Chapter 90: Tenorio (2)
Currently, the most popular knight in the empire was not the Sword Master but Carl Schurtafen, Carlyn.
This was largely due to his remarkable achievements in the war, which resonated strongly with the imperial people who had lived as a conquering nation for centuries.
Moreover, he had achieved great victories on battlefields that were considered unfavorable, creating a triumph that would be recorded in history books and military manuals.
Even in the triumphal ceremony, he threw himself to protect the princess, displaying the honor and devotion of a knight.
The incident where he rushed out for a short-term sacrifice to protect soldiers during the recent subjugation war was once again a hot topic.
Because of this, Carlyn received tremendous attention as a respected knight and a hero of the empire.
Carlyns humble origin as an orphan and a mercenary was no longer a relevant issue.
Though he was referred to as a Count, which was just a title, he had risen to a significant position.
Of course, his handsome appearance had its effects. Even most of the noble youths admired Carlyn.
From appearance to strength and strategic acumen, he was someone you might only encounter in a grandiose knight novel.
They even daydreamed about being there instead of the princess at the scene of a bomb incident.
Because of this, many noble youths were loitering in front of the royal palace on their way to work. They hoped to catch a glimpse of Carlyns face from a distance.
Good morning, Sir.
Would you like to try this once?
These people were not only noble youths. In the past, no one recognized him when he passed by on the street
But now, people approached to greet him or even offered food. Rejecting them was also a hardship.
However, having only positive views on Carlyn wasnt the case. It was the destiny of a celebrity.
Among knights and nobles, some did not view Carlyn favorably.
Most were jealous. A war hero from a humble background. Thats how they saw him.
But those who harbored such feelings were generally insignificant people as most who positively saw Carlyn.
They couldnt gain anything from Carlyn.
Those higher up sought ways to utilize this war hero.
My daughter is truly beautiful. Would you like to meet her?
How about raising your name in our knighthood? Theres no obligation. Just leave your name. Theres nothing to lose.
These were suggestions for recruitment through private discussions or official proposals using social events. Secretly or openly, several offers came in.
Even the princes were the same.
In their eyes, all of the princesss achievements in the war were achieved because of Carlyn alone.
The princes believed that if they brought Carlyn alone, the support for the princess would be redirected toward them.
Especially the First Prince, who had attempted to recruit Carlyn from the subjugation war, had been extremely persistent.
He promised quite decent territories and even a Duke title. Naturally, Carlyn did not accept such proposals.
While there were these normal offers, the world was not so straightforward.
There were people who wanted to kill Carlyn because they couldnt possess him.
Huh?
It happened when he was walking home after the shift, facing citizens who greeted him warmly.
Behind him, the atmosphere of a certain man was unusual.
It was the effect of the elixir. Thanks to the elixir given by the continents top figure, Carlyn reached the 4-star level of the Moonlight Technique.
Of course, the influence of sparring with the Sword Master and training over the years must have had an effect, but the elixir played a significant role.
Between the crescent moon and the half moon.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
The body became lighter, and his mana became more refined, not to mention that the senses were further developed.
The sensation of winds. Carlyn could sense a dagger in the mans embrace.
An assassin.
Sir! Please try this too. Its really delicious, just made it.
Haha, its fine.
Even as the man approached, there was no warning from Death Avoidance. It wasnt a life-threatening situation.
Perhaps because it was strange for him to move first, Carlyn calmly waited for the man to move.
The man pulled out a dagger with somewhat stiff movements, even though it was strange that he moved first.
Nevertheless, it was a fast speed. Before those who saw it could be surprised and scream, Carlyn turned his body.
He grabbed the hand holding the dagger. The assassin turned out to be a middle-aged man who looked innocent.
A bewildered expression.
Oh my!
Someones fresh scream burst out. But the situation had not ended yet.
One more.
After breaking the mans wrist straight away, Carlyn quickly turned his body backward.
The arm he held. The dagger, now discolored like poison, was right in front of him. The mans was a distraction, and this side was real.
A woman in her early twenties. Carlyn thrust a fist into her face. There was a clear sound of a breaking nose.
As soon as he confirmed she was unconscious, he also knocked out the middle-aged assassin who was lying down.
Probably, it seemed like the emperor had granted special favors due to this recent war. It might have been because this ceremony could influence the succession dispute.
When will you go?
Its best to go as soon as possible, isnt it? Its also a way to prove my position to others.
Thats right.
Lets go in two days then.
It was the day I would take on the escort mission again.
Then, prepare yourself.
Sure. Ill be back on the same day.
Is it close by?
I dont know. However, Tenorio is a place you can only enter by riding a dragon carriage, so it wont take long.
Dragon carriage. It was like a small carriage attached to the back of a dragon, serving a similar role to an airplane on Earth.
However, on this continent, only the emperor could use it as a means of transportation.
In the distant past, during the time of the founding emperor, dragons had ruled the continent using magic.
Now, only degraded dragons remained, and even they were kept by the imperial family as a symbol of the emperors authority.
Is His Majesty coming with you?
No. You and I are going alone.
Me?
Erendil shrugged.
Theres something you dont know. The Imperial Founders Medal also grants the authority to ride the dragon carriage.
Is that so?
Yes. My father finds it troublesome, so he told us two to go.
It was a new piece of information. Originally, the last time the Imperial Founders Medal was awarded was 130 years ago.
There was no mention of the dragon carriage.
Well, it might be something similar to the nominal count position. Perhaps it was allowed because the current emperor had a significant influence.
Two days later.
I followed Erendil to the restricted area behind the palace. It was where the dragon carriage was located.
There were only a few dragons left on the continent. Among them, the emperor had six. There were only two here.
The dragon I saw for the first time wasnt significantly different from what I had seen in many games.
Its fascinating.
If I felt disgusted when facing monsters during the subjugation war, it was a bit different now.
Dragons were usually a symbol of fear or awe.
However, I didnt feel such emotions, perhaps because of the dragon carrying the carriage behind it.
Anyway, Erendil and I got on the carriage.
It was a carriage for four people, so Erendil and I had to sit facing each other.
Soon, the dragon took off. There was no shaking since it was enchanted with magic.
The city below, now reduced in size, could be seen through the reinforced window. It felt like being on an airplane above the sky.
During the silence, Erendil couldnt take her eyes off the window. It seemed like it was her first time riding as well.
Its amazing. Dont you think so?
Yes.
Schurtafen.
Erendil turned her gaze to me.
Youre helping Emmet, right?
Yes.
Emmet returned after our conversation. I sparred with his sword every rest day.
It was better than I had expected. His determination to protect the princess was aiding his recovery.
Thank you. For some reason, I always find myself thanking you.
You dont have to say that. Im here to assist. Please consider it natural.
I cant help it. Wasnt it you who told me to look after my subordinates?
Erendil kept looking out the window throughout our conversation. After a short silence, she spoke again.
Even if I become the emperor, continue to make those words come out of my mouth.
Yes. Ill do my best.
At that moment, my heart thumped. Simultaneously, blood began to boil in my veins.
And I instinctively realized.
Now.
On this continent, a devil had appeared.
Author's Thoughts
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