode Gazef Stronoff.
He halted before the Tiger Knights' perimeter and called out clearly,
"Baron Lock! By His Majesty's command, I have come to escort you. Please present yourself."
The carriage door opened.
Lock stepped down first, offering a composed smile.
"Warrior Captain. It has been some time."
"Indeed." Gazef returned the greeting, then his gaze shifted—his expression tightening slightly.
"Yo, Gazef!" a familiar voice rang out.
"Still remember me?"
Gazef stared for a moment before answering cautiously,
"…Brain Anglaus?"
"You remember! That's good." Brain grinned, a faint pressure leaking from him.
Gazef's eyes narrowed.
Before the tension could rise, Lock spoke calmly,
"Brain. Save it for later."
The pressure vanished instantly.
Gazef took note.
"…Very well. Baron Lock, please follow me."
Then, more firmly,
"Within the city, keep your troops restrained. I will not tolerate civilian casualties."
"Of course," Lock replied smoothly.
Gazef turned his horse, leading the way toward the Royal Palace.
Behind him, the Tiger Knights began their advance.
And with them—
The quiet certainty that the Kingdom's balance of power had already begun to tilt.
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