Chapter 149

Episode 149

“Do you think that will be a problem? It’s nothing compared to Arthur’s corruption.”

“I believe there are quite a few principled individuals in the Imperial Family. And historically, principled individuals have a habit of making a big deal out of trivial matters.”

We didn’t need to look far for an example.

Count Apellai, currently confined in the Imperial Palace, was known for being a staunch principled individual.

Of course, he only held others to his principles. He was infinitely lenient towards himself.

“It’s fine if my subordinate and I face inconvenience, but Duke Kalisto shouldn’t be troubled by our actions. Is my request too difficult?”

The prince pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

“I promise on my name. I’ll control the principled individuals in the Imperial Family.”

“Very well. Then I’ll tell you my plan.”

After taking a sip of tea to moisten my throat, I slowly explained the scenario I had devised.

“Arthur wasn’t intentionally corrupted by demonic energy. Why? The reason is simple. After becoming a magical experiment subject, he developed an insatiable thirst for power as a side effect. While in the monster-infested Alpheon region, he discovered a new type of power called ‘demonic energy.’ As he awakened that power, he came into contact with monsters, even demons, and absorbed their power, naturally leading to his corruption. It’s not unusual for a magical experiment subject to become corrupted.”

“So, you’re saying we should portray Arthur as a victim?”

“I understand your discomfort. But now is the time to be practical.”

Karma sighed, rubbing his forehead, and I continued my explanation.

“The Alpheon region was completely lawless before I occupied it. In fact, there are a significant number of monsters inhabiting the eastern mountain range. There might even be a few demons. Sir Godfrey will accept that kind of scenario.”

Without knowing Muon’s intentions, it was impossible to determine the truth.

Arthur might have absorbed demonic energy out of his own volition, or it could be a characteristic of the magical experiment subject. I presented the latter.

The prince stood up and started pacing the room. He didn’t reach a conclusion until my teacup was empty.

“There doesn’t seem to be a viable alternative.”

“I’m confident that what I suggested is the best option for now.”

The criticism towards the Imperial Family might subside somewhat. Arthur, as an experiment subject, had already lost his sanity. The anger would be directed entirely at the Magic Tower.

“Above all, we need to make Muon the public enemy to minimize the damage to the Imperial Family. Make it clear that he’s the one who violated the Empire and the Imperial Family.”

“…I’ll do as you say. Will you prepare for what comes next?”

“Of course. Everything will go according to your will, Your Highness.”

“And about Count Apellai…”

I heard unexpected news. He had voluntarily entered the Imperial Palace and was detained.

“What should we do with him? Like Beatrice, my information suggests he was definitely involved in this incident.”

“Keep him.”

“That’s unexpected. Are you saying we shouldn’t punish him?”

“Overreacting without evidence will only give him justification. He’s a cunning man, so it’s best to be cautious. It would be better to make him confess on his own.”

“Make him confess… I understand. I’ll handle it.”

I bowed and left the prince’s quarters. My steps felt lighter than ever as I shed the remaining burden.

Now all I had to do was wait for Godfrey’s arrival.

* * *

The next morning, an unexpected person woke me from my slumber. Seeing his round face, I thought I was dreaming at first.

“My lord! My lord! Wake up! You’ll regret missing this! A big event! The match of the century! It’s about to begi—ahem, start!”

“…What nonsense are you talking about?”

I had even drunk the medicinal liquor Balzac prepared to relieve my accumulated fatigue. I was annoyed, but seeing Jericho’s excitement, I was curious.

“If you can’t explain why you woke me up, I’ll strip you of your position and exile you.”

“You should reward me! Lady Selendis and Princess Beatrice are having a duel!”

“…What?”

“A spar! A spar! You can’t see this even if you pay! Come out! It’s about to start!”

“Wait, Jericho.”

Jericho ignored me and ran outside. If he was acting like this, it meant it was true.

But why a sudden spar?

Neither of them had mentioned anything to me last night. Especially Selendis, she would have informed me about the spar, but I hadn’t heard anything.

‘Was it a spontaneous decision?’

I got dressed and went outside. I couldn’t dress casually with Prince Karma and even Duke Kalisto present.

Word must have spread because all the Walker knights and vassals were gathered.

‘Should I be thankful this isn’t the Kalisto main castle?’

But then I saw Duke Kalisto’s stern face. And even Lady Lucia. Surprisingly, Prince Karma wasn’t there.

‘This seems even more nerve-wracking than the main castle.’

Despite the situation, Selendis was warming up with a calm expression. They had decided to use their own weapons, as she was skillfully wielding her frost sword.

Jericho’s voice boomed.

“A once-in-a-lifetime event! Who will be the victor? Don’t hesitate and place your bets! Those who think Lady Selendis will win, put your money in this hat! Those who think the princess will win, put your money in that hat!”

Unfortunately, Hassale, the head of the Lucius Trading Company, was also recruited for the betting. He couldn’t miss out on money.

I considered scolding Jericho but decided against it, as it seemed like a fun event. Many people started putting money in the hats.

Then Jericho spotted me, his eyes gleaming, and he ran over with Hassale.

