Chapter 52

I returned to the guesthouse, immediately washed up, and collapsed onto my bed. The Princess stopped by briefly, saying she likely wouldn’t be back tonight, and hurried off. In the dark and quiet room, I found myself staring blankly at the ceiling. I had promised to visit Lilian later, but right now, I just didn’t feel like facing her or anyone else.

As I sat there with no thoughts in my mind, I suddenly questioned whether I truly belonged in this world. Thoughts typical of a modern person. Modern ways of thinking. The male perspective. In this identity of ‘Catherine’, I pondered about the legitimacy of my own self.

Absurd thoughts. I let out a deep sigh and got up. I acknowledged that my mood swings were quite extreme. Instead of wallowing in such thoughts, it seemed better to at least move my body. Since the room wasn’t suitable for that, I decided to head outside. Once I changed into comfortable clothes, I made my way to an open area near the guesthouse. Perhaps because it was night, there wasn’t a soul in sight.

Stretching and moving my body around, I slowly drew out my twin swords. The swordsmanship I had learned from the head maid bore some resemblance to that of the Empire’s secret agents. Not that I knew the name of the organization or what they actually did.

It was information I didn’t need to know as someone destined to serve a young lady for life in House Portus. I swung my twin swords once, feeling the air slice around me. Instantly, I linked the next move. The twin sword technique I’d learned focused on relentlessly launching a barrage of attacks to overpower my opponent. Receiving minor scars during this process was simply the fate of anyone wielding a sword.

An aggressively offensive style of swordsmanship that disregarded defense. Yet, I forcefully incorporated a defensive maneuver into my techniques. It was a risky balancing act based on deep thought, deliberation, and an understanding of sword principles, but I firmly believed this maneuver was necessary. After all, I would eventually need to protect the young lady. Without even the most basic defensive move, how could I fend off attacks directed at her?

My swords quickly sliced through the air multiple times. After completing a round of attacks, I paused to catch my breath. Just then, applause echoed from the entrance of the empty open area.

Clap, clap, clap. Startled by the sudden clapping, I turned my head to see a figure dressed in the patrol guard uniform slowly approaching. Although he had somewhat dispelled my wariness, I couldn’t let my guard down, so I aimed my sword at him.

“Impressive skill. It’s been a while since I’ve seen someone wielding twin swords.”

“…Who are you?”

“Oh, just a passing patrol guard.”

He didn’t seem like a typical patrol guard at all—his demeanor was on a whole other level compared to those I’d encountered before. He stood casually but didn’t exhibit a single opening, which was a clear sign. I had thought there wouldn’t be anyone in this city who could match me, yet here was this unexpected variable.

“Your appearance and swordsmanship… It’s quite reminiscent of a wanted assassin for the murder of a noble.”

“What are you trying to imply?”

“Oh, I’m not saying I intend to arrest you. That matter has already been ‘taken care of’ by the higher-ups. But you see, if I just walk away like this, you’d be feeling uneasy, wouldn’t you?”

“…”

As much as I wanted to say no, the truth was I felt quite uneasy. Damn it, I had gotten overly excited in a place I thought was deserted. As I sighed, the man smiled cheerfully.

“What do you want?”

“Let’s have a little spar. I’ve been itching for a challenge since there’s no one else around here who’s strong enough.”

“To correct you, I’m not a warrior.”

The patrol guard tilted his head, seemingly puzzled by my response.

“…Huh? With such swordsmanship?”

“I’m just a maid.”

With those final words, I charged at the patrol guard in front of me.

#

One of the secret weapons of the patrol guard, Zed, was completely caught off guard. Every time he tried to block the dazzling flash of my blade, another cut would flash before his eyes. Before he knew it, his body was already covered with numerous small wounds. However, Zed wore a refreshing smile as if he found it exhilarating and aimed a kick at me.

“Ugh.”

A small groan escaped my otherwise expressionless lips. That stoic face I had previously found chilling was now somewhat familiar. She took her stance again and swung her sword at Zed. Although he suggested sparring, he had not expected to be surprised like this, leaving him with no choice but to remain on the defensive.

