Chapter 71 - The Inevitable Has Come… But Isn’t It Too Soon?
Battle Race in the Fantasy World – 71
EP.71 The Inevitable Has Come… But Isn’t It Too Soon?
It was clearly stated that the Emperor had personally invited these two individuals to the imperial palace.
This wasn’t like a neighbor inviting someone over for dinner.
The absolute ruler of the empire, with a generous heart, had used the word “invitation” instead of an imperial command.
It wasn’t a matter of deciding whether to go or not. They had to go, no matter what.
No circumstance could take precedence over an invitation personally sent by the Emperor.
Even if the invited person had died, someone else would have to be sent in their place.
“We’ll go later.”
However, the man in front of them had directly refused the Emperor’s invitation.
“….”
“….”
A chilling silence enveloped the group.
Except for the two from Jonathan, everyone present was a loyal servant of the Emperor.
The three ministers, the knights, and the affiliated agents—all of them had sworn loyalty to the Emperor.
In front of these people, someone had defied the Emperor’s command.
Normally, they would immediately show hostility and prove their loyalty.
No one would consider it rude to express their anger right away.
“….”
“….”
Yet, none of them could do such a thing.
The knights and Special Affairs agents, in particular, were sweating profusely.
‘If we fight now… today will be my last day.’
‘I can feel it. Ten out of ten, I’ll die. I won’t even be able to draw my sword.’
They were skilled individuals, which made them even more certain.
They were sure that no one present could handle those two.
They instinctively knew that they couldn’t even defeat the woman standing next to the man, let alone the man himself.
Their instincts screamed at them, their sense of a skilled warrior shouted loudly.
Don’t do anything foolish and just stand there quietly. That way, you won’t die a meaningless death!
“…Is that so. You’ll go later.”
Surprisingly, the ministers didn’t seem overly flustered or angry.
In fact, they had already received separate orders, so while they were surprised, they quickly calmed down.
“They probably won’t accept it right away. Let them do as they wish. Anyway, they will visit once their business is done. There will be no delay.”
Recalling the Emperor’s command, the ministers didn’t show any significant reaction.
“Then why do you want to go to the academy?”
At the Minister of Education’s question, Leo and Lea answered almost simultaneously.
“To see our youngest.”
“We want to see our brother.”
They had things to discuss with Kyle, things to hear from him.
Additionally, they wanted to check if he had been keeping up with his training.
In essence, they were going to the academy for those reasons.
‘As expected.’
‘Even Jonathan can’t ignore family.’
‘Well, this is the way it should be.’
The youngest is always the beloved one, no matter where they go.
It seemed that this was true even for those living incomprehensible lives in the north.
When you think about it, Kyle was quite different from the typical image of ‘Jonathan.’
Perhaps that’s why they were even more attentive to their youngest sibling.
The ministers, having reached a conclusion through their exchanged glances, nodded.
Then, the Minister of Internal Affairs stepped forward slightly and spoke.
“In fact, His Majesty also said this, The invitation is extended, but it doesn’t have to be today. What could be more urgent than meeting a family member who lives far away? You are welcome anytime in the next few days, so do as you wish. That’s what he said.”
The ministers tried to emphasize the Emperor’s broad generosity while not provoking Jonathan.
That was the best these unfortunate ministers, caught between Jonathan and the royal family, could do.
“We sincerely thank His Majesty for his great mercy.”
Fortunately, Lea noticed the ministers’ tearful efforts.
The ministers in front of them were making a tremendous effort, showing a very humble attitude.
Jonathan always reciprocated when they witnessed such sincerity.
These ministers needed something to say, so they had to show some semblance of gratitude.
Thus, Lea expressed her thanks for the Emperor’s mercy and nudged Leo’s side again.
“Brother, they are considering our situation.”
“Ah… We appreciate the kindness.”
On the surface, they looked like a beautiful young lady from a noble family and a somewhat taciturn nobleman.
And that was true. The woman was beautiful, and the man didn’t talk much.
The only difference was that they were monsters even the Empire’s top ten couldn’t handle.
“Then, Minister.”
As the conversation seemed to be wrapping up, the Minister of Special Affairs suddenly grabbed the hand of the Minister of Education.
Then, with a bright smile that he had never shown before, he spoke with respect.
“Please take these two to the academy.”
“Eh, yes?”
“Please do. The Minister of Internal Affairs and I are quite busy with public affairs.”
The Minister of Internal Affairs and the Minister of Special Affairs laughed and climbed into the carriage first.
Before the Minister of Education could even respond, they had hastily left the scene.
