Chapter 216
Chapter 216
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 216
Chapter Title: Oath of Loyalty
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***
Thanks to Arthur and Millerph's outstanding performance, all the monsters had retreated.
On the battlefield strewn with monster corpses, Arthur boldly rode Kan over to Narasian.
When Kan came to a stop, Millerph descended from the sky and landed beside Arthur.
Narasian, Demian, and Heric then approached the two.
Narasian bowed politely toward Arthur.
"Thank you."
Demian and Heric also bowed deeply, expressing their gratitude.
Their attitude toward Arthur had changed dramatically.
The knights gazed at Arthur with awe.
In particular, the Mammoth Company members were still reeling from the shock of Millerph's offensive magic.
Arthur scanned the group before speaking to Narasian.
"Assess the troops and build a defensive wall here. Then select personnel to join me in raiding Artisan's camp."
"You're going to raid them?"
When Narasian asked, Arthur curled the corner of his mouth slightly.
"That question seems loaded with meaning."
"Of course."
"I hate vagueness. Tell me what you want."
At Arthur's words, Narasian smiled deeply before replying.
"I'll join you. In return, don't interfere no matter who the Feridri family places on the throne of the five continents. That's what I want."
'As expected.'
They had planned to seat Ingenium on the Oscar Empire's throne, so it was likely they intended the same for the five continents' thrones.
'He might lead them well.'
Even if he strayed, Narasian wasn't the type to stand by idly.
It wasn't something for Arthur to worry about.
"I promise. I won't interfere in the Feridri family's affairs."
"And."
Suddenly, Narasian dropped to one knee and continued.
"As head of the Feridri family, I pledge my full loyalty to the king of the Julius Kingdom for as long as I serve him. This is my knightly honor, beyond mere king and vassal—please accept it without burden."
Demian, Heric, and all the knights and soldiers followed suit, dropping to one knee and bowing their heads.
Arthur frowned for a moment.
"What is this?"
Narasian met Arthur's eyes and replied calmly.
"Paying respects to the king of the Julius Kingdom."
"There's no need for formalities now that we've accepted you as allies. Just continue as before."
"We'll do so from here on."
Narasian gave a meaningful smile.
Though he hadn't stated it outright, he had indirectly signaled to his family retainers that he deeply acknowledged Arthur from his heart, and they followed his decision without question.
'The price of our lives is not light.'
Arthur felt a chill for some reason and said to Narasian.
"I hope there are no other intentions."
"Haha, Your Majesty, don't overthink it."
There was no trace of deceit in Narasian's immediate response.
From their few conversations, he didn't seem the type to deceive and exploit others.
Even when allying with Tomoya Kingdom, Valtre must have fully understood his intentions and accepted out of necessity.
Considering that, it was only natural to show respect to the king with whom they had formally allied.
It seemed Arthur should respond in kind to Narasian and his knights who had shown him respect.
If they desired something earnestly?
It would be fulfilling their family's long-cherished wish.
'Then...'
Arthur's gaze deepened as he looked at them.
After a moment of thought, he dismounted Kan and approached Narasian, standing before him.
He then placed a hand on his shoulder with a solemn expression.
"......!"
Narasian's eyes flashed.
"I, Arthur Julius, declare: The Feridri family will embark on a great journey unprecedented in its history. Thus, your achievements will shine eternally in the annals of posterity."
Ah-!
A heavy resonance stirred in everyone's hearts.
What they had so desperately desired.
Achievements befitting the strongest family!
Emotions surged at the firm declaration that they would walk that path.
Tears welled up in everyone's eyes.
Narasian suppressed his boiling emotions, repeating Arthur's words in his mind.
'Shine eternally in posterity...'
How tirelessly had they strived for that?
His promise to fulfill the family's wish filled his heart with longing.
Regret and sorrow also welled up for not leading them to it himself.
But tears of joy threatened to fall.
He gritted his teeth and poured all his strength into his eyes.
"Ugh......"
Seeing Narasian's complex expression and reddening eyes, Arthur said.
"With your strength, your family's ancestors would acknowledge you."
"......!"
Narasian's eyes shook violently.
He quickly bowed his head.
Thick tears dropped to the ground, and Arthur looked up, shouting to the bowing knights.
"I promise! You will become great warriors who bow to no one! Understood?!"
The knights' eyes blazed fiercely as they gripped their swords tightly.
Bound by duty to their family head, they held back from shouting "Yes!", crying it out only in their hearts.
Yes-!
***
"What?!"
Kollepton's face twisted in fury.
Unable to contain his rage, he unleashed his killing intent.
Pop-!
The tent's supports shattered along with it.
"Gasp!"
Hubei trembled in fear.
Kollepton snorted hot breath, lost in thought.
