Chapter 61

Chapter 35 Varall

“What does it mean to be strong?”

“Hmm… This is quite a broad question, Miss Silviga. If you’re referring specifically to the power of order, then it’s about one’s affinity for the source. The stronger a person’s affinity for the source, the stronger their power of order is theoretically. I’m sure Carlos has already told you this, right?”

“Mm-hm.”

Of course, Carlos had told me, but that guy was rather lazy and didn’t seem very good at teaching. He would always give me a rough idea and when I wanted to delve deeper, he would just brush me off, saying that I would understand once I reached the Royal Academy.

So until now, I still only have a superficial understanding of these things.

“Affinity for the source is a talent, and talent can’t be enhanced through training. From this perspective, the masked man you mentioned could at most be considered a third-rate character. However, he can utilize his power exceptionally well. In this aspect, you fall short of him, which is why you find him challenging. Ultimately, this comes down to a difference in experience.”

“Um…”

I tapped my chin with my index finger, tilting my head as I recalled the details of my battle with the masked man.

Indeed, as the Duke said.

Compared to the masked man’s caution, I was the type who charged in recklessly, throwing ice spears and frost mist at the enemy without much thought for timing, never bothering to conserve my power of order.

The masked man, however, used his wind order appropriately each time. Even though his affinity for the source could only be considered third-rate and he couldn’t create powerful offensive techniques with wind, it still caused me considerable trouble.

Adding to that, I had to consider the safety of the surrounding residents, so I couldn’t fully unleash my frost order. This meant I lost my greatest advantage, making the battle more passive.

Otherwise, the fight would have ended in two seconds.

Thinking this way, the gap between me and the masked man became clear. His affinity for the source should be far superior to mine, although he did consider the use of his abilities more thoroughly.

If the masked man, who is third-rate, is like this, what about those first-rate ones?

“First-rate, how would they be?”

“First-rate… Those are the people who have reached the limit. They usually possess innate talent, and such individuals are rare. Regarding wind order, I can think of only two people. One is the former Sword Saint Ryan, and the other, you’ll meet when you reach the Order City.”

Her? Is she a woman?

“Who is she?”

“She is Queen Ysabel of Eshenbell, also a Papal Knight.”

Queen of Eshenbell? It rings a bell… I remember that was the person Aelia admired the most.

The person.

“Is she formidable?”

“Quite remarkable.”

“What’s the point of all this idle talk! Miss Silvija was stabbed, what are we going to do about it? Can we catch the perpetrator?”

Catherine, seeing our conversation veer off course, impatiently interrupted us.

She was just an ordinary person, unaware of the power of order or the distinction between first-rate and third-rate. She had no interest in such matters and did not wish to concern herself with them. All she cared about was Peilo’s personal safety. Three years ago, he had disappeared without a trace and lost his memory. Now that he had finally returned, only for someone to attack him on his first day back, it was impossible not to connect it with the events from back then.

As long as they caught the assassin, perhaps they could uncover some information. This was currently the most important matter at hand.

“You can rest assured, I believe I already know who the assassin is.”

I saw a chilling glint flash through the Duke’s eyes.

“Who is it?”

Observing the Lady’s eager expression, the Duke did not rush to answer but instead turned his gaze back to me.

“The Order of Wind, humph. Miss Silvija, do you recall the hunter named Varal during the workshop earlier today?”

I tilted my head in thought, then slowly shook my head.

“No, I don’t remember.”

Varal? Who was that?

Had I seen this person today? I couldn’t recall anything…

“Varal? Isn’t he the captain of the squad?” The Duchess wore a look of surprise, her beautiful eyes wide open. “Do you mean… That’s impossible. He has been by your side for so many years, and you suspect him?”

“Catherine, you usually don’t worry about these matters, so you might not understand the situation. Varal has too much ambition and is stubborn. I don’t like him very much, but out of old friendship, I have allowed him to lead the Santel army’s first squad, responsible for guarding the most important warehouse in the workshop. Over the years, he has done his job well, but I think he might harbor some resentment towards me.”

So who exactly is this person?

Seeing the confusion on my face, the Duke smiled at me.

“When I was in Pagos, didn’t I send a hunter away?”

It suddenly clicked for me.

That was the annoying fellow who kicked Lucas a few times. I remember he wanted to talk to me at the time, but I couldn’t stand his behavior, so I ignored him.

“If it is him, taking a weapon from the warehouse would be easy for him. This guy is quite clever; he knows not to use his own weapons… a traitor.”

P.S.: This chapter isn’t flowing smoothly, so I’ll post a shorter one first. I’ll revise it later tonight. Also, I created a QQ group yesterday with the number 107938027. Feel free to join and chat!