Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: 44. Yuri's Knight (2)
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The temple's food was delicious.
"Your cooking skills are impressive."
At Yuri's words, the Black Knight sitting beside him replied.
"I made it myself."
He removed the lower part of his mask when eating, a finely crafted device that detached without any hassle.
Yuri stole a glance at his profile and asked.
"Do you often do volunteer work, Sir Black Knight?"
"Of course."
Yuri was always polite to the Ten Strong.
"I've realized that spreading the love of God is the highest form of happiness."
"I see."
"I'd heard that Brioll's third prince was brave, but I didn't know your faith ran so deep."
"Going through the battlefield changed my perspective."
Yuri placed a hand over his heart and smiled serenely.
Jared, sitting across from them, choked on his food, but Yuri ignored him and continued.
"You've experienced it yourself, Sir Black Knight. In that hell of killing and being killed, you understand how deficient humans truly are."
"Indeed."
"At first, I despaired. But in time, I came to understand what true depth and meaning really are."
Yuri bowed his head toward the cross at the center of the table with a subtle expression.
The Black Knight was deeply impressed.
"Well said."
While pretending to show reverence to the cross, Yuri recalled what he knew about the Black Knight.
Even in his previous life, almost nothing had been uncovered about him.
He was known only as a terrifying figure in a black mask and black armor, annihilating the Empire's enemies.
He served the Emperor alone, and only the Emperor knew his true name.
Thus, he was called the Black Knight.
"But due to my own shortcomings, bearing the weight of worldly duties is burdensome, so I do what little I can like this."
This was a calculated remark.
The Black Knight was, after all, the Emperor's knight. Claiming to follow God's will purely was a stretch.
As expected, the Black Knight nodded in strong agreement.
"You're just like me, Yuri Brioll. It's a pleasure to meet a kindred spirit."
"I'm honored."
"I too am His Majesty's knight. I cannot abandon my duty as one. So I do what I can in this way."
"I respect that."
Why is the mighty Black Knight so naive?
Yuri unwittingly glanced at Blade, who gave a subtle smile.
"You must be one of God's most cherished lambs, Sir Black Knight."
"No, I'm still lacking. I must work harder."
A faint smile appeared on the Black Knight's lips.
Yuri had expected a rugged man, but his jawline was surprisingly slender, and his lips neatly formed. Without the mask, he might resemble Rolang—a refined young man.
Seizing the moment, Yuri made a proposal.
"How about joining this campaign, Sir Black Knight?"
"Campaign?"
"We're bringing those addicted to drugs into the light and guiding them to the temple's rehab clinic."
"A fine idea. I've heard rumors of drugs circulating in the Empire. Truly tragic."
The Black Knight sighed.
"But I cannot leave without His Majesty's permission."
"What if we made a request..."
"I'm sorry."
It was a polite refusal.
"Of course, His Majesty wouldn't deny my request. But it would trouble him inwardly. I don't wish to burden that kind soul."
"Ah, I see..."
Yuri had never met the Emperor, not even once in his previous life.
He had only fought desperately against the Empire's armies flooding toward Brioll like a tide.
The same held true before that. How could he face his girlfriend's father at ease?
Thus, he knew little about the Emperor.
Rumors abounded, and even Ekaterina avoided mentioning her father, leaving his true nature a mystery.
Yet the Black Knight called him warm-hearted.
Yuri was bewildered.
"You'll meet him soon enough. Then you'll feel for yourself what kind of man His Majesty is."
The Black Knight smiled, his lips curving softly.
"Yes, I understand. I'm looking forward to it."
To Yuri, the Emperor was merely the culprit who destroyed Brioll, but he played along for now.
"In any case, Yuri Brioll, I'm delighted to have met you. I'd love to talk again sometime."
With that, the Black Knight clasped his hands toward the cross.
"This must be God's guidance."
"Indeed."
Yuri clasped his hands as well. Blade followed suit immediately.
Rolang and Jared, who had been eating dazedly, awkwardly followed.
"Hey, Gott."
After the meal, Yuri sought out Gott before the interview.
He was lying in bed reading a book. Spotting Yuri, he startled, sat up abruptly, and scooted back.
"Why so jumpy?"
"Whoa, Your Highness..."
"It's been a while. Sober, that is. Five years? Make it six now?"
Time had passed since battling the Allied Forces, the years ticking by.
"Well..."
"You sold me out while high on drugs?"
"No, that wasn't my intention."
"Don't lie."
"I just heard you had a friend who wanted to get close to you..."
"You little..."
Yuri grabbed Gott's nape. He flinched and trembled.
The young Gott had never been intimidated by him, but this version showed no trace of that old spirit.
Yuri sized up Gott.
Not bad skills, but inferior to those around him like Rolang or Jared.
He'd put up a good fight against Simon or Guinness.
"What have you been doing all this time?"
