Ch.26788. Not Yet (2)

Time does not rest.

It does not stop.

Like an unfrozen river flowing.

Like pouring rainwater.

From those who had arrived at the Imperial Island weeks ago and settled in, to those who rushed in at the last minute.

The Imperial Equestrian Tournament, coinciding with the harvest festival, presented a distinctly different atmosphere from Dabas’s God-Fighting Tournament.

Though many outsiders and foreigners had flocked to the God-Fighting Tournament as well.

…The Imperial event was on an entirely different scale.

Unlike Dabas, which had to build temporary lodgings and campsites outside the city to accommodate the influx of people, the Imperial Island already had sufficient capacity to house everyone.

As the city expanded its boundaries day by day, visitors from two years ago (though perhaps not those from last year) found themselves doubting their eyes at the familiar yet changed landscape of the Imperial Island.

Meanwhile, amid the processions of merchants and various trading companies, they were already engaged in fierce competition and keeping watchful eyes on each other to secure their positions.

During this season, unless there were pressing matters or other special events, all nobles of the Empire would bring their families to the Imperial Island. Particularly since this year’s event was an equestrian tournament rather than a magic tournament like last year.

In other words, in a nation of knights, this was the event where knights received the most glorious spotlight, so everyone couldn’t help but pay attention.

The Empire, befitting its vast territory, had numerous lords whose domains rivaled the size of entire countries.

Had this been the Eastern region rather than the Empire, they would have established themselves as proper kings, but unfortunately, this was the Empire.

And the lords here, even without foreign invasions, possessed military and economic power incomparable to the small nations of the East, thanks to internal conflicts and various interests.

In this Empire, there were as many as six individuals who could proudly be called kings.

Once there were three, but now six.

And all of them had worked alongside the Empire for the peace and justice of the continent during the time when the Demon King’s army was causing chaos.

And naturally, by joining the Empire and participating in the path of annexation, the Empire recognized their status, position, and rights, thereby enhancing the value of mutual respect.

…That was the publicly known external situation.

However, the reality was not so simple.

The Emperor possessed absolute authority, but there was a reason why he still had to be mindful of the nobles and ministers.

Each noble and minister had their own backing.

But they too feared and respected the Emperor.

Perhaps that’s why.

The Emperor appointed one of the six kings as the new chancellor last year, devising a strategy to keep the other five in check, which appeared to be a very successful countermeasure on the surface.

The King of the Edge, or the Western Sea King as he was called, had a small territory, but due to the previous king spreading his bloodline extensively, interests were intricately intertwined.

Moreover, after losing his family to the Demon King’s army, he hadn’t even formed a new family.

…In other words, if he were to die, the position of Western Sea King would become vacant, making all his distant relatives, family members, and cousins covet that position.

The fact that he had now positioned himself as the core of the Emperor’s faction as chancellor was a significant boon for the Emperor.

“Urgh!”

Meanwhile, the Western Sea King himself was dying with dark circles under his eyes due to the accumulating workload.

“I really need to find a replacement soon.”

I’m going to die from overwork at this rate!

Having already entered old age, his white beard and smooth bald head often led to the misconception that he had a fierce appearance.

“…It’s all futile anyway.”

More than anything, he just wanted to sleep peacefully.

His own territory was already running smoothly on its own, so there was no need to interfere.

Except for the fact that his bloodline had gone far ahead of him, he was a man born with good fortune in people.

From the Emperor trusting him and not trying to exploit him.

To still being treated as a respectable elder even by the heroes, thanks to his active support and promotion of their achievements and propaganda.

And since he himself had little ambition, those around him misunderstood him as frugal, a model follower of Irenis.

“…Huh.”

If there was one thing he regretted, it would be the disappearance of the youngster he had marked as his successor.

Come to think of it, he wasn’t the only one.

That mischievous old elf woman of the fairy folk, disguised as a child, had openly tried to take that child away for a royal position in the East.

Dabas didn’t offer their princess but instead made the reverse proposal of matching him with their princess if he came to them.

Within the Empire too, expectations for that child had been high.

But at some point, things went awry.

“Huh.”

The decisive factor was that the child voluntarily left the Empire.

