Three days had passed since the conclusion of the Sword Oath Festival.
Strictly speaking, it couldn’t really be called “over.”
Even though Helvint valued the Sword Oath Festival greatly, it was absurd to think that the current situation allowed for a proper conclusion.
Currently, Arandel was busy handling various aftermaths of the festival’s related incidents.
Rianne and Roengreen were also processing compensations and other tasks accordingly.
And Isaac…
“…”
Stood in front of a small, unnamed tomb.
Since she had been the assailant involved in the assassination attempt on Galenia, Millie couldn’t be given an official grave. But Isaac had erected this makeshift headstone in his own way to honor Millie.
Of course, with Galenia’s true identity now revealed, people’s views toward Millie would also change.
Unfortunately, in such a chaotic situation, there was no time or resources to reconsider the loss of just a cook.
“…It’s ridiculous.”
Isaac had already said everything he wanted to say during his daily visits over the last three days.
Did you see?
Did the entire Helmunth household watch with shocked eyes as I stood here?
Were you watching and smiling from where you were, Millie?
The initial lump in his throat had now settled into a gentle smile. The reason he visited this place every day without fail was simple — it gave him peace of mind.
The warm memories of the time he had spent with Millie in the otherwise cold Helmunth mansion floated back to him when he came here, warming his body like an ember.
But he couldn’t stay here forever.
The sound of footsteps approached from behind.
Turning his head slowly as if greeting a visitor, he saw Princess Clarice with her guard, Heirad.
Heirad was a handsome man with golden hair, the type who clearly came from high society unlike Isaac. As the princess’s knight, it was no surprise that palace maids quietly spread rumors about a forbidden love between him and the princess.
…Though if they were caught, it would be serious trouble.
“Looks like if Isaac’s not around, this is where he’ll be. You were right.”
“Good day to you, Master Isaac.”
While Clarice greeted Isaac casually, Heirad bowed deeply with utmost respect.
This was one of the noticeable changes after this year’s Sword Oath Festival. Especially those skilled with the sword regarded Isaac with a mixture of awe and respect.
“Isaac, let’s head back to the mansion. There’s a meeting about the Transcendental Tribe. We’re running a bit late.”
Without hesitation, Isaac followed her.
Walking next to Heirad, Clarice deliberately slowed her pace to push Heirad further back and take a spot next to Isaac.
“Funny, isn’t it? Even for Helmunth, this is too much.”
“…”
Apparently, Clarice had more Helmunth-related grievances to vent, and it seemed Isaac was a more suitable target than Heirad. Isaac listened silently to the princess’s complaints after three days of her staying at the Helmunth mansion.
“What? How could they get away so cleanly? They didn’t know? They eliminated Galenia themselves? The Transcendental Tribe dealt with their own? They prepared the most for the festival but ended up being victims too?!”
“…”
Isaac looked at the princess with an embarrassed expression. Heirad turned his head awkwardly.
“Are you kidding me?! Does anyone really believe Galenia alone took responsibility and sacrificed herself for her family’s honor?!”
“Only you, Princess, most people don’t know.”
“What a bunch of nonsense…”
Clarice’s complaints made sense, but realizing Galenia’s true intentions wasn’t easy, and only someone familiar with the intricate details would be able to spot it.
A tragedy brewed from madness and obsession, all stemming from love.
“Love is something that’s difficult to explain logically or through words, after all.”
“So that’s why you married into Helmunth?”
“…”
“Ah, sorry! That was out of line. My mouth just ran away from me when I’m angry.”
Ironically, not being able to refute her comment was what truly irritated Isaac.
“Anyway, Galenia ended up making the best choice in the worst possible scenario.”
“Right.”
It couldn’t be helped. With her collusion already exposed to the princess, sacrificing herself was the wisest move to protect her beloved Arandel. And it had to be done at Arandel’s hands.
As a result, the normally unapproachable Helmunth household began opening up.
Besides, with the sudden attack, even the Transcendental Tribe didn’t have time to react properly. Despite infiltrating human society, they couldn’t avoid significant casualties thanks to the numerous Knights of Helmunth present during the ceremony.
Galenia had, in essence, treated the Transcendental Tribe as sacrificial lambs and accomplices for Arandel’s cause. Isaac couldn’t help but feel she had surpassed mere insanity with her swift calculations.
“Compensation for the other nobles is going well, and they even held a large memorial service for the villagers… It’s all fine, I get it…”
Helmunth’s response had been quite appropriate. While accepting their responsibility, they clearly drew a line between themselves and Galenia.
They didn’t hesitate to fully compensate those affected. Despite the financial strain from the festival, they didn’t hesitate to open their warehouses.
This showed in their attitude — they didn’t care about anything but swords.
“And the thing that pisses me off is that while they accept responsibility, they clearly deny wrong-doing. I just want to smack those smug Helmunth heads.”
