Chapter 92

Episode 92

A few days had passed since Princess Beatrice’s departure.

During that time, many things happened. Aside from the Lucius Trading Company matters, there was one event that caused a stir in the main castle.

Selendis had applied for the high-ranking knight exam.

“No way! I sparred with Lady Selendis before, and she wasn’t that strong!”

“Maybe you’re just slow to improve? In the world of aura users, one can become stronger overnight with an epiphany, you young fool.”

“I’m telling you, her swordsmanship was unfamiliar, and she wasn’t that strong!”

“Maybe she was hiding her strength?”

“That’s right! The Inspector was also hiding his strength, wasn’t he? That’s how he defeated Prince Arthur.”

“Lady Selendis is already strong. I heard she fought three Azure Dragon Knights at once and didn’t even get a scratch.”

“That’s because they’re weak. How could three knights fail to capture a single low-ranking knight? And a woman, at that.”

“It’s truly embarrassing. That’s why the Azure Dragon Knights are always called the second-rate squad.”

The Black Dragon Knights and the other knights stationed in the inner castle were all talking about Lady Selendis.

There were many rumors, some true, some false, but I ignored them.

The high-ranking knight exam was held twice a year. Only those who were qualified could apply, so it wasn’t a big deal.

But it was the first time in decades that a low-ranking knight had applied. Everyone was curious about the process and the outcome.

“Sir O’Brien, could you wait a moment?”

As I was about to leave the outer castle, Sir Paris, the captain of the guard, called out to me. He was a gentleman who rarely stopped me, but even he couldn’t contain his curiosity.

“It’s about Lady Selendis, isn’t it?”

“My, how did you know?”

“You’re quite expressive, Sir Paris.”

“Sigh… Many people have asked me to inquire about her since I’m close to you. I apologize for the trouble. It’s unheard of for a low-ranking knight to apply for the high-ranking exam, even in my time as a knight.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m always indebted to your wife. It’s only natural for me to help you.”

I was planning to recruit Sir Paris to the Walker Knight Order in the future.

He wasn’t exceptionally skilled in swordsmanship, being an intermediate-level knight, but he was a man of honor and integrity. He would be helpful in establishing the knight order’s code of conduct.

“I believe the lack of information is the cause of the commotion. The swordsmanship Lady Selendis uses is uncommon. It’s not a top-tier style, but it’s a well-refined one.”

“That’s strange. Shouldn’t such a style be widely known?”

“Lady Selendis comes from a distant land. She’s from a little-known kingdom, and it seems her swordsmanship was famous there.”

“Hmm.”

Sir Paris stroked his chin, lost in thought. I couldn’t tell him that she was from a new continent beyond the Veil Sea.

Selendis had said it was alright to reveal her origins.

But I intended to keep it a secret. It would amplify the impact of her success in the exam.

The theme of this operation was “the triumph of hard work.” I would even portray her encounter with the elixir as a result of her efforts.

“I would like to spar with Lady Selendis if I have the chance.”

“I believe it would be best to wait until after the promotion exam.”

“You seem confident that she’ll pass.”

“Who else would I trust but my own knight?”

“That’s true. I apologize for taking up your time. Please, go ahead.”

I mounted my horse and rode off. I stopped by the Lucius Club before returning to the Inspection Unit headquarters.

The sommelier who greeted me was the same as always.

His attire had changed. He was wearing a well-maintained shirt and a navy vest. If he held a wine glass in his hand, he would look like a perfect nobleman.

“It’s been a while.”

“It’s an honor to see you again, Mr. Walker. I’ve heard about your recent achievements.”

This time, I presented him with the purple gem I had received from the Lady instead of gold coins. He smiled gracefully.

“I thought it would take longer, but it seems you’ve completed your mission successfully. Please, come inside. Welcome to the Lucius Club.”

I followed him to the secret area in the back.

The interior hadn’t changed dramatically. There were still display cases filled with luxurious items.

But I could sense a rich magical energy emanating from all directions.

It was as if the items were begging for my attention.

‘These must be magic-related artifacts.’

My guess was correct. The purple gem was a higher-level reward than gold coins.

‘Does this mean there are more areas to be unlocked?’

There were various types of gems. There were many that were more valuable than the one I possessed.

‘Gems are just my preconceived notion. There could be other symbols.’

In any case, I felt a sense of relief as the secrets of this world were slowly revealed to me.

I could now see my surroundings more clearly.

Various accessories were displayed on white cloths inside the display cases. There were earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets… everything.

“As you might have sensed, this area displays artifacts that enhance magical efficiency. You can choose whatever you need. However, there’s a condition. Shall I explain?”

“Yes, please.”

