The Damn Family Is Back Again

381. Yggdrasil Project (21)

-Flutter, flutter.

“Gurgle, gurgle…!”

Something gurgles sickeningly within a human body.

It was an unbelievable sight.

Something that should not be present within a human body was there.

A bizarre sound rang out, cracking and creaking. Covered in greens and browns, they were things of plants, not of humans.

“Kieeeeek!”

Arcien’s magic elicited a monstrous shriek from the Woodfiend.

“…Humph. I had a nagging feeling, so I used the ward stone to see if something had snuck in.”

“I never imagined something like this could infiltrate. Brother Florence.”

The two stared at the corpse of the first Woodfiend discovered within the palace.

At first, they’d dismissed it as mere rumor, spread by anxious commoners amidst unsettling happenings.

Such empty tales – reports of problems in the Empire that vanished upon investigation – I’d heard them before myself.

But from a certain point, the notion of simple rumor ceased to hold water.

There were those who made inexplicably foolish errors. Or those who received false information from nowhere. Or even those who seemed to suffer from a sudden, severe forgetfulness, betraying an unsettling unnaturalness.

The growing number of such individuals within the palace sparked a deep suspicion that some omen was hidden within.

Thus, Arcien and Florence cautiously used the ward stone in this very place, speculating on the possibility of something having infiltrated the palace.

“…Speechless, I am. It looked undeniably human on the surface. If something like this was hidden… was the goal to corrupt from within?”

“Likely. We’ll need to investigate further, but… posing as human, aiming for the back of the head – it can only be intended to undermine the Imperial Family from the inside.”

“Indeed. But… who exactly? I can’t begin to fathom it. What force could be behind such a scheme?”

“…”

To that question, Arcien only shook her head.

Factions resentful of the Imperial Family certainly existed. But to suggest a faction capable of conceiving such an extreme plan… that, she couldn’t answer.

Even the nobles, for all their resentment, could never stoop to such madness. And even if they did, powerless as they were, they would surely know they’d only paint a target on themselves.

“Arcien. I believe we must conclude here.”

“I agree. We spoke too loudly, perhaps, Brother.”

“Kuh-ugh. Of all places, a ward here!”

“It’s them! It’s those b*stards!”

“Prince Florence and Princess Arcien! We must eliminate them, no matter the cost!”

A binding stone, suppressing the power of the demonic beasts and forcing them to reveal their true form. Thanks to it, they can no longer disguise themselves as humans.

They were trying to eliminate any witnesses and shatter the binding stone, by any means.

“Kieeeeeek!”

“Kueeek!”

“They’re all demonic beasts, every last one. There were quite a number within the Imperial Palace already…! From the looks of it, they’re being brainwashed one by one; fighting them all individually would be endless!”

“The Imperial Guard and Royal Guards couldn’t all have been brainwashed. First, the barrier, please!”

“Kieeeeeek!”

“As quickly as you can! Arcien!”

*

─Kieeeeeek!

As the barrier spread within the Imperial Palace, a chorus of demonic shrieks echoed throughout.

In that very moment, Royal Guards and Imperial Guards who had harbored suspicions could confirm that those beside them were not comrades, but demonic beasts.

“Have all the beasts within been eliminated with this?”

“Yes! Your Highness, Prince Florence!”

“This is the last location. They’ve been eliminated elsewhere!”

“Hoo. I see. Judging by the numbers, the damage itself isn’t too significant.”

With this many, the Imperial Palace wouldn’t be breached easily.

If the gates are closed and they hold firm, it will truly be an impregnable fortress. Thanks to Arcien’s barrier, the strength of the encroaching demonic beasts is weakened, and distinguishing friend from foe is no longer a problem.

“Send forth the messenger birds to every corner, bearing this decree. The barrier stones must be used for friend from foe.”

“Aye!”

The royal guards surged into frenzied motion.

“From this moment, time is the true adversary. How long has the whisper of this plague been spreading across the Empire?”

“…It varies by region, but in some places, a week has passed already.”

“Perilous. Such places may already be beyond our reach.”

Where, how far, in what great devouring tide it had spread, remained unknown. Yet one certainty pierced through: a grand subjugation of the monstrous beasts would erupt across the Empire.

And at the heart of that conflagration, the Imperial Army, guided by Albert, would stand undeniably vital.

“We have secured a haven, for now… There is naught else to do. We can only pray that brother arrives with haste.”

No sooner had Florence uttered those words, when…

Arsien spoke, her voice a precise cut through the air.

“…Brother. Something feels amiss.”

“What is it?”

“Establishing the barrier to safeguard the Imperial Palace – that was wise. Preserving our soldiers, avoiding grievous losses, and keeping hold of the Imperial stronghold are all undeniably advantageous. But… is this not all too opportune?”

“…Now that you mention it, it is peculiar. That the Palace suffered so little. One would expect it to be the first seized, the crown jewel snatched away…”

A shadow of unease flickered across Florence’s face as suspicion took root.

“If… what if this is the design of those orchestrating this chaos? What then?”

“…Surely not.”

“Aye. This is not a sanctuary secured. It is, perhaps, our isolation!”

A thin veil.

Just a single wall unfurled by magic.

A barrier spell, used to suppress and block the power of demonic beasts.

In a place deemed safe, they bolt the door themselves.

And so they wait, and wait. Until Albert leads the Imperial army back.

…Which is to say, they do nothing.

Though the Imperial Palace is safe now, conversely, they cannot go out.

