Chapter 138

====[Einfield Battlefield]====

Just because you heard an impressive speech once, a ragtag group doesn’t magically turn into heroes of a comeback. Experience. Skill. Equipment. None of the realistic aspects change.

But Leopold could be satisfied. At least, the soldiers’ morale was significantly higher than when they had first gathered.

—

“…Disrespectful.”

The 1st Prince’s speech contained content that Lacey found somewhat unpleasant. The grace of Elpinel, Emperor Carolus, and the achievements of the Twelve Knights—these were the very foundations of the Great Celestial Church’s traditions.

After the Eleven Divine Faiths were established, it had merely been reduced to the Elpinel Church Order, but the believers still regarded Elpinel as being on a higher plane than the other gods. An arrogant, superior faith. It was so naturally accepted because the grace Elpinel bestowed upon humanity in the old era was immense.

It was only natural that she disliked the prince’s denial of this.

Yet, Lacey didn’t stop or criticize Prince Leopold. Instead, she helped him. When his speech reached its climax, she cast the light of Elpinel upon him like a halo.

It was a trick high priests often used. In reality, it was just the power of the priests, but to the masses, it appeared as if divine will had descended.

Originally, Lacey had planned to preach the glory of the gods and inspire the soldiers…

“This time, I’ll let it slide.”

Lacey shook her head and headed toward the priests. There was no need to tell the soldiers, whose morale had already been boosted by the prince’s speech, the opposite.

It would be enough to join the other priests in blessing the soldiers to deal damage to the undead before the battle. After that, she planned to join the central forces and support the front or rear as needed.

Lacey glanced at her beloved spear, which she hadn’t seen in a long time. The silver cross-shaped blade gleamed coldly. Her paladin escort, Sir Bels Rugna, had joined Sir Richard in the skeleton serpent subjugation, so she had to protect herself.

Thirty minutes until the army’s deployment was complete. The human masters, assigned as reserves, spent the time checking on each other.

Frederick, the 4th Knight Commander of the Imperial Knight Order. Floheta, the high sorceress sent from the Magic Tower. Paladin Master Richard. Bels, the paladin escorting Lacey. Daniel and Gerard, sent by the 1st Prince’s supporting nobles. Nigel, the 10th Sword of Randenburg. Hayden, the 7th Sword of Randenburg.

Eight of the roughly fifty human masters gathered together was a sight to behold. Other knights glanced at them with admiration.

—

“It’s been a while, Sir Hayden.”

“Indeed, Nigel. Has it been about a year since we last met?”

Hayden, swinging the two swords in his hands, greeted his junior, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. Though his demeanor was too casual for a knight, Nigel didn’t mind. Hayden had the skill to back it up.

“Exactly 11 months. You haven’t changed, Sir Hayden.”

“Well, nothing much has happened to me. But what about you? I heard you’ve been busy babysitting Princess Ka’har. That Beastman Devourer?”

“Are you referring to Princess Ha-shalleur? It’s been a fresh experience. She’s quite intense, but not as evil as the rumors say.”

Nigel’s assessment was quite generous. Despite being reduced to a squire-like role, he showed no sign of dissatisfaction. Hayden smiled slightly at her typical sincerity.

He quite liked this earnest junior. Though ten years younger, Nigel had decent skill and always tried to act knightly, which was endearing to watch.

“How’s your skill? I heard you defeated a Beastman Grand Warrior one-on-one.”

“My skill… it’s hard to say. Her growth rate is absurd.”

Nigel hesitated. Ha-shalleur’s combat prowess fluctuated so drastically that it was hard to pin down.

Just half a year ago, she was barely on par with Nigel, but after a few intense battles, she had grown to rival the 4th Sword.

“Hmm…? If you’re saying that, she must be some kind of genius.”

Curious, Hayden began asking more questions. Nigel had to spend a long time recounting his experiences with Ha-shalleur.

About twenty minutes later, the monster army finally appeared on the horizon.

—

Heavy footsteps shook the ground, and the stench of decay mixed with magic wafted through the air. The grotesque appearance of the monsters they finally faced made the tense soldiers tremble with fear, their spear tips shaking.

And then, the priests’ blessings enveloped them all.

Wrapped like a veil.

A faint holy light lingers on every soldier’s weapon.

The light of Elpinel.

The permeating holy light suppresses fear, pulling up a shred of courage and adding vitality to the entire body.

“All holy legion, defensive stance! Elpinel watches over us!”

At Richard’s command, the holy legion at the front firmly grasped their shields.

Staring straight ahead, they muttered prayers under their breath.

“Heroes of the Empire! Fight without retreat! As long as we keep fighting, there is no defeat for us!”

Leopold raised his sword high and shouted until his throat tore.

The Imperial Army responded with a roar.

Soon, the living and the dead clashed fiercely.

The earth greedily swallowed the blood.

==============

Finally, the special dormitory of the academy.

Only the quiet room welcomed the tired body.

Freide headed to the administrative office to submit a report, while Damien and Milia returned to the general dormitory.

It had been a hectic schedule, so even for general students, at least a few days of rest were guaranteed.

The special dormitory was quite empty.

Nigel and Lacey had left for Einfeld, and Asha had gone out for business.

Calix was also dispatched somewhere, so the only students left in the special dormitory were Ferne and Evian.

One girl who’s hard to meet and one guy I don’t want to meet.

No reason to go out of my way to see them.

I roughly took off the damaged armor here and there and headed to the bathroom, soaking my body in the bathwater.

The warmth I hadn’t felt in half a month softly seeped into my fatigue-soaked body.

My muscles relaxed in the drowsiness that felt like sinking.

It’s warm…

I leaned back in the tub, leisurely smoking a cigarette, staring blankly at my reflection in the water.

Beyond the floating chest, a long-haired beauty with a relaxed expression looked down at me and smiled.

Calling this face a monster, people really have no eyes.

I hadn’t paid much attention until now… but I guess I’ll have to improve this somehow.

People tremble in fear when I approach, and have seizures when our eyes meet.

Even when I suppress my martial energy, their reactions are the same.

Though it’s better than when I unleash my killing intent.

There was an advantage.

Thanks to that, there were hardly any men who annoyingly pestered me.

Thinking of the guys who blushed when they saw me during my weakest times still gives me goosebumps.

But I can’t just leave it like this.

There’s a limit to covering my face with a veil every time I appear in public.

I need to build my reputation further, but it’s troublesome if everyone I meet is terrified.

Instead of reputation, only rumors and infamy will keep piling up.

I scooped water with both hands and washed my face.

Who should I consult about this problem?

Lacey? Ophelia?

Though neither is in a position to discuss this right now…

I continued my hot bath, pondering future matters.

From immediate concerns like repairing my armor, to more distant tasks like assassinating Claire or bringing down Isabella.

—-

After wrestling with the worries filling my head for an hour.

I must have smoked about seven cigarettes in a row, and by now the bathwater had almost cooled.

I got out of the tub, dried off, and headed to the bed.

When will Nigel return?

With Lacey and Leopold there, it probably won’t take too long…

Honestly, I thought they would finish the subjugation and return before us.

Even if it’s a horde of corpse monsters, ordinary monsters usually number only a few hundred at most.

But they still haven’t returned. I should check tomorrow.

No, if they’re still fighting… maybe I should go and see for myself?

That doesn’t sound bad.

If they’re still fighting, I could join in, gain achievements and reputation, and earn Lacey’s favor.

Not bad.

The others might need more rest, but I should go and see.

After some sleep, though.

I lay down and closed my eyes.

Thanks to the bath, I was relaxed, so it didn’t take long to fall asleep.