Chapter 233. Haven’t You Heard the Rumor? (4)
Despite Hisop’s unease, the party proceeded smoothly.
“…When I was in a bloody battle with the Rock Ants, Prince Keter appeared. No, to be precise, it was an arrow. A single arrow, as if it were killing real ants, took down those massive, hard-shelled Rock Ants!”
The self-proclaimed illegitimate child of the Browning Family, Orion, a swordsmanship genius who hides the Mind’s Sword, captivated the nobles with his storytelling.
“Oops! Unfortunately, there was a Queen Ant there. Prince Keter’s arrow, which could pierce the steel-hard shells of the Rock Ants, couldn’t even scratch the Queen Ant’s armor. Not a single dent! I thought to myself, is it time to draw the Mind’s Sword…? But I was mistaken. The unlucky ones weren’t us, but the Queen Ant. When Prince Keter nocked his arrow, it was unlike any arrow I’d ever seen. Ahem! My throat’s dry, give me a moment…”
Orion, though a genius in swordsmanship, had a knack for theatrics. He deliberately paused, dragging out the story.
There were plenty of other entertainments as well, keeping even the nobles who disliked stories amused.
From booths offering prizes for hitting targets 10 meters away to even fireworks. The Holy Knight Order shot arrows at lanterns floating high in the sky, and when hit, the gunpowder inside exploded, creating a spectacular display.
“Ooooh! Ohohohoh!”
Clap clap clap!
The nobles clapped like children, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Sephira’s preparations were meticulous.
Of course, if you dug deeper, it wasn’t Sephira who prepared all this, but Ultima, Baiga, and Daat’s ideas.
All Sephira did was approve them.
“Using archery for a circus act?! Are you trying to turn House Sephira into a troupe?!”
Panir vehemently opposed the idea, but Leganon persuaded him.
“It’s not a circus act, but a demonstration of the greatness of archery. It might even inspire nobles to join the knight order.”
“But the risk of leaking techniques…!”
“We’ve already shown everything at the Southern Sword Tournament.”
“…Just this once!”
The first social party.
The first archery demonstration.
Everything was new to the nobles, and there was nothing to dislike.
Moreover, the strict nobles were thoroughly monitored by Sephira’s family and talents.
The Goshikyeonro Association was handled by Panir and Leganon—
The attention of marriageable young ladies was managed by Mail and Anis—
The young, spirited knight-nobles were entertained by arm-wrestling matches organized by Sephira’s knights.
Meanwhile, the Lord of the West and spacetime mage Krona had been inside a tent with Daat for over an hour and still hadn’t emerged.
Princess Iris returned after touring Sephira’s beautiful scenery with Baiga, but sensing something was missing, Baiga quickly brought out another plan.
“Princess, have you heard of a dessert called pudding?”
“Never.”
“It’s a dessert developed by the royal chef of Belferio, the land of gourmet cuisine. I’ve invited the chef himself to make it for you.”
The renowned chef from Belferio, hired at great expense, began making the dessert right before everyone’s eyes.
Not just the princess, but other ladies gathered around, watching with curious eyes.
Everyone in Sephira had prepared with one heart and one mind. With the hope that Keter might be late, they had to buy time.
The servants, filled with love and loyalty for Sephira, did their best to ensure no mistakes in hospitality.
It seemed they could easily last another three hours, and everyone was feeling reassured.
“Hey! So when is Prince Keter finally going to show up?!”
A drunken shout echoed through the party venue.
* * *
Bolos, the eldest son of the Baydant Family and heir apparent, was a top surveillance target for Sephira.
But for some reason, Bolos was quietly sipping wine.
‘What’s going on? Is he just here to observe?’
No matter how much time passed, Bolos showed no signs of making a move, and Sephira didn’t let their guard down.
‘He must be trying to lull us into complacency.’
Instead, they kept an even closer eye on Bolos’s every move.
Sip.
Under the watchful eyes of numerous knights, Bolos quietly sipped his wine in a corner.
‘Lucas Wine, 20 years aged… Sephira chose well, not too cheap, not too extravagant.’
Bolos’s gaze as he surveyed the party showed no hint of malice.
