Chapter 93: Baron Logan, the One-Hit Instructor

A few days later.

Several carriages were parked in front of the royal palace.

Among them, the most eye-catching one was a noble-looking, majestic white carriage.

It was none other than ‘Pegasus,’ the dream carriage for carriage enthusiasts.

Able to move much faster than other carriages, it was a gift from the Magic Tower to the Albion royal family.

On top of the carriage itself having several magical enchantments, the horses pulling it were also trained through an extremely rigorous process.

“To think that the day when I’d ride Pegasus would come.”

Isaac gave Pegasus an curious look.

There was a reason why during the Transcendent Race’s attack last time—when they used Alois as a distraction—Pegasus was the first thing they targeted.

It was just that valuable.

“Isaac, did you know?”

“Hm?”

Sharen, who had insisted on coming along this time, boasted proudly.

“When you ride Pegasus, you have to take off your boots! That’s how precious it is!”

“Ah, I see.”

“You didn’t know that? Hehe, thanks to me, you won’t get called ignorant!”

Isaac nonchalantly brushed off Sharen’s blatant lie.

Did she really think I’d believe such an absurd thing?

At that moment, Princess Clarisse appeared, elegantly dressed in a gown.

On either side of her were the Grandmaster and Heyrad—who was wearing a displeased expression.

Today was the day when the bride would depart.

The day Clarisse set out for her marriage with Prince Raphael of the Brentarion Kingdom.

A large procession spread out around Pegasus. Escort of knights, gifts, and a retinue of maids accompanied them.

Originally, they were supposed to bring along another member of royalty.

But with the former king’s poor health, the eldest daughter couldn’t leave her post.

Clarisse was literally the only royalty available.

I thought the preparation was made hastily, but it looks surprisingly proper.

As for Isaac, he was participating as part of the escort knights.

“…”

Swish, swish.

When Clarisse passed by, she blatantly gestured for Isaac to get into Pegasus.

Her clothes might be fancy, but she’s still the same person inside.

Even the elegant attire of a refined bride couldn’t hide the traces of the princess who roamed various festivals on foot.

[That child is still way too young.]

And that was probably why the words of Princess Adeline—whom he had met separately prior to this—resonated more loudly in his ears.

[Please, Baron Logan.]

‘It’s a little troublesome if you ask me that…’

[No, it’s not like that. Just…support her well, please. But, if you feel a bit annoyed… You know?]

‘I don’t.’

Pegasus’ interior was quite comfortable. There was a refreshing scent wafting inside giving off an even stronger magical vibe to it.

“Ooh.”

Even Sharen, who had seen many things due to her status as Helmont, was looking around curiously.

“Is it just me, or are we going a little too slow?”

However, for some reason the carriage was moving excessively slowly.

Considering that they were riding the world’s fastest carriage, going at such a speed felt like a waste.

“It’s on purpose. We’re going to arrive in Brentarion much later than scheduled.”

Since this was a bridal procession, elegance was required even in such minor details.

If they rushed too quickly, it’d seem like the bride was overly eager to meet her groom, and that clearly wouldn’t look good on them.

“It’s going to be a long journey then.”

“Then, why don’t we play word chain? I’ll start! Helmont!”

As Sharen started something, the Grandmaster rested her legs on Isaac’s lap across from her.

“It’ll be difficult to train here.”

“Please move your legs.”

“Eh, no, it’s more comfortable like this. Anyway, massage your master’s legs.”

“…”

Ever since he started calling her ‘Grandmaster’, she had been trying to abuse her position as a master, and that annoyed him a little.

“T! Isaac! It’s T!”

“Since training separately will be difficult, how about dueling whenever we have time?”

“Sure.”

“Alright. By the way, how’s the demonic energy you used last time? Still no response?”

“Yeah, it’s strange. It feels like it’ll respond to me, but I still can’t use it properly…”

Demonic energy.

The power contained in the sword wielded by the Sword Demon.

As it was a power gained by taking others’ lives, the weight and responsibility that came with it were immense.

“The fact that you have it is already enough. Don’t get impatient.”

And the Grandmaster showed particular interest in the demonic energy Isaac had acquired.

“Honestly, I’m not sure about it… Am I even supposed to use it…? When I did back then… It made me feel uneasy…”

“Is T too difficult? Alright, let’s change to something else! Carriage!”

“I don’t mean to nitpick, but you have power others can’t possess. Don’t worry too much.”

“…Nitpick? Pickpocket!”

Finally unable to bear it, the Grandmaster looked at Sharen.

“Your persistence is really Helmont-like.”