“….”
Only then did the Minister of Education realize why those two had dragged him all the way here.
They were going to the academy, weren’t they? They said they were going to see their brother, who is a student at the academy.
So now it’s your responsibility, your problem to solve, they implied.
The rest was entirely left to him, essentially dumping the responsibility on him.
‘Damn it!’
He cursed inwardly, a curse unbefitting a minister’s dignity.
Still, outwardly he laughed and said, “Then let’s go to the academy together, everyone.”
“It’s okay.”
“Pardon?”
“Just aerobic exercise and it’s fine. My brother and I will run there, so just follow us. Fortunately, we both remember the way.”
At first, he thought it was a joke. Even by carriage, it was several hours from here to the academy.
But soon, the Minister of Education agreed with Lea’s words and quietly closed the carriage door.
These two were monsters among monsters, having shortened a journey that normally took over ten days to just five.
‘Kyle, I trust only you.’
The Minister of Education was now almost certain how much Jonathan loved their youngest.
Then it must be that youngest, Kyle Jonathan, who would keep things from escalating.
He hoped that Kyle would manage to control those two at the academy.
The Minister of Education prayed to God throughout the hours-long journey to the academy.
Thud, thud, thud, thud!-
Watching the two who had already far outpaced the carriage.
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Swoosh-.
“…Mmmmm!!”
The saintess, with her mouth full of ice cream, wore a blissful expression.
Tisha, watching from beside her, let out a small chuckle.
“Is it that delicious, Saintess?”
“Yes! Sister Tisha! It’s like eating clouds!!”
“That’s true. But it’s surprising. I didn’t know the Saintess hadn’t had much ice cream before.”
“It’s not due to any special reason. Just never had the opportunity….”
The Saintess trailed off and took another big scoop of ice cream.
It was the café’s highly recommended menu item, chocolate cookie ice cream.
It also happened to be Kyle’s favorite dessert.
“How are things these days? Is Kyle teaching you well?”
“Yes, Sister. Brother Kyle is guiding me so well that I feel like my body has become stronger!”
Cough-.
At the Saintess’s enthusiastic exclamation, Kyle, who was eating ice cream, suddenly coughed.
He seemed a bit taken aback by her comment about feeling stronger.
‘It’s not that you’ve become stronger; that’s just the normal level you should be at, Saintess….’
He wasn’t speaking from Jonathan’s standards.
Even an average person could do more than the squats and planks the Saintess was doing.
The Saintess was severely lacking in exercise and had no athletic ability.
It wasn’t that she was overweight and couldn’t exercise. She simply had no connection to physical activity.
Kyle had struggled to turn her into someone who could at least exercise regularly.
He had finally managed to bring her up to the level of a normal person.
“I’ll make sure Brother Kyle’s efforts don’t go to waste!”
Fortunately, the Saintess was very diligent.
She didn’t slack off or make excuses; she followed instructions well.
As a trainer, having such a dedicated trainee was like having an angel.
“That’s great, Saintess. I’ll work hard too, so how about we go hiking together later?”
“With Sister Tisha? I’d love to! I’m looking forward to it!”
Oh no, hiking is still too early. She’ll collapse halfway up the mountain.
Kyle was about to dissuade the Saintess out of concern when—
“Kyle.”
For a moment, he thought he had misheard. It was a voice that should never be heard here.
But he soon realized he hadn’t misheard. Because the aura he felt behind him—
Yes, it was undoubtedly that overwhelming and heavy presence that only he could exude.
His body froze, and he couldn’t move a finger.
All Kyle could do was gulp down his saliva.
‘No, right? Please, God, tell me it’s not true.’
The Saintess was beside him. He had taken good care of her.
If there was a God, Kyle believed He would answer his desperate plea.
But unfortunately, once again, God had abandoned Kyle.
“What is this?! Kyle! What is all this!!”
Instead, God had committed the atrocity of doubling the already overwhelming disaster.
“Sugar lumps! You were eating this?! Kyle! You can’t do this! It’s a big problem!”
The one who snatched the spoon from Kyle’s hand was his sister, Lea Jonathan.
“Chocolate, cookies, ice cream! It’s all sugar!” she exclaimed, covering her mouth in shock.
And the one who didn’t say much but looked equally astonished with his mouth slightly open was—
“Brother Leo.”
“Kyle.”
Leo Jonathan, the next head of Jonathan.
With a very concerned expression, he continued.
“Little brother.”
“Yes, yes, brother.”
“Eating this could make you unable to get up the next day.”