CH 129
Rustle-!
Lee Han sat in the wooden pavilion that he made himself as he read the newspaper in his hands.
Occasionally, he’d drink the lemonade that Leila had made, or…
“Here, have some, Sir.”
“…I can eat it myself.”
“Huh?”
“…I’ll eat it, thank you.”
Accept the lemon tart that Leila tried to feed him, since he was unable to resist the innocent gaze in her eyes.
This was the first time in his life that he had received such treatment from a woman, and he wondered if it was okay to just accept it.
Nevertheless…
…It’s tasty…
He couldn’t help but wonder if the tart was actually tastier than every other tart he had eaten, or if it was just an illusion due to the atmosphere.
“Would you like some more?”
“Yes…”
Whatever it was, the temptation was hard for him to refuse, so he just enjoyed the luxury of being fed the tart by her again. Even so, he did not take his eyes off the newspaper.
…Things have become more interesting.
Although it wasn’t his intention, he was still one of the few people who were closely involved in the events that were currently going on in the kingdom. Hence why he knew the situation behind most of the chaos and hot topics that was going on.
If he had to give an example…
Ruste-!
“…I swear this Geumjok has such a picturesque face.”
[Today, the commander of the First Order of the Silver Lion, Arren Pendragon, personally mobilized both the First and Second Order of the Silver Lion to capture the prisoners who had escaped from the Tunnel. That move is being evaluated as an honorable and great move, worthy of his status as a royalty. Meanwhile the Noble Council is unable to avoid criticism from the people due to their outrageous remarks regarding Prince Arren Pendragon, calling his action as him ‘abusing his authority’. The Guild Union, who had heard of the Noble Council’s reaction, expressed their regrets. In this situation…]
The photo of the spoiled prince took up the entire front page of the newspaper. The fact that he had mobilized the First and Second Order of the Silver Lion using his authority as a commander was drawing a lot of attention.
“Hmm… Will he do well?”
Even until now, Lee Han still didn’t trust him. His philosophy was that a loser would always be a loser no matter what. Anyone could talk big, and he couldn’t see that the prince was any different.
What was important was actions and results.
In that sense…
I’m thinking of punishing him twice, but if he did well, I’ll reduce it to one.
He was someone who had stopped expecting someone like that to accomplish anything, so he barely had any kind of expectations on such guys.
Rustle-!
As he turned the pages of the newspaper, Lee Han found news of people who were related to him, or things he roughly knew about.
To summarize the notable ones…
‘The owner of the bar leading the new trend in the royal capital is Lionel’s Little Prince?!’
‘Has the leader of the Mercenary Corps, the Mercenary King, decided on a successor?’
‘Is the young lady of the Guinevere family in love?!’
And so on.
For some reason, he came to know all of the main characters that were mentioned in the news.
Moreover…
[While speculations are running rampant that the purpose of the visit of the Imperial Magic Tower’s Successor and the Sultan is to meet Galahad’s adopted daughter, the whereabouts of the person in question, who is receiving everyone’s attention, remain unknown. Both the royal family and Galahad are now receiving attention from the public, as they’re curious on what kind of stance they will take. As a side note, Galahad’s adopted daughter, Irene Windler, is receiving attention as a newcomer to the magic world as someone who has the ability to represent the era, despite her young age.]
There was also news about the chick next door, the person who was being hailed as someone who could represent the era even though she was a newcomer to the magic world. The same girl who was grumbling alone while slowly eating the tart that Leila made.
“Tch… I can feed him too… I can do better than her… Really, I can do better…”
“…”
…Those big shots are flocking to see that girl?
Sigh-!
Do those guys have nothing better to do, or what?
Lee Han began to see the successor of the Imperial Magic Tower and the Sultan as merely worthless, rich bastards.
Pathetic guys.
Either because it was a market day, or because his house had been empty all this time…
Stop-!
“Master!”
For some reason, faces Lee Han hadn’t seen in a while were visiting him one after another. He felt that his house wouldn’t get any less noisy anytime soon.
Ring-!
A woman riding a bicycle with an antique and simple style that seemed to come straight out of a classic French movie called him out loud.
She was a woman who seemed refreshing and pure, but hid a sad past. A girl who’d make anyone who was walking down the street look back at her and fall in love with her, a girl who’d remind everyone of their first love in school.
The way she dressed—a straw-hat, a white one-piece dress, a pair of sandals, carrying a picnic basket with her—fit her extremely well to the point that no one would be able to stop themselves from being awestruck after seeing her.
“…I swear, people would think she’s here for a modeling session or something.”
The chick sitting right next to him whispered to herself, and he couldn’t help but agree with her words.
Indeed, the sight of her blue hair—that reminded him of hydrangeas—fluttering in the wind as she rode a bicycle, gave him a throwback to a scene from a movie.
Although, even though he felt that way, there was one thing that was bugging him to no end.
Is she even trying to hide her identity?
Unlike the status window guy, it felt like this girl had no intention of hiding her identity, so he could be sure that he wasn’t being paranoid or anything like that.
Well, either that or she’s just stupidly innocent or clumsy.
…Or, maybe all three.
While Lee Han was shrugging his shoulders at his own thoughts, the woman arrived at the front door, got off her bicycle, and ran as fast as she could like a loyal puppy greeting its owner whom it hadn’t seen in a while.
“Haa, haa! H-How have you been, Master-!”
“Catch your breath first, Female Bear.”
“Huh? D-Don’t worry…! Haa, haa…! I’m…fine…!”
“…Yeah, no, you aren’t.”
From what it seemed like, the Female Bear, or rather, Levy, probably came here in a hurry by bike from the marquis’ estate the moment she heard that he had returned.
“Did you come here by bike?”
As she swallowed her breaths, hearing Lee Han’s question, that was filled with worry, she…
With difficulty…
“Ah!”
Covered her mouth, as a realization struck her that she was dressing like a young lady.
“I-I’m sorry, I-I looked bad, didn’t I? I-I was just wondering what to do since His Excellency gave me the day off today. I-I was thinking of going on a picnic by myself, since I’m not used to sitting still…”
“Is that so?”
“A-Also, I didn’t prepare these clothes! The maids did! I-I just couldn’t not wear them…”
“Is that so?”
“…Master?”
“Yes?”
“??”
“…Sorry, my age is catching up to me, that’s why I was acting like that.”
“Huh?”
“I’m probably having a menopause already.”
It felt like he had the urge to cry more often after he got older.
Hearing his disciple’s words, he felt something tugging at his heart.
