Chapter 50

50.

Click.

The sense of liberation upon the disappearance of the ropes that had bound his wrists.

Norman gently massaged his chafed wrists as he stood up.

Cain had cut the ropes and now watched leisurely. That infuriating attitude made Norman grit his teeth.

‘…Damn it.’

There was no doubt everything was going berserk.

If swinging heads around like that wasn’t evidence of madness, then what was it?

The Grand Plaza drenched in blood could only be described as a slaughterhouse.

The Grand Duke issuing orders without hearing explanations or the Imperial Knights silently swinging their swords.

‘Madmen.’

Norman muttered a curse and turned his gaze.

Cain’s calm voice pierced into his ears.

“Norman Bradden. Claiming a duel of honor and integrity at this late hour, don’t you think that’s rather brazen?”

“…Don’t insult me, MacBilian. If you’ve thrown down the gauntlet for a duel, then let my sword do the talking.”

“Hmm… fair enough. Let the sword prove it, then.”

Cain tilted his head to the side while loosening up his body.

Norman felt a chill but glanced around self-assuredly.

Cain was undoubtedly of the mana manifestation level in terms of skill.

Even though there were no visible signs of superhuman characteristics, the evidence of the knights sent to the south all being killed was proof enough.

For a commoner to charge at Cain was no different than wishing for suicide.

But Norman was confident. Because the giant of the Eastern faction and his followers were here.

‘I have a Great Knight.’

To create a fair duel, if there was a clear skill disparity, one could present the Great Knight to even the odds.

The Eastern faction and Lucanov must have moved to save him.

If they had intended otherwise, they wouldn’t have come all the way to the Grand Plaza.

The knights were already gathered at the Grand Plaza. They would willingly accept the Great Knight at his request.

Thus, Norman looked at the cluster of nobles with a composed demeanor.

“What…?”

The nobles turned their backs on Norman.

They quietly observed the situation as if waiting for someone’s cue. There was only one person whom these arrogant nobles would look to.

‘Lucanov…!’

Norman glared fiercely at the head of the Eastern faction.

The suspicious and angry gaze of the middle-aged noble.

Kierson returned that look while slowly moving his lips.

‘Give up.’

Norman’s stomach dropped.

Kierson Lucanov, the Eastern faction, had abandoned him.

Norman quickly turned his head.

On the opposite side of the Eastern faction, Banel Schrantz was watching the situation along with the Western faction.

The opposing faction’s key figures were being eliminated.

The west wouldn’t help. Norman’s body trembled.

“The difference in abilities is so apparent that there’s no need for a Great Knight. However, I permit you to present one.”

Fear set in Norman’s body as Cain continued.

“Is there anyone who will stand for Norman Bradden in this duel against me? Anyone will do.”

The frenzied cries that once filled the Grand Plaza had vanished as if washed away.

The citizens looked on with interest at the noble’s duel, while the central nobles anticipated Norman’s end and remained silent.

The sky above continued to calmly shower large snowflakes.

Thus, under the silent gaze of everyone, a firm voice broke the silence.

“I shall step forward.”

Crack.

A knight emerged through the crowd, his face clearly visible as he wasn’t wearing a helmet.

Upon recognizing the knight’s face, Norman muttered faintly, as if lost.

“Aidan…?”

Blocking Norman’s mutterings, Aidan Bradden spoke.

“I shall serve as my father’s Great Knight. Your Highness, Duke, would that be acceptable?”

Cain nodded in response to the question.

Aidan politely inclined his head, then turned his head slightly while putting on his helmet.

“Father, please step back. I shall return victorious from this duel.”

“But… you…”

“It’s fine.”

“I’m fine.”

With that faint murmur, Aidan turned his gaze back to Cain.

The glory of ascending to the domain of supermen through the support of his house and denying that it was stained with countless cries of anguish and blood.

However, that sacrifice awakened him as a mana manifestation user and elevated his reputation by cutting down foreign strongmen, including Silvester.

“…But that’s just a good excuse.”

The Bradden name is at an end. That fact remains unchanged.

