Chapter 47

Here’s the translated text into English using first-person point of view:

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What was going on?

Feeling the presence of someone approaching us from behind while we were in a standoff with Khalid, I went to deal with them so as not to hinder Asulin’s confrontation with Khalid.

“Guh…”

“Grr…”

“There’s no way…”

The mercenaries, estimated to be around seven or so, whom I was trying to restrain, were sprawled out on the ground, utterly beaten. Their groans filled the air.

Their weapons, regardless of their type, were split exactly in half, one lying on the ground and the other still held loosely in their hands.

Their armor, which was more heavily damaged than their weapons, rendered it useless.

“My sword is too powerful for your skills.”

Though this situation was pitiful, they all managed to keep their lives.

Recalling how difficult it is to subdue rather than kill, it became clear that the person who subdued these armed mercenaries had extraordinary skill.

While it was important to know who subdued them, what mattered more at the moment was identifying these fallen ones. I carefully examined the fallen mercenaries.

Judging by their attire, which was typical of the Western Continent,

‘They must be henchmen of that foreigner.’

It seemed obvious that this foreigner, who appeared to have high status in their own land on the Western Continent, had prepared these mercenaries to forcefully seize the Failord, which couldn’t be bought with money.

Despite their attempts to make a mark, the one who utterly devastated them had overwhelming power.

Turning my gaze from the mercenaries to the one who had left them in such a state,

A young man with green hair, who almost deliberately handed over the Failord to Asulin during the auction to reclaim it, looked down at his fallen opponents with arrogance, still wearing a mask unlike me.

Holding the sword in his right hand, he sheathed it smoothly.

Seeing his flawless sheathing motion, it was clear he had the skill to subdue such a number of people without injury.

His arrogant gaze, his unwavering stare even after sheathing the sword, would normally seem pretentious, but somehow his appearance made it look like a beautiful painting.

His pitch-black eyes, even behind the mask, gave an unfeeling impression.

“I need to restrain them. We can’t let these Salary Thieves escape until they arrive.”

His voice, which wasn’t audible when he briefly called out the bid, became more delicate and soft yet authoritative when speaking longer.

From his attire, appearance, and speech, it was clear he wasn’t just a commoner but definitely a noble, perhaps even a high-ranking one.

I, who had seen countless nobles through the back alleys, didn’t recognize him.

Asulin also failed to recognize him at first, but later did, suggesting they had some form of communication through the bidding.

Who could this person be?

Clap-clap—

My reverie, broken by the green-haired youth clapping his hands, shifted my attention to the fact that magic ropes made of mana were forming around him, binding the mercenaries.

Judging by the method of activation, it seemed like a spell, but it was different from spells cast with a wand, hand signs, or a formation.

Just as the young man’s magical prowess was impressive enough not to be underestimated, his ability to swiftly bind the mercenaries with telekinetic force showed his formidable power.

‘Can I handle this?’

Naturally, this led me to consider the unfavorable situation and whether I could respond adequately when facing him.

He didn’t show any particular hostility towards me, despite not considering me at all, and from Asulin’s earlier interaction, it was clear they knew each other.

‘This situation calls for caution.’

Even the foreigner from the Western Continent, who hadn’t made any conspicuous moves in the auction hall, was now releasing his henchmen to forcefully seize the Failord.

Where could there be any room for caution?

As I prepared to draw the Failord if necessary, I fixed my gaze on the young man who had bound the mercenaries. But as his eyes turned towards me, I realized such concerns were unnecessary.

“Hmm…”

With a playful glint in his eyes, the young man spoke in a more refined tone.

“It seems you were late, so I took care of it. Any complaints?”

His voice, which had been somewhat neutral, now sounded delicate, soft, and authoritative.

‘Ahh.’

I recognized who this young man, or rather, this woman, was.

Immediately, my movements quickened.

Kneeling on my right knee naturally, I bowed.

“Your Imperial Majesty, the brightest sun of our Empire.”

“Ah…”

Listening to the imperial lady’s commanding yet gentle voice, I raised my head.

“I wondered how you’d react, so I used my original voice. You recognized me just by hearing it. How did you know who I am just from my voice?”

I could immediately see her face as she removed the mask, revealing her true appearance.

Her platinum blonde hair, long and neat, and her piercing black eyes that made anyone hesitate, along with her stunning beauty that would turn heads.

Not only was she incredibly beautiful, but she was also the empress of an empire that ruled a continent and the rightful owner of the Dragon Slayer Sword, Ascalon.

