Chapter 154

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on February 8, 2025

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Ten days ago, Faceulan Mage Kingdom.

This place was still in turmoil.

And as time passed, with the Empire and Irene’s Order finally sending support and advisory groups, it seemed a semblance of stability had been achieved. But within the royal palace, power restructuring hadn’t been properly carried out yet, and chaos continued to grow.

By this point, practically the pro-Empire faction was taking all the rights, but even then, voices of protest and criticism from neighboring countries started trickling in…

However, none of that mattered much to Luelde or the imperial princess temporarily staying here.

Not that they could afford to just sit back either.

But now, they were reaching their limits.

“Knight Luelde. We urgently need you to return to the Imperial mainland.”

No less than the deputy commander of the Empire’s 3rd Magic Legion had personally arrived at Faceulan.

Small in stature, but his deep blue sash and light blue uniform harmonized well. His wavy blue hair reached down to his shoulders, leaving an impressive impression. Yet, his sharp features and scholarly demeanor made him all the more striking.

He had sent word ahead of time about his visit.

If he only wanted to deliver a message, he wouldn’t have come here personally.

Or unless he was delivering an imperial decree.

Which was why everyone was worried.

“Has something big happened?”

“The Rutenian Institution has been attacked.”

“…What?”

“To be precise, forgive me. Lady Ellie has been attacked. However, rest assured—Lady Ellie and her younger son are both safe.”

“…”

A chill ran down Luelde’s spine, but because there was someone reliable, he managed to steady himself. It already complicated matters being stuck here, and now such a situation arose back home…

“Who was it?”

“It was the same girl in black armor with red eyes that you reported defeating before.”

“…”

She showed up here in Faceulan too.

Luelde rushed back to the royal palace, but he was too late.

Resultantly, despite Ellie being present, she couldn’t stop the mysterious duo—who might’ve been her limbs or allies—from infiltrating the palace and absconding boldly.

Worst of all, this existence, which barely survived against Luelde and quickly recovered to keep targeting him relentlessly, had now gone so far as to attack his family. This clearly indicated deliberate provocation.

“Thanks to your warning, Princess, we managed to avoid the worst-case scenario.”

“That’s good…”

Even if he stepped aside, the Empire itself stood firm.

Yet, there are always those who transcend common sense with their strength.

And separately, there are also those who cause immense chaos.

Being one such entity himself, Luelde felt the threat bone-deep.

Clack!

“Knight Medrin?”

“Your Highness.”

The man called Medrin saluted, and Ellie responded in kind.

“What brings you here personally? I don’t recall seeing your name on the list of advisors for this country.”

After Medrin briefly explained, Ellie remained silent for a few seconds before turning to Luelde.

“If that’s the case, Knight Luelde, you should return to Rutania.”

“…”

“Instead, I will chase after Carriel.”

“Your Highness?”

Medrin looked confused, while Luelde hesitated, unsure if he could make such a decision lightly. Ellie urged again.

“What Rutania needs now is not me, but you, Knight Luelde.”

“…Rationally, you’re right. But if I do that…”

“Knight Luelde. Have I ever betrayed your trust? Or disappointed your expectations?”

“…”

“I don’t think I can handle what lies ahead by myself. But you can.”

“And if this is another trap? If the target shifts to you instead?”

“It’ll be fine. I’m not alone here. You know I’ve never been lax in preparation, right?”

“Haa…”

Ultimately,

“Princess Ellie, and Geoffrey… My son is important, but your safety is paramount. Please, never forget that.”

Having relented, Luelde repeatedly entrusted Ellie and Geoffrey with his concerns before returning to Rutania. Meanwhile, Geoffrey, now fully recovered, asked Ellie.

“Are you sure this will be alright?”

“Yes. In fact, it might be fortunate.”

“Fortunate?”

“Because it’s hard to imagine Carriel welcoming Knight Luelde with open arms.”

“But with me…”

“Even if things turn for the worst, at least the tragedy of Knight Luelde having to personally execute him won’t happen.”

“Surely… Are you saying you’ll decide that fate yourself?”

“No, that’s not what I mean.”

Ellie, with a gaze tinged with nostalgia but an expression as unyielding as steel, replied:

“That would be an absurd assumption.”

Carriel. If it wasn’t true that his body had been taken over by the Demon King, as Mother or others feared, but rather that Carriel himself still existed…

“At the very least, even in the worst-case scenario, we must ensure that tragedy doesn’t unfold under Knight Luelde’s hand.”