The first time he saw this girl, she was a timid girl, always seemed anxious and struggled to be recognized by others.
But now…
She’s more relaxed.
Her face was filled with energy, her eyes showed an intelligent glint, and her clothes were considerably cleaner and neater. It was proof that she was being taken care of by the marquis well—proof that he kept his promises well.
This was why he felt touched. It felt like he was witnessing a swan that didn’t know how to use its wings, realized that it actually had wings, could flap them vigorously, and started to fly.
And as the person who had worked hard to make her spread those wings…
All my hard work was worth it.
…The emotion he felt overwhelmed him.
He cried with joy at his disciple’s positive change.
…Indeed. Summer had begun.
There was an awkward atmosphere around them as Lee Han tried to calm Levy down. She soon began to tell him the story of what had happened to her, chirping non stop like a nightingale.
As if bragging.
“Recently, I’ve been learning archery from His Excellency. He gave me the name Tristan, though it’s not formal yet, so he said it would be better for me to be able to handle the bow as a basic skill. I’m working hard to learn everything.
“A-Also, regarding the Tristan name that he gave me, I think they’ll hold a banquet in a few days to make it official, s-so… W-Would you be able to come as my partner, Master?
“A-Ah, r-right! T-Try this panini, Master! I-I made it myself.”
Lee Han listened to every single thing his disciple said. He gave advice when he could, said no when he couldn’t comply with her request, and responded to each and every single thanks that she threw at him.
“Also…!”
There were so many things she wanted to say to him. Even though over an hour had passed, she still hadn’t seemed to run out of it yet. Instead of feeling bothered by it, Lee Han just felt glad to see her looking so free.
Maybe this was how he’d feel if he were to have a younger sister much younger than him.
He then listened to his disciple’s story for a while, but…
“L-Levy…”
“Huh? Miss Irene? How long have you been here?”
“…You didn’t even see me, huh? This is why a thief who learns late is scary!”
“I-I’m sorry…! I-I didn’t pretend to not see you. It’s not my intention…”
“…It’s fine. It’s not like I don’t know the feeling.”
“…”
The grumpy chick pecked the innocent Female Bear in a rude manner, making Levy lower her head, fidgeting.
What is this?
Why are they arguing like this in front of an old man like me?
They shoulda find some good-looking guys and do this to those guys instead.
Of course Lee Han didn’t grow up knowing nothing. He was more than aware what kind of feelings these two were showing him—affection, admiration and few others.
However, he just treated those feelings like they were fleeting feelings. After all, the two of them were still young and immature. After maturing a bit more, he was sure that they’d be ashamed of this, cry, and wonder why the hell they liked an old man like him…
Haaa… It’s a little sad to treat myself in this way…
Even so, Lee Han didn’t change his thoughts. He had a clouded perspective—he couldn’t see the world in a positive light. He didn’t have any faith or hope that the favors someone gave him would last forever, that was why in his eyes, the favors the two girls gave him seemed like lotus flowers that bloomed on a summer day and would quickly wither.
It couldn’t be anything other than a fleeting feeling that would dry up and disappear one day…
“You’ll always be cool in my eyes, Sir. Cool men are always loved even as time passes. In that sense, I think they have an eye for cool men.”
“…”
“Hehehe, that’s just how it is.”
“D-Did you learn how to read minds?”
“Nope. I just can read people’s expressions easily!”
“…I swear I heard those words before.”
Both that older sister and her maid… They said they hadn’t learned how to read others’ minds, but it’s clear that they had!
Lee Han let out a hollow laugh.
“Maybe my thoughts are just too shallow?”
Since she already knew about his thoughts, Lee Han just asked her outright.
In response, Leila…
“Hmm, I think you’re underestimating yourself, Sir. You’re a great person, after all.”
“…”
“I think it would be good if you love yourself more than you do now. You need to be more proud of yourself, Sir.”
“…You always overestimate me, Maid.”
“I’m just telling the truth, though?”
“…”
“Hehe, are you embarrassed?”
“…Just give me another drink, please.”
“Okaay!”
Facing her smile, Lee Han lowered his head.
Then, he had a sudden thought.
No matter how strong I become, I don’t think I can ever beat her…
He had a feeling that he’d never be able to win against this woman who was dazzlingly affectionate and kind.
However…
I don’t think I’d feel bad even if I lost.
Is that weird? Wanting to lose like that?
Realizing that, he quietly made a promise to himself that he wouldn’t embarrass himself in front of her, even though he’d probably end up doing so in front of others.
“For some reason, I feel like I picked the wrong day to visit.”
“I-I think so as well.”
The black-haired young man scratched his head for once after saying so.
He had come to greet the instructor, but…
It feels like I’ve turned into air…
The regressor awkwardly loitered in front of the fence. It was only a little later that the knight noticed his presence and came out to greet him.
CH 130
“So, what’s up? You aren’t the kind of guy who’d come all this way just to greet someone.”
…Hearing the remark that was hurled towards him without mercy, the young man’s whole body flinched.
“…Your view of me is way too harsh, Instructor.”
“Not my fault that you don’t have the physiognomy that implies you’d be polite to adults.”
“I don’t know what physiognomy is, but… I can roughly tell what you meant by hearing the rest of your words.”
“What do you think it is?”
“I don’t think it’s right to judge people by their appearance…”
“Good job, you deduced it well. This is why it’s easy to talk to a smart guy.”
“…There it is, the thing that you often do—complimenting someone after insulting them to their face…”
The Northern Prince, Roen Dmitri Lionel’s expression didn’t fluctuate much, maintaining his expressionless face.
He could probably be considered as someone who didn’t show much expression on his face.
But, it was clear that his face was twitching right now. Noticing his mood, Lee Han let out a shameless laugh.
“What? Was I wrong?”
“…The irony is that you weren’t wrong.”
“Well, to be fair, noble children like you usually show no manners to adults.”
“…I don’t understand why you have this biased view against nobles everytime you speak about them, Instructor.”
“Hey, at least I only have a biased view against them. If it’s a magic freak who looked at me with the kind of eyes you have right now, I’d have gouged their eyes out immediately.”
“Hmm…”
Usually, Roen could maintain a cool head no matter what happened. Even if his emotional state changed, it would only be a subtle one. Not only was he born as a noble, his personality also fit to be one.
Throughout his life, he had been treated well and with respect by others—even his enemies would only mock him with polite speech. That was why it was hard for him to deal with someone who treated him so bluntly like the instructor.
But, if someone were to ask him what such a treatment made him feel…
Strangely, it doesn’t feel unpleasant.
