Extra S*ave Saves the Crown Prince Chapter 61

There were several famous spots for viewing autumn leaves in Belvaros, the capital of the Sharkanian Empire. Among them, the most renowned was “Dragon’s Hill.”

 

It was a cluster of small hills, layered like scales, that even children could climb. Between the hills were small and large ponds, offering enchanting scenery not only in autumn but throughout all four seasons.

 

At the highest point of Dragon’s Hill, there were especially many rocks, creating a stunning view with the trees. The crimson autumn leaves seen from the top were exquisite, but this place housed a royal villa, so ordinary people were forbidden entry.

 

“It’s such a perfect day for an outing.”

 

“Yes, Mother. You look even more beautiful today.”

 

The Empress covered her mouth and laughed softly. Indeed, the weather was perfect for an autumn excursion. It had rained yesterday, so the sky was even clearer, and with not a breath of wind, it was just right for enjoying tea time outdoors.

 

“Don’t work all the time. Sometimes you should come out and rest like this.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

The Current Emperor neither agreed nor disagreed, simply sipping his tea. The tea’s clear color looked almost vermilion because everything around them was so red. It felt as if they were in the middle of a burning mountain. Maple leaves had fallen onto the nearby pond, drifting like tiny sailboats. It was a sight that would satisfy anyone.

 

The Current Emperor, the Empress, and the Prince. They fit into that scenery without any sense of discord, as if the three of them had always been a family.

 

‘I want to go see the autumn leaves, Your Majesty.’

 

Today was the Shihien’s birthday. Everyone present knew it. And the Empress had suggested they go out to see the autumn leaves precisely on this day, to this place a little distance from the palace.

 

“We should call for a painter. It’s too beautiful to leave only in our memories.”

 

“Didn’t we have one painted last year?”

 

“Your Majesty. But I think Her Majesty the Empress is even more beautiful than last year.”

 

“Eriden.”

 

The Empress called the Prince’s name as if to scold him, but her eyes were truly smiling. Contrary to her reputation for a cold demeanor, today she wore a constantly smiling face.

 

But the Current Emperor could not enjoy himself as fully as she did. The presence of the Shihien, who remained in the palace, weighed on his heart. For a royal birthday, it was customary to hold a grand celebration and commemorate the day as a holiday.

 

But the Shihien had never once received such treatment since birth. For him, this day was simply a matter of survival—whether he was still alive after the rampage, or not.

 

“Um, Your Majesty.”

 

The vice-captain of the Imperial Knights was present as an escort. He approached with an uncharacteristic movement from where he’d been standing at a distance during tea time, bowing deeply as if apologizing for disturbing their pleasant moment.

 

“Your Majesty, I apologize, but I have news that has just come in and wish to report it.”

 

“Has something happened at the palace?”

 

The Empress’s face grew serious beside him. She said “palace,” but what she was really hoping for was probably news about the Shihien. More precisely, she was hoping for news that something had happened to the Shihien.

 

“It is not the palace, but news regarding Beasts.”

 

“What’s happened?”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty. There has been a Beasts appearance in Pikedor.”

 

The Empress seemed to lose interest, elegantly lifting her teacup when she heard it was not about the palace but about Beasts. But the faces of the Prince and Current Emperor simultaneously grew grave. Pikedor was the port closest to Salt Island, and very far from Enafork.

 

It was news that the rift between dimensions was spreading unpredictably. The Current Emperor ultimately ended the family’s tea time and left.

 

.*. *. *. *. *. *.

 

“What? Pikedor?”

 

“I wish I didn’t have to believe it either.”

 

A deep shadow fell over Baslo’s face. It felt like a splash of cold water on a dazed mind. Even hearing the name Pikedor, it didn’t feel real.

 

“That, is it the place I’m thinking of?”

 

“Yes, it’s the port closest to Salt Island.”

 

I covered my mouth with both hands. Of all the many regions in the Empire, why did it have to be there? I knew the area of appearances would gradually expand, but I never expected it to happen in Pikedor.

 

Aunt Noah, Oment the priest.

 

Their faces, whom I thought of as family, flashed through my mind at the same time.

 

“I heard that support personnel have departed from both Enafork and the capital. But the distance is just so great….”

 

Having traveled from Pikedor to the capital myself, I could imagine the distance. No matter how fast the horses ran, they would not arrive today.

 

The scenes I’d seen in Deloi and Okon village came vividly to mind. Those villages, relatively close to Enafork, could not escape damage either. Beasts appeared suddenly, and if you weren’t prepared, you could only fall victim.

 

“Did it appear today?”

 

“Yes, according to the report, that’s right.”

 

Looking out the window, the sun was shining down from a clear sky. It was already past noon. If it was today, when exactly did it happen? If it was in the morning, what was happening there now?

 

“Damn, if only we could predict it ahead of time.”

 

Baslo ran a hand over his face. He must have sensed that some damage was inevitable.

