Novels online

Chapter 589

589fury

70. This side(22)

It was around dawn two days ago that 'Evie', a woman who was buried alive after suffering from servant's disease, woke up..

There were so many things I wanted to ask her, so I wanted to start interrogating her right away. However, at that time, the sun had already risen and it was time to return to the teacher's dormitory, and Evie's mental state was in turmoil due to her physical condition becoming exhausted while suffering from servant's disease..

I didn't realize it until later, but she said she was naturally a bit plump. Since it became a living corpse, it has not received proper care, and as a result, it has not been able to eat properly, which is why it is as skinny as it is now..

Anyway, two mornings ago, neither she nor I were in any condition to have a conversation. So, I decided to stay in the rabbit hole and get some sleep, and I attached Iopiya to my side as a nurse and watchdog..

And today, as soon as each class ended, I was planning to run down the rabbit hole... … . Inevitably, the schedule was delayed. This is because we encountered as many as four unexpected obstacles..

Strictly speaking, the obstacles were not all unexpected. This was especially true of the first one..

Princess Eadina, who was watching each class from the bleachers of the duel hall, she was the first obstacle..

“I am ignorant of swordsmanship, but…….”

As soon as the lecture was over, the princess, who had her maid stop me as I was leaving the training hall, expressed her impressions of the visit as if congratulating me..

“Still, it was impressive. Is it understandable that the steering committee’s request for verification was so confidently rejected?.”

“……I understand it as a compliment..”

When I answered with an ambiguous expression, the princess let out a small laugh..

“Of course it should be. Because it’s actually a compliment… … . Shall we take a walk??”

It seemed like a light suggestion, but considering her status and the influence she could have on me, it was practically an order. I wandered along the portico helplessly, following Eadina..

We chatted for a while..

In case anyone thought she was royalty, she used typical courtly speaking skills. It means that he only talked nonsense, talking about personal matters or the state of the kingdom..

Fortunately, it wasn't such a painful time. When all the hostile conditions were removed, Eadina was an extremely beautiful girl. Isn’t it fun to just look at beautiful things?.

Eadina wasn't very tall for her age, and although I had lost quite a bit of weight while disguising myself as Ludo, I was still tall. Thanks to this, if I walked close to her, the princess would have to tilt her head, but since I couldn't 'dared' to cause her that kind of inconvenience, I had to walk at a certain distance. Paradoxically, it allowed me to observe her a little better..

Her light tangerine hair was braided long to one side, and her porcelain-white skin glowed softly in the late afternoon sunlight. The sight of her chattering away with her plump, red lips was very cute, and her eyes, which were not so vivid but even a little sharp, were blurred with a good will that was either fake or sincere, so it was actually nice to see them..

Well, it's a shame. If only I was three or four years older, it would have been perfect.…….

Just as my thoughts were starting to drift in the wrong direction, the princess finally got to the point..

“Sir Ogier, the person in charge of my security, is the vice commander of the Royal Guard. People say that he is one of the greatest knights in the entire kingdom..”

“I too am familiar with that name..”

On the outside, I nodded calmly, but on the inside, I suddenly felt curious..

Was it swordsmanship or spirit magic that elevated the man who was quietly following behind him to the second-in-command position in the Royal Guard? Looking at his bear-like physique, he seemed like a pure knight focused on strength and skill, but since all the rumors I heard were about elemental magic, I couldn't help but be curious..

“It was because of this that you reluctantly accepted it.?”

“what do you mean?”

“What you presented… … Did you say Cavalni type? That biggie. You said that it wasn't just a crude imitation, but that it was a great move that you could believe even if it was Geombaek himself..”

I burst out laughing. This may not be the attitude you would show to a royal family, but it was absolutely ridiculous..

“This is an extremely undeserved evaluation..”

“Is that so??”

“I don't mean to disrespect Lord Ogi, but he has never been outside the kingdom in his life. You've probably never even met an Imperial Knight who has properly learned the Cavalni style, but you compare it to Geombaek..”