“…”

=====

The Fourth Holy Maiden, Alesia, encountered her old colleague, who roamed around Eastern Continent.

The Sixth Holy Maiden.

While Alesia was known as the Maiden of Protection, Edmilra was known as the Maiden of Governance.

Her build was similar to other women of her age.

Meaning, shorter than Alesia herself.

Still, the snug-fitting dark blue plate armor perfectly matched her physique. With an imperial-style cross sword hanging at her waist, she’d easily pass as a knight if she simply wore a helmet.

In fact, if Alesia weren’t present, Edmilra wouldn’t have bothered removing her helmet.

That’s why she’s called the Knight of the Blue Willow, after all.

Dark blue short hair, blue eyes, and lips painted blue—it gave off a unique vibe.

At worst, her cold expression combined with these traits created an intimidating presence.

Though at first glance, she might remind someone of a handsome man, her chest was appropriately filled out, and her armor accentuated that shape, making it hard to misinterpret her gender unless one harbored preconceived notions about female knights.

Maybe in the Empire, but certainly in the eastern part of the continent, renowned female knights could be counted on one hand, partly because eastern knights valued showmanship and rhetoric over restraint and refinement, leading to exaggerated breastplates and male knights wearing armor that highlighted such features—but there’s a limit to everything.

“Didn’t expect to see you here. Sister Alesia.”

“…Your rigid attitude hasn’t changed, huh.”

An attitude suited to a soldier, unchanged from before…

Still, calling Alesia “sister” was rather cute.

“I’ll take charge of things here going forward, so please don’t worry.”

“The mages won’t welcome you.”

“Recently, the status of Irene’s Order skyrocketed in Faceulan. The newly positioned nobility still lack a stable foundation, as does the king.”

Perhaps due to traversing the chaotic eastern continent, she seemed quite familiar with the dynamics of power.

“Under God, all are equal. But artificial hierarchies exist based on who spreads His work most widely. I know you’ve contributed to converting and civilizing them through peaceful means. However, sometimes gentle bread isn’t enough. So, I’ll take on the role of the whip-wielding trainer.”

“Sounds like a bad idea to me. Oppression always breeds resentment and hostility.”

“It’s fine. There are limited targets for the whip. We merely request repentance from evil-doers, as we always do.”

“…Are you planning to erase mages from a nation of mages? Such actions could escalate into interference in internal affairs, posing a great threat to neighboring countries. And if followers of Irene face persecution?”

“As I said, under God, all are equal.”

If those in power shirk their duties and responsibilities, or reveal ugly intentions when trying to secure their positions,

“They too will be punished. Though it will be done by their own hands, not ours. We’ll merely give them a push.”

“…You plan to use love to embrace them, but instead opt for poison and plots, followed by fire and swords for discipline? Do you realize how many will suffer?”

“Ignorance always comes at a cost. Besides, martyrdom is our blessing and glory. Even the once-mighty Empire of Vera eventually accepted this truth. Now, with our influence spreading and conditions improving, who else will step forward if not us?”

“There’s no need to rush things so aggressively…”

“No. Shouldn’t we hasten salvation? Delaying only increases suffering. How can we drive out demons, suspicious figures, deeply rooted evils, and temptations, and protect the innocent lambs without acting swiftly for everyone’s sake?”

“…”

This was no longer a conversation where dialogue could bridge differences. Her unwavering beliefs and experiences had cemented her faith completely.

“Don’t worry, sister. I am merely a faithful servant following His will. Things won’t escalate to extremes as you fear. Do you think I enjoy spilling blood?”

“…Alright. I see.”

But…

If she alone becomes bold, surrounded by appropriate advisors offering counsel and encouragement, maybe things could still work out.

However…

If those around her share her extreme mindset…

Hmm…

“I hope you’ll prove worthy of my trust by looking beyond immediate gains and toward a distant future. So you’re never labeled a witch instead of a saint.”

“That’s absurd. A witch? Ridiculous.”

Edmilra, don’t let overconfidence blind you.

Excessive belief might just be another form of recklessness or arrogance.

Believing to understand requires more than mere faith. Constantly questioning your will and actions, even to prove your faith, is essential.

“Even if your will and faith are upright and steadfast, they don’t guarantee righteous actions or optimal results. Always remember that.”

