Chapter 31: 31
Gloné, withdrawing his magic, was caught in a dizzying sensation.
Honestly, he had slightly underestimated his opponent, a 19-year-old young man.
As a result, he had held back his magic, not giving his full strength.
But the unexpected outcome left him inwardly astonished.
‘It felt like he gave it his all. He probably has no magic left.’
Gloné recalled the sword energy he had deflected earlier and looked down at his sword.
Even for a brief moment, his body had been pushed back, and his magic had been disrupted.
Most notably, this was a sensation he had only experienced twice in his life.
‘It was similar to deflecting the queen’s sword energy. How is this possible?’
Gloné had been personally guarding Brandish even before she ascended the throne.
They often sparred and fought monsters together on the battlefield.
Based on his extensive experiences, he couldn’t help but be somewhat convinced.
‘In terms of completeness and destructive power, he’s inferior to Her Majesty. But why…’
Gloné couldn’t answer his own question.
It wasn’t something that could be understood theoretically.
It was a solid conclusion drawn from extensive combat experience and honed instincts.
‘He might become one of the Setinos Quasar, like Her Majesty.’
The Golden Sword Saint.
One of the Setinos Quasar, a title referring to the current queen.
Brandish Setve Endroden was appointed as a Setinos Quasar even before becoming queen.
No one could match her swordsmanship, and her valor in repelling the Undead King had earned her high praise.
‘…I can’t understand why he’s similar to that guy.’
Keramion the Undead King.
One of the Three Great Demon Kings, commanding the Undead Knights.
The Three Great Demon Kings were remnants of the ancient demon god, a massive force occupying part of the Karonbelaz continent.
About ten years ago, Gloné had fought alongside Brandish against the Undead King.
The battle was fierce, befitting the name of one of the Three Great Demon Kings, but it ended in a stalemate with both sides withdrawing reluctantly.
‘Was I mistaken?’
Gloné sheathed his sword and stared at Zion.
So far, he had never seen a human who could transform into a monster.
Most importantly, if Zion were truly a monster, Gloné would have detected it long ago.
‘The sword is a bit unusual, though…’
The sword Zion held looked special even in appearance.
The blade glowed purple, and the hilt held an eerie darkness.
However, it was practically impossible for a sword alone to create sword energy or amplify the user’s magic.
‘A sword is just a sword.’
Of course, there were cases where magic was inscribed on a sword to grant it special powers.
But that required a special process, and the magic could damage or dull the blade.
At best, the magic could offer some convenience or attribute, but it wouldn’t provide transcendent power.
‘It’s probably inscribed for convenience.’
In combat, magic is usually selected from one of the five attributes.
Other magic, with minor effects, is sometimes inscribed on items.
It might reduce weight, slightly increase magic resistance, prevent rust, or add a bit of flexibility.
Such features might be useful, but they wouldn’t significantly aid in combat.
‘The blade’s color is unusual, but that’s possible.’
As time passes, the world changes, and people’s perceptions follow.
Recently, the activities of the Setinos Quasar have inspired many to become knights, leading to various fashion trends.
Modifying armor, using specific symbols to highlight knight orders, or changing weapon colors.
Zion’s sword likely belonged to that category.
‘Overall, it’s still…’
Gloné quietly approached Zion.
Zion, regaining his breath, dissipated the form of Exceed Rain.
“The test is over. You will receive a letter once the date is set.”
“…May I inform you about myself in advance?”
“What do you wish to tell me?”
“I recently awakened my magic. I’ve never learned swordsmanship, and aside from sword energy, I know nothing. Considering the dignity and formality of the Royal Knights…”
“It doesn’t matter. I follow the queen’s command.”
“…”
Zion fell silent, feeling the fatigue set in.
It seemed the queen was determined to enlist him.
Although Gloné might relay his words, it probably wouldn’t be enough.
‘I do have a plan, but…’
Zion had prepared a method to avoid joining the Royal Knights.
But there was no guarantee it would work.
The opponent was the ruler of Alain Kingdom and the Golden Sword Saint, one of the Setinos Quasar.
‘Barhen would be a better fit.’
He could use sword energy, but his proficiency in swordsmanship and magic was far behind Barhen.
Barhen had superior innate talent and accumulated experience.
Given enough time, Barhen would eventually master sword energy.
‘It wouldn’t benefit me to join. Barhen needs to connect with the Third Princess.’
This was also for his own benefit.
The Marquis Laird family would gain significantly by forging a marital alliance with the royal family.
For that to happen, Barhen had to join the Royal Knights.
‘I’ve been pretty lucky so far. Maybe things will work out.’
* *
Marquis Laird’s Mansion, Office.
Freed received a letter from the captain of the Royal Knights and was deep in thought.
Whether Zion joined the Royal Knights wasn’t particularly important.