Yuri clicked his tongue. He seemed even weaker than in his previous life.
Gott flushed, biting his lip. At least he felt shame.
"I get that studying abroad was tough, but no excuses."
"Yes."
"First, let's purge that filthy drug aura from your body."
Yuri thumped Gott's back.
They'd work together going forward, so he needed to boost his energy.
"Start over."
"Pardon...?"
"You're still young. Your skills are decent enough. No need to ruin yourself over this drug."
"But everyone will point fingers. Call me a junkie. The Barkbar heir dragging down Brioll and his house's honor—I can't bear it."
"You idiot!"
Yuri barked.
"Daring to speak of honor with such thoughts—if you weren't a patient, I'd have smacked you."
"But..."
"Do you even know what honor is?"
As he spoke, Yuri glanced back casually.
Blade and the reporter, painter, and Black Knight had gathered. Temple priests peered in worriedly from behind.
Yuri gripped Gott's collar tighter, his voice growing solemn.
"My friend, Gott."
"Pardon? Were we friends...?"
"Honor isn't just about never falling."
Yuri borrowed a quote he'd heard wandering in his past life.
"It's rising again after you fall. That's true honor."
"Your Highness..."
"And likewise, falling itself is never dishonorable."
Yuri pulled Gott up from the bed and thumped his back with a grin.
"Giving up while fallen—that's the real disgrace. A Brioll knight would never act that way. Got it?"
"Yes..."
Gott nodded, his face a mix of subtle emotion and awkwardness.
Yuri slung an arm around his shoulders and turned.
"Everyone, Gott will rise again."
The painter beside Blade sketched furiously.
Inspiration gleamed in his eyes, his fervor evident in every stroke—he wouldn't miss this moment.
Yuri stood still for the painter's sake.
Gott's room had a large window letting in sunlight.
Watching it all, the Black Knight clapped.
"Yuri Brioll. What a splendid knight. It's like a halo of sainthood shining around you."
"Oh..."
"Truly..."
The onlookers nodded in agreement.
Yuri humbly bowed, then said to Blade.
"Well then, shall we get to work? For all those suffering from drugs."
Brioll's palace, now without Yuri, enjoyed peaceful days.
Without the third prince stirring up noise everywhere, it felt eerily empty and quiet.
But one change stood out.
Fiore Brioll, who had holed up in the underground training hall and rarely emerged, now wandered the grounds.
And at his side stood an Easterner with deep brown hair.
"So, the mana condensation is insufficient."
"That's right, Great Hero."
"But suppressing it further might cause it to burst..."
"Recognizing that line is the key. It's an art, you might say."
"Impressive, Great Hero Mo Yong-chan."
"I can't compare to you, Great Hero Fiore."
They exchanged praises and cupped their fists in greeting.
This Eastern etiquette from Mo Yong-chan had become a trend in the palace lately.
"Yuri must be making waves in the Empire by now."
"Hope he doesn't cause trouble..."
"He's smart—no mistakes."
"You trust Yuri more than I do, Great Hero Mo Yong-chan."
"We met on the battlefield. A person's true worth shows in life-or-death crises. Haha..."
Mo Yong-chan said to Fiore what he wouldn't to Yuri.
"He'll go far."
Seeing Fiore's subtle smile, Mo Yong-chan grinned.
Meeting Fiore Brioll was one of his best decisions since coming West.
No one he knew matched Fiore's sword mastery.
Like old Heaven-Piercing Swordmaster sharing insights with the Qingcheng Sect leader.
"Should he enter the tournament?"
"Hard to say with that unpredictable boy..."
As they chatted, a servant approached Fiore.
"Your Majesty, Count Johannes requests an audience."
"Tusen?"
Tusen Barkbar ruled over Johannes County and was Gott Barkbar's father. A fine knight, save his obsession with white clothes.
"Send him here?"
"Yes. Let's walk together after so long. Is that alright, Great Hero Mo Yong-chan?"
"Of course."
Soon, Barkbar came rushing in, disheveled.
Usually composed, so Fiore tilted his head.
"What's wrong?"
"Your Majesty."
Tusen caught his breath, bowed to Fiore, then properly greeted the Brioll guest and one of the Ten Strong, Mo Yong-chan.
"This came from the Empire."
"What is it?"
"A magazine, just published yesterday. Delivered by an Imperial postman."
"A magazine..."
A trendy item from the culturally advanced Empire.
But seeing the cover, Fiore fell silent. Mo Yong-chan gaped in disbelief beside him.
It was a painting by a masterful artist.
And the subjects looked familiar.
Two young men, sunlight streaming through a window like a halo, arms around each other's shoulders, smiling.
One with black hair and striking features; the other in patient garb, gaunt but eyes burning with resolve.
It evoked a sacred icon from the temple.
The overwhelming image made Fiore and Mo Yong-chan belatedly notice the text below.
They stood speechless for a long while.