“The accessories here can only be used for Inspection Unit-related matters. The same goes for weapons and armor, but you must be careful with their storage. If they’re used for personal matters, you’ll face severe consequences.”

In short, I shouldn’t misuse these valuable items.

I had nothing to worry about.

I knew who the most dangerous person in this world was.

“First, please recommend some accessories. I need something that amplifies magical power.”

“Magical power is one of the key elements for casting magic. Balance is crucial. Necklaces and brooches can’t achieve the necessary balance. I recommend rings. You’ll be wearing it yourself, correct?”

“Yes.”

The sommelier presented me with a pair of old-looking platinum rings with no gems.

“These rings might look plain, but your opinion will change once you hear their history. They’re said to be the magic rings of Stormbringer, an ancient archmage. Wearing them on the same fingers of both hands will amplify your magical power in a balanced manner.”

“May I try them on?”

“Of course.”

I took the rings and put them on my middle fingers. They adjusted to the size of my fingers, expanding and contracting until they fit comfortably.

I immediately sent a signal to my mana circuit.

The core in my heart began to rotate, and magical power surged through my body. The speed and volume were at least three times greater than usual.

‘This is incredible!’

The difference in power would be significant, even if I used the same magic. The sommelier reached out.

“May I?”

He took my left hand and removed the ring. He then put it on my index finger instead of my middle finger.

To my surprise, I felt the connection to my magical power disappear.

“Changing their position turns them into ordinary platinum rings. I recommend wearing them on different fingers when you’re not using them.”

“That’s a useful feature.”

Now wasn’t the time to flaunt my magical power. Perhaps after the “Magic Revolution.”

“I’ll take these. Can you give me another pair with the same effect but a different design?”

“Who will be using them?”

“Clerk Jericho.”

He was also a mage. Enhancing his magical efficiency would allow him to deal with demonic beasts more easily.

I changed my request, worried about causing a misunderstanding.

“Similar effect, but a different design.”

“In that case… this ring would be perfect. Take a look.”

It was a thick copper ring. Copper was a weak metal, but the ring itself looked sturdy.

But there was only one.

“Don’t you wear these in pairs?”

“The Tulu family’s magic is quite different from elemental magic. This ring focuses on amplification rather than balance. It will be more helpful in combat.”

“You knew about Jericho’s background.”

The sommelier just smiled and didn’t answer.

I was suddenly curious about his “level.”

I activated “Mind’s Eye” and asked, “How much do you know about the Tulu family? I only recently learned about them myself.”

“I don’t know much. My job is simply to prepare the most suitable equipment for you.”

Something shocking happened.

The gentle man’s eyes glowed purple.

Purple was the color of “undeterminable.”

‘No way… Is he on the same level as the Lady?’

I shivered. I had thought he was a well-trained butler, but I was wrong.

I was curious about his true identity.

If “The Legend of Aldebaran” was a historical record and a prophecy, then he was likely connected to demons as well.

But there was no way to know for sure. I could only speculate until the Lady revealed her hidden cards.

“I’ll take this. And please prepare three items that are effective against magic attacks. The appearance doesn’t matter, but the smaller, the better.”

“Monsters and demonic beasts are causing quite a stir these days. I confidently recommend this item. It’s a work of art that maximizes effectiveness while minimizing weight and size.”

He presented me with a thumb-sized brooch shaped like a lion. It could also be seen as a symbol of Kalisto.

“Its simple design makes it suitable for any outfit. And since it’s shaped like a lion, why not use it as a symbol for the Inspection Unit?”

“That’s a great idea. I’ll take it.”

“Anything else?”

“I need a sword. It’s a gift for Lady Selendis. She’s about to take the high-ranking knight exam.”

“The Lady Selendis I know is a woman of honor, fairness, and composure. Am I correct?”

“You’re absolutely right.”

“In that case… I recommend this sword.”

The sommelier took a sword from the wall. A cold aura emanated from its blue blade. It was about the size of a longsword.

“This is the Frost Sword. It’s said to be the treasured sword of the King of Jotunheim in ancient times. Legend has it that it can freeze everything in this world if its true power is unleashed. But who knows?”

It was perfect for Selendis, who preferred a calm and efficient swordsmanship style. A large sword wouldn’t suit her.

“I’ll take it. Please put everything in a bag.”

“Right away.”

I suddenly remembered Chloe’s request and asked for a nice writing set as well.

“Do you have any snacks?”

“We don’t have any here, but I have some chocolate I was planning to eat myself. I’ll include it in the bag.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll consider adding a snack corner next time. Please come again.”

I gathered the items and headed for the Inspection Unit headquarters.

Selendis, Jericho, and Chloe were all gathered there.