Knights (5)
Imperial Knights' Office.
"……Hmm."
Philip carefully unfolded the document he'd received via messenger, read its contents, and let out a reluctant sigh, smacking his lips in dissatisfaction.
Cecilia, who had been standing anxiously by his side, asked in a tense voice.
"How is it……? What command has His Majesty issued regarding this incident?"
The disturbance caused by the knights in front of the home of Kyle, one of the Seven Strongest and the Sword Ghost. The document in Philip's hand was none other than the emperor's edict on that very matter.
This came less than three hours after Dietrich Teiran, captain of the Imperial Knights and also a duke, had moved to report to the emperor.
Philip rolled the document back up with a troubled expression and recited its contents to Cecilia.
"Well, it's about what we expected. It praises the action taken based on the alchemist's testimony, but it's a reprimand for the unnecessary argument with the Sword Ghost and nearly escalating to a clash of arms."
"……Ah."
At those words, Cecilia's face paled, and she covered her mouth with her hand. It was an overly shocked reaction for what was merely a formal reprimand.
Philip could only shake his head silently at her response.
Of course, storming into the abode of one of the Seven Strongest on uncertain information, and nearly clashing with an 8th Hierarchy superhuman, was a grave error.
Yet, as members of the Imperial Knights, the punishment they would receive was limited to public criticism or a pay cut that meant little to nobles. It might tarnish their honor somewhat, but it was far better than dismissal or demotion.
……Well, as vice-captain, I might have to take some responsibility myself.
Philip grimaced and subtly rubbed the back of his neck.
As the real power behind the Imperial Knights, he had no choice but to expect some fallout.
If the Sword Ghost, Kyle, felt offended by this and formally protested to the palace, Philip would likely become the scapegoat with high probability.
It was unavoidable. This was the price of his own misjudgment.
Philip resolved to humbly accept any punishment if it came to that.
However, Cecilia had no need to wear such a grim expression, as she wasn't in a position to bear the full blame. She was merely his adjutant, after all.
Even as a branch family member, she was still part of Duke Teiran's house, so she would likely be spared serious repercussions.
She must know that herself.
Thus, the only reason for Cecilia's world-ending despair was simple: A reprimand was still a reprimand, even if formal and procedural. For someone as devoted to the emperor and the palace as her, nothing could be more painful. It meant the palace was disappointed in her as a knight.
It was a mad stunt from the start.
Philip clicked his tongue briefly and averted his gaze from her.
He had no intention of consoling his adjutant. He knew words from him wouldn't sway that fanatic loyalty anyway—
Not content with drawing her sword against that Sword Ghost, she'd spat harsh words like "treason" and "insolence" to provoke him? They were lucky it was Kyle; if the Seven Strongest there had been Red Heaven or the Dark King, the knights would've been massacred that day, captain excluded.
As someone forced to bring the knights due to the gravity of the situation, Philip was truly grateful for Kyle's relatively mild temperament…….
"Whew."
Philip glanced at Cecilia, still frozen in place and biting her nails, then stepped away to at least get the written apology done early.
*****
Huff, huff—
"……."
Even after that, Beatrice, who had clung to me sobbing for a good while, passed out with a 'thump' before she could even feel embarrassed and pull away.
No wonder; after crying that much, she must've been exhausted. I carefully carried her to the bed.
Her sleeping face really looks like an angel's.
I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and watched over Beatrice as she slept peacefully, like observing her.
Was it because her blood-red eyes, reminiscent of a demon's, were hidden behind her eyelids? Beatrice at rest truly maximized her beauty.
My daughter was so lovely. If she grew up, she'd make plenty of men weep.
Not that she was my biological daughter, of course.
Pfft—
With a light chuckle, I waited until Beatrice had fallen into a deep sleep before peeling off the wall and heading out of the room.
I moved as quietly as possible so the door wouldn't disturb her.
Thud…….
After closing the door with that faint sound and stepping into the hallway, I spoke to him without looking back.
"As I told you last time, sir, entering someone's home unannounced could be classified as trespassing."
"Tsk tsk."
Of course, it was polite speech, so not directed at the sleeping Beatrice.
Did that mean there was someone else in this mansion besides us two? If you asked, surprisingly, yes.
I turned around with a sour expression.
A man two heads taller than my not-insignificant height, with striking silver hair streaked with white and blue eyes. A greatsword thicker than my forearm hung at his waist.