After all, he couldn’t feel even the most subtle malice in the instructor’s words. Not only that, it also felt like he was treating him like a ‘little brother’.
The feeling felt a little peculiar, but…
It isn’t bad…
The fact that he didn’t feel that it was unpleasant was rather baffling.
“I heard you had a fight with my uncle.”
As Lee Han expected, Blackie did have some agenda coming here. Indeed, the guy hadn’t come just to greet him who had been away for quite a while.
“…Let’s eat first.”
Still, he didn’t mind that, especially after seeing his ‘sincerity’ in bringing a mountain of cakes, including a luxurious fruit set, that was made by a famous dessert artisan.
Gulp-!
He grunted as he put a piece of the cake—which was filled with the rich taste of almonds and a luxurious custard cream that was soft yet rich—into his mouth.
As for the taste…
“I can’t find anything to complain about. I don’t even like sweets that much.”
“Not bad of a price for a story, isn’t it? This dessert is something that people can’t easily get even if they have the money.”
“…I can see that.”
The cake’s taste was exquisite—it justified Blackie’s confidence at the very least. And so, Lee Han opened his mouth.
“…If by uncle you meant that monster, well, yeah, I did fight him.”
“We’re talking about the same person, alright.”
“He was strong, extremely so… He isn’t a bad person, but if you ask me if he’s a good person or not…nah, he isn’t.”
“…He does have such a side. I can roughly guess what happened between you two, so I’ll apologize on his behalf.”
“No, I don’t need an apology. Just tell him this the next time you meet him: ‘No matter how I look at it, the value of the exchange isn’t equal. You stole my technique, so pay the appropriate price’.”
“…I’ll tell him that.”
As Lee Han talked about the duel with Maximus, Blackie let out a bitter smile, as if he could roughly guess what happened.
Lee Han then took a glance at him, confirming his suspicion that the guy had indeed come to ask about the situation in the Tunnel. At the same time, he shook his head bitterly.
Why the hell is he asking me that?
It would be quicker if he just asked his father, no?
Then again, last time I checked, his relationship with the archduke isn’t very good…
Blackie’s attitude towards his father was a little iffy—it was to the point that he expressed his hostility openly even. However, since it was a family matter, Lee Han didn’t want to inquire in detail.
I guess no matter which world you go to, bean powder families are everywhere.
Lee Han let out a sigh of relief over the fact that there was no culture of teachers doing house visits in this kingdom.
After all, he didn’t want to see other families’ discord for no reason.
And so, Lee Han just told Roen what he wanted to know.
“There was a group of fanatics living in the Tunnel, raising Half-Demonic Humans. Not only that, they were also raising a Giant Worm using Mystics. Each of these news would shake the whole kingdom if spread, you know?”
It was extremely valuable information. So valuable that someone who didn’t know Blackie well would berate Lee Han for giving such information away for a few slices of cake, but Lee Han knew…
“I also found similar people by chance. There was a certain slave trader group that was recently destroyed, and it seemed that they were connected to those fanatics. In particular, I think it was that slave trader group that transported that large number of prisoners used to summon that monster, the Ghost King.”
“…What an amazing coincidence.”
“Indeed. I was lucky.”
Look at this. A perfect example of give and take.
The price for not being stingy was paid as good information and opinions poured in.
“Hmm, I can also tell you this. We suspect that their collaborators must hold total control of the shadows of the Southern Continent for decades. Otherwise, there’s no way that slave trader group could easily cooperate with those guys in the Tunnel.”
“But, who could create such a force?”
“I could imagine one of the so-called great nobles, excluding Galahad, Lionel, and Tristan. In fact, three names come to mind. There’s also a chance that it’s the Merchant Association or the Mercenary Union instead. Hmm… I also have at least five more possible names…”
“…That’s a lot of suspects.”
“And they’re all difficult to deal with.”
“Hmm…”
Lee Han scratched his cheek.
The more he listened, the more his head hurt.
Tsk!
Whatever! What good would it do me by worrying about it? That sister will take care of it.
Lee Han had introduced his former coworkers to her, so he thought that she surely could take care of the matter. After thinking that, he told Blackie that he had done enough, and that from then on, it would depend on the ability of the higher-ups.
“If you could achieve a few more similar achievements, Instructor, you could easily become one of those higher-ups.”
“Hell no. I’m a warrior, I don’t need that kind of power.”
“Don’t you feel wronged by your current situation? Arren Pendragon took all of the credits.”
“…It feels like you’re more upset than me in that regard.”
“Of course. That incompetent guy will gain honor and just end up making things worse.”
“Ouch.”
He casually dropped such harsh criticism for the royal family. Lee Han could feel the hostility emanating from him, and he couldn’t help but look at the guy with a newfound gaze.
So the Blackie has bad blood with that Geumjok, huh?
Well, that Geumjok isn’t the type of person he’d like.
If Blackie was a wolf who fought and survived in the wild, the Geumjok was a chihuahua raised in a greenhouse.
Not only were their environments and upbringings different, if they ever met each other, they’d definitely bare their fangs towards each other.
At least that’s what Lee Han thought. But, if they really collided like that…
That Geumjok will be beaten to pulp.
Looking at the level of his hostility, it was obvious that Blackie had clashed with him at least two or three times before he regressed.
I could ask the status window guy about it later. For now…
“I’ll say it again, I don’t really need intangible shit like power or fame. I prefer something more practical.”
“…I see, so you got something that you liked back there.”
Blackie seemingly was able to sense something in Lee Han’s tone.
Towards that remark, Lee Han…
“…To some extent.”
He muttered, as if to appease him, before shifting his gaze.
“How could a cake this tasty exist? Aren’t we in the Medieval Age…? Why is the taste so high-level…?”
“How about some tea, Miss Irene? Your throat is parched, isn’t it?”
At the end of his gaze, there were two girls chattering away. His gaze was particularly focused on the girl with the wavy hair.
“I believe it’s a fair reward.”
“Is…that so?”
At that moment, Roen saw the satisfaction in the instructor’s gaze.
And he remembered.
The sight of the people of the ‘Fault House’ that his subordinates were handling—trembling as if they were suffering from an illness, some foamed at the mouth and fainted.
But that wasn’t what he wanted to remember.
There were tattoos like burns on their faces, necks, and backs.
Those tattoos were…
The same ones that Jeanne originally had.
She was a friend that he wouldn’t be able to see anymore, but he thought that it was fortunate that it was the case.
