Battle Race in the Fantasy World

Battle Race in the Fantasy World – 91

EP.91 Oh, Jonathan! Hero of the Empire!

After the Empire formally accepted the alliance’s surrender, the surrender negotiations began.

In truth, it was more about the Empire’s demands and the alliance’s unconditional acceptance than actual negotiations.

The Empire made reasonable demands, and the alliance had no power to oppose them.

Nevertheless, due to the importance and sensitivity of the matter, it took quite a bit of time.

The moment the negotiations between the two nations, which lasted several days, finally ended,

Mathieu, who had represented the alliance, sighed as he stepped out of the tent.

‘It’s finally over.’

He was exhausted. He just wanted to go back and rest. That was all he could think about.

While the impact of the battle couldn’t be ignored, it was these kinds of meetings that were truly uncomfortable for him.

Indeed, those who wield swords should be training, not engaging in theoretical discussions.

“Mathieu.”

Turning his head at the sound of someone calling him, he saw Kyle standing there.

Seeing Kyle’s face, Mathieu smiled slightly and bowed his head.

It was a remarkably polite gesture for someone of his caliber, comparable to the Empire’s Top Ten.

“So, everything regarding the surrender has been settled.”

“Yes. The magical communication has already been sent to the Imperial family, and Grand Duke Schrelitz has received the Emperor’s approval, confirming all the details discussed so far.”

Kyle was the person who had played a decisive role in the alliance’s defeat and surrender.

He was the one who had defeated, or rather, utterly crushed Mathieu, who was once considered comparable to the Top Ten.

Despite this, Mathieu’s response to Kyle was unbelievably gentle.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“No, it was something that someone had to do, and I was the right person for the job, so it was only natural.”

“And you’ve thoroughly discussed the matter of the mana berserk potions.”

At Kyle’s question, Mathieu tensed slightly and nodded.

The reason Kyle, who hadn’t been seen since the alliance’s surrender, had come to find him directly was likely because of this matter.

Both Leo and Lea, as well as Jonathan, were extremely sensitive about it.

Mathieu was not foolish enough to miss this fact.

And he knew very well that if it wasn’t handled properly, it could lead to a major disaster.

“We have already arrested all those involved. They will be immediately extradited to the Empire, and we are making efforts to collect all the items distributed to the alliance’s knights. However…”

“There’s more of it out there than you thought, and you don’t know exactly who has how much. So, unexpected problems that even the alliance doesn’t want could arise. Is that correct?”

Mathieu sighed deeply at Kyle’s words.

When the absurd idea of mana berserk potions came up, he should have been more proactive in stopping it.

He believed that if a swordsman got involved in politics, it could lead to bigger problems.

So, he had kept his mouth shut and watched the situation, but that had only complicated things.

After inquiring back home, he found out that many mana berserk potions had already been distributed to ordinary knights.

They were told to use them if the Imperial Army defeated the alliance and flooded in.

To fight to the bitter end and die gloriously, that was the intended use!

‘It’s fortunate that those who knew about the side effects of mana berserk had a sense of rebellion. They spoke the truth and voluntarily collected the mana berserk potions themselves.’

The higher-ups might call for noble sacrifices and desperate resistance.

If they lost, they would lose their power and have to be ruled over.

But those who were forced to make those sacrifices didn’t even understand it.

No matter how much they hated the Empire, or saw it as the enemy,

basic ‘life’ had to be guaranteed before they could be asked to do anything.

If the Empire invaded and they were told to die together, would they really all die? They would try to survive.

“You still have to make every effort.”

Lea, who had approached unnoticed, hugged her brother tightly from behind.

As a result, Kyle let out a “Gah!” and tapped her vigorously, indicating he wanted to be let go.

“I’ve told you, Three Heroes. If that is used again in the alliance, it won’t just end with us. Right now, you’re reflecting and trying to correct your mistakes, so we’re giving you one chance.”

“…I will keep that in mind. I will use any means necessary to collect and dispose of all the items spread throughout the alliance.”

“Ugh. Sis, please, my arm….”

“You promised, right? It would be troublesome if you pretended not to know later.”

“Surrender, surrender. Sis, I’m dying.”

“I swear. I will use all my power to collect and dispose of those items.”

Mathieu Philibert, one of the Three Heroes, whom even the alliance’s leadership couldn’t easily handle.

Even in front of the king of the kingdom he served, he didn’t need to bow himself.

No matter how noble the bloodline or the center of power, in the end, it was just wordplay in front of ‘strength.’

But even Mathieu had to bow before Jonathan.

No, he had to lie flat and beg for mercy, hoping they would pass by.

No human would dare to be stubborn in front of a massive typhoon.

Tap, tap, tap!!-

“Sis, sis. Surrender! Surrender!!”

“Oh! Sorry, Kyle! I forgot while talking!!”

“Gah!!”

He, he almost died. He really almost died!!

Knowing her brother was weak, how could she hug him with full strength like this, damn it!!

Kyle, barely catching his breath, and Lea, not knowing what to do.

