What a problem there was. Right when I was resting a little after the hustle and bustle of the reception, the entire guard was informed that the princess had disappeared in the middle of her celebration. She had somehow vanished, and no one had noticed. How was it possible for her to disappear at an event that was crowded with people and guarded by multiple guards?
The general order was given to close all the entrances to the castle and immediately search to find her. All the guards and soldiers looked for her like crazy.
I couldn't do much on my part; I was nothing more than a simple gatekeeper with a single task I have had to perform for several years now. I'd waste my time and energy if I looked for her. Furthermore, she was likely still inside the castle; she couldn't have gotten around the perimeter wall alone...
Sergeant Rask: 『 … Damn it, this has to be a joke. 』
As I went over that last sentence of mine, the image of Shun came to mind. If there was anyone capable of escaping from the castle during a curfew, it was undoubtedly him. He probably realized the King's intentions to marry the princess and managed to sneak into the palace to disappear her. This time, he will end up in very serious trouble; it's even possible that he will be imprisoned and executed for it… Unless…
Sergeant Rask: 『 *Sigh*… What a pain that kid is; he always gives me extra work. 』
I decided to go to his house and try my luck finding him there. It has been years since I visited his house. I remember I had to drag him back home after the training sessions he had with me. How long ago was that? 8 years?
Back then, he was just a brat who kept dreaming too much, although not much has changed. He insisted that I trained him so much; he was so obsessed with learning to fight and use a sword. As much as I rejected him, he just persisted as long as he could until I ended up giving in, as long as he would stop bothering me.
I asked him on that occasion: 『 Why this foolishness of being instructed by an arrogant old man like me? 』He answered me with a response quite typical of a child: 『 Because you are the only knight I know. 』He was so determined to become an adventurer that he turned to the only person who most resembled the job. He had the belief that becoming a knight was synonymous with becoming a hero. But the reality is that there are no heroes, much less knights in this world.
I had the clear intention of ruining that mentality of his by explaining to him how dark and cruel the world is with those who try to achieve their dreams, with those who get lost on that murky path in order to obtain what they desperately want, sacrificing their humanity and losing sight of what is really valuable to us; a path that corrupts the soul of anyone who decides to cross it.
I thought that way, I could get away from him. However, I did not expect him to take it with an abnormal maturity for an 8-year-old child; he never seemed disturbed or unmotivated by it; rather it had the opposite effect. He seemed much more motivated and better prepared to face that sinister reality he so eagerly wanted to confront. He probably thought he would be able to overcome it with ease.
And I don't deny it, his potential in combat and his swordsmanship were off the charts. I didn't have much to teach him, that natural ability and courage to face dangerous situations is unique, too terrifying for someone so young to possess. Maybe he could overcome that cruel reality. There was no doubt that he was the spitting image of his father.
I took advantage of my preeminence of being the guard at the entrances to enter and exit the castle in full contingency. I arrived at the Aarden family home in the residential workers' colony, and there was no sign that anyone had been inside for a while. It was logical that Shun would not want to enter the castle again if he was already outside with the princess.
I went back into the castle after the good walk I took. I reconsidered my options and chose to start with knowing how he entered the palace. There were two options: climb in, as he almost always does, or do it covertly. The first seemed quite complicated due to the extra security that the event had (although I saw that it was of no use in the end); therefore, it was more likely that he opted for the second. And the only employees who could enter the party were the waiters. I had to walk further and go to the kitchen to investigate.
I found a calmer environment than I expected. They were not notified of the princess's disappearance. The vast majority were cleaning, washing dishes, or throwing away leftovers (more like eating them; it's clear they don't have the privilege of wasting food). No sign of Shun. I started playing detective and called out to let them know that I was present. The first to respond was Roig.
Mr. Roig: 『 Oh, Commander! I haven't seen you in a while. What brings you to the kitchen? 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 I'm no longer a commander, Roig. 』
Mr. Roig: 『 A−Ah, right, excuse me, it's just that I called you that for many years, sir. It's still hard for me to get used to it. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 It doesn't matter. I'm looking for Shun. He's not home, so I figured he might have come here. 』
Mr. Roig: 『 Oh, yes. We needed waiters, and he was kind enough to offer to help. He saved us from a big bind. But now that you mention it, the catering finished a while ago and he hasn't returned yet. I wonder if he took a break. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 A long one, don't you think? 』
Mr. Roig: 『 Mmmmmm… Oh, I know. Max, can you come over for a moment?! 』
I didn't realize Max was also in the kitchen helping. He was soaping in the sink a tremendous pile of plates and glasses, all soaked and splattered with sauce and wine running down the drain. He looked through the corner of his eye to see why he was called, dilating his eyes slightly when he noticed my presence. He must have realized that the issue I was there for was regarding his brother. He put down the sponge, shook the water from his hands, and complied with the request.
