Chapter 27
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 27. Misreading of the Observer
If you know your enemy and know yourself, you will win a hundred battles.
Cliché beyond measure. A painfully obvious maxim that would appear in ancient strategy books.
But being cliché is also proof that it possesses universal validity.
Therefore, Leona observes.
That black armor. That unreasonable mass. That incomprehensible existence.
She leaned on the railing and looked down.
At the end of her gaze, there it was.
The Black Knight.
A man whose name is unclear, called only by color and job.
He was unexpectedly diligent.
Even before the sun rose.
The Black Knight led warriors out the gate without fail.
"Hunting today too."
Regular steps like a farmer going out to plow the field.
When returning, he always dragged monster corpses piled like a mountain.
Frost Bear, Snowfield Wolf, Ice Troll.
Predators dominating the North's ecosystem were being cleaned by a higher predator.
And patrol in the morning.
At first, naturally, she thought it was part of rule by fear.
Armed demonstration to monitor, oppress, and squeeze the territory people.
A tyrant sprinkling intimidation while patrolling his territory.
However, reality betrayed her expectation this time too.
"Black Knight-nim!" "Please give the bear gall bladder caught today to our pharmacy!" "Oho, Black Knight-nim is passing!"
Do not run away. Rather cheer.
Of course, the words he spat out were still rough beyond measure.
"Useless things blocking the way. Move. If you don't want to be trampled to death."
Children wave hands, merchants bow to greet, warriors beat their chests with fists to pay respect.
Bizarre. Grotesque. Strange.
What is this dissonance.
'Acting.'
Leona frowned.
'Managing livestock. Because livestock must be healthy and not stressed to get good milk and fur.'
Right. That is hypocrisy.
Smart rancher. Cunning farmer.
Butcher smiling while feeding livestock.
"Won't be deceived."
Leona gripped the railing tightly.
"I will absolutely not be deceived."
Cunning bastard.
Did you think I wouldn't know the dark inner thoughts hidden inside your black armor?
A few days later, an opportunity to confirm the Black Knight's true nature arrived.
Monster raid.
Bwuuuoo-!
Alarm horn rang from the watchtower on the castle wall.
"Saber Tiger! Saber Tigers appeared!"
Saber Tiger.
Existence counted as a top predator even in the North. King of the snowfield rivaling the Frost Bear.
Shoulder height alone reaches an adult man's head, and fangs the length of a forearm pierce steel armor like paper.
Four of such guys.
'Pack hunting?'
Saber Tiger is originally a beast that acts alone.
Because territory consciousness is strong, killing each other even among the same species is common.
Such guys formed a pack of four?
'Starving.'
It was obvious they were that desperate and that ferocious.
The Black Knight already ran out the gate, and Leona also followed holding her sword.
Because she is a Hero.
On the snowfield.
Four Saber Tigers were approaching in a fan formation.
Predators on a different level from things like Snowfield Wolves.
Speed running on snow was faster than horses, and ice cracked wherever claws struck.
Soldiers raised spears and formed a square formation. But their faces were full of fear.
Natural.
It is common knowledge in the North that ten elite warriors must risk their lives to catch one Saber Tiger.
If four?
Casualties occur. Definitely.
Kuaaaaaang!
Two Saber Tigers at the front roared simultaneously.
Roar as if tearing the atmosphere.
A few soldiers fell backward just from that sound.
It was then.
Black shadow covered the vision.
The Black Knight charged head-on towards two Saber Tigers.
Leona reflexively tried to go support.
But.
Kwaang!
Help wasn't needed.
The Black Knight's greatsword collided head-on with the first Saber Tiger's fangs.
Received the charge of a massive beast without being pushed back a step.
The second Saber Tiger pounced from his flank.
The Black Knight pushed away the first one's fangs and simultaneously twisted his body. The rotating greatsword cut off the second one's front leg along with the thigh.
Kuaang!
Saber Tiger staggering while spraying blood.
The Black Knight toyed with two like toys.
Block one, cut another, turn around and hit again.
'Two alone?'
It was phenomenal.
But not the time to just admire.
Grrrrrrr!
The third Saber Tiger charged towards Leona.
Leona raised the Holy Sword.
'Good. I'll show you too.'
The name Hero is not a decoration.
"Haap!"
Leona ran out first.
Colliding head-on against a Saber Tiger's charge is foolish. Leona twisted her body to the side dodging the fangs.
Massive body brushing past.
In that moment, the Holy Sword drew a blue trajectory.
Strike aiming for the neck.
But the Saber Tiger's reaction speed was faster than expected. While twisting its head to dodge the vital point, it swung its front paw.
"Tch!"
Leona retreated avoiding the attack. Claw tip grazed the armor.
'Hide is tough.'
Fur hide full of magic power. Defense that even the Hero's sword cannot cut at once. This is why it is called a top predator.
The Saber Tiger took stance again.
Yellow eyes glared at Leona.
Eyes more wary than before. This guy also realized she is not an easy opponent.
'Will take time.'
If cannot end in one hit, no choice but to chip away little by little while making openings.
