Chapter 119

The sound of the knife cutting the steak on the plate echoed.

Crown Prince Theron, who had just swallowed a chunk of meat that barely fit in his mouth, swirled some wine after chewing for a while.

It was an unbelievably undignified sight for the renowned heir of the empire, but none present dared to comment.

We were the Crown Prince’s guards, not his nanny or butler after all.

“Huff~ Finally, I can breathe easy.”

Theron scrunched up his face involuntarily at how rough and strong the wine was compared to what he usually drank in the palace.

After chewing on some unknown vegetable garnish next to the steak, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and spoke.

“First off, congrats on regaining consciousness. Your name… wasn’t it Black Wolf?”

Nod-

Black Wolf silently stopped his knife and nodded.

I chuckled awkwardly and whispered quietly.

“You should at least say thank you.”

“Ahh, it’s fine. I already know Lang folk tend to be taciturn.”

Theron waved his hand dismissively.

From traveling with this guy, I learned he didn’t really care about authority despite being the Crown Prince.

That said, it didn’t mean he lacked charisma.

Hmm, let’s call him an excellent boss, maybe?

If it weren’t for that incident on the battlefield, my approval rating would’ve hit max by now.

“Thanks to the Holy Maiden, we managed to not lose precious talent. I’ll definitely repay that favor, so don’t worry. Once this chaotic situation settles down, that is.”

By the way, the Pope and the Holy Country delegation had already returned home.

Before leaving, Senna did check on Arion IV’s condition one last time, but even she admitted his body, ruined by drugs, couldn’t be fully restored.

She only managed to minimize the aftereffects; restoring his life force, which had been completely drained, would take a long time.

Honestly, not really my concern.

All I could feel was sympathy for Senna, dragged into such a terrible event during what should’ve been a joyful vacation.

She should be out having fun right now.

Knowing her character well, I sighed bitterly while roughly chewing my steak.

“How’s the situation in the Empire?”

Earl, who had been fidgeting with his fish dish, asked.

Theron answered while cutting into his next steak.

“Seems like they’ve cleared out all the heretics hiding in the capital. Though apparently, they all chose death before we could extract any useful information. The ones we managed to capture were all low-level operatives who knew nothing.”

“So when are we…?”

At Earl’s cautious question, Theron let out a small sigh.

“I want to go back too, more than anything… But it seems neighboring countries’ armies keep lurking around our borders. If we leave, they’ll probably swarm in like hyenas and tear this place apart. That’s not something the Empire wants either.”

Just because the Eastern Union allied with the Arion Kingdom doesn’t mean they have an obligation to protect it forever.

It was merely a temporary measure to survive the war against the heretics.

Even if we barely survived the heretics this time,

Ah, it’d be more natural to think we need to unite forces to counter them rather than ‘let’s help each other’.

Rather, it’d make more sense to think ‘Let’s devour the Arion Kingdom and strengthen our power to resist.’

“At the very least, we need to find a successor and secure the throne.”

“The High Priest of Lust… wasn’t it said he was driven away by the previous queen?”

“Yeah. We don’t even know if he’s alive or dead, so it’s quite the headache.”

“Isn’t finding him problematic? He’s just a ten-year-old kid, right?”

“We just need the legitimacy. Whether that kid saves or ruins the Arion Kingdom is something to consider later. If the royal bloodline continues, at least other countries won’t have an excuse to invade.”

Politically, I don’t understand much, but if there’s no legitimate reason for war, the Empire can step in.

We were allies after all.

While I briefly looked away, Theron had already devoured four plates of steak and finally put down his utensils to speak.

“Well, according to those involved, the kid’s quite bright, so he’ll probably be fine. Ideally, he’s smart enough to realize how hard it’ll be to stand on his own in this situation.”

Theron shrugged.

Looks like he’s more interested in avoiding extra hassle than swallowing the Arion Kingdom.

After all, the Empire’s already big enough; he probably doesn’t want to add unnecessary work.

Of course, if the Emperor wishes otherwise, things might change, but until then, it feels like there’s a clear intention not to act first.

“Anyway, it’d be great if we could build a good relationship and maintain a solid friendship. You know how hard it is to find trustworthy allies in these unstable times, right?”