Max: 『 Sergeant Rask, good evening. Do you need me for something? 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 It's nothing, boy. I was only looking for your brother. Do you by any chance know where he is? 』
Max: 『Mmmm... No idea. He's probably raiding the snack table right now. I could go get him if you like. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 Don't worry, son, I'm not in a hurry to see him. Besides, you still have dishes to wash. That was all. Have a good night. 』
Mr. Roig: 『 O−Oh, good night, Sir. 』
He lied, clearly he did. I saw a drop of sweat run down his cheek and the way he tried to avoid dilating his pupils and maintaining a firm posture, and I was sure that wasn't a product of his work. Besides the fact that he forgot to ask me why I was looking for Shun, he already knew it beforehand.
However, that gave me a good clue that would be useful for me to get started. But I still had a lot left to find; I needed something more solid that would give me a good indication of where that boy had gone. I began to believe that he managed to get past security and go through the wall directly with the princess.
I thought about the possibility for a while. I was trying to imagine how he could escape while carrying around a girl who was inexperienced in the field of escapism and who would have a hard time keeping up with him.
Castle Cadet: 『 Sergeant! 』
At that moment, I heard the shrill voice of one of the castle cadets, a boy barely 20 years old who was still in training at the school. He was in a hurry to find me; it was evident in his tired panting.
Castle Cadet: 『 Sir, the King has requested your immediate presence in the great garden. It is an urgent matter. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 And right now. What does that old man want? 』
Castle Cadet: 『 About that, Sir, we found a rope in the East wing of the palace. Please, follow me. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 A rope, huh? 』
Who would have thought? After all this time, the King himself would want to see me again. He must be desperate to call me again.
The boy took me to a group of soldiers surrounding the King, who was contemplating with his typical face the mentioned rope hanging from the top of the balcony where the great dining room was. Who would have thought that all this happened right under everyone's noses, a ridiculous laughingstock that only made the castle guard look even worse.
Sergeant Rask: 『 You called me, "Your Highness"? 』
King Van Laar: 『 It seems that fate is very capricious. I didn't think this moment would happen again so soon, Luvric. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 If fifteen years is too soon for you... 』
King Van Laar: 『 Surely you were notified that my daughter has disappeared. At the moment, we have not notified our audience tonight so as not to cause any sort of disturbance, and I intend to keep it that way. Therefore, I need you to explore the town and find her before midnight. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 As far as I know, there are more than 500 soldiers in this castle. You would have more guarantees if you assigned that task to everyone together instead of just one, Sir. Furthermore, it's unlikely that the princess managed to get out− 』
King Van Laar: 『 She managed to get out. You can be sure of that, since this is not her doing, and I think you know... your pupil is behind this, is he not?... 』
Worthy of a cunning old fox. He also knew that Shun was the only one who would do it, although we both still didn't know how he did it. The rope was a logical but very simple solution. I doubt he had another one to try the same on the perimeter wall, without considering that it would be impossible for him since there were no ropes as long in the armory with which he could try it. Likewise, I did not believe the princess was skilled enough to climb a rope that long.
At that point, it was impossible to try to cover it up; however, it was something I expected. Although I convinced myself I could solve the mystery before everyone else and find Shun without anyone noticing, it was nothing more than a fantasy. It was clear now that it would be inevitable to lift his punishment. I no longer saw the point in continuing with it.
But somehow, my interest in the case rose. I had no intention of completing it; I did it more for my convenience. But as soon as the King deduced that Shun was to blame for it, a small part deep inside me raised with a certain level of worry.
Sergeant Rask: 『 *Sigh*… And? What will be his punishment? 』
I didn't know if it was more alarming to know what would happen to Shun or what would happen if his mother found out; a woman who is terribly frightening and violent when she gets angry... Either way, I wanted to avoid any of the two cases. What surprised me was the answer the King gave me.
King Van Laar: 『 That depends on you. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 What do you mean? 』
Suddenly, Commander Laurens emerged from the group, a swordsman skilled enough to have the position but with a brain too small and too arrogant to manage a battalion, not to mention his youth and inexperience. The only thing he knew how to do well was flaunt his privileges and wealth and acquire any prostitute he wanted. As a veteran, I was ashamed that the new generation was infested with guys like this.
King Van Laar: 『 I will form two search teams. One will be led by Commander Laurens... and the other by you. You may take as many soldiers as you like. The first one to find the princess will decide what to do with the boy. 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 Hmph, I see you still like games..., Argus. 』
Cmdr. Laurens: 『 Hey, watch your words! It's the King you are speaking to-! 』
King Van Laar: 『 Find her! You have one hour. 』
The King burst in without warning, shutting up Laurens' annoying mouth. A clear hint of "don't waste time" was what he issued as an order. The arrogant commander immediately set off, but not before giving me a few words in my face to feel victorious in an argument that he never even started, just like a spoiled child who only seeks to win by feeling superior to his neighbor.
Cmdr. Laurens: 『 Good luck, old man! When I find that brat, I'll make sure he gets a slow, painful lesson! 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 We'll see about that, bastard. 』
Laurens hurried and began the search along with all the soldiers who were present, emptying the place from one moment to the next. I was left alone, thinking about where to start again. It would be best to find the escape route, so I could know exactly where they went. Seeing the position of the rope and the area it was in, it came to mind the possible place where those two came out.
