Chapter 368

“…That’s quite a fancy name for a soldier, Fleur-nim.”

Ja-han’s impression of my name was just that.

“Fleve. If you insist on using my real name, call me Fleve.”

Being called Fleur-nim feels like being called “Flower Lady” to me. Not exactly a title I’m fond of.

So, call me by my last name. It’s not like we’re close enough to be on a first-name basis anyway.

[“Star Flower? That name really doesn’t suit you at all. It’s more fitting for some sheltered noble girl who’s never held a sword in her life. Who in the world gave you such a ridiculous name?”]

“Well, my mother?”

[“…On second thought, it’s quite an elegant name for a noble lady. Your mother must have wished for you to grow up that way.”]

You’re quite good at changing your tune. Did you learn that from Leopold?

“Your name doesn’t exactly sound like a warrior’s either, does it? I don’t even know what it means.”

[“What nonsense. To harm, kill, and make the enemy wail. What could be more warrior-like than that?”]

…So, that’s what Ha-shal-leur means?

I doubt Ai-mel-ra would have given her daughter such a name, so it must have been Or-han who named her. What a twisted man, naming his daughter something like that.

—

After leaving the basement, I returned to Ludwig’s office and relayed what I had heard from Ja-han. The news that Hersela’s elite guard had self-destructed probably didn’t mean much to Ludwig, but I figured it was worth mentioning.

“…So, no pursuit team followed them?”

“That’s what he said. Ja-han didn’t know why either, but… it seems something big must have happened in the Siorthos. If it was enough to stop the pursuit of a traitor, maybe Or-han has finally returned or something?”

Ludwig shook his head.

“Unlikely. If Or-han’s main force had returned, they would have sent out an overwhelming number of warriors to capture the traitor and strengthen internal unity. If there was no pursuit, it means the main force hasn’t returned, and the existing troops were needed elsewhere. For example… they might have found traces of a major criminal who had gone into hiding.”

Are you talking about Amin? Well, if they had found Amin’s traces at that time, they wouldn’t have had the luxury to worry about Ja-han’s escape.

“So, the situation in the east is still unclear… That’s troublesome. We can’t maintain this tense state forever. I need to go back soon too.”

“You’re planning to return to the City of Exra-shapel? At a time like this, with war looming in the east…? That’s not exactly welcome news. I won’t demand that you, as the heir of Landenburg, take on a sense of responsibility, but if you’re going to inherit my territory, you should at least show some concern for its safety.”

When I mentioned returning to the City of Exra-shapel, Ludwig looked troubled and took a deep drag from his thick magic cigar.

“I know that, but… it’s not just chaos here. The fairies and demi-humans are fighting to the death, monsters and bandits are rampant all over the Empire, and even the Holy Kingdom is acting suspiciously. Especially the Holy Kingdom. Those bastards definitely have someone high up who’s connected to Isabella… but we have no idea who or how many.”

If the Holy Kingdom continues to be uncooperative, it’ll be a big problem. If they don’t hold the front line against the fairies in the west, the Empire’s burden will only grow.

Whether it’s the work of some shadowy figure connected to Isabella or just dissatisfaction with the establishment of the Empire’s Archdiocese, I don’t know… but if we find that shadowy figure and crucify them, they won’t be able to act so brazenly anymore.

The fact that a heretic has emerged among the Cardinals is a disgrace that will go down in history.

“So, Archbishop Lacey is planning to investigate the Holy Kingdom… but if she and Bels go there, I’m afraid they’ll just get brainwashed and never return. Or worse, they might not come back at all.”

In the worst-case scenario, they might even be used as breeding stock for the next generation of saints.

A priest’s power is proportional to the depth of their faith, but bloodline aptitude can’t be ignored either. Priests usually don’t marry, so it’s not common knowledge, but those in the know are aware.

If she’s a talent who can manifest holy light at the age of nineteen, her child would likely be overflowing with priestly talent too. Forcing her to bear a child and then brainwashing the child as they grow up would create a perfect saint candidate.

“That’s… certainly a problem we can’t ignore. We can’t disband the Archdiocese now.”

