◈ Chapter 142 - 18-Eve
Geomseong and Asili are not involved in politics, but they both belong to the emperor faction to keep things together.
As prominent magicians from the Empire, including the Professor of the Magic Tower, were sharing her story with her Ember Cutter, her Emperor faction noble showed her signs of discomfort.
"Asili. Are you going to let the wizards install it without even being able to tell the difference between heaven and earth?"
It is a known fact that Geomseong has lived for 250 years.
No one criticized him, who was no different from the guardian deity of the empire.
But Asili was different.
He changed his polymorph form at every limit of his lifespan and reigned as the continent's only 10th Circle Grand Wizard.
As a result, her respect for her was bound to be weaker than that of her swordsman.
Asili looked down at the nobleman who was pointing out her comments as if he were an insignificant insect.
"I should point out that the Magic Tower's progressive achievements are due to that zeal for learning. I cannot follow your advice to interfere with the pursuit of truth."
"No matter how much it is..."
"I'm sorry, but I have something more important than the discussions between the Magic Tower professors."
Asili cut off the noble who was trying to say a word with a single sword and glared at me.
To anyone who saw her, she seemed to be a woman consumed by the anger of a broken heart, vowing to get her revenge on that person.
The realistic acting of a lizard that has lived for a thousand years made the Emperor faction think, 'I guess they want to kill Bjorn anyway, so it doesn't matter.'
The emperor spoke as if scratching her insides.
"But Bjorn, there are so many beautiful women around you. Ember Cutter was like that, and the nanny who followed you was also outstanding. Especially Beaset Soran. I saw many women praised as beauties at the peak of the empire, but there was none like you. ."
"...That's too much praise."
"When she heard that Bjorn had stayed away from the Lord of the Magic Tower, she was puzzled, but her doubts were answered. She met a good man and a fair girl, so isn't this also a blessing from the Lord of the Tower?"
After leaving the tent, most of the conversation with the emperor consisted of small talk like this.
The vicious nature I saw during our private conversation felt like a joke.
Of course, even amidst the chatter, the emperor continued to attack.
That's exactly what she did when she seemed to praise Jin's appearance while disparaging Asili.
By provoking her, I could see her willingness to irreversibly change her relationship.
The more it happened, the more Asili's eyes became shiny with revenge.
As I received those gazes with my whole body, I knew it was her acting, but I couldn't help but feel somewhat uncomfortable.
The fact that the beauty was focusing on me was a burden to her in itself.
'At least Asili is better.'
There was another beautiful woman focusing on me.
Runea Van Hoss.
The vice-captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross watched me with every intention of killing himself.
It seems that the fact that I killed the female employee really offended her.
I wondered if he would still look at me like that even after finding out the truth.
Watching this, I felt like provoking her, so I took this opportunity to tell the emperor her secret.
"Your Majesty, by the way, have there been any thieves in the Glass Palace recently? Helga Sentle said that there is a big guy in this palace who is looking for your treasure."
The Emperor, who was watching the circus, looked like he was thinking about what I was metaphorizing.
"There could be only one or two people targeting the empire's treasured treasures. There must be thieves both outside and inside the palace."
"No. What I mean is, there is a thief trying to steal one of your Majesty's collections. Sir Runea, Vice-Captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross, would know very well."
In an instant, a searingly cold sword touched my neck.
I flinched in surprise and realized that it wasn't the sword that was touching my neck, but Runea's deadly weapon that seemed ready to cut me.
It was so violent that it made me misunderstand her, and it seemed like it was going to eat me.
Her face underneath the helmet was probably red.
'Suffer with this for a while.'
The emperor will certainly interrogate Runea to find out the true intention behind my words.
You will need a plausible excuse.
She knows it was a fleeting mistake in her youth, but she needs to live her life in moderation.
More than your karma.
Several balls flew out from both hands of the clown and drew a circle.
A fire-breathing warrior.
An acrobat's dance performed from a height where falling would result in instant death.
The emperor said to me, looking tired of the entertainment they gave him.
"It would have been even better if a saint had been with us on a day like this. Is there any progress in the search for the devil cultists in the capital?"
The saint is disguised as my nanny and is watching the circus right behind me.
With a look on his face as he was shocked by the strange stunt.
"Yes, there is no significant income yet."
With Asili's help, the search for the devil reached a major turning point, but I lied to the emperor.
The emperor smiled, almost mocking, as if he knew that would happen.
"We still believe in you who spoke loudly that day. However, the Human Lighthouse in the capital alone does not have enough resources. It is now doubtful whether there is even a devil in the first place. I understand your concern for safety, but saints will no longer play their role. "How about leaving it to the Knights of the Holy Cross to do it?"
Just as I was about to say something, the swordsman right next to the emperor opened his mouth.
"Your Majesty, I think we will see results soon, so why not give us a little more time. There is still plenty of time until the promised time."
The emperor seemed slightly surprised by Landeros' sudden intervention.
It was understandable that he, who was extremely reluctant to intervene in political affairs, suddenly expressed his opinion.
Even the Sword Saint knows this.
If Mion is tied to the Knights of the Holy Cross, it will be difficult to eradicate the demons living in the capital.