I guess she found true freedom…
Roen bowed his head, once again, thinking that it was a fortunate thing for her.
─He looked at his friend’s carefree face, and somehow, he felt like crying.
Congratulations, Jeanne, no… Levy.
As if he was enjoying the lingering feeling, he remained silent, giving a heartfelt congratulation that he had never given to anyone in his entire life.
… [Curse Transfer], that sister really is someone who knows a bunch of strange things.
Lee Han’s disciple no longer bore that sinister curse.
Actually, the curse hadn’t disappeared completely, but his sister did say that 90% of it had been removed.
-‘Curse Transfer’ is a method to pass a curse that someone has to another. However, to use this method, there are a lot of difficult conditions to be met, also it requires a hefty price. That’s why you should be grateful to this lady. She shouldered all the sacrifices and the price for you. The total amount should be around 100,000 gold coins!
-…Why couldn’t you do the same thing for mine?!
-You wicked guy! You should thank this lady, not start an argument with her!
-Who cares, do it to me too!
-It’s impossible. Do you think your curse and your disciple’s are the same? That kid’s curse isn’t permeated within her body as it’s in the form of a tattoo, while yours has mixed with the blood that flows in your body. We can try draining all of your blood to remove the curse, but it’ll only have 2% of success even after all that. Do you want this lady to do that to you?
-…At that point, just turn me into a sacrifice or something.
-This lady is just stating the truth… Haa, let’s stop this talk here. This lady will tell you this. You still need to be careful, as it takes 5 years for the curse to completely settle into the target of the Curse Transfer. If the target dies during that 5 years, the curse will just return to the host.
-…If that’s the case, can’t I just freeze them so they stay alive for 5 years?
-…Sometimes when this lady sees you, she can’t help but think that you are ignorant beyond belief. Just think about it, if you thaw frozen meat, would the meat still be fine?
-…So, I can’t just freeze people?
-…They say that the more foolish a knight is, the better they are. In that sense, this lady’s little brother is definitely an excellent knight, hahaha.
“…Haa.”
He sighed as he recalled the flaw in his common sense that the medieval princess had pointed out. It was truly a humiliating experience for him.
However…
“Five years, huh…? Wouldn’t it be easier if we just freeze them? That’d make it easier to manage them, no?”
“…”
“…What’s with that warm look?”
“Nothing… I’m just thinking of how much of an excellent knight you are.”
“?”
“Don’t mind me.”
The revelation that he had gained an ‘excellent’ colleague made him happy.
That should be the end of their talk. The sun had already started to settle, and dusk was beginning to fall on the yard.
Looking at that, Roen quietly got up from his seat.
“The conversation went longer than I thought. I’ll go back now.”
“Now you got everything you wanted, you want to leave? You cold bastard.”
“…Would you like me to treat you to dinner? There’s a restaurant that recently opened.”
“A restaurant?”
“Yeah, it’s on the central noble street.”
“…Isn’t the land there expensive?”
“Well, it costs some money to invest in it, but I know I can make profit from it.”
“…Why the hell are everyone around me rich?”
Lee Han grumbled.
I swear I’m the only poor bastard here.
However…
“Forget about treating me to dinner, why don’t we have some pre-dinner exercise?”
Lee Han made that suggestion, implying that there was something he was more interested in than Blackie’s wealth.
“Pre-dinner exercise, you said…”
“Since it’s just before dinner, it’ll only be a light exercise.”
“…I doubt it’ll be a light one at all.”
“Now we are talking.”
Lee Han was satisfied with his response.
Of course he would be. After all…
“You didn’t refuse.”
“…Sometimes, I also want to stretch my body a little.”
At some point, Blackie pulled out his sword. Seeing that, Lee Han stood up in satisfaction.
CH 131
Irene Windler blinked.
“What are they doing all of a sudden?”
The two men had been talking amicably, but suddenly they started preparing for a spar. To her—who had just been enjoying her dessert—it was a bewildering situation.
In contrast to her, Levy…
“They’re knights, Miss Irene. It’s not strange for knights to suddenly want to spar with each other.”
Responded in a rather childish manner, focusing on their movements, as if she was a model student trying to learn as many things as she could learn. At the same time, this was proof that she had accepted herself as a proud knight candidate who was walking the path of the sword.
“I-Is that so?”
[If you don’t understand, just shut up, Arin. Knights don’t need any particular reason to spar with each other.]
“…Ugh.”
It was a barbaric culture that was difficult for a mage—no, for a modern folk like her to understand.
But…
“…W-Well, it isn’t a bad thing. Slurrrp…”
[So you like backs, huh, Arin? I like arms more!]
This sparring wasn’t a bad thing to indulge her eyes in, so there was no way that she’d hate it. If anything, she—and the ghost—was the one who was watching the spar more intensely than other people there.
“…Miss Irene is giving you a burdensome look, Instructor.”
“She does that sometimes. I’m used to it now.”
“And you’re okay with that? You’re such a tease, Instructor.”
“A tease? What? Do you think there’s anything worth seeing in me?”
“…”
I swear, I’ve never seen anyone as dense as him.
Warriors who had reached a certain level would know, the level of physical training varied depending on the individual’s personality and the weapon they used. If they used a simple longsword-type straight sword like Roen, their bodies would be on a thinner side, while those who used spears or broadswords would have large upper bodies that resembled wild boars or bears.
That was why one could say that physical development wasn’t something that they should prioritize. After all, the most important thing was to have a body that was perfect for oneself, not to compare one’s own body to someone else.
However…
This is something else…
There was just something about Lee Han’s body that made others admire it. A ‘uniqueness’ that overwhelmed every other advantage such as disposition, and weapon compatibility.
Just what kind of training did it take to have a body like that?
Those are not muscles anymore, but armor.
Whoosh-!
Lee Han’s muscles twitched, showing their dynamic movements. Roen couldn’t even guess how much strength was compressed in it, but he was sure that even arrows would be deflected if they were to hit those muscles.
A perfect body, similar to Uncle’s—no, it’s something else entirely.
If his uncle, Maximus’ body could be said to be a work of art created by a craftsman called the heavens, then the instructor’s body was akin to a cast iron that had endured pressure more than hundreds of millions of times.
It was hard to say for sure which one was better, but one thing was certain. Both were equally dangerous.
Moreover…
He’s still able to grow even stronger than he currently is…
…It was hard to believe, but he felt that the instructor’s body had grown even more than the last time he saw him. Last time, it was already like a highly compressed ingot, but now, its ‘quality’ had further improved.
“Just what kind of training have you done, Instructor?”
