Berserk: The Prophet

Hickel and Edward knew each other so well that they understood each other with just a glance, and that each other was no different from their own hands, an integral part of their bodies, and they had long since become accustomed to each other.

...Whether or not they have romantic feelings, their way of getting along is the same. Perhaps, it's an even more intimate and close relationship than it is now...

Despite Edward's flippant tone, he never laid a hand on her. Hickel knew, of course, that Edward was far from as unreliable as he seemed; he handled almost all the mental work related to negotiation and management.

Under the moonlight, Hickel's eyes were filled with confusion. She didn't know what kind of feelings she had for Edward, nor how to face them. Edward, on the other hand, was equally troubled.

He certainly wouldn't dare leave Hickel alone in the wilderness, so he simply hid behind a tree, away from Hickel's sight, and pondered his troubles alone.

In this emotional entanglement, both of them need time to think and find the answers.

Meanwhile, Madwood, who had been observing from the shadows, curled up a sinister smile. His plan seemed to be coming to fruition step by step.

......

"...So, it can be considered that there is a chance to take it a step further, right?" Green listened to Edward's story and felt that this was a good thing.

"Yes, she came to say hello to me this morning before dropping Benedict off. She said she would think about it carefully." Thinking of this, the worry on Edward's face disappeared, and he revealed a smile that only someone in love would show.

"That's good, but don't get too excited yet," Green reminded her. "After all, she only said she would consider it; she didn't agree to it outright."

“But since Sister Hickel said that, it means she’s willing to continue developing a relationship with you. She’s always been busy with the war and running around. Now that Juda has suffered a crushing defeat, she’ll probably be quiet for a while. You should strike while the iron is hot,” Green said with a wicked grin.

“Of course, but I haven’t figured out how to change the way we get along yet. I need to make Hickel look at me in a new light.” Edward puffed out his chest, like a proud and smug rooster.

Looking at Edward's unusually joyful yet tense expression, Green felt happy for him. "May your wish come true."

......

The peaceful days passed in the blink of an eye, and just as July arrived, Princess Fulda brought supplies for the troops to the Fire Dragon's Nest.

As the daughter of the Duchess, Edward naturally became her guide.

"Mother, you really didn't need to come to a place like this..."

"Edward, what do you mean by this place? This is a crucial defensive stronghold of our country."

The praise from Princess Folda, who was widely regarded as exceptionally intelligent, delighted not only the soldiers present but also the knights and captains.

Like other feudal noblemen, Edward was very concerned about the gossip, which made him very uneasy.

There were countless rumors about Folda, some of which made Edward feel very uncomfortable.

For example, rumors such as Folda being promiscuous and only an astonishing size could satisfy her... These rumors were also linked to the speculation that she wanted to have a child with Grunberdo.

Those people have no evidence, yet they act like there's no smoke without fire, saying such irresponsible things.

However, Edward was merely deceiving himself by claiming there was no evidence. Folda frequently used various pretexts to visit the "Dragon's Nest," just like today. This greatly frustrated Edward.

In the evening, the troop-encouraging activities ended, and the people from the Dragon's Nest went to the mess hall. For the past two days, Green had only reported his recent learning progress to General Kirsten, who had hurriedly left the Dragon's Nest the day before.

Due to limited space in the mess hall, those who usually dine here are non-commissioned officers with the rank of centurion or higher. Green and Bazso also dine here. Because they were entertaining Princess Flüda that evening, Green and Bazso happened to see Princess Flüda enter the dining hall when they finished training.

"Welcome to the Dragon's Nest, Your Highness." Gurenberudo remained as rigid as ever, her face devoid of any emotion.

“Gurunberdo…”

Princess Furda's gaze towards Gurenberdo seemed normal at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it appeared to harbor a hidden passion.

Edward, who frequently mingled in official circles and was adept at reading people, could not deny that these might all be his illusions.

Perhaps he was just too paranoid... but no matter what reason he gave, he couldn't convince himself to let it go.

He didn't like his mother coming to places like this because the rumors always linked her to Gurunberudo.

Green and Bazzo also welcomed them from behind. It was Green's first time seeing Princess Folda; her blonde hair and sharp eyes were her most striking features. Clearly, Edward had inherited those excellent looks.

However, Edward didn't seem to like the way his mother looked at Glenn Belludeau. Having been an orphan since childhood, Green naturally possessed the ability to read people's expressions; after all, he had been exposed to society from a very young age, and most people's inner thoughts would unconsciously reveal themselves.

Just as everyone was about to sit down and eat, a guard rushed into the canteen.

"The Grand Duke has sent an envoy from the capital, Naurudkahuati."

“The Grand Duke’s envoy?” Gurenberudo’s brow furrowed.

“Invite him to the hall on the third floor of the city gate tower. I’ll go prepare to welcome him.” Gurunberdo didn’t know what was going on, but he had a feeling it wouldn’t be anything good.

The dining hall fell eerily quiet. Hikel arranged for everyone to eat first while they went to prepare for receiving the envoy.

"Excuse me, Your Highness, I must take my leave." With that, Gurenbeludo hurriedly departed.

"It's alright." The princess gracefully agreed, her gaze towards Gurenberudo somewhat ambiguous, before generously inviting the soldiers to drink, as if she had already made this place her home.

Green sensed something was amiss. He shook his head as he watched Bazzo drooling over the roast suckling pig, and caught up with Gurenberudo and the others on his own.

Green caught up with Gurenberudo and found him discussing something with Hickel.

Green stepped forward and asked, "What happened?"

"The Grand Duke's messenger has arrived suddenly," said Gurenberudo with a grave expression. "I'm afraid he has some important message to convey."

Hickel chimed in, "And judging from the Duchess's attitude, she seems to know something inside."

Green's heart sank. Recalling the way the Duchess had looked at Glenn Belluddo earlier, a bad premonition washed over him. Edward's expression was extremely grim, his eyebrows furrowed into a knot.

...Please, please, it can't be what he thinks. Edward prayed silently, his ears burning with irritation.

He must be overthinking it, he must be...

Gullenberger did not refuse Green's move to follow. It was quite normal for a young Grant boy to be curious about the people sent by the Grand Duke and the royal family, especially since General Kirsten also intended to train him. Gullenberger also quite liked the little guy.

However, the reason for this is that Green's current status can be considered that of a nobleman, even if he is the son of a fallen nobleman.

The Fire Dragon's Nest does not have an audience hall; the host usually receives guests in the hall on the third floor of the tower.

Gurunberu sat in the main seat of the extra-large wooden chair specially made for him to greet the king's envoy.

The message the messenger delivered made him think he had misheard. Green was utterly incredulous, and not only him, but Hickel and Edward were even more shocked.

"The Grand Duke intends to arrange two marriages."

"Why should I report this kind of thing?" Gurunberdo asked, puzzled.

"The Grand Duke has already arranged a marriage for Commander Heckel's infantry regiment." The envoy's face remained expressionless.

"...Help Heckler?" Edward was somewhat surprised and unsure of what to do. Heckler's gaze towards Edward also became hesitant.

"Furthermore, the Grand Duke has decided to bestow Princess Flüda... upon His Highness Gurenbeldo." The envoy deliberately emphasized the word "His Highness," the implication of which sent chills down one's spine.