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The Emperor, seated on the throne, looked down upon Mohamed.
The investigation into Mohamed’s identity had already concluded. The royal investigators found no suspicious circumstances regarding Mohamed’s background. He hadn’t swapped identities on his way to the imperial capital, and immediately after entering the Imperial Palace, a high-powered scanning magic swept over his body but detected no traces of physical or magical disguises.
Additionally, even amidst confusion, Mohamed had used swordsmanship techniques reported to be shared among retainers of the Phillip’s County family. If Mohamed had merely superficially learned these techniques to fake his identity, he would have instinctively used another familiar sword style during the recent battle.
Mohamed was truly a retainer knight of Phillip’s County.
“…”
As silence stretched on, Mohamed felt as if his blood ran cold.
Now, Mohamed realized that all the processes since entering the palace were tests. In those tests, he had poured out all his strength without reservation—strength that could even rival the Royal Guard.
Drip drip.
A Royal Guard with a severely torn shoulder gripped his wound and stepped back. The Emperor knew well that this defeated Royal Guard was by no means lacking in skill. Even accounting for a slight lapse in focus, Mohamed’s strength was astonishing.
Mohamed was a knight who had long surpassed the Graduation realm and, despite limited resources, had cultivated abilities comparable to the Royal Guard. Such talent could have secured him significant influence within a powerful noble house by now.
“…”
The Emperor felt a sense of marvel.
The royal investigators and records spanning nearly 200 years described Phillip’s County as a destitute backwater. Why would someone willingly confine themselves to such a place, forsaking glorious honor and riches?
The Emperor spoke.
“Is guarding Phillip’s County… something valuable to you?”
Unable to fathom the Emperor’s intent, Mohamed answered with emotion.
“Phillip’s County also guards the empire’s borders. The rangers of the Rubia Kingdom are always looking for opportunities to raid our territory. How can we neglect it?”
“Is that all?”
“Sire, Phillip’s County is my homeland and the land I love. Even if others find it worthless, my resolve to protect it remains unwavering.”
“Has your resolve remained unchanged?”
Even after personally witnessing the highly developed cities of the empire, has your heart not wavered?
Without hesitation, Mohamed bowed his head forcefully to the ground.
With a thud, blood spread from his forehead. That was his answer.
The aging Emperor sighed.
In the twilight of his life, the Emperor spent more time reflecting on the past than planning the future, becoming more sentimental than before. How many knights had he seen during his reign who transcended desire so completely and prioritized loyalty?
“The sins you’ve committed are not small.”
Mohamed’s heart raced violently.
Even if a knight from a prestigious family had reported their advancement late, they wouldn’t face severe punishment. However, a background-less knight like Mohamed would struggle to defend himself if the Emperor accused him of treason and demanded retribution.
But to Mohamed’s surprise, the Emperor was lenient.
“Though your sins are not small, I commend the integrity you’ve shown and will not hold them against you this time.”
The Emperor forgave Mohamed’s sins and asked nothing in return. He then dismissed Mohamed, who reluctantly left with the Royal Guards.
“…”
The Emperor watched Mohamed’s retreating back with a heavy expression.
There may be plenty of knights willing to give their lives for the throne, but how many would show such loyalty to me, stripped of the title of Emperor?
Realizing once again how old he had become, the Emperor reflected that his once-sharp mind had dimmed, leaving only a sickly old man reminiscing about the past.
Had the Emperor been ten years younger, he wouldn’t have let Mohamed go so easily.
‘The end is near.’
It was time to make decisions for the empire. His restless heart signaled the approaching hour.
“Sire.”
A Royal Guard approached, kneeling to report.
“Duke Prizzran requests an audience with Your Majesty.”
The Emperor’s gaze darkened at the persistent request for a private meeting that had continued for years.
*
Mohamed left the palace, concealing his frustration.
Though the Emperor promised to forgive his sins, Mohamed couldn’t discern the true intent behind the words. There was always the possibility that the Emperor might change his mind the next day.
Trying to calm his uneasy stomach, Mohamed headed toward his carriage. However, servants of the royal household were loading a box onto the carriage.
“This is a gift from His Majesty.”
A box filled with gold.
Mohamed wasn’t sure whether to be pleased or troubled by it.
Regardless, Mohamed’s schedule wasn’t finished yet. He still needed to stay at the designated lodging and participate in ceremonies by visiting historically significant sites around the imperial capital—a largely obsolete tradition that he, lacking connections, had to fully comply with. It would take about ten days.
“…Hold on for a moment.”
Looking out the carriage window, Mohamed ordered the carriage to stop. As he stepped out, Jenkins arrived with Ray.
“Knight Mohamed, did everything go smoothly with His Majesty?”
“There were no major issues.”
Except for the hole in his side.
“His Majesty truly showed great mercy.”
“Isn’t he renowned as a righteous ruler?”
“The storytellers’ praises don’t fully capture His Majesty’s greatness.”
After appropriately praising the Emperor in front of listeners, Mohamed turned his head toward Ray.
Neither Mohamed nor Ray looked particularly well.
“Is Young Miss safe?”
“Yes, she’s currently at the Duke Alstein’s residence.”
“That’s reassuring.”
If someone could barge into the Duke Alstein’s residence, there wouldn’t be many of them.
Nodding, Mohamed entrusted Young Miss’s care to them and returned to his carriage.
*
Diorica personally went to the main gate to greet her unexpected guest, trying to hide her perplexity.
Ernst Prislan’s great-granddaughter, Speira Prizzran, politely paid her respects.