That would only hurt her own hand.
“Do you know why no one says anything? It’s because it’s Helmunth! That great sword! That war deterrent!”
Technically, it was less about Helmunth’s intention than Galenia’s final setup, but what was the point of arguing over a dead person anymore?
Isaac and Heirad could only silently listen to Princess Clarice’s grievances.
Arriving at Helmunth Mansion, they entered the reception room where Arandel, Rianne, and Roengreen were already seated. Also present were the nobles who participated in the festival, including Ulthiran and Silbern from Cardias.
Naturally, as Isaac moved to sit with the nobles, he awkwardly coughed and instead sat next to Rianne when he noticed the curious looks from those around.
“…Did we arrive late?”
“No, you’re right on time.”
As Isaac nodded at Rianne’s reply and glanced around the room, he realized he was still technically in the position of a future son-in-law and thus aligned himself with the Helmunth side.
From somewhere, a whistling sound was clearly heard. Rogengreen was glaring at Isaac like a dog on a leash, his eyes filled with bloodshot.
“Damn Helmunth.”
Helmunth’s natural healing was quick. Though some magic was likely used, Rogengreen’s wounds had already healed completely.
“Look away.”
Rianne, seated between the two, openly warned Rogengreen.
In spite of her low voice, which Rogengreen clearly heard, he continued glaring.
“I said, look down.”
Under Rianne’s near-threat, Rogengreen finally turned his head with gritted teeth.
“…Didn’t think you’d say something like that?”
“You have to speak dog language to dogs.”
Isaac, surprised by Rianne’s strong words, watched as Rogengreen flinched again but didn’t respond.
Rogengreen’s changed attitude, Sharon’s seclusion in her room, Rianne’s determination — Galenia’s death was causing various internal changes in the Helmunth household.
“Alright, let’s begin.”
Standing at the center, Princess Clarice began speaking. Though the youngest, she naturally took the lead due to her royal status.
“Soon, the royal family plans to assault the territories of Blackhand for colluding with the Transcendental Tribe.”
This operation had been planned before the festival. The delay was due to unforeseen circumstances, but Clarice actually considered it a good opportunity.
“Based on my information, Blackhand has definitively betrayed the kingdom.”
Their territory was silent except for the sound of crows. The skies were perpetually filled with dark clouds.
Her informants went so far as to describe the land as dying.
“The reason I’m revealing this information here is obvious. I certainly don’t think Helmunth should be let off so easily regarding this incident.”
Her purple eyes glinted.
“So as a form of apology, and to prove that you aren’t traitors…”
The princess seemed to be questioning Helmunth directly.
Do you truly fight as they say?
“Lead the charge from the front lines of Helmunth.”
Come along to Blackhand.
*
In a foggy place among the rocky mountains, a woman who lived like an immortal without being one resided.
“Hmm.”
A large wine glass, shaped like a bowl.
The wine within was consumed swig by swig by the woman, her black hair sprawling across a wooden platform like it had been spilled.
A sword leaning against her side was unusually long and curved like the moon.
It was called a great saber.
“How tiresome the world is.”
The woman’s bored mutterings coincided with the twitching ears poking out from her black hair.
Then, out of nowhere, a faceless man appeared before her.
Despite no scent or indication of his arrival, the woman slowly rose and smirked at the visibly nervous man.
“Have I not told you already that I won’t eat you? You’re starting to get more annoying than cute appearing like that.”
The woman’s fangs flashed.
“I wonder what face you’ll make if you were to stand before me directly.”
Her tongue licking her lips, the woman growled as if itching for a fight. But the man silently relayed his message.
“Did you hear about the Sword Oath Festival?”
“Huh? Helvint? Is it that time already?”
The woman took another sip of wine and tilted her head, wondering why Helvint was mentioned out of the blue.
“The rumors say Helvint’s sword has been broken.”
“Pfft. That’s just idle talk from fools. As long as Arandel lives, Helvint’s sword isn’t broken.”
“But the rumors say otherwise. And Helvint doesn’t deny it.”
“…”
“Wouldn’t this be useful for us? Could you look into it?”
“Hm.”
Was it the intoxication from the wine that made her feel so good? Or was it just boredom from sitting around doing nothing?
It didn’t matter.
“Send a carriage.”
Accepting the woman’s response, the man disappeared as silently as he had come.
“Damaen! The carriage is coming, so get ready!”
“Right! Teacher!”
The man called Damaen, who had been standing some distance away with his arms crossed, immediately headed down the rocky mountain.
“Hmph.”
Picking her great saber and slinging it across her shoulder, the woman sneered to herself as she recalled the recent conversation.
“Helvint’s sword has been broken, you say?”
Whatever the truth may be…
For the first time in a long while, the woman found herself deeply intrigued.
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