The heretics’ purpose still hasn’t been clearly revealed.

How far did their plan go with the capital attack?

If they acted knowing Erias and the Guardian Knight Captain were absent, the situation is somewhat serious.

It means there are heretic spies within the Empire, perhaps even inside the Imperial Palace.

Is that why Theron looks so troubled?

“Still, why did the heretics carry out this attack? From what I heard, it didn’t cause much damage anyway. They just woke everyone up unnecessarily. In the end, they tightened their own noose. If I were them, I’d have done at least…”

Mumbling Earl’s gaze was directed at Theron.

He probably wanted to say something about assassinating royalty.

It’s a reasonable assumption.

Swirling down his second bottle of wine, Theron tapped his glass and replied.

“How can we guess the minds of those crazy bastards? Anyway, the Intelligence Department mentioned something troubling about what the heretics shouted before committing suicide.”

“What did they shout before dying? Did they cast some kind of curse?”

Theron’s eyes turned serious.

“Our king will soon return,” he reportedly said.

“… Geez, that’s ominous.”

The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy.

Their king meant ‘the Demon King’, after all.

“When the Demon King came, the world was shrouded in darkness. The sun disappeared for a while, and the moon turned red, they say. Careless mistakes might make fairy tales from childhood come true.”

My chest hurt.

The Demon King’s curse seemed to beckon that day.

I forced a smile while suppressing the rising pain.

“Don’t worry. Such things won’t happen. Whether it’s a declaration of war or prophecy, we won’t tremble in fear over something as trivial as that, right?”

My words resonated with Earl.

“That’s right. This clumsy terrorism was likely just to buy time.”

“Even if the Demon King resurrects, we’ll be fine.”

Until now, the Guardian Knight Captain, who had been quietly eating, finally spoke.

Now that I think about it, this is the first time I’ve seen him without armor.

Hair so light it almost looked white, glowing faintly blue.

Calm golden eyes.

A small stature with skin clear like a child’s.

His age was impossible to guess.

“Unlike the past when we relied on gods, humans have grown stronger. Above all, we have the ‘Empire’ now.”

His tone felt like someone who lived through that era.

Could he possibly be older than Erias?

While entertaining that silly thought, our eyes met.

“……”

Caught off guard by that peculiar gaze, I awkwardly looked away.

It felt strange since we hadn’t properly conversed yet.

“Haha! The Knight Captain’s right. Now we have the Empire, the Golden Way Zodiacs, the Knight Captain himself, and Sir Allen. There’s nothing to worry about!”

“But somehow inserting myself into that lineup feels…”

“You need more confidence. Haven’t the Infantry Palace repeatedly said so?”

“Still, somehow…”

Of course, I don’t think I’m weak, but even so, isn’t it a bit much to compare me to the Golden Way Zodiacs?

In this incident, it was essentially Erias who resolved everything.

I just went berserk and landed the final blow.

Without Pope Alberto’s divine magic, I would’ve been overwhelmed by the barbarian’s power.

That shows how inexperienced I still am.

“Hmm, interesting. You’re the first Master I’ve met who lacks confidence. If I were in your position, I’d probably be drowning in arrogance.”

Theron tilted his head while saying this.

I could only manage an awkward laugh.

How can I gain confidence when surrounded by such strong people?

“Alright, let’s wrap this up. We’ve got a lot to do. Since the gateway closure is over, we need to summon the Intelligence Department and find that successor.”

“Your Highness, I have a request.”

“Hm?”

“Will you hear me out?”

Theron, who was about to stand up, grinned and sat back down upon hearing the Guardian Knight Captain’s words.

“My goodness, this is rare. What is it? Anything except handing over my position as Crown Prince, and I’ll grant it.”

“Haha, how could I ever covet Your Highness’s seat?”

“Joking aside, what’s your request?”

With a warm smile, the Guardian Knight Captain leisurely turned his head to look at me.

His sparkling golden eyes were somewhat burdensome.

“I intend to create a person before we return to the Empire.”

“Hooh…”

Theron alternately glanced between the Guardian Knight Captain and me with interest.

After pondering for a moment, he crossed his arms and nodded.

“This is probably the only chance. It sounds fun, so go ahead.”

“I humbly thank you for your grace as vast as the sun.”

