Ties to the Crown
In the silent banquet hall, with a dull thud, Cassus's cleanly severed right arm rolled across the floor.
“…….”
Silence. No one could even let out a gasp.
It feels as if we've all walked into a library.
About ten seconds passed in that suffocating stillness.
“Ugh, Somire……!”
Blood gushed from Cassus's severed arm. The banquet hall floor was quickly stained crimson. Cassus stared at his right arm, hoarsely calling out Somire's name.
“Is... is that the Continent's Greatest Sword?”
“To defeat Young Duke Persia, a Sword Master, in a single blow?”
“Should such a dangerous man even be allowed here?”
“...Now I see why they avoided him during the war.”
“Did you see that?! I couldn't see a single thing……!”
Admiration, shock, and terror coexisted in the emotions of the watching nobles. Seeing this, Duke Persia bellowed in fury.
“Your Majesty! Severing his arm is far too severe a punishment! What is the meaning of this……!”
But the Emperor remained unmoved.
“Duke, exercise better judgment. Your heir has gone utterly mad. Drawing an Aura Blade at a gathering of the imperial family and high nobility is tantamount to treason.”
Duke Persia squeezed his eyes shut and pressed his temples.
Just accept it already. Now that things have come to this, your son has no future.
“Young Duke Persia, do you wish to continue?”
Flick. Shaking the vibrating aura off my right hand, I slowly approached him. Cassus clutched his stump, kneeling on the floor in silence.
The reason Cassus couldn't gather his senses was simple. The instantaneous clash of our auras had sent a massive backlash rippling through his body. It probably felt as if his entire nervous system was rupturing.
Situation cleared. Certain that he was incapacitated, I stopped in my tracks. After a brief pause, the Emperor spoke.
“Young Duke Persia! Surely you are aware of your crime? By rights, treason of this magnitude demands your life, but out of respect for your house, I shall let it end here.”
No noble was foolish enough to object to the Emperor's decree. Even Duke Persia could only stare at the floor, letting out heavy, defeated sighs.
“…….”
Cassus remained silent. The Emperor shook his head at the sight of him.
“Imperial Guardian Knights, apprehend this man. And lock him away in the Panopticon.”
The Panopticon. A massive prison located at the northernmost edge of the Empire. It was a region directly adjacent to the center of the Calamity's Wave, where magic beasts swarmed. In other words, the criminals locked up there served as mere bait to buy time.
To think even the Young Duke of Persia would be thrown into such a place.
Well, he shouldn't have crossed the line.
The knights approached Cassus, keeping their guards up. He merely sat there, perfectly still, and allowed himself to be apprehended without a struggle.
Once he was certain the situation was resolved, the Emperor raised his voice.
“To all guests in attendance! Regrettably, due to this untoward incident, tonight's banquet must come to an end.”
So the party is over. Well, it doesn't matter. I've already achieved my goal anyway.
“To our esteemed foreign guests, I offer my deepest apologies for displaying such a disgraceful spectacle. Rest assured, we shall ensure nothing of the sort ever happens again.”
As the Emperor finished speaking, the nobles began to file out of the hall one by one, while foreign dignitaries were guided out by imperial officials.
“Let us head back as well.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
We turned to leave, but...
“Wait.”
The Emperor stopped us.
“Your Majesty? How may I serve you?”
“I have something to discuss with you in private.”
Franche and I exchanged a look, blinking in surprise. Just like that, we were left alone with the Emperor...
“First, I wish to express my gratitude for resolving this crisis without any collateral damage. Furthermore, there is something I wish to ask.”
Franche bowed, executing perfect imperial etiquette.
“Please speak, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor stared intently at me before speaking.
“Your slave... no, your bodyguard. Is Jin Barenberg truly under your complete control?”
“He is, Your Majesty. A powerful Slave Brand has been engraved upon him, making any rebellion impossible.”
“To think even Jin Barenberg cannot resist... What manner of brand was used?”
“I was told it is a Slave Brand engraved directly by a Transcendental Mage.”
At the mention of a Transcendental Mage, the Emperor nodded in understanding.