In other words, they have become isolated.

“Surround the Imperial Palace!”

“The Imperial Family is in danger! Targeted by demonic beasts!”

And as if that conjecture were correct, the voices of those wearing human masks echo out.

Two figures move hastily.

The Imperial Palace perimeter was sealed.

“Brother.”

“…Not just the North Gate. It’s the same everywhere else.”

Their numbers were considerable.

An immense force, almost a proper army, surrounded the Imperial Palace.

“Damn it. Speaking the language of men, even giving orders? Do they possess intelligence?”

“…It seems we must assume so.”

Who, what being is issuing these commands remains unknown.

But these are the worst sort of enemy: demonic beasts with intelligence.

“Arcien. We must break through.”

“Aye. We’ve no choice but to force our way through. Not when we don’t know what they’re after!”

That such sounds carried even with the barrier in place suggested the involvement of a rather potent entity was not out of the question.

Yet, failing to break through could unleash something even more monstrous.

The two royals, fully geared, prepared to lead their personal guards and the royal guard out.

But then.

“aaargh!”

“You-you dogs! What gives you the right to be here!”

“Barbarian westerners…!”

“They’ve abandoned their humanity! Defend the Imperial family!”

As they opened the doors, intending to leave, the path stood clear.

“Easily said. By those who are barely human themselves, yammering on about defending the Imperial family.”

A warrior, face smeared with blood, organized corpses as she turned towards them.

“Yo. How are we all doing? Imperial Highnesses.”

The bronze-skinned warrior planted a greatsword into the ground before them, offering a swaggering greeting.

The Imperial forms of address.

Coupled with a rough, ill-fitting manner of speech.

It was, by any measure, not an Imperial greeting.

And so, Arcien and Florence were certain.

This one was an ally.

“Was it the Duke Carsein who sent you?”

“Ho. I was wondering how to explain it, but you are quick to perceive, aren’t you?”

*Thwack!*

The bronze-skinned warrior woman brought her great axe down, finishing off the creature that still clung to life.

“I am Moren, Chieftain of the Lindel Tribe.”

Just as suspected.

*

The appearance of the Lindel Tribe offered the Imperial Family a breakthrough.

Now that these Westerners had arrived, distinguishing between man and beastkin became possible, allowing Arsien to cease maintaining the barrier. With the barrier gone, the magic divisions could finally unleash their full power.

Their military might was still formidable, and each individual’s combat prowess rivaled that of the Imperial Guard. Dislodging the forces surrounding the Imperial City was no great task.

Once the beastkin were cleared away.

Arsien and Florence could finally grasp the situation.

“So. The first target they aimed to infiltrate and destroy wasn’t the Imperial Family, but the Imperial Army.”

“…That makes sense. If they shook up the Imperial Army first, then attempted to eliminate us, who had sealed ourselves in, their intentions would be clear.”

“And for that reason, to head to the battlefield and instead aid the Westerners. Indeed. Foresightful.”

If they weren’t under mind control, things might be different, but should the Imperial Army return to that state, the Imperial Family might suffer even greater harm.

Not only that, but they might turn their blades directly against the Empire, becoming the cause of its downfall.

Carsein’s reasoning, as well as Albert’s judgment, were both perfectly understandable, and the two nodded in agreement.

Furthermore, the overall flow of events was now roughly established.

The Demon World Tree. The growth of Yggdrasil and the primal seed that turned humans into tree-monstrosities.

Within their sprawling empire, these Westerners needed to spread into the regions and excise these seeds.

“In a word, you ask us for our sanction.”

“…Y-yes.”

“Such a thing is hardly difficult.”

Arcien inclined his head. Imperial Guardsmen stepped forward, bearing tokens proving the bearer’s status as Imperial Guard.

“Holding these, you will be recognized in the capacity of Imperial Guard. Distribute them among the heads of each detachment.”

The Westerners received the tokens, bewildered by Florence’s comment that they suited them well.

“Therefore, what does Prince Karsein request of us?”

“Huh? Oh…”

“That astute man must surely have something he wishes us to do.”

“Truly. That man is remarkable. Said explanations were needless, time and again. As if he truly sees the future.”

Moryen chuckled, hollowly. “You two must move to the Duchy of Vagrand at once.”

“…To Vagrand?”

“Indeed. For the true objective of Project Yggdrasil lies in Vagrand.”

*

“Kh…!”

It’s… crushing.

Utterly, insurmountably crushing.

To face such numbers… it’s beyond reason.

Though relief-carved identification stones existed, though friend could supposedly be distinguished from foe…

“Princess Claire. The position of Princess has been agreeable to you these past years, hasn’t it?”

“Must have been absolutely delightful! Playing, eating, sleeping!”

“Enjoying everything you could possibly desire! We were all so envious, we could have died of it, you know?”

To reveal such animosity, approaching in such a manner, rendered the entire endeavor futile.

All of them were enemies.

All who approached Bagrand.

Claire bit her lip tight.

‘What… what am I to do?’

She couldn’t simply succumb like this.

She had to honor Carsein’s final request.

She had to protect Harnier!

Her vision blurred, swam before her eyes.

‘There’s no choice. I have to stop them, even if it means resorting to force…!’

If, at the very least, she could save even one person.

If she could just save this one person to keep Carsein company.

One last time.

She thought it might be acceptable, just once, to risk her life.

Just as Claire, recklessly, was about to intervene…

“What are those things? Appearing suddenly like that…!”

A shift began to stir.