‘They’ve prepared thoroughly and meticulously. They’ve even turned the hearts of hostile nobles. And most importantly…’
He glanced at the tent where the Lord of the West was and then at Princess Iris tasting the pudding.
‘Where did this Daat guy come from? Why is Baiga, from a renowned swordsmanship family, helping Sephira? And above all, where did they get the enormous funds to throw this party?’
Creak.
A vein popped on Bolos’s expressionless forehead.
‘Sephira, you’re really struggling to survive. But still, you’re sloppy.’
Others might not care, might let it slide, but Bolos couldn’t. The fact that Keter wasn’t here.
But that didn’t mean Bolos would act directly. He wasn’t as ignorant as the other nobles.
Bolos signaled to a man. The man, upon receiving the signal, downed a shot of strong whiskey and shouted at the top of his lungs.
“Hey! So when is Prince Keter finally going to show up?!”
A shout, almost a roar, that drowned out the music and laughter in the party. Naturally, all eyes turned to him.
Drunken courage and the promise of a hefty sum from Bolos made him bold, and he began to incite the crowd.
“Don’t you all agree? We’re just wasting time here. The protagonist of this party is Prince Keter, but he’s nowhere to be seen. Isn’t that strange?!”
Reeking of alcohol and red-faced, his words were surprisingly logical.
The faces of the nobles, who had been enjoying themselves, began to change. Hisop realized the danger.
‘Bolos, you bastard.’
Bolos remained still, but there was no one else who could have orchestrated this.
Smirk.
Bolos, locking eyes with Hisop, raised his wine glass and smiled.
Frustrated, Hisop couldn’t act rashly. If he intervened now, it would only draw more attention. But he couldn’t just stand by either. A true dilemma.
‘Damn it, damn it!’
Realizing he’d fallen for Bolos’s diversion, Hisop bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.
‘Why did I think he’d act directly? I should’ve anticipated this…!’
Hisop’s mind raced. How could he redirect everyone’s attention in this situation?
‘No. Trying to change the subject would only make it look like I’m making excuses.’
As Hisop struggled to find an answer, Mail stepped forward.
“He’s right. Keter is quite late.”
“…!”
Agreeing with the instigator, Mail walked forward. His demeanor, like a spokesperson, drew everyone’s attention.
Mail calmly accepted the gazes and spoke.
“What kind of person do you think Keter is? As his older brother, I dare say, Keter is a willful brat.”
Suddenly badmouthing Keter, the nobles fell silent, intrigued, as if urging him to continue.
“He doesn’t listen to his older brother, does whatever he wants, a spoiled brat for sure. But!”
Pausing briefly, Mail made eye contact with each noble, then glanced at Princess Iris before continuing.
“He always keeps his promises. I stake my heart on it. Keter will attend this party, even if he’s a bit late. …But that’s not enough to keep the mood alive.”
Mail hinted that he had something prepared, and the nobles began to anticipate. Keter was already fading from their minds.
“To everyone here, I’ll show you something special. Sephira’s traditional training method, the Single-Plank Bridge Duel.”
The Single-Plank Bridge Duel, where archers face each other and shoot arrows.
This wasn’t on the schedule, but the quick-witted Hisop sent two Holy Knights to Mail.
“Archers’ training methods, how intriguing.”
“Is it a duel? Are they going to fight each other?”
As the saying goes, the best entertainment is watching a fight. The nobles were excited.
“I can’t stand to watch this anymore.”
A deep, cold voice echoed through the party as a man walked toward Mail. The nobles parted to make way.
Mail, maintaining his composure, called out the man’s name.
“Prince Vector of the Browning Family.”
“I’ll be brief. I’m here to crush Sephira’s archery.”
Vector stated his purpose bluntly, his beast-like eyes glaring at Mail.
“Waiting is over. Bring Keter here now. Surely, he’s not absent from Sephira, is he?”
Mail couldn’t bring himself to lie. If he did, Vector might tear Sephira apart looking for him.
At that moment.
“I don’t get why you’re looking for Keter?”
A man approached Vector, speaking informally.
“Taragon…!”
Armed with a portable crossbow, Taragon stood before Vector.
“You don’t need Keter for this. I’ll take you on.”
“…Do you know who I am, daring to speak to me so rudely?”
