Kays Translations

Chapter 47: Friction

"You're the one who killed my brother."

A piercing gaze from a woman he had just met.

"...What are you talking about?"

"Don't tell me you don't remember the people you've killed."

Lucius locked eyes with the woman, the brigade commander.

--Is it true?

He thought that he might be tested, but it seemed unlikely.

There was clear hostility.

"Well, never mind. Follow me."

The woman stood up.

Then, she spoke to the guard who had guided Lucius.

"You can step back."

The guard responded with an unmoving stance.

"Yes, ma'am!"

The woman, the brigade commander, opened the door and left without looking back.

After briefly thanking the guard, Lucius followed behind the brigade commander.

As they silently walked through the corridor and stairs, he felt her piercing gaze when he tried to stand beside her.

"Don't enter my line of sight."

"...Understood."

Lucius took a step back and silently followed her.

The brigade commander stopped at the courtyard he had seen before.

It was as he had seen earlier, with over a hundred knights training in combat and sparring.

In terms of gender ratio, there were slightly more men.

In a world where magical power and formulaic techniques directly correlated with strength, many women excelled in combat.

"Commander Shaulia!"

The knights stopped and saluted in unison.

"You may relax."

"Yes, sir!"

While they responded energetically, the knights maintained their posture.

"We have a distinguished guest today. Lucius Norris Dragon, who has been assigned to participate in the 'Labyrinth' exploration by royal order."

Along with the introduction by Commander Shaulia, all eyes turned to Lucius.

"Is that... still a child?"

"Damn."

"He's acting all high and mighty!"

The knights cursed.

The palpable hostility was piercing.

--What's going on?

He couldn't understand the situation.

He hardly knew any of the knights.

Except for Yu, who was also a former knight if not an active one.

If he had to mention someone he knew by name, it would be Bluesen, whom Lucius had taken the life of in battle.

Bluesen was the man who blocked Lucius before he entered the Tower of Spirits, the man who drew a bow from behind during Yu's duel.

As he recalled his name, the final expression on Bluesen's face flashed through his mind, and he felt the sensation of cutting through him with his sword in his right arm.

He had grown accustomed to it recently, but ever since that day, it throbbed every time he remembered.

In an attempt to shake off the sensation, he clenched his fist tightly, unnoticed by anyone, as Commander Shaulia continued to speak.

"...Lucius-sama, it seems you handled the disaster in the Honogura region quite well. His Majesty and Lord Lilinths remember it well."

Commander Shaulia wore a smile that seemed forced.

"I did what I could."

"I see, I see."

The smile disappeared, and her expression turned serious.

The knights' gazes became even more intense.

"When that happened, I heard that many knights in the Honogura region were killed by your hands. Is that true?"

Lucius closed his eyes.

Knights attacking the people, engulfed in flames.

Even after defeating Chi You, knights who tried to seize food and women from the town for several days until they were captured by Lord Lilinths.

"Indeed, it is true."

The anger of the knights became even more apparent.

Many were gritting their teeth.

"There are only two divisions stationed in the eastern region. It's inevitable that many of the knights who were assigned to the Honogura region were from the 9th Division. Did you know that?"

"No, I didn't."

"In other words, among them, many of the knights who you took the lives of are acquaintances. Some fought side by side with us on the battlefield, and others were saved or saved us."

"What are you trying to say?"

Commander Shaulia, known as "Bluesen's sister," scrutinized Lucius.

"It must have been difficult for you, killing the brave warriors who protected the country. The guilt and shame must have been so great that you could have chosen death."

The knights surrounding Lucius poured their attention on him.

The heat was suffocating, like a cold wind in winter.

--What is this?

Honestly, it was extremely unpleasant.

It felt like his heart's wounds were being trampled upon with muddy boots.

As a noble, they were the swords and shields of the people. It should be understood by Commander Shaulia as well.

Yet, they forget that and change their stance depending on the situation. That's why it has become like this.

Commander Shaulia's face twisted.

The beautiful expression that was once dignified was nowhere to be seen.

"...You. Say it again..."

"No matter how many times you say it--"

When Lucius tried to retort, a clapping sound echoed in the courtyard.

"Let's stop there."

A man stood near the door.

He was still around thirty years old.

A slender man with tanned skin and long reddish-brown hair tied up at the back.

The knights and Commander Shaulia glanced at Lucius with a frustrated expression before bowing to the man.

"Commander Karan."

"It's quite a tense atmosphere, isn't it?"

The man walked towards them with a smile, but there was an air of dignity about him.

He stopped in front of Lucius, addressed as Karan.

"Are you Lord Lucius Norris, who is entrusted to our division?"

He bowed and greeted Lucius calmly.

"Yes, I am Lucius Norris Dragon."

"I am Karan Sou Shi Windsor. I am in charge of the 9th Division stationed in this fortress."

"...Sou Shi Windsor."

In this country, the name "Windsor" carries significant meaning.

It indicates direct lineage from one of the Four Great Noble Families that rule the east, west, south, and north regions.

"Yes, I am from the southern branch of the Four Great Noble Families. Not a candidate for the throne or a successor, though."

Except for Olivia, who was also from the Four Great Noble Families, this was Lucius's first meeting with someone from the same background.

Karan smiled and extended his hand.

Lucius shook his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander Karan. Thank you very much for accepting me."

"Well, it's because it's a royal order. Don't be so formal. I understand that your hands are tied."

"No, it's not just that."

Karan smiled even wider and released the handshake.

"Hmm, you're quite an interesting boy, just as the rumors say."

"Rumors?"

"The first quadruplet quartet in history, wielding a top-class monster in the ceremony."

"Yes."

"You may have a soft demeanor, but you're stubborn. I heard you had quite the retorts for Lord Esta, the lord of the eastern region."

Karan, the brigade commander, seemed friendly, but there was a hint of something in his words.

"At that time, his words were clearly allegorical, so..."

"I see. And now you're causing trouble within the knight order. You're more reckless than you appear. I understand why your father is cautious."

Karan examined Lucius's face closely.

He wore a smile that was the complete opposite of before, with a touch of sadistic pleasure in his eyes.

"By the way, how is Olivia?"

"Um, she's doing well."

"Haha, that spirited young lady. It's a shame."

Apart from Olivia, the two of them were rivals competing for one throne.

"I... apologize for causing trouble."

Karan chuckled even more.

"Let it go. The knights in the eastern region are risking their lives to defend the country against the empire's invasion. They are not in the right state of mind. Solidarity and camaraderie, unwritten rules, are more important than formal training or discipline."

"...I understand."

"Now, you're here on a special mission for the 'Labyrinth' exploration."

Although Lucius agreed verbally, he was not convinced.

No matter how high the camaraderie was, if they abused and mistreated the very people they should protect, then they weren't true comrades.

Commander Shaulia, who had been observing the situation with a cold gaze, interjected.

"Commander Karan, there's no need for you to forgive him."

"Shaulia, I can't help but feel sorry for your brother, Bluesen. However, Lucius's actions were justified based on the law. It would be mere slander to go any further."

--Bluesen... is her brother?

A tremor ran through the depths of his heart at the mention of his name.

Now that he thought about it, there was some resemblance.

"Knights have their own code of conduct. I'm sure Commander Karan understands that."

"That's right. So, here's a suggestion. How about a mock battle to let off some steam and put this conflict to rest?"

Karan, the brigade commander, asked Lucius for confirmation.

"I don't really understand, but I don't have a problem with it."

"What about you, Shaulia?"

She smiled coldly.

Her eyes were filled with sadistic pleasure.

"Yes, by all means."

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