Side Story Chapter 229

Side Story Chapter 229

Despite the report that the Martial God had appeared on the outskirts of Hubalt’s capital, Count Ericaz didn’t bother to go out and search for him. It was obvious that the Martial God’s goal was the palace, and that it was common knowledge that maintaining defense was more advantageous than attacking first.

That was why Ericaz had been waiting and preparing himself in every way he could think of. To enter the capital, the Martial God would have to pass through one of the four gates around the capital, so Ericaz put extra security on them. However, Ericaz’s measures yielded an unexpected jackpot.

“I’m really not sure what you’re talking about...” Lilith eyed the knights surrounding her—and Ericaz, behind them—warily. New novel chapters are published at novelhall.com

“Well, you were busy running away after being branded a witch, so I guess you wouldn’t know how I, a mere baron, became a count and the leader of Adran.” Ericaz’s eyes gleamed with golden light and a faint form flickered behind him.

‘He has an authority!’ Lilith cautiously reached for her sword.

After gods had been annihilated, their abilities had manifested in people of the Human Realm. Truth-seeing eyes could certainly be among them.

“Lady Sersiarin of Avalon is known for her Eyes of Truth. No flattery or lies work on her, but those with the Eyes always die young. Such is why it became known as a god’s curse,” Ericaz said.

Lilith already knew that. The only reason Sersiarin was able to overcome her tragic fate was Joshua, her cousin, who had brought her the cure for her curse.

“The original owner of the Eyes of Truth was Zephyon, the Light God—and he resides within me right now.”

Ericaz smiled crookedly.

Lilith quickly drew her sword and released her radiant aura.

“Aura Blade!” the knights exclaimed. Lilith’s Aura Blade was perfect. She used to be called Hubalt’s best genius and a swordswoman who had surmounted her limits. She even had the title of “Ghost Sword” thanks to her surreal proficiency with the sword.

“We’re facing the Silver-Eyed Ghost Sword! Don’t let your guard down and don’t hold anything back!” Ericaz shouted.

“Yes sir!”

The knights quickly got into a formation obviously constructed to kill one person. All of the knights in Hubalt were used to fighting together against one person because all of them had sparred with Bel. When no one could be his match in a one-on-one battle, Bel had fought hundreds of knights at once, much like the Martial God, eventually earning him the title of Battle God.

“I can guarantee your life if you surrender right now, considering that His Majesty takes pity on you,” Ericaz generously offered.

Goosebumps ran down Lilith’s arms. Ever since she had been a little girl, her skin crawled whenever Kurz looked at her. She’d heard about Cardinal Kurz becoming the new emperor of Hubalt, but Kurz was just an old sex maniac. He was the last man who should be sitting on the throne of the Holy Empire.

“...Bring it on—if you think you can win,” Lilith snapped.

“Arrogant wretch.” Ericaz didn’t have much hope of Lilith surrendering in the first place because if Lilith had been that weak-willed, she wouldn’t have been able to avoid her pursuers for so long. “Get her!”

More than a dozen knights unleashed their aura at once.

Two of the knights delivered the first attacks from the left and the right. Lilith simply blocked the attacks with one horizontal swing, but the knights were only getting started.

Lilith’s lip trembled. Although those paladins were technically traitors, she knew and understood the inevitability of their actions. Not many people could protect their principles when their lives and families were threatened.

“I’m truly ashamed to stand in front of you, Ghost Sword... But I believe you will understand our decision.”

Ericaz saw Lilith wracked by internal conflict and burst into laughter.

“Hahahaha! A reunion between former colleagues. Hubalt calls them second-generation paladins. Even though it took them a while, they came to their senses. They’re the empire’s most loyal subjects now.”

Lilith bit her lip; she knew that those paladins were on a totally different level than the knights she had just rid herself of. Above all, she couldn’t bring herself to attack those paladins.

“Coward! Fight me yourself! I’ll fight you with one arm tied behind my back!” Lilith yelled.

“Why should I?” Ericaz sneered shamelessly. “Why should a leader step in when he has such great subordinates?”

“Trash!”

“How about this? You can swear your loyalty to His Majesty, as deserved of the empire’s glorious ruler. Of course, you’ll have to hold something else instead of a sword.” Ericaz snickered.

It was obvious what Ericaz meant and the knights eagerly followed their leader—not something one would expect from “Holy Empire”. The second-generation paladins, however, kept their silence, much to Ericaz’s irritation.

“What are you doing?!” he shouted at the paladins. “Capture her right now!”

“...I’m sorry.”

The second-generation paladins slowly advanced toward Lilith. Each step they took made Lilith’s face darken and Ericaz’s crooked smile grow.

Then things took an unexpected turn.

“Are you having fun?”

“...What?” Ericaz grunted.

Which was his last word in this life.

Ericaz’s head was neatly cut off, followed shortly by a fountain of blood pouring out of his headless corpse. His eyes were still wide open as his head slowly rolled across the ground.

For a moment, everyone was too shocked to react.

“H-How...?” Lilith's incredulous eyes beheld the back of a familiar person who absolutely should not have been there right now.

“Joshua...?”