novelraw Chapter 198 : Chapter 198
Chapter 198 : Chapter 198
Chapter 198
“Haa.”
Sharle, who was organizing documents in her office, let out a deep sigh.
Normally, this was work that Kiel Cornelia, the Commander of the Illusion Magic Order, should be doing.
“…….”
She recalled his face, who died in the war.
It was a miserable end, unlike one called an Arch Mage and a direct descendant of Cornelia.
Even if the opponent was a Black Dragon known to have gone extinct long ago, Kiel was someone who shouldn't have died like that.
The more she thought of him, the more guilt welled up in her heart.
‘If only it weren't for me.’
She knew it was belated self-reproach.
She also knew there was no other way.
No one in Cornelia said Kiel's death was Sharle's fault.
Rather, there were those who praised her, saying she avenged Kiel by contributing to the annihilation of the Black Dragon.
Her brothers, Hegel and Celot, also only said she should strive harder to fill Kiel's vacancy, showing no sign of blaming or resenting her.
Her thoughts were different.
“He said I should have handled myself better.”
Before being her uncle, Kiel was also her magic teacher.
“Sharle, you possess talent superior to anyone in the family. More than me, and of course, more than your older brothers.”
Words Kiel used to say habitually.
“Now it is a Kingdom, not a family. Before being a Princess, you are a Mage.”
Words she would no longer hear.
“Devote yourself and reclaim the glory of Cornelia.”
All those words are still vivid in her ears.
When he was alive, he placed excessively high expectations on Sharle, who had not yet crossed the wall.
She thought it was simply an expression for his beloved niece.
Since he was also an Arch Mage who inherited Cornelia's vision.
It wasn't.
More than the first brother who reached the 8th star.
More than the second brother who would someday reach the 8th star.
And even more than himself, who aimed for the 8th star.
Kiel seemed truly convinced that she would place Cornelia on a solid foundation.
Thus, at the moment of crisis, he threw himself to protect her.
“Leaving like that... makes my heart heavy.”
Although quite a few people were sacrificed during the war, to her, it was a war remembered by the wound of losing Kiel.
Just as unfinished feelings of mourning were surging in like a tide.
“Princess, Killian, the Fourth Prince of Eurasia, has visited.”
The Guardian Mage guarding the office reported.
“Sir Killian?”
“Yes. He brought a wolf named Hazard, but...”
The Mage, having heard rumors about Hazard, took a cautious attitude.
“Let him in. I will welcome him myself.”
“Understood.”
A moment later.
Killian was guided in with Hazard.
[Grrr~]
Entering the office, Hazard howled brightly and jumped into her arms.
Because of his massive size, Sharle was pinned to the floor.
Lick. Lick.
“Hazard, that tickles.”
Sharle calmed him down by stroking the belly of Hazard, who was licking her face.
[Grrr. Grrr.]
Watching him rub his body even more as she did so, Killian clicked his tongue.
“That's enough, Hazard. Don't you realize your size isn't what it used to be?”
[Awoo~]
Only then did Hazard step back and sit in a dignified posture next to Killian.
It was the most solemn posture learned through special training with Serena and Gala.
“It hasn't been long.”
It had been only a few months since the war ended.
Their last meeting was when they annihilated the Black Dragon.
‘Come to think of it, the ones here are those who annihilated the Black Dragon.’
Killian Eurasia, the mixed dragon Hazard, and Sharle Cornelia.
The three of them hunted the dragon revived by the Black Duke using the Violet Magic Tower.
Turning the situation that could have resulted in annihilation, they put an end to the war.
For someone like that, his face was overly calm.
“You look busy.”
Killian said, looking at the documents filling the office.
At the very least, it looked like double what he handled.
“Supporting a family is not an easy task.”
Sharle smirked and said.
Because she didn't welcome showing a sad appearance even in front of Killian Eurasia.
However.
“I'm sorry, Sharle.”
At his voice as he approached.
“I'm sorry for causing the loss of Sir Kiel. He wasn't a person to leave like that.”
Sharle eventually broke down.
Moisture gathered in the corners of her eyes.
The shimmering moisture soon.
Drip.
Flowed down drawing a line.
“I am such a fool.”
Sharle muttered with a trembling voice.
Her uncle wasn't the only one sacrificed on the battlefield.
Because she was acting as if she were the most unfortunate.
“I should have arrived a little earlier.”
“You achieved more than what you could do.”
He overcame a wall that would be difficult to cross even in decades in just a few months.
Knights are said to risk their lives to cross their limits.
She couldn't imagine how much he must have risked his life to achieve the goal in a short period.
Immediately after, he cut the Emperor in some space, appeared on the battlefield, and annihilated the Black Dragon.
How many could handle things more perfectly than that?
‘How many are there who move forward without caring for their own bodies?’
She thought perhaps that was what she lacked.
Just by exchanging words with him, it felt like the darkness in her head was clearing.
Wiping the moisture from her eyes, she met Killian's gaze.
“You visited because of the joint investigation team, right?”
“Yes. It is an urgent matter.”
He said he had informed Sharle of the situation in advance, but since there was no answer, he came to hear it himself.
‘You still run looking only ahead.’
At his consistent appearance, Sharle's lips drew an arc.
As if it never happened, the confusing emotions had calmly settled down.
“The reply was late because I was distracted. The Emperor trying to tear down the northern boundary... Since Lady Lan also notarized it, it wouldn't be wrong.”
Nod.
Killian answered with a nod.
“I cannot go.”
“…….”
“Not only me, but none of the direct descendants are in a situation where we can pull ourselves away.”
