Chapter Forty-Nine: Tracy and Hugo’s Plan—Exposed

The next day, just as Mingchuan got out of bed, he heard his phone ring.

“Mingchuan, time to get up. There’s no rest today, something’s happened.” To his surprise, Wenxin was already awake and seemed to have gone to the assembly point. “Alright, give me a moment, I just woke up.” Mingchuan hurried to wash up, dress, and rushed to their camp.

“Even the captain is late? Well, I suppose it's a sudden assembly after all. Here’s the situation: our Second Prince—His Highness Kerviel—is coming to inspect our camp today. It’s said that his swordsmanship has reached a level where, apart from the First Prince, he’s the only one capable of defeating the three great knights' captains. Moreover, now that the First Prince has disappeared, it’s possible his skills have already surpassed the First Prince!” Instructor Anthony seemed quite proud, as if he were speaking of himself.

“Instructor Anthony, so you’re on the Second Prince’s side?” Mingchuan’s expression was blank, though inwardly he felt a touch of irritation.

“There’s no choice. Although His Majesty the King has never acknowledged the Second Prince’s claim to succession, now that the First Prince has vanished, it’s only natural for the Second Prince to succeed the king.” Anthony’s words made sense. “But for now, let’s go witness His Highness the Prince’s prowess!”

“Look! His Highness the Prince’s elegant dodge, his dazzling spin and thrust—2971 is no match at all!” “I concede, Your Highness!” 2971 had no hope of victory.

“The Prince is victorious!” After the Prime Minister’s declaration, Prince Kerviel claimed victory once again.

“I told you! His Highness is invincible! Huh? Where’s Mingchuan? The captain’s left the field right before the fight? That’s not very sporting.” Anthony didn’t see Mingchuan, and Wenxin, glancing around, couldn’t find him either.

Elsewhere, Hugo de Ray, captain of the Holy Order of Knights, was seated in his special box, watching the duel. Suddenly, the door behind him opened and a cloaked figure entered.

“Captain Hugo, how have you been lately?” The mysterious figure strolled in languidly.

“Unauthorized persons, intruders will be cut down!” Without hesitation, Hugo drew his sword and leveled it at the stranger. But before he could fully react, the mysterious man’s right hand flashed—a single stroke sent Hugo’s weapon flying, and in the same motion, the stranger’s sword was at Hugo’s throat.

“Calm down, Lord Hugo, it’s me!” The mysterious man removed his cloak, revealing a head of golden hair.

“Prince Treshey? Is it really you? But you were...” Even the renowned Hugo de Moulin, captain of the Holy Order, hadn’t known if Treshey was alive or dead—proof enough of the prince’s ability to conceal himself.

“Calm down, Hugo, I’ll explain everything later. For now, I need a favor. I want to teach Kerviel a little lesson.”

“A lesson? What kind of lesson?”

“Heh, like this...”

“Well done! As expected of Prince Kerviel, your swordsmanship is truly extraordinary.” Hugo applauded, deliberately drawing Kerviel’s attention.

“Lord Hugo, you’re loyal to my royal brother. Is there some hidden meaning behind your words?” Kerviel saw through Hugo’s intentions, but fell into the trap nonetheless.

“How could I dare? Your Highness, I merely have a subordinate who’s just returned from a mission and, having heard of your fame, wishes to challenge you.” Behind Hugo stood a fully armored figure. “Come greet His Highness.”

“Your Highness, I am unworthy, but I ask for your guidance.” The armored man clasped his fists in salute.

“What is your name?”

“I inherited my position, have no name, and am designated Number 76.”

“Excellent, very brave.” Prince Kerviel smiled, tossing a sword at 76’s feet.

“Forgive me, Your Highness, but a small dagger is sufficient. A true hunter needs only this.” With that, 76 drew a dagger. “Come, this is enough.”

“Oh? Are you underestimating me? Then allow me to show you what I’m capable of.” Kerviel stepped back a few paces. “Begin!”

“Forgive me, Your Highness!” In a flash, 76 appeared before Kerviel. Though Kerviel raised his sword, a deep scratch marked his breastplate.

“So fast? Prime Minister, does the armor have any special functions?” Kerviel’s question was reasonable, but the Prime Minister was his own man.

“No power system, no boosters—just standard soldier’s armor. Your Highness, his combat ability is beyond estimation. Be careful!” came the reply.

“Is that so? But is he stronger than my sword? Sword Art: Lightning Flash!” Kerviel drew and slashed with force, but 76 parried with the dagger effortlessly.

