BXBX NOVEL Volume 3, 5
Volume 3, Chapter 5
Translator: Skythewood
Editor: Hiiro
Ⅱ
Holy Nation of Mekia, Holy Capital Elsphere
As the sunlight got warmer with every passing day, the Holy Capital Elsphere sheds its winter coat. Lake Carla that was outside the Holy Capital was sparkling in blue jewels, and the winter birds had already flocked to the north.
This scene was telling that spring was near.
At the topmost level of the La Shaim Castle, inside the majestic 《Aqualumin Palace》, the Holy Angel Sofitia, and the generals above the rank of Chiliarch such as Lara and Amelia were conferring at a round table. Present for the meeting was a man from the intelligence Bureau Owl. The man wearing a grey cloak and had one prosthetic eye was called Zephyr, a Senior Centurion of the Holy Nation of Mekia.
“— And that was how that battle went.”
Zephyr exhaled deeply, and put down his report.
“Thank you, Zephyr. The Ever Victorious General might be old, but still got the moves.”
“Yes, his fame is well deserved.”
“This makes King Alphonse who stubbornly garrisoned the First Army in the capital look like a fool. In this chaotic world, a king whose only saving grace is economics, is useless.”
If this was a time of peace, Alphonse might be remembered by history as a wise king. Sofitia had seen his works in finance before, and couldn’t help thinking this way.
In the end, Alphonse was just unfortunate since he was born in the wrong era.
“It is as you say, Holy Angel.”
Zephyr nodded in agreement. Lara concurred too.
“No matter what, the Royal Army’s victory is a joyous event. Let us give thanks to the Goddess Citresia who answered our prayers.”
Sofitia clasped her hands before her breasts and prayed piously. Everyone present followed her lead.
(Even the Empire must be reeling from such a heavy blow.)
Right after the Crimson Knights lost, the Sun Knights suffered a defeat. The consecutive losses would weaken the Empire’s leashes on their subordinate states. Sofitia smiled secretly to herself and presumed that the Empire would pull back it’s warfront and observed the reaction from the surrounding nations.
“Holy Angel, may I enquire you on our future plans?”
After the prayers ended, Lara asked with a clear voice. Everyone present looked towards Sofitia.
“Our future plans, huh…”
Sofitia’s gaze fell on one part of the report. Silence fell over the Aqualumin Palace, and a moment later, Zephyr broke that silence.
“— I understand what you mean, Holy Angel. You are concerned about that Death God girl, Olivia Valedstorm, right?”
There was a creepy gleam in the Black Crystal that was a substitute for Zephyr’s left eye. Sofitia said with an awkward smile:
“You got me. I’m just thinking that I have been underestimating the prowess of the Death God.”
Just as Sofitia and Lara predicted, the Second Army was forced to the brink by the Sun Knights. However, the intervention of one girl turned the impossible battle around.
The First army that trumped the Sun Knights were stronger than expected, but they pale in comparison to the Death God’s halo.
(I was only planning to reap the benefits from the battle of the two sides, and wasn’t expecting this.)
The Death God was a person that could overturn a battle that was already doomed. She would be a reliable ally, but if she was an enemy, the Holy Nation of Mekia would suffer greatly.
Sofitia was planning to not interfere with the problem of the Death God, but considering the problems that might arise in the future, there was still a need to gather more information.
“Holy Angel, I have seen many strong people over the course of my duties. Even so, that girl is abnormal. Death seems to follow her everywhere, and her skills with a sword was like a nightmare in real life. To be honest, I even suspected if she is really human. It shames me to say this, but this is the first time in my life that I trembled from fear.”
“—Zephyr, are you suggesting that we shouldn’t mess with the Death God?”
Lara wanted to speak, but was stopped by Sofitia. Zephyr slowly shook his head:
“No, gathering intelligence is the duty of the Owl, and we will perform this to the best of our duty. If you will do it, I can investigate all of that girl’s interests. But do note that we don’t have the combat prowess of Heat Haze.”
Zephyr ended with “It’s a shame for me to say this.” But from Sofitia’s perspective, the Owl was better at intelligence gathering than Heat Haze, so not being as adept at combat was a trivial matter.
“So you’re saying that we need to send someone who is capable enough to ascertain Ms Death God’s strength?”
“It is as you say, Holy Angel.”
The moment Zephyr bowed his head, Amelia who sat opposite him said:
“Holy Angel, please send me. My Sorcery is well suited for testing the opponent’s might.”
“Insolence! It hasn’t been long since your last mission, know your place.”
Lara admonished her. Amelia was skilled in bondage Sorcery, and Sofitia felt she was a good choice, however...
“Your enthusiasm pleases me, Amelia, but your arm that was wounded during your sortie with Lord Sieger had not healed yet, correct?”
“W-Well…”
Amelia tried to hide her bandaged left arm under the table. When he saw that, a youth with delicate features beside her— Senior Chiliarch Johann Strider said with a smile:
“We Sorcerers are few in numbers. If the Holy Nation of Mekia is to rule the continent, then we will need every one of us. It’s great that you are driven, Amelia, but you should only go on missions when your condition is perfect— Am I right, Holy Angel?”