“Ah, so that is how it is.”
He let out a soft chuckle and continued.
“Thanks to your bodyguard, our empire's military might will surely rise. To think the Empire can now utilize the Continent's Greatest Sword.”
Utilize? What, am I some kind of tool? How absurd.
Franche also seemed displeased by the Emperor's phrasing, her brow furrowing for a split second before she smoothed her expression back to normal.
“...It is an honor to be of service to the Empire.”
The Emperor laughed heartily and addressed me.
“Jin Barenberg, I witnessed your martial prowess today. It was truly an overwhelming display of power. It is a pity a Transcendent of your caliber did not arise from within our own empire.”
Since there was nothing in particular for me to say, I simply gave a curt nod.
“Ah. Yes.”
“A more taciturn man than I expected.”
The Emperor wore a benevolent smile and began conversing with Franche. To summarize, he promised to bestow a grand reward, requested our aid when the Calamity's Wave arrived, and offered special privileges in return.
“I have kept you for too long. You may take your leave, Lady Descartes.”
“Then we shall take our leave, Your Majesty. It was an honor to speak with you.”
With that, the conversation concluded, and we were finally able to step out of the banquet hall.
“Whew. I never imagined something like this would happen.”
“Indeed, My Lady.”
I truly hadn't expected Cassus to be such an utter lunatic. No matter how furious he was, activating his aura in the presence of the imperial family was sheer madness.
Well, we achieved our goal, so I suppose it turned out fine.
We had reaped a massive harvest from this banquet. Our original goal of promoting the boutique was a resounding success, and by demonstrating that Franche held absolute sway over me, we had successfully elevated her status. On top of that, we had established a connection with the Emperor. It was slightly unpleasant, but we had to exploit every advantage we could get.
“But you are truly strong, Jin.”
“Well, I am the Continent's Greatest Sword.”
To be honest, I had only just learned I had such a title. What even was 'the Continent's Greatest Sword'? It wasn't like I was the 'Greatest Swordsman of Goryeo' or anything, but it did sound rather cool.
Right then...
“Franche.”
Just when I thought we could finally head home after that tedious conversation with the Emperor, Eden approached us.
“...Young Duke.”
A strange tension hung in the air between them. Eden kept his eyes narrowed, remaining silent for a moment.
“Is there something you need?”
“It seems your business is poised for success. Did you anticipate this from the start?”
“I only move when I am certain of success.”
“...I see.”
The stiff atmosphere was beyond awkward—it was downright uncomfortable. It was making even me feel self-conscious...
“I shall look forward to seeing good results.”
...Huh?
The words were so unexpected that my face momentarily contorted. What was this guy's deal?
With those words, Eden turned on his heel and walked away without a backward glance. Did he simply not care about anything else as long as it elevated the family's prestige?
That guy seems to have some sort of obsessive-compulsive disorder of his own.
Well, things had gone well, so it wasn't my concern. But Franche was completely silent.
“My Lady?”
Franche was staring blankly into space. Her expression spoke volumes about her current state of mind. She looked so utterly dumbfounded her jaw might drop.
Though I haven't heard the full story...
Franche had told me before. From the age of eight to twenty, she had been shunned and abused by her family. That meant she had suffered for twelve long years. The only place she could find any peace of mind was the Descartes Capital Villa.
From Franche's perspective, this had to be infuriating. Unlike the Duke, who had at least given her a chance when she brought up the business, Eden had constantly interfered, trying to force an unwanted marriage on her under the guise of protecting the family's prestige and opposing her business at every turn. And now he was offering his support?
If he had been jealous, or if he had stubbornly refused to acknowledge her, it would have felt like a victory—proof that she had successfully demonstrated her worth. It would have been cathartic.
After all, the reason she started this in the first place...
Was to show them her worth, to make everyone in the Descartes family regret their actions, and to exact her revenge. Yet, contrary to her expectations, she had been acknowledged so easily. The current momentum was good, but she hadn't even produced any tangible results yet. To be met with such an attitude? It was only natural that she felt utterly hollow.
“My Lady?”
“Yes?”
“What are you thinking about so deeply?”
