Chapter 263
Chapter 263
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: EP.58 – The Knight Does Not Forget Grudges (5)
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The moment Irene's magic poured down marked the turning point, and the battle's flow shifted completely to their side in an instant. The goblins, who were being massacred one-sidedly, began to flee.
Of course…
"Chase them! Make sure to kill them all!"
"If we let any escape, it'll come back to bite us…!"
"Charge!!"
They couldn't escape from veteran mercenaries who were experts at pursuit.
In reality, the goblin horde's annihilation was a foregone conclusion, and Roan's sword gradually slowed to a halt.
"Whew, I'm getting tired."
"You can't help it. You took down over a thousand on your own."
"If I want to keep the cadets safe, I have to put in the effort."
"…You're a cadet just like them, you know."
"I'm not in the same position as them, am I?"
"……."
Jake wanted to crack a joke but couldn't form the words in his mind.
And that was because…
Drip, drip…
Seeing him with blood only on his sword—not a drop on his clothes or body—overwhelmed him completely.
'My lord's swordsmanship is becoming more perfected with every swing.'
This overwhelming swordsmanship and seasoned skill that was hard to believe came from someone his age.
Watching his technique grow ever more refined and powerful, as if retracing a path he'd walked before, all he could do was admire it.
"My lord, honestly, couldn't you have taken down all eight thousand by yourself?"
"Why do you think that?"
"Just from the power you've shown, I can't shake the feeling that you were holding back."
"……."
"See…"
"I didn't say anything."
"Isn't silence as good as affirmation?"
"…You've gotten awfully talkative since arriving in the capital."
Roan neither denied nor affirmed it, but Jake was convinced his lord could have wiped out the goblin horde single-handedly.
Yet the reason he relied on the cadets and mercenaries was ultimately…
'For the growth of others.'
Specifically, the cadets' growth.
His lord, Roan Dimitri de Lionel, possessed something akin to foresight—a [Mystery].
Perhaps because of that, he always prepared for the future, uncovering villains who had hidden for decades or the corruption among nobles.
He was truly remarkable, but…
'Sometimes he goes overboard.'
His usually rational lord would occasionally lose his cool around certain targets, flying into a rage he couldn't control.
Whether it was a side effect of that powerful mystery or not, he would vent his fury as if he'd personally experienced the future events.
Fortunately, unless it was one of those special cases, Roan remained as cool-headed as now, prioritizing leading others over personal glory.
Just like this…
'He sees their growth as preparation for the future.'
A generation trained not in Fighting Techniques, but in Muscle Arts (Light).
Roan spared no investment in those from the lower classes, hoping they would usher in a new era.
"If it got out that even the mercenaries were just a device for their growth, it would cause quite a stir."
"I don't know what you mean, Jake."
Roan neither denied nor affirmed it this time either, but the faint smile on his lips seemed like agreement, making Jake chuckle.
'My cool-headed lord is admirable, sure. But this side is even better.'
This humane concern for others evoked the image of an 'instructor'.
'He pretends otherwise, but…'
He was surely the one most influenced among the cadets.
Roan had no time to peer into his adjutant's odd thoughts.
No, normally he would have seen through them quickly, but at this site…
"Lord Roan."
There were more than just the two of them.
"…Zan."
"?"
"Ah, sorry, Lady Levi."
"Oh, no. It's not strange for nobles to address each other by family name. If you prefer, call me that."
"Appreciated."
Levi Zan Dark.
She was the one woman in the group Roan couldn't treat casually, and he faced her with a slightly awkward expression.
"Ahem, so what is it? Something to report?"
"That's part of it, but I also have a question."
"What is it."
"……."
Levi felt a bit awkward seeing Roan so ready to answer any question.
She felt it occasionally, but…
'Why does he treat me so carefully while looking at me with eyes of admiration?'
Was she being too presumptuous?
Levi felt a sense of dissonance but decided not to dwell on it.
What mattered was that he gave good answers.
"This is just personal curiosity, but I was wondering what your goal is, Lord Roan."
"My goal?"
"Yes. You're busy with temple affairs, so it's odd that you'd come out here personally."
"……."
"I know you have a promise with the dwarves, but it seems like something you didn't need to handle yourself. Especially since you're already so busy."
"Hm."