But at least, in front of everyone watching here, he had to display the minimum honor and integrity.

To prove that sacrifice leads to glory.

Even if death awaits at the end of this duel.

“Ready.”

“Understood.”

Cain confirmed that Norman had moved far away, looked around, and shouted loudly.

“I am about to begin the duel of honor regarding Norman Bradden’s charges of treason! All those observing this duel are both mediators and witnesses!”

With those words, both Cain and Aidan placed their hands on their swords.

The tense breaths of the people filled the Grand Plaza.

Without thinking about brushing off the falling snow, they focused on every movement of the two.

“If you have even a shred of hope, fight with all your strength. Sir Aidan.”

“…Thank you for your consideration.”

Aidan did not decline the courtesy offered by the superior warrior.

Hoooh—

A unique and overwhelming wave of mana emanated from Aidan.

The storm of unseen mana that violently swirled around.

Its mysterious pressure gradually enveloped the Grand Plaza.

Aidan did not stop the extreme use of mana, even though he had reached his limit.

Still not enough.

To effortlessly cut the neck of a superman, to deal with that incomprehensible existence.

On the final day of the selection.

Getting beaten almost to death by a man who wasn’t even a mana manifestation user until the near-death moment, then being carried off by the church.

After two weeks, when he rose from his sickbed on that day.

Aidan felt the insurmountable wall.

“Gahhh…”

Blood welled up from within.

This wondrous ability granted to supermen starts to rage uncontrollably at the slightest transgression of the body’s limits.

Crack.

Aidan ground his teeth to endure the pain that felt like his insides were burning.

Endurance was familiar.

It was a basic knightly quality. This current pain didn’t matter.

What mattered was…

‘Winning.’

The man standing before him, Cain MacBilian, had to be defeated.

That was the only way for the Bradden name to survive.

But Aidan had already failed once during the selection.

This duel was akin to going to die.

Even so…

‘I must save them. Father, my younger brother, the Braddens.’

The shining white sword of the knight.

People were captivated by its sacred and dazzling brilliance.

Aidan closed his eyes.

‘I must win, even if it costs me my life.’

Thus, he must overcome the barrier before his eyes!

Oh, world, oh goddess who benevolently governs all existence,

Please grant me the vision of the future for the first and last time.

Even if this body is carved and carved again,

I will risk my soul for those who remain.

Even if Aidan Bradden does not exist in that future, I shall readily wield my sword.

‘…No!’

I stand here only to prove that my life has not been misguided, to surpass that man!

Oh, the flame of life,

Consume me and erupt from the tip of this sword!

Woooom—

The storm engulfing the Grand Plaza gradually subsided.

Then, a faint bluish light flickered within the mana contained in Aidan’s sword.

Some of the mana manifestation users observing the duel unconsciously grasped their swords.

It was different from the usual aura of a mana manifestation user.

A calm, yet heavy momentum that seemed to have shattered some frame.

It was like a massive storm about to explode.

It felt as though their necks would be severed at any moment if they didn’t draw their swords. The intensity of the alien sensation overwhelmed their entire body.

A few inexperienced individuals collapsed without knowing why or instinctively drew their swords halfway, looking flustered.

‘This…’

Cain also gripped his sword firmly.

It was qualitatively different from the ordinary flow of mana.

This was the power that transcends limits at the cost of life. Facing it head-on would surely result in death.

“…I’m moving.”

Aidan said calmly as blood streamed from his mouth.

The faint blue light in the helmet seemed to flicker.

His armor was stained red from the blood flowing from the helmet.

Cain silently nodded his head and both pushed off the ground simultaneously.

KWAANG!

A loud explosion sounded and a ringing echoed in peoples’ ears.

In an instant, the storm surged up to the sky, dispersing the gray clouds, and the snowflakes falling from above evaporated in the manastorm, disappearing.

People were flung away, caught in the wake of the clash.

Without even a scream, people were tossed about and immediately rushed toward the center of the Grand Plaza when the aftermath of the explosion faded.

Sunlight beamed down through the cloud rents.