“Ludo, it sounds like you are different..”

“As the princess knows, I come from the empire. I had many opportunities to experience various things. Thanks to this, I have learned a few skills at a glance, but they are by no means comparable to the original..”

“Hmm.”

It seems that the reason why Ogie got his current position is because of his elemental arts rather than his swordsmanship. I knew it was an accurate skill, but seeing as how poor my eyesight was, I didn't think it would be that great..

That's right, no matter how hard I tried to use 'Three-Headed Snake', it was natural that it would be inferior compared to Geombaek. There must be a difference in terms of overall completeness, and above all, the sword strike thrown by Tuacelo had its shadow increased to four instead of three, effectively becoming a 'four-headed snake'..

So, when Ogier said, ‘I will believe it even if Geombaek said it was revealed’, it was complete bullshit. It is clear that he was either a fool who knew nothing about the Empire's sword masters, or he was secretly looking down on his potential enemies..

……Is it because I found out that Ogier was being blinded? It seems like expectations for the entire Knights of the Guard are dwindling as well..

Could it be that Kallio, the captain of the royal guard, is a pure bubble??

‘Considering that he has all kinds of nicknames, such as 'the one who destroys the castle wall', 'the most dangerous man in Middle-earth', and 'the sword demon', it seems like he must be a great guy, but since I haven't met him in person yet, I can't really guess..

“……What a strange person you are.”

“Uh, yeah?”

“Arrogant yet humble, cocky yet polite.”

I was about to react to the strange words, but the princess pretended not to know and continued to ask another question..

“He said he was engaged in military affairs when he was in the empire.?”

“Oh, that… … . Rather than being a military family, I've been eating kalbab for about ten years..”

“It’s called Kalbab. That means he was a mercenary.?”

“yes it is.”

“But Ludo is a licensed swordsman. A licensed swordsman who is not an ordinary swordsman is merely a mercenary. It's not a common occurrence even in the empire.?”

“Of course. In my case, I joined the school while working as a mercenary, so it can be said that I am quite unique..”

“also. So what about ordinary swordsmen? After all, serving as an imperial knight under the imperial family or the elector is fundamental.?”

…… Why are you suddenly asking this? Ludo's personal information must have been detailed in Count Jovian's letter of recommendation..

I was a little nervous, but I was fully prepared for a situation like this. Thanks to this, I was able to give a very natural and flowing answer even while Eadina was asking questions..

The story of how Ludo, a former mercenary swordsman, came to the kingdom after pioneering the Southern Continent and experiencing the Geben-Prodsey civil war and came under Count Jovian. This curious princess listened carefully, making sure not to miss a single word..

“……It's a life full of turbulence.”

The princess let out a quiet exclamation and then showed signs of hesitation. But it was only for a moment, I took a deep breath and opened my mouth..

“Can I ask you something a little personal??”

“……Yeah, whatever. What I've said so far has been quite personal..”

“ah?”

Eadina, who looked stupid for a moment, covered her mouth and burst into laughter..

“Oh my, now that I think about it, that’s it. I made a rude mistake without realizing it..”

“it's okay. don't mind.”

“Yes, I will..”

If you see them nodding their heads willingly to formal words, they are indeed royalty. Home education was a bit lacking..

“Why are you here??”

“……yes?”

“With such incredible skills, the career he chose to do was becoming a mercenary and a teacher. Because it's hard for me to understand.”

“Is that so? So what choice should I make??”

Although it was a surprise question in its own way, the princess answered immediately without any hesitation..

“Success.”

“……Success, you mean??”

“If I were Ludo, I would have chosen the one who offered good conditions among the various great lords - no, the emperor and the elector - and taken them under my command. You must have accumulated merit, gained territory, and struggled to climb to a higher place..”

She shrugged and added.

“Need more explanation? This is the path everyone wants..”

