Chapter 371
Chapter 371
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: EP. 77 – After He Left (5)
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The cadets—no, the boys and girls who had now become members of the Turtle Alliance Knights—were filled with admiration.
What were they admiring?
"Wow, it actually works?"
"It really does?"
"So it does work."
The fact that a knight order had been formed in just one week.
In this era when the royal capital was aflame and the air thick with the scent of war.
No one would dare move recklessly; sitting quietly and waiting was the norm. Yet the girl mocked the ominous atmosphere itself, her blue hair fluttering as she moved about energetically.
- In times like these, we must move even faster! We need the power to protect our families, friends, and loved ones. And what we need in this turbulent age isn't individual strength, but the 'power of the collective.' Only the power of the group will protect us!
The girl—no, Levi Jan Dark, the inaugural 'chairwoman' of the Turtle Alliance Knights—persuaded each of them individually and asked for their strength.
- If we sit idle, we'll just get trampled.
Why did those words pierce their hearts so deeply...?
Less than thirty minutes after the discussion began, they were convinced. Before they knew it, they had rallied around her, gathered more people, and now a new faction was being launched right there in the swordsmanship department's training grounds.
"The Turtle Alliance Knights accepts anyone. However, we do not accept those who commit evil deeds or who are lazy and slothful without effort. But even those without talent or with frail bodies—we will not abandon anyone who knows how to strive. ...My words may sound like the foolish ideals of a naive girl chasing dreams. But I firmly believe that welcoming those who will enrich and strengthen the organization, rather than nurturing parasites that rot it from within, is the proper foundation and the surest path. It may seem slow at first, but it will create a group with roots stronger and more resilient than any other. That is what I—and what we—should become."
She spoke of ideals, but the girl presented them with conviction.
She had her reasons for voicing her ideals.
And so.
Clap...!
Clap clap clap clap clap!!
Thunderous applause poured forth.
There were still rough edges and shortcomings here and there, but the girl's bold steps toward a perilous path undeniably followed the path of 'chivalry.'
Honor and pride.
Those two shone through in her words and actions.
"...Is it really okay for me to be sitting here? Young Master Roan would be much more suitable."
The bold figure who had just delivered a stirring speech was gone, replaced by a fidgeting Gomsoon.
"Gomsoon—no, Levi. Calm down."
"...You were about to call me Gomsoon just now."
"You're imagining things."
"......"
"I assigned you to that position because I think you're suited for it. At the very least, more than me."
"You're just dodging the issue..."
"...Ahem."
Levi's words were perfectly reasonable.
The young man clearing his throat now was essentially the one who had gathered all these great nobles.
No matter how unique Levi's convictions and potential were, it was still too much for her to draw in heavyweights like them.
Yet.
'Young Master Roan personally stepped in, negotiated with everyone, and brought them here.'
She didn't know what deals had been made.
But it must have been proposals compelling enough to stir their hearts, and these factions had promised their support.
So Levi still thought it made more sense for him to be chairman, but Roan had refused, citing personal matters that needed his attention.
It didn't seem like an empty excuse, given how visibly worn down he had become lately.
Perhaps that's why.
"I wonder if I was just throwing a tantrum. I'm sorry, Young Master..."
Levi murmured apologetically.
"No, don't apologize. I did it because I wanted to. Besides, I haven't lost anything—I've gained from it."
"Gained?"
"Yes. More precisely, you could say I'm indirectly achieving the ideal world I'm pursuing."
"?"
"No need to understand it. Just know this one thing: you standing there isn't just easing my burden—it's helping greatly."
"......Understood. I'll remember that."
"Good."
He was truly exceptional.
She could sense his sincerity in his words, so she didn't push back anymore.
"If Young Master Roan says so, I won't complain about the burden anymore. It may be more than I deserve, but I should fulfill my duties. Still, I'm sorely lacking in many ways, so I trust you'll help me."
"Of course."
"...With that in mind, there's something I've been thinking about. Could you lend me your aid?"
"Ho."
Roan looked intrigued, his expression saying, Well, now.
Unlike her complaints about being unfit, she already had a blueprint in mind?
Indeed.