“Nothing. I just... feel a bit empty.”
It was a bitter feeling. It made it seem as if we had been acting out of sheer self-importance.
Eden, that bastard, manages to be infuriating right to the very end.
Well, it was fine since I planned to exact my own revenge on him later anyway, but Franche was the problem. The wounds carved deep into her heart wouldn't heal so easily.
“There is no need to overthink it. Things went well, didn't they?”
“Yes, they did. But it's just... so unfair, and it makes me so angry...”
Franche's voice trembled as if she were on the verge of tears. Looking at her made my heart ache. The tangled knot that had been tightening in my chest felt even more constricted.
The Player's immersion is rising.
Synchronization is deepening.
Oh, no.
Character: Jin Barenberg
Inheriting the character's memories and personality.
Thump!
This time, it wasn't the usual headache. It felt as if I had been struck by a massive truck, as if my very existence was about to shatter into pieces.
“Ugh!”
Involuntarily, I clutched my chest and doubled over. Franche's eyes widened in shock.
“Jin? What's wrong? What's happening?”
“Cough, hack! Cough!”
Bright red blood sprayed from my mouth as I violently coughed up blood. And then, voices echoed in my mind.
What on earth is this conversation...?
I couldn't gather my senses. The world before my eyes shook violently as if struck by an earthquake, and a bone-crushing agony washed over me in relentless waves.
“Franche……! Jin……! Jin……!”
Her voice didn't reach my ears. The pain was too severe, and the dizziness was so overwhelming I couldn't even keep my thoughts straight.
“Jin! Wake up!”
“Gasp, ugh!”
Only after some time had passed did I manage to regain consciousness. When I turned my head, Franche was looking at me, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Are you... are you alright now?”
“Yes, My Lady...”
The pain still lingered. With each passing moment, the personality and memories I was absorbing grew stronger, and the accompanying agony intensified.
Is this how I disappear...?
Previously, my concern for Franche had overridden everything else, but now, this sheer agony brought a wave of raw terror. My original body was already gone. If even my personality and memories vanished, what would become of me?
Would I go back?
There was no guarantee I would return to my original world. And there was absolutely no chance that this was just some dream I was having while asleep. If it were a dream, I would have woken up long ago.
My hands began to tremble uncontrollably. Noticing this, Franche squeezed my hand tightly.
“Calm down. Take a deep breath.”
I could feel the warmth of Franche's touch. It felt as though my trembling heart was finally stabilizing.
“Look at me.”
Our eyes met. In her forest-green eyes, Jin's face was reflected. Perhaps because some time had passed, it no longer felt foreign. But then... what did my original face look like again?
“Stay still.”
Franche immediately pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the blood from my lips. Even as she did, she did not let go of my hand.
“Despite what you said, your illness is far more serious than you let on.”
“It is not, My Lady. This time was just a rare exception...”
“No. I can feel it.”
Franche stared at me with a sharp, piercing gaze.
“Tell me the truth. Your symptoms are getting worse, aren't they?”
“…….”
She figured it out. Well, it would be stranger if she hadn't.
“Yes, My Lady.”
“Haah……” Franche let out a long sigh, brushing her hair back.
“Please... don't leave me behind.”
“…….”
I'm sorry, but I don't think I can answer that.
“Jin?”
Looking at Franche's pleading eyes, I couldn't bring myself to say anything. To survive, I had to leave. But...
Could you even survive without me? I have already become such a central pillar of your life. What is the right decision to make?
After a long, agonizing silence, I finally organized my thoughts and spoke.
“I will not die and leave you behind, My Lady.”
I promised I wouldn't die. But I didn't say I would stay by her side forever.
“...Yes. Let us return immediately. To get you treated.”
“Yes, My Lady...”
Even as I walked beside Franche, my mind remained in turmoil, and the fear lingered. But I decided to bury these emotions deep inside. Right now, they were nothing but trivial feelings holding me back.
...I must focus on what I need to do.
The project of raising Franche had only just taken its first step. There was still so much left to do. No matter what happened, I would keep my promise. Because I never make a promise I cannot keep.