“Not strong enough, Your Highness!” 76 retorted, and with a swift jab of the dagger at the back of Kerviel’s sword, something astonishing happened—a hole appeared in the blade.

“Prime Minister, analyze the dagger!” Kerviel demanded.

“Type-20 dagger, old model, nothing special. It’s simply 76’s strength.” The Prime Minister answered again.

“What? Damn! Sword Art: Flowing Shadow!” Kerviel wrenched his sword free and attacked again. 76 retreated slightly; unexpectedly, his visor was knocked off, and Kerviel saw it—golden eyes, pure and radiant. Could it be...?

Kerviel pondered, then decided to end it quickly. “Combined Sword Art: Lightning Shadow!”

“Secret Art: Weapon Break!” As Kerviel swung a second time, 76 unleashed his own technique. Using the decorative hole in his dagger, he caught Kerviel’s sword tip, slid it to the spot previously pierced, and with a twist, Kerviel’s sword snapped in two.

“Forgive me, Your Highness. You have lost.”

“How infuriating! Such underhanded tactics!” muttered the Prime Minister, feeling indignant on Kerviel’s behalf.

“No! I lost!” Kerviel dropped the broken blade. “I thought my swordsmanship could rival my royal brother, but I couldn’t even defeat a single soldier.”

“There were 75 better than me. But they’ve all died,” replied 76.

“76, can you remove your armor? Let me see your face.”

“Your Highness, I must refuse. My gear is a soldier’s badge of honor. To remove it means only one thing—either to bathe, or to die.”

“So strict? Then at least remove your helmet.”

76 hesitated. “Since Your Highness asks, I must obey.” He removed his helmet. As Kerviel had suspected—or perhaps to his surprise—he saw the dazzling golden hair reserved for the royal family, as radiant as sunlight, just like Prince Treshey.

“Brother! It’s you, isn’t it?” Though 76 still wore a mask, Kerviel was already elated. “These pure golden eyes, that shining hair—you can only be my long-lost brother, Treshey! Isn’t that so?”

“Forgive me, Your Highness. I am not Prince Treshey. I do not know him. I know only Prince Kerviel and Prince Charles of the current Mistrella Dynasty, and Captain Hugo.”

“No, you’re pretending! There’s no way anyone else in the whole kingdom has such natural, pure golden hair. If not my brother, then who? Or... have you lost your memory? Don’t worry, as your devoted brother, I’ll help you remember.”

“Forgive me, Your Highness! I don’t understand, nor do I have time to listen. I have another mission. Allow me to take my leave!” With that, 76 donned his helmet and left. Kerviel did not stop him.

“Lord Hugo, who is he?”

“Your Highness, as I’ve said, he’s the adopted son of the previous 76. After the former 76 died, he succeeded him by right of adoption. His combat skill is exceptional, which is why I arranged for him to challenge you. I never expected this outcome.” Hugo’s explanation left Kerviel helpless. He glanced around, then his eyes lit up.

“She’s here too? Well, it’s not so bad. Even if 76 doesn’t admit it, the possibility that my brother is alive has grown. I just need to make sure she never becomes empress.” Kerviel muttered to himself. “Enough! I’ve enjoyed myself today. Prime Minister, let’s go. Lord Hugo, next time, be sure to bring that man along.”

“Yes, safe travels, Your Highness. I must attend to my affairs as well...”

“Are you sure this is wise? Will there be any trouble?” Captain Hugo stood speaking with Prince Treshey.

“Let them search for this so-called 76. No one knows the true Prince Treshey is actually a soldier from the 22nd century,” Treshey replied with a wry smile.

“But what if His Majesty the King asks about it?”

“If it’s my father, tell him: ‘76 went on a mission to China, and with his personality, he won’t return until it’s done.’ If it’s just Kerviel, say: ‘76’s on a mission.’” Treshey smiled. “After all, the position of 76 isn’t under your control, but under Prince Treshey—that is, me. This way, their attention will shift to the East Asian Alliance instead.”

“I see. But, Your Highness, are you really going back to that squad?”

“Absolutely. There’s someone very important in that squad. If I don’t see her for a day, what will she do?”

———Author's Note———

Doesn’t this feel like the longest chapter in the history of “Mecha Dynasty”? It could have been longer, but I’m too exhausted from writing at school. I hope this novel brings you excitement! By the way, just a random question: do you prefer to call the ultimate move an ‘Ougi’ or a ‘Secret Technique’?