“Nothing special. I just fought a lot and ate some good things.”
“…I want to call bullshit on that, but I don’t think you’re lying.”
“If you’re jealous, why don’t I help you train?”
“No. I have my own path to walk.”
Unlike his uncle or the instructor, Roen had already chosen his path, the path of a pure swordsman. Hence why he deemed it to be important to focus on steadily growing his physical condition and not look elsewhere.
Everyone had a different path suitable for them.
Sreung-!
And as if to prove that the path he took was the right one for him, he pulled out his sword from its sheath. At that instant, the atmosphere changed.
Whoosh-!
The moment he pulled out his sword, a gust of wind blew. It wasn’t just a figure of speech, a sharp aura actually came out from his sword and created wind blades that cut the branches and other things lying around in half. Not only that, the cut was completely smooth, as if they were cut by a sword.
Sword Body Unification.
Roen casually showed the realm of swordsmanship that was known as the realm where people become swords and swords become people as if he was breathing.
Turning into a sword. Even if he didn’t hold a sword, he showed that his entire body could become a sword armed with sharp blades. It was something that was leagues above Sword Resonance.
“What do you think, Instructor? Do you think the path I walk is lacking compared to the path you walk?”
“No. I believe that a guy who focuses on digging a single well is scarier than a guy who does multiple. Those sorts of people aren’t people I can look down upon.”
“I appreciate your evaluation, then…”
Whoosh!
“Excuse me for making the first move.”
Roen formed Sword Energy with his sword. The Human-Shaped Sword Energy, the same one that he used to bring the so-called a new era of Combat Technique. He unfolded it, threatening his opponent.
If his opponent was just a normal opponent, they wouldn’t be able to respond properly the moment they faced the Sword Energy and would have their entire body cut down by him. The Sword Energy he emitted was just that sharp—it was as if it could cut down anything in the world.
However…
Bang-!
“We’re barely starting and you already made a scary move. Fuck, just blocking it makes my bones ache.”
“…The fact that you blocked the Sword Energy barehanded is even scarier, Instructor.”
“Nah, I just did that because I wanted to try it at least once. I won’t do it again though, my hand will just disappear if I do.”
“…”
Roen watched his Sword Energy being blocked like it was nothing, dumbfounded.
The same thought as he always had sprung out in his head. Indeed, the man in front of him was…
An amazing person…
In a lot of ways…
Is this the second time since the first class?
Lee Han thought of how many times he had fought against this guy.
It was the first time in a long while that he fought Blackie. The last time he did was on the first day of class, the same day when he sparred with those arrogant cadets. He had sparred with other cadets quite a lot, but for whatever reason, he barely had the chance to spar against this guy.
Because he kept avoiding me.
It was a big shame. He finally met a worthwhile opponent, but he never had a chance to spar with him. However, right now, Blackie was holding a sword, and that fact gave him as much joy as someone who was finally able to play around with the prickly stray cat he brought home.
Because of that…
Sreung-!
“…You are using a hatchet instead of a wooden sword?”
“Because I think highly of you.”
“…Please lower your evaluation of me.”
Blackie was someone he acknowledged. So instead of using a wooden sword like when he sparred against the other cadets, he took out a blade. This was probably the first time that he didn’t use a wooden or a blunt sword against a cadet, but it was only natural. After all, he didn’t see this guy as a mere cadet, but as a proud swordsman.
This guy is not at the level of a cadet. I can’t take him lightly.
When he first fought against him, he could only guess it, but now he could clearly feel it.
The nobles call him the ‘Young Lion’?
That’s a wrong nickname. This punk…
Is already an adult lion.
If he had to borrow the status window guy’s way to evaluate him…
He’s around Level 7?
Blackie was probably someone who could be described as a Hero-class. He was stronger than the average knight commander, hence why Lee Han wouldn’t underestimate him at all.
And then…
Whoosh-!
“…”
“…Hoo.”
They paused for a moment, glaring at each other, maintaining their silence. Right now, they were testing the water, acknowledging each other’s skills. No one showed an opening, and there was no opening for any of them to dish out the first strike.
Since that was the case…
Thud-!
They stepped forward simultaneously, not to find an opening, but to force the other to make one.
“…This is driving me insane.”
Jack—whose presence was so faint that no one noticed him—trembled as he watched the spar between his lord and his instructor.
Though he was merely a spectator, not a participant, his whole body still trembled.
That was how terrifying the battle was.
Can I become like that someday?
Ever since he became Roen’s subordinate, Jack had lived with the goal of becoming a knight. Even though he had the natural talent of an assassin, he suppressed his talent because he wanted to walk the path of a knight more than an assassin…
Can I even get there?
But, seeing the sight in front of him, he became doubtful that he could even reach the same level as them.
Because of that, the thought of giving up to go back to his original pat—
“Please enjoy these while watching the fight!”
“Ah… T-Thank you.”
Just as negative thoughts were about to contaminate his mind, the maid handed him a drink and some fruits, making his body flinch for a whole different reason.
I-I couldn’t sense her at all…!
Even his master, Roen, couldn’t escape his deception, yet this maid…
“Um, I don’t know much about fighting, so, can I ask you who’s winning right now?”
“P-Pardon?”
“Hehehe, I don’t know who has the advantage over the others!”
“Ah, t-that…”
However, before he could continue his thoughts, Jack had completely lost the initiative. Somehow, he found it hard to resist her request, and without even realizing it, he had already opened his mouth.
“T-The one who’s on the attack is my lord—no, Young Master Roen. He’s using his quick and precise combo, trying to overwhelm the instructor so he doesn’t have any time to attack.”
“Oh… Then, is Sir Knight at a disadvantage?”
“…That’s not it either. The instructor is blocking all those attacks…leisurely…”
Jack’s mouth gradually fell open as he continued his explanation.
The instructor was blocking all of his lord’s combos that flowed like water. Every single blow of his lord was threatening. If it were him, he would count himself lucky if he could roll around on the ground to avoid it, let alone block it.
But if someone were to ask if the instructor found it hard to block it…
He’s blocking them too easily.
Jack was surprised.
No words could describe his surprise. The attack of his master was like a swarm of bees, but the instructor was like an iron wall. It looked like a classic scene(?) or something like that.
By its nature, Sword Energy is already dangerous enough…
Sword Energy wasn’t something that would just increase the cutting power of a sword. It was a cheat technique that increased its power, speed, strength, and penetration.
However, even all that didn’t work against the instructor. Jack could only tip his hat for him.
