Chapter 28
The Flower That Bears a Sword - Chapter 28
Translation: godsn
Five days later, a monster subjugation notice was posted on the main bulletin board of the military academy. This year's target area was the White Crow Canyon located in the northern part of the continent.
The Azure Sky Knights would mobilize for monster subjugation whenever a request came in. Depending on the request details and the scale of the monsters, they would select Giosa Owners, official knights, junior knights, or cadets to serve as temporary squires and dispatch them in groups.
However, every spring, regardless of requests, the Azure Sky Knights would select areas with particularly rampant monster infestations—especially regions that other nations found difficult to handle—and conduct subjugation missions. It was their duty as descendants of the apostles who once guarded the Giosa and served the Divine Sword, but it also had its practical benefits. It served as a demonstration of just how powerful the Azure Sky Knights were.
Monsters naturally spawned and multiplied through reproduction. Though theories about their origins were widely debated, such academic discussions were the domain of the white-haired sages of the Magic Tower. Ordinary people only knew that whenever something eerie or ominous occurred, monsters would increase in number nearby.
Once monsters appeared, their numbers would surge at a rate incomparable to ordinary animals. While their ecology varied by species, most formed colonies and attacked nearby humans.
The White Crow Canyon had become a battlefield around last summer. Located near the border of the minor northern kingdoms, the canyon had been used for ambush tactics and became the grave of many soldiers. Battlefields where many died would inevitably turn into large-scale monster nests before long. The White Crow Canyon was no exception.
Three Giosa Owners including the Captain of the Knights, about twenty official knights—all at the Master level—seventy junior knights, eight squires, the top thirty officer cadets serving as temporary squires, and the top three freshmen. Though their absolute numbers were small compared to an army, in terms of combat strength, the force mobilized for this subjugation was capable of taking on an entire small nation.
"The scale's bigger than usual, isn't it?"
"Must mean the situation in White Crow Canyon is pretty bad."
"I heard the Vice-Captain increased the deployment numbers. Rumor has it it was on the Captain's orders."
"If they increased the scale, why keep the number of officer cadets the same as last year?"
"Because it's dangerous. More cadets would mean more people to protect."
"Looking at the numbers, we're gonna be swamped with chores this year. How many junior knights are assigned to assist each cadet? This is ridiculous."
"So you don't wanna go? If you don't, I'll go in your place."
"Are you insane? I'm not missing out on this golden opportunity."
Cadets gathered in front of the bulletin board, buzzing with chatter. Echinacea, who had just finished her meal at the communal dining hall, saw it too. At the bottom of the notice, three freshman names stood out clearly.
—Echinacea Roaz, Alice Winterbell, Mihail von Franc Almari.
Among the cadets who had placed first, second, and third in the freshman ranking tournament, Echinacea was the only one who had maintained her position. She glanced up at Alice, who had been eating with her, with a puzzled expression.
"Didn't you say you weren't going to care about rankings and focus on refining your sword for a while, Alice?"
"I had a duel with the cadet who was in second place two days ago. I didn't want to miss out on a chance to gain real combat experience," Alice replied nonchalantly.
Echinacea let out a dry laugh. Truthfully, she had hoped Alice wouldn't participate in the subjugation. This monster hunt was going to be quite dangerous. Her eyes scanned the notice for familiar names.
'Squire Baraha Islaf. He's participating, as expected. Ah, Senior Fatima is here too. And... some not-so-welcome names as well.'
Ian Pelletro was also on the list. Bread von Poum wasn't. Since only the top thirty second and third-years were participating, it was natural that someone as incompetent as him wouldn't make the cut. Echinacea's eyes darkened as she studied the names she recognized.
[Master, let's sneakily kill Ian during the subjugation. It'll be chaotic, so no one will notice, we'll get to taste blood, get rid of a nuisance, and vent some murderous urges. How about it? Great idea, right?]
The Magic Sword whispered temptingly. Echinacea ignored it. No matter how much of a scumbag he was, she had no intention of killing someone who hadn't committed any immediate crimes just to vent her anger. Once she started down that path, she might fall prey to the Magic Sword's corruption again. She really didn't want to kill people unless absolutely necessary.
'More importantly... I'll keep watch.'
She would keep watch over Baraha Islaf and the others she knew. To ensure no one died or got hurt. And also, she needed to observe how the Giosa Owners conducted themselves.
'Dietrich Sarua was still a Junior Knight back then. He'll become a Giosa Owner within three years, but he isn't one yet.'
The red-haired man didn't possess a Giosa. That left three Giosa Owners.
'Baron Tilius. Teresa von Franc Almari. And... Yurien.'
She prayed that among these three, someone might remember the erased past—something she could uncover during this monster subjugation. And as for Yurien... Please, let him not remember.
With that silent plea, Echinacea left the notice board. The departure was scheduled for May 10th—nine days from now.
Act 4. The Incomprehensible and the Certain
On the 10th of May, 1629 of the Divine Era, the Azure Sky Knights dispatched a subjugation squad to the White Crow Canyon in the north.
They traveled by mana train to the vicinity of the canyon. The Azure Sky Knights had chartered an entire train for themselves. After arriving at the nearest station, they proceeded toward the canyon on horseback and by carriage. By the time the subjugation squad reached the entrance of White Crow Canyon and began setting up the base camp tents, it was already late evening on May 12th—two days after their departure.
All officer cadets, except for the squires, were assigned knights to assist. Freshmen Alice and Mihail were each assigned three Junior Knights. And Echinacea? She had just one—Yurien de Harden Kyrie.