I didn't think much about it and walked over; it was close anyway. However, the voice of the cadet who guided me to the scene stopped me. I thought the boy had left like the others, but he stayed for some reason.
Castle Cadet: 『 S−Sir, if you don't mind, I would like to help you. I−It may not seem like it, but I'm good at tracking, and I can also− 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 I don't need any help, Cadet. I will finish this matter on my own before that idiot. 』
Castle Cadet: 『 B−But, sir, this could be complicated even for you, and even more so for someone your− 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 Age?... I may be old, boy... But the devil is wiser for being old than for being a devil. I can handle this, no problem, so take your leave. 』
I have always been clear with my orders to establish order and discipline. I don't care how cruel and temperamental I have to be with my subordinates; if they are not able to obey and work correctly, they are of no use to me, and with this new generation full of vain children who do not understand the most basic concepts of collaboration, I couldn't trust having inexperienced companions at that moment.
Castle Cadet: 『 … "E−Even the devil needs help to make hell burn!" Or have you already forgotten!... You said, "No matter how good we become, individual talent will never surpass teamwork; only then can we prevail on the battlefield". I still remember those harsh lessons of yours, you tired everyone to death, and many hated you for that... But I know that you did it to show us how difficult this position is and the risks it entails, and I also know that you did it to teach us that we do not necessarily have to fight alone... I know that many did not take those words as important because they were only there because of their title of nobility. But that was not my case... I know what it is to strive for others, and how hard it is to get enough bread for your mother and sisters... I promised to give them a better life fairly and honestly, that is why I came here, to be stronger, and for that, I am very grateful to you, sir... For showing me what it means to be a true soldier. That is why I always wanted to return the favor, so please, let me help you this once. 』
It was about five years ago that I stopped giving training at the military school. I never imagined that anyone would still remember the phrases I gave during the lessons; I thought they would never be taken as a reference. After such a monologue, the cadet implored with his back flexed; he had refused my denial and seemed very determined to want to support me. I had no choice but to accept. I wanted to save myself from having to listen to another endless speech.
Sergeant Rask: 『 *Sigh*… Alright. Do whatever you want. 』
Castle Cadet: 『 T−Thank you very much, I appreciate−! 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 Thank me later..., uh... What's your−? 』
Cadet Marco: 『 A−Ah, Soldier Enric Marco, Sir!... 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 Come on then, Cadet Marco. We're in a hurry. 』
Cadet Marco: 『 Yes, Sir! 』
I thought he could be of use to me, although I didn't know exactly what for. He followed me back to where I planned to start the search: to the old oak tree. Originally, I ruled out the tree because I didn't think the princess could climb it the way Shun did. However, it made a lot of sense for both of them to have come here; the garden was not guarded like the entrances, and only a handful of guards guarded this area during the evening. It was a good place to try to hide momentarily.
The cadet did not understand why the tree had to be checked. Likewise, the likelihood of both of them escaping over this was questioned. Still, my gut told me that it was the place to start. By that point, I could no longer afford to rule out such unthinkable options. This was about Shun, a genius who always finds a way to get ahead of anything.
I examined the ground to see if I could find any footprints, and of course, I found one… or rather several. The land was trampled countless times, a sign that the boy was there on more than one occasion, and different days, it was of no use to me to check the ground. I had to be more creative if I wanted to solve the puzzle.
I continued analyzing the tree from all sides to find an indication, any sign that told me I was on the right path. I no longer knew if it was feasible to consider that they escaped through the ground, but no matter how much I looked up at the extensive branching, I was still convinced that they couldn't have escaped from above.
I had almost given up when the cadet tripped over one of the large roots protruding from the ground at the back of the trunk, falling directly into a deep pile of leaves, losing sight of him for a moment.
Sergeant Rask: 『 This is not the time for games, Cadet. 』
Cadet Marco: 『 … Sergeant, I think there's something here! 』
I looked at the pile of leaves in more detail and realized that, coincidentally, the vast majority of them were loaded more on the side closest to the fence instead of being distributed evenly around it. I moved the leaves and finally found the key I so desperately needed.
Sergeant Rask: 『 Bingo! 』
Cadet Marco: 『 I can't believe it, Sir! Since when…? 』
The gigantic roots had pierced much of the underpinning of the wall, creating a hole leading outwards. The gardeners never realized this due to their fear of taking care of the colossus; otherwise, it would have been reported and repaired in due time, many months ago due to the length of the roots.
Cadet Marco: 『 Sir, is this...? 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 Yes, no doubt. 』
There was too little dirt to believe it was a natural tunnel. It was clearly shoveled by someone and covered by leaves to hide it. Furthermore, the opening was wide enough for a person to pass through it without much effort; it was the result of several weeks, perhaps months of work.
Cadet Marco: 『 What now, Sir? 』
Sergeant Rask: 『 We see where this takes us… Let's go. 』
The real search began now, and with the clock upon us, we set out on the road to discover once and for all the whereabouts of those two; before time ran out. It was the moment of truth to determine the fate of Shun and the princess.