“uh… … . well.”

The princess also looked puzzled as I tilted my head. And the question was asked as if it couldn't possibly be so..

“Don't you want to get ahead??”

“No, rather than that.”

This was a conversation I wasn't expecting, and of course I didn't have a well-thought-out answer. This means that it is time for improvisation..

“Um, whatever. Of course, I also want to become successful. but…….”

“but?”

“In order to do that, like the princess said, wouldn't you have to go under someone??”

“That's right.”

“I don't like that.”

“yes?”

I explained the excuses I came up with on the spur of the moment..

“I am a warrior whose only skill is using a sword. And if a warrior wants to be used by someone, he must sacrifice his life. Whether it's someone else's life or your own life.”

“……ah.”

The princess opened her mouth slightly..

“Giving loyalty means sacrificing one's life... … . Is that so??”

It was only after seeing the princess' blank reaction that I realized my mistake..

Loyalty in this world is no different from a service contract, so when a subordinate shows loyalty, the lord must provide something in return. In a relationship like this, loyalty with one's life was never taken for granted..

In the first place, such loyalty is only accepted in the Confucian culture, and this is a world where the teachings of Confucianism and Alliance do not exist. So it wasn't strange that Eadina took my answer strangely..

But there was no way I could take my words back now, so I nodded calmly..

“I want to get ahead, too, but how easy is it to sacrifice your life for someone? Moreover, what I realized after working as a mercenary all my life is that there is nothing more precious than life..”

“……yes. I think I can understand a little bit..”

“So I'm just grateful for where I am now. Being able to make use of your talents and live comfortably, in my opinion, there is nothing better than this..”

I smiled lightly, but the princess nodded with a very serious expression..

“is it so. I know what you want to say..”

It was a muttering that somehow seemed like a decision..

The princess didn't know if she knew that I was nervous for some reason, but she smiled fakely..

“Let's go now. I still have business left here..”

“ah. I understand, Your Majesty. then,”

“I think we'll see each other often in the future, so don't be too sad..”

“Uh, yes?”

“See you later.”

Before I could ask what she meant, the princess turned around and disappeared among the crowd..

“……uh,”

I feel like something is tightly twisted..

My Villains Episode 588

70. This side(21)

King Eadum II, the 'one-eyed king' who founded the Royal University of Milan, issued an edict that laid out four conditions that must be met in order to receive teaching at the university..

It was flawless faith, solid loyalty, shining talent, and passionate passion..

At first glance, it seemed like a cliché, but in other words, it meant that anyone who met those four conditions could enter the Royal College..

This advanced edict, which was implemented with the strong will of King Dok-an, has remained in effect even after 120 years have passed under the unwavering support of later kings..

The result was about 3,000 students currently studying at the Royal College. Talented people with diverse backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, rich, poor, or noble..

A ignorant outsider would only distinguish these students into nobles and commoners. According to the dichotomy used everywhere in the central continent..

However, the more I learned about the university's circumstances, the more the divisions that divided students would continue to increase. It goes without saying that the commoners accounted for more than 80% of the student body, and the noble students, who numbered less than 500, were also divided into dozens of groups according to various criteria..

And in the case of the seven members of the 'hawk class', they belonged to the upper class by any standard..

Crully and Buchan are commoners, but since they are members of the royal family and the Marquis Alphard family respectively, they could not treat even the children of quite a few nobles..

Girion was only the third son of a baron, but his family, 'Caspalo', was so prestigious that its name can be found on epigraphs from the ancient empire. Considering that the Geore dynasty was less than two hundred years old, it was no wonder that Caspalo prided himself on being a real man among 'rootless' nobles..

As Euphria was the niece of Margrave Prix, it was natural that she belonged to the highest class, and there was nothing more to say about the other three students. Because he himself holds the title of count..

Gedun of Onuther, Garwin of the Highlands - and Pasitea of ​​Perite..

