Chapter 150: Audience (2)

Chapter 150: Audience (2)

“It’s surprising that there was a survivor. But why did they end up like that?”

“I... I don’t know.”

Ronan lifted his head in response to Navirose’s question. Five members of the Imperial Army were carrying the lieutenant, moving her onto a transport carriage. It was distressing to see her unconscious, her state utterly pitiful.

“It’s a pity. She was a great soldier.”

“Did you know her?”

“Yeah, I saw her a few times when she was in the Imperial Knights. What on earth did she witness...”

Navirose trailed off. Indeed, Nemea was originally an elite member of the Imperial Knights.

The lieutenant couldn’t seem to regain consciousness. While five others restrained her, she was in a state of hysteria, only ceasing her convulsions after receiving five doses of a sedative. Navirose, who had snatched Ronan’s pipe again, summoned the major from earlier.

“Hey, Major.”

“Yes, yes! Miss Navirose!”

“How long do you think it’ll take for Lieutenant Nemea to regain her senses?”

“I-I’m not entirely sure. Judging from her condition upon discovery, it’s expected to take quite some time. Even for a Werelion, she should be unconscious for at least two days...”nove(l)bi(n.)com

The major shook his head with uncertainty. Suddenly, Nemea’s actions flashed through Ronan’s mind. She was clearly afraid to make eye contact with him.

This was a significant clue. There were only three people, including myself, who had scarlet eyes, and could create such precise slashes.

‘Was it that bastard’s doing? But the swordsmanship seems too sloppy for it to be him.’

The more he pondered, the more his doubts grew. There was no fitting suspect. The robbed figure lacked the skills, and it felt completely different from that of the Savior.

‘...At least, where’s the one we rescued?’

The details would surface once the lieutenant regained her senses. Surprisingly, there were no severe injuries, so once she regained stability, she could likely provide sufficient testimony. Ronan gently stroked Cita’s head.

“You did well, Cita.”

“Pya~”

For now, Ronan decided to be content with saving at least one person. After confirming that the situation was over, Navirose opened her mouth.

“Let’s head back. You’ve worked hard.”

“You too, instructor.”

“A lot will change because of today’s incident...”

Navirose murmured softly. Ronan agreed. The fact that a newly established unit, under the Emperor’s command, had suffered such devastation in a place so close to the capital was by no means an issue to be easily overlooked. Especially since the Sword Saint, who is said to be the strongest of all time, was involved.

The sky had completely cleared by now. Despite the grim events, the bright sun was shining down upon the two.

They rode back along the path they had taken. They arrived at Philleon, just as they reached the gate, they noticed a majestic carriage parked in front.

“What’s that now?”

Ronan furrowed his brows. The students were buzzing around, admiring the carriage. An old man, dressed in fine attire, stood tall at the front, seemingly waiting for someone.

Well, they couldn’t pass through there. Ronan was about to turn the horse’s head when he suddenly made eye contact with the old man. Raising his hand, the old man spoke.

“Ah, you there. Please wait a moment.”

“Huh?”

The old man approached slowly. His goat-like beard was quite impressive. He scrutinized Ronan’s face as he spoke up.

“Master Ronan, correct?”

“Uh... yeah.”

“Ah, good. You must come with me right away.”

The old man said in a firm tone. Ronan tilted his head. Unless he was suffering from dementia, he had no recollection of making an appointment with this old man.

“Now?”

“Yes.”

“Well, as you can see, I’m not in the best shape right now.”

“You must still come. I will provide you with a change of clothes.”

Ronan chuckled. It was so absurd that he wasn’t even angry. Just by looking at his clothes covered in blood and mud, one could tell that he was in no condition to be invited by anyone. Ronan, unable to bear it any longer, rolled his eyes and said.

“What’s with all this fancy bullshit, telling me to go with you as you wish? Did the Emperor invite me or something?”

“You’ve really grown a lot. How have you been?”

“Ah, alright, in my own way. Where has the professor been?”

“Ah, I was in Patar in the south. I just finished up and returned yesterday.”

“South? Finished up?”