Or rather, even if he had fought me properly, mounting an offense against such a tempestuous flurry of attacks would have been a challenge. Zed could aim for one of two strategies: either wear me down in terms of stamina or look for an opportunity to counter.

To be honest, Zed had no confidence in the first option. If it were during his prime, maybe, but now age had taken its toll on his stamina. Nonetheless, with age came experience in wielding the sword, making the second option quite possible.

He guarded against the rain of twin sword attacks, dodged, and prepared to counter. Of course, that meant small wounds accumulated on his body, but he didn’t suffer any significant injuries. Still, how long had it been since he’d even received minor wounds? Zed felt a thrill and continued to hunt for openings in my defenses.

After the disappearance of ‘Mana,’ the martial prowess of warriors evolved rapidly. They devised movements that made impossible actions feasible through sheer human strength and considered every maneuver to maximize effectiveness akin to that when they used Mana. Yet, right in front of him, I moved as though I were twisting the essence of Mana itself, executing only the refined and necessary moves.

Of course, that didn’t mean I was using Mana.

“Hah, just a maid, huh? You can wield a sword like that?”

Zed, who grumbled at the sight of a woman wielding a sword as powerful as any knight in the Empire, shifted his long sword into a horizontal position. He blocked my downward strike aimed at his waist, then immediately lunged with his left fist towards my face. Caught off guard by that sudden punch, I took the hit.

“To maintain a blank expression even when taking a hit, that’s a bit unsettling.”

“Unfortunately, my facial muscles are dead.”

“That’s truly unfortunate.”

With a small sigh, I took a deep breath and raised my twin swords again. There was already a bruise forming on my left cheek from that punch. He hadn’t hit me that hard, though. Surely, Zed was underestimating me. Thinking this, Zed straightened his sword.

“…Are you from the Royal Guard?”

“To guess based on just my stance, you must frequently encounter the Royal Guard?”

“…”

Not wanting to answer, I fell silent. With the maid’s new distance, Zed decided to take the initiative for the next move. When facing someone with twin swords, one must either control the distance, attack first, or look for an opening. In the past, while serving in the Royal Guard, he had encountered the swordsmanship practiced by secret agents.

That maid’s swordsmanship likely branched from that. Knowing the essence of swordsmanship when facing a warrior of that caliber was a significant advantage. Of course, I too recognized Zed’s sword techniques.

Clang! The sounds of steel clashing echoed melodically through the open grounds. At the same time, Zed’s fist flew towards me once more. This time, however, I managed to deflect it with the flat of my blade. I could’ve struck back, but perhaps I was reluctant to escalate things into a bloody affair.

Realizing Zed’s punches would no longer be effective, he intensified his attacks. With both hands on his sword, Zed swung it faster. With an aura as if he were about to deliver a fatal blow, Zed came crashing down, but I crossed my twin swords in an X to block it.

Then, I delivered a kick to Zed’s abdomen.

“Ugh?!”

“Let’s call it a day.”

Before Zed knew it, a blade was pressed against his throat. His body bore many cuts, whereas my clothes merely showed a bit of dust. The stark difference in our levels of skill made Zed exhale in defeat and lower his sword.

“You went easy on me, didn’t you?”

“I can’t kill you.”

“I was planning to.”

“If that were the case, we wouldn’t have dragged this out for so long.”

So he meant to say the difference in skill was apparent from the start. Zed smirked and nodded.

“Well, fine. I lost, so I won’t pursue your case any further.”

“Even if you wanted to cause a commotion, that incident won’t surface again.”

“I see. Caught, but still a perfect crime?”

“I’m not quite sure what you mean.”

Zed chuckled at the maid’s confused expression as she stared at him.

“What’s your name?”

“Catherine.”

“I’m Zed. We may or may not meet again, but do remember me.”

Perhaps it had been a long time since he met someone who truly stirred his blood. Zed recalled an invitation that had come his way not long ago.

“I think I should return to the Imperial Palace soon.”

The nameless warrior of the guard had, for the first time in a while, rekindled his own determination.