 

Knock, knock.

 

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Baslo looked at me as if to ask if I was expecting anyone. I shook my head slightly.

 

“Yes?”

 

Baslo answered in my stead, and the door opened immediately.

 

“Ah, here you are.”

 

It was someone in the uniform of the Imperial Knights. He seemed to have come looking for Baslo.

 

“There will be a meeting regarding the Beasts soon. I have come to request your attendance, Sir Knight.”

 

“Even if we hold a meeting now….”

 

Baslo muttered under his breath, barely audible.

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Understood. I’ll go.”

 

As a member of the Thorn Knights on the front lines, he might be the person in this palace who knew the most about Beasts. Baslo, still wearing a dark expression, waved his hand as if to say he’d be back and left.

 

The sound of the door closing seemed louder than usual. Even taking a deep breath didn’t calm my nerves.

 

The Shihien’s palace was so quiet that if you sat still, you could only hear birdsong from time to time. The master was spending his birthday alone in pain deep underground. On the surface, it seemed peaceful. Even the staff weren’t moving about, likely under orders. They must have been operating with the minimum number of people for fear of danger.

 

『He’ll probably come out the day after tomorrow. Maybe even later.』

 

Baslo, who had attended to him every birthday, predicted that Shihien would only be able to come out after two days. Both Baslo and I assumed nothing except that he would eventually come out of there. If I wanted to fetch him, I would have to spend two more days in this peaceful place.

 

I glanced out the window, then at the firmly closed door. There weren’t many maids, so only Baslo and one attendant came and went from this room. The person who brought meals was a stranger. They didn’t seem to care much whether I ate or not.

 

If only I could at least confirm that Aunt and the priest were safe.

 

Just in case, I had memorized a place near Pikedor that only I knew. It was a long distance, but I instinctively felt it might be possible.

 

And if I was going to try, it had to be now.

 

I had to go fetch Shihien, so there was no time but now. With Baslo gone, no one would be paying attention to me.

 

“Hoo. Hoo.”

 

I took several deep breaths. Then I clenched my fist and closed my eyes. I pictured the forest near Pikedor that I had memorized as vividly as possible. The birdsong outside the window faded into the distance, then gradually returned, now close to my ear.

 

“Ugh.”

 

The scent of trees hit me, and I let out an involuntary groan. I thought it would be possible, but it was harder than expected. My legs gave out, and cold sweat streamed down. A headache pressed on my head as if a heavy force was weighing it down.

 

Shaking my head again and again, I forced myself to move forward. When I opened my eyes, I was in the forest I had memorized. There was a large tree with a hollow big enough for two people to fit inside. I wanted to lie down and rest for a moment, but I was in too much of a hurry.

 

Dragging my heavy legs, I walked in the direction of Pikedor village. With every step, I prayed for their safety.

 

“Ah….”

 

As soon as I emerged from the forest, I nearly collapsed at the sight. The bustling energy of the village had completely vanished. The debris and destruction everywhere showed clear signs of a Beasts attack. The only relief was that I didn’t see any living Beasts.

 

Biting my lip, I ran straight to the place where Pikedor’s temple was located. I passed people weeping and others wandering around in a daze. There wasn’t a single intact building, and the Pikedor I remembered was nowhere to be seen.

 

“No way, Sez?”

 

The temple looked as if it had been struck by a giant hammer, one side caved in. Only half the entrance remained, and there I spotted a familiar face.

 

“Aunt!”

 

“What the—why are you here!”

 

It was Aunt Noah, whom I hadn’t seen in years. There was a trail of blood running down her cheek, as if her eyebrow had been cut.

 

“Are you all right? Are you hurt?”

 

“Can’t you see? I’m fine. But what are you doing here.”

 

Seeing her made it a little easier to breathe. I was so relieved she was safe.

 

“You, did you—again!”

 

She frowned as if she’d realized something.

 

“I told you to live as if you didn’t have it. Why can’t you ever listen!”

 

She had told me many times. Pretend you don’t have that teleportation ability. Live as an ordinary slave.

 

“Um, what about the priest?”

 

When I changed the subject, Aunt Noah’s expression darkened sharply.

 

“Where is he?”

 

When I asked again, she sighed and turned around. It seemed she wanted me to follow, so I quickly went to her side. I should have been scolded, but her silence only made me more anxious.

 

“Open your eyes.”

 

“No, no.”

 

“H-h-h-h.”

 

Inside the temple, I saw people lying everywhere, others weeping. Several had already been covered with white cloths, even over their faces. Deloi and Okon were small villages, so there weren’t many people.

 

But Pikedor was a large village, so it seemed there were even more victims. I clenched my fist, afraid that Oment the priest might be among them.

 

“This way.”

 

Aunt Noah led me to a prayer room behind the sanctuary. It was a space barely big enough for one person, and inside was a familiar large figure lying down.

 

“Priest…?”