Right now, it was more crucial to understand Zion’s intentions to solve other problems.
“…Did you visit the palace?”
“Yes.”
Zion had come to the main house immediately after Freed’s summons.
He could easily guess why Freed had called him.
It was best to resolve this matter here and now.
“I’ll be direct. Do you intend to join the Royal Knights?”
“No. I’m content with my current life.”
“If you’re giving up for your brother’s sake, you don’t have to. You have your opportunities too.”
Freed spoke with a heavy heart.
He honestly wanted to tell Zion to step aside for his brother.
Zion could be compared to Barhen as a younger sibling, but the reverse would make Barhen miserable.
“I don’t see it as an opportunity. And I’m not saying this for Barhen. I want to live as I’ve envisioned.”
“Can you share your thoughts?”
“…I want to observe a bit longer before the wedding.”
Zion had always dreamed of a peaceful and stable life.
Acquiring Exceed Rain, protecting Hanette, and Barhen joining the Royal Knights.
All these were actions for himself, a way to maintain the flow of his life.
“Should I understand that you’re seeking personal happiness?”
“Yes. Although it’s an arranged marriage, I’m looking for ways to find happiness as you suggested.”
“…Are you getting along with your fiancée?”
“Nothing significant has happened yet. Things seem unchanged.”
Freed nodded, falling silent.
If things were the same as before, at least there hadn’t been any conflicts.
Perhaps their relationship had improved without them realizing it.
If so, they could proceed with the wedding without issues.
“I suppose my worries were unfounded. You may go.”
“…How are you doing, sir?”
“I’m doing well. Sometimes I feel your absence, but I’ve grown accustomed to it.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I’ll take my leave now.”
Zion bowed slightly and left the office.
Freed, left alone, pondered for a while before getting up.
‘I can’t stop them.’
Whether Barhen or Zion, he would be delighted if either joined the Royal Knights.
But now, both were refusing to enlist.
Zion was forced into an arranged marriage, while Barhen faced unintended sacrifices.
‘Was my ambition too much?’
As the head of the family, he only wanted the best for the Laird family and its members.
But at some point, he had made his children compete, hurting their relationships.
Where did it all go wrong?
‘Even if neither joins, I must accept it. I started this, so I must handle it.’
* *
Royal Palace, Royal Office
Brandish was reviewing documents, waiting for someone to arrive.
Gloné had personally conducted the test, and the results were satisfactory.
Gloné’s assessment particularly resonated with her, raising her expectations.
‘It felt like dueling my younger self…’
Before becoming queen, Brandish often sparred with Gloné.
They exchanged light blows and sometimes engaged in serious combat, mixing magic.
Occasionally, they deflected each other’s sword energy, gauging their skills, which now seemed like mere play.
‘I started using sword energy at 20. But that guy…’
Being a year ahead meant possessing superior talent.
He might quickly grow stronger and become a Setinos Quasar at a young age.
With proper guidance, that time could come even sooner.
‘I need to see what he looks like. How impressive must he be…’
A knock on the door signaled the arrival of the promising talent.
Gloné entered the office with a silver-haired young man.
“Your Majesty, I’ve brought Zion Laird from the Marquis Laird family.”
“Thank you.”
Brandish rose swiftly from her seat.
Zion, following Gloné, offered a formal greeting in silence.
‘He looks quite different.’
Zion glanced at Brandish, puzzled.
Brandish looked surprisingly young for her age and had a slender build, not typical of a swordsman.
Moreover, her striking appearance made Zion understand the setting belatedly.
‘The reason the Silver Knight has a crush on the queen…’
“Raise your head.”
“I greet Her Majesty, the pinnacle of Alain Kingdom, master of the palace, and creator of great achievements.”
Zion adjusted his posture, reciting the formal words.
Brandish smiled, examining Zion closely.
“Are you Zion Laird?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“They say you can use sword energy at your age?”
“…I can only use sword energy.”
“Does that mean you haven’t learned swordsmanship?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“How extraordinary must your talent be to use sword energy without learning swordsmanship? Truly remarkable.”
“…”
Zion, speechless, avoided Brandish’s gaze.
No matter what excuse he used, they seemed determined to enlist him in the Royal Knights.
He would have to use his last resort.
“You are the talent I’ve been seeking. I will ensure you join the Royal Knights by any means necessary.”
“…Your Majesty, may I humbly offer a suggestion?”
“Speak.”
Zion felt his heart pound, recalling the words he had memorized.
If the queen asserted her authority, Zion had to stake his life and honor.
Although it was a temporary lie, he had prepared in advance, ensuring it wouldn’t be detected.
“I have sworn to be my fiancée’s knight. I pledged my life to that oath, and I cannot withdraw now. If Your Majesty wishes to enlist me in the Royal Knights, you must first seek her permission.”