"Oh, n-no, I'm not criticizing or interrogating! As someone nominally in the commander role—overstepping as it may be—I think I need to know the employer's objectives to some extent. If I know your thoughts, I might be able to help."
"…You see right through me."
"Pardon?"
"Talking to myself."
"??"
…Roan swallowed a wry smile.
'She sees through me this deeply already.'
He hadn't said a word, yet she'd discerned so much from his actions alone. He genuinely admired her insight.
'Of course. Piercing through people is Zan's specialty.'
It might be too soon, but as that insight grew, it wouldn't just unravel lies—it would dissect tactics entirely.
The ability that had terrified countless strategists and tacticians—the Mercenary Queen's. Before its glimpse, Roan felt equal parts longing and awkwardness, clearing his throat.
"Ahem, you're right. My goal isn't just escorting the dwarves home. My true purpose lies in the dwarves' homeland."
"…I didn't expect a real answer."
"No need to hide it. But I'd prefer you keep it to yourself. Rumors would make persuasion a headache."
"I promise I will."
"…Actually, go ahead and reveal it. Something tells me you won't even in a crisis."
"Wh-what am I supposed to do?"
"Never mind. My true purpose heading to the dwarves' homeland is simple. If I had to name it… 'treasure hunting' would be it."
"Treasure hunting?"
"Yes. You've probably heard of it."
Flutter.
"……."
Levi blinked.
He handed her an old map that looked like it could crumble to sand any moment, inscribed with ancient characters no longer in use.
And Levi…
"…Ancient Britannia script?"
"You can read it? Impressive."
"I learned it in culture class."
"Most who study it can't read it. …Then you know what this map says."
"Yes, but… is this authentic?"
Levi tilted her head.
If what she'd read was true, it was a historic discovery.
"-The Holy Grail."
The sacred relic said to have been bestowed by Pendragon's guardian dragon, the White Silver Dragon, and vanished after the Knight King's death—a legend.
"More precisely, a map to a fragment of the Holy Grail. According to it, one piece is in the dwarves' homeland."
"…You're looking for that?"
"If possible."
"……."
His demeanor wasn't that of a treasure hunter chasing easy riches.
It seemed desperate, as if there was a compelling reason he had to find it.
Levi swallowed dryly and shook her head.
As if chastising herself for presuming his thoughts.
Even so…
'Does the Holy Grail really exist?'
She couldn't help a twinge of doubt.
After all, it was just a legend.
"You seem skeptical."
"Ah, well…"
"I understand. I wouldn't believe such a legend either if told to."
"……."
"But the Holy Grail exists. And its pieces are scattered like puzzle parts. Well, each fragment has its own shape and form."
"……You sound like you've seen it yourself."
"I've seen three in person."
"!?"
She didn't doubt his answer.
He had no reason to lie to her.
"Even so, completing it is impossible. There are five fragments total, and the last one's whereabouts are unknown."
"Then isn't there no point in searching?"
"Still, I must find it. There may come a time when the Holy Grail's power is essential."
"…I hope you can find the final piece."
She meant it.
His expression showed such earnest desperation.
An indescribable longing.
Seeing her sincerity, Roan nodded gratefully.
"If fate allows. Texts say it's a ring-shaped one. Wonder where it could be…"
"A ring?"
"Yes, a ring. One that emits a peculiar light."
"……Uh."
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing. I think I've seen a ring like that somewhere."
"Where?"
"Well…"
At the girl's next words, Roan blinked momentarily before shaking his head.
Dismissing it as a mistake.
And understandably so.
"-Something so precious in a mere maid's hands? Ridiculous."
He couldn't believe a maid had it.
"Achoo!"
"Miss Maid, caught a cold?"
"No! Just an itchy nose. And I've never had a cold in my life, hehe!"
"I-see?"
"Yeah. I even tried swimming in winter and eating ice to catch one, but I just got tougher!"
"…Don't do that next time. You might not get a cold—you'll freeze to death."
"I got scolded by my parents for it!"
The maid, Leira Winter, beamed innocently, and Lee Han looked exasperated.
At that moment.
"Hehe, and the ring you gave me, Sir Knight, feels so warm—I've been feeling even healthier lately! I love it."
"Glad you like it."
She proudly held out the ring on her necklace, cherishing it. Her genuine affection satisfied him completely.
'That thing's useful after all.'
As a hand warmer.
Lee Han nodded, thinking a few more would be great.