“You were the one who spoke rudely to Brother Mail first. And we’re both from prestigious families, what’s the problem?”
“A mere 3-star like you… dares to challenge me? Very well. My sword knows no mercy.”
“Good. My arrows don’t stop once they’re fired.”
Zing.
Vector and Taragon’s gazes locked in mid-air. The nobles watched their eye battle with bated breath.
Meanwhile, Hisop and Mail communicated with their eyes.
‘What do we do, Brother?’
‘Step back. For now… we have to trust Taragon.’
Mail gave Taragon a look. Taragon gave a thumbs-up.
‘Trust me, Brother.’
Vector, known as a 5-Star Master, was a formidable opponent. For Taragon, a 3-star, to win was nearly impossible. But this world isn’t just about strength.
Mail stepped aside. The nobles also moved back, forming a circular arena.
As the atmosphere shifted, Vector stepped back and said.
“Whatever happens, don’t blame me.”
“I’ll make you cry like a girl.”
The two stood far apart, facing each other. For archers, the distance was too close, but Taragon didn’t mind.
Whoosh…!
An Aura Sword emerged from Vector’s right hand.
Vector of the Four Sword Style doesn’t use ordinary swords. He uses wrist blades. But why only draw one sword?
The intention was clear.
One sword is enough for someone like you.
Click!
Taragon also loaded a bolt cartridge into his wrist-mounted crossbow.
“I’ll save you from your arrogance.”
“…?”
The nobles were curious about the unfamiliar crossbow, while Vector dismissed it—until Taragon pulled out a portable ballista from his back and fired at Vector.
The movement was so natural and fast, but not fast enough for Vector to react.
If he wanted to dodge, he could. But for a swordsman to dodge an arrow is shameful.
‘I’ll block it head-on… Huh?!’
Vector, who had no intention of dodging, felt a momentary impulse to dodge. Taragon’s crossbow wasn’t firing ordinary bolts.
A bolt as thick as an adult’s forearm came flying.
Boom!
Vector, valuing his pride, created an Aura Sword to block the ballista bolt head-on—
Crack, shatter!
The bolt was blocked, but the Aura Sword shattered, and the fragments grazed his cheek, drawing blood.
Click!
Taragon reloaded the compressed ballista bolt and aimed again.
“Keep using one sword, and I’ll be grateful.”
* * *
After tasting Sephira’s new weapon, the portable ballista, Vector gave up his stubbornness. The Four Sword Style—Aura Swords emerged from both his wrists.
Taragon acted as if he would fire the ballista again but instead slung it back. Then he began firing his wrist-mounted crossbow.
Thud thud thud thud!
Unlike traditional crossbows that require reloading after each shot, Sephira’s crossbow could fire dozens of bolts in succession.
Though unfamiliar, Vector blocked them brilliantly.
Clang clang clang!
Vector, whose arms were like swords, deflected the bolts with minimal movement, trying to close the distance—but Taragon wasn’t standing still.
Tap tap tap tap!
He kept moving while firing bolts.
The circular arena had long since collapsed. Spectators moved further back to avoid getting caught in the fight.
Meanwhile, Vector frowned. He couldn’t close the distance.
‘A rapid-fire crossbow? The power hasn’t diminished at all. And this accuracy while running. This isn’t the skill of a novice.’
There was no mention of Taragon using a crossbow at the Southern Sword Tournament. Meaning, he couldn’t have been practicing for more than a month.
‘Yet, this level of skill. Impressive, Taragon. You’ve narrowed the gap in realms with your weapon.’
But he’s still inexperienced.
Crossbow bolts aren’t infinite. Being able to fire multiple shots in succession is impressive, but eventually, you run out.
‘Now!’
Click.
As Taragon tried to replace the empty cartridge, Vector accelerated.
“Amateur.”
Taragon sneered at Vector, who hastily raised both hands to cover his head.
Clang clang clang!
The crossbow fired without bolts.
They were Aura bolts.
Aura-coated bolts couldn’t damage Aura Swords, but Aura-made bolts could.
Splat!
Vector’s clothes tore, and the sound of flesh being cut was heard.
Taragon had exploited Vector’s complacent assumption that without physical bolts, there would be no attack.
