Chapter 197
Chapter 197
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 197
Chapter Title: Strange Encounter (2)
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Apple Kingdom's high-class knights.
Liam Bluegreen couldn't help but feel perplexed.
‘Travel together? What on earth is he scheming?’
Even in the Apple Kingdom, Javier Silva was widely known as a certain kind of figure.
A modest knight family background, yet he had risen to the master-class level—an unparalleled individual.
A powerhouse in the Dufflin Kingdom who held a position even higher than the king.
Was he really asking them to believe that such a man had come just to travel with them?
‘Is he trying to pry information about Demian?’
Demian's fame had already spread far and wide to foreign lands. He was called a once-in-a-generation genius and a terrifyingly skilled warrior.
From Javier Silva's perspective, he had no choice but to be wary of Demian.
His own son was also high-class, after all, so the chances were high that they would face off in the Helian Tournament.
So perhaps he had proposed traveling together to uncover ways to defeat Demian?
A master-class's discerning eye could surely pick out all of Demian's weaknesses.
‘If that's really his intention... we have to refuse.’
The Helian Tournament was a matter of national honor and pride.
That was why the king of the Apple Kingdom was eagerly anticipating Demian's victory.
They couldn't start off at a disadvantage right from the beginning.
"I'm sorry, but that won't be possible."
Having made up his mind, Liam Bluegreen spoke up.
"Since we're both competing in the tournament, traveling together wouldn't benefit either side."
Javier silently stroked his chin.
"My son, Joshua, you see... he's been overflowing with talent since he was a child."
Liam Bluegreen's brow furrowed slightly at the sudden tangent.
"He was so exceptionally gifted that he couldn't easily befriend other children. Geniuses can't understand the ordinary, after all, right?"
"Ah, yes..."
"It was unavoidable, but as a father, I worried. I hoped Joshua would broaden his social circle a bit. That's why I specifically sought you out."
Javier continued as he patted Joshua's head.
"Knights of a caliber to compete in the tournament should be able to form good relationships with him."
"I see."
"So I went out of my way to ask someone who's merely high-class like you... and you're refusing?"
Javier's expression turned fierce. In that instant, the atmosphere froze cold.
"Refusing my request. How bold. Aren't you afraid of what might happen afterward?"
Javier didn't unleash any killing intent. He merely conveyed his displeasure through his tone.
But even that was enough to make Liam Bluegreen feel a crushing pressure on his heart.
It hit him anew: the being before him was a true transcendent, a master-class.
"...Sir Silva, we are heading to the Empire to represent the Apple Kingdom."
But Liam Bluegreen had his own pride.
He was a knight representing the Apple Kingdom and bore the duty to escort his group safely to the Empire.
He couldn't tuck tail and back down just because a master-class was 'a little' angry.
"Are you, a noble of another kingdom, trying to intimidate us on that account?"
Liam Bluegreen and his group represented the Apple Kingdom.
For Javier Silva to threaten such opponents was a grave diplomatic breach.
"So what?"
But Javier acted as if he hadn't even heard Liam Bluegreen's words.
Liam Bluegreen was left speechless by the arrogant, haughty attitude.
"So what if I'm intimidating a foreign noble? Are you declaring war? That could be amusing."
As Javier pressed aggressively, Liam Bluegreen couldn't say a word.
In truth, if war broke out between the two nations, the Apple Kingdom would inevitably lose.
Because the Dufflin Kingdom had Javier Silva.
It had a true transcendent, the pinnacle of martial might—a master-class.
Of course, actual war wouldn't break out. The Empire wouldn't stand idly by.
But the Empire would only prevent the outbreak of war. They wouldn't interfere in anything else.
Even if the Dufflin Kingdom used its master-class to bully the Apple Kingdom.
It was while Liam Bluegreen was stuck, unable to advance or retreat.
"Sir Liam, why hesitate?"
Someone spoke up then. Both men's gazes converged on one spot.
"We'll gratefully accept."
Demian Haksen spoke as he took both their stares upon himself.
* * *
Liam Bluegreen cried out in shock at Demian's words.
"Sir Demian? What do you mean by that?"
"How many chances in a lifetime does one get to travel with a master-class? We can't pass up such a golden opportunity."
Liam Bluegreen grew even more flustered at those words.
Meanwhile, Javier burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha, the young friend is sharp! Indeed, opportunities to travel with a master-class are rare!"
Demian sneered inwardly as he watched the delighted Javier.
The reason Demian accepted Javier's proposal wasn't what they thought.
It was to uncover what scheme he was hiding.
Even by Demian's reckoning, traveling with them offered Javier no gain whatsoever.
Yet he had gone out of his way to request it.
And when Liam Bluegreen refused, he responded with threats.
It was highly suspicious. Suspicious enough to pique his curiosity about the intent.
‘Anyone else, maybe... but you're tangled up with black mages, so how can I not suspect you?’
Perhaps a black mage was involved in this somehow.
Black mages were like cockroaches, popping up in all sorts of places to ruin everything.
‘I was curious anyway. Just how long have you been associated with black mages?’
He had planned to kill Javier Silva someday anyway.
For betraying humanity? For causing the Eastern Alliance to collapse?
‘Because of you, my family died.’
The Eastern Alliance included the Apple Kingdom. So when the alliance fell, the Apple Kingdom ended up in the same dire straits.
It was then that Demian, under Dorgo's orders, had killed his own family.
