Ch.14949. Only My Pride Disappears.

Delica had once seen Elehermina, who had reigned as Empress in the past.

It was during the Empire’s Foundation Day, when she was delivering a speech to the citizens from the podium.

Though she wore a smile on her lips and her voice overflowed with strength,

For some reason, Delica had received an ambiguous impression of her, like a well-tended flower.

Had the world not repeatedly inflicted trials upon her with hatred, her reign would likely have been perfect.

That’s how a renowned theologian had defined the period of her rule.

From an external perspective, she was undoubtedly an ideal monarch.

She had always been victorious and was the epitome of terror to her enemies.

And now.

…Seeing her openly confronting her lord like this, it naturally evokes a sense of awe.

However.

The princess is not yet complete.

As if to prove this, she is instantly pushed into a disadvantage.

The billowing pure white flames are buried beneath a crimson tide.

“Can’t we at least exchange a few words?”

Noticing a woman who had approached nearby, Delica harbored a small question.

“Who are you?”

“…I wasn’t planning to greet you like this.”

Delica realized that the woman was watching the intense battle while simultaneously keeping an eye on them with a troubled expression.

The reason her lord appeared here… isn’t it obvious?

Cain, standing behind, repeatedly coughed with a boiling sound along with a groan, seemingly very uncomfortable with her presence.

“For now, a servant of God?”

For now?

Something about her imprecise expression gave the impression of someone with thin self-esteem.

However, before they could properly converse, the battle between the princess and the lord was also coming to an end.

“—!!”

The princess collapsed without even a groan.

After looking down at her for a few seconds, the lord suddenly stared into empty space.

As if sensing something, the lord quickly approached them, and momentarily frowned upon seeing a woman who appeared to be part of the princess’s entourage.

-ǣDž?

Even that was just for an instant.

Immediately, she grabbed both Delica and Cain with her hands and pulled them through a dimensional door she had opened.

At that moment.

The sound of windows shattering could be heard.

As the dimensional door closed, silence descended upon the area.

‘Where is this?’

A deep forest.

A place where it’s difficult to discern even an inch ahead, let alone the sky, due to the dense giant trees.

“Cain, what’s going on?”

The lord seemed to recognize her, with a gaze that was either pleased or concerned, but Delica couldn’t understand a word she was saying.

“It’s a long story.”

“…I see. Since all we have left is time, I might as well listen.”

Though she wanted to question him immediately, Delica composed herself.

She was on edge in many ways, and her physical condition was terrible, with layers of fatigue piling up… her state was truly awful.

“…Haah.”

Looking at the lord’s face.

Delica repeatedly realized.

For some inexplicable reason, she felt that the lord’s appearance resembled someone she had just seen, creating an indescribable feeling.

====

“The notion that vampires are accustomed to darkness like nocturnal beasts is a misguided prejudice, you know?”

But is that all?

“Sunlight and moonlight actually possess the same nature. The idea that vampires are particularly vulnerable to sunlight is a complete misconception. Which means! I can travel through desert regions without any particular issue. This proves that I’m the optimal talent for exploring and investigating the scorching lands!”

“Does resistance to sunlight guarantee exploration utility?”

“Unlike other living beings, our bodies are lighter. We’re quick, agile, and swift.”

…Isn’t that all saying the same thing?

“Then why do other vampires react so sensitively to sunlight?”

“First, it’s to create the impression that our activity range and territory are limited, to make others let their guard down.”

“…If I spread that fact now that you’ve blurted it out?”

“Then our bond would be shattered, and our entire race would visit your bedroom daily just to have a chat with you. If that sounds good, feel free to spread it. Betrayal should be met with trust, or the consequences won’t end with just an itchy back.”

“…But you said that you can never disobey the will of your Lord, your clan leader, right?”

“That’s why we need an absolute compliance contract. Through it, one belongs to the clan but with mutual agreement that inappropriate or unwanted orders won’t be forcibly directed or executed. After such mutual consent, one joins as a clan member.”

“Is that the condition for entering the upper class?”

“Good intuition. That’s right. Not entirely, but… when existing clan members accept a new member, and that new member is a special being who can immediately rise to the upper class, they join after making such a deal.”

“……”

“But this is an individual matter, so I don’t know for certain. Some might have volunteered as slaves just for immortality, while others might have entered the upper class by having their talents and abilities recognized by the clan leader.”

“This absolute compliance contract must have significantly changed vampire ecology.”

“Not just vampires, right? It established an absolute contractual rule in the demon realm where there are no gods. Do you know how much this has reduced petty conflicts and bloodshed?”

But that was a very long time ago.

Navigating the maze-like underground waterways with just a small red light requires considerable courage.

Moreover, this is a space where just breathing makes your chest tight and your mind dizzy.

Yet, being able to move around without issues might be all thanks to her.

Even when diving into dirty sewage, her presence prevented the situation from deteriorating to the worst.

To escape this place, one must either go to the surface or exit through the river… but going through the river is practically impossible with just the bare body.