“Fufu, that’s exactly what I want to say.”
Sofitia smiled at Johann who spoke her mind, while Amelia glared at Johann with an unhappy face. When he saw her reaction, Johann’s smile deepened.
“—And so, Holy Angel, please allow me to investigate the Death God.”
“You?”
“Yes, my lady. It is said that the Death God is a great beauty, and I wish to see for myself.”
Johann said nonchalantly.
He flicked his brown hair that was rarely seen in the Holy Nation of Mekia with his left hand. On the back of his left hand was a glowing crimson Sorcery Circle. He might act frivolous, but Johann had top notch skills as both a swordsman and a Sorcerer. He could keep his composure under stressful conditions, and was the best candidate for this mission.
“I see… I will leave it to you then. But the full prowess of the Death God is unknown. She is skilled with her sword, but I don’t think that is the full extent of her capabilities.”
“The full extent…? She has not shown everything she is capable of yet?”
Johann furrowed his brows.
“I think so. If it gets dangerous, pull out immediately.”
Even though she was the one who said that, Sofitia couldn’t explain it either. Sorcerers possessed abilities that surpassed normal humans, but they weren’t invincible. In fact, Amelia lost to Felixus who couldn’t use Sorcery.
But of course, the strongest man in the Empire was the worst opponent she could meet.
“Is this the instinct of the Holy Angel?”
“Rather than the instinct of the Holy Angel, it’s closer to the instinct of a woman.”
“The instinct of a woman, huh… That will be a problem. To be frank, I have often succumbed to a woman’s instinct.”
From noble ladies to maids, the affairs of Johann covered a wide range of women. As he crossed his arms calmly, Amelia looked at him with eyes of contempt. The amused Sofitia said:
“I might sound a little naggy, but I will say this again. Pull out if there is any danger. This order takes priority.”
“I understand, I don’t intend to retract what I said to Amelia.”
“Please wait, Holy Angel. If we want to investigate the Death God’s prowess, instead of Johann, please leave it to me, Lara Mira Crystal.”
Lara who had been quiet all this while said loudly as she glared at Johann. Before Sofitia could even speak, the exasperated Johann rebuked:
“Holy Legate Lara, you are the top commander of the Holy Winged Legion. It’s another matter during times of war, but how can we send out the commander-in-chief just to scout out the capability of one individual?”
“It is not just any simple person, but a powerful person that is known as the Death God. Since we don’t know her true capabilities, then sending out our strongest combatant makes more sense.”
“That’s not good enough a reason. I can investigate the prowess of the Death God, but I can’t command the Holy Winged Legion. Please consider your position.”
Johann’s advice made Lara show a bitter face, because his words made sense. Lara couldn’t refute him.
“Johann is right. Lara, you are the commander-in-chief of our army, and also the trump card of the Holy Nation of Mekia. Please be conscious of that.”
“… My apologies for my thoughtlessness.”
Lara bowed her head in shame.
“As long as you understand. Lara, you are not just a mighty sword and tough shield, but also a friend.”
Sofitia said as she smiled at Lara brightly.
“— You flatter me with your kind words. I, Lara Mira Crystal, will keep this in mind, and devote my life to the Holy Angel.”
Lara was moved to tears, leaving her chair and knelt down. Sofitia nodded at her show of loyalty.
“Please sit down, Lara— Well then, Johann, remember not to push yourself. Zephyr, please give him your support.”
Johann saluted with two fingers while Zephyr bowed respectfully. Sofitia got up from her chair, raised her scepter above their heads, and prayed:
“May Goddess Citresia’s blessings be with you.”
Ⅲ
Royal Capital Fizz, Leticia Castle
Two weeks had passed since the Sun Knights shook off the pursuit by the First Army and retreated to Fort Kiel.
The Second Army rebuilt a sturdy defence line, while the First Army and Olivia returned to the capital triumphantly. The streets were lined by the citizens welcoming them in a joyous mood. It took the soldiers a long while to make their way into Leticia Castle.
Olivia who was feeling dizzy pounced right onto her bed the moment she reached the room Neinhart assigned to her.
(This bed is so soft and fluffy! And it smells like the sun. I’m tired today, so I will sleep now.)
Olivia who buried her head into her pillow was just thinking about that when knocking came from her door. After granting permission for the visitor to enter, Claudia entered with a bright smile. This set off the alarm in Olivia’s brain. From her experience, Claudia would bring bad news under such a situation.
“Major, the weather is great today!”
“I think it’s cloudy though…”
Olivia answered as she looked at the overcast sky outside. But the happy Claudia said: “It is sunny in my heart!”
Her response heightened Olivia’s wariness.
“… So, what brought you here? If it’s not urgent, can it wait til later? Somehow, I really feel like sleeping.”
She wouldn’t need to worry about anything in her dreams. Olivia hid under her sheets, but was dragged out by Claudia. Olivia hid under her blanket again, refusing to give up.
After an intense struggle with the blanket, Claudia finally peeled off Olivia’s blanket.
“Hah, hah… Stop that!”