“……Count. Count?”

‘Pasitea, who was stretched out in the middle of the duel hall, frowned delicately..

“why.”

“Why? You have to go back now. It's been a while since the lecture ended..”

“After a little while.”

“I'm a count.”

When the hostess did not even look at her, the young maid spoke in a very earnest tone..

“Also think about your face. Are you going to keep lying on the stone floor like this? When you are covered in sweat.”

“There's no one.”

It was just as the Count said. The other students in each class had already left the hall, either crawling or crawling while being supported by servants..

“That's right. The next lecture will start soon-”

“They say we are the last. The teacher said that.”

“……Ugh,”

The young maid closed her mouth as she searched for words to persuade. Pasitea added, as if she could see that face even with her eyes closed..

“Let's just cool off and go. It's because it's really hard. ”

“Ugh… … . really.”

Pasitea smiled faintly when she heard the maid flop down nearby..

A gentle breeze flowed through the open windows on both sides of the indoor training facility, relieving the heat building up in my body. Every time the maid sitting next to me combed my long, voluminous black hair with her hand, cool air seeped all the way to the top of my head..

For Pasitea, it was the first happiness she felt in a long time. Thinking back, it seemed like this was the first time since I came to the royal capital that I was so drenched in sweat..

I must have been six or seven, but from that time until the spring of last year, I trained every single day. If she had been born with a younger brother who was more talented than her, especially a younger brother, she might have been able to quit midway. In the end, I was never given that opportunity..

Immediately after becoming an adult, he ascended to the throne following his mother's death during childbirth. However, Pasitea still could not escape the clutches of the family knights..

Fortunately, the hard work that lasted for 14 hours a day did not seem so painful around that time..

The inertia of a long life, the admiration that the knights could not hide, and the wonder of my body becoming lighter day by day all played their part, but what played the biggest role was the maid sitting next to me..

“Ugh, it's wet. What kind of wind was blowing today that made you sweat so much??”

“It just so happens that.”

“I need to wash up as soon as I get back to the mansion. The Count is like this not for a day or two, but if he continues like this even in the royal capital, I won't be able to carry my face. Other students are making fun of me.”

The maid was twenty years old this year, only a year older than Pasitea, but she spoke like a middle-aged woman who had given birth to three or five children. It was one of the many reasons Pasitea liked her..

The familiar, chirping voice instantly puts my mind at ease. Pasitea's body, lying on the training ground floor, relaxed more gently. The rough heartbeat gradually subsided and the pain in my wrist subsided..

Maybe it was because she had regained her composure a little, but Pasitea suddenly remembered the lecture she had just received..

‘Everyone pretended to be arrogant.’

She felt aggrieved in her heart..

It was quite amusing for Pasitea that all seven people who received the mark of the falcon were present. Even if we assume that Crully and Buchan are commoners regardless of their background, aren't the other five high-ranking nobles with high standards of pride?.

Despite this, every single one of them appeared in the duel hall. Even after being humiliated and humiliated during the evaluation..

It wasn't about attendance or grades or anything like that. Any commoner student would know this, but those belonging to the highest class, like the noble students in each class, were not concerned about such things..

In the first place, the purpose of the king's gathering of many young nobles from all over the world to the Royal College was to promote friendship with the royal family and to appease the royal faction. If I expressed it more explicitly and simply, I would be a pawn. It means that academics are not that important..

Most students from great families would spend about two years at the Royal College and then return home with a few decent degrees..

Of course, you have to show a minimum of sincerity to keep the king in mind, but taking classes from some idiot who said he came from the empire did not fall into that category..

That's because it's a military science lecture that belongs to Department 7, and the instructor isn't even a full professor at the university. I don't know if it's the third high school class that requires a degree, but there's no problem if you skip these side lectures..

Despite this, every student from each class attended the duel hall without exception. Pasitea could easily guess the reason. Because they all have the same reason as herself..