Ludwig stroked his chin and let out a long sigh. He knows better than anyone how important cooperation with the Holy Kingdom is for the Empire’s stability. Probably better than I do.

“Originally, I was a bit worried too, but apparently, someone named Joshua has reached the level of a hero. With nine masters and one hero, even if Or-han’s army comes, we should be able to hold them off with a defensive battle on the barrier, right?”

“Sir Blake has shown some strange powers, but… is that really the level of a hero? Like you?”

Not like me. Even if someone reaches the level of a hero, it doesn’t mean they’re on par with me.

To be considered a strong fighter on my level, you’d need at least the physical abilities of a Suin’s grand warrior and the versatile combat skills of a high-level mage.

“I haven’t seen it myself, so I can’t say for sure, but it’s probably true. That kind of bizarre power is proof of reaching the level of a hero. Of course, since he’s just reached that level, he’s probably weaker than me or Or-han. But he should be able to handle a defensive battle.”

I’d like to spar with him, but… now’s not the time. If two heroes clash at full power, it’s unlikely to end as a light spar.

If we both end up in the hospital and Or-han attacks at that time, it’ll go down in history as the dumbest defeat ever.

“The Holy Kingdom. The Holy Kingdom…”

Ludwig muttered heavily, his head slightly bowed. He probably doesn’t want to send me away, but his mind understands that I need to go to the Holy Kingdom.

“Then, can you wait here for about a month? If Or-han doesn’t attack within a month, the war will likely be postponed until next spring. Considering your and the Archbishop’s goals, it’ll take at least a couple of months to resolve things, so a month seems just about right.”

A month.

Right. Lacey should be able to wait that long. The war between the fairies and demi-humans isn’t likely to end in just a month.

—

While I was at it, I also got permission to take Ja-han under my command. He’ll be staying here for the time being, but keeping him locked up in that basement would be enough to give Hersela a fit.

“If he tries to return to the east or causes trouble here, even as your subordinate, I can’t just let it slide. As the lord of Landenburg, I’ll have to deal with him. Keep that in mind.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep him on a tight leash.”

After wishing Ludwig good luck, I left his office and headed to the reception room where Rana and Nigel were waiting.

“I’m back.”

“Ha-shal-leur unnie!”

Rana, who had been chatting with Nigel, ran over to me as soon as she saw me. I placed my right hand on her head and ruffled her hair while glancing at Nigel.

“Ha-shal-leur-nim. Did the discussion go well?”

“Yes. I’ll be staying here for a month. After that, I’ll have to go back.”

“That’s good news. With war on the horizon, there’s no one more reliable than you, Ha-shal-leur-nim.”

Nigel smiled brightly, clearly happy that I’d be staying here.

“Your seniors aren’t that reliable, huh?”

“Huh? No, that’s not what I meant. I just…”

He looked flustered.

“Just kidding. Don’t take it so seriously.”

I shrugged with a chuckle, and Nigel let out a light sigh.

“You’re too much… If Sir Heinrich heard that, he’d be furious.”

“Heinrich? Who’s that?”

If Nigel is using an honorific, he must be one of Landenburg’s swords.

“The second sword of Landenburg… He’s from Dane, so he doesn’t particularly like the Ka`har. He didn’t oppose you becoming Landenburg’s heir, but he wasn’t exactly thrilled about it either.”

“Ah…”

If he’s from Dane, that makes sense. A nation that’s been plundered by the Ka`har day in and day out, having a Ka`har half-blood, especially one known for slaughtering Danes, as their lord… the fact that he didn’t outright oppose it is almost saintly.

Still, I’d better avoid him. If Nigel is saying that, he probably harbors deep hatred for the Ka`har. I might tolerate it, but if he sees Ja-han, he might draw his sword.

“Of all people, a Dane…”

It’s been a while since I thought about the past. Knut. The image of that crusader, his blue eyes filled with hatred, radiating the holy light of Bølberg as he charged at me.

Come to think of it, I heard he’s still alive, but I haven’t seen him around. He probably can’t fight in that state, so maybe he went back to Dane?