“Hurry up! I’m bored!”

“What was it? Ket? Kettle it is.”

“Le? Le-“

“Kettle.”

“Ah, I got confused. Le—“

Seeing the two noisy women, Isaac couldn’t help but chuckle.

The Grandmaster and Sharen Helmont playing a word chain game inside Pegasus.

This was a scene that he could never have imagined in his past life.

As Sharen was doing her best to rack her brain, the princess, who had been staring out of the window, finally became unable to bear it and interrupted them.

“Excuse me? I clearly said only Isaac should come in, so why did you all come in here?!”

“If a princess on her way to her wedding is alone with a man in a carriage, rumors of an affair will spread.”

“Leprosy!”

“Haaa… It’s gonna be okay, just go out. I have something to say to Isaac.”

At the princess’ request, the Grandmaster shrugged and opened the carriage door.

Since they were moving slowly, she just casually jumped out.

“Uh…”

Seeing her game partner disappear, Sharen made a disappointed face.

Clarisse smiled gently at her.

“Sharen, could you give us a moment alone too?”

“I-I’d like to, but…”

She lifted both her legs slightly.

Revealing her bare, fair feet, wearing nothing.

“I left my shoes in another carriage when I got on.”

“…”

“…Why?”

Hearing Isaac asking that without thinking, Sharen answered shyly.

“I-I told you earlier! You’re supposed to ride Pegasus barefoot! But, I guess that wasn’t true. Everyone else is wearing shoes…”

So she wasn’t trying to tease me.

She just happened to hear that nonsense somewhere and actually believed it…

“…Fine, you can stay, but please be quiet.”

With that, Princess Clarisse finally gave up.

The princess looked at Isaac and asked frankly.

“What do you think about this marriage?”

“Is my opinion on this matter important?”

Feeling that her explanation was lacking, Clarisse added in a lighter tone.

“I’m not talking about your perspective as a baron, I’ve already calculated that part. What I want to know is, well, this marriage is for the sake of diplomatic alliance and political solidarity.”

Clarisse smiled confidently and shrugged.

Her absolute sense of self-superiority, which he had felt before, was evident.

“How does such a marriage look from the perspective of someone who was married?”

Clarisse let out a long, heavy sigh.

“My sister, Heyrad, everyone. They all view this marriage negatively, they said that this is just me trying to sacrifice myself for the kingdom.”

“Well, it does feel that way.”

After all, the marriage was arranged so suddenly.

All people could see was the fact that they were sending her away for the sake of the kingdom, so that the kingdom could solidify its alliance with another country.

Since the Brentarion Kingdom was a kingdom with a strong military, it would serve as another bulwark against the Transcendent Race.

Basically killing multiple birds with one stone.

Princess Clarisse’s marriage brought considerable benefits to the kingdom.

It was a testament to her efforts and deep consideration.

“Honestly, that’s enough for me. I’ve used the powerful card I have, my marriage, efficiently when it’s needed.”

“I won’t deny that.”

“But people don’t think solely based on efficiency and rationality. They also use their emotions.”

Also…

“As far as I know, the one who followed their emotions the most when it came to marriage was you, Isaac.”

“…”

“I’m sorry if it offends you, but I genuinely want to know.”

Clarisse took a deep breath and clenched both hands tightly.

“I want to reassure them. I want to show those who are worried about me that I’m not sacrificing myself for the kingdom, but that I’m having a happy married life.”

“You—“

“I want to love my husband, even if I only know him by name. So, Isaac… Please help me.”

“…”

“Wow…”

Sharen, who had been listening, stared at Clarisse with sparkly eyes.

She seemed to find the topic interesting.

“I know it sounds a bit obnoxious to say this, but…”

Clarisse ran a hand through her hair, as if boasting.

“Until now, I’ve never held a man in my heart. There hasn’t been anyone satisfactory to me, I guess.”

“…So?”

Isaac’s response showed his irritation a little, but Clarisse already continued.

“You managed to seduce Rianna Helmont, didn’t you?”

“…”

“You seduced her, right?”

“You did, right?!”

Clarisse and Sharen urged him to answer quickly.

Ignoring the throbbing headache that suddenly came on, Isaac answered.

“It was two-way. I wasn’t the only one seducing her.”

“Wow, Sister did?”

“A-Ahem! Anyway! That’s why I need your help. Teach me about romance so I can love that man.”

“Me too! I want to learn too!”

“…”

Isaac smacked his forehead, suddenly feeling that it’d be better to fight the Transcendent Race immediately than dealing with this.