‘……What on earth is that bastard?.’

The teacher who said he came from the empire was a truly strange man. It's been that way since he dared to invite students to the 'Lion's Hall' for an evaluation..

The appearance was that of a typical Gellan, a typical warrior. A bushy beard, messy hair, sharp eyes, and a majestic physique - it seems like the image of a wandering swordsman that people often imagine is portrayed in reality..

On the other hand, his words and actions were kind and polite, yet so light that I felt a sense of discomfort. On the one hand, she looked like a tavern worker, and on the other hand, she seemed like a servant making fun of her young owner..

However, the skills he displayed were reminiscent of the family's greatest knight, Sir Rodion. Not only Pasitea, who prided herself on being one of the few opponents worthy of sword fighting among her peers, but even Viscount Arthur, who would become the knight representing the current king's reign, could not stand up to him. Although she didn't see it in person, she heard that Shrimps, the youngest son of Guard Captain Caliora and famous as a genius swordsman, couldn't last 5 minutes..

Thanks to this, many noble students were unable to dismiss this strange guest teacher as an arrogant bastard. Regardless of his status, his skills were sufficient to merit evaluation..

Moreover, while he was defeating hundreds of students under the pretext of evaluation, he also showed off the techniques of the imperial schools little by little. In other words, the evaluation proved one's skills as a swordsman teacher and also foreshadowed the content of future lectures..

It was a clever move that was obvious, but what could be done? Curiosity has already begun to arise.

The swordsman from Asuberg became a hot potato at the Royal University in just one week, regardless of whether he was noble or not. The arrogant nobles, especially students interested in martial arts, shared the expectation that they might be able to learn something useful..

And in the first lecture just held, swordsman Ludo fully met the expectations of students in each class while arousing their curiosity even more than before..

‘of course. Because I saw something like that…….’

‘I clearly saw the ‘three-headed snake’ unfolding with my own eyes. This is not another sword master, but the secret story of Tuacelo, the 'sword master' who is the teacher of all imperial knights belonging to the imperial family..

The reason why Pasitea was even more shocked was because she belatedly remembered the last part of the lecture promotional leaflet..

-Guest teacher Ludo.

-Mittergerand Empire citizen, training in Asuberg…….

……Served as a trainer to His Excellency Count Jovian..

-Ohit Ryue instructor's license. Proficiency in the other four schools (Horhiu, Sigmil, Ogose, and Koval).

Geombaek Tuacelo is a master representing the Cavalni style. Lu does not belong to the Ohit style, which he himself declared to be licensed, nor does he belong to the four schools described as mastery. He showed off such Cavalni-style tricks..

The situation was so surprising that it wouldn't be strange to have doubts, but I didn't even have time to think about it during the lecture..

The reason is because I couldn't come to my senses because I was trying to receive the famous sword of swordsmanship myself..

-Don't be too nervous and take your time. I'll show you as much as I can.

Swordsman Rudo strictly kept his words. Cavalni-style secrets were poured out over a hundred times to seven students..

At first, I was half-fazed as I was trying to capture the precious scene..

But even for a moment, in front of a swordsman who showed off his unique and terrifying pressure, I had to force myself to come to my senses in order to 'taste' Geombaek's secret skills - this is Ludo's expression. Even so, after just 20 attempts, I collapsed from exhaustion like I did now..

-This is enough, everyone.?

Looking back at the students rolling around on the floor, swordsman Rudo was helpless..

- Well, then shall we end this for today… … . You can prepare the destruction method by the day after tomorrow. I'll be looking forward to it!

Now that I think about it, even that bright goodbye felt strange. Regardless of the satisfaction of the lecture, aren't there at least one suspicious corner?.

Pasitea, who was lying on her back in the middle of the duel hall, contemplating the lecture just before, narrowed her eyes at the sound of greetings coming from the entrance..

As if she had noticed this, the maid sitting next to her turned around and quickly stood up..

