Heading To Rod

Arthur wanted to speak with Rod directly, but there was a big problem.

“Where do you think Rod is right now?”

“By normal tactics, I would expect him to be with Baron Carmine, waiting for the knights’ reports…”

“That won’t be the case. Rod-sama is a battle-happy show-off. He’ll definitely come to the front lines.”

Even if Arthur wanted to persuade Rod, there was nothing they could do if they did not know where he was. As Arthur, Morgan, and Tristan were all at a loss, Miranda raised her hand.

“In that case, we Desert People can use sandworms to search for him. We may not know his face, but if you tell us some of his features, I think we can find him.”

“That would be helpful, but… The enemy will attack without hesitation. There’s a real chance you Desert People will be put in danger.”

Morgan feared the Desert People getting injured for the sake of peace, but Miranda still refused to back down.

“That’s true. But Arthur-sama and the others could also be mistaken for traitors and attacked, couldn’t you? In that case, it’s the same for all of us.”

“I won’t take any lasting wounds, but you lot will get hurt like normal. And since we’re Britannians, they might still hold back a little against us—but they won’t show any mercy to Desert People.”

“Even so… I—I mean, we can’t just sit and watch while you risk your lives for us. The Desert People have decided to live together with Arthur-sama. And besides… if we’re injured, you’ll heal us, won’t you?”

Miranda chuckled softly, then whistled to call Crimson Arrow. When she climbed onto its back, something wrapped its arms around her from behind.

“Wait, then I’m going too. I’m not about to let the Desert People hog all the cool moments.”

“Hold on, Prince Arthur!?”

Morgan cried out in shock, but Arthur would not stop.

“It’s fine, Big Brother Rod and I get along great. And if I show Hervé this, he’ll understand too. You guys handle evacuating the Desert People.”

“Since when did you…?”

“Heh, how very brave of you, Arthur-sama.”

Arthur took a Fruit of Plenty from his breast pocket; as the astonished Morgan and the admiring Tristan watched their lord, Crimson Arrow sped off.

“Arthur-sama… you really are incredible, doing all this for us Desert People…”

“My maid Kei read me a book, you know. It said that once you go on an adventure together, you’re comrades. And helping your comrades is only natural. Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan.”

“Ufufu, you truly are wonderful and dependable, Arthur-sama.”

Miranda, clinging to Arthur with a somewhat spellbound expression, had no idea that Arthur’s belief that he and Rod were close was entirely one-sided—and that the plan in Arthur’s head was built on that very mistaken assumption…