novelraw Chapter 159
Chapter 159
Chapter 159. Uncomfortable Cooperation (1)
"What is that?!"
In an atmosphere seething with murderous intent, Zahard began to tremble while pointing his finger somewhere.
"...... Sir Zahard?"
It seemed Schvalt just now noticed that Zahard was in the iron-barred carriage. He looked flustered and seemed ready to draw his sword at any moment.
An adept warrior, who was a fellow disciple of the revered 'Sword Saint', and was his guide.
For such a blind swordsman to make that kind of face.
What in the world could it be?
Because of Zahard's urgent words, tension was plain on my face.
Due to this, including the Azure Lion Knights who were with Schvalt, we all swiftly looked towards the place Zahard had indicated, preparing for battle.
But there was—
"Hehe......"
Nothing at all.
"What could a blind man see? I just tossed out a little jest—how about everyone calms down a bit?"
Zahard, sporting a peculiar smile, tried to defuse the explosive situation.
In truth, I knew.
This is just his personality.
Contrary to appearances, he surprisingly has quite a mischievous streak.
Even within the game, his dialogue often employed a casual tone, and predicting his actions was difficult.
If he hadn't been like that in the first place, he wouldn't have neglected Felkhor.
Even if Felkhor was in his prime, young and strong right now.
'He wouldn't stand a chance against Zahard.'
His struggle against the one-armed demon was due to circumstances, there was no way he would be weak when he shares ties with the great and noble 'Sword Saint'.
Furthermore, he is reputed as one of the strongest even within the Adratan Empire according to the setting.
Felkhor just doesn't understand his terrifying presence.
"Kuheum, kuheum."
Schvalt, seemingly embarrassed by Zahard's bluffing, cleared his throat.
Luckily, the hue of 'anger' had disappeared from above his head.
'He must feel awkward.'
Even while observing from the side, I was at a loss for words!
"Are you finished with your joke? In that case, we're busy, so we'll be on our way."
"...... Wait."
I tried to pass by smoothly, taking advantage of his moment of awkwardness, but Schvalt blocked me.
"From now on, I'll take over the escort of the students."
Even though his face was crimson, and he couldn't look me directly in the eye.
Well, there's no reason to refuse.
The reason I had led the academy students was merely to cover up the fact I was visiting the 'North Pole Barrier' privately.
I had already shown a model representation of righteousness to the students and the Azure Lion Knights.
'It should be alright now.'
I smiled and decided to send them off coolly.
"No problem."
"Alright then."
"But, Sir Schvalt, don't you think as a knight it's not the proper thing to do?"
Still, it seems the human psyche can't help but want to vex him once more since things turned out this way.
A momentary pause.
"What do you mean?"
"I was the one who led the students up to this point without reaching the North Pole Barrier. Wouldn't it be reasonable to expect some words of thanks?"
I knew well enough that this kind of petty provocation wouldn't mean much ordinarily.
- 'Do your best.'
Or.
- 'But as I have made some contributions, I'll report this separately to the imperial family.'
It would be fine even if we resolved it like this.
'This fellow wants to do it.'
'Yulian' doesn't seem to have a favorable impression of 'Schvalt'.
My body was itching, the desire to plant a fist in Schvalt's smug face was overwhelming.
Even during the time when deciding the head of the 4th Prince Eulsis's guard, he had never been a likable character.
'For once our opinions match.'
Part of me longed for him to challenge, no, it would suffice to just see him brought to ruin.
"Well, you don't have to if you don't want to."
With a swagger, I contemplated my next words.
"For the commander of the Azure Lion Knights to go through such lengths, wouldn't it leave nothing more than a negative impression on the students?"
As I let out a brief chuckle, the previously embarrassed Schvalt's expression quickly turned grim.
I'm okay with not hearing words of gratitude.
I just wanted to stir him up a bit...
"Thank you."
To my surprise, Schvalt expressed his gratitude clearly.
That's unexpected!
Of course, his face twisted as if he were chewing on something unpleasant, but that was only expected.
"It's nothing."
Seriously... I really shouldn't be having such thoughts.
Now I kind of understand why 'Yulian' has such a nasty personality.
Watching that expression resembling someone chewing on filth is amusing in its own way.
'Kuheum.'
My goodness, what am I thinking?
***
The commander of the Azure Lion Knights, Schvalt William, ventured to take on the 'Bayer Academy student escort' mission intentionally, with a hidden agenda.
The end of the Northern Front.
To secretly rendezvous with the towering figure in the empire, 'Kaldrach de Adratan', who remained at the "North Pole Barrier", avoiding external scrutiny.
Hence, the student escort was a suitable pretext. It was a way to accomplish his mission while fulfilling his objectives.
'Prince Kaldrach.'
It is a well-known secret among knights that many admire Prince Kaldrach who consistently stood at the forefront in battles against enemies.
Not to mention his close connections with the military, and for prioritizing benefits for 'knights', the 3rd Prince Kaldrach de Adratan is someone who is heavily invested in that regard.
Schvalt is also among those who support 'Prince Kaldrach'.
'Tsk.'