Landeros was a person regardless of status, but he was the only grand duke in the empire.
The trust he received from the people of the empire and the contributions he made to protecting the empire for 250 years are immeasurable.
Even the emperor could not suppress his opinions.
"The Archduke is right. Bjorn, I will trust you and be patient."
The emperor said no more about the saint.
It must be confidence that you can take it away soon.
Although I did not expect it, the help of the Sword Saint was of great help.
If the emperor had been hanging around with the saint in his arms, he would have been quite tired.
After that, it was an extension of a noble party that wasn't much different.
Mouth, ears, eyes and even nose.
All senses were violated, and the emperor showed off the health of the empire.
Duke von Lorraine tried to regain the momentum of the rebellion that had been lost in the meantime.
However, despite his efforts, the revolutionary faction, which had become the center of attention, did not know that its power would decline.
Just like that, the first day of the eve was coming to an end.
"How did this happen?"
Glass palace, rooms prepared for guests.
After drinking heavily at the party, I headed there to sleep and saw a ridiculous sight.
Jin was in that very room.
"I don't know, but is it possible that in this era, there is a custom of putting a man and a woman who are engaged, not married, in the same room?"
"It doesn't matter how promiscuous the nobles of this era are. Hey, how did this happen?"
When I asked the maid who showed me to her room, she answered while trembling.
"I'm sorry. There were many high-ranking nobles participating in this party, so we ran out of rooms suitable for their titles."
Nonsense excuse.
It was clear that it was a plan by the imperial faction.
To stigmatize him as a promiscuous nobleman who couldn't control his desires and slept with his fiancé before they got married.
I don't care if it's Pungwoon who spills all sorts of scandals, from Asili to Mion to Amber, but I'm not Jin.
If things continue like this, it will greatly violate the etiquette that a noble woman must follow.
"Bease. I'm sorry, but at this party, I will be with Count Soran..."
"No, it's okay. Just go out."
Jin cut off my attempt to resolve the situation and ordered the maid to congratulate the guest.
I frowned at that action.
"What are you doing? You know you're going to get in trouble if you stay in the same room as me."
"So you're telling me to spend the night in the same room with Count Soran?"
I listened to her in silence, her face distorted.
"Ever since I got my body, I've done everything you told me to do. I thought it was the way to go for humanity. But I'm not a real doll."
Although she didn't say it out loud, Jin looked very tired.
From taking control of Yeomhwa Bridge to now playing nobleman as a Beaje Sorang.
She did her best.
Perhaps, each time Jin faced a past that he wanted to erase.
She must have lost her personality and had to endure stories she couldn't tell me.
But now is not the time to be foolish.
"Beezé Soran. If that's what you mean, I'll go out. There are plenty of rooms, and I'm not interested in ostentation. Please have a comfortable night."
If I stay here, the person who will be in trouble is none other than Jin.
Even now, the onslaught of the aristocratic society must have been too much for her, but she couldn't add another burden to it.
I left the room without looking back.
Mion, who was watching the situation by her side, hesitated and opened her mouth.
"Bjorn. I think maybe Jin is..."
"I know. So there's no need to say more."
Jin wants to return.
Just like before with my relationship.
But that wasn't possible.
After gathering her thoughts, she moved to another room following the maid's guidance.
Dragging her feet, not letting her fall.
◈ Chapter 143 - 18-Eve Festival
*
Amphitheater outside the palace.
The emperor appeared in the proud building of the empire, known to be able to accommodate over 50,000 people.
When they saw him waving his hand on the podium, the people in the stadium cheered.
"Your Majesty has blessed the gladiators! Who will survive until the end and have the honor of meeting your Majesty? Let the game begin!"
The host shouted in a voice amplified by magic.
Those standing on stage are lower class people such as mercenaries, criminals, and slaves.
The number was in the hundreds.
They risked their lives here for money or to rise in status.
The opponent you face is a beast.
A row of huge bulls moved their massive bodies towards them.
When the dust rose, two or three gladiators flew into the sky.
As soon as they finished their first short slide, they immediately stopped moving.
When a bull charged someone, the gladiators also raised their swords and hacked the vicious beast to pieces.
Is it animal blood or human blood?
The dirt on the stadium floor slowly soaked up the red liquid.
It was the second day of the party that shook the empire.
Eileen looked away from the game with a grave look on her face.
It's not because it's cruel.
Eileen also felt numb when it came to scenes full of blood and internal organs.
She is the one who even had to trample on her father's dead body to prove her purity.
For her, the brawls that took place in her amphitheater were not even entertainment.
I just can't afford to see it.
"What is the situation of the revolutionaries?"
She asked Count Soran, who was sitting next to her and tipping her drink.
Count Solan ran his hand through his short goatee.
"Oh my, Count Haenrel. I didn't think you were particularly interested in this. I was worried that you might take advantage of this opportunity to screw over Bjern."
Eileen thought of Björn.
The first thing that came to her mind was that he was still a snotty kid.
I ate well, laughed well, and cried well.
She was a half-child who craved affection but had to be treated coldly.