“Sir Allen sure has good fortune. Although personally, his swordsmanship skills aren’t widely known due to his role as a guardian knight, I personally believe he’s even stronger than Lion Palace or Duchess Selene.”

“Such generous words.”

“Uh…”

Does my opinion even matter here…?

As I rolled my eyes in confusion, Theron stood up.

“Haha, must be familial loyalty kicking in. Anyway, I hope you can gain more confidence. I’ve got work to do, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Ah, then I’ll guard Your Highness instead of the Knight Captain.”

“Would you? Don’t think there’ll be trouble anytime soon though.”

“One never knows. Despite my insufficient skills, I’ll do my best.”

“Then I entrust you with it. It does get lonely alone.”

“Haha, I’m pretty good at being a conversation partner.”

“Looking forward to it.”

With that, Theron and Earl left laughing, leaving behind me, the Guardian Knight Captain, and Black Wolf blinking blankly.

Through his actions, I was suggesting he should go too, but he firmly shook his head.

He remained resolute as ever.

‘This bastard, hasn’t forgotten his place, has he?’

Can’t be helped.

Besides, we have the magical device created by Erias, so it’s fine even if a dangerous situation arises.

If Theron’s in danger, we can teleport immediately, after all.

“The reason for your lack of confidence is because your fundamentals are lacking.”

“Uh, uh?”

Caught off guard by his sudden statement, I looked at the Guardian Knight Captain in confusion.

“Objectively speaking, you’re strong. Naturally, since you’re a Master. However, your strength differs from ordinary Masters.”

“Different… how?”

“To put it bluntly, your strength is somewhat akin to ‘heresy’. At least, that’s how it appears to me.”

I snapped to attention as if splashed with cold water.

Because he was right.

Unlike other Masters who grew stronger through diligent training, I reached Master status through shortcuts.

Battle experience gained on the frontlines is undeniable, but the true source of my power lies in absorbing the characteristics of barbarians through black magic.

Something only I, coming from another world, can do.

Without that divine power, I’d be incomparably weaker than other Masters.

“Correct.”

“It’s thanks to my somewhat keen ‘eyes’.”

Eyes, huh.

They certainly felt special.

Though hard to describe, it was like being pierced through the soul.

“So, I’ll fill in your gaps. Let’s see…”

He stared at me intently, as if checking something.

It was similar to a merchant inspecting goods.

Or a carpenter estimating costs.

“Right.”

Having made up his mind, he nodded and spoke.

“I’ll make you able to rival the Golden Way Zodiacs using pure physical strength, without aura or divine powers.”

“Really?”

“Not boasting, but I’ve never lied in my life. My body simply can’t tell lies.”

True, there’s no point in lying unnecessarily.

This was far from a bad deal.

In fact, it was an excellent opportunity.

Being the Guardian Knight Captain, he must have extensive teaching experience.

Frankly, opportunities like this don’t come often.

There’s no downside for me.

“To be honest, it’s a bit harsh to say, but you don’t have much choice. I always follow through on what I decide.”

“If I refuse, I can say so, right?”

The Guardian Knight Captain’s eyes sparkled.

They resembled a predator eyeing its prey.

“Let’s settle this with a physical confrontation.”

“…”

This guy’s tougher than he looks.

Reminds me of meeting the old sage for the first time…

“Haa…”

Exhaling a short sigh, I nodded.

“It’ll be a short period, but please guide me well.”

“Likewise.”

The Guardian Knight Captain smiled.

Despite his youthful appearance, there was something else beneath that cute exterior…

“First promising student I’ve encountered. Quite tasty.”

“H-Haha… Please go easy on me.”

“Let’s give it a shot.”

Damn.

Glancing at Black Wolf, who continued staring at me expressionlessly, I lowered my head.

Was he watching me this whole time?

Suspiciously observing him, he raised his hand slightly.

“Hang in there.”

His unexpectedly cute encouragement made me snicker.

Yeah, it’s not like I’ll die, right?

***

“Alright. Next, run a thousand laps around the practice ground. Even a slight drop in speed, and I’ll cut you down.”

Swoosh-

A menacing blade swept past my head.

And so, I kept narrowly escaping death multiple times.


… Shit.