“What will Mr. Walker’s choice be? The family’s worker or the Imperial connection?”

The rhyme was surprisingly good. He could be a rapper.

“Isn’t the introduction a bit strange?”

“That’s not important! Choose!”

I tried to brush it off, but the knights surrounded me. They seemed eager to see my choice.

“Where did the Duke place his bet?”

Hassale showed me the inside of the hat. It was filled with gold coins.

“He said he’d bet 500 gold on his beloved disciple.”

“And the Lady?”

This time, Jericho showed me the hat.

“She said she couldn’t lose and bet 500 gold on Lady Selendis!”

My contemplation prolonged. But thinking about the person who spent the most time with me, the outcome was naturally decided.

“I’ll bet on Selendis. One thousand gold.”

“Whoa! One thousand gold! Everyone, we have one thousand gold! Applause!”

The knights cheered. Was this really happening? What were we doing this early in the morning?

On the other hand, I understood.

The emergency order had been lifted at midnight. Some knights were granted leave and vacations.

Having overcome a crisis, our family members were even more united. It would be a shame not to enjoy this newfound peace.

‘Since it’s come to this, I should enjoy it too. Being a lord is tiring.’

As I raised my hand and clenched my fist, showing my support, the knights cheered again.

Jericho wouldn’t miss this opportunity.

He excitedly climbed onto the stage.

“All bets are in! It seems the princess is slightly disadvantaged in terms of the prize money, but isn’t it more exciting to bet on the underdog? I hope you both do your best! Hahaha! Now, let the spar begi—ahem, commence!”

“Whoa!”

“Go, Captain!”

“You disloyal bastard! You should be cheering for the princess!”

“Hey, the princess isn’t the one promoting you, is she? Don’t you know that fists are closer than the law?”

“Oh… You’re right.”

Considering the occasion, Duke Kalisto personally stood in the training ground.

He offered advice for a fair duel, emphasizing that avoiding injuries was the priority.

He seemed concerned about the princess’s previous serious injury.

“Now, both of you, take your weapons and do your best for your honor.”

Selendis and Beatrice each took their sword and spear. As their auras clashed…

*Whoosh!*

The princess moved. It was a speed I couldn’t follow without ‘Automatic Combat.’

‘She’s gotten even stronger.’

A sharp spear thrust towards her waist. It was an agility that most knights would struggle to block.

But it was easily blocked by Selendis’s shield.

*Clang!*

Sparks flew as they clashed without activating their aura.

‘Did Selendis also realize something during the recent battle? Her vision seems wider.’

After a few exchanges, the atmosphere heated up.

But with ‘Automatic Combat’ activated, I knew their fight was still just a warm-up.

The real showdown would begin when they unleashed their full aura and used their techniques.

“Your Grace, if I may ask, how did this spar come about?”

I asked, standing beside Duke Kalisto. He sighed and said,

“It’s all my fault. Discussing martial arts with Princess Beatrice is one of my pleasures. We were talking about Lady Selendis’s unique swordsmanship, and the princess said she wanted to spar with her. You know how determined she can be.”

“I see.”

“I thought Lady Selendis would politely decline, but she accepted. Both of them are serious about martial arts.”

I suddenly felt a sense of deja vu.

When I first sparred with Selendis in the mansion’s training ground, she said her goal was to defeat me.

And Beatrice had said something similar yesterday.

Being someone’s target felt both good and burdensome. After all, I wasn’t here because of my own efforts.

*Clang!*

*Clang!*

The fight intensified, and finally, their auras erupted.

*Buzz!*

Selendis was the first to unleash her aura.

‘Well, she probably couldn’t see any other way out. Beatrice is too experienced.’

Whether it was due to the difference in practical experience, the princess used her long reach to gain an advantage and pressed Selendis.

Spears have that advantage, but they also have the disadvantage of being slow.

That disadvantage was completely overcome by the princess’s agile movements.

Although Selendis used her shield, she couldn’t close the distance for an effective attack and was stuck defending.

That’s when she made her move.

*Whoosh!*

A near-purple sword energy was unleashed. The princess dodged gracefully and swung her spear.

*Thud!*

The princess’s spear, which had deflected the sword energy, was also tinged with purple.

‘Judging by the color, she’s almost reached 2nd-class.’

Strictly speaking, both of them were 3rd-class. It was unbelievable that they had approached 2nd-class in such a short time.

‘Could it be that these two were also protagonists in the game? Or key NPCs?’

I didn’t know much about being a ‘queen maker,’ but they were undoubtedly important figures.

The spar entered its climax.

The first to activate was the Bellatrix spear technique.

『First Form, Flying Spear!』

One spear became two, four, and eventually eight.

*Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!*

The spearheads, all appearing real, lunged towards Selendis.

It was similar to the first form of the Bellatrix swordsmanship, Radiant Slash. It was a terrifying technique, a kind of phantom spear technique where a single attack appeared as multiple strikes.

‘Amazing. Can Selendis block it?’

I calmly observed her response.

Before the spearheads reached her, Selendis made her move. Her raised shield suddenly began to glow purple.

*Buzz!*

It was the moment the true swordsmanship of the Savion royal family was activated.