With the courage to even beat up the Imperial Prince, what could he have possibly lacked that made him leave?

…Perhaps they should have paid more attention to him.

They say children grow up quickly when you don’t see them for a while, but it had been too long since he’d seen that child.

When they occasionally met face to face, the child acted so maturely that he didn’t feel much dissonance.

And the negative rumors spread among the nobles and others were undoubtedly the result of jealousy towards the Knight of Radiance.

It also happened when the Western Sea King wasn’t staying on the Imperial Island, and he later heard that the misunderstandings about him were cleared up and everything was resolved well.

But later, he found out that wasn’t the case.

But what if even that was part of a plan, a strategy?

And at some point, when Princess Elhermina boldly drew her sword using that as a pretext, even he couldn’t help but be shocked by her boldness.

How fierce she was.

Was this also the fruit of Kariel’s strategy?

Pretending to be weak, timid, complacent, clumsy, and twisted.

Somehow gathering all the malice they poured out, forging it into a blade that the princess could use, handing her the hilt, and then disappearing as their victim.

…A secretive and sinister plan and strategy that would be hard to imagine from the child of a born hero of radiance.

Some might not consider it right or good.

But the Western Sea King was different.

On the contrary, he was convinced that such talent, ability, and determination would be necessary to claim his position.

‘He hasn’t changed. He’s just become more mature.’

Historically, there have been many who boasted of their excellence, but most of them couldn’t avoid downfall.

Rather, those who hid and concealed their excellence later swept and dominated the world.

Perhaps that child, now grown, had realized this principle.

‘If only he would return now.’

Based on the information gathered, that child had now become a skilled warrior that even decent knights wouldn’t dare to challenge.

Truly a being who combined wisdom and power.

And young at that.

An ideal material for achieving great things.

“……”

Just.

Though it’s confidential, the responsibility for the princess’s current state lies with him.

So if he returns and awakens the princess as promised.

He could return as a veritable treasure of the Empire.

The so-called restoration of honor.

…In fact, even the dishonor was close to a false accusation and malicious scheme, but given that it had spread widely and established itself in the world, it might as well be considered real.

Therefore, by eliminating and resolving it himself… his position would be solidified to the point where no one could shake it.

“With the status of Western Sea King and the title of Radiance’s bloodline, he would be an unparalleled consort for the Empress.”

Though his status would be such, the governance shares would have to be distributed evenly among the cooperating bloodlines.

And to ensure no discord arises in his territory before his death, he would need to coordinate well… one body would be insufficient for all the tasks.

There’s so much to do and so much he wants to do… but somehow, the time given feels insufficient.

“Urgh! This won’t do.”

Finally, he left his office and moved to the circular arena with his attendants.

“When my head hurts… I need to take a break.”

Though it’s just the preliminaries, even the preliminaries of the Imperial tournament are intense.

Given that the main tournament has a scale of 64 participants, it’s on an incomparable level.

And that’s just for the equestrian events.

If combat events are included, the main tournament participants exceed a hundred.

As a result, the preliminaries last a week, and the main tournament another week.

Thus, the entire tournament spans a full 2 weeks.

“It’s a pity I can’t watch it all.”

Despite having cleared all his tasks in anticipation of this, somehow more work kept piling up.

Even in a country where overwork is a daily routine to the extent that even the Emperor is engulfed in it, the work never seems to diminish.

…Perhaps it was inevitable that the Empire respected these kings and major lords, allowing them to handle everything except major matters on their own.

Small countries might pretend otherwise while insidiously interfering in their vassals’ territories with all sorts of excuses as a daily routine.

The Empire doesn’t do that.

To begin with, creating a situation for interference would be close to an execution carried out under the premise that the lord had committed a crime or treason.

Regarding that, the Western Sea King also held the view that mercy and forgiveness were unnecessary.

The Empire is fair and generous, but when it finally moves, it shouldn’t show mercy.

How else could it reign over and lead the vast expanse of the Empire?

“We’ve arrived.”

“Oh?”

While he was distracted, bringing a few documents that would require deep thought, and pretending to be elsewhere with only his eyes on them.