“I apologize for coming without prior notice.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’re always happy to welcome you, Lady Speira.”
Diorica’s hospitality made Speira smile awkwardly.
“I’ve come due to a message from my great-grandfather…”
“Ah, Grandpa… No, because of Ray, I presume. Ray is out for a moment but should return soon. Would you like to wait inside?”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Guiding Speira into the residence, Diorica asked,
“Philipp’s County’s young lady is in the reception room right now. Would you like to meet her?”
“…Yes, I will.”
Speira, pondering where she’d heard the name Philipp’s County before, nodded.
Only when entering the reception room did Speira recall that ‘Ray’ belonged to the humble frontier noble house of Philipp’s County.
Upon introducing Speira to Alesya, Alesya immediately bristled and began growling.
With black hair and golden eyes, Speira seemed exceptionally well-groomed, surpassing Alesya’s expectations in beauty.
At sixteen years old, she naturally exuded the grace of a central noble.
Alesya tensely continued to growl, recognizing Speira as a formidable rival who must be defeated.
Seeing Alesya’s attempts to intimidate her, Speira thought,
‘Looks like a wet dog.’
More precisely, like a wet dog desperately trying to guard its last bone.
Unaware of how Speira perceived her, Alesya shouted,
“R-Ray promised to engage with me first! How dare you covet another woman’s man!”
“I’m here under pressure from my great-grandfather. If you have any grievances, please address them to him.”
“But… But I cannot recognize this engagement!”
Despite Alesya’s continuous protests, Speira ignored her and picked up her teacup.
Engaging in conversation was only worthwhile when the other party was of similar standing.
Speira leisurely enjoyed the tea’s aroma, feeling only mild irritation at what sounded like a distant barking.
While Speira completely disregarded Alesya, Shai, Speira’s escort knight, found Alesya’s ignorant yapping extremely annoying.
Shai subtly frowned and directed a sharp presence toward Alesya.
“Gah!”
Suddenly unable to breathe, Alesya started hiccuping.
Trembling but determined not to embarrass herself in front of her rival, Alesya held her ground.
However, Shai was a strong knight personally selected by the empire’s Swordmaster Ernst to guard his great-granddaughter.
Deciding to suppress Alesya’s antics, Shai pressed down hard, causing Alesya’s face to pale as she fought back nausea.
At that moment,
Shai’s battle-honed instincts sent a sharp warning.
“?!”
Clang!
Reacting reflexively, Shai turned to see a small girl with sunken silver eyes staring directly at him, unarmed.
The petite girl with blue hair appeared frail at first glance.
Yet Shai’s instincts screamed danger, escalating sharply.
Carelessness meant death.
No, failing to strike first would certainly mean death.
For survival, he needed to swing his sword immediately.
Shai tightened his grip.
“…I!!”
“…”
“Shai!!”
“…?!”
Turning his head in surprise, Shai finally noticed Speira’s disapproving expression.
“You’re being excessively rude.”
Threatening Alesya was acceptable.
Even if Alesya wet herself from fear, she would be the one criticized.
However, drawing his sword recklessly in the Duke Alstein’s residence was problematic.
Reluctantly sheathing his sword, Shai glanced at Luna, who had been standing beside Alesya moments ago.
The oppressive presence that had tightly constricted his throat had vanished like a ghost.
‘A hallucination? Just a hallucination?’
Impossible.
It was impossible, yet… The pressure applied by a girl who didn’t appear twenty was difficult to believe.
While Shai doubted his own senses, another voice came from outside the door.
“Speira Prizzran? Oh dear…”
It was Ray’s voice.
After meeting with Mohamed, Ray returned to the mansion, heard about Speira’s arrival, and knocked on the reception room door.
“May I enter?”
“Come in.”
Diorica granted permission.
As Ray entered and met Speira’s gaze, Speira smiled and placed her teacup down.
“Hello.”
“It seems you’re the ‘great-granddaughter’ Lord Ernst mentioned.”
“Yes, I am Speira Prizzran.”
Speira scanned Ray’s face.
Physically, he was passable, meaning future marital relations wouldn’t be too unpleasant.
Speira clicked her fingers at Ray.
“Let’s have a chat. Alone.”
Her tone was polite but commanding.
Sitting in her chair, she gave orders in a manner that was quite authoritarian.
Assessing the stiff atmosphere of the room, Ray thought,
Time to establish some discipline early on.
“Speira Prizzran.”
“Hm?”
“I don’t follow orders from those weaker than me.”
Diorica, who had been sitting nearby, sprayed her tea across the room.
As Diorica coughed, Speira wore a bewildered expression before letting out a hollow laugh.
“My great-grandfather has chosen someone extraordinary.”
Transforming an insult into refined language, Speira stood up.
“All the better. I was curious about your abilities anyway. Shall we start with a sword exchange before talking? Diorica, would you mind?”
“Ahem… Very well. I’ll set up a barrier in the courtyard.”
With Diorica’s cooperation secured, Speira headed to the courtyard first.
Ray followed, bringing along the group from the county.
“Here’s a rare opportunity, so pay attention.”
Treating Speira as teaching material for his subordinates infuriated Shai once more.
However, Speira remained unperturbed.
Why should she care about the gazes of country bumpkins?
Her focus was solely on Ray.
Then Ray grabbed Johanna’s wrist instead of drawing his sword, positioning the bewildered Johanna in front of Speira.
“?!”
Facing Johanna, who failed to understand the situation and looked back at Ray, Ray lightly patted her shoulder.
“Alright, Johanna. Focus now. This is the semi-final.”
(To be continued)
