NOVEL NEXT Chapter 54
The day after the festival passed without a hitch.
If I had to point out something noteworthy, it would be that the level of guests visiting had risen.
“You’ve arrived, Madame!”
“Fufu, I managed to find some time.”
Dressed in various luxurious items, her face gleaming with oil, it was clear they belonged to a notable family, and their reason for attending the festival was evident.
“I can’t miss this tournament.”
To watch the tournament.
Especially this time, both newcomers and seniors were said to be exceptional, to the point of being called ‘Golden Knights.’
‘Not just a mere entertainment.’
It was also important to observe the direction the empire might be heading.
Additionally, there were those who visited for other reasons.
“Hey…! Look at that!”
“Isn’t that Commander Viola?!”
“The Heaven’s Blade Order is here!”
Renowned knight orders and mercenary companies from various places.
“Wow! Is this Polaris?! Wow~ It’s so open and the air is so clear compared to other places!”
“…Behave a bit more seriously, Rex.”
Even the Magic Tower.
Agencies that were reputed to hold considerable influence sent representatives without exception.
It was a perfect opportunity for ‘talent scouting’ and ‘recruitment.’
“Oh? Whose presence do we have here?”
A middle-aged knight with gray hair tied back.
The leader of the Heaven’s Blade Order.
“I didn’t expect you to send someone from your side.”
Viola scoffed at the figure standing before her.
“…Nice to meet you, Commander Viola.”
“Right. It’s my first time seeing you too.”
She lifted the corners of her mouth in a smile.
It might seem gentle, but the emotion within was exceedingly ugly.
It was ‘satisfaction.’
“I’m sorry about the situation. I never imagined the Guardian Knights, so radiant as the sun, would fall so low.”
Her demonic grin reflected the joy of seeing a rival crumble.
“Has Commander Lyle not come?”
“The Commander is in seclusion. That’s why I’m here in his stead.”
“Hmph… On such a severe mistake, I wouldn’t want to face anyone either.”
The Guardian Knights had completely lost their momentum due to a certain incident.
‘Failure to protect the princess.’
Not only did they fail to protect the Second Princess Angela, allowing her to fall into the hands of assailants, but the secret operation was also leaked to the outside world.
Had Angela been found dead, it could have been a major incident that might have disbanded the order.
Despite Angela not wishing for any punishment against the order, there was still:
“With more than half of the order diminished, you must be thinking of replenishing your forces here.”
As a backlash, the Guardian Knights had completely toppled.
They had utterly failed in their duty to guard the royalty, and on top of that, the information leaked out.
It wouldn’t end with just a dent in the order’s prestige.
“If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to send someone. I’ll look after the situation appropriately.”
“…….”
“The expression on your face isn’t good. Does that mean you don’t need my help? The Guardian Knights wouldn’t mind their hands getting dirty, right?”
Her tone was laced with obvious ridicule and provocation.
At that moment, a tense atmosphere pressed down on the surroundings.
“Oh dear, that was a mistake.”
Orange juice splattered onto Viola’s clothes.
“Ugh?! What is this…!”
“Oh dear~ I’m terribly sorry~. But why were you blocking the way?”
“What nonsense! When did I block the way!”
Viola shouted loudly, and other members rushed to protect her.
“What are you doing?!”
“How dare you commit such rudeness to the Commander!”
The sound of unsheathing swords spread like a wave.
“Drawing your sword over a single mistake? You must be quite petty, contrary to rumors.”
“Shut up! You boldly spilled a drink in front of someone!”
“Really? To my eyes, it looked like an accident.”
Before I knew it, a woman with a cold impression had walked up to Viola.
She whispered softly so only Viola could hear.
“Wouldn’t it be better to let this pass? There are many eyes watching.”
Indeed, as she said, the surroundings were becoming increasingly noisy.
“Ugh…! Still, things like this…!”
“Wasn’t the first rudeness on your part?”
“What?”
“Regardless of the reasons, you’re here as representative of Commander Lyle, right? So, wouldn’t your words be directed at him?”
A chilling voice wrapped around Viola.
“This… should I relay this directly to Commander Lyle?”
“…!”
Viola suppressed her anger and swiftly turned around.
“Enough. Leave.”
“Huh? But…”
“I won’t say it twice. Go back.”
“Yes, sir!”
After Viola and the entire Heaven’s Blade Order retreated,
“Phew…”
Corin exhaled a tense breath.
“Well done, Corin.”
“Erina, did you really have to do it that way?”
“Hmph, you started it, didn’t you? Besides, you seemed quite pleased with it too.”