A child born as an enemy who must one day be purged for the sake of the child and the future of the family.
Eileen's thoughts were still the same as then.
Of course, she was aware of the fact that she had been saved by Bjorn's mercy.
Her father was truly a Satanist, and was on the verge of being purged along with Aidan simply because they were related by blood, without even knowing why.
Even though she cares for Aidan, she also owes Bjorn her mercy to spare her from that fate.
Still, Eileen was uneasy about the fact that if he changed his mind, he was destined to be purged at any time.
However, Eileen knew her subject.
Now I know that Bjorn isn't the snobbery that he was back then.
Going through her past events, she painfully realized that she could not deal with Bjorn with her own capabilities.
In that case, it was better for her to completely submit and protect her child.
"Wasn't it you, Count Sorang, who wasn't interested in this? You are particularly active in this matter."
"I also have no interest in the abolition of the caste system, the right to protest, or the rights of citizens. However, this is a matter that affects the entire North, so we can do anything."
"I agree too."
Unbeknownst to them, the North was gambling with the fate of the empire.
Whether Bjorn liked it or not, the priority was to secure her victory in that gambling game.
After forming a brief consensus, Count Soran explained the current situation to Eileen.
"It seems that Bjern has established stronger roots than I thought. Neither the Emperor's show nor Duke von Lorraine's waving is not working well for the revolutionaries."
Eileen looked at the cheering crowd.
They looked satisfied with the free bread, alcohol, and abundant attractions.
Poor people policy.
Eileen also knew these numbers well, as she was born into a noble family.
When all the bulls were dead, the next animal came out of the pen.
It was a tiger commanding the mountains of the Kingdom of Junta.
Black lines on a red body, slit eyes and sharp fangs.
As the beast roared with its exotic appearance, the people of the empire became even more enthusiastic.
Is it a quick hit or is it freedom?
Unable to achieve anything, the gladiators lost their lives one by one.
Eileen, who was looking down boredly, quenched his thirst with a mixed drink full of cherry scent.
"It's not working well... The people of the empire that filled this stadium don't seem to care about revolution. Could it be my mistake?"
"Rather, the people of the empire here are most likely to be interested in the revolution. Do you know what the most rare sight in the world is? The collapse of the empire. People who are running out of things to see and watch these low-level games will cheer at the sight. ."
Count Sorang slowly moved his lips after spitting out something that was close to sarcasm.
"Originally, the merchants should have been deceived by the emperor's money. Oh, the empire's finances are still healthy. If the war with the Kingdom of Junta ends, it could be worth several times the amount lent now. Moreover, if the Human Lighthouse joins as well, The situation will definitely be favorable... Their logic circuit must have flowed like this."
He added that it is obvious that they are a people who cannot use their money when it comes to money.
"But Sir Barton Wigner is thoroughly interfering with the emperor's plan. Starting with the article in the Central Newspaper, he has been thoroughly researching the financial state of the empire from various angles. It's as if he has planted a spy in the dark."
How big of a hole was opened in the empire's finances by absorbing the Human Lighthouse.
What is the situation of the war with the Kingdom of Junta?
So what are the chances of getting back all the money you lent to the Empire?
Barton persuaded the merchants based on numbers, and the merchants, who were incredibly quick at calculating money, were also slowly turning their backs on the emperor.
In this situation, the empire's noisy festival was actually causing antipathy.
"Even though it was only two days, Lord Wigner was moving quickly. How convenient would life be to have a subordinate like that? However, he seemed afraid of being published in the official gazette and facing an ugly situation. If only I could handle that well, no merchant would support the emperor. ."
"The wizard...There's really nothing more to say."
Eileen thought of the professors at the Magic Tower who were tormenting Sir Cutter.
The goddess of the Lighthouse of Humanity, who overturned the unfavorable conditions on the Plains of Leuctra and gave victory to the Northern Allied Forces.
Her faith in humanity was so great that it was said that it was greater than her commander.
Now that she has taken control of the professors of the Magic Tower, if Eileen had been on the side of the empire, she would have experienced despair.
On the surface, they are magic towers, but what they symbolize is intelligence.
If a professor makes a move, the commoners of the elite class, along with the rich officials, will follow suit.
If that happens, the people of the empire will also ride the wave of revolution.
Central Newspaper exists to connect commoners who were originally disconnected.
In fact, it was safe to say that everything was provided.
Except for one problem.
"Once you're caught in the waves, you never know who will reach the shore first."
My hands were sticky with mixed liquor.
Wiping it off with a handkerchief, Eileen watched the next part of the game.
This is because I became interested in what comes after the bull and the tiger.
After a bloody fight, all the tigers died.
The gladiators that used to number in the hundreds now numbered only a few dozen.
"Do you mean that Duke von Lorraine is uneasy?"
"Björn is not the only one who can resolve merchants' complaints and wizards' desires. Björn is the one who created the wave, but the duke can also ride that wave."
We know that Viern has significantly reduced the duke's power.
However, the central region was an area where Duke von Lorraine's influence was much stronger.
If a revolution broke out in the empire and caused chaos, the tide could turn towards the duke.