……Anyone else, and I'd have drawn my sword on the intruder.
"At least knock next time. From now on, this house isn't just mine."
"Ah, I heard. You took in a daughter."
This old man was the exception.
I kept my displeased expression but couldn't bring myself to snap at him as he showed his fondness for me.
Seven Strongest, Sword Emperor.
Dietrich Teiran.
That's why I'd scheduled a full three days when coming to the capital. As mentioned, this mansion was a gift from him.
It was right next door, and I figured he'd sense my presence and drop by.
In the end, news of the knights' disturbance probably reached him sooner.
……Anyway, just in case.
I knew the Sword Emperor's temperament, but I cautiously blocked the door to Beatrice's room like a guardian.
"First off, may I ask if you've reported my adopted daughter to His Majesty the Emperor?"
"Hm?"
Reading my cautious tone, the Sword Emperor chuckled in disbelief.
He feigned offense, crossing his arms and looking down at me.
"Look at this punk. You think I'd threaten your daughter? Or that I'd report something to make trouble for you?"
"Either's possible. I know you're always favorable to me, sir, but we all have our positions."
"Ha! Listen to this impudent brat."
Meeting his cheek unabashedly, the Sword Emperor burst into hollow laughter and raised his hand.
He flicked my forehead with speed and trajectory too tricky to react to easily.
Thwack!
"……."
I briefly considered surging my aura to block it but held back, enduring with a sour face.
Engaging in pointless sparring with this old man—especially with aura involved—was foolish.
Knowing that, I took the hit and moved on.
I fixed him with cold eyes.
"Satisfied? Now tell me. What has the palace decided about my daughter?"
"Tsk tsk, boring guy. After so long apart, that's all you have to say?"
"It's the most important thing to me right now, sir."
Meeting his persistently playful tongue-clicking with a serious gaze, he finally paused and composed his expression.
He glanced at Beatrice's door, then answered nonchalantly.
"Well, it dragged on a bit. But nothing for you to worry about. I put in some effort convincing His Majesty, who was wary of your daughter's danger, so relax that face, kid."
"……Is that so?"
I openly relaxed, and the Sword Emperor grumbled like I was annoying.
"You must've expected this much. No matter how worried about a second Blood Purge, turning the continent's absolute powerhouse against us would cost the empire too much right now."
"……Yeah."
He was right.
The knights' raid was unexpected, but I'd anticipated mediation if things escalated.
Frankly, even if the man who destroyed the Eltman margraviate a century ago returned to life, the Seven Strongest could handle it. The Dersia Empire had that much power.
Not for nothing was it the continent's strongest nation.
If worst came to worst, they'd pin the blame on me and force me to deal with Beatrice.
And if, despite my long efforts, Beatrice truly bloomed into a disaster, I'd take responsibility for failing to reform her—ending it with my own hands.
Then probably me next…….
"……."
Of course, instead of spelling out such lengthy thoughts, I just shifted my gaze ambiguously and replied to the Sword Emperor.
"I figured it wasn't certain. I have to prepare for the worst."
"Tch, won't yield an inch even to an elder. Insolent brat."
His pot-lid fist flew at my head again.
But this time, I deftly circulated aura to deflect it.
The Sword Emperor's eyes widened.
"Huh?"
"I won't take it twice. Save the pranks for your grandsons, sir."
"What, you? You've gotten stronger?"
"Did you think I'd been slacking?"
Brushing off his hand with mild irritation, I walked past him toward the stairs impassively.
With certainty he posed no threat to Beatrice, it was fine now.
Sure enough, as I moved, the Sword Emperor chuckled and followed.
"What? Not gonna let me see the girl?"
"Do it when she wakes. I'll give you time for introductions."
"Sheesh, what an overbearing attitude."
I descended to the first floor without replying, opened the kitchen cabinet, and pulled out a bottle of wine—a high-end vintage he'd gifted me once.
His eyes lit up in satisfaction, and I handed him a glass with a faint smile.
"Good to see you after so long, sir. It's late—how about a drink with me before you go?"
"……One drink? You'd need to match my capacity at your level, and you're far off."
"Don't overdo it at your age."
In the spacious living room, we sat across the long table, pouring for each other.
And with stories from our time apart as appetizers, we tilted our glasses through the night.