The Uninvited Old Geezer at the Welcome
I checked my outfit one more time in the mirror. A white suit that boldly exposed my chest, gold shoes, a chunky pure gold chain necklace dangling around my neck, and my pitch-black eyes hidden behind custom-made black sunglasses.
I slapped on an afro wig and flashed a faint smirk. Perfect disguise. Even I wouldn't recognize myself—what chance did anyone else have?
I turned to Shura.
"How's it look?"
"Like a local thug."
It was a razor-sharp jab that cut right to the bone. I rolled my eyes and muttered an awkward "fighting!" to myself.
"Perfect. That's exactly the vibe. Trashy and low-class to contrast with a dignified grand duke. Nailed it."
"Then you did well."
It sounded like praise, but Shura's tone was curt. A subtle hint of rebellion laced with emotion—the first I'd sensed from her. I gave her a sidelong glance.
"What's with the attitude?"
Shura finally voiced what was on her mind.
"Do you have to go? It could be dangerous."
"Sure, it might get dicey."
"Is it because you're worried about Grand Duke Karl?"
I let out a snort.
There were two people in the world I never worried about. One was the former Bastain duke who'd become the current king of Bastain, and the other was my father.
And what about world-class sword saints like Cloud Grandpa and Grollmog? Those old geezers better not stir up any trouble.
"Why would I worry about that old fart? I'd sooner fret over Padilla skipping meals. Dad's not the type to go down to anyone. With all those crafty snakes coiled up inside him, no way he'd lose."
"Then is it Karl territory you're worried about?"
"Eh, there might be some damage, but Dad'll handle it fine."
"Then who are you worried about that you're going there?"
"Someone. Still a know-it-all punk. Probably had a hell of a year, tasting death."
"Who is it?"
I stepped away from the mirror.
"You'll see when we get there. I had to visit my hometown eventually anyway."
Shura stared at me steadily.
"Is there something else you need to do?"
"Yeah. Haven't visited Mom's grave in years. Left without even saying goodbye when I bolted—gotta bring some flowers at least. If I don't go now, I'll drop dead for real later."
"Ah..."
"And there's a guy who needs a beating. Gotta threaten him, make sure his mouth stays shut."
"Who?"
"Eh, a best friend."
Shura nodded—she already knew. She'd watched that play with me where Hubeo was the hero.
"Oh, that friend from before?"
"Yeah."
"The play was pretty harsh on him, though."
"Right. Alright, let's head down."
We went to the first-floor office, but even though it was nearly time, we had to wait a while. Armida sis hadn't returned from the beauty salon.
She'd gotten an invitation from the Yosrahim Empire, so she had to manage her image or whatever. Sis thought this commission was just an event inviting the Yin-Yang Great Saintess, Shura.
"Little bro. How do I look today?"
On the way to the portal tower, Armida sis brushed back her wavy hair and asked for a check. The base was solid, and the hair came out well, so I complimented her.
"Pretty."
"Right? Doesn't it scream 'danger'?"
"Huh?"
"The Yosrahim emperor might try to make me his concubine. What do I do if that happens?"
"Beat his... No, just politely decline."
I cut off "beat his ass" midway and suggested a very toned-down approach. I'd forgotten for a sec—the emperor was my uncle.
"But will the emperor give up easily? What if he offers the empress position and comes on strong?"
Seemed tougher to dispel Armida sis's delusions than dealing with my uncle.
Uncle was the emperor. He didn't judge women just by looks like me. He checked bloodlines, families, knowledge, wisdom. Armida sis only had looks going for her.
"The Yosrahim emperor's a pot-bellied old man."
"Okay, got it."
My one line cooled her fantasy instantly.
"Smart thinking."
"But there's the crown prince, right?"
"Like father, like son."
"Enough."
Sis really was all about looks. No wonder she stuck to me like glue. Others might not admit it, but I had fine features.
We arrived at the portal tower's main gate, where Hiks Viscount and a group of knights waited—Yosrahim Empire's escort force.
"Hey, Hiks Viscount. Long time no see."
Hiks Viscount sighed deeply at the sight of me.
"White Mask. What the hell is that outfit? And that hair?"
"Why? This is trendy fashion."
"Where?"
"Sky city Chronos. Over there, this is the holiest ceremonial garb."
He widened his eyes at my whisper.
"For real?"
"Yup. And this fluffy hair? Super sacred style. They say the puffy, curly locks draw in divine energy big time. Totally the best."
I gave a thumbs-up emphatically, and Hiks Viscount eyed my outfit and afro closely.
"If that's true, no helping it... But fix your speech."
"My speech why?"
"Don't talk like that in front of His Imperial Majesty."
"Oh~ Got it. Don't worry, I'll use proper honorifics."
The three people I used honorifics with in the world: my father Grand Duke Karl, my teacher Viscount Meyer, and my uncle the emperor.
No matter how rude I was, I knew military protocol.
"Good. And watch out for someone else."
"Who?"
"Duke Cloud."
"That grandpa's fine. He's long past caring about etiquette. Dude shed worldly norms ages ago."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing much. Means Viscount'll never become a Mind Master, even in death."
"What?"
Hiks Viscount's eyes sharpened, so I pushed Shura forward.
"What're you doing? Gonna keep our Great Saintess waiting?"