Look at the line of carriages standing outside the colossal, astronomical-scale circular arena.

…Though they’re just parked, the coachmen sitting and guarding the carriages might be feeling uneasy in many ways.

“Then I’ll be off.”

“Enjoy the spectacle for my share as well.”

“Ah, I will.”

Without waiting, he was immediately assigned to the VIP seats through the exclusive entrance.

A position where one can observe the match most closely and clearly.

Some immature individuals might make a fuss about how higher seats are better.

‘At this age, one’s eyesight becomes blurry.’

…It’s certainly not because his eyesight has deteriorated due to overwork.

Anyway, that’s what the Western Sea King wanted to believe.

“Oh, Your Excellency, what brings you to such a place at this early hour?”

And.

In one of the spacious seats, the Western Sea King spotted a couple sipping translucent alcohol and chewing on fruits while engrossed in the spectacle.

Of course, since they greeted him first, the Western Sea King gladly responded.

“Oh! Have I come to a place I shouldn’t? Why such a reaction? Someone might think I’ve come for a night of revelry. If your usual attitude is like this, you’re bound to be misunderstood, so keep that in mind.”

“Ahem! Huh! Th-there’s no way. K-kheuk!”

When the plump woman sitting next to the middle-aged man gave him a stern look, he sweated profusely and hastily denied it.

Despite appearances, he is also known as the overlord of the northwestern region of the Empire.

He is none other than Count Bermar, who would stand at the actual frontline if a conflict or war were to break out with Lutania.

From a mere semi-baron during the Demon King’s army invasion to now a count, he too is a protagonist who has written a new myth in this era.

His reddish-brown hair and blue eyes often raise suspicions that he might have the bloodline of the Imperial Golden Family, but regardless, he is a pure Imperial citizen.

“So, was there any noteworthy match while I was away?”

“So far, they’ve all been mediocre.”

That mediocre level would be enough to shake a nation in other countries, but here, this is just the beginning.

Having witnessed the divine position of Rueld and all the exploits of the Nine Heroes, they couldn’t help but feel that today’s contenders were clumsy or complacent.

“Look at that.”

“What?”

“Doesn’t that attire look peculiar?”

Just as the break time for the audience and spectators ended after the preparation time.

As the host magically amplified his voice to grandly boost the atmosphere, two knights on horseback appeared on opposite sides of the arena.

And among them, the one pointed out by Count Bermar was indeed a striking figure.

“His armor is pure white.”

“It’s like he’s obsessed with standing out, don’t you think?”

“Still better than being pitch black. I hear there are quite a few young ones like that these days?”

Pretending to be the knight who defeated Rueld.

Whether it’s true or just a malicious rumor, it hasn’t been determined yet, but to be so gullible!

This is why today’s youth are problematic!

“Whoever prepared that must have blown half a castle’s worth.”

“Do you know if they’re that wealthy?”

There are quite a few wealthy individuals who have entered the ranks of the new nobility.

They are those who have been newly reborn as nobles by donating and dedicating vast fortunes to the Empire and the Order, and by contributing to the Empire and the Order in various ways, having their merits and sincerity recognized.

They strive and do their utmost to prove and elevate themselves.

It’s understandable. It makes sense.

The life they write will have a profound impact on their descendants.

A family is more about the future generations than the present.

A family with an uncertain future will have its existence questioned, no matter how elevated it is in the present.

And those who have just become nobles will come to realize.

…How incredibly challenging that is.

It’s not without reason that some nobles deliberately earn the infamy of being rakes, unbelievers, or lustful, spreading their seed everywhere.

…Even that is something only those who live for their own pride would do.

Most are swept and pressured by regulations, rules, faith, and reputation, and many can’t even indulge in that freely.

A family is a solid wall that protects you.

But on the other hand, it can also be the most powerful prison and cell.

“It’s starting.”

The white knight’s horse is also pure white.

Even its mane is snow-white.

The knight in the pure white full-body armor sitting on it even holds a wooden lance that is pure white.

On the other hand, the knight who appeared on the opposite side is wearing an ordinary full-body metal armor.

The build of the reddish-brown warhorse he’s riding on also looked surprisingly sturdy.