"If he wins at the last moment, Bjern will die, and the North will receive nothing. It can't end with only the profits being sacrificed."
Eileen did not know what the emperor was thinking.
However, I immediately realized how despicable Duke von Lorraine was.
"Would you stop talking now, Beezer? How you stole the heart of Lord de Jeeves."
"That's right. The girl is very curious about that too. I heard that Sir de Jeeves has great charm with women. What is the secret to captivating him?"
Led by aristocratic women, the Duke of von Lorraine was endlessly obsessed with Beaset.
To somehow make a mistake and get away with it.
Although he is now in disrepair, he was someone who had the capacity to grow it into a political offensive against Vienna.
The problem is that this girl named Beaset Sorang has no knowledge of noble grammar.
'Why on earth did you entrust such an important responsibility to this woman...? ...'
If nothing else, Eileen believed in Bjorn's abilities to the point of blind faith.
He's dealt with him himself.
So he thought there must be a reason for giving this child her fake identity and making her his fiancee.
However, as she became a nanny and corrected Jin's mistakes several times, she began to suspect that he had really been taken by her beauty.
-Kooooo!
A scream rang out from one side of the amphitheater.
It was a sound that was incomparable to that of a tiger.
Pushed by a spear piercing its back, the last beast appeared in the amphitheater with a thumping sound.
"Oh my, the last one came out worthy."
Count Soran, who was filling his glass, stopped his movements for a moment and focused on the stadium.
I said it was a beast, but strictly speaking, it was a monster.
Monsters blessed with mana who live beyond the Gray Mountains.
Among them, it was Adalant, which had a hard carapace that could not be wounded by most weapons.
Eileen, who had relatively many opportunities to come into contact with monsters, saw this one only once.
Every time Adalant moved his heavy body, the gladiators were flattened like cookies.
Their swords, which even auras couldn't protect, couldn't even make a scratch on the monster's body.
A one-sided massacre took place inside the amphitheater.
Screaming, raving, moaning, swearing.
As if no one had any intention of saving their lives from the beginning, the gladiators became nothing more than a spectacle and died horribly.
In front of such a monster, a man stood.
It was Bjorn de Jeviez.
◈ Chapter 144 - 18-Eve Festival
*
"Your Majesty, it is necessary to inform the people of the Empire of the magnificence of the Lighthouse Corps of Humanity that has returned to the arms of the Empire."
A grand introduction.
Duke von Lorraine spoke to the emperor with the air of a prime minister of a country.
"If the Lighthouse of Humanity and the Knights of the Holy Cross demonstrate their sword techniques together in the amphitheater, it will be a great opportunity to symbolically announce the day when the empire became one."
"You are right."
The emperor nodded at the duke's suggestion.
In fact, it was no different from using the knights as jesters for the emperor.
It is said that the Emperor will be involved in the command of the Human Lighthouse Corps.
I could not accept Duke von Lorraine's secret plan to side with the emperor in order to suppress the revolutionaries.
I told the emperor.
"Your Majesty, Duke von Lorraine's suggestion is truly wise. So why not scale it up a bit?"
"We hear, you speak."
"Sir Runea Van Hos, Vice-Captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross, I will personally demonstrate the sword technique. Towards each other."
As a nobleman, I will pretend to be a clown.
With that being said, the emperor and the duke had no reason to refuse.
Only Runea, who was watching everything from behind, showed signs of discomfort.
In an amphitheater filled with animal and human corpses, I opened my eyes.
Inside the stadium, a monster larger than an elephant was howling.
To relieve the anger of being captured by humans and suffering all kinds of hardships.
However, there was no one in the stadium who could accept the anger for a long time.
Since I decided to become a clown anyway, I thought I would take advantage of the situation.
I drew my sword and stormed into the stadium.
-Kooooo!
Adalant cried.
Like a shout from a cave, the sound shook the amphitheater.
With aura loaded on my sword, I prepared to attack the monster.
"Lord Bjern de Jeevitz, commander of the Human Lighthouse, has set out to punish the vicious monster! Everyone applaud!"
Even though it was an unexpected situation, the host tried to control the situation.
As my name spread throughout the amphitheater, the crowd went wild.
"That Bjorn de Jevietz?! That kid?!"
"Wow! King of the North! Eternal Light! Never thought I would actually see the eldest son of the De Jeviets!"
"Wow, he's as handsome as they say... Sir Bjorn de Jeevitz! Please take a look here!"
A shout filled the amphitheater that drowned out even Adalant's shouts.
The crowd, full of drunkenness and satiety, immediately chanted my name.
It is extremely rare for a knight to act as a clown in an amphitheater, so it was only natural that I, the eye of the typhoon, showed up in person.
He waved his hand at them as if showing off and walked towards Adalant.
A monster the size of a house.
It was a monster that wasn't strange even if I expressed it that way.
The rock-like shell protected the body like armor, and the massive legs crushed everything.
This creature, which mainly resides in the Gray Mountains and Ash Plateau, was the scourge of the southwestern Aryan Dominion.
Even so, in front of the lighthouse of humanity, I am nothing more than an animal.
The swordsmanship of the Lighthouse of Humanity is currently evaluated as the lowest swordsmanship existing on the continent.