Vajra Body…
Before he was a subordinate of his master he was one of the instructor’s disciples. He had formally learned Martial Power, and thanks to that, he could roughly guess what kind of technique the instructor was using to block his master’s Sword Energy.
Not a normal one too, it’s an applied technique using the Vajra Body…
Woah…
He couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
From his perspective, the instructor’s techniques were already perfect, that was why he was so surprised to find that there were still rooms for further development.
This was a different kind of admiration from the one he felt when looking at his lord.
If he admired his lord for his talent, what he felt from the instructor was…
Something like admiration for those who pave the way for others…?
Admiration towards someone who showed others that they too, could become stronger, and they too, could become the kind of knight they wanted as long as they put in the effort.
It will take time, but one day…!
“I really hope you become a great knight.”
“!!?”
“Do your best!”
“…”
The maid disappeared with a brisk pace after saying those words, as if saying that her work was over.
With a feeling as if he had been pranked by a fairy, Jack muttered to himself.
“…That person is not ordinary.”
Really, there’s no ordinary person around the instructor.
Jack let out a wry laugh as he realized this.
However, unlike before, a refreshing smile appeared on his face.
Baaaang-!
Woooong-!
The ground turned upside down as the dust filled the area.
This time, the shockwave by the Sword Energy Roen had thrown was particularly powerful. It was on a whole different level than the small blows he had dished out before.
And yet…
“…Couldn’t you be nicer to me? At least show a pained expression a little.”
“What’s the big deal? That one just has a more lasting impact than the others. More importantly, what kind of technique is that?”
“…”
The man in front of him was perfectly fine. Roen even began to suspect that he was fighting a giant, not a human.
Even a Frost Giant wouldn’t be this strong, though…
It was so absurd that it actually made him sick.
As he was about to let out a bitter smile…
“…You should pay more attention to that Average Joe.”
“?”
“That guy. He’s fine now because the maid consoled him, but just now, his state was a little dangerous. It seems like he was about to reach the stage before turning dark.”
“What does turning dark mean?”
“Becoming crooked.”
“…First of all, it’s surprising and degrading that you have the time to listen to other people’s conversation while fighting me.”
“That’s not it. I was just fighting while being mindful of my surroundings. If anything, you’re the one who has a bad habit. Focusing on your opponent too much is dangerous. You should always spread your concentration throughout the surroundings.”
“…”
“Focusing on one thing is good and all, but you can’t neglect everything else. If you do, you’ll come to regret it later.”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
Roen nodded.
He intuitively felt that this was the lecture that he needed right now.
Was I about to make a mistake again…?
He didn’t have the time to look around and lacked the ability to see his surroundings proper. Someone had pointed out this shortcoming of his once before.
Not in this lifetime, but before he went back in time.
He thought he had fixed that shortcoming, he no longer had that kind of tunnel vision unlike in the past, but… It seemed like he was still immature.
Jack could definitely go astray.
In the first place, he was the one who suppressed Jack’s original talent and encouraged him to become a knight. He did all that to prevent the guy from becoming the ‘Hidden Dagger of the Temple’ like he was supposed to be.
But, he had only been suppressing it, never giving the guy any more attention. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’d return to his ‘old self’.
So, he reflected on his actions.
I put in the effort to not make the same mistakes as I did in the past. It would be stupid of me to neglect all the efforts I put in afterwards…
“Whew… People always repeat stupid mistakes, it seems.”
“That’s why you always need to have someone around you to give you advice.”
“I agree.”
Roen already had one right in front of him. A teacher who pointed out his mistakes.
Haa… And here I thought I’d never have a teacher in my whole life…
This fact reminded him again that he had been arrogant.
“I know it’s too late to say this, but entering the Academy was a good decision.”
“Why are you saying that so suddenly?”
“Because I am grateful I’m able to meet the best teacher.”
“…You rascal. Flattering me in a way that doesn’t suit you…”
Seeing how he made a face that didn’t seem to mind his compliment, the man really seemed to not mind it.
Then, suddenly…
“The technique you used earlier, that was condensed Sword Energy, right? It’s a bit like [Lightning Strike].”
“…I was inspired by his technique, yes.”
I know he had a duel with Uncle, but I never expected that Uncle would use Lightning Strike against him…
That means Uncle took the duel quite seriously. What’s the result of that duel, I wonder…?
As far as he knew, Maximus was the strongest knight in the entire continent, so he never doubted his victory. But the fact that the instructor was still standing here even after seeing Lightning Strike…
It could be a draw…
…Roen tried to guess, but unfortunately he couldn’t continue.
“…”
It was only natural. His train of thought was stopped by a huge surprise. Because of that, he just opened his mouth blankly. For the first time, his composure broke and he gawked like an idiot, but who could blame him?
Crackle-!
“-I can’t use my Sword Energy so casually like you, I’m not that talented, and I don’t have the finesse that you possess. But, I can still use Sword Energy. I learned how to back when I was fighting your uncle or whoever he was.”
After all, anyone would act like an idiot after seeing this spectacle.
The light from his axe was brighter while the heat was hotter than the Sword Energy Roen had created.
“Turning Sword Energy into Intent. Let’s call it ‘Sword Intent’ for short, the one you use.”
“…”
“Not a bad name, right?”
“…Ha.”
Sword Intent, placing intent at the tip of your sword?
Though he was unable to take his eyes off the crystallization of power emanating from the axe, it didn’t stop his mind from continuing his thought.
Maybe…
The fight between him and Uncle didn’t end in a draw…
CH 132
This… The potential is better than I thought.
Lee Han was talking about the way of gathering power that was similar to that Maximus guy or whatever’s method.
The basics of this method was the Sword Resonance—something that a skilled warrior could do, but the way the method could be applied was endless, depending on the individual’s skills.
They could materialize lightning, create threads, or even…
Calling up starlight…
Finding how the technique he imitated from that guy wasn’t as bad as he previously thought, he felt a little amused.
Moreover…
I could probably do more than this?
He thought he would be able to make a lot of fun techniques in the future.
Although…
Wooong-!
It seemed like that would have to wait until later.
“Hmm, maybe because I’m not used to it, but it’s hard to maintain it. You punk, just how do you maintain something so difficult? Is it because of the difference in talent…?”
“…You should just swear at me.”
“Why?”
“It really pisses me off when you act like you don’t know.”
Roen couldn’t help but stare at him dumbfounded. If someone who had created a technique that was better than his own swordsmanship on the spot lacked talent, then what would that make him be?