“May you lead us to bright light - I see Your Majesty the Princess..”

“long time no see.”

The person who approached with a light greeting was Princess Eadina, accompanied by several escorts and attendants, including Ogier, commander of the guards..

She was sitting in the audience watching the lecture, but immediately after the lecture ended, she disappeared somewhere along with Ludo. But now he has appeared again in the duel hall..

“majesty-”

As the count quickly raised his upper body, the princess smiled slightly and held out her hand..

“I didn't want to interrupt your private time, but I wanted to ask you something..”

Eadina's mother, Queen Ducan, was a Helmworthite, and Pasitea was the head of that family. In other words, the two were cousins..

Of course, that alone did not make Pasitea's attitude relax. Although he was an earl, Helmworth was like a mushroom under the giant tree called Geore..

She stood up, avoiding Eadina's touch, as if she was sorry..

“May the brightest light come to you, Her Royal Highness Princess Eadina.”

“child, sister.”

The princess furrowed her brow and grumbled, but the count pretended not to notice and asked a question..

“What you want to ask is?”

“……Tsk. okay. There are a lot of eyes watching this.?”

Eadina clicked her tongue and pulled Pasitea's hand..

The flustered count inadvertently raised his head and made eye contact with the princess. And thanks to the fact that we interacted like sisters for a long time, I was able to sense her true feelings right away..

The two cousins ​​always felt different things when they saw the same thing. If Pasitea's lecture had just made her suspicious, then what Eadina was harboring was greed. Because that's usually the case.

“Let's go to the royal palace. quickly.”

Pasitea sighed involuntarily at the sight of the princess ruthlessly pulling at her. She had a hunch. Helmworth will once again be caught up in Jeore's whims...

My Villains Episode 589

70. This side(22)

It was around dawn two days ago that 'Evie', a woman who was buried alive after suffering from servant's disease, woke up..

There were so many things I wanted to ask her, so I wanted to start interrogating her right away. However, at that time, the sun had already risen and it was time to return to the teacher's dormitory, and Evie's mental condition was depleted while suffering from servant's disease, so her mind went back and forth..

I didn't realize it until later, but she said she was naturally a bit plump. Since it became a living corpse, it has not received proper care, and as a result, it has not been able to eat properly, which is why it is as skinny as it is now..

Anyway, two mornings ago, neither she nor I were in any condition to have a conversation. So, I decided to stay in the rabbit hole and get some sleep, and I attached Iopiya to my side as a nurse and watchdog..

And today, as soon as each class ended, I was planning to run down the rabbit hole... … . Inevitably, the schedule was delayed. This is because we encountered as many as four unexpected obstacles..

Strictly speaking, the obstacles were not all unexpected. This was especially true of the first one..

Princess Eadina, who was watching each class from the bleachers of the duel hall, she was the first obstacle..

“I am ignorant of swordsmanship, but…….”

As soon as the lecture was over, the princess, who had her maid stop me as I was leaving the training hall, expressed her impressions of the visit as if congratulating me..

“Still, it was impressive. Is it understandable that the steering committee’s request for verification was so confidently rejected?.”

“……I understand it as a compliment..”

When I answered with an ambiguous expression, the princess let out a small laugh..

“Of course it should be. Because it’s actually a compliment… … . Shall we take a walk??”

It seemed like a light suggestion, but considering her status and the influence she could have on me, it was practically an order. I wandered along the portico helplessly, following Eadina..

We chatted for a while..

In case anyone thought she was royalty, she used typical courtly speaking skills. It means that he only talked nonsense, talking about personal matters or the state of the kingdom..

Fortunately, it wasn't such a painful time. When all the hostile conditions were removed, Eadina was an extremely beautiful girl. Isn’t it fun to just look at beautiful things?.