It seems he invested more in the warhorse than the armor.

In fact, that’s correct.

And.

The six white wave patterns on a blue background drawn on the pentagonal shield he’s holding were not something to be taken lightly.

“Seems to be a descendant of the Eastern King.”

“Which child do you think it is?”

“With over ten sons, and among them, those participating in the tournament… there must be at least six?”

It’s hard to discern anything from physical conditions due to the armor.

Judging by build? That’s even more nonsensical.

Of course, the Western Sea King had a rough idea.

If anything, this would be an occupational habit.

‘If he considered participation itself dishonorable, he would never have allowed it.’

Given that old man’s personality, if there was a risk of incurring infamy here…

As the signal announcing the start of the match loudly reverberated.

Both sides moved.

The difference was clearly evident from the initial exchange.

As the reddish-brown warhorse charged forward like a chariot, stomping its heavy hooves.

The white knight’s white horse was advancing more docilely, kicking the ground.

Unlike ordinary warhorses, the Empire’s warhorses require almost the same scale of cost and sincerity as raising a knight.

And when these come together to form a knightly order, and they become a pillar in war, they inflict massive damage on the enemy, incomparable to simply sweeping with ancient simple cavalry or chariots.

…And.

In the Imperial Equestrian Tournament, attacks by the warhorse are not allowed, and if permitted, it results in immediate disqualification.

Therefore, they typically aim to strike down or neutralize the opponent with their weapons or by targeting the opponent directly.

And after dismounting, if the dismounted person is still intact, the battle continues on foot.

This is the difference from a simple combat or fighting tournament.

And.

The two were engaged in an incredibly fierce battle while mounted.

The one presumed to be from the Eastern King’s lineage was wielding a massive lance more than twice his height with one hand, deflecting the opponent’s lance thrusts with his shield.

On the other hand, the pure white knight was freely wielding a pure white lance with both hands, achieving both offense and defense simultaneously.

However, the impact is not only felt by the knights themselves but also directly by their warhorses.

In other words, the weaker the condition of the warhorse, the more the knight might endure, but the warhorse’s stamina and physical condition might not keep up.

Even if not dismounted, if the warhorse collapses or falls, it can lead to more than just dismounting, potentially resulting in disqualification.

…After all, if there’s no replacement horse, that’s disqualification, isn’t it?

Even if one finds a replacement warhorse, whether it can show the same or greater resilience in perfect harmony with the knight is…

“Impressive.”

Though it’s just a preliminary match.

Nevertheless, because it’s a preliminary, a match of this caliber will surely move everyone and drive them to ecstasy.

“It’s twice as good as before.”

If there’s a clear difference in skill, the match ends quickly or helplessly.

But the current fierce exchange, where they cross and exchange weapons as if in a fistfight, was a truly rare exchange battle.

It’s hard enough to do that standing on two legs on the ground, let alone sitting on a horse? It’s impossible without being familiar with such maneuvers.

…If two or three such beings were to intervene in a general field battle or plains battle, it would be a disaster in itself.

“…Still.”

“The difference is clear.”

The two naturally engraved the image of the pure white knight in their minds.

And as expected.

Suddenly, the pure white knight rotated his horse 180 degrees, then thrust his lance as if pushing it towards the back of his head, skillfully inserting it between the opponent’s shield and massive lance.

Thud!

“?!”

Before he could even let out a groan, the iron knight, having been hit hard on the neck, fell as if his neck was about to break.

Though he didn’t dismount, his condition didn’t look good.

“……”

“He’s not finishing him off.”

“Whether it’s adherence to the spirit of chivalry or foolishness… we’ll have to watch a bit more to know.”

Though he could have taken advantage after the dismount, the pure white knight retreated, giving the opponent a chance to recover.

And.

“Ugh!”

The iron knight regained his senses.

He… tried to remain silent but slightly bowed his head in respect.

The two face each other with weapons again.

Wooooah!

Amazing!

Kyaaaah!

Eventually.

The audience’s heartfelt cheers and praises filled the entire circular arena.

Encouragement and support for one knight.

And praise and adoration for the other.

It spread.

It poured down.