Ryan looked at the messenger knight, unable to decide whether he had done something unnecessary or strengthened Floyd's resolve.
"Mr. Ryan, it seems the burden on your shoulders has grown even heavier."
Floyd looked seriously at Ryan, leaving the latter somewhat confused, until the emperor's next words made him understand what the emperor wanted. "The north absolutely cannot suffer the plundering of those evil Orcs again, and I will not allow the Orcs to threaten my subjects."
Floyd spoke, and Ryan immediately stated his position.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will never let the Orcs charge into the empire's domain. Ryan will swear to defend every inch of the empire's land to the death."
Floyd pressed a satisfied hand onto Ryan's shoulder.
"Don't worry. The war in the South is under control. I will help Count Clayton restore the army of the Imperial Second Legion as quickly as possible." With Ryan gone, on the southern battlefield, the only one close enough to the emperor's side was Count Clayton, so naturally, some effort had to be spent. After leaving the emperor's military camp, Ryan appeared on the open ground outside, his emotions surging. The war in the South, its profits, its power—none of it belonged to him, nor did it have much to do with him.
Only the Northlands were his true home.
"Only in the Northlands can I feel the warmth this world gives me."
At Winged Gorge, Ryan spread his arms wide and embraced the sunlight from the north wind. The northern wind was biting, and this familiar land was blanketed in snow. Lord Ryan had returned to his loyal Northlands.
Every time he returned to Zero Crossing City, the city gave him a different feeling. Every time, he discovered how uplifted the spirit and morale of the city's