Claudia steadied her breathing, and combed her messy hair.
“That’s my line.”
“—What did you just say?”
“No, I didn’t say anything.”
Olivia shook her head. Nothing good would come out of defying Claudia, so retracting her words was the best option.
“Really now… Anyway, now isn’t the time for sleeping. I brought you wonderful news, Major.”
However, Olivia felt she would only bring terrible news. The so called good news from Claudia had never been good.
Olivia still remembered being forced to wear a dress that didn’t fit her, and going to an award ceremony she didn’t like.
In the end, the dress was tailored properly after the award ceremony ended. When she returned it to Claudia, Claudia said: “I can’t wear it anymore, so keep it.” For some reason, Claudia had a self mocking smile.
“… Let’s hear it then.
Olivia reluctantly allowed Claudia to continue, and Claudia’s smile deepened:
“Fufu, you will be surprised. When King Alphonse learned of the Major’s exploits, he wanted to meet you no matter what. This is a great honor.”
Claudia clearly showed the honor she felt, and was on the verge of breaking into dance. Olivia would probably be that happy too if Claudia left her room right now.
“Cough cough. Claudia, I think I have a cold. It will be bad to pass it on to the King, so I will give it a pass—”
“You can only eat congee before your cold gets better.”
Claudia’s smile was gone, replaced by a cold expression. Congee everyday, so horrifying that Olivia’s face looked ghastly ill.
“—I have to go, since I’m not ill. That’s just my imagination.”
Olivia made a show of how energetic she was, and attempted to fudge things over with a silly smile.
“Very well then.”
Claudia smiled again, sitting down beside Olivia and happily told her about the details of the audience.
(Sigh. If I knew, I would have fled the moment I saw Claudia’s smile. I’m really unlucky today.)
It’s too late for regrets now. As she thought, this wasn’t good news at all. Claudia was the same as usual, obsessing over honor and all that.
(Even though it can’t be eaten… I don’t get it.)
Olivia was not interested in meeting the King. She felt that didn’t matter at all, but if she said that out loud, Claudia would definitely turn into a demon. That would be horrifying, so Olivia would never say that.
But even so, Olivia needed to inform Claudia that she didn’t care about honor.
“Claudia, like I said before, instead of honor—”
“You prefer books and tasty food, right?”
Claudia smiled smugly. The surprised Olivia nodded, and Claudia declared triumphantly after clearing her throat:
“After your audience with King Alphonse, there will be a victory party in a palace. There won’t be books, but you can eat all the tasty food that you want.”
“E-Eat as much as I want?”
That was very tempting, and Olivia leaned closer to Claudia.
“The King’s chef— the royal chef will prepare sumptuous dishes on the King’s orders.”
“Royal chef… Oh! The person who goes on a journey to bring justice to the world and serve delicious food to others, correct!?”
“Bring justice to the world?”
Seeing that Claudia was confused, Olivia told her about a book called 《The Former Royal Chef Set Off on a Journey to Bring Justice to the World》 that she read when she was young.
A long time ago, a royal chef that was concerned about the condition of the country left the palace, and brought justice to the villains with the Chopping knives on his waist. He also treated the suffering citizens to delicious meals.
That was why Olivia admired the royal chefs, and started cooking with her sword for a period of time. Z who happened to see her do so was confounded by that.
“Major, royal chefs don’t deal with evil villains or cook for the masses. And they can’t even leave the palace much lest go on a journey.”
“Claudia, you mean there aren’t royal chefs that go on journeys to bring justice to the world? There must be. Because the afterword of the book said it is real.”
Olivia objected, pouting her lips as if she was mimicking a blood curdling bird. Claudia was troubled, and made up her mind to speak her mind:
“It’s hard for me to say this, Major… The author was probably kidding when he wrote his afterword. Major, just like the fairy Comet that you love so much, that book is also a work of fiction.”
Claudia said as she looked to the distance. Olivia was crestfallen when she heard that. This was another thing she was better off not knowing.
Leticia Castle, Audience Hall
(The King isn’t here yet~? I wish they can hurry up and get it over with.)
Olivia who was in the Audience Hall stifled her yawn for the upteenth time now, and there still wasn’t any signs of Alphonse. She was so bored that she started humming quietly, and the door in the deepest part of the hall finally opened.
Amongst the flurry of footsteps, Olivia sensed one person sitting down on the throne. By the way, Claudia had emphasized time and again that she can’t raise her head before the King spoke. Thanks to that, Olivia was now great friends with the floor.
“Olivia Valedstorm. Raise your head.”
Olivia raised her head as requested with a sigh.
(That’s the King?)
The King before her looks completely different from the Kings she saw in drawing books. The thin and frail man seemed surprised when he saw Olivia. The only thing impressive about him was his extravagant clothes and shiny crown.
Alphonse stared at Olivia for a while, and whispered to Cornelius besides him. Cornelius didn’t say anything and just nodded silently.
“— You are Olivia Valedstorm, the one the Imperials call a Death God, correct?”
Alphonse’s gaze was filled with surprise. Cornelius wanted to say something, but Alphonse stopped him by raising his hand.
