Ch.138So I Did Come Back

====[Ainfeld Battlefield]====

A single impressive speech doesn’t transform a ragtag group into heroic warriors capable of turning the tide.

Experience. Skill. Equipment. None of these practical elements change in the slightest.

Yet Leopold could be satisfied.

At the very least, the soldiers’ morale was noticeably higher than when they had first assembled.

—-

‘…How blasphemous.’

The First Prince’s speech contained elements that Lacy found rather distasteful.

The grace of Elpinel, Carlos the Great, and the achievements of the Great’s Twelve Knights.

These were the foundational legends that formed the basis of the Great Divine Faith.

Though it had been reduced to merely the Church of Elpinel after the establishment of the Eleven Gods’ Faith, believers still considered Elpinel to be on an entirely different level than the other gods.

This sense of superiority in faith bordered on arrogance.

Yet it was naturally accepted because the grace Elpinel bestowed upon humanity in ancient times had been so immense.

It was only natural that she disliked the prince’s denial of this.

Yet Lacy neither stopped nor criticized Leopold, but instead helped him.

When his speech reached its critical moment, she created the effect of Elpinel’s light shining behind him like a halo.

It was a technique frequently employed by high priests.

In reality, it was merely the power of priests, but to the masses, it appeared as though divine will had descended upon them.

Originally, Lacy had planned to encourage the soldiers by proclaiming the glory of the gods, but…

‘I’ll let it slide this time.’

Lacy shook her head and headed toward the priest corps.

There was no need to present a contradictory message to soldiers whose morale had already been boosted by the prince’s speech.

It would be sufficient to join the other priests in blessing the soldiers before battle so they could inflict damage against the undead.

Afterward, she planned to join the central forces and provide support to either the front or rear lines as the situation demanded.

Lacy examined her beloved weapon, which she hadn’t wielded in quite some time.

The silver cross spear gleamed with a cold light.

Since the paladin assigned to protect her, Sir Bels Rugna, was participating in the skeletal serpent subjugation alongside Sir Richard… she would have to ensure her own safety.

Thirty minutes until the army’s deployment was complete.

The human masters assigned to the reserve forces spent the time checking in with one another.

Frederick, commander of the 4th Knight Division of the Imperial Knights.

Floheta, high mage sent from the Magic Tower.

Paladin Master Richard.

Paladin Bels, assigned to Lacy’s protection.

Daniel and Gerard, dispatched by nobles supporting the First Prince.

Nigel, the Tenth Sword of Landenburg.

Heiden, the Seventh Sword of Landenburg.

Among the fifty or so masters in all of humanity, eight were gathered here—a magnificent sight.

Other knights glanced at them occasionally with admiring eyes.

—-

“It’s been a while, Sir Heiden.”

“Indeed, Nigel. Has it been about a year since we last met?”

Waving the two swords in his hands, Heiden welcomed his junior whom he had barely seen in quite some time.

His demeanor was rather frivolous for someone called a knight, but Nigel didn’t mind at all. His senior had the skills to back it up.

“Eleven months to be exact. You look unchanged, Sir Heiden.”

“Nothing much has happened with me. But what about you? I heard you’ve been busy running errands for the Ka’har princess. What was it… the Were Eater?”

“You mean Lady Haschal? It’s been a rather fresh experience. She’s intense, but not as evil as the rumors suggest.”

Nigel’s assessment was quite generous.

Despite being assigned what amounted to servant duties despite being a master-level knight, he showed not the slightest hint of complaint.

Heiden smiled slightly at her characteristic diligence.

He was rather fond of this conscientious junior.

Though ten years younger, she had good skills and always tried to maintain a knightly appearance, which he found endearing to watch.

“How skilled is she? I heard she defeated a Werebeast Champion in single combat.”

“Her skill… that’s difficult to answer. Her growth rate is beyond comprehension.”

Nigel trailed off uncharacteristically.

Haschal’s combat ability fluctuated so dramatically each time he observed it that it was difficult to give a definitive answer.

Just half a year ago, she had barely been inferior to Nigel himself… but after just two or three fierce battles, she had grown to match the level of the Fourth Sword.

“Hmm…? If you’re saying that, she must be quite the genius, no?”