Now I understand why others would swear at me…
He reflected on himself, realizing why his allies and enemies would glare at him whenever they fought him.
Though he already knew that he was a bad commander in his past life, now he came to know that he was also a bad person back then.
This debacle surprisingly made an excellent mirror therapy for him.
Since there were a lot of things going on, their spar lasted a full 80 minutes.
It was too long for a mere sparring, but since they didn’t just fight with swords and axes, it made sense that it lasted so long.
Not only that, they also did the so-called sword debate.
They didn’t just fight with their bodies, but also through language and communication, trying to find a new direction of their growth while pointing out each other’s shortcomings.
“If you rush to me with Swift Swordsmanship, I’ll block it like this and immediately strike your head with an axe.”
“I’ll let you do that and stab your neck right away.”
“…Hmm, why don’t we test that out for real?”
“…I thought this is supposed to be a sword debate?”
“It is, in spirit.”
“…You can’t just call it a sword debate when it isn’t actually a sword debate.”
That was how they engaged in a fierce sword debate, kept hitting each other hard enough but not to the point that they’d kill each other. Time passed in an instant.
And of course, after the sparring…
“The problem with sword skills is that it ate too much stamina. If you can manipulate your sword skills delicately like when you use Martial Power, you’ll be able to use it much longer, Instructor. In fact, if you’re learning Combat Technique, it would be easy to learn the trick, but you haven’t learned it, haven’t you, Instructor? Hmm, if you want, I could teach you the basics right now. If it’s you, Instructor, I bet you could nail it quickly…”
“Even if I learn that now, I think I still won’t be able to do it.”
“Probably, yes…”
As they reviewed their sparring, they shared appropriate advice for each other.
“You don’t have any weaknesses. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that you’re already a master in swordsmanship. Your movements and judgment are also outstanding. If I have to say your problem, it’s that you have tunnel vision. To put it nicely, it means that you’re good at focusing on your opponent, but it also means that once you’re focused, you won’t notice anything happening in your surroundings. Although in a one-on-one situation, that would be an advantage.”
“So, are you telling me to fix it or leave it alone?”
“Neither, make it so that you can turn it on and off. Do that, your shortcomings will be gone. Actually, no, there’s another one. You’re too ‘perfect’.”
“…Are you joking, Instructor?”
“No, I am not. You trying to be too perfect is a problem.”
“How so?”
“To be perfect means to live under a certain standard. It also means that you’re following the path that others have walked. It isn’t a bad thing, but that’ll make you lack imagination and ideas. Attacking someone who lacks imagination is easier than someone who does.”
“…”
“If you become a monster who can split the sea with a single sword, that won’t be a problem, probably, but before that, it will definitely turn into something that haunts you.”
“…I’ll remember your advice.”
Some people might take that advice as condescending words, but the guy listened to Lee Han seriously. As if he also had something he wanted to point out.
And that point was…
“If I were to fight someone like you, Instructor, I would probably panic and lose.”
“Me?”
“There’s no one as unexpected and unique as you, Instructor.”
“What do you mean? I’m just a simple guy.”
“…I hope you don’t go around saying things like that.”
“?”
They continued to spend their time meaningfully like that for a while. When the curtain of night was about to surround them, they put down their weapons.
“What do you want to do now? Do you want to sleep here since it’s late?”
“No. I don’t want to be a tactless guy.”
“That’s so unlike you.”
“…Just what do you think of me, Instructor?”
“Your feelings will hurt if you hear it.”
“…Never mind, please don’t tell me.”
“Haha!”
As Lee Han expected, teasing him gave him a different kind of satisfaction.
He looked like a piece of ice, but he was strangely humane for some reason.
The punk’s not a bad guy.
He’s like any other human; he makes mistakes, and has his own clumsy sides.
Also…
“I wish I could see ‘that’ thing that has been growling inside you.”
“!!!!”
He’s needlessly affectionate at times.
Roen widened his eyes in surprise when he heard Lee Han’s words. At the same time, he made an expression as if questioning how he found out about it.
“I just knew.”
“You…just knew?”
“My intuition has become more sensitive lately.”
Lee Han didn’t know whether he felt it because of the fight they just had, or because his senses had grown sharper due to his increase in level, but he knew for sure that an ‘enormous beast’ was sleeping inside this punk.
It was a little smaller than the archduke’s beast he had seen at the academy before… But its power was undeniable.
“…Seems like your sense is already at the level of Mystics, Instructor.”
“I find it fascinating myself. Anyway, the more your emotions get more intense, the more it reacts, right? It seems like you can’t control it either. That’s a dangerous guy you’re raising there.”
“…I’ll let it slide if you tell me to buy medicine right now.”
“Thank goodness, I’m not a drug dealer.”
Lee Han laughed as he teased him. Meanwhile, the guy’s expression grew more serious. He probably felt embarrassed that his secret had been revealed.
However…
“I won’t tell anyone, so don’t worry.”
Fortunately for him, Lee Han didn’t have a hobby of revealing others’ secrets.
“Besides, what would I gain from threatening you with it?”
“For starters, I’m rich. I can solve anything that can be solved with money.”
“You punk, you’re really calling yourself rich? Whatever, what use do I have with your money anyway?”
“I can give you this much.”
“Look at this insolent guy…!”
Lee Han glared at Blackie who was holding out five fingers towards him, calling him insolent.
What does this guy think other people are?! Does he think he can buy people with money, huh?!
“By the way, these fingers meant 50,000 gold coins.”
“…”
“With 50,000 gold coins, you could probably buy a small territory with a vineyard. That should give you a decent tax revenue.”
“…I see. So you are rich, huh?”
…But, he couldn’t deny that it was an extremely tempting amount.
**** * ****
In the end, Lee Han rejected Blackie’s offer. It would be a lie if he said he wasn’t tempted by such a huge amount of money, but he felt like if he took that money, he would put another leash on himself.
It’s already hard to be tied to one person, why the hell would I want another one?
He genuinely believed that he had made a wise decision, but…
…Maybe, just 500 would be okay…?
It was undeniable that he still felt regretful about it.
[Grrrrrr!]
“…What a vicious cat.”
While he was chewing on that regret, he heard the ‘beast’ growling at him as if threatening him.
Blackie said that he wasn’t supposed to hear it, but strangely, its voice echoed in his ears.
What did they call it again? The Black King?
Not only that, he could also clearly feel its presence.
It was the Mystic that Lionel kept, the one that came from the Lion King. They said that its power was equal to Galahad’s Demonic Sword and the Aura Users of the kingdom.