Then.
"Uaaaaack!"
Scream was heard.
Turned head.
The fourth Saber Tiger was charging towards the warriors' square formation.
"Block! Block it!"
Warriors swung axes. Axe blades embedded in the Saber Tiger's flank, but the beast didn't stop.
Rather rampaged more.
Spears broke, shields shattered, two warriors were hit by front paws and rolled on the snowfield.
'Damn!'
Leona ground her teeth.
Should she go help that side?
But turning back on the Saber Tiger in front is suicide.
Whoosh─!
This time too, a black shadow ran out.
When did he finish, the two Saber Tigers the Black Knight was dealing with were already lying on the snowfield.
One headless, another body cut in three pieces.
'Two already?'
While Leona was wrestling with one, he slaughtered two.
The Black Knight crossed in front of Leona.
"Stay back. You're in the way."
In the way?
Leona's thinking stopped.
Did he say I'm in the way right now?
To me, the Hero of the Holy Sword?
"What…?"
Anger surged.
But before she could argue, the Black Knight was already running towards the warriors.
"Kuaang!"
The moment the fourth Saber Tiger tried to bite a warrior.
Kwaang!
The Black Knight's gauntlet struck the Saber Tiger's jaw from bottom to top.
Two fangs the length of an adult forearm broke off.
Kueeeeek!?
Shwack!
Greatsword swung horizontally.
The Saber Tiger's head soared into the air.
"Ohhh! Black Knight-nim!" "Long live Great Warrior-nim!"
Warriors' cheers burst out.
The Black Knight turned around casually hanging the greatsword on his shoulder. Like a person who finished a morning walk.
'Three.'
Leona ground her teeth.
In the meantime, Leona's Saber Tiger was still alive and rampaging.
Grrrrr!
'Focus.'
Swallowing anger, Leona raised her sword again.
Concentrated divine power on the Holy Sword. Blade shone dazzlingly.
"Haaaaap!"
Flash cut the Saber Tiger's neck.
This time it went in properly.
Neck cut, beast fell.
"Haa… haa…"
Panting, Leona looked down at the fallen Saber Tiger.
One.
Barely one.
Lifted head.
Over there, the Black Knight stood receiving warriors' cheers.
Three.
And leisurely at that.
'While he caught two, I couldn't catch even one.'
While Leona wrestled with one, the Black Knight slaughtered two, ran to save warriors, and finished the third.
Undeniable gap.
'Strong.'
That is strong. Absurdly. Unreasonably.
'Possessing such strong power.'
Leona's gaze sharpened.
'Why use that power to persecute Lucia? Why use it to dominate and exploit, not protect the weak.'
Power accompanies responsibility. That was the Hero's creed.
But to that man, power was merely a tool to realize desire.
She couldn't bear the fact that such overwhelming strength was used for such vulgar purposes.
Suspicion evolves into conviction, conviction into disgust.
That decisive trigger came truly by chance.
Around lunch time.
Leona was walking the hallway.
Thinking of suggesting lunch together to Lucia.
In front of the office.
Leona hesitated trying to knock.
Because sound came from inside.
"Hiek…! Hnnng……!"
Lucia's scream.
Groan full of pain, or seemingly refusing.
"Haa, haa… Stomach… too full…"
"Swallow it all."
"B, But… Ugh, too big… can't swallow… Please… no more…!"
Heart felt like breaking ribs and popping out.
Is this the feeling of blood rushing backwards.
Following Black Knight's thick voice.
"You will be in trouble if you spill."
And Lucia's trembling answer.
"Ah, understood…! Ugh, umph!"
Gulp. Gulp.
Sound of forcing something down.
Explicit sound of liquid passing the throat.
Leona's reason snapped.
'This son of a bitch!'
Bang!
She kicked the door open and entered. Not a situation to consider manners or anything.
"What are you doing!"
The scene inside the office was bizarre.
Lucia was sitting in front of the desk hurriedly wiping white liquid on her mouth.
And the Black Knight stood in front, glaring down with red glint flashing.
"Le, Leon!?"
Lucia was startled and bolted up from her seat. Face was flushed red.
Leona's gaze scanned the desk.
Dried white marks. Spilled traces.
Smell filling the room.
Fishy, musty, and pungent strange stench.
"Y, You bastard… What did you feed Lucia!"
"Ah, nothing! J, Just ate lunch!"
"Lunch?"
She shot a glare at the Black Knight.
The Black Knight answered calmly, too shamelessly.
"Good for the body."
Lucia turned pale and waved her hands.
"R, Right! J, Just good for body? Health food? Something like that! Really!"
Lie.
Anyone can see it’s a lie.
Lucia's pupils were shaking as if an earthquake occurred.
Ate forcibly. Unidentified liquid with disgusting smell.
'Brainwashing drug? or Aphrodisiac? If not…'
Imagination rolled only in the worst direction.
Leona clenched her fist tight.
Wanted to draw the Holy Sword and split that helmet right now, but had to endure because Lucia blocked desperately.
That afternoon.