It is undeniable that there is a mixture of prejudice against the North, but it is due to the fact that the background of the creation of the Lighthouse of Humanity sword method itself is a sword method that assumes devils and monsters.
It's not appropriate for dealing with people.
This is something I also agree with to some extent.
However, that means that no sword technique could be used against demons and monsters.
-Craaaaa!
Adalant sprinted away, crushing the corpse.
Monsters are beasts blessed with mana, just like humans.
Their attacks contained magical power derived from instinct.
It is so powerful that even a sword expert cannot avoid fatal injuries if hit.
Knowing that, the foot cloud contained in the Human Lighthouse Sword Technique was greater than that of other sword techniques.
Low posture, fast movement.
The robe of the commander of the Human Lighthouse Corps, with a griffin drawn on it, fluttered.
Adalant was too slow to keep up with my body, which was buried between its huge legs.
-Kakakakak!
Adalant's armor made a strange sound when it touched the auror.
Adalent was embarrassed by me digging down and took a step back.
That was his failure.
The 8 stars of the Lighthouse of Humanity's swordsmanship.
A tip of the myori, which was designed to thoroughly target a gigantic enemy, reached Adalant.
The guy was helpless in the face of a perfect demonstration by a self-proclaimed swordsman genius.
The hard armor was torn to pieces by the Aurors.
The muscles that supported the heavy body were torn.
His legs buckled and Atalent's head fell to the ground.
It happened in an instant.
"Ah! The ferocious Adalant finally bowed to Lord De Jeviets' sword skills! The nickname of a swordsman genius was truly true! Cheers and applause to Lord De Jeviets for showing off his wonderful hunting skills!"
"Waaaaa!"
After finishing him off by thrusting the sword into his head, he raised the sword towards the audience.
"Interesting. I thought you weren't the type of person who enjoys attention. I thought you had the constitution of a gladiator. Rather than killing you, I might consider making you a slave and making you fight endlessly in an amphitheater."
While the slaves were removing the body.
A woman walked towards me from the other side of the amphitheater.
The red robes symbolizing the Knights of the Holy Cross fluttered.
Runea Van Hoss, I responded bluntly to her.
"The Lighthouse of Humanity's sword technique is effective against monsters, so I just went out to demonstrate it. I don't like attention, right? After all, I have a lot of money, and wouldn't it be best to live without anyone knowing? That way, I won't be able to protect my reputation even if I play outdoors."
"...That dirty mouth is still the same."
"I don't think that's what a panty thief would say? I sprinkled a lot of rice cakes, but didn't His Majesty say anything?"
Pulling out her sword, Runea spoke coldly.
"Your Majesty told you to repay your past mistakes with loyalty. As always, I will serve you with my body and soul."
"...Are you really telling the truth? You stuck your nose in His Majesty's panties and sniffed her? Haha! If it were me, I would have cut out my tongue rather than speak! You're so amazing!"
"I just decided that it would be better to erase your weaknesses, even if it would be shameful, rather than having your weaknesses discovered. That's the way to serve Your Majesty."
This is the second time I face Runea with a sword.
The first time was when he stopped her from kidnapping Mion from her village of Lothric.
At that time, Runea looked at me as if I were a puppy.
A no-nonsense prosecutor who has a bit of a reputation in the countryside.
At the same time, although he is still young, he would have been thought of as a junior knight who would one day grow into a useful talent for the empire.
However, I am seen as her second enemy, a rival who puts the empire in danger.
A being that must be killed.
It was as if she had forgotten all about the times we fought demons together in the past, and she seemed ready to cut my head off.
"I don't know what you were thinking when you decided to come out and demonstrate sword techniques yourself, but you do know that no one can blame me if I kill you by mistake, right?"
"Really? Then kill me. Even the Emperor can't kill me carelessly for fear of the empire collapsing. If you want to destroy the empire with your excessive loyalty, then do so."
"You're still..."
"Let's leave this aside. We don't have time for each other. In the end, you want to ask why I'm acting like a clown, right? I set up a separate meeting to deal with you."
When she thought about it, they were just growling at each other and she had never aimed her sword at her.
Anyway, she is a sword master with a reputation for being the second strongest after the sword saint.
In the battle with Antenor, she was unable to show off her skills due to her sudden skills, but her next swordsman was so strong that many people predicted that she would be the swordsman.
Although she was a knight who was reduced to half a penny due to a shattered Danjeon, there was still nothing she could do about her desire to win.
"I have no intention of doing business with you. No matter what you say, I will not respond. From the moment you killed Ambu, you crossed an irreversible river."
Lunea held her sword tightly, with an attitude of completely ignoring whatever she said.
The overflowing life flowed through mana and touched her skin.
Her whole body tingled, as if salt water had been applied to her wounds.
"Well, I'm looking forward to seeing how you react after hearing everything. But before that, I need you to join in on my play."
Protecting her body with mana, I held my sword tightly.
Neither the Emperor nor Duke von Lorraine knew it, but my play for the people of the Empire had already begun.
Once the bodies were disposed of, the host shouted for the amphitheater to leave.