“…I admit that.”
Erina tossed an empty paper cup into the trash while glancing at someone.
“Good job, Captain.”
“……”
“If they had drawn swords, it would have been a real mess.”
The woman called Captain had her hand on the hilt of her sword.
She was poised to strike down Viola at any moment.
“…Let’s go.”
As if nothing had happened, she hurriedly moved on.
Just as the wind blew by, it revealed the face that had been hidden beneath her cloak.
Her long hair transformed into a short bob, and the crimson irises deepened in color.
[Guardian Knights, Representative of Commander Lyle.]
[Ornika Perron.]
“……”
Her vacant gaze swept over the view of Polaris.
*
“…That’s enough!”
At Karen’s command, I released the focus I had pushed to its limit.
“Phew!”
“Incredible…! This growth rate is off the charts!”
I gathered the blood-red energy that had spread around me.
“How is it? Do you feel anything?”
“Well, I feel a bit lighter.”
It was the day after the festival.
With nothing particularly enjoyable, I requested a lecture from Karen.
-‘Let me do it! Please let me do it!’
Of course, she didn’t refuse my plea.
‘You’re getting quite adept at wielding that killing intent.’
I lightly spread the killing intent contained in my body.
It was a bit unstable, but there was no major rebound.
It felt akin to binding a ferocious beast’s limbs.
‘If I were to release it completely, I wouldn’t be able to control it.’
As long as I didn’t release my strength, I could move it as I willed.
“You’re getting more skilled. Soon, you might be able to learn Blood Sword…!”
“That sounds a bit over the top.”
“Hmph….”
To master the Blood Sword, one has to manipulate killing intent as easily as their own hands and feet.
For me, who couldn’t even emit killing intent yet, that was still a distant dream.
“Well then, shall we call it a day?”
“Huh? Just like that?”
“There’s a tournament tomorrow, right? You need to rest well to be in top form.”
Karen spoke with an oh-so-kind face.
“I believe in you, Ran.”
“I know you met with Professor Reina again yesterday.”
“Tch.”
She clicked her tongue and turned her head with a huff.
“Don’t be too hard on Professor Reina.”
“But! I really can’t help it!”
“What does that even mean?”
“…Never mind.”
Karen slumped her shoulders and pouted.
People might be quite surprised to see her like that.
‘The relaxed demeanor Karen shows is merely a facade.’
In truth, her true nature is closer to that of a child who throws a tantrum and does what she wants.
“Still, thank you for the support. I’ll win and come back.”
“Yes! I’ll be waiting.”
Though she said that,
In this upcoming tournament, Karen might have to step in herself if things go awry.
‘Hopefully not.’
After finishing the lecture,
I exited the [Practice Room] and headed toward the dormitory.
“Shh!”
“Hmm? Black Lotus, what’s wrong?”
“Shh-shh!”
After walking about ten minutes,
Black Lotus poked its head out like an arrow, licking its tongue as if urging me to follow.
As if saying, ‘you must go this way.’
“Is there something over there?”
“Shh!”
Since I didn’t have any urgent plans afterward,
I let Black Lotus lead me to where it wanted to go.
“What on Earth is happening…?”
“…You’ve come after all.”
“Oh.”
Startled by the suddenly coming voice, I instinctively hid my body behind the wall.
Peeking my head out to observe the situation ahead.
“This is a matter of the head of the family. As the head of the household, I can’t just ignore it.”
“I don’t recall inviting you.”
“True, I did forget the invitation. I’ll make sure to bring it next time.”
Two women exchanged words in a heavy atmosphere.
Among them, a familiar figure was present.
‘Elma?’
Elma glared at the woman ahead with an unfamiliar cold expression.
“You’ve certainly hardened. Unlike back then, you’re well-sharpened now.”
“Thanks to you.”
Though she looked similar to Elma, the aura she emanated was different.
A lord with gray hair reminiscent of towering castle walls.
‘Even from a distance.’
I could feel it.
How strong that woman was.
‘At least on par with Karen…!’
Only then did I realize who she was.
That person is the one who has haunted Elma’s life.
The ‘Head of the Family.’
Truly, she had an imposing presence that could back anyone down.
Receiving that vicious energy directly, it felt like anyone could become her prey.
“…But.”
At that moment, the head of the family turned her gaze directly towards my position.
[Chill!]
Lightning ran down my spine.
Her sharp gaze felt like it drilled into my heart.
“Who are you, sneaking around since earlier?”
Ah, dammit.
I’ve been spotted.