Reincarnation into the Barrier Master

The Subcliner Royal Army's preparations for retreat were swift. In no time at all, the soldiers had prepared their own baggage and, with controlled movements, boarded the ships that were anchored in the harbor just behind the fort.

Rucker watched them closely. His expression was undisturbed and he looked as if he was watching over the training. The commanders watched him in silence.

"King, please go to your ship.

Commander-in-Chief Sanena urges them to come aboard. But Rucker stares at Sanena's face in silence.

"...... King?"

"Sanena, you may board first."

"What are you talking about?　We cannot board the ship unless you come aboard!

"Sanena, you are thinking of staying here in Hiyama after you board my ship, aren't you?"

Sanena's face contorts. Rucker smiles at her.

"I'm talking about you. You will apologize to Agartha for this battle and then take your own life. Hmph. I've known you a long time. I know just how much you know.

Rucker smiles wryly.

"This battle, Agartha has no ......

"No need."

King!

"I say there is no need to apologize to Agartha. Agartha is unaware of our invasion and has easily taken this fortress. What will you do about it?　If the enemy invaded, we would do our best to repel them. But Agartha has not done so. It is Agartha's fault for not being prepared.

Rucker's words brought an indescribable look to Sanena's face.

"Get on board now. If you do not come aboard, I will not leave this ship.

"Commander-in-Chief, as the King says, please come aboard first. The Commander-in-Chief is the keystone of our army. We feel the same way. Therefore, please visit ......."

The young commander gazes at Sanena as if he is clinging to her. As if prompted by his eyes, Sanena bowed, turned on her heel, and began to walk toward the pier.

"Make sure you all protect the king," he said.

He muttered to no one in particular. The young commanders nodded their heads in agreement.

"Come on, let's get out of here. The attack by Agartha's army could begin at any moment. Hurry up, all of you!

With these words, Rucker started to walk away.

He did not go to the landing place, but to a stable inside the fort. There, his beloved horse was hitched.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mrak. Come on, let's go."

"Wait a moment, my king!"

One of the commanders opened his mouth to Rucker as he put his hand on the gag of his beloved horse.

"I will take Mulak to the ship. The king will go ahead of you to the ship."

"You're a big idiot: ......"

"Ha ......"

Rucker rebuked the commander with a forlorn look on his face.

"It would be quicker for you to ride on my back than for you to tow Mrak with your gag.

With these words, Rucker flopped onto the back of his beloved horse.

"Get on board as soon as possible!"

"The king!"

See you in King's Landing!

"The king!"

Rucker pulled the reins of his beloved horse and started off in the opposite direction from the ship. The commander and his escort chased after him at full speed.

Sanena heard the report just before she boarded the ship.

What?　I told you to take care of the king!"

The messenger in front of me drooped when he heard his words. There was nothing I could say to this soldier. Sanena quickly changes her mind.

Go after the king!　...... disappeared like a cloud?　Find them!　Find them!　Search everywhere outside the fort!"

So ordered, Sanena turned on her heel and started toward the fort.

"Mulak, the king's rider, is very fast ....... I hope we don't lose him. ......

Muttering these words, he passed through the gate of the fort and climbed to the top of the ramparts at full speed, when a cheer went up from the west. I looked up and saw a strange scene.

There was a large hole in the Agartha army deployed on the west side. The cheers seemed to be coming from there.

The hole is gradually moving toward the north, getting bigger and smaller. Looking closely, we found a figure of a mounted warrior in the center of the hole.

"The king!　Oh, my king!

From the top of the wall, Sanena shouted at the top of her voice. But it seems that his voice was not heard. He immediately gives orders to the soldiers around him.

"All those who have not yet boarded the ship, get out of the fort at once!　We're on our way to rescue the king!　Hurry up!"

"Whoa, awe, ......"

"What!"

Soldiers are almost ready to board. Most of the ships have already left. ......"

"...... just those who are in the fort now!　Everybody out!"

Sanena hastily descended the steps of the ramparts, shouting loudly.

Meanwhile, Rucker, surrounded by Agartha's army, was wielding his spear with all his might. But the soldiers did not come any closer to him, but surrounded him ten to twenty times, keeping a certain distance.

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Rucker exclaimed and hurled his spear at the Agarthans. But even that was ducked by the soldiers. He gasped and shuffled his shoulders to catch his breath, but then he dismounted from his beloved horse and walked swiftly toward the soldiers.

I am Subkriner Epath Rucker III, King of the Kingdom of Subkriner. I surrender to the forces of Agartha here and now. Now seize me and take credit for my capture for all time."

With a shout, he picked up the sword at his waist and threw it down on the grass. Then he sat down on the ground with a thud, crossed his arms, and looked up to the heavens.

It was some time later that Rinos received a report that the enemy general had been taken prisoner.

"You have captured the enemy general?　Are you sure it's him?"

"As I have no one who knows his face, it took me some time to identify him, but I have received a letter like this from the Subcliner's side, so I am sure that he is the King of Subcliner.

The messenger took a letter from his pocket and handed it to Linos. In scribbled words, the letter briefly stated that the king of Subclina had been captured by Agartha's army, and pleaded for his rescue.

"I would like to put my trust in the mercy of the King of Agartha. ...... And what is this general doing now?"

"Ha. He says he's hungry. He's eating a meal right now.

"What's that?"

Rinos looked up to the heavens with a dazed expression on his face. Never in his experience had he ever heard of a king charging into enemy territory alone.

"But I am amazed that you are still alive, even against the enemy. It would have been more likely that the soldiers would have taken you out. ......"

"No, in a way, it may be exactly what the enemy wants."

It was Matkal who opened his mouth. Linos looked at her, who was standing behind him.

"As you wish?　You mean you came all the way here to be captured?"

"I hear that the enemy general is after the life of Master Linos. If they want to kill only Master Rinos, it is more likely for them to jump into our bosom than to attack us with an army. Isn't that why he went to the trouble of surrendering? If he surrenders, we cannot avenge his head. We must capture him and show him to the general. Especially if it is the king.

"Do you think I'll have to take him in after all?"

"Of course. It is the king's duty.

"...... I don't like it."

"With Master Linos' warding, we'll be fine."

"Okay. Well, let's get the, uh, Rucker up here, shall we? Hey, Mato.

What's going on?

Can I have him on his knees until he gets here?

That's a no-no.

Matkal shakes his head slowly. A faint blush appeared on his face. Seeing this cute expression, Linos felt at ease. .......