16 – 5. To Hwangseong (2)
Why are sad premonitions never wrong?
Shien sighed and covered his forehead.
“… … !”
“… … ! … … .”
I’m not sure what you mean exactly.
The knights of Lichtenau were arguing with someone.
It was obvious that someone was a member of the Fiore family.
“Shin. Suddenly, they started a fight first, what should I do?”
For Adele, who doesn’t know much between Lichtenau and Fiore.
It only looked like a scene where some crazy guys were arguing.
“… Please follow me.”
At Shien’s words, Adele nodded.
So the two approached the knights who were in the middle of a confrontation.
“everyone! Stop it. What kind of fuss is this?”
“Ah, the head of the household!”
“… Will you go to Lichtenau?”
Lichtenau’s knights are flattered.
On the contrary, the knights of Fiore frowned.
Fiore, a family with extreme antipathy towards the demons.
From nob le mt l. co m
Many of them also died and were injured in the fight with the Witchbeast.
Although it was not a demon, but a demon beast.
To them, demons and demons are all of the same type in the end.
Because of this, it is impossible to welcome Shien, who has demonic blood.
“What are you doing now? everyone. Aren’t people scared?”
“I’m sorry. Lord.”
“My lord. They dared to insult the head of the household and Lichtenauer!”
“you’re right. As a knight, this is something I cannot possibly pass over.”
The knights couldn’t hide their excitement and growled.
Shien calmed the knights of that family as much as possible.
As those who value honor, insults to their lord and family are intolerable.
However, this place is not far from the imperial castle.
If you make a fuss, you will be held accountable, no matter how Lichtenauer.
“… Are these words true? Knights of Fiore?”
“I don’t know what you mean. Lord Lichtenau.”
“That’s right. We just talked about ‘mixed blood’.”
It’s obvious, there must have been something added before and after the word mixed race.
Shien bit his lip and suppressed his anger.
In any case, it is true that he is of mixed human and demon blood.
And many people on the continent still hate demons.
Even though they waged war in alliance with humans.
Although they were recognized by the emperor through countless sacrifices.
Still, the evaluation of the demons was not good.
“What are they doing now?”
… Yeah, I knew I was going to do it around this time.
Since the owner of this side has stepped up, the class will be right only when the owner of that side comes out.
“oh. I see you here Sien. Ah, should I call you Lichtenau’s lord now?”
Shien turned his head to the place where he heard the gentle voice.
This is a woman I had seen once a long time ago.
The only daughter of Fiore, the promising family, and the next head of Fiore.
Etria Fiore.
“Long time no see. Etria.”
“Iknow, right. I saw it once at a family reunion before, and I saw it at the center a while ago, right? A person who was timid about crybaby back then is now the head of a family. Incredible.”
“… I can’t remember the old days.”
“is it so? That’s strange. I remember it very well.”
Is it a compliment, or is it belittling?
From nob le mt l. co m
My stomach was bubbling over, but I persevered and endured it.
Etria, I know about that woman well.
Although his personality is a bit angular, his skills are certain.
It’s not because he’s the only daughter, he’s the successor.
Her swordsmanship is excellent enough to be called a prospect.
Since he is the next head of household, he must have already passed on the family’s vision.
‘In contrast, I… I’m still weak.’
The father who had to pass it on and the brother who had to receive it.
It was only natural that he changed his name in an instant.
Although the family’s swordsmanship itself was not lost.
It’s not that he can’t do swordsmanship himself.
Between what you learn by reading books and what you learn from person to person.
Clearly, there are bound to be gaps that cannot be filled.
Although Shien is also quite good at swordsmanship.
Compared to Etria, it is true that it is lacking.
And that, Etria must know.
‘That woman has the intention of provoking me and dragging me into a duel.’
After the Great War, territorial warfare between nobles was unconditionally prohibited.
Because precious power cannot be wasted on internal turmoil.
However, quarrels between nobles do not end.
They still bite and tear, trying to hide each other’s superiority.
Therefore, duels were prevalent here and there instead of Yeongjijeon.
No lives lost, no major injuries.
Instead, it was perfect to lose honor and become a laughing stock.
Even the imperial family had no justification to stop the duel.
“But what are you doing here?”
“I have some business to do.”
“What to do? What is it that I left my family name behind?”
“Do you have any reason to tell me that far?”
Fiore was bullying Lichtenauer at every turn.
Of course, it is impossible for Cien to respond favorably.
However, Etria did not frown.
Rather, it just kicks and shows a relaxed appearance.
“Well, I guess so. Hey, since when did Fiore and Lichtenauer talk like this? Excuse me. Lord.”
Then, Etria’s eyes turned to Adele, who was standing next to her.
“Are you an escort driver? It looks pretty nice. Can you wield a sword properly with that?”
… What is that woman saying now?
The knights of Shiendo and Lichtenau also made absurd expressions.
The knights of Liechtenau and the knights of Fiore.
I’m sure you won’t see Adele’s overwhelming prowess.