In that sense, Zora’s skills were truly exceptional.

By employing various auxiliary magic, they could easily escape to the nearby river.

“It’s a bright day.”

Though they looked like drowned rats, the water clinging to their bodies miraculously slid off, washing away completely.

“There’s still a long time before sunset, so we can go a bit further.”

Zora took off her coat, threw it by the riverside, and gestured for them to step on it.

“It won’t sink, so don’t be afraid.”

…That’s not the issue.

While it’s certainly faster than walking or running… the walls and city of Paceran are still clearly visible from this position.

…I don’t want to attract unnecessary attention.

Though there might not be any signs of people, you never know. Someone might be watching them.

Given that it’s a city of magicians, there would be many familiars scattered around, and if you start considering that…

“Are you the type to worry unnecessarily?”

“…Why do you ask that?”

“You keep looking around. If you’re not here for sightseeing, you must be wary of something.”

“……”

Originally not, but I keep being reminded of something that shouldn’t be here, or might be here, or shouldn’t be here.

As a result, the sense of detecting presences or auras feels quite unsettling.

It’s probably because I’m not yet accustomed to Bibsarin’s eye, which I retrieved from Rupert.

If I let my guard down even a little, it keeps trying to peek at something.

In other words, it means that your father’s visit has newly agitated this side.

As soon as I was agitated, the tool tried to take control and shake me.

“What? Why are you glaring like that? Do you think I’ll be intimidated?”

“……”

You must have been agitated at the point when I revealed that.

Though time hadn’t passed that much, thanks to moving as if riding on the river, they had distanced themselves considerably from Paceran, but the city was still faintly visible due to its size.

“You don’t seem to be the type to develop a hobby for relic exploration, so did you obtain some treasure map or clue?”

“Do I need such things to go?”

“Then why go? Do you think treasures will suddenly pop out if you look around a bit? Such thoughts existed even 1,000 years ago, even thousands of years ago. Were they fools for not excavating?”

“……”

“Does it sound strange coming from someone who hasn’t lived in the middle realm for long?”

At least I was certain the journey wouldn’t be boring.

…It reminds me of Luirin for no reason. He was quite talkative too.

In that aspect, Zora wasn’t the type to chatter incessantly like Luirin.

It’s just that the interaction through questions and answers was prominent.

“Since we’re not going to part ways after a day or two, I should do this much. And if you’re an acquaintance of our brother, it wouldn’t be strange to become a bit more familiar, right?”

“Brother?”

“We weren’t born from the same parents, but we’ve spent so much time together that we decided to be adoptive siblings. Since we’re from the same clan anyway, it wouldn’t be strange to call us real siblings, but there are clan members who get along well and those who don’t, right? Among them, there are blood relations that are worse than enemies.”

“……”

By the way.

I wonder when I’ll be caught.

They can’t possibly never catch up to me.

Eventually, at some point, I’ll be caught.

‘Before that.’

So that I can finish everything.

After all, it’s not far.

Really, now it’s just one more step forward…

====

Venus woke up in the afternoon when the sky was darkly stained.

Because of this, he initially thought he had just fainted for a moment.

But for that to be the case, his body should have been in worse condition.

Roughly estimating the time based on his physical state, he realized that this place was different from his previous residence.

“Are you awake?”

“…You.”

Mines, seemingly sensing his stirring, put down the water basin she was holding and calmly sat on a chair opposite the bed where Venus was lying.

“I heard from Cariel. You not only made a deal with a demon but even offered yourself as a sacrifice?”

“Why? Got a problem with that?”

Mines gave a slight snort.

“No. I’m actually impressed that someone who talks so arrogantly ends up doing something like that.”

“None of your business.”

Venus sneered.

Mines exhaled at the sight.

She hadn’t come out of concern for his well-being or safety.

“I won’t talk much. First, take this… or rather, receive this.”

Regardless, Mines threw something from a small desk at him, which Venus reflexively caught.

“…Why are you giving this to me?”

It was a sword.

Moreover, a very familiar cross-shaped straight sword, but one that had no reason to be in his hands.

It’s commonly classified as an imperial sword… but the problem was that this had a different owner.

Yeah. This isn’t mine, but that guy’s. That bastard’s.

Why are you giving this to me?

“I heard that you’re currently in a state where your body is mortgaged to a demon. According to Cariel.”

“…So.”

“If you don’t want to become a slave while alive, from this moment on, don’t let go of that sword, he said.”

“Me? Why?”

“That’s the price you have to pay from now on.”

Suddenly, she snatched the sword from Venus and threw it out the door.

“!!!”

Venus’s complexion turned terribly pale.

His eyes became bloodshot, even turning crimson, and his nails from his hands, along with all his muscles, began to convulse explosively, causing his entire body to ache.

“Kuuuh—! Kuaaaak!”

“Your voice is gradually becoming inhuman.”

Even his mouth began to split not just top and bottom, but left and right as well.

His teeth transformed like saw blades, and as his skin burst and muscles ruptured, fabric tore and splattered.