In other words, Javier Silva had indirectly contributed to his family's deaths.
That was why Demian had no intention of letting Javier live.
‘If you're really approaching us because of black mages...’
He planned to kill Javier during the journey, no matter what it took.
"Sir Demian, are you serious?"
Liam Bluegreen asked cautiously. Demian nodded.
Demian was high-class and closely tied to the kingdom. Moreover, Liam Bluegreen owed his life to Demian once before.
With Demian taking this stance, Liam Bluegreen had no choice but to yield.
"...We'll do as Sir Demian says."
And so, their journey with the Silva father and son was decided.
* * *
In the Dufflin Kingdom, Javier Silva was famous as a figure who wielded more power than the king.
It went without saying. Kings could be replaced endlessly upon death, but there was only one master-class.
True to that reputation, the entourage Javier Silva brought was enormous.
Soldiers and attendants combined numbered over a hundred, with dozens of knights as well.
It was no exaggeration to say an entire army was on the move.
By comparison, the Apple Kingdom's procession was a mere handful.
"So do you know what I did? I smashed them to pieces!"
Javier had an incredibly chatty personality.
He prattled on endlessly with tales of valor that no one had asked for.
"I see. Truly impressive."
Liam Bluegreen stuck by Javier's side, chiming in affirmations. His face clearly showed his displeasure.
"You're suffering, Sir Liam."
Michael whispered softly to Demian. Demian nodded in agreement.
"But, brother, why did you say we should accept Javier's proposal?"
Michael asked with a face that said he couldn't comprehend. He too saw no benefit in traveling together.
"Being near a master means you might pick up some scraps, right?"
Demian substituted a lie for an answer. Michael tilted his head, as if he couldn't quite believe Demian.
"Zzz..."
Then, a snoring sound came. Turning their gaze, they saw Veronica dozing atop her horse.
Even with her head and back arched maximally backward, she somehow didn't fall off.
"She really has no grace whatsoever."
It was while Michael muttered with a pitying look.
"Sir Demian Haksen?"
Javier called Demian's name.
"I've heard a lot about you. You're so famous that even in our Dufflin Kingdom, the rumors abound."
"Is that so?"
Demian remained composed even under the master-class's praise. Frankly, he had little interest in fame abroad.
"You single-handedly crushed the marquis family's knights who threatened your house, and even subjugated a black mage pursued by the Holy Order, right?"
At the mention of the marquis family, Michael cleared his throat awkwardly.
"And to reach high-class at such a young age! It's like looking at my younger self. Of course, you're just a tad inferior to me."
With that, Javier burst into laughter.
"This body of mine reached high-class at a far younger age than you. Everyone made such a fuss, calling me the reincarnation of Hero Kreil."
No one had asked, yet Javier began recounting his past.
‘He's one full of himself.’
Demian inwardly assessed the man Javier this way.
He seemed to praise others, but ultimately elevated himself.
It had been a long time since Demian encountered someone so full of bravado.
"I've heard a lot about you too, Sir Demian."
Then, as if waiting for his cue, Joshua Silva chimed in.
"You're so renowned that I wanted to meet you at least once. It's an honor."
Demian sized up Joshua.
Perhaps because he was the son, he was the spitting image of his father. The wide philtrum and brow were identical.
"Uhahaha, Joshua. Too much humility is also rude. Didn't you reach high-class at an earlier age than Demian Haksen?"
"That's true, but... it's my first time seeing a genius comparable to me, so I couldn't contain my curiosity."
"Yes, I suppose so. Even I was like that at your age."
Demian could only chuckle inwardly. Like father, like son indeed.
He pretended to praise Demian while boasting of his own prowess.
It was a way of speaking that grated on the listener's nerves.
"That guy..."
Michael bristled beside him. Demian restrained him.
"Enough."
"But, brother..."
"I'm staying quiet. If you step in, you'll just make us look foolish."
At Demian's words, Michael bit his lip.
"Understood. I'll hold back..."
"What? You reached high-class before Demian Haksen?"
It was then.
Veronica, freshly awakened from sleep, spoke to Joshua.
Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Joshua couldn't help but falter.
"Are you deaf? I'm asking you. Did you really reach high-class before Demian Haksen?"
Joshua's bewilderment deepened.
"Ahem, yes, that's right."
"Hmm... is that so?"
Veronica narrowed her eyes and scanned Joshua thoroughly.
"More importantly, who might this young lady be?"
Recovering from his fluster, Joshua asked with a gentle smile.
"It's my first time seeing someone as beautiful as a lady like you. Even unadorned like a wildflower, it's charming, but with a little polish..."
"Strange. You look weaker than Demian Haksen."
Joshua's expression hardened instantly at her following words.
"What did you just say...?"
"If you reached high-class at an earlier age than Demian, doesn't that mean your talent is superior? But you look weaker."
"Haha, it seems the lady is under some misconception. The true gap between knights can only be known through actual combat..."
"Hold on, the age you reach high-class isn't what matters. It's the duration, right? How long have you been training with the sword?"
Veronica wasn't listening to Joshua at all.
"...It's no exaggeration to say I started from birth. Even as an infant, I imprinted my father's swordsmanship in my eyes."
Even with Veronica's attitude, Joshua kept his smile. He even answered.
Demian could only sneer inwardly. What swordsmanship could an infant learn?
The epitome of posturing...
"You're posturing."
In that instant, not just Demian but everyone stared at Veronica in shock.