Chapter 36
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Cigarette
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Adrianna’s eyes wavered violently.
“They'll wear out at this rate.”
Adrianna, about to say something, lowered her head sharply.
“...It’s not like that.”
Adrianna stammered, a rare occurrence. Her face was filled with indignation.
“Your cheeks are red.”
“That’s from rushing here—.”
“Oh, were you in a hurry?”
“...Pardon?”
As her eyes widened again, Galahad chuckled and dusted off his hands. A cloud of ash scattered.
‘A shame. It looked delicious.’
He was looking forward to its blood, since it was a high-ranking demon, but Adrianna had turned it straight to ash.
She had burst in more violently than Galahad had expected, leaving him no time to stop her.
One moment the wall was shattering, the next the demon’s head was flying through the air.
If that sword had been aimed at him, could he have blocked it? Galahad clicked his tongue and brushed the remaining ash from his hand.
He hadn't come away with nothing.
‘A psychic type—.’
Perhaps because it was a psychic type, the one called ‘Him’ had been watching Galahad from within the demon.
And at the last moment—.
‘It directly moved the body. Only with words, but still.’
Galahad found that part deeply intriguing.
It wasn't a phenomenon that could be simply explained as a psychic ability. He hadn't felt any mana or registered any distance.
Adrianna’s explanation that high-ranking demons formed a collective came to mind. Was it possible because it was a collective? It was hard to say.
He'd have to catch a few more high-ranking demons to find out.
“Are you all right?”
Lifting his head, he saw Gilberton. His face was drenched in sweat. Knights filed in behind him, all of them looking disheveled.
‘I'm starting to get interested in this guy.’
The one they called ‘Him.’ Beyond being a lead to the demon king, Galahad was curious about its abilities.
The abilities of the demons he had seen so far felt close to the very origins of magic.
From crudely wielding mana as a mere clump to psychic abilities—those were things that could be interpreted through magic.
But the physical possession the being had shown at the end was something Galahad had never seen before. A deep curiosity stirred within him.
‘It’ll contact me again.’
The being had already contacted Galahad twice. Judging by its final reaction, it would certainly approach him again.
It would grow more impatient. That was why he had deliberately upended the board.
‘The Emperor—.’
Galahad muttered the word, one he had chewed on so much it had lost all sweetness, leaving only a dry taste.
“Are you hurt?”
Adrianna's question broke him from his thoughts. Her gaze was fixed on Galahad’s mangled hand.
“Just a scratch.”
Just then, the cry of a demonic beast shook the ground.
Galahad slowly raised his head.
The atmosphere was ominous. Strange sounds echoed continuously from beyond the dense fog.
Galahad clicked his tongue and channeled mana into his hand. With a light *crack*, his hand snapped back into shape.
It wasn't healed. The bones were still broken; he had only forced it back into its proper form. It would take a few more days to recover.
“Well, it seems we’re quite popular. We should hurry.”
“I will take the lead.”
Adrianna swung her sword in a wide arc.
A wall crumbled in an instant. A faint, terrible scream erupted from beyond it.
“We must prevent what happened earlier from occurring again.”
“I'll be fine.”
“No.”
Adrianna’s brow was set firmly. *Her expressions have gotten a little more varied*, Galahad muttered to himself.
The white aura flared up again. More turbulent than before, the aura looked almost like wings.
Did Adrianna know? To Galahad, that aura was more dangerous than a high-ranking demon—.
Galahad gave a bitter smile and took a step back.
“What is your favorite food?”
Adrianna asked, adjusting her grip on her sword.
‘Conversation—. A rather clever method.’
She seemed to be preparing for a situation like before. Whether it was the authority the demon spoke of or some kind of magic, it hadn't worked on her.
So, it seemed Adrianna intended to continue the conversation to monitor his condition through his voice.
Galahad chuckled and waved his left hand. Was it trying to assert its usefulness? The Egg of Pain vigorously spewed out mana. The mana flared violently.
A fierce wind swirled, pushing back the surrounding smoke. The hideous demonic beasts outside the smoke flinched for a moment.
So many have gathered already—. So this is the Miasmic Realm.
“Properly cooked meat and cheese that doesn’t stink. And you?”
Galahad answered with a click of his tongue.