“Huu.”

Sighing at the sight, Mines reached out and retrieved Cariel’s sword that had been thrown far into the room.

“Kek! Kuluk!”

The monstrous form disappeared without a trace, and Venus regained his human form.

“This damn demon bastard! If you want to kill me, just kill me, what is this—!”

“Don’t blame others and pay for the sins you’ve committed yourself.”

She threw the sword back, and Venus caught it with his ruined arm.

His once-intact body was now in shambles, as if he had been stoned mercilessly out of nowhere.

Especially around his mouth, perhaps due to it being split left and right rather than top and bottom.

The fact that it was still seamlessly joined made him feel an indescribable horror.

“I’ve become a monster while still alive.”

He could only laugh hollowly.

Despite all this, that guy still couldn’t win, and on top of that, to receive such consideration that wasn’t really consideration… Hah!

“How pathetic.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

“…Where’s the person responsible? The fact that he didn’t hand it over directly means he’s not here, right?”

“By now, he should have left the city.”

“…?”

But why are you here?

“As a precaution.”

“Precaution?”

To kill me if I turn into a monster?

“Do you know who’s here?”

Mines told him with a deliberate sigh.

“The Great Hero Rueld and… from what I vaguely heard, there’s a rumor that the Empire’s Princess, Elehermina Berk Enzul, is also here. And… Dyke Hamelot, who inherited the title ‘Knight of the Giant’ from the Great Hero Bariel Hamelot, the ancestor and father of heroes like Cariel, is also here.”

“They seem determined to catch someone.”

“…And Rupert is currently in their hands.”

“That bastard deserves it. Serves him right.”

Venus almost spat but refrained since they were indoors.

“You should be aware that you could be arrested at any time, right?”

“Is that why you stayed? Or what?”

“Half… that’s one reason.”

If that’s not all, then what else is there?

“Conversely, I want to have a conversation with them.”

“What?”

What the hell is this woman saying?

“Your situation is more dangerous than mine, isn’t it? You also have that Dark Lord whatever, right? And there must have been many testimonies about you being with Cariel. Yet you’re willing to show your face voluntarily? Are you crazy?”

“……”

But.

In other words, this is something only she can do.

Mines wanted to know more in detail about the issues entangled between Cariel and them.

What reasons led Cariel, him, to walk this path.

Also.

With what mindset, what heart, did they pursue him.

If their purpose was to dispose of him, or if they were taking drastic measures to hide and conceal the noble family’s shame…

“I have my thoughts.”

Mines herself might also be able to strengthen her resolve a bit.

“A crazy woman can only have crazy thoughts, right?”

“You taught me, didn’t you?”

“Huh? Me?”

“I don’t want to be dragged along, so I’m trying to lead.”

Though she might be just a speck compared to them.

But that doesn’t matter.

“Regardless of whether you have power or not, if there’s something you want to do, you should do it. That’s freedom and rights, isn’t it?”

“…Did I say that?”

Venus was inwardly perplexed, thinking that she had learned too well.

“Then this is goodbye. I don’t have any particular relationship with the Relief Knight Order. And if you don’t want to be ruined like earlier, never let go of what Cariel gave you. Make sure I don’t hear news of some unknown monster causing meaningless, useless trouble and dying like a dog.”

With that, Mines turned away from the bewildered Venus and was about to leave the room.

“Oh. He asked me to tell you this, but I forgot.”

As if she could have forgotten.

“That sword. He said it was made from fragments of Grandeus’s armor.”

“This? Say that again. Did I hear you correctly?”

“What you’ve been wanting so badly was probably that, right? Cariel knew that, which is why he handed it over.”

With those words, Mines disappeared.

Literally, as if she had sunk into the ground.

“…This?”

This… is that?

No way? There’s no way this could be that…

But why give it to me of all people?

This is for you, isn’t it?

“……”

Venus sat on the bed, clutching the sword in bewilderment.

He remained like that for a long time.

====

‘Whether you wanted this or not, even that was ultimately my choice.’

Perhaps you foresaw this, Grandeus.

If I hadn’t handed over that sword there, Venus’s life would have ended.

…He knows me well.

And now, I think I know him to some extent too.

-Are you sure you won’t regret it?

“……”

Cariel nodded slightly while gazing at the flowing river.

Having landed on shore and set up a simple camp.

Looking up at the brilliantly spread starry sky without a single cloud, it suddenly felt beautiful.

“They call it the Fool’s Sword, don’t they?”

-Hmm?

The sword of the foolish.

“My learning and utility aren’t just applicable when holding a sword.”

Even when not holding a sword, I was as if holding one.

Because I myself was the sword.

Because I was both a sword and the embodiment of its will and purpose.

So whether I hold it or not.

Rather, by holding it and becoming attached to it, becoming obsessed with it, would be a greater loss now.

His achievement and his will are now in my hands.

If that achievement were to disappear, scatter, and crumble just because of losing a single sword.

“……”

What would change by speaking?

It would just make me look uncool.