Seemingly interested, Heiden began asking various questions.

Nigel had to spend quite some time telling him about his experiences with Haschal.

After about twenty minutes had passed, the monster army finally approached.

—-

Heavy footsteps shook the earth, and the putrid smell of dark mana carried by the wind assaulted their nostrils.

The soldiers trembled with fear, their spears quivering as they finally faced the hideous monsters before them.

Then, the priests’ blessings enveloped them all like a veil.

A faint holy light emanated from every soldier’s weapon.

The light of Elpinel.

The holy light suppressed their fear, kindled a spark of courage, and invigorated their bodies.

“Holy Corps, defensive formation! Elpinel watches over us!”

At Richard’s command, the Holy Corps at the front line firmly grasped their shields.

They stared straight ahead, quietly murmuring prayers under their breath.

“Heroes of the Empire! Fight without retreat! As long as we continue to fight, defeat does not exist!”

Leopold raised his sword high into the sky and shouted until his voice nearly tore.

The Imperial Army responded with a roar.

Finally, the living and the dead clashed violently.

The earth greedily drank the spilled blood.

==============

Finally back in the special dormitory of the academy.

Only the silent room welcomed my exhausted body.

Frider headed to the administration office to submit a report, while Demian and Millia returned to the regular dormitory.

It had been an intense schedule, so even regular students would be guaranteed sufficient rest for at least a few days.

The special dormitory was quite deserted.

Nigel and Lacy had left for Ainfeld, and Asha was temporarily out on business.

Kalix had also been dispatched somewhere, so the only students remaining in the special dormitory were Perneisia and Evian.

One woman who was hard to meet and one man I didn’t want to meet.

No reason to go out of my way to see either of them.

I carelessly removed my damaged armor and headed to the bathroom, immersing myself in the bath.

The warmth I hadn’t felt in two weeks gently penetrated deep into my fatigue-ridden body.

My muscles relaxed languidly from the drowsiness that threatened to pull me under.

It’s warm…

I leaned back in the tub, lazily smoking a cigarette while absently staring at my reflection on the water’s surface.

Beyond my floating chest, a beautiful woman with long black hair looked down at me with a relaxed expression.

Everyone must be blind to call this face monstrous.

I hadn’t paid much attention to it until now, but… considering the future, I should find a way to improve this situation.

People who shudder when I approach them, who convulse with terror when our eyes meet.

Even when I controlled and suppressed the power of my Karma of Murder, their reactions remained the same.

It was slightly better than when I fully released my killing intent, but still.

There were advantages, though.

Thanks to this, there were virtually no men who approached me with unpleasant advances.

I still get goosebumps remembering those men who blushed at the sight of me during the period when my energy was completely depleted.

Still, I couldn’t leave things as they were.

There’s a limit to covering my face with a veil every time I appear in public.

I need to build my reputation further, and it’s problematic if every commoner I meet is terrified.

I’ll end up accumulating strange rumors and infamy rather than fame.

I scooped up water with both hands and washed my face.

Who should I consult about this problem?

Lacy? Ophelia?

Either way, neither of them is in a position to discuss this right now…

I continued soaking in the warm water while contemplating future matters.

From immediate concerns like repairing my armor to more distant plans like assassinating Claire or finding ways to bring down Isabella.

—-

After wrestling with the worries filling my head for an hour.

After smoking about seven cigarettes in succession, the bathwater had almost completely cooled.

I got out of the tub, dried myself off, and headed to bed.

I wonder when Nigel will return.

With Lacy and Leopold there too, it shouldn’t take too long…

To be honest, I thought they would have completed the subjugation and returned before us.

Even if it’s an undead monster army, a typical monster gathering would only amount to a few hundred at most.

Yet they still haven’t returned. I should look into it tomorrow.

No, if they’re still in battle… maybe I should go there myself?

That doesn’t sound bad.

If they’re still fighting, I could participate and raise my achievements and reputation, and also earn Lacy’s favor.

That’s not a bad idea.

The others probably need more rest, but I should go check it out myself.

But first, some sleep.

I lay down and closed my eyes.

Perhaps because the bath had relaxed me, it didn’t take long to fall asleep.