"You've been waiting, you've been waiting! Highlight of the day! Sir Bjern de Jeevitz, Commander of the Lighthouse of Humanity, and Sir Runea Van Hoss, Vice-Captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross, will give a swordsmanship demonstration to the citizens of the Empire in celebration of the unification of the Empire. ! This is an opportunity you will never see again, so please enjoy it with your eyes wide open!"
The stadium floor distorted with every step.
The hissing sound and shock wave created by the Auror's contact spread through the atmosphere and throughout the amphitheater.
The lungs are excited, and the atmosphere is sweetly heated.
In the crucible of enthusiasm.
As cheers and chants continued, the clash between the two knights began.
◈ Chapter 145 - 18-Eve Eve
*
After defeating the wizards, Ember sat down in her seat and sighed.
Two days of being bombarded with all kinds of questions about being the author of a book I never wrote.
In preparation for something like this, I memorized the entire book, but it was all I could do to save face in the face of Professor Magic Top's sharp criticism.
Amber thought that if the question and answer had been a little longer, her shortcomings would have been revealed.
Fortunately, the amphitheater was not suitable for academic conversation.
The professors at the Magic Tower also had no choice but to whet their appetites and make promises for the next time.
"Compared to that, Barton seems to be a natural.'
Quenching her thirst with a simple drink, Amber turned her gaze towards Barton.
This is a battlefield called a party.
In this place with no blood flowing and a fishy smell, Barton looked like a seasoned master.
Laughing, chatting, and drinking together, he skillfully led the revolutionary group.
This was indeed a witty article, Amber thought.
Because he was a man whose wit and wit were unparalleled.
As for Barton, he had nothing to worry about.
Amber, who had been looking at Barton for a while as if fascinated, quickly turned her head when her eyes met his.
"You too have suffered a lot."
Count Sorang, who was sitting next to him, handed Amber a drink.
Clearing her throat, she asked him:
"Where has Count Haenrel gone?"
"I left for a while to prepare for Bease's debut tomorrow. I'll be back soon."
Debut.
The day when a daughter from a prominent noble family dances at a ball for the first time.
Amber, who was not a noble, had only that much knowledge before the party.
It was relatively recently that I learned that the act of debut meant an engagement approved by the emperor.
"Originally, the act of a woman who came to the palace for the first time meeting the Empress was called a debut, but it is said that she deteriorated before we knew it."
She meets Hang Hu, raises her greetings, and becomes her lady.
The feather decoration symbolizes that the act has passed.
That was her original debut.
However, Count Soran further explained that at some point it changed and came to refer to the first dance at a royal ball.
"Nobles are a very tiring people. Do you have to come up with a grand reason for even just one dance to relieve your senses?"
Amber clicked her tongue, saying, "What a pathetic bunch."
Although she understood it in her head, she could not sympathize with the physiognomy of nobles.
The person who dances first at the ball is a well-mannered old gentleman chosen by a member of the family.
The next partner is the future betrothal that has been agreed upon between the families.
At the end of the second dance, the emperor would bless the future of those gathered, and it was a common practice in central social circles for the emperor to become engaged to the person he danced with.
Of course, Bjorn was a northerner and was already engaged to Jean, so there was no need to be anxious about her debut.
He simply did his best to block Duke von Lorraine's offensive against Jean.
"You've been waiting, you've been waiting! Highlight of the day! Sir Bjern de Jeevitz, Commander of the Lighthouse of Humanity, and Sir Runea Van Hoss, Vice-Captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross, will give a swordsmanship demonstration to the citizens of the Empire in celebration of the unification of the Empire. ! This is an opportunity you will never see again, so please enjoy it with your eyes wide open!"
At that moment, the host's voice rang loud enough to leave the stadium.
Amber shifted her gaze to her amphitheater.
Björn was standing inside the stadium.
The opponent you face is Runea Van Hoss.
The two will demonstrate sword techniques to each other.
First, Runea learns the sword techniques of the Knights of the Holy Cross.
Next, Björn demonstrates the swordsmanship of the Lighthouse of Humanity to the people of the empire.
It was as planned.
However, Björn's move was different from plan.
-Bubbaebung!
The auror touched and an explosion sounded.
The vibrations traveling through the air hit her lungs.
Amber touched her forehead at the absurd situation.
"Isn't this... Not a swordsmanship demonstration, but a hand-to-hand sparring?"
When the move went against plan, Runea looked embarrassed and rushed to block Bjorn's sword.
As if not losing momentum, Björn dug in even more tenaciously.
Amber hadn't seen Bjern's dance recently.
Because of the scars he received from the battle with Antenor, he was getting weaker day by day.
He probably needed rest and recuperation more than excessive training.
As if such worries were ridiculous, he swung his sword at Runea like an animal.
Sword energy that was bigger and more powerful than that of the Yakhok family poured down like rain towards Runea.
Leaving a huge scar in the amphitheater.
Its power far exceeded that of the Sword Expert.
The source of mana called Hwajeong.
With the explosive power that came from there, Bjorn pushed Runea.
That's how it seemed to anyone who didn't know him well.
