Chapter 129
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: Oath Ceremony
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Until the day comes when I drive out the darkness with my light.
Clad in pure white robes, Bella knelt on the grassy lawn.
I will not cease in punishing evil.
Her hands, clasped together in prayer, showed not a hint of wavering, mirroring her resolve.
I, Bella Izarkhel, solemnly swear this.
Her figure was that of a saint born from light itself.
As Bella slowly opened her eyes, the golden-haired, blue-eyed girl placed a hand on her head and spoke.
.....
.....
Bella, you are more than worthy to wield my light.
Edens owner, Michaela, declared in a solemn voice.
I, Michaela, entrust you with my light, believing in your oath. Keep true to your vow.
Michaelas hand began to glow.
A brilliant light seeped into Bella from head to toe.
This was the rite of the lights oath, passed down since Hero Alonso Izarkhel.
In the past, many families received divine favor, but only the Izarkhel family remained in communion with the gods.
The family blessed by the divine.
This was precisely why the Izarkhel Duke family still commanded such prestige.
You may rise now.
Yes.
When Bella stood, she felt the divine grace filling her heart.
Though she had performed this oath rite every year since infancy without fail, it always felt fresh and new.
Through this swearing of oaths to the divine, she felt reborn as a nobler, more exalted being.
Just like her ancestor, Hero Alonso Izarkhel.
Clap, clap, clap.
At the sound of applause, Bella turned to see a frail-looking man standing there.
Well done.
Father.
Duke Fred removed his outer jacket and draped it over Bellas shoulders.
That outfit leaves your shoulders too exposed. Youll catch a cold.
Father, really. Do you still think of me as a child?
Exasperated, Bella still put on the jacket.
Seeing this, Fred relaxed and bowed politely to Edens owner.
Its been a while, Michaela.
Yes. Youre still as pathetic as ever.
Pathetic?
Thats right. Pathetic. What else would you be? But why are you here? Bella could have come alone.
Ahaha. Still, as the head of the Izarkhel family, it would be rude not to show my face to you, Michaela.
Spare me. Since when have I cared about that? And for you, staying out of my sight is the real courtesy.
Th-thats
Fred shrank back at the blunt words.
Michaela clicked her tongue, displeased by his demeanor.
Tsk. How a descendant of Alonso turned out like you is beyond me. Of course, it must be His will
Oh, rightAlonso defeated the Demon King at your age, didnt he?
At Bellas sudden recollection, Michaela nodded.
Thats right. Even now, he was a freak of nature. He could hold his own against demons even before receiving my blessing.
Without a blessing, all by himself?
Uh-huh.
Demonsthe final form of beasts, powerful beings of high intelligencewere never something a human could face alone.
Thus, for Alonso to confront a demon with only a human body, without divine blessing, was nothing short of heroic.
The moment I gave him the lights blessing, he went wild smashing demons faces in. Throughout history, theres been only one like him: Alonso.
When the second Demon King appeared in the past, no hero ever emerged.
Countless people lost their lives to the Demon Kings demons and beasts.
It was then that Alonso appeared before the despairing masses.
A mere human, not a hero, saved the world.
Of course, he received divine blessing, but had it been any other human than Alonso, the world surely would have perished.
The title of hero was well-earned.
The Izarkhel familys enduring fame stemmed entirely from Alonsos feats.
Hero
Bella suddenly felt afraid.
She had lived with pride as one bearing the Izarkhel name.
As heir to Izarkhel-style swordsmanship, she never neglected training body and mind.
All to avoid shaming the great Hero Alonso Izarkhel.
Yet every time she recalled Alonsos achievements, pride mingled with a heavy burden.
Long years had passed since the second Demon Kings defeat.
Perhaps the third would appear in her lifetime.
Could she surpass Alonsos feats then?
Could she battle demons as he had?
Honestly, Bella doubted herself.
Just recently, captured by thugs, how powerless she had felt.
And if the foe were a demon? Could she win?
Her doubts weighing on her, Bella cautiously spoke.
Seeking advice from her steadfast, if immature, goddess.
Michaela, can I become like Alonso?
Yes.
Michaela answered without hesitation.
Curiosity naturally sparked.
Intriguing. How can you say that so confidently?
Because its true.
Michaela rubbed her nose.
