Chapter 661: Punishment by Revolting Magic Potion

The knights smiled and nodded at my strained excuse.

I told myself that I had no choice if they supported me so strongly, then continued the test.

“Should we at least test its sharpness as before?”

“Yes. Although the result seems rather obvious.”

Lionel took the sword and stepped before the straw dummy to perform the cutting test. Did his willingness to do it himself mean he had accepted the experiment? Or did he think allowing another knight to handle it would be dangerous?

It might indeed be dangerous. I doubted anyone would injure themselves on the blade, but someone might attempt to take it home, or exaggerate the sensation of using it when describing the experience.

Lionel cut through the straw dummy before everyone’s eyes.

It split in two with an even quieter sound than before. Its sharpness seemed fine, and its durability was probably fine as well.

“How was it?”

“Precisely what one would expect from a Legendary-class weapon. Its edge is so sharp that I doubt it’s suitable for ordinary use.”

“I see. You’re right.”

So that was why Lionel had volunteered to test its sharpness. This ensured that the order would not be issued Legendary-class weapons. At most, they could receive Near-Legendary swords.

When I glanced at the knights, several looked immensely disappointed. They must have realised Lionel’s intention. Too bad.

“Then every steel sword used to test the remaining potions must be stored under strict security. Naturally, you may use them whenever necessary.”

“Understood. We shall do so. We may, of course, tell your father about this?”

Lionel smiled broadly. Eek, frightening. I did not have the courage to say, “Let’s keep this our little secret,” so I had no choice but to agree. Lady Fabienne and Nero’s faces stiffened when I glanced at them. It could not be helped.

“Of course, Lionel. Please explain it to him in a favourable way.”

“I shall do my best.”

Although he said that, Lionel’s face plainly suggested it would be impossible. I agreed. Still, placing him between Father and me might soften the blow upon Father’s stomach. Please let that be true.

“All right, next. Let’s test the next potion. Everyone, follow my instructions.”

Now that we had come this far, there was no need to hold back. Father would learn about this regardless, so we might as well test everything properly.

Then I could accept a thorough scolding. I decided to see it that way.

The important thing was that I had to be the one who forced the tests through. Otherwise, Father might scold Lady Fabienne, Nero, Lionel and the others. I had to prevent that at all costs.

“Lord Julius…”

“Come on, Lady Fabienne, Nero. Help me.”

They must have realised my intention, because their faces clouded. Perhaps they thought they deserved to be scolded alongside me, but I would not allow that.

There was no need for everyone to be reprimanded. I alone was enough.

Then I could seal everyone’s lips by making every person here my accomplice. Even without that, our territorial knights were all excellent people, so the information would never leak outside.

Anyone who did betray us would be punished with a revolting magic potion. Terrifying.

I poured the next batch of improved Holy Droplets over the prepared steel sword. Its yellow colour deepened further. I had a feeling the final one would become golden.

“Hmm. Holy Sword class.”

“Lord Julius, shouldn’t we stop now?”

Lady Fabienne caught my quiet murmur and swiftly tugged my sleeve several times. She must have seen the same Appraisal result. No wonder she reacted that way.

What should we do? Part of me wanted to stop, but another part wanted to see the Appraisal results beyond this point.

“Lord Julius, what result did Appraisal produce?”

Lionel was smiling, but his face already seemed to have attained enlightenment.

He appeared resolved to confirm the properties as fully as possible, accept reality and report everything to Father.

“It became Holy Sword class. Does that make this steel sword a holy sword? Still, it’s only an imitation.”

“What do you mean?”

“Besides sharpness and durability, true holy swords possess special abilities. The Raven Kingdom’s Holy Sword Gatekeeper can open the gate to paradise, for example. This Holy Sword-class blade does not appear to possess that degree of power.”

“I see. Then it’s indeed an imitation holy sword, although that doesn’t make it any less outrageous.”

Even the knights looked tense after hearing our discussion. Their earlier festival-like excitement had vanished. That demonstrated how heavily the very existence of a holy sword weighed upon them.

Now, what in the world lay beyond Holy Sword class?