Mathieu just stared blankly at the two of them.

‘They look so ordinary, just like any other brother and sister.’

Inside, there were terrifying beings that could chew up even the Top Ten and the Three Heroes.

He didn’t want to awaken that presence again. He wanted to avoid it at all costs.

As a strong person, fighting other strong people was, of course, joyful and exciting.

But this, no matter how he thought about it, seemed to have crossed a line. It was a little, no, very scary.

‘Regardless of the other clauses, that damn mana berserk potion must be completely disposed of.’

Mathieu Philibert, one of the Three Heroes, who had no particular interest other than becoming stronger himself.

For the first time today, he harbored something very intensely in his heart.

The mana berserk potion, a cursed item that mocked sacred effort and training.

Its complete eradication! Yes, it must be eradicated for the sake of the alliance!!

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On the way back after finishing everything, Kyle wore a happy smile.

He had thwarted the demons’ plot to mass-produce roiders and had an enjoyable fight.

Especially the image of Mathieu, who showed the true spirit of a strong person, still lingered in Kyle’s mind.

Even knowing he would lose, he faced it head-on with unwavering determination, a true mark of strength.

‘That’s what makes someone a true member of the Three Heroes. As for the other two… sigh, let’s not even talk about them.’

It’s not just about being strong; one should also have good character.

It’s not just about fixating on the results but also respecting the process.

The other two members of the Three Heroes had forgotten this and paid dearly for it.

The last he heard, both were in complete despair.

It’s understandable since those who once rivaled the Top Ten had now fallen to the level of ordinary knights.

But what can be done? It was their own doing, and they should be grateful they weren’t dead.

Instead of despairing, they should spend their time training, even if just a little.

Even if all paths are gone, they haven’t forgotten the methods, have they?

With blood, sweat, and tears, a two-lane road can become a four-lane highway.

“Kyle Jonathan.”

Feeling good, Kyle was doing some light cardio, running to keep fit.

Grand Duke Schrelitz approached him on horseback.

“Could we have a word?”

“Yes? Ah… yes. We can talk, but could you wait a moment?”

‘I haven’t fully warmed up yet. I need to run more.’

“Understood. Sorry for the interruption. Come to my carriage when you’re done.”

Fortunately, Grand Duke Schrelitz nodded readily at Kyle’s request.

Seeing him apologize made it clear why he was once among the Top Ten.

After finishing his cardio, Kyle caught his breath and went to find Grand Duke Schrelitz.

On his way, the knights of the Grand Duke’s household, known as the ‘Brothers of the Sword,’ cast glances his way.

Eyes filled with admiration, awe, and even faint longing.

‘There are many promising future friends here. To be raising such knights… Schrelitz! Approved!!’

Kyle mentally applauded as he boarded the Grand Duke’s carriage.

“Welcome. Hmm, may I call you Kyle?”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Kyle.”

Though Jonathan was strong, boasting about it was not the Jonathan way.

Respect was something to be earned genuinely from others, not demanded.

Even Baron Jonathan, who had little formal education, had always emphasized this to his children.

“People like us dislike beating around the bush. So, I’ll get straight to the point. I was surprised.”

Kyle asked what he meant by that.

“Regarding your treatment of the alliance. I thought you would overturn the entire alliance.”

“Ah.”

“You, your brother, and your sister all showed immense hostility and anger towards the mana berserk potion. I thought you would search the entire alliance.”

About that, Your Grace, we just wanted to get back quickly to our training.

Even now, I’m extremely stressed thinking I might be losing muscle mass.

“I wanted to thank you for that.”

“Thank me? Why…?”

“Thanks to you, the atmosphere in the alliance isn’t excessively chaotic, and the Empire can appropriately display the demeanor of a victor. Think about it. What would have happened if you had searched every corner of the alliance?”

Kyle nodded in understanding at Grand Duke Schrelitz’s words.

It meant that things ended well because Jonathan’s cooperation was crucial, and they were grateful for that.

‘We just backed off to avoid losing muscle mass, Your Grace.’

Kyle mumbled inwardly but just smiled and nodded.

“There will be a commendation ceremony near the capital.”

“Pardon?”

“A commendation ceremony. It seems they’ve already finished the discussions. Jonathan has been recognized as the top merit award recipient for this war… well, is it a war? Anyway, for this event. Since it’s an award from the Imperial family, they might even elevate your titles.”

Elevating titles, huh. They’d probably ask for more of the Top Ten instead.

To Jonathan, titles were nothing but useless burdens.

“And, I’ve heard that the Fifth Princess will personally award the medals to you, your brother, and your sister.”

“Wait a moment. Your Grace? Who did you say?”

“The Fifth Princess.”

“….”

A scene painted itself in Kyle’s mind.

On the day of the commendation ceremony, the princess charging in, wanting a rematch.

And his brother and sister smashing the princess’s head.

‘Why is she coming!!’

Kyle was terrified that the Empire’s celebration might turn into a royal funeral.