'She surprises me in a different way from her mentor. Then again, that's just like her.'
The woman he admired, who was like a mentor to him.
None other than the Mercenary Queen he remembered.
As expected.
"Thanks to the guild's help, gathering people wasn't hard. There were commoner talents who dropped out due to family circumstances, and many who lost their jobs in the recent chaos. We could select those needed for the alliance."
The girl was already revealing her next step.
"But as you know, it's hard to tell if they're truly trustworthy. If I had my master's nose or ears for detecting lies, maybe."
"That's not a skill humans can have."
"Hehe, true. So here's what I thought—could we get her help?"
"Her?"
"Lady Roangrin."
"......I see. That would indeed be useful."
"Yes. Even though she's lost most of her abilities, I hear she can still use [Charm]. That could flush out the suspicious, the scheming, or those hiding their crimes."
"Only accept the proven ones, then."
"Harsh words, but as I said earlier, we need strong roots."
"Excellent. Let's call that wench—er, her right away."
It was definitely a good idea.
Who would have thought that venomous weed could still be of use?
'Hate to admit it, but her abilities are impressive.'
Well, with skills like that, it was no wonder she once had him...
"Calling her a wench... Isn't that too much for your fiancée? Hehe."
"...Who said anything about a fiancée?"
"Huh? Oh, weren't you? I heard the rumors..."
"!!?"
...Roan suddenly knew who had spread those rumors, and he felt an urge to cleave that detestable succubus's neck with an axe.
Fortunately for the succubus.
"Ah, excuse me. Might I have a word with you both?"
"...Guild Union Master."
"Please, call me Simon casually."
Someone had unwittingly saved her from the crisis.
'His Excellency left us treasures before departing.'
Simon looked fondly at the boy and girl before him.
In a kingdom so broken, who would have expected such shining stars?
'As expected, the country never lacks talent.'
The only problem was the thieves plaguing it.
Just watching them filled his belly with satisfaction.
With that contentment, Simon spoke.
"First off, congratulations, Miss Levi. Or should I say Chairman Levi now?"
"Oh, no. Please call me comfortably. And thank you for gracing us today."
"Haha, grace? Compared to the other distinguished guests, I'm woefully inadequate."
"Inadequate? What could the Union Master possibly lack...?"
Her eyes shone with genuine belief that Simon lacked nothing.
He'd felt it when she was on stage, but her innate kindness was striking.
In a way, that charm was a natural talent for leading and captivating others.
A rare quality.
'Tch, thinking about it now, I was no saint either.'
He was the Guild Union Master who had arranged her matchmaking with that guy.
It wasn't his direct doing or his sole responsibility, but as the one in charge, Simon felt indebted to the girl.
Thus.
'If I feel indebted, I should repay it fully.'
- 'Apologizing matters, but repaying the debt is just as important.'
His appointment as the youngest Guild Union Master surely owed to his sharp mind, but also to such convictions he held as principles.
"Union Master Simon, what brings you here?"
"My apologies for interrupting your conversation, Young Master Roan."
"No matter. More importantly, why did you interject? I doubt someone of your stature would do so for mere greetings or congratulations."
"Oh dear, you overestimate me."
"I think it's an underestimate, myself."
"...Goodness."
Young people these days are frightening.
With that renewed thought...
"You're not wrong. I do have something important to say."
He didn't deny Roan's words.
"It's just... I suspect something will happen within the next half month."
"Something?"
"?"
"It's not confirmed intelligence. No evidence either. It's just my 'prediction,' so take its reliability with a grain of salt."
"...Your predictions sound more solid than any evidence or intel."
"Same here. My master always said to heed the Union Master's words. You're not one to speak idly."
"......Goodness. His Excellency left with far too high an opinion of me..."
Simon smiled wryly.
Still, inspiring trust was better than not. With that positive mindset, he continued.
"—It seems all the 'members' of the 'Noble Council' will be assassinated within the half month."
"......"
"...Pardon?"
"Well, perhaps..."
─It wouldn't be strange if they were all dead already.
"Anyway, it's just a prediction."
Simon shrugged with a smile playing on his lips.
As if to say, don't take it too seriously.