Youve always done just that. I know. Ive been watching you all along.
It was a rather ominous statement.
Was it the word of a god? Or the seriousness in her eyes?
Either way, Bella could only listen intently.
You never misuse the power I gave you. Youve always been just, always sided with the weak. If Alonso is a once-in-history figure, then you, Bella, are one toonever to appear again.
Er. Um. Praising me like that is kinda embarrassing.
Why would I favor you for no reason? Youre hero material, just like Alonso. They call it atavism, I suppose.
Duke Fred, catching Michaelas eye, let out an awkward laugh as if stung.
Hmph. Useless fool. Well, time for you to head back carefully.
Yes. Ill visit again soon.
Fine. Without Fred.
Freds shoulders slumped pathetically as he trudged onto the return path.
Just as Bella moved to follow her father
Ah, wait.
Michaelas words held her back.
Before, you asked as a joke, but are you really planning to marry that man?
Huh? Of course. No!? I mean, no?! Absolutely not?!
Flustered by the sudden question, Bella whispered into Michaelas ear.
Why ask that out of nowhere?! You startled me into saying something stupid!
Ahahaha. This reaction is fun.
I have no idea why youd think that. The chances of me marrying a guy like that are less than 1.
Youre not saying absolutely not.
Like I told you before. Unless he gets down on his knees and begs me to marry him
Itll hurt.
Huh?
Bella was speechless at Michaelas cryptic words.
Her expression held emotions too complex for words.
But it lasted only a moment.
Michaela reverted to her cheerful childlike face.
Nothing. Just know Im rooting for you.
She waved to Bella.
May fortune follow your path.
Inside the carriage heading to school.
Helga, sitting opposite, spoke in an excited tone.
Good thing he confessed before we had to pull his tongue.
Hm. A chilling metaphor.
Seriously. Once you pull the tongue, you cant understand a word they say.
Anyway, its a metaphor. Best to treat it as one for peace of mind.
So, what did he confess?
Oh, yes. That guy made a lot of money through dirty means. Not just the money he sent to the villagers, but he extorted plenty under ridiculous pretexts too.
I nodded instinctively.
Just seeing a serf overseer frequenting gambling dens patronized by nobles was clue enough.
He must have fleeced the serfs out of tons of cash.
And part of that money went to John Wisden.
Hm.
The name rang a vague bell.
One of Tristans relatives governing the Riht region.
A problem Id need to settle soon.
Oh, right.
Something that had been nagging at me came to mind, so I asked.
By the way, Helga.
Yes?
You managed not to kill him, huh.
The man who had leered at Helga so sleazily.
If I hadnt stepped in quickly, she might have slain him on the spot.
Yet Helga, far from indignant, replied calmly.
Of course. That man is one of Your Lordships valuable assets. I couldnt just let him die. Especially since hell be slaving away in the mines from now on. Hehe.
Hm.
Helga spouted her usual creepy lines nonchalantly, but something felt off today.
Um. Your Lordship.
What is it?
Thank you.
What?
I stared at Helga, utterly baffled.
But she kept her head bowed and continued.
W-well. Back then, I guess I was happy.
Helga shyly pressed her legs together as she spoke.
Honestly, I was furious at the time. But seeing Your Lordship get so angry, it somehow eased my mood. No, it made me happy. That Your Lordship did it for me
No need to thank me.
Huh?
Insulting you is the same as insulting me. Thats why I was angry at him.
I said it indifferently.
Nothing more to it.
But.
So that means it was for Your Lordships sake, not mine?
Yes.
Hehehe. Is that really true?
It should have sounded dismissive, yet Helga looked even happier than before.
Noat some point, she had scooted from opposite me to right beside, snickering.
Your Lordships joy is my joy, so anything for Your Lordship is for me too. That means its fine to see it as Your Lordship getting angry for my sake, right? Hehe
What kind of logic is that? I wanted to say, but realizing it was pointless, I muttered with a sigh.
Think whatever you want.
Yes! Ill think whatever I want! And please, Your Lordship, think of me however you like!
Before I toss you out of this carriage my way, get back to your seat.
Helga, who had slyly pressed her chest and legs against me, tucked tail and returned to her spot.
By the time school came into view through the carriage window.
I spotted a knight in red armor standing at the school gate.