For that is the trial and process we must endure.

“I pray your endeavors aren’t misused to satisfy personal desires or ambitions.”

“Thank you, sister. Just as God favors and protects me, may He also watch over and bless you every day.”

Always thus.

God.

Through Your divine omnipotent power.

Deliver us from the clutches of injustice and evil.

Thus beseeches Your humble servant.

“…”

Watching Edmilra draw the sign of the cross, Alesia exhaled quietly.

=====

“Will you come along?”

A guest room in the Faceulan royal palace.

Elheina visited Minesse, who occupied one of the rooms, to gauge her intentions.

“Where to?”

“Do I need to elaborate?”

Given the unwavering determination in those blue eyes, unnecessary emotional expressions seemed redundant. It was better to directly convey intentions while omitting superfluous gestures.

“It won’t be an easy journey.”

“I know. To shorten the delay, we’ll have to employ extraordinary measures.”

Elheina paused briefly, seemingly distracted, staring at an undamaged wall.

“…?”

Moments later, Minesse instinctively followed Elheina’s gaze toward the wall. Not because anything was there, but because something massive approached from afar.

“So, they’ve arrived.”

Elheina turned, giving a subtle nod as if inviting Minesse to accompany her. Reluctantly, Minesse followed her to the inner courtyard of the castle.

“…”

Upon seeing a pure white flying dragon circling above the castle, Minesse blinked several times.

“Is this some new expedition to hunt down another Demon King?”

Right on cue, the Fourth Holy Maiden, Alesia, emerged, while Drake Hamelot, known as the Giant’s Knight, had already taken position nearby. As if flaunting before the spectators, the flying dragon descended into the castle grounds and rapidly shrank in size.

“Who are you guys? Planning another grand expedition to slay some Demon Lord?”

Startled, the youth with ash-colored hair, snow-white skin and eyes glared at them. So pale, it made onlookers uncomfortable.

“Here we go again.”

Naturally stepping forward, Elheina draped a crimson cloak over his naked shoulders.

“What’s this? Annoying! Why? Am I supposed to feel ashamed? Your frailty makes you cling to clothes!”

“There’s merit to it, but social norms exist.”

“Should the True Dragon follow such trivialities?”

“Abandoning respect leads only to conflict. Without basic communication, all that remains between two parties is strife.”

“So? Isn’t that good?”

“You and I might get away with it, but if your actions cause conflict between our races resulting in war? Minor misunderstandings often lead to nightmares.”

“Stop spouting nonsense. For such a short-lived race, you sure talk like old men.”

“That’s an honor.”

“Yeah, but you don’t even get sarcasm?”

The princess seemed to alternately placate and scold the boy-dragon.

“So, why did you call me? Knowing how busy I am.”

“I need your help.”

Elheina looked straight at the white dragon.

“Eastward. Beyond the Desert of Scorching Sands, I need you to take us there.”

“How? Surely… you’re not asking me, the True Dragon, to carry you? That’s outrageous!”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

“Ugh, I hate you!”

Dismissing the dragon’s tantrum with indifference,

Elheina reiterated the importance.

“This mission might save the world. Someone as great as you wouldn’t overlook such a crucial task, would you?”

“That… Those lies won’t fool even my earlobes…”

Watching this scene from nearby, Minesse glanced at Alisea standing beside her. Standing side-by-side, the height difference naturally drew her gaze upward.

“Did you manage to talk to that blind man?”

“Yes, thanks to your consideration.”

With Luelde gone, Minesse had long since enjoyed relative freedom. Still, she wasn’t entirely free from surveillance, but she didn’t mind. It clearly indicated their unease.

However, surprisingly, no one treated Minesse as an enemy or handled her carelessly.

Anyway.

“You’ve been busy, haven’t you?”

“Oh, um… Sorry I couldn’t pay attention to you. Sometimes this position forces me into unpleasant tasks. But they help others, so I can’t ignore them either. Quite troublesome.”

“…”

From what she heard, despite seeming reluctant, the woman often acted for others rather than herself.

Alisea subtly inquired.

“Do you enjoy drinking?”

“No.”

“Have you tried?”

“…Do you have to learn to drink alcohol?”

“Well, duh. First taste is usually terrible because you don’t know how to appreciate it.”

“…”

That was news to Minesse.

“Since we have plenty to discuss, let’s arrange a meeting today or tomorrow.”

“Would that be… okay?”