Just as preparation is hard, cleaning up after war is also difficult.
“If it is you, Sir, you would understand my position.”
“Hmm.”
Killian sighed and reluctantly nodded.
Although Eurasia and Cornelia were upgraded to Kingdoms and overcame several crises, they are still suffering from chronic manpower shortages.
In a situation where it is unknown when the Empire might declare war again, Cornelia lost an important pillar called Kiel.
It was natural for the direct descendants to become busy.
“It seems I only thought of myself too much. I'm sorry.”
“No. Thanks to you, it was a good time for me too. And there are a few more talented people in Cornelia who can replace me.”
As she raised her Mana, the Formula engraved in the room activated.
A moment later, a man entered with a knock.
He was an impressive man wearing a light gray long coat engraved with various magical Formulas like intricate embroidery.
“This is Sir Russell, the Commander of the Illusion Magic Order. He is an Arch Mage who reached the 7th star not long ago.”
‘Is he the one who became the Commander replacing Sir Kiel?’
He was a man who looked to be in his late thirties. Blue-tinted hair flowed down to his shoulders, and his clear eyes seemed to contain wisdom.
Even with subtle changes in expression, he gave the impression of carefully observing his surroundings.
“I am Russell McMahon, Commander of the Illusion Magic Order. It is an honor to meet the Superhuman of Eurasia.”
He bowed politely.
Killian returned the greeting by placing his fist on his left chest.
“I am Killian Eurasia, the Annihilation Squad Leader of Eurasia. It is an honor to meet the Arch Mage of Cornelia.”
“Princess Sharle mentioned previously that a new mission might be assigned.”
It seems Russell doesn't know the full details of the matter.
‘Including Sharle in the investigation team was also because Mana synchronization is possible.’
The Violet Magic Tower they use by sharing Mana is enough to shock even a Black Dragon.
Killian's reaction seemed blander than expected.
“irk Russell is strong not only in the five elemental magics but also in detection and illusion magic.”
Sharle told him that if it were him, he would be more help than herself.
“If you wish, you may test me.”
Russell wrapped gray Mana around his hand with a genial smile.
Hands that looked delicate yet firm, befitting one who handles magic.
His thin, long fingers were smooth and neat, proving the years he had handled various magic books and experimental tools.
The magic flowing through his fingers connected to the inside of his coat.
It is an amount of Mana sufficient for the Formula to manifest without chanting.
‘The coat is practically a staff.’
He is a man with thorough preparation compared to the mediocre Arch Mages of the Empire faced so far.
Moreover, the density of Mana flowing through his body was also solid.
‘Not bad.’
Killian, observing him, nodded.
“I seem to have sufficiently confirmed your skills. We plan to gather at the Pantera Temple at noon three days later and depart.”
“I will prepare.”
Saying so, Russell quietly withdrew.
It was a brief first meeting.
Killian looked at Sharle.
“Is it okay to take away a Commander-level person?”
“Only someone of that level would satisfy you, Sir.”
“I promise. It won't be a vain support.”
“I also hope so.”
“Let's go back, Hazard.”
[Awoo.]
Hazard wagged his tail at Sharle with a face full of regret.
Sharle also saw Killian off with a much more relieved face.
***
“They seem late.”
“It seems so.”
In front of the Pantera Temple.
Killian was waiting for Id and Rundel along with Yulian.
Just in case, he had also sent a letter to Elvenheim.
‘If Rundel joins, there shouldn't be any worries about combat power.’
Rundel is a Knight who stabilized the 8th star.
Moreover, since he is one who blossomed the trait of savoring Mana, it will be a great help if he joins.
“Sir Russell said he would be talking with Chief Priest Pierre.”
Raven, who appeared quietly, reported.
“He won't be bored then.”
“Captain, will the Guild Master be okay?”
At Raven's question, Yulian frowned.
“Hey, Raven. Do you belong to the Annihilation Squad or are you a Walker of Absinthe?”
“Both.”
“This crazy guy?”
Just as Yulian was about to reach for his sword in anger.
“Stop. Do you intend to have a sword fight at the temple?”
“But Captain, this guy still hasn't come to his senses...”
At Killian's gaze, Yulian reluctantly calmed his momentum.
“Raven, I know what you think of Orchid.”
“…….”
“To you, she must be the reason you wield the sword.”
Such a person suffered a severe injury that left her unable to use both hands.
A fatal injury for Walkers.
If she doesn't recover, Orchid Owl would have to retire from Walker work as is.
Killian also felt that the abilities Crimson Wolf and Orchid Owl possessed were too precious to lose like this.
Therefore, he inwardly hoped that the result of this mission would give them a chance for recovery.
“In exchange for carrying out this task, the Saintess promised to make a separate request to the Temple of Healing.”
“……!!”
Raven's face brightened noticeably.
“Just in case, I am also inquiring about a Kinect artisan, so focus on this mission.”
“Understood.”
Raven's voice was low, but unlike before, it carried strong aspiration.
For now, that was enough.
At that moment, Id, whom they were waiting for, arrived.
“Captain.”
Killian noticed that Id's expression standing before him was stiff.
‘It's not Rundel.’
His gaze turned to the person wearing a hood deeply beside him.
“Who is it?”
“Did you ask who?”
With a soft voice, a pure white hand lowered the hood.
A woman with the clear and deep eyes unique to elves opened her mouth.
“This lady is a Knight of the fairy race who loves the green forest. Arin.”
At her appearance greeting with a bright smile.
“…….”
Killian was at a loss for words.