“You’re quite the talker, Taragon.”
Vector’s voice betrayed his anger as he extended both hands. Even though Taragon was out of reach.
Browning Family Four Sword Style—Blond Cut.
The wrist blade, only a meter long, extended ten times its length, aiming for Taragon’s left arm.
“I’ll take your left arm.”
Taragon, unaware that the Aura Sword could extend so far, was caught off guard.
In this situation, his left arm would be severed.
The nobles, watching this, screamed at Taragon’s next move.
“Ahhhh!”
“He’s insane!”
Taragon bent his body. Instead of his left arm, he thrust his head forward!
“…?!”
Vector was also stunned. He only wanted to cut Taragon’s left arm, but Taragon had unexpectedly thrust his head forward.
If this continued, Taragon would die. A gruesome death with his head severed.
‘What kind of lunatic is this?’
That wasn’t what Vector wanted. He didn’t want to kill Taragon. After all, this was just a duel.
“Ugh!”
Reluctantly, Vector forced himself to change the trajectory.
Swish!
Instead of Taragon’s head, his hair was cut. The forced change in trajectory caused Vector’s stance to falter—Taragon, crouching and rolling forward, closed the distance and aimed the portable ballista at Vector.
“Checkmate.”
Taragon aimed at Vector’s defenseless face. Unlike Vector, who tried not to kill Taragon, Taragon was intent on killing Vector. That determination was evident in his eyes.
‘This guy’s serious.’
Chill.
Vector felt Taragon’s genuine intent to kill him and, without realizing it, used a technique.
Swish!
Taragon’s portable ballista was severed.
Blood spurted from his fingers.
Vector, with his stance completely broken, somehow attacked Taragon. The secret lay in his legs.
“Is that the Four Sword Style?!”
“So that’s how he uses the Four Sword Style—it’s in his legs!”
Leg Blades.
Vector created Aura Swords on both arms and legs, using them for the Four Sword Style.
Having escaped the crisis, Vector used a technique with an angry expression.
Four Sword Style—Chaotic Dance.
Countless sword auras rained down on Taragon’s entire body.
With no room to dodge, Taragon enveloped himself in Aura Armor to defend, but that was his downfall.
“You’re annoying.”
Vector’s Four Sword Style struck Taragon at close range.
Four Sword Style—Limb Blossom.
The blades on both arms and legs pierced Taragon simultaneously. His Aura Armor tore like paper, and blood splattered.
The outcome was clear. Or so it seemed to everyone.
But Taragon didn’t give up.
Thud!
He headbutted Vector. Vector blocked with his palm and muttered.
“Give up. I’ve cut the tendons in your wrist. If you don’t get treated now, you’ll never use it again.”
“Screw you.”
“What?!”
Taragon, swearing like a mercenary, swung his arm. Vector frowned.
“You’re just stubborn. You’re only hastening your end.”
Using the Aura Sword now would cause serious injury, and the outcome was already decided. Vector put away the Aura Sword and began punching Taragon.
Thud thud thud!
Taragon, swaying, couldn’t dodge or block, taking hit after hit. His face and body were bruised, and blood spurted.
Drip drip.
Taragon was bleeding a dangerous amount.
Vector shouted at Hisop.
“The duel is over—”
Thud!
Taragon, swaying, charged and delivered a dropkick. Vector blocked but was pushed back two steps.
Taragon, covered in blood and dirt, stood up and said.
“I can do this… all day.”
“You’re insane. Sephira, and you too.”
Seeing Sephira not stopping the fight and Taragon’s determination to fight to the death, Vector felt a genuine chill.
“If dying is your wish, fine. Die honorably.”
Whoosh!
Vector created an Aura Sword in his left hand and thrust it at Taragon’s neck.
Taragon also charged, swinging his right arm. Neither had any intention of dodging.
Gulp.
The nobles held their breath, not blinking, watching the final moment—
Tap.
Both men stopped.
It wasn’t by their own will.
A man had suddenly appeared between them, saving Taragon. A silver-haired man wearing a pure white mask.
‘No, this man didn’t just save Taragon.’
Vector swallowed hard. An arrow, densely packed with Aura, was stopped right in front of his throat.
Taragon hadn’t swung with