“Yes, I’m Olivia Valedstorm.”
After that, Olivia tilted her head internally. From Alphonse\'s attitude, he seemed to be doubting if she was the right person. Olivia had never heard of anyone that had the same name as her though.
And Valedstorm was only revived after a hundred years, so if there really is someone with the same name, Olivia really hoped she could take her place and deal with this tedious task.
“Olivia Valedstorm, I heard that you fell many famous Imperial Generals. Can you name them?”
“Apologies, but I’m unable to do so.”
Alphonse asked, and Olivia admits she couldn’t do so after thinking about it briefly. Alphonse’s expression darkened:
“Why is that? Normal soldiers aside, you should be able to remember the famous generals. Are you really Olivia Valedstorm?”
As Alphonse got more and more suspicious, Olivia asked in return:
“Your Majesty, do you remember what you eat for your meals everyday?”
“My meals? —There’s no way I will know that.”
Alphonse felt the question was pointless, and answered dismissively.
“It’s the same for me too. There’s no way I can remember who I killed. Be it famous generals or a nameless footman, they are all the same to me. They are all just humans.”
Frankly speaking, that wasn’t true. Dead or alive, there were some enemies that left an impression on her. For example, Bloom who gave her Chachamaru (a crossbow). But Olivia felt it was a chore to explain all that, and opt not to mention that.
Alphonse was dumbstruck by Olivia’s response, and the guards standing by the wall were in an uproar.
“—Your Majesty, she is definitely Olivia Valedstorm. It is understandable that you can’t believe it, but we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”
Cornelius then looked her way. Olivia waved gently at him, and Cornelius smiled faintly back at her.
On the way back to the capital, Olivia was bored and went to Cornelius for a chat, despite Claudia’s objections. She was a little curious about the man standing at the top of the Royal Army.
And she realized that Cornelius was a grandpa who was easy to get along with, and they hit off in no time. Claudia kept bowing her head and apologizing the entire time.
“… I’m not familiar with military matters, and couldn’t help probing. From our brief conversation, I can tell that you are not your average soldier— Olivia Valedstorm, to reward you for your achievements, tell me what you wish for. I can’t grant you everything, but I will do what is possible within my means.”
Olivia answered without thinking:
“Then please give me a ginormous cake depicted in drawing books. I have always wanted to try one.”
“Cake? Did you just say cake?”
“Yes.”
“That’s all? You don’t want gold or gems?”
“That’s right, I’m not good at spending money yet. Gems are just pretty shiny stones, I’m not interested in them.”
Olivia said with a laugh. Alphonse smiled awkwardly:
“Gramps— Cornelius already told me that you don’t have any desires… Alright then. I will order the royal chefs to prepare a cake that is even larger than the ones shown in the drawing books.”
“Thanks! —Ah, no, Thank you very much, Your Majesty!”
“Good. That’s all then.”
Olivia got up happily with a salute, and left the Audience Hall with lighthearted steps. She thought meeting the King was a pain, and never thought this would happen.
Ⅳ
The moonlight illuminates the white walls of the Leticia Castle.
The victory party held in the main hall was filled with a large number of officers, as well as influential nobles. Olivia who stepped into the venue drew their attention.
She was wearing a bright red gown, tied her silver hair to her side, and had a leaf-shaped accessory on her head. She only applied a thin layer of red lipstick to her lips, and that was already enough to make Claudia gasp at her beauty.
“— How beautiful, she is like the Goddess Citresia.”
“That’s the Death God feared by the Imperial Army? …Is that a joke?”
“If I’m younger… it will be great if my son can win her hand in marriage.”
And so the discussions go. A few men were so mesmerized that they didn’t even notice that they were spilling the wine in their glasses.
Even the haughthy daughter from the Hakusburg house lamented “So beautiful that it’s scary” as she stared at Olivia vexingly.
As for Olivia who was the center of attention, she was shocked by the gigantic thing in the venue:
“C-Claudia! This is incredible! A tower! It’s as tall as a tower! This cake is even more incredible than the one I saw in the drawing books!”
Olivia was very excited, and kept shaking Claudia’s shoulders. All the guests were shocked by the gigantic cake when they first arrived too. Olivia already knew ahead of time, but the cake prepared on Alphonse’s orders was larger than she expected.
(Since King Alphonse gave his word, they can’t fudge things over… But, isn’t that too big?)
This cake must be the culmination of the royal chef’s effort. Claudia had never seen such an enormous cake before, it’s no wonder that Olivia got so excited.
Claudia looked at the cake before her with a blank face. A greeting suddenly came from behind.
“It seems that Major Olivia is satisfied with this cake.”
“Oh! Lord Cornelius. Your beard is long and bushy today too.”
Olivia said as she fidgeted with Cornelius’ beard. Claudia couldn’t react in time, but it does seem nice to touch. Cornelius didn’t admonish Olivia, letting her play with his beard as she wished.
Claudia snapped out of it, and quickly pulled Olivia back by her shoulders.
“Major! Don’t play with the Field Marshal’s beard!”