Eadina wasn't very tall for her age, and although I had lost quite a bit of weight while disguising myself as Ludo, I was still tall. Thanks to this, if I walked close to her, the princess would have to tilt her head, but since I couldn't 'dared' to cause her that kind of inconvenience, I had to walk at a certain distance. Paradoxically, it allowed me to observe her a little better..

Her light tangerine hair was braided long to one side, and her porcelain-white skin glowed softly in the late afternoon sunlight. The sight of her chattering away with her plump, red lips was very cute, and her eyes, which were not so vivid but even a little sharp, were blurred with a good will that was either fake or sincere, so it was actually nice to see them..

Well, it's a shame. If only I was three or four years older, it would have been perfect.…….

Just as my thoughts were starting to drift in the wrong direction, the princess finally got to the point..

“Sir Ogier, the person in charge of my security, is the vice commander of the Royal Guard. People say that he is one of the greatest knights in the entire kingdom..”

“I too am familiar with that name..”

On the outside, I nodded calmly, but on the inside, I suddenly felt curious..

Was it swordsmanship or spirit magic that elevated the man who was quietly following behind him to the second-in-command position in the Royal Guard? Looking at his bear-like physique, he seemed like a pure knight focused on strength and skill, but since all the rumors I heard were about elemental magic, I couldn't help but be curious..

“It was because of this that you reluctantly accepted it.?”

“what do you mean?”

“What you presented… … Did you say Cavalni type? That biggie. You said that it wasn't just a crude imitation, but that it was a great move that you could believe even if it was Geombaek himself..”

I burst out laughing. This may not be the attitude you would show to a royal family, but it was absolutely ridiculous..

“This is an extremely undeserved evaluation..”

“Is that so??”

“I don't mean to disrespect Lord Ogi, but he has never been outside the kingdom in his life. You've probably never even met an Imperial Knight who has properly learned the Cavalni style, but you compare it to Geombaek..”

“Ludo, it sounds like you are different..”

“As the princess knows, I come from the empire. I had many opportunities to experience various things. Thanks to this, I have learned a few skills at a glance, but they are by no means comparable to the original..”

“Hmm.”

It seems that the reason why Ogie got his current position is because of his elemental arts rather than his swordsmanship. I knew it was an accurate skill, but seeing as how poor my eyesight was, I didn't think it would be that great..

That's right, no matter how hard I tried to use 'Three-Headed Snake', it was natural that it would be inferior compared to Geombaek. There must be a difference in terms of overall completeness, and above all, the sword strike thrown by Tuacelo had its shadow increased to four instead of three, effectively becoming a 'four-headed snake'..

So, when Ogier said, ‘I will believe it even if Geombaek said it was revealed’, it was complete bullshit. It is clear that he was either a fool who knew nothing about the Empire's sword masters, or he was secretly looking down on his potential enemies..

……Is it because I found out that Ogier was being blinded? It seems like expectations for the entire Knights of the Guard are dwindling as well..

Could it be that Kallio, the captain of the royal guard, is a pure bubble??

‘Considering that he has all kinds of nicknames, such as 'the one who destroys the castle wall', 'the most dangerous man in Middle-earth', and 'the sword demon', it seems like he must be a great guy, but since I haven't met him in person yet, I can't really guess..

“……What a strange person you are.”

“Uh, yeah?”

“Arrogant yet humble, cocky yet polite.”

I was about to react to the strange words, but the princess pretended not to know and continued to ask another question..

“He said he was engaged in military affairs when he was in the empire.?”

“Oh, that… … . Rather than being a military family, I've been eating kalbab for about ten years..”

“It’s called Kalbab. That means he was a mercenary.?”

“yes it is.”

“But Ludo is a licensed swordsman. A licensed swordsman who is not an ordinary swordsman is merely a mercenary. It's not a common occurrence even in the empire.?”

“Of course. In my case, I joined the school while working as a mercenary, so it can be said that I am quite unique..”

“also. So what about ordinary swordsmen? After all, it is fundamental to serve as an imperial knight under the imperial family or the elector.?”