There’s no way there are two of them in the North. If there were, they’d have left this kingdom and declared their independence already… Is this the punk’s [Regressor Perk]?
Lee Han judged that the Black King that Blackie had did originate from the North, just not ‘the present’ North. After all, if they really had more than one of these, they woulda been claiming independence a long time ago.
It was highly likely that it was a ‘piece of the future’ rather than the present.
One of the most common clichés of regressors is going back in time while bringing one of their strongest powers as a bonus. Maybe that’s how it works with the beast.
And the reason why it’s so weak is because of some kind of penalty…
Indeed. The power that supposedly came from the future didn’t seem to be that strong.
At least, compared to the one that the archduke has.
This was something that he felt. The Black King that had become one with the archduke was overwhelmingly strong. Maximus was unable to move when he faced it, while he himself felt chills running all over his body even though he could only feel its presence.
However, compared to that Black King, the one inside Blackie was noticeably weak, even though it seemed fierce.
Instead of a lion, it feels like a cat.
…Well, even if it’s weak….
“I think I’d have to risk my life if I have to fight that guy. And here I wondered why you quit for on reason in our first duel. It’s because this ferocious guy would go wild if we continue, huh? You’re rather considerate despite your appearance.”
“Let me ask you again, Instructor. Just what do you think of me?”
“A common noble prince—a brat.”
“…”
Just how much prejudice does this guy have against nobles?
Facing his instruction’s hatred towards nobility that came as naturally as breathing, Roen was left dumbfounded.
Sizzle-!
After the sparring, a late dinner began. A generous amount of pork was grilled on a cast iron grill that Lee Han got from an acquaintance, using high-quality charcoal.
The amount of meat prepared was 15 kg.
For reference, Lee Han would be able to eat 10 kg of it alone.
Sizzle-!
The pork fat gave off a delicious smell as it met the hot charcoal. As Lee Han’s acquaintance said, the quality of the meat was good, and it had little to none gamey smell, proof that the pig was a high-quality one.
This kingdom surprisingly had developed things that should be developed…
The kingdom surprisingly had a developed livestock industry. Since their land territory was large, meat was plentiful and cheap. In the case of cattles, they were often turned into magical animals while being raised, so they were considered high-quality food, and were only served on the tables of nobles. That was why commoners tended to consume pork more often than the expensive beef.
Well, considering that most of it was made into bacon, ham, or sausage, grilling it directly like this was an unfamiliar way of eating in the kingdom.
“A Barbarian-style grill, huh? I’ve heard stories of how Barbarians would eat unprocessed meat like this. I heard it’s good for your stamina, and also nutritious. Anyway, it’s surprising that you have interest in other cultures as well, Instructor.”
“…It’s not like that.”
Suddenly being regarded as an intellectual who accepted the culture of a mystical race, Lee Han was left dumbstruck. In truth, he just received high-quality meat—the pig it came from was raised on acorns—as a gift from a restaurant owner he knew well. He decided to grill them to reminisce, but apparently it created a strange misunderstanding.
“I see. And here I thought there was someone else from another world besides me, but I was mistaken…”
“…”
…That person is right in front of you. How could you not tell?
Unfortunately, even though Lee Han had given her a clear hint for her to find a friend from her hometown, the mage chick just nodded her head, convinced by the conclusion she came into.
When will she finally find out?
At this point, Lee Han couldn’t help but be curious. He wondered how long she’d stay like this.
“Eat a lot. Here, wrap it in vegetables and eat it.”
“Wow, there’s a ssam culture here too?”
“I don’t know.”
“Awesome! So it’s something that you invent, Instructor? You’re a genius…!”
“…Is it something worth praising?”
“Yes, it is!”
“…”
At this point, any doubts that Lee Han had about her doing this on purpose vanished. He had given her such a big hint, and yet she was still so oblivious.
Is this the famous rofan protagonist’s curse?
Sometimes rofan novel protagonists acted as if they were waiting for windfalls to hit them. Lee Han thought that she was similar to them.
“Wow! This is tasty! This radish-based dish is also great!”
“…As long as it’s tasty, that’s fine.”
You know what, it’s fine if the kid’s brain’s a little empty.
As long as she’s nice and eats well.
If only she wasn’t a magic freak…
Lee Han shook his head, silently grilled the meat.
“…”
“What’s wrong? Does it not suit your taste?”
“…No. It’s good.”
“Your expression is a little strange, though.”
“…Eating peacefully with someone else like this feels unfamiliar to me. That’s all.”
“…”
He felt a little iffy to reply to what Blackie had said, so Lee Han didn’t say anything else.
“Come on, eat more meat, the vegetables and pickles too, they’re all tasty.”
“Yes, they are.”
“You too, Average Joe.”
“I didn’t expect to eat some free food here! I’m so lucky today!”
“…Why are all my disciples so sad?”
Every time he tried to take care of them, he felt like he was stepping on a landmine, so he couldn’t help but shake his head.
Still…
“Master, it’s really delicious!”
“…Yes, you too, eat a lot.”
“M-Master, you should stop grilling and eat some too! Do you want me to feed you?”
“No, I can eat while grilling. Just eat a lot.”
“…Okay.”
It’s satisfying to see these kids eating heartily.
Is this what being a parent feels like?
“More like this is what being a cook feels!”
“…Maid, stop reading my thoughts.”
“Hehe, I can’t do something like that. More importantly, ah~”
“…”
“Ahhhh~”
Feeling that he shouldn’t reject it, he accepted Leila’s favor in his mouth.
…It’s tasty.
Somehow, it’s twice as tasty as the ones I grilled…
“Instructor.”
“Huh?”
At that moment, Blackie, who had been focusing on eating, brought up an unexpected story. It was as if this was his payment for the meal.
“This is a little a sudden, but the purpose of my visit today is not just to share information.”
“?”
“I want to tell you that there is a possibility that you will be involved in something quite troublesome in the future.”
“…But I already am.”
“It’s different…”
“…”
…Through the words that flowed through his mouth after that, Lee Han could see why the guy had specifically used the phrase ‘troublesome’.
“A ‘Heresy Inquisitor’ from the temple will be watching you up close, Instructor.”
…Indeed. A religious invitation was something worrisome.
CH 133
…When will I get to rest…?
How long will I have to live like this?
The guy couldn’t even remember the last time he slept properly. He never had the time to relieve his fatigue, as he had to work through the night every single day. Even after his work was over, he had no time to rest. There was always something else he needed to do, or something that came up suddenly.
“…Hahahahaha.”
Crazed laughter finally burst