“If I don’t play with it, can I touch it?”
Olivia looked at her confusedly.
“That’s not what I mean! And you can’t speak so freely with the Lord Field Marshal!”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Tonight is the victory party. First Lieutenant Claudia, you can take things easy and enjoy the night.”
“Yes Sir! Thank you for accommodating us!”
Claudia saluted on reflex, then quickly changed into a curtsy. Since she was wearing a dress, she had to behave like a proper lady.
By the way, Claudia’s dress was dark blue, with intrinsic embroidery sewed from her waist to the hem of her dress.
Finally wearing her favourite dress after a long while, Claudia felt it was a bit tight on her waist.
(I’m not fat, I’m just more muscular.)
As she searched for an excuse for herself, Cornelius looked at the cake and said to Olivia:
“This cake is made for you, Major Olivia. Don’t hold back and enjoy yourself.”
“Ehehe. I can eat as much as I want~”
Olivia patted her belly with a smile. Cornelius gently patted Olivia’s head, and stepped slowly to the side.
A group of smiling nobles were waiting for him. They must be trying to butter up Cornelius who was as influential as ever.
(The Lord Field Marshal has it hard too.)
This is a party to celebrate their victory. And events like this were usually the place to determine the power dynamics between nobles, and there were plenty of people eager to cozy up to those in power. It was the norm for the nobles to scurry around to improve their standings behind the scenes of the glamorous party.
“Okay, I’m digging in~!”
Olivia stabbed at the cake with her fork and ate heartily, showing none of the cautious thinking of the nobles. Her dining manners shocked the maids around her.
(The Major is really… unfazed by how others see her.)
Normally, Claudia would remind Olivia to be mindful of her actions. But this cake was made for Olivia, and this was a rare party, so she didn’t want to spoil Olivia’s mood.
(I will close an eye just for today.)
Claudia pretended she didn’t see anything.
“This tastes awesome, try some too, Claudia!”
Olivia’s mouth was covered in cream as she said with a blissful face.
“I see, let me have a taste.”
The moment she said that, a maid cut a slice of cake and served it to her, as if to show that this was her job. Claudia sent the cake into her mouth with a wry smile.
(Delicious, no, isn’t this too delectable?)
As expected of a cake made by the royal chef, the taste was impeccable.
(Although the saying goes that dessert goes to a different stomach, this thing is too dangerous. I have to be careful not to eat too much.)
Claudia, who was worried about her figure, chatted with Olivia, and she heard laughter from behind her. She turned and saw a group of ladies surrounding a youth with brown hair. He had delicate features and a charming smile on his face.
(What a popular person, but I have never seen him before. Whose house is he from?)
Claudia observed that youth for a moment, and noticed his gaze. The youth waved his hand to bid farewell to the ladies trying to make him stay, and approached Claudia:
“How amazing… To possess both beauty and such majestic aura. May I kiss your lovely hand?”
The youth knelt on one knee and showered Claudia with flattery. Any other lady would be blushing from this, but Claudia was different. His frivolous actions were obviously well practiced, and didn’t leave a good impression on her.
However, his etiquette was on point, so she couldn’t brush him off either.
(It can’t be helped…)
Claudia offered her right hand. The ladies around her screamed agitatedly, and cast murderous gazes her way. Claudia couldn’t help smiling.
Compared to what she experienced on the battlefield, their eyes were pathetic. The youth wasn’t fazed as he took Claudia’s hand respectfully and kissed it gently on the back.
“—At this moment, there is no one who is more blessed than me.”
The youth got up with a bright smile.
“Thank you for your kind words.”
Claudia felt a chill down her back, and smiled stiffly. This was improper for a lady. If Liz Ploise was here, she would definitely tease Claudia about this. And of course, if Claudia wasn’t acting as a lady, but a knight, he would have punched that youth.
The youth seemed to be misunderstanding something, and shook his head with a regretful face.
“You should embrace your own charm, and know how many men have already been captivated by your beauty.”
“Hah, is that so.”
Claudia brushed off the youth’s unnecessary advice. He seemed to be interpreting her actions as a lack of confidence.
(His head is filled with flowers. Even though he has a well trained figure… To be honest, I can’t get along with frivolous people like him. Even Ashton is better than him.)
The confident face that Ashton showed occasionally flashed across Claudia’s mind. He should be dining in the Grey Crow Pavilion right now.
While she was thinking about that, Claudia realized the youth was looking intriguely behind her.
“Is the lady behind you your companion?”
“Well, I guess…”
“Do you mind introducing us?”
The youth requested with a smile. Claudia tilted her head puzzledly when she saw the wariness in his eyes.
“That’s fine… Major Olivia.”
Claudia called out a little worriedly. Olivia, who was called, stopped what she was doing and turned. Her cheeks were puffed like a hamster gorging herself.
The maid beside her hung her head with her shoulders quivering.
“—Major, when did you turn into a hamster? The cake won’t run, so swallow first.”
Olivia nodded firmly, and started chewing at high speed. She looked just like a hamster, which surprised the youth.
“Sorry for the wait! —Who’s that?”