The center of the intact Grand Plaza was now a massive mess as if a giant dragon’s claws had swept through it.

And there stood two duelists with crossed swords, their backs to each other.

The awe-inspiring scene left the people breathless.

The winner of the duel was already clear.

The knight’s cleanly severed head falling to the ground.

The sword in his hand was shattered into pieces, leaving no trace.

Aidan Bradden,

the young knight who stepped into the transcendence,

has perished.

People turned their gaze toward the victor of the duel.

Cain moved his stiff body with difficulty and regulated his breathing.

‘My breath feels strained.’

His breathing wasn’t steady.

The metallic taste in his mouth, it feels like my insides are damaged.

The arm holding the sword, along with half of his body, was paralyzed. His vision spun as if he had a bout of dizziness.

Worse still, it seemed he had absorbed part of Aidan’s dissipating mana, causing his body to boil with madness.

The world split and merged in dizzying sensations.

This was an intense pain he had never felt before, but Cain endured it forcefully.

‘This much…’

It was a head-on clash without Calion. He nearly met his end just now.

‘Swordmaster contender…’

The faint blue tinge on Aidan’s sword as it was drawn.

There were varying tales about Swordmasters, but one clear phenomenon distinguished their transcendent realm.

It’s said that when Ascendant Gong of the North unleashed his mana to sweep away the enemy army, his sword had a blue flame.

Aidan’s sword wasn’t enveloped in flames but had a bluish hue.

Perhaps he was on the verge of reaching the Swordmaster’s realm.

‘What a brilliant but tragic future lost…’

The realm achieved by sacrificing his very soul isn’t an idle hypothesis.

Cain, offering his momentary reflection, moved towards Norman, who sat dejectedly on the ground.

“Aidan Bradden proved his radiant honor but ultimately fell, thereby concluding the duel.”

Having declared the end of the duel, Cain extended his hand.

Indicating the sword, one of the royal knights quickly unsheathed and handed it over, which Cain drew and swung in one breath.

Swiish.

With a faint sound, Norman’s head flew off.

Turning his back on Norman’s head staring with wide, tear-filled eyes, Cain swallowed the blood in his throat and calmly declared.

“With this, the trial concludes.”

***

It’s been a week since I dealt with Norman Bradden.

The turmoil at the Grand Plaza spread by word of mouth as the notorious “Iron-Blooded Verdict.”

Iron-Blooded Verdict, huh?

Though it made me feel a bit queasy, with my hands and feet curling unnaturally, I shrugged it off as it being quite impressive.

Anyway.

Seizing Bradden’s property due to treason charges and appropriately handling related individuals with the help of Hyewol Palace.

The workload poured down like crazy, exacerbated by half of the North Gate Guard Bureau being annihilated. I had to deploy the knights to fill the security void and adjust the schedules.

Arthur Bradden, the sole survivor of the once-prominent viscount family, was sent as a rookie commander to the northern front.

As a matter of fact, Arthur should have met his end too.

However, considering Aidan’s final will and Arthur’s lack of involvement in the Bradden affairs, he was appointed as a lifetime officer at the northern front.

In practice, it was akin to banishment, a sentence similar to letting him rot there.

But it’s better than death, isn’t it? The northern front will likely welcome the unexpected reinforcement as they’re short of personnel.

Though, how can someone as inexperienced as Arthur survive on that freezing battlefield of death?

Well, who knows?

He might become the insane commander at the northern front and earn the favor of the northern Duke, becoming a war hero.

“Stay strong, Arthur Bradden.”

We’ll likely meet again someday up north.

Turning away from the lifeless expression on Arthur’s face as he was carted away in a carriage.

The weather was clear.

Winter had passed, and early spring approached, yet the cold wind still lingered over the capital.

On this bright day as the melting snow dripped along the roads, I arrived at the eastern Grand Plaza where the Braddens had been executed.

Since I’ve shown such a gruesome event, it’s only proper to balance it out with something heartwarming.

Though my condition isn’t good, to maintain appearances, I must perform external activities casually. This will deter the nobles from targeting me for a while.