…… Why are you suddenly asking this? Ludo's personal information must have been detailed in Count Jovian's letter of recommendation..

I was a little nervous, but I was fully prepared for a situation like this. Thanks to this, I was able to give a very natural and flowing answer even while Eadina was asking questions..

The story of how Ludo, a former mercenary swordsman, came to the kingdom after pioneering the Southern Continent and going through the Geben-Frodsey civil war and came under Count Jovian. This curious princess listened carefully, making sure not to miss a single word..

“……It's a life full of turbulence.”

The princess let out a quiet exclamation and then showed signs of hesitation. But it was only for a moment, I took a deep breath and opened my mouth..

“Can I ask you something a little personal??”

“……Yeah, whatever. What I've said so far has been quite personal..”

“ah?”

Eadina, who looked stupid for a moment, covered her mouth and burst into laughter..

“Oh my, now that I think about it, that’s it. I made a rude mistake without realizing it..”

“it's okay. don't mind.”

“Yes, I will..”

If you see them nodding their heads willingly to formal words, they are indeed royalty. Home education was a bit lacking..

“Why are you here??”

“……yes?”

“With such incredible skills, the career he chose to do was becoming a mercenary and a teacher. Because it's hard for me to understand.”

“Is that so? So what choice should I make??”

Although it was a surprise question in its own way, the princess answered immediately without any hesitation..

“Success.”

“……Success, you mean??”

“If I were Ludo, I would have chosen the one who offered good conditions among the various great lords - no, the emperor and the elector - and taken them under my command. You must have accumulated merit, gained territory, and struggled to climb to a higher place..”

She shrugged and added.

“Need more explanation? This is the path everyone wants..”

“uh… … . well.”

The princess also looked puzzled as I tilted my head. And the question was asked as if it couldn't possibly be so..

“Don't you want to get ahead??”

“No, rather than that.”

This was a conversation I wasn't expecting, and of course I didn't have a well-thought-out answer. This means that it is time for improvisation..

“Um, whatever. Of course, I also want to become successful. but…….”

“but?”

“In order to do that, like the princess said, wouldn't you have to go under someone??”

“That's right.”

“I don't like that.”

“yes?”

I explained the excuses I came up with on the spur of the moment..

“I am a warrior whose only skill is using a sword. And if a warrior wants to be used by someone, he must sacrifice his life. Whether it's someone else's life or your own life.”

“……ah.”

The princess opened her mouth slightly..

“Giving loyalty means sacrificing one's life... … . Is that so??”

It was only after seeing the princess' blank reaction that I realized my mistake..

Loyalty in this world is no different from a service contract, so when a subordinate shows loyalty, the lord must provide something in return. In a relationship like this, loyalty with one's life was never taken for granted..

In the first place, such loyalty is only accepted in Confucian culture, and this is a world where the teachings of Confucianism and Alliance do not exist. So it wasn't strange that Eadina took my answer strangely..

But there was no way I could take my words back now, so I nodded calmly..

“I want to get ahead, too, but how easy is it to sacrifice your life for someone? Moreover, what I realized after working as a mercenary all my life is that there is nothing more precious than life..”

“……yes. I think I can understand a little bit..”

“So I'm just grateful for where I am now. Being able to make use of your talents and live comfortably, in my opinion, there is nothing better than this..”

I smiled lightly, but the princess nodded with a very serious expression..

“is it so. I know what you want to say..”

It was a muttering that somehow seemed like a decision..

The princess didn't know if she knew that I was nervous for some reason, but she smiled fakely..

“Let's go now. I still have business left here..”

“ah. I understand, Your Majesty. then,”

“I think we'll see each other often in the future, so don't be too sad..”

“Uh, yes?”

“See you later.”

Before I could ask what she meant, the princess turned around and disappeared among the crowd..

“……uh,”

I feel like something is tightly twisted..