After Olivia asked, Claudia remembered that she didn’t ask for the youth’s name. This was an unacceptable mistake for a lady. If her mother Elizabeth learned about this, she would give Claudia a good scolding for at least an hour. But the other party didn’t introduce himself either, so they were equally at fault.
The youth stepped forth and answered:
“I’m Joshua Richard. Speaking of which, you are really a stunning beauty. The essence of the entire world’s beauty combined. Even the most lavish of gems couldn’t hold a candle to you.”
“I’m Olivia Valedstorm. I don’t know what’s going on, but is that all you wanted to say? Aside from the cake, there is plenty of food that I want to try.”
Olivia answered as she looked at the sumptuous dishes laid out on the food table. At this moment, the band at the stage was ready, and started playing the Kingdom’s classic dance number, 《Peteklica》.
Cornelius took the hand of a lady and led her to the middle of the hall. As dictated by protocol, the person with the highest status would start the dance. After the two of them began, the rest of the people started dancing gracefully.
“— Lady Olivia, may you grace me with a dance?”
Joshua rested his left hand on his chest and reached out his right hand. Olivia was troubled, and turned him down with a frown:
“I don’t have time to dance. Didn’t you hear me? I still want to eat a lot more food.”
Olivia turned her face away, leaving Joshua there hanging with a stiff face. Claudia felt bad for him, and whispered to Olivia:
“Major, it’s bad manners to reject an invitation without any special reasons. It’s like a slap to his face.”
“Didn’t I already say the special reason.”
“That’s not a good excuse. They will continue to send out more delicious food, so don’t worry. Everyone is watching, so it’s bad to leave things like this.”
Olivia also noticed that the entire hall was looking her way. After all, the two of them seemed to be a good match in their eyes.
The ladies looked envious, while the men looked dejected.
“Sigh~ so I can eat as I please after the dance?”
Olivia was a little worried. Claudia nodded firmly to reassure her.
“Of course, you can eat whatever you want.”
“Then let’s get the dance over with.”
Olivia took Joshua’s hand. Joshua held Olivia’s hand with an awkward smile, and walked towards the dance floor.
(This is…)
In the beginning, Olivia and Joshua danced gracefully just like the people around them, but now, they were the only ones left. The rest were watching them with bated breath.
That was only natural, because instead of dancing, they were—
(Yes, this is closer to sparring practice. But even so, why do they look so elegant?)
The two of them observed each other’s movement and decided their next move right on the spot. Their movements were sharp, but in sync with the beat of the music. Olivia’s bright red dress would flutter whenever she spins gracefully.
The next moment, the tune had changed. This performance was called 《Delusions of the Demon King》, which was about the fruitless love that the demon king harbours towards the hero.
The band members were all sweating profusely, playing their instruments desperately as if they were engulfed by the dance of the duo.
The music ended at the moment when Joshua held Olivia up with his arms. After a brief pause, everyone present showered the two of them with cheers and applause.
The exhausted band members fell heavily into their chairs.
“— Lady Olivia, I had a splendid time. Please allow me, Joshua Richard, to thank you once again.”
Joshua bowed deeply.
“I had fun too.”
“I’m happy to hear that. We will definitely meet again one day, and I beg your leave for tonight.”
“There are plenty of tasty foods, aren’t you going to try any?”
“No, I have already gotten something more valuable than these delicacies.”
Joshua said with a smile, and left the hall together with his group of ladies. Claudia watched him go as she went to Olivia and said:
“Just who is that guy? I thought he’s just a frivolous man…”
Claudia obviously felt the sharp air around him during his dance. And of course, Olivia felt the same. The only other person who noticed was probably Cornelius who was stroking his beard.
“Who knows. But I think he’s somewhat different from a gutter rat.”
“Gutter rat… It can’t be!?”
Olivia smiled and walked towards the food table filled with dishes.
Chapter 6: Magic and Sorcery
Ⅰ
After leaving Leticia Castle, Joshua boarded a carriage parked in the plaza. The driver lit the lights, and drove home. The two horses slowly pulled the carriage towards the city gates.
(—The Kingdom is really peaceful. Their security is tight, but they lack any sense of urgency… From the looks of things, the Kingdom is still far from being defeated.)
Joshua could see Intimate couples, staggering drunks and all sorts of people flashing before him. When Leticia Castle in the distance was the size of a pea, knocking came from inside the carriage. A man opened the left door of the carriage and entered nimbly.
“Was there any problems?”
The man sat down opposite Joshua, and his fake eye was shining.
“Nothing. As expected of Owl, everything was perfect.”
Their national power might be weakened, but the security of the Kingdom wasn’t so weak that anyone could just barge in freely. Much lest the victory party attended by the Field Marshal and his high ranking officers.
This showed just how good Owl’s intel network was.
“You flatter me, Senior Chiliarch Johann—”
“Hey hey, I’m not Johann Strider, but a noble from the boondocks of the Farnesse Kingdom, Joshua Richard.”
Johann raised the corners of his lips, and Zephyr smiled awkwardly.
“I hope you can forgive my oversight— so, did you come into contact with the target?”