"...It looks flashy, but it seems overly brave."
Count Soran briefly evaluated Björn's performance.
Ember, who was looking at the upper level Sword Expert, also noticed it right away.
Although he sacrificed his delicacy for his power, Bjorn's auror was too shaky.
The sword technique aimed at Runea was also closer to a random shot rather than precise aiming.
He is just covering it up with a strange swordsmanship that exquisitely straddles the gap between life and death.
As proof, Runea didn't have a single scratch despite countless attacks.
"What are you thinking of sparring with the Sword Master in front of the people of the empire?"
No matter how good a Sword Expert is, he cannot beat a Sword Master.
Moreover, unlike in the past, he was weakened.
It was an unfavorable fight from the beginning.
Still, he was pouring all his capabilities towards Runea.
The look of embarrassment disappeared from the face of Runea.
The Sword Master's aura, which covered the surface of the sword as if it had been sliced, touched Bjorn's sword energy.
Then the sword energy lost its strength and dissipated into the air.
She moved
As the sword was swung, a strong wind blew.
A sword energy incomparable to Björn's rushed towards him, threatening to split the stadium in half.
Björn's body, which was hit directly by the attack, was thrust into the stadium wall.
A wind of dust covered the stadium.
Stones on the wall from which rainwater falls.
Bjorn fell to the floor, vomiting blood.
A dent was created in the shape of the body, leaving a mark on the stadium wall.
"...It's over."
Amber had no choice but to say that.
No matter how much the lord was, it was a sparring that made no sense from the beginning.
Although it was short, the intensity of it was incredible.
"What on earth did you want to show me?"
Count Soran stroked his beard and frowned at Bjorn's disgrace that had just occurred in the stadium.
Count Sorang is also a knight.
It wasn't that I didn't understand their passion for winning.
However, it was not good to see a man who was the commander of a group defeated so helplessly in such a public setting.
He evaluated it as something worse than not doing anything at all.
He felt even more confused because Björn, who could not have been unaware of this, took the lead in doing this.
It was an insult to the master, but this time, Ember somewhat agreed with it.
"...Uh, ah! It looks like Sir De Jeevitz was so excited about winning that he chose to fight rather than demonstrate! Still, I applaud Sir De Jeevitz for showing such a wonderful sparring..."
In the embarrassing situation, the Imperial citizens in the stadium were quiet as if they were in confusion.
The only voice that rang out was the host's voice trying to control the situation.
At that time, the sword energy flew towards Runea once again through the wind of dust.
A raised sword and flowing blood.
It was a disastrous goal, but Bjern was still standing on the pitch.
Runea, who blocked the sword energy, glared at Bjern with a distorted face.
"...Ooh, wow!"
The people of the empire were enthusiastic about that sight.
The quiet stadium was once again filled with shouts and cheers.
Only then did Amber realize what Bjern was aiming for.
Bjorn's sword moved again.
The auror wavered more dangerously than before, and the sword also lost its sharpness.
It was miserable.
At the same time, the sight of him never giving in even to an overwhelmingly strong man was sublime.
Runea accepted the sword as if to give it a try.
The swordsmanship of the Knights of the Holy Cross is a defensive swordsmanship designed solely to protect the emperor.
But that didn't mean it was weak.
Their swordsmanship is heavy and simple, like an impregnable castle that is difficult to break through, exhausting their opponents.
It was designed to slaughter an exhausted opponent in the most cruel way.
Even if they were in the same class, there was no way Bjern's offensive, which was inferior in class, would work.
He is cut by a sword loaded with auras, and is hit by his foot and rolls over.
The robe became like rags.
Blood was flowing and the clothes were already red.
The Bjorn in the amphitheater was not someone Amber was familiar with.
Still, Bjern pushed her even harder.
Every time Bjorn's auror touched her sword, it created ripples, like she had thrown a stone into a lake.
At times like that, she pumped in more mana as if she was squeezing her dantian.
Ready to die at any moment.
"...I don't understand. What on earth is this?"
While unable to take his eyes off the intense dance shown by Björn, Count Soran expressed regret over the recent tragedy.
Ember explained to him Bjern's plan.
"Master Viern is making a play for the people of the empire."
Count Sorang gathered his brows at Amber's unexpected words.
"How can this sparring be seen as a play?"
"Think about it carefully. How Lord Viern and Lord Van Hoss will be viewed by the people of the empire."
◈ Chapter 146 - 18-Eve Eve
Bondi Björn is a stranger from the north.
The time when the lighthouse ship of the Human Lighthouse reached the port of Octantium.
The majority of the imperial people living in the central region looked at him unfavorably.
The rumors going on in the north were far away to them, and the disturbance he brought to the central region was too close.
In the midst of the chaos caused by the long war, stories such as the return of the Lighthouse Corps of Humanity and the unification of the North were nonsense to them.
It was difficult to have any favorable feelings toward the eldest son of the De Jeevitz family, who was running around the capital to exterminate the demon cultists.
He founded a newspaper and distributed new ideas.
Discourses on ideology written by prominent professors at Magic Tower were circulated in newspapers and on the streets.
It led to a consensus of the times about the transformation of the empire.