Hiks Viscount hurriedly bowed deeply to Shura. Caught up in my words, he'd neglected proper respect to the noble saintess himself.
After greetings, he pointed to the portal tower entrance.
"Great Saintess and party. Shall we depart?"
We set off for the Yosrahim Empire under Hiks Viscount's guidance.
A long diagonal trek across Prosia Continent, but portals made it quick. Even with breaks for dizziness, just half a day.
Yosrahim Empire's capital.
Shura marveled at the vast cityscape.
"Master. How can a city be this grand?"
"It's the capital."
I gave a curt reply and narrowed my eyes. Thinking of the rulers' greed lurking behind that majestic beauty already gave me a headache.
Our Shura would get dragged around and used every which way. But nothing was free. If they wanted usage rights, they'd pay up—that was common sense.
As we exited, a massive crowd gathered below the portal tower plaza—Yosrahim Empire nobles led by conservatives.
They all showed reverence as Shura appeared.
"We humble subjects pay respects to the Yin-Yang Great Saintess."
I smirked behind awkward Shura. Prideful conservative nobles calling themselves "humble subjects"—Shura's prestige was no joke.
But that courtesy hid pressure on the emperor too. Time to ditch Light Doctrine and return to the empire's founding Yin-Yang faith.
Then a graying middle-aged man stepped forward—conservative leader Duke Brendel.
"Yin-Yang Great Saintess. I am Duke Brendel."
Shura smiled lightly.
"I'm Shura. Thank you for inviting me."
"No, we thank you. This way, please. We've prepared your quarters."
"Yes."
As we walked, nobles parted like the sea, opening a path. Passing through, I spotted an ordinary old man under a distant tree.
He eyed Armida sis curiously, but turned to me as he sensed my gaze.
The old man was Cloud Grandpa, Prosia Continent's top swordsman.
That grandpa. Since when's he so devout he comes all the way here?
I averted my eyes and poked Armida sis's side.
"Sis. Stay low-key. That grandpa under the tree? Scary one."
"Like you'd cause trouble over some old fogey."
Sis had sensed his presence too. No way they wouldn't recognize each other—Mind Masters spotted Mind Masters. Even if innate, sis was top-tier Mind Master.
"Who'd win if you two fought?"
"Duh, me. My mana reserves are multiples of his, plus magic."
"Don't underestimate him. Unlike you, sis, he clawed up from the bottom to Mind Master pinnacle."
Armida sis eyed me suspiciously.
"So you're saying I'd lose?"
"Nah. Just be careful since we're guests here."
"But looks like you need to watch out more."
"Why me?"
"That old fogey's staring only at you."
I glanced at the tree—Cloud Grandpa grinned slyly. Trouble brewing. No clue why, but he looked like a kid spotting a fun toy, eyes full of curiosity.
But I shrugged it off. No way he'd bother.
To that grandpa, master swordsmen were just clingy stalkers. Always trailing for scraps. I'd done it too—all masters dreamed of becoming Mind Masters.
Eh, he'll mind his own. Ngh!
Suddenly, my eyes bulged. Crushing pressure from thin air froze my body. Breath shortened, legs trembled, heart pounded wildly, face drained white.
I knew this bone-deep. Primal fear buried in human instincts.
Did that grandpa lose his marbles?!
I barely gripped Yojyo's hilt, yanking it free and thrusting the tip toward his tree. The fear that seeped into my mind held unimaginable power—a Mind Master's mental attack for sure.
In front of all these imperial nobles? What kinda senile nonsense?
"Cut it out! It's gross!"
I bellowed with killing intent, sword drawn. Nearby conservative nobles scattered in shock. Cloud Grandpa floated over, hands behind back, landing before me—everyone screamed and fled.
"Ho, broke my mental attack? Impressive, kid."
I twisted, grimacing.
"That look like breaking to you?"
"You moved, didn't you? Normals freeze like frogs before snakes."
Armida sis drew Talatas, blocking between us.
"Old fogey. How about stopping the provocation?"
"No interest in you. Step aside."
"What?"
Cloud Grandpa glanced at her.
"Weren't you supposed to stay out of worldly affairs?"
"Matters involving my little bro are heavenly business."
"Is that so? My apologies then."
"If you get it, leave."
"And if I don't?"
Sis narrowed her eyes at his taunt.
"Old fogey. You don't know us? This ain't our full power."
Probably referring to legendary Valkyrie battle mode. Valkyries donned aura-winged celestial armor for true combat.
That's why they had massive mana.
"Ah, that power from 1,500 years ago that toppled the unified empire Hiltrión on this land? Thanks to it, us humans still war bloodily, divided."
"Good thing."
"But using it publicly? You'd get chewed out up top, no?"
"Don't worry. Already marked enough."
Cloud Grandpa shrugged.
"Can't be helped then. I'll withdraw today, for your face."
He floated off. Then a telepathic message hit my ear.
"Kid. See you later."
His mental attack lifted as he left. I sheathed Yojyo, pouting.
"That old geezer hasn't changed a bit. Still immature as ever."
"Like you're any better?"
"I'm young, so it's fine. Not like a fat old geezer. Causing trouble at my age is natural law."
I grumbled and walked on.
Damn, big problem. He even promised—he'd definitely come back. What he'd say or do? Already worrying.