“Olivia Valedstorm, huh… She’s a stunning beauty. I have never seen anyone as beautiful as her in the Holy Nation of Mekia. This is the first time that my heart is racing like that.”
Johann thought about Olivia, who was the personification of beauty herself. Zephyr looked at him exasperatedly, then said:
“I agree with you on her look. However, our opinions differed with regards to the Holy Angel. But that’s not what I’m asking…”
Johann smiled when he heard that:
“I understand. In a word, she’s a real monster. It’s a given that the Empire is helpless before her. Although we Sorcerers are also monsters in the eyes of normal humans.”
Johann wasn’t trying to hog the spotlight when he asked Olivia for a dance, nor was it on a whim of the moment. He was able to tell to a certain extent how strong someone was just by dancing with them.
Johann wanted to trip her if he had the chance, but he got his hands full just trying to keep up with Olivia. That was how extraordinary her body movements were.
“So Sir Johann thinks so too. I don’t think that girl can be judged by the standards of a human.”
“Her nickname of a Death God is well deserved.”
“Indeed.”
Zephyr concurred with a nod. The carriage had gone off road, and would slant every now and then. Johann looked at the full moon outside and said to Zephyr:
“Your judgement is spot on, Zephyr. I would need to put my life on the line to have a good gauge of her capabilities.”
Johann scratched his head with a smile. Zephyr’s bitter face was reflected on the window.
“Sir Johann, you are an indispensible person to the Holy Nation of Mekia. Please keep the advice of the Holy Angel in mind.”
“Don’t worry about that. If I die, leaving the Holy Angel aside, Amelia will probably kick down my tombstone. More importantly, the number of women who will mourn me exceed the fingers on both my hands. I won’t do something so cruel.”
Johann turned to Zephyr and wiggled his fingers teasingly. The truth was, even if he added in his toes, there still wouldn’t be enough digits. That was how much Johann flirted with women.
“I’m relieved to hear you say that. But if anything untowards happens, we Owls will protect you with our lives.”
Zephyr had a determined face. Johann sighed, looked Zephyr in the eyes and said:
“I have to correct you there. You Owls are the indispensable one for the Holy Nation of Mekia. If the Holy Angel heard what you said, she would give you a lecture. Be aware of this, and don’t say that again.”
“… I offer my thanks on behalf of the Owls.”
Zephyr bowed respectfully, and at that moment, the carriage stopped with a neigh from the horses. The two men steadied each other, and the window before them opened. The driver looked at them through the opening:
“What is it?”
“My apologies, we seemed to be surrounded by bandits.”
“Bandits? How many?”
“About 50.”
The driver answered calmly.
“Phew. Did you hear that? They mobilized a platoon scale group for just one carriage. We sure are popular.”
“I will take care of this.”
Zephyr put his hand on the door handle, but Johann grabbed his shoulder before Zephyr could alight.
“No, allow me.”
“Sir Johann? —They are mere bandits, and will scatter once their boss is dead. There’s no need to trouble you…”
After a short pause, the troubled Zephyr begged Johann to reconsider.
“Don’t say that, let me warm up before I test Olivia’s skills. It’s been a while since I used this thing.”
Johann unveiled the “Flaming Light Sorcery Circle” on the back of his left hand with a faint smile.
After ordering his minions to surround the prey tightly, Bernard looked at the black carriage with intrinsic carvings and almost drooled.
(The one inside this high class carriage must be incredibly rich. I can make a killing from this, this is my lucky night.)
Bernard’s bandits usually operated in the Zum plains to the south of the Kingdom, but business had been bad. He might have been raiding too frequently, and news about them must have spread.
Left with no choice, he had to change his area of operation. It was a coincidence that he encountered a high class carriage that didn’t have any escorts, and it had exceptionally large wheels as if to draw in the attention of others. This windfall came out of nowhere.
“Hey! Hurry on out! Or I will burn you along with your carriage!”
“Are you too scared to come out—?”
“I’m talking to you! You dumb looking driver! Hurry up and get your master to come out!”
The minions taunted as they waved their weapons at the carriage window. They might be dumb, but they still knew that the carriage could fetch a good price, so they didn’t put a scratch on it.
And finally, the passengers gave in and opened the golden door of the carriage.
(Heehee, as I expected, it’s an unworldly son of nobility.)
Bernard licked his lips. A graceful man with delicate features alighted from the carriage. From the pure white suit with golden embroidery, he probably just left a party. These clothes would fetch a tidy sum in the market too.
Behind him was a man with a fake eye and grey cloak. His dressing looked suspicious for an attendant, but when Bernard saw the bulging coin purse under his cloth, Bernard stopped caring about the suspicious attire.
“You finally came out— What? There’s only the two of you? No women?”
Bernard asked as he looked inside the carriage with a hum. The graceful man seemed confounded:
“As you can see, there’s only the two of us.”
“Tch! … It can’t be helped, this will have to do. Hand over all the valuables you have on you. We will talk after that.”
Bernard reached his hand out after saying that. But the elegant man and fake eye attendant didn’t respond to him, and just stared at the outreached hand.