The eastern Grand Plaza, devastated after the incident, was bustling with a crowd.

Where last time it was a stage for the execution of criminals, today it honors heroes.

“…In recognition of those who stood firm against various dangers and temptations, preserving order and upholding the empire’s integrity, the Empress of the empire, Iris Falenberk, bestows proper rewards on these individuals.”

I handed them a few gold coins from the large carriage and diligently replaced the insignias on the shoulders of the third security force members while patting them.

“Thank you! I shall burn my life for the empire!”

“Long live Her Majesty the Empress! Glory and order to the empire!”

Responding appropriately to the staff’s proud determination, the ceremony swiftly went by.

Thus, reaching the final turn,

I handed over the bag of gold coins along with a golden document and spoke.

“…I grant the title of Baron and the domain of Whitewillow. Aria Whitewillow is now a formal noble of the empire and henceforth the appointed district chief. Remember the honor of the nobility and your professional vows; ensure the preservation of order in the northern district. That’s all.”

Aria, kneeling reverently, accepted the document and slowly rose.

“Aria Whitewillow receives the great command of our glorious empire.”

“Yes. Baron Whitewillow. I expect great accomplishments from you.”

“Yes. I’ll wager everything and ensure it.”

The splendid navy uniform adorned with the white-bordered emblem representing baron status.

Looking at her fiery blue eyes, I turned away.

‘Good. Now I have one more diligent subordinate.’

This ridiculous award ceremony at the ruined plaza couldn’t be helped.

The eastern Grand Plaza, bearing symbolic significance, was directly related to the Third Security Force.

Metaphor is quite important. It moves emotions and builds trust in such small details.

After shaking hands with Aria, I briskly moved on without a chance to hear any brief remarks.

This morning had the commendation of the 3rd Security Force members, and this afternoon, a major administrative meeting was scheduled.

‘I might go crazy.’

This imperial seat offers no rest.

Probably because I’m still short on underlings to push around. Now that the external operations are winding down, it’s finally time to focus on talent acquisition. Ugh.

Muttering these mild curses to myself, I quickly returned to the Imperial Palace.

*

After hastily finishing lunch and a short rest, Iris and I moved to the conference room.

This meeting was the first large-scale administrative gathering of the year.

Considering the events that have transpired and the accumulated follow-up matters, it promises to be a busy meeting.

And I guess I’ll witness the chaotic scene again about five minutes before it goes crazy.

Well, somehow it’ll be fine. If not, I’ll just tidy it up.

“Her Majesty the Empress and Your Grace the Duke have entered!”

With the knight’s booming voice, the doors of the conference room opened.

The atmosphere inside the conference room was silent.

It wasn’t the eerie silence of emptiness, for all the seats were filled.

Much like the administrative meeting held in autumn.

Back then, when the doors opened, everyone fell silent as well.

However, today’s scenery inside the conference room was markedly different from before.

Swoosh.

The nobles who occupied the conference room in a fan shape bowed their heads in unison as Iris and I stepped inside.

The perfect alignment of bowed heads among the central nobles.

And at the far end of the room, the two Dukes remained standing, watching us.

‘Not bad.’

This is the right landscape.

Looking casually around the meeting room and extending my hand to Iris,

Gently holding her delicate hand, we slowly moved toward the seat of honor.

The silence hung heavy in the conference room, without a single sound of breathing.

Only the sounds of Iris’s and my footsteps echoed through the silent room.

The nobles who bowed their heads remained motionless even as we passed by.

Finally, sitting in the seat of honor, the two Dukes bowed, then Iris turned her head.

Our eyes met, and with a slight nod, Iris softly spoke.

“Lift your heads.”

The calm declaration echoing through the conference room caused the nobles to raise their heads.

“…I shall now begin the administrative meeting.”

Alberto’s declaration marked the start of the composed administrative meeting.

I grinned as I observed the nervous expressions of the nobles sequentially delivering their reports.

Now, their present attitudes likely stem from fear of me.

But soon, it will evolve into awe towards Iris and ultimately reverence for the sovereign of the empire.

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