Seventeen days later, outside the wide-open eastern gate of Ereno, capital of the Norman Empire, before its heavy, ancient gray walls.
Drip!
The pattering autumn rain struck the black umbrella held up by the adjutant, producing a steady series of sounds.
Beneath the umbrella, Conrad, dressed in a black-and-gold Imperial Air Force uniform, silently gazed at the road in the distance, shrouded by dark clouds. His eyes were slightly unfocused, as though he were deep in thought.
Only when he caught sight of the royal convoy appearing at the end of the road did his pupils gradually focus. A rare smile appeared on his usually impassive face, but he swiftly reined it in.
He then whispered a few words to the adjutant beside him. Taking the umbrella from the adjutant, he watched until the adjutant's figure completely vanished into an alley of the Imperial Capital. Only then did he turn his gaze forward again, suppressing the emotions in his heart as he waited silently in the rain.
Creak!
The speeding black sedan slowly came to a stop at the checkpoint by the city gate. A credential was presented to the guards on duty. Once they confirmed the visitors' identities, the stunned guards hurriedly moved the checkpoint aside despite the rain, while offering the officers in the convoy the most impeccable salute they had ever given. Excitement and exhilaration were impossible to conceal in their eyes.
As the checkpoint opened, the lead sedan once again drove toward Ereno. However, the figure in the back seat seemed to spot something. After letting out a startled sound, he called for the driver to stop and then offered an apology to the lord beside him.
Then, escorted by a Royal Guard soldier who hurried out of the front passenger seat and immediately held an