“Hey! Why are you two just standing there? Scared out of your wits?”
His minions started snickering at that. At this point, the elegant man spread his arms in an exaggerated manner:
“Oh, my apologies. This is all new to me, so I couldn’t help getting engrossed. Oh, I don’t mean engrossed in that way, so don’t worry— Speaking of which, are all bandits as crude as them?”
“Sir Joshua, these bandits aren’t that bad, and their attire isn’t too shabby too.”
“Really?”
Joshua looked at the bandits with surprise. The fake eyed man said with a wry smile:
“There are even more filthy bandits out there. After all, that’s how bandits are. They are the furthest thing from cleanliness.”
“Oh~ so that’s how bandits are.”
“That’s right, that’s how bandits are.”
Even though they were surrounded by 50 bandits, the two of them weren’t fazed as they looked at each other and smiled.
Their insolent attitude enraged Bernard, and also fueled his suspicion.
“Are you sure you want to take that attitude with us? You really think the three of you can take all of us on?”
Bernard raised his right hand, and his minions readied their weapons with a glare. Normal people would be begging for their lives at the sight of that.
But the two men before them remained unfazed. The driver who would usually be the first to run didn’t move either. It wasn’t that he couldn’t move, but that he didn’t need to move.
“That aside, I want to ask something. What will happen if there’s a lady with us?”
“Hah!? We will screw her brains out, obviously! Stop changing the topic!”
One of the minions yelled. The smile was gone from Joshua’s face and he said with his eyes narrowed:
“How unpleasant. Did you sprout out from the ground? There’s no value in your life if you don’t respect women.”
Joshua snapped his left hand’s fingers. At the same time, Bernard heard a scream behind him. He turned back, and saw one of his minion’s right arm was on fire.
“Ahhhh!? Why is my right arm burning!?”
“I-I don’t know!?”
“S-Someone put out this fire!!”
“Even if you say that, there’s no water here!!”
The minion dropped and rolled on the ground desperately, but the fire showed no signs of going out. As the minions scrambled around, more finger snappings could be heard. With each snap, the minion’s left arm, right leg and left leg were set aflame.
When the head burst into flame, the minion croaked.
“““……”””
The mob looked at the corpse being cooked with blank faces. Bernard gulped to moisten his dry throat, and asked:
“W-Was that you?”
“Is there anyone amongst you who can do the same thing? If yes, then I don’t mind recruiting him into the Holy Winged Legion.”
Joshua said with a faint smile. His words explained that he was in the military, but not why he could create fire out of thin air.
(It will make sense if he added oil and then set him alight, but that’s not it. He can create fire by snapping his fingers? That’s not humanly possible.)
Bernard was sweating bullets, and felt fear he had never experienced before. He realized that the man before him was further up the food chain than him.
What should he do before such a person? There was only one answer.
“Fall back!”
Bernard fled, and his minions started scampering away when they saw that. However—
“There’s no chance I will let you go.”
A giant column of flame burst out before Bernard’s group, stopping their escape path.
(What the hell!?)
The onslaught of incredulous sight confused Bernard. No matter which way he went, a fire pillar would block his path. Soon, most of his men were trapped in a ring of fire.
Those who managed to escape were beaten to death by the driver who had alighted without anyone realizing.
“Please, spare me!”
“If we knew what you are capable of, we would never have attacked you!”
Joshua looked at the mob pleading for their lives coldly. It was only a matter of time before they were burned alive.
“Sir Joshua, I’ve come to bargain.”
“Bargain?”
“That’s right. A deal that’s very beneficial to you.”
Joshua rubbed his chin and thought for a moment, and then said:
“— Alright, I’m curious about what you have to offer. Go on then.”
“That’s the way! If you spare me, I will give you all the treasure in my hideout. Not just that, I have top quality playthings there too. I will give all those girls to you.”
“Top quality playthings?”
“That’s right. Their screams sound really nice. But I cut the nerves in their legs to stop them from running away, but that’s nothing, right? Mr Joshua, you have nothing to lose with this deal. What do you say?”
Bernard tried desperately to persuade Joshua. He could rob more money in the future, and the same goes with women too. Saving his hide is the most important thing.
(Please! You have to agree!)
But Bernard didn’t get what he wanted. Joshua looked at him as if he was looking at walking garbage/
“Flaming Wheel of the Flowery Wind. Erase all traces of all those engulfed by my flames.”
Joshua clenched his left fist, and a red flash exploded in the night. The ring of fire around him tightened. The moment the fire brushed through the bandit at the outermost edge of the ring, his body crumbled into ashes with a scream.
“Hahaha! This is preposterous! This must be a dream! Yes, a nightmare!”
The scene before him was no different from a nightmare.
Bernard looked up to the sky and laugh dryly in despair—
“—Splendid. That was a masterful display of Sorcery.”
“… I kept one alive. Make him bring us to his hideout.”
“Yes Sir!”
Zephyr grabbed the arms of a bandit, and pressed his blade to the bandit’s neck. A gust of wind blew the ashes that used to be human, sending them up into the night sky.
Johann watched all this in silence.