From a corrupt aristocrat from the North to a new era revolutionary who leads the people.
Before I knew it, the people of the empire were looking at Björn with envious eyes.
He is engaging in a sword dance against the actual leader of the Knights of the Holy Cross.
What she protects is the emperor.
The empire, and even the old system itself.
And that is what the oppressed imperial people want to destroy.
At this point, Runea unknowingly became a villain.
"Björn! Björn! Björn!"
The amphitheater chants his name to leave.
His cries grew louder as he got hurt and his legs started shaking.
When Runea pushed him, boos filled the stadium.
The more this happened, the more solemnly Bjorn held his sword again.
No matter how strong you are, no matter how much you break me, you cannot defy the waves of the times.
Just like they say.
Count Sorang, who was listening to Ember's explanation, wet his throat with alcohol and nodded.
"I see. Killing the monster directly was a metaphor for being from the North. The fact that they fight without admitting defeat despite an unreasonable sparring with Lord Van Hoss is also to convey the message that the revolutionaries will continue to fight for the people of the empire in the future. I understand roughly. Did."
It really deserves to be called a play.
After briefly admiring Count Soran, he took his eyes off Björn and Runea's sword dance and shifted his gaze to the stadium.
Originally, this sword dance was prepared to announce to the world that the Lighthouse Corps of Humanity had returned to the bosom of the empire.
Björn twisted the emperor's plan.
Let people know the greatness of the revolutionary faction that resists the old system, and at the same time, join the revolutionary faction.
When everyone was focusing on wizards and merchants, Björn reflected on where the subject of the revolution was.
"But in the end, wouldn't it end in tragedy? There's no way Bjern could defeat Lord Van Hoss. There would be no way he would join the revolutionaries without leaving a bitter aftertaste to the people of the empire, right?"
If Björn symbolizes the people and Runea symbolizes the empire, then his defeat means the failure of the revolution.
Who would be a fool to commit themselves to a fate that would end in tragedy?
Amber scolded Count Sorang for saying those words.
"There will probably be no bitter aftertaste. Bjorn will not be defeated."
"What does that mean?"
"Count Sorang. You don't look like you come from a noble family. Winning or losing is not important. My lord has just lit the fuse."
Count Sorang, who had been wandering for a while trying to figure out the meaning of Amber's words, got the answer from an unexpected place.
It was a drunk person down the other side.
A middle-aged man with half of his head bald.
He was wearing tattered clothes that barely covered his beer-swollen belly, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was screaming loudly.
Soon he threw the glass towards the stadium.
The glass that was thrown towards Runea did not reach the ridiculously far distance and hit the back of the head of an audience member sitting in front of her.
What kind of life is that nameless beetle living?
Why raise your voice so much when you can't hear it anyway?
Count Sorang couldn't figure out anything.
Just one thing.
It was clear he was angry.
What am I so angry about?
Does he realize what makes him so angry?
Whatever it was, his face was full of defiance.
At that time, Count Sorang was able to notice the sense of heterogeneity spreading throughout the stadium.
To hear it, it was the same roar of enthusiasm as before, when gladiators burned their lives for entertainment.
But there was dangerous speculation mixed in there.
As Björn becomes more endangered, it is as if they think it is because they are unable to do their part.
And the speculation that gathered like that went to Runea.
They were gathering into the empire she represented.
"Now you know, right? Why is Master Bjern engaged in unreasonable sparring?"
Ember, who was a commoner, spoke in a way that taught Count Sorang as if she had noticed it already.
To point out that fact, Count Sorang's nerves were all directed towards the imperial people in the stadium.
A child who still appears immature is swinging a sword at a huge empire.
He rises again and stands against the Empire.
In that image, the people of the empire were projecting themselves suffering from oppression and a future image of resisting it.
Inside the stadium.
Björn's body looked no different from a mangled corpse.
The cheering became more harsh, and the more Runea trampled on him, the more the stadium became tumultuous, as if a riot was about to break out.
It was an unexpected situation, but it was around that time that the imperial faction and the noble faction, who were happily watching the sparring, felt a sense of difference as Runea pushed Bjern.
It was then that the emperor reappeared in the amphitheater, at the highest point.
"Your Majesty is stepping forward, as expected."
If Bjorn loses like this, things may get out of control.
The emperor's judgment was accurate, and as soon as he made that judgment, he moved quickly.
What surprised Count Sorang was the fact that Amber had realized this fact a long time ago.
"Is this why you said you wouldn't be defeated? I've felt it before, but Bjorn is truly a very generous person. He has a tactician like you by his side. You're a fortune teller, so people will believe you even if they say it."
"...No, overall it was correct, but there were some misjudgments. Especially at the end, my prediction was clearly wrong."
Count Sorang didn't need as much effort as before to understand what he meant.
Before the emperor could stop the game, there was someone who entered the stadium and blocked the game.
Hair, shining orange like dawn, fluttered in the amphitheater.
Jin of flames.
One of the three gods who came down from heaven to guide humanity to the right path, and a being who brought hardships and trials to Bjorn.
She stood in front of Runea, who was about to swing her sword, and blocked her sparring.
*