This made me feel the world was unjust.

“Are you listening? I asked how you knew it was me.”

Looking at Claudia’s stern expression, I responded.

“At the prisoner stage and during the coronation ceremony, I heard your voice from afar. How could I forget?”

When I confirmed it was her voice from the coronation ceremony, Claudia nodded calmly.

“You remembered my voice even though you were among the last. That’s remarkable.”

Her calm reaction suggested that mentioning the coronation ceremony was the right choice.

“Among those who stood against me during the Succession War, it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t fear me so closely. You’re the first.”

She expressed interest in me, who remained unperturbed despite seeing her up close.

“After all, you weren’t afraid even when we met under restraint during the war. It’s natural you wouldn’t be affected by seeing me now.”

Stepping closer, the emperor recalled the end of the Succession War.

After temporarily forming an alliance to repel the demonic forces, the Black Wing Knights, who were easily subdued due to lack of sustained offensive power, were brought to the princess.

Thinking of the time when I pleaded for mercy for the Black Wing Knights, who were sentenced to death for the wrong judgment of their former lord, I remembered the generous treatment I received from the princess, despite being a prisoner.

“…Even though you were sentenced to death, your composure in the face of death changed my mind about making you an example. Why would I be intimidated by you now?”

Hearing this, it seemed that Asulin’s decision alone wasn’t the reason I survived through marriage.

Curiosity piqued, I wanted to learn more about the details.

But instead of blurting it out, I replied calmly.

“Surely, it’s not strange to harbor no fear before Your Majesty, who deserves utmost loyalty.”

Seeming pleased with my response,

“Ahaha.”

The empress laughed heartily.

“Good, very good. Despite the passage of time, your unwavering attitude is commendable.”

Turning to the mercenaries he had subdued, the emperor continued.

“These men work for the League, doing dirty jobs. They pretended to be mercenaries, but when I tried to confront them, they immediately tried to assassinate me. To uncover their backers, I restrained them.”

He revealed that these men were assassins working for the League.

That meant their faces were also fake.

“How fortunate you managed to apprehend them.”

“Thanks to Asulin’s letter inviting me here, I was able to trace the remnants of the war merchants. It was worth the effort.”

Realizing this himself, he felt a sense of accomplishment.

But my thoughts were elsewhere.

‘Why did Her Majesty visit Shaten…’

Wondering why the supreme ruler of the Empire visited Blood Haven without any entourage, I pondered the reasons.

Wouldn’t it be dangerous for someone without confidence to visit a place like Blood Haven, even if it had become somewhat safer?

As I considered various hypotheses about the emperor’s visit to Blood Haven, something clicked in my mind.

It was Asulin’s mention of the empress teaching her how to drink.

‘…Earlier, during the grand auction, I noticed the pearls that were sold before the Failord.’

‘Could it be?’

“Cough.”

Interrupting my reverie, the emperor’s light cough prevented further speculation.

“Asulin told me enough that I have a rough idea. I came here because…”

“I will take this secret to my grave.”

“Quick thinking is admirable.”

I found myself aligning with the emperor’s actions, who was busy concealing evidence.

Though Asulin hadn’t told me much about the emperor except that he taught her how to drink, it wasn’t appropriate to dampen the atmosphere.

Despite his keen observation of me, I remained composed.

Zzzzt!!

The sound of thunder echoed from a distance, drawing the emperor’s attention to where lightning flashed.

“Hmm, why don’t you go to Asulin instead?”

Claudia suggested I should go to Asulin.

There was no doubt Asulin had won with Caladbolg.

“Over there! Over there! We must recover Caladbolg at all costs!”

Observing the foreigner from the Western Continent leading his henchmen, urging them loudly, this side seemed urgent.

“But this will be settled soon. Go quickly to where your companion is.”

Not wanting to defy the emperor’s orders, I prepared to leave.

“Then…”

Bowing, I started to depart.

“Almost forgot. Give this to Asulin.”

The emperor tossed a note from his left hand, which I respectfully caught.

“The details are written on it, so make sure to pass on the message.”

In a neutral tone, the emperor commanded.

“Understood.”

I bowed and quickly left the scene.

Turning around, a roar echoed.

Rumble-rumble-!

The blue lightning generated by Asulin’s swing of Caladbolg clashed with the golden light erupting from the emperor.

It was a display of superhuman powers beyond comprehension, but to the citizens celebrating the new year, it was merely a spectacular sight of blue and gold explosions.

Well, better safe than sorry.

I quickly headed toward Asulin.

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