12 Escape from the capital

While Alec was in audience, a messenger from King Julius came to me.

"You're the doctor who stirred up trouble with Marquis Cactus?" 

The messenger's tone was thorny. 

Thomas, chosen as messenger, held great respect for Marquis Oscar and hostility towards the commoner doctor who quarreled with House Cactus.

"This is a mercy from His Majesty. Grovel and receive it."

Thomas turns the bag of 100 gold coins upside down, dropping the coins to the floor.

The amount had been skimmed at various points before reaching Yoshinobu, reducing it from the 100 coins.

"What's this?"

I'm indignant at this treatment.

Despite being the victim of an attack, why must I humiliate myself to receive money.

"Don't even know gold coins? Well you're just a commoner, I suppose it can't be helped. There should be 100 there.

Now grovel and gratefully receive His Majesty's mercy."

"I don't need it! Take it back! I won't tolerate such insults."

"What did you say! You dare defy His Majesty's feelings!"

"This is his feelings! I see, very well! Leave at once!"

I chase away the messenger,

and immediately head to the Duke's estate.

At the entrance I try to call for Alec but hear he has gone to the castle.

With no other option, I tell the butler I will leave the estate after being insulted by the king. Panicking, Fran and Frederica come rushing out.

"Please wait, there must be some misunderstanding. At least stay until my husband returns."

"No, if I stay soldiers will likely come from the castle, I must flee quickly.

So could you shelter Sarina?"

I planned to leave Sarina here. 

As Viscount Moss' daughter, she serves the country, I cannot take her with me against the country. But,

"Don't talk about leaving me behind! I'll go anywhere with Sir Yoshinobu!"

"But Sarina, we may become wanted by the country."

"Even so! Lady Fran, please tell my father I died. 

That way I won't trouble him."

"Alright, we'll go together Sarina. But you may never be able to return, are you ready?"

"Yes!"

Seeing their resolve, Fran gives up trying to stop them.

Hearing the story, she thinks soldiers may indeed come, and by rights they should capture Yoshinobu.

But Fran could never capture Yoshinobu, who had also saved her.

"Please take this, it's only a small amount, but it may help fund your travels."

While Fran deliberates, Frederica prepares a bag of gold coins.

"Lady Frederica, thank you so much."

"Hurry, before soldiers from the castle arrive and escape becomes difficult."

I leave the estate seeing off by Fran and Frederica. 

Then I summon a tank.

Treating the nobles recently had promoted me again, and I could now summon tanks.

The summoned tank was a Type 90.

Sarina and I get inside the tank and head for the gate. 

It seems the messenger I dismissed had called soldiers, I could see cavalry when exiting the estate.

"Sir Yoshinobu, cavalry!"

I hear a shrieking voice from Sarina seated in the driver's position.

When I take the commander's seat in the summoned tank, it seems I can freely control it with my will.

It can also be operated if I permit it without me, but...

For now I'll get through this with my power. 

I increase speed and shake off the horses.

Wanting to avoid killing soldiers if possible, but when the gate ahead comes into view, it starts closing.

"Sarina, cover your ears."

I aim the 120mm main cannon at the gate and fire.

Together with a deafening blast, the gate is blown away.

The wooden gate was meaningless against the tank.

Seeing the gate blown off, the pursuing soldiers stop in their tracks.

The cavalry's horses rear up, chaos ensues.

The townspeople are also startled by the explosion, and terrified seeing the destroyed gate.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, I leisurely depart the city.