Adrianna’s sword drew a long arc. Two charging demonic beasts turned to ash simultaneously.
“I like sweet foods.”
Adrianna advanced without stopping. Her white aura fluttered continuously like wings.
Just then, a neatly dressed man approached with a smile. At the man’s gesture, the ground around Adrianna caved in deeply. Adrianna swung her sword nonchalantly.
The demon scattered into ash.
Demonic beasts and demons burst through the gap. They looked menacing, but—.
“Do you drink?”
Adrianna spoke calmly, her swordplay continuing. More ash burst forth. Her back was truly a reliable sight.
“I don’t. You?”
A violent wind whipped from Galahad’s left hand.
The smoke was pushed back. A demon at the edge of it smirked. A cunning one.
“I can’t.”
The demon fell to Adrianna's sword.
Adrianna glanced back. Galahad gave her a wave with his left hand. She turned her gaze forward again.
“How was your time at the Academy?”
Adrianna’s breathing was slightly ragged.
A demonic beast leaped out from the side. “Knight—Gilberton!” Gilberton shouted, swinging his sword. The beast crumbled under his aura. A knight right beside him struck the beast’s neck.
“Boring. All I did was study.”
A demonic beast’s attack struck Adrianna’s armor. Her body swayed slightly.
Adrianna continued her swordplay unfazed. Another demonic beast turned to ash.
The wind rose. The smoke was pushed back.
“I heard you graduated top of your class at the youngest age. That’s incredible.”
A massive, tiger-like demonic beast opened its maw wide. Adrianna advanced without stopping. The beast scattered into ash as if it were a matter of course.
“I entered at the youngest age, so it was only right I graduated at the youngest age. I heard you also earned the title of Sword Master at a young age. Quite famous as the most beautiful and strongest knight, I hear.”
“I am not the strongest knight. There are still those I have yet to face—.”
“So you don't deny being the most beautiful.”
Adrianna’s sword faltered for a moment before continuing. Galahad tipped his canteen to his lips. The Egg of Pain diligently pumped out mana. The Egg of Pain’s presence grew stronger and stronger.
“Do you like cats?”
“Yes, aren’t they cute?”
“Aren’t they impudent? They don’t even recognize their own masters. I prefer dogs.”
Gilberton, having just beheaded a demon, coughed lightly. Galahad frowned.
“That hideous…”
“We’re out.”
The surrounding smoke had thinned. The attacks had stopped.
It was the same blackened, rotten land as before.
“...Yes, we’ve escaped the Miasmic Realm.”
Adrianna’s forehead was beaded with sweat. Her hair was a mess. A look of exhaustion showed in her eyes. It seemed she had pushed herself too hard.
Galahad surveyed their surroundings. They were a short distance from the border of the Miasmic Realm. However, since the realm itself was deep within the territory, it would still take a while to get back to the battalion.
The knights all looked as if they were about to collapse. Gilberton was in the best shape, but even he was drenched in sweat.
Adrianna, who had been at the forefront, was ironically the most composed of them all.
*Tsk*—clicking his tongue, Galahad summoned the wind again. He had used too much magic, and for a moment, his head spun. He gritted his teeth and endured it.
The dust was pushed back. It was the familiar, almost pleasant demon territory.
After being in the Miasmic Realm where things constantly popped out, the demon territory felt strangely welcoming.
“Let’s catch our breath before we go.”
At Galahad’s words, everyone nodded. They had become surprisingly compliant.
Galahad went to put a hand in his inner pocket but grimaced. With his right hand shattered, it was difficult to take out the cigarette from his left pocket.
“What’s wrong?”
“Hmm, could you get the cigarette from my inner pocket for me?”
“...I will attempt it.”
“It’s not something that requires such a determined look.”
Her face set with determination, Adrianna moved her hand cautiously.
As Adrianna’s hand approached, the Egg of Pain vibrated violently. It even tried to hide behind him. *What does it plan to do with that level of ambition—.* Galahad clicked his tongue.
Adrianna pulled out the cigarette with a more serious expression than when she fought demons.
To think her ability required such caution even when just taking a cigarette out of a pocket—.
“You must have had a hard time.”
Adrianna’s face stiffened as she placed the cigarette in Galahad’s mouth. Her lips pursed. She quickly averted her gaze.
Galahad clicked his tongue and flicked his fingers to light it.