Ronan raised an eyebrow. This was the first time he had met Varen after the holidays. He had heard that Varen had left Philleon for some reason, but he suddenly went to the south? Varen continued.

“We couldn’t grow medicinal herbs due to the winter’s severity. You, my friend, are a true hero for me.”

Varen grabbed Ronan’s hands and bowed repeatedly. He mentioned how Ronan’s efforts had saved the herbs from dying during the winter, brought on by a witch.

Ronan nodded in understanding. He couldn’t let all those herbs die, especially when there was a business involved. He asked.

“So, what’s happening here?”

“We received summons from His Majesty. There are a few others besides us. In my case, I was recognized for my contribution to distributing free potions to people shivering in the cold.”

All the people gathered in the reception room were those who had stood up during the island’s winter crisis. The middle-aged noble who had grown his beard allowed logging in his forest to secure firewood, while the elegantly dressed lady sold her jewels to distribute food and clothing among citizens.

In short, everyone was being honored. The only thing Ronan was curious about was why they called him so suddenly after previously telling him to come at a convenient time.

Besides the ridiculous attire, there wasn’t much to complain about. Passing the time with lingering joy from the reunion with Varen was neutralizing the anger accumulated since morning.

“Well, let’s sit for now. So, when I was in the south, I encountered this Warelioness...”

Ronan was about to continue when—Bang! The door to the reception room was forcefully opened. Everyone turned their heads.

A dark and massive shadow loomed, with each step blood mixed with water dripped down. The old man who had guided Ronan hurriedly followed, shouting.

“Ah, Sword Saint! You can’t! Please dress properly!”

“Shut it.”

The shadow growled lowly. The old man stiffened in his place. Everyone in the reception room did the same. Ronan’s mouth slowly fell open.

“Zaifa.”

“...You?”

Zaifa turned her head. As she faced Ronan, she halted. Ronan’s sight on Zaifa, who he hadn’t seen in a while, was anything but pleasing.

Her entire body was soaked, and her pants were so blood soaked that it seemed as if they were originally red.

Ronan had heard she had gone to apprehend the culprit who killed hre comrades in the morning, but it seemed she hadn’t achieved any significant results. Just by looking at her, Ronan could feel the rage seething within Zaifa. Thud! Zaifa, who had been staring at Ronan for a while, slapped the ground with her tail.

“Ronan.”

Suddenly, she started walking decisively toward Ronan. Overwhelmed by the force, the crowd stepped back. From above, Zaifa’s red eyes were glinting fiercely.

It seemed far too intense for just a conversation. With no real defense in mind, Ronan kept his hands in his pockets, staring at Zaifa.

Suddenly, the words of Zaifa in the past flashed through Ronan’s mind.

‘No way.’

She had mentioned sensing the Nebula Clazier. Even though she couldn’t see the shimmering mana, she could feel it. And at that moment, a heart made of sparkling mana was pulsating in Ronan’s chest.

‘Am I done for?’

A sudden shiver ran down his spine. Unfortunately, he didn’t even have his swords. Zaifa’s index finger was almost as thick as Ronan’s wrist. Their distance had almost closed.

“Hehe, Sword Saint. Do you have any business with my student?”

Unexpectedly, Varen blocked Zaifa’s path. With a rueful smile, he spoke. Zaifa frowned.

“Step aside, compatriot.”

“I cannot.”

“Why are you interrupting? We’re old friends. Just want to have a chat.”

“You should calm down first. Your body’s on the brink of collapse.”

Varen looked serious. Though Zaifa growled softly, he didn’t back down. Varen’s dark fur bristled sharply.

While Zaifa was larger overall, Varen didn’t flinch. The pressure emanating from both beasts filled the space. Veins bulged on Zaifa’s muscular arms.

“You...”

She was about to say something when—Squeak... Suddenly, the door on the opposite side swung open, and a gorgeously dressed woman walked in with elegant steps.

A momentary silence fell. Everyone stopped what they were doing and gazed at her. The woman spoke.

“Everyone, please come in. His Majesty is ready.”