◆ Past Memories
"Haah, haah...……………"
The two of them, fleeing from their pursuers, echoed their labored breaths through the narrow underground passage. Their entire bodies were screaming in pain, and they were plagued by constant dizziness and headaches.
The pursuers were an organization attempting to overthrow the Retouar Empire. They had suddenly stormed the castle and mercilessly began cutting down the royal family, one after another, as though they were simply mowing down weeds on the roadside.
The only ally in this dire situation was Marquis Holger Hubel, who, through his quick thinking, managed to get them into the underground escape routes crisscrossing the imperial capital. However, their pursuers quickly caught on to this.
If they could escape the underground passage, they would be able to flee beyond the castle walls. However, even if they made it out, Holger realized that continuing to escape any further would be impossible due to their physical exhaustion. Gradually slowing down, Holger eventually stopped and pushed the small back in front of him with strength.
"Your Highness! Leave this to me and escape on your own!"
His breath was ragged, and the fatigue on his face was undeniable. Still, he readied himself for combat, his hand firmly gripping the sword at his waist.
"No! You're the only one I can rely on, Grandpa! I won’t leave you behind!"
Prince Henrik Retouar, a mere nine years old, spoke with a conviction beyond his age.
Holger, stunned by his determination, widened his eyes.
The pursuers were countless. Even if they managed to make it through this underground passage, their chances of survival were slim. If Holger, who was growing old and slow, remained with them, those chances would dwindle further.
Still, Henrik grasped Holger’s aged hand and began to run again.
They sprinted through the narrow passage without a second thought. Their efforts paid off when they caught sight of a faint light from the exit. The faint glow of the outside world, a tantalizing illusion, drew out a moment of arrogance buried deep within their hearts.
But the light quickly transformed into a sharp arrow. Their pursuers were waiting for them at the exit.
By the time they realized that the pursuers had aimed their weapons at them, it was already too late.
Henrik instinctively shut his eyes, bracing for the sharp pain he had yet to experience.
But the pain never came.
The person responsible was immediately clear, as dark red liquid arced through the air before him.
"Grandpa!"
Henrik rushed to his side immediately. The arrow had deeply pierced Holger’s shoulder, left side of the waist, and right leg. Holger was gasping and moaning in pain.
"Grandpa, don’t die! You promised! We were going to support Father and my brother and see a wider world together! You always told me that nobles must keep their word, no matter what, and I won’t allow anyone to break a promise!"
"I’m sorry… I couldn’t keep my promise… I wish I could have seen your future…" Holger’s voice trembled as he spoke his last words.
"Don’t apologize! Stay strong!"
Henrik’s voice cracked, but his eyes were steely with resolve. "That arrow… it didn’t hit me, did it? It must have been an expert archer. They probably just wanted to intimidate us."
Though he understood this in his mind, Holger’s body moved instinctively to protect Henrik, fearing that the arrow might hit the boy.
"The Samigared group needs you as a symbol to legitimize their rule, both within and beyond the Empire. Even if I die, they won’t harm you," Holger muttered, struggling to hold onto his consciousness.
"What are you saying? Don’t talk like that! I’ll listen to all your nonsense later, but don’t speak of death or anything like that!"
"Someday, Your Highness… You will have the opportunity to reclaim the Empire. But when that time comes, many hardships will await you. Even so, you must save the people of the Empire… You cannot let them fall into ruin under their hands. I believe that with your wisdom, Your Highness, you will be able to save them..." Holger continued mechanically, his words a final transmission of his belief before his life faded away.
Henrik sobbed uncontrollably as he held the body of his fallen mentor.
The narrow passageway became filled with his anguish.
"Your Highness Henrik, return to the palace. We have no intention of harming you, as long as you cease your resistance. Come now, this way."
A familiar, somewhat high-pitched voice echoed in the air.
The man who had once been the captain of the knights approached, wearing a hollow smile, and stepped into the shadow cast over Henrik’s body.
Henrik, with the warmth of Holger’s lifeless form still in his memory, steeled himself.
He would reclaim the Empire. No matter the cost.
