7 The Hero Act

Panic and anger-filled voices echoed from all over the great sci-fi-like structure, as the thuds of boots filled my ears in a melodic manner. My eyebrows twitched as I realized what was happening.

"It's finally time, huh."

"Lady Yukline? Are you in there?"

As I looked at the lewd redhead, the voice of a soldier resounded through the comm located within the room, "Yes? I am the prince speaking. Saffron is currently resting. Is something the matter?"

I answered back in a curious tone, well aware of the situation around the palace.

"The king is requesting the presence of Lady Yukline. Please urge her to the audience chamber. It's an emergency."

"All right. It's finally happening."

I can confirm the massive invasion without a doubt from the nervousness of his tone.

"Mhm! Brother! Whom are you speaking to? No secrets should be there between us!"

"Let's go!"

I, accompanied by my clinging stepsister, headed towards the Throne Room, and along the way, this blabbermouth just didn't stop asking questions.

"Brother, what's happening?"

I know what's happening, but let's pretend not to know for the sake of the upcoming drama.

"I think Father will inform us."

"Yeah, I feel scared somehow."

"It's okay, no matter what happens, I'll protect you."

How about that? The shining smile of a brother who cares for his sister.

Muhahehe, this should completely erase the trace of any red flag I could obtain from this lewd redhead haha!

"Today, Brother, you seem strangely suspicious."

Of course, I should have expected this. This sister is really intuitive, but I will try harder and improve my acting.

Amidst the bizarre exchange that diverged from the tension in the castle, we reached the Throne Room.

The important figures are lined up, flanking the red carpet leading to the throne.

Looking at the faces, there are only the top officials of this country; military marshals, executives, ministers from the royalist faction, etc. Oh, and Father sitting on the throne.

"Ryker, why are you here?"

Father called out, as I accompanied by my sister Saffron knelt before him. His words caused everyone to look puzzled and awkward. But, I have to be here to gain favor.

And this much embarrassment is nothing compared to my life!

"Let's give it our all in acting!"

"The commotion within the castle. I felt something, obviously it's not trivial. And confirming it with Saffron's summons, aren't you hiding something important from me!?"

Hehe, how is this? Aren't I a great prince!

"Very well. You will come to know in due time. I shall speak of it here."

Father sighed. Despite still being in his thirties, he emits a kingly aura.

"Please do!" I bow and with that preface, he began to speak.

"It's said our radars from the third orbit have detected unusual movements of Xylothrax."

"W-what!?"

I know, but still.

"It is said that their numbers are as many as ten thousand."

"T-ten thousand!?"

Actually, it's twenty thousand, but whatever.

"The Border Patrol alone may not be able to hold them off. We are hastily assembling troops, but at this rate, there is a risk that our country's first fleet, the 'Vanguard Array,' may fall."

"N-no way. That can't be. Vanguard Array has numerous military ships and soldiers who know how to pilot mechas. And besides, the soldiers are all skilled warriors, and most importantly, Saffron's father, General Lorenzo, is defending it!"

They'll all be easily defeated though. However, this much exaggeration is needed.

Absolutely.

"From General Lorenzo himself, a messenger has arrived urging for reinforcements. Furthermore, it has been requested to seek reinforcements from the union, in case the enemies may be greater than what our radars have picked up."

"W-what!? Then we must hurry and send reinforcements!"

They won't arrive in time for war.

"We are indeed hurrying. However, as I mentioned earlier, there is a possibility that we may not arrive in time."

"The fleet falling would mean the defenceless space spheres and transport stations will be plundered, and the tragedy from 7 years ago will again play out."

Though they'll be ravaged anyway.

"Indeed. That's why we cannot allow the fortress to fall. And so,"

My father looks at Saffron, and my sister stares back too, visibly startled.

"Saffron. You shall enter the fortress ahead of time."

Ah. I knew it, Saffron didn't volunteer to go to the war place after all she was only 15 years old. It was all the idea of this old snake.

The lewd redhead's eyes widened. She had no clue what was being said. Well, she's only fifteen.

Anyway, she's still young, so she probably doesn't understand. I'll just play dumb too.

"But Saffron is only 15 years old! Sending a child who can't fight to the battlefield!?"

"Silence! Rain!"

I got reprimanded. Well, I am annoying him with my intentional good guy act.

And have been squealing since earlier, this is an expected response.

"In order to boost the morale of the fortress soldiers, it's necessary for someone from the royal family to be at the forefront. Additionally, even if reinforcements don't arrive in time, we need to make them think they're not abandoned, to make them fight to the end."

"T-that way of speaking. Are you foreseeing the fortress falling...!?"

Silence filled the room. Sensing an affirmative atmosphere, my sister glanced at my face.

"Brother, am I going to die?"

A perfect line. At least, this lewd redhead knew what to say at a time like and I was just waiting for this precise moment.

"Father. I will go in Saffron's place!"