The one who slaughtered a level 3 monster alone.
As far as they know, it’s not in the world.
Because everyone acts as a group and fulfills each other’s duties.
However, that expression seemed different to Etria.
The aura of ridicule, obvious to anyone, is getting thicker and thicker.
“Do you think Lichtenauer’s escorts are chosen based on appearance alone? is not it? Isn’t it just an escort?”
The last words were clearly aimed at Shien.
The moment the knights were about to rage at him again.
Etria took her knights and turned around first.
I’ve said everything and now I’m ready to go.
About rival families that fell after losing their head and heir.
There will never again be a mockery greater than this, the will of complete disregard.
“I-I… !”
The knights of Lichtenau are furious.
It’s a response that makes me want to pull out my sword right now.
“… .”
It was the same with Shien.
Kwok-.
Red blood flows from between the bitten lips.
The self-contempt, ridicule, that alone makes me angry.
Even more intolerable was the disregard for Lichtenauer.
“Shin. It is our turn.”
Adele, who had been standing quietly beside me, spoke quietly.
At his words, Shien took a deep breath and nodded.
“Take it.”
Adele handed out a handkerchief, and Shien accepted it.
Then I wiped my lips.
‘If I go back, I’ll have to focus on swordsmanship.’
His name is the head of a famous swordsmanship family, so could it be because he is weak?
The family head’s original job is important, but swordsmanship is also important.
“Are you okay?”
Cautiously, Adele asks a question.
Shien tried to smile at the question.
“yes. are you okay.”
“… .”
“It’s something that always happens. I can’t help it. Because it’s mixed blood. Because many people on the continent still hate demons. This is something I have to deal with.”
Saying that, Shien turned around and climbed into the carriage.
“… .”
That her hand holding the wagon was trembling slightly.
Adele didn’t miss it and caught it all in her eyes.
I see the people of Fiore smiling happily in front of me.
I have no particular interest in aristocratic society or the political world.
However, now he is a Lichtenauer.
The process was a little strange, but in the end it was something he accepted.
A place where there are many good people I met on a new trip.
And Shien, I want to take a closer look, such a mysterious person.
That Fiore is hostile to Lichtenau and Shien.
When he was by the emperor’s side, his enemy was a monster.
And Adele thoroughly annihilated such enemies.
Now he is not the emperor, but by Lichtenau’s side.
And following the Witchbeast, did a new enemy appear?
If we meet again next time, what will we do then?
then… .
‘Should I kill him?’
* * *
After a journey of more than ten days, they finally arrived at the imperial castle.
From nob le mt l. co m
Most of the knights advised Shien to rest.
She asked me to go straight to the Leggram Merchant Headquarters.
I can’t delay more than one day, no more than an hour.
I need to meet my friend and ask for help.
“We have arrived, Shien.”
As soon as Adele could hear her words, Shien stood up.
She opened the carriage door and stepped outside.
A group of high-ranking people, no, ‘Evils’ are approaching.
“Welcome, Mayor of Lichtenau.”
“Thank you for the hospitality. I want to meet the top lord.”
“I have already been told. Please follow me.”
The demons belonging to the upper ranks guided Shien inside.
It is a place with a well-kept garden.
There, a woman was quietly drinking tea.
Seeing the woman’s appearance, Shien parted his lips.
“Karina Regram.”
At her call, the woman turns her head.
Like Shien’s, her eyes glow with red light.
Dark blue hair reminiscent of the night sky.
And even the large horns protruding from either side of the head.
“You came earlier than expected. I thought you’d come later in the afternoon.”
The demons, slowly rising from their seats, approached Shien.
“Because me and you, everyone is wasting time.”
“That’s right. Anyway, it’s been a while. Sien.”
The owner of the Legram Merchant, Karina Legram.
She hugged Shien and patted him on the back.
Despite the sudden action, Shien was not surprised.
“Are you okay?”
Losing a father, losing a brother.
It’s hard just to lose everyone in your family.
He has risen to the position of head of the family who has to lead a huge family.
About all of that, are you really okay?
Are you holding up well, Karina was asking.
“yes. are you okay. Say it’s okay.”
“I’m glad. I knew it would be very difficult again.”
With a bright smile, Karina offered a seat.
“I heard the news. I heard that they are in serious financial trouble.”
“It’s embarrassing, but that’s the situation.”
“What is a good friend? I can give you any amount of money.”
“But you are a merchant. And nothing is free for merchants.”
“yes. I know very well. Can you talk fast?”
widely!-
Karina puts something on the table.
After confirming that, Shien said, ‘Eh?’ and sighed.
“… Are you serious?”
“huh. This is my condition.”
“no… was it possible? This… .”
“It’s a reward I received for my contributions to public support. I was also given the right to bring one confirmed guest there. So no problem. The only problem is that you accept.”
“… .”
Silently, Shien looked at the condition Karina offered.
Its identity was an invitation to the imperial banquet to be held tomorrow.