The rich scent of lemon filled the air.
Adrianna, whose eyes had been trembling for a moment, let out a small breath.
“Do you like lemons?”
“I despise them. It's just a habit.”
Adrianna’s eyebrows rose slightly.
‘I should keep one in each pocket from now on.’
Galahad muttered to himself.
****
“Just what kind of person is he?”
Gilberton, who was sipping from his canteen, turned his head at the question from beside him.
Robert from the Direct Unit pointed at Galahad with a strange expression. Adrianna was placing a cigarette in Galahad’s mouth.
Adrianna, placing a cigarette in a man’s mouth—.
It was a scene that, had he only heard about it, he would have kicked the storyteller’s ass for lying.
However, since the man in question was Galahad, he didn't feel like saying anything. The other knights reacted similarly.
‘What kind of person—.’
It was the same question the men from the Direct Unit had asked before they set out. The same question, but the tone was completely different.
Gilberton paused for a moment before answering.
“I don’t know.”
Robert frowned at Gilberton's answer. Even he thought it was a half-hearted reply, but Gilberton was being sincere.
The more he learned about the man, the less he understood. He was harder to figure out now than when they first met.
Gilberton looked at Galahad. His right hand was a mangled mess, yet he was conversing as if nothing was wrong. His mental fortitude was extraordinary.
“The thought of wandering around in the dark again is daunting.”
“He’ll probably come with us tomorrow too. He is Lady Adrianna’s fiancé, after all.”
“*Ahem*, I suppose so?”
Gilberton smiled faintly at the conversation he overheard.
Even though this group was composed of more moderate members, they were still knights of the Direct Unit. Their animosity towards Galahad was natural. They were only moderate compared to Mardian.
They had only gone out together once. Yet, he had completely changed their perception of him.
The very people who had worried Galahad would be a burden were now worried about him not coming along.
“I should suggest that the 1st Battalion hire a mage.”
Gilberton snorted at someone’s mumble.
‘So this is why he always said he was exceptional.’
He now understood why Galahad habitually said, ‘It’s because I’m exceptional; no other mage could ever do this.’
‘Hmph, fools.’
No matter what mage they brought, none could do what Galahad did. Gilberton smirked.
“Sir Gilberton, you’re making quite a strange face right now.”
“...When did you get here?”
“Just now. Let’s head back.”
*Ahem*—. Gilberton coughed lightly and nodded.
“I will take the lead.”
As always, Adrianna took the lead.
****
A tense atmosphere filled the area around the 1st Battalion’s main gate.
“See, I told you we should’ve gone without the Imperial bastard! This is obviously his fault!”
With Adrianna’s return from the demon territory delayed, Mardian was raising hell.
They should never have brought along that Imperial bastard, that mage.
A single foolish ally on the battlefield can be fatal, and they had even gone into demon territory—.
“Open the gate! I’m heading out now!”
Mardian roared. His aura was so menacing it seemed he would tear down anyone who didn’t move.
The other knights, familiar with Mardian’s temper, swallowed nervously.
“I cannot.”
Erdal, the gatekeeper knight, shook his head firmly.
“The gate to the demon territory opens only at sunrise and sunset. Those are the rules.”
There wasn’t a hint of compromise in Erdal’s voice. Mardian drew his skewer.
His nickname was ‘Mad’ Mardian. It was impossible not to have heard the rumors about him.
Yet, even with Mardian drawing his weapon, Erdal remained calm.
“Can you take responsibility for this?”
Mardian demanded, thrusting his skewer forward. The other knights shared his sentiment.
The atmosphere grew hostile, ready to explode at the slightest touch—.
When it came to matters involving Adrianna, the Direct Unit would lose their minds.
The sun was on the verge of setting, and Adrianna still hadn’t returned.
The knights around the gate took a step back. They were dealing with the Direct Unit.
Standing their ground here could get their heads lopped off.
However, Erdal was the gatekeeper knight.
“If a gatekeeper must take responsibility for guarding the gate, then I will.”
“You—.”
“Hold on, let me talk to him.”
Lunavirn stepped forward. Mardian glared and took a step back.
“Lady Adrianna’s return is delayed. You know how important she is. Could you please open the gate?”
“I cannot.”