"Your probation period only has eight days left anyway. It's only natural."
Baraha approached and snatched the bag from Echinacea's hands.
"You don't have to carry it for me."
"What's the big deal? We're headed the same way. I heard a lot about the freshman ranking tournament. Shame I missed it."
He strode ahead, and Echinacea had no choice but to follow.
The officer cadets, including Alice, were assigned tents near the Junior Knights' quarters. In contrast, the squires were given private tents right beside their respective lords. Echinacea, too, was granted a personal tent beside the Captain's—even though she wasn't officially a squire yet, she was already being treated as one.
Servants didn't accompany the subjugation squad, so setting up the tents fell to the squires. The Junior Knights worked alongside the cadets to build the camp, while the knights immediately gathered for a meeting upon arrival. With the sun already set, everyone busied themselves erecting tents by torchlight. Echinacea and Baraha weaved through the bustling crowd.
Today, Echinacea wore a simple travel dress—a deep navy piece with minimal frills, almost like a one-piece. A short veil and jewel-adorned navy velvet hat sat atop her head. Her gloves, though thin, were leather embroidered with silver thread rather than silk.
Compared to her usual attire, it was modest—yet she still stood out glaringly. A few Junior Knights whistled as she passed.
"Who's that lady? Baraha's sweetheart?"
"That's the 'Lady' from the military academy. Haven't you heard the rumors?"
"Ah, the one chosen as the Captain's squire? Didn't believe it, but she really is a noble lady."
"They say she's skilled, but real combat's different. With that look, she'll faint at the first sight of a monster."
Whispers clung to her like a trailing shadow. Echinacea paid them no mind. What concerned her was far more critical—and dangerous.
During the journey, she had traveled with the cadets, avoiding the Giosa Owners. But from now on, she would have to face them constantly. The tension coiled inside her. She had taken extra care with her makeup and chosen a hat with a veil, but unease still gnawed at her. Unconsciously, she pressed down on the brim of her hat.
Baraha, having led her past the Junior Knights to where the knights' tents were being erected—specifically the central area—set down Echinacea's bag. Supplies were already piled there.
"Your tent's here. The Captain's will be set up in this spot. I'll help."
"No, I can manage. You have your own tent to set up, Senior."
"I'll be done in 30 minutes."
"I really can manage on my own, Senior."
"Enough. I'll finish this quickly."
Baraha shrugged his shoulders and lifted the central pole of the tent. Without giving her a chance to protest, he began setting up the knight commander's quarters. The murmurs of junior knights and cadets assembling their own tents nearby pricked at Eki's sensitive ears.
How ladylike. Too good for manual labor, huh? Watch how she gets others to do the dirty work. Lady this, lady that. The mocking words. She'd expected this sort of talk. Though not the most welcome assistance, she found it hard to refuse knowing Baraha's offer came from genuine kindness.
When have I ever cared about reputation anyway? Eki sighed imperceptibly and helped him unfold the canvas.
Leveling the ground, erecting poles, laying carpets, draping fabric, arranging the cot and furnishings—a respectable tent took shape in moments. Baraha proved remarkably efficient. As they moved to set up Eki's quarters, a teasing voice interrupted.
"Well well, battlefield romance? How heartwarming."
"Just assisting a junior, Sir Dietrich."
Baraha frowned as he responded. The approaching man moved with a carefree swagger, his flame-red hair striking against sharp features. A familiar face. Eki instinctively pressed down her hat brim before slowly withdrawing her hand.
Dietrich Sarua. The Giosa Owner who'd fled from Echinacea when blocked by Teresa, trying to deliver news of Agenka to Yurien.
The forest shadows creeping at night, herself tracking his trail like a beast, ragged breathing, contorted faces, screams and moans, Giosa blades leveled, drenched in Teresa's dried blood before being covered by his own. The more horrific the memory, the more vivid it remained.
But the Dietrich Sarua of 1629 wasn't a Giosa Owner yet. Still just a junior knight who hadn't reached Master rank. Had he awakened his Giosa like Eki, he would have regressed with it. Unlike Eki's Valdergiosa, Dietrich's Lemingiosa had a confirmed location, making secret possession impossible.
Confirmed then. Dietrich has no memories of the past.
Eki removed her hand from the hat brim and raised her bowed head. Their eyes met through the veil. Dietrich's crimson eyes curved in amusement.
"What a flowery young lady. Your sweetheart, Baraha?"
"Not my sweetheart. How many times must I say it?"
"Right, right, not yet sweethearts, eh? Hang in there, kid."
Dietrich smirked, clapping Baraha's back. Baraha pushed his arm away with a scowl.
"Please refrain from jokes, Sir Dietrich."
"If not sweethearts or courtship, why help pitch her tent?"
"Is it wrong to assist a junior I favor?"
"Eh, kinda is. In this situation."
"...Pardon?"
Dietrich glanced meaningfully at Eki before slinging an arm around the taller Baraha's neck and yanking him down.
"Think how this looks to others. If you truly care about your junior."
Baraha's expression blanked. Dietrich ruffled his hair into disarray before releasing him. Jangling something in his pocket, he sauntered toward Eki.
"Cadet Echinacea Roaz. You understand what we're discussing?"
"If you're concerned about my reputation, don't be. I appreciate the consideration, Sir Dietrich."
"Figured you didn't ask Baraha for help. Had a feeling."
"Since I didn't refuse his assistance, the result's the same."
At her flat response, Dietrich looked Echinacea up and down.
"Well, putting that aside. You there..."
"If it's about my attire..."
"Nah, couldn't care less. Guess why?"