Because of that, Schvalt clicked his tongue inwardly.
He hadn't made any public declaration of support, but implicitly, the Azure Lion Knights were supporting the '3rd Prince'.
However, Kaldrach's recent actions had become suspiciously peculiar.
'It's strange how quiet Prince Kaldrach has become.'
He didn't know the exact reason.
The only news circulating was that Prince Kaldrach now seemed to live quietly, as if he had achieved 'enlightenment' unlike before.
Even though he had created his own armed group called 'Wedge Knights'.
'It seemed unavoidable to ask him directly.'
Had it not been for hearing about Yulian's escort, he and the Azure Lion Knights might have already reached North Pole.
There was a perfect justification for the 'escort'.
He would have likely already met with Kaldrach and exchanged words.
'I could have known the reason behind his transformation.'
The current atmosphere around the empire was far from ordinary.
The recent peace with the Holy Kingdom symbolized the decline of the military.
Therefore, prince Kaldrach should have stopped the actions of the 4th Prince Eulsis in any way possible.
'But Prince Eulsis seems uninterested in anything besides taking individual lives....'
He appeared entirely uninterested.
Like someone who had turned their back on the world after narrowly escaping death multiple times.
"What will you do, commander Schvalt?"
Crackle, crackle.
While Schvalt sat staring at the campfire he had started for the night, mulling over stray thoughts, a Lion of Blue knight at his side broke the silence.
"Meeting Prince Kaldrach personally is not an option; we can return on our own if necessary."
"Are you thinking?"
In a scolding tone, Schvalt responded to the knight's question.
As the campfire flames flickered out, a chilling aura, like harsh winter, began to swirl around him.
"Even though Prince Kaldrach maintains close ties with military factions, not all orders support him."
"Yes—yes......."
"In such a situation, if I, as the commander of the Azure Lion Knights, meet with the prince alone, how do you think the other orders will perceive us?"
Though an order may be a group of warriors fighting with swords, they should at least be able to distinguish right from wrong.
Princes fighting for the succession rights.
Even though weak, even the academic-like 4th Prince has reasons for seeking the succession rights now.
Carelessly siding with someone would likely result in them becoming easy targets.
'That's why I created a justification.'
Schvalt suppressed the irritation bubbling within him and glanced towards the tent set up at some distance.
Where Yulian resided.
'Surely, you wouldn't have foreseen everything up to this point and resorted to such actions?'
Perhaps even the ploy for the 'Holy Kingdom Escort' was a scheme.
'To isolate our Azure Lion Knights?'
No, it couldn't be.
- 'For the commander of the Azure Lion Knights to go through such lengths, wouldn't it leave nothing more than a negative impression on the students?'
It couldn't... be.
'It has to be.'
Despite attempting denial, a nagging sensation remained about Yulian's enigmatic smile.......
Schvalt shook his head constantly, trying to dispel his thoughts.
Just in case, if he had truly figured out their plan.
Schvalt savored the bitterness occupying the tip of his tongue once more.
Truly, just in case.
'If such actions were taken to obstruct the rendezvous with 'Kaldrach', I should also ensure his leash is prepared.'
***
"It's fortunate the Smiling Executioner was accommodating. I was worried I'd have to spend the night in that iron cage, you see."
Out of the iron bars, Zahard murmured as he warmed himself by the campfire.
Watching him, I spoke somewhat like grumbling.
"It's only proper to show some flexibility when dealing with someone flexible. Had it been an ordinary person, I wouldn't have cared at all."
"That's quite new. But being treated nicely by the 'Smiling Executioner' doesn't feel all too bad."
With a 'keep looking' sort of laugh, Zahard's face no longer bore any signs of worry.
"It seems you feel relieved."
For that reason, I inadvertently added another word.
"I used to feel lost about sending off people, but now that some time has passed, I'm alright with it."
"... It must be difficult filling the void."
"To hear such sentimental words from you, truly there's still much to see living a long life. Keep looking."
Zahard displayed a smile reminiscent of an old man.
"I don't see a need to fill that void. Leaving it be seems right."
A mature approach.
Then again, he's older than me, so it's only natural.
A faint sense of detachment resonated from Zahard's words.
"Indeed, that's left to those still living."
Though I spoke those words, they unsurprisingly applied to 'Yulian' too.
Giving him a vague message not to become too hung up on the name 'Milena'.
"Yes, it's for the living. For those who must struggle frantically to live."
Zahard abruptly added a sentence.
Simultaneously, I noticed his gaze directed at his confiscated 'cane sword'.
He didn't want it transported to the capital; it didn't seem like a decision made in defiance.
'Hmm.'
I then began to perceive it as well.
Though slightly delayed, the 'Aura Sonar' detected 'them', the same way 'it' caught Zahard's detection.
As I handed Zahard his beloved 'cane sword'.
"Yaaawn! What's going on?"
Witnessing this, Felkhor questioned sleepily while rubbing his eyes.
This guy is still such a handful.
What should I do about him?
I'll just "educate" him later when we're back in the capital... but I suppose I should let him know.
"Demons."