For the monsters to flee in terror required an immense shock.
He didn't know what that brat had done, but fury boiled at how it had derailed his plans.
Kollepton glared at Hubei.
"Any contact with Krasena?"
"N-not yet."
"Turns out she's quite the coward. Isn't she?"
"Y-yes......"
Hubei reluctantly agreed.
In this situation, failing to respond might bring disaster upon him.
For now, placating him and hoping things settled quietly was wisest.
Hubei bowed his head, awaiting his words.
"Useless bitch."
Kollepton spat insults at Krasena without restraint, but there was no reaction.
If she were hiding nearby, she would have shown some sign, so her silence meant she was truly far away.
She must have gone searching for a way to counter the light spirit, but her prolonged silence irritated him.
Especially when he needed help now.
'Where the hell is she?!'
Kollepton suppressed his seething anger and calmed his chest.
He then looked at Hubei.
"What of Duke Terry?"
"He's finished reorganizing and is on standby."
"If Duke Terry moves, that brat's forces will respond?"
"That's what I think he's aiming for."
"Damn it all."
Kollepton scowled and stood.
"No choice. Gather the monsters again and push—...!"
A brilliant idea struck him.
Instead of sending monsters to Tomoya Kingdom, send them to the brat's forces, then order Duke Terry to attack.
If another fierce battle erupted, he could bypass the front and strike Tomoya Kingdom.
Then, ambushing from the rear would leave them in chaos and disarray.
Victory would follow swiftly.
It wouldn't minimize troop losses as Lord Ruan desired, but without this, he himself would fall.
'I'll stake everything on this attack.'
Kollepton resolved and said to Hubei.
"Summon Duke Terry and Pigea. I'll convey the final attack plan."
***
"Nothing to say?"
Back from the battlefield, Arthur faced Valtre alone in Tomoya Kingdom's office.
Despite time passing since sitting across the table, Valtre only glared as if to devour him.
Valtre couldn't accept his current situation.
Decades of accumulated power had crumbled in an instant. No, it had all been stolen by this bastard.
From their first meeting, he hadn't seemed ordinary.
But Valtre had judged him not a threat to himself.
Now, reflecting, he'd been thoroughly deceived.
Realizing everything had played out in the palm of his hand made his blood boil.
Valtre endured the searing headache threatening to burst his skull and asked.
"What do you want?"
"Either follow me quietly, or if not, leave this place."
"What?"
"I'd love to sever your neck, but looking at you, you don't even deserve it."
"What the hell!"
Boom!
Valtre slammed his fist on the table.
Cracks spiderwebbed from the impact across the marble surface, splitting it in half with a thud.
"Your value just dropped further."
"I'll kill you."
Valtre shot to his feet, striding through the broken table to stand before Arthur.
Arthur met his glare coldly.
"No forgiveness from now on."
"Don't make me laugh! Forgiveness is a privilege only the strong wield!"
Valtre raised his fist overhead and swung with full force.
Just before it struck Arthur's head!
Arthur's eyes flashed, and something gleamed briefly before vanishing in front of Valtre's eyes.
'What?'
In his stunned expression, Valtre saw his extended fist disappear.
Then immense pain surged.
"Gasp!"
He collapsed, clutching his bleeding arm and screaming.
"Aaahhh!"
Spotting his fist on the floor intensified the agony.
With bloodshot eyes, he glared at Arthur.
Arthur looked back with icy coldness.
"That's the price for ignoring my warning."
"You... you bastard..."
Blood vessels burst in his eyes, tears of blood streaming down.
Seeing Valtre's aura surging, his rampage seemed to begin.
Having experienced it before, Arthur knew danger loomed.
But he was no longer the same.
Unsure if Grand Sword Master level, but comparable skill plus spirits.
Considering future perils, even deadlier life-or-death situations awaited.
He needed to handle this effortlessly.
No need to dodge anyway.
"This will be your final struggle."
"Shut up!"
Valtre's intense aura exploded outward.
Thud! Crash!
Boom boom-!
Glass windows and pillars shattered unable to withstand.
Yet Arthur, right in the path, remained unscathed.
Parusia, sensing danger, had erected a wind barrier to block it.
Arthur had anticipated her intervention.
"Stand down."
As his words fell, the wind barrier vanished.
When Valtre's aura engulfed him, Defense Armor deployed.
This too happened beyond his will.
Arthur reconfirmed: instinct triggered Defense Armor against life-threatening attacks.
No more ambushes would work on him.
As Valtre strained to pierce his Defense Armor, Arthur said.
"You've thrown away your chance to live."
"Shut that mouth, or I'll rip..."
As Valtre poured all his power, Arthur casually rose from his chair.
He then seized Valtre's throat.
"On second thought, I've always kept my word."
Crack-.