Leona was swinging her sword in the corner of the training ground.
To calm her mind, but it didn't calm down at all.
Sword strikes were rougher than usual.
Grind.
Teeth ground.
"Hero-nim! Bored?"
Pop.
Red-haired girl appeared.
Freya Grombalt.
Northern Grand Duke's only daughter, and Lucia's cousin.
"Sister is always busy, Black Knight is arrogant! Play with me! Teach me swordsmanship! Yes yes?"
Innocent expression.
Child who seems to be the only one living in a flower field in this bloody North.
Leona sighed and put down the sword.
"Good. Bring it on."
Light sparring.
Freya's twin swords were fast and fierce, but still insufficient for Leona.
"Ughhh……! Lost again!"
"Come back in 3 years."
"Saying same thing as Black Knight!"
"What!?"
After exchanging a few bouts, the two sat on a bench side by side and rested.
"Ah right. What is Hero-nim's relationship with Sister Lucia?"
Freya asked swinging her legs.
"Said we are just friends."
"Ey, lie. Where are friends between man and woman? Sister has good ability too. Seducing both Black Knight and Hero. Is this exactly King's quality? Femme fatale? Charisma?"
"Not like that."
"Then what?"
"Just… situation is complicated."
"Hero-nim speaks like Sister too? Well, anyway no one cares in the North. Winner takes all. Winner takes all."
Freya giggled.
Leona suddenly became curious.
Before she came, what happened here.
How Lucia lived.
"Freya."
"Huh?"
"Before I came… do you know how Lucia was?"
Freya's expression became slightly serious.
"Mm… at first Sister cried every day."
Heart sank.
"Cried?"
"Yeah. Crying sounds heard every night. My room is close so I heard all."
Leona nodded.
"Well, natural. Kicked out of Imperial Palace, aides all dead. I would have cried too. Next morning saw Sister's eyes swollen puffy."
Imagined Lucia's face.
Crying sound. Puffy eyes.
"But from some day suddenly stopped crying?"
"……What?"
"Saw Sister entering Black Knight-nim's room in the middle of the night. After that crying stopped abruptly."
Freya spoke as if nothing.
Leona's brain circuit spun destructively.
'Lucia… visited directly?'
To the monster's room herself?
In the middle of the night?
And stopped crying after that?
"Did she adapt to the North? At first couldn't eat well, couldn't sleep well."
"Adapt…?"
'No. Resigned.'
Leona ground her teeth.
Vision dyed red.
'Realized resistance is useless. So submitted herself.'
Visited every night and violated.
Even if crying didn't stop.
Begging useless.
Enduring days, weeks like that.
Eventually mind broke.
Enough to visit and offer body herself!
'Because I was late…!'
Crack.
The wooden handle of the bench Leona was holding broke.
"Anyway these days Sister gained weight and complexion got better too! Seems Black Knight feeding strange things is effective."
Gaining weight.
Complexion improving.
Feeding strange things.
'……Don't tell me!'
Nausea surged.
"But Hero-nim? What’s wrong? Face became super scary…"
Freya stepped back as if scared.
Leona bolted up.
Couldn't endure anymore.
This isn't time to consider observation or whatever.
If not stopped immediately, Lucia cannot be turned back forever.
"Thanks."
"Eh? Suddenly?"
"Thanks to your words, I became certain."
Leona moved her steps towards the main castle.
Conference Room.
Peaceful afternoon work report time.
"East village restoration work is smooth. Material shortage problem solved too."
Lucia reported turning documents. The Black Knight nodded silently.
"Tax collection rate is higher than expected too. Territory people voluntarily…"
Bang!
Door with torn hinges rolled on the floor.
Silver-haired knight walked in from the dust.
Blue eyes blazed with murderous intent.
"Can't stand anymore."
"Le, Leon!?"
Lucia jumped up in surprise.
Leona walked clack clack and stood in front of the table.
"Visiting every night making her cry."
"Huh?"
Lucia's eyes widened roundly.
"Forcing to eat strange things ruining body."
"W, Wait a minute! Leon?"
"Treating like livestock not enough, now is… This perverted sadistic bastard."
Leona drew the Holy Sword.
Ching-
Clear and beautiful sound cut the air of the conference room.
Sword tip aimed at the Black Knight's neck.
"Lucia, no need to cover up anymore. Heard everything. How much you suffered, how much how much humiliating it was."
"No! Misunderstanding! That is really just health food…"
"Duel."
The Black Knight turned his head slightly while sitting. Red glint of helmet blinked as if questioning.
"Duel. Rat dares to attack a lion."
"If I win, don't approach Lucia from now on. And get out of this castle immediately."
The Black Knight stood up from the chair.
"Good. Accepted."
"Knight-nim!? No! Leon is my friend!"
Thump.
Heavy footstep.
Massive body over 2 meters approached slowly.
"Instead."
The Black Knight took one more step closer.
Right in front of Leona's nose.
Red glint flashed between helmet slit.
"You are prepared for when you lose, right?"
"……."
Leona didn't back down and shot back at the Black Knight straight.