Erdal was a man befitting a gatekeeper. Steadfast and stubborn. If he opened the gate just because every knight was grinding their teeth at him, he wouldn't be a gatekeeper.
“Ah, I am here as well. The Vice-Captain.”
Just then, a blond-haired man emerged from among the knights.
He was a handsome man with an honest face. Felix, the Vice-Captain of the 1st Battalion. Mardian, who normally despised Felix, now pointed at him and shouted.
“Authority to open the gate rests solely with His Highness the Grand Duke and Captain Adrianna.”
“In the Captain’s absence, the Vice-Captain receives that authority.”
“The authority over the gate is an exception.”
Felix’s brow furrowed at Erdal’s seamless reply.
The atmosphere was on the verge of erupting.
Everyone expressed their anger, calling Erdal a fool, but he paid them no mind.
A gatekeeper simply guards the gate.
Just then—.
*Bwoooooo—!*
The long, drawn-out sound of a horn echoed.
It was the signal that Adrianna had returned.
“Open it!”
Erdal gave the order without hesitation. Soldiers began cracking their whips. The iron bars rose violently.
“You’re quite arrogant.”
Felix sneered under his breath. Erdal ignored him.
The iron bars rose one after another, revealing the thick gate.
Erdal inserted a thick key into the joint and turned it. As the gate clanked, other soldiers grabbed and pulled it.
With a heavy groan, the gate slowly opened.
But unlike usual, no smoke seeped through the opening.
Erdal’s thick eyebrows furrowed.
Just then, Adrianna appeared in the gap. But she was a complete mess.
Her long hair, usually straight and neat, was a tangled mess, and her armor was covered in scratches. She was in a state of disarray, unlike her usual self.
“Lady Adrianna!”
Erdal gave a hand signal.
*Boom! Boom!* The sound of drums echoed. Soldiers and knights saluted.
Just then—.
“Quite the grand welcome.”
It was a soft but clear voice that stuck in one’s ear.
It was the man named Galahad—the mage from the Empire, Adrianna’s fiancé, Captain of the Special Task Force.
Galahad looked even worse than Adrianna.
Covered in dust, his clothes torn in places, and a mangled hand—he looked like he had been through the wringer.
And yet, his face was full of composure.
“Imperial bastard! This must be your fault!”
His eyes bloodshot, Mardian charged forward violently. The knights behind him also radiated a sharp hostility.
Just then—.
“Stop, Mardian.”
The knights from the Direct Unit who had gone with them blocked Mardian. It looked as if they were protecting the man.
“...What are you doing?”
The Direct Unit was blocking him—. A look of bewilderment crossed Mardian’s face.
Instead of answering, the knights readjusted their grip on their swords. They looked ready for a fight.
“Mardian.”
Adrianna called out to Mardian quietly.
At Adrianna’s cold voice, Mardian froze.
“This is your final warning.”
Mardian couldn't believe his ears.
A final warning—.
What does that...?
Mardian’s eyes trembled violently.
He couldn't understand what was happening.
Just then, his eyes met the man’s.
The man looked at Mardian and raised one corner of his mouth in a smirk.
“Hmm, Adrianna.”
He wanted to rage at the man for daring to call Adrianna’s name so presumptuously, but the final warning held him back.
At the man’s call, Adrianna carefully reached into his coat.
When Adrianna then placed a cigarette in the man’s mouth, he forgot to be angry and just stared blankly.
To do something like that in front of the entire 1st Battalion—.
It was so surreal he couldn't even be shocked.
In that heavy silence—.
“Finally, some peace and quiet.”
Galahad lit the cigarette with satisfaction.
****
A heavy silence settled over the dark temple.
An elderly man sat quietly, looking down.
Below him, figures in black hoods stood in long lines.
There were so many that the end of the lines could not be seen.
It was a majestic sight, truly befitting a temple.
The old man slowly opened his heavy lips. A voice like a scream flowed from between his wrinkled lips.
“There is one who sullies the waters of the North.”
There was no response. Everyone simply bowed their heads lower.
The old man’s position was just that supreme.
“His name is Galahad. Deal with him.”
The old man did not say more.
Everyone prostrated themselves with a long, drawn-out murmur.
Just then—.
“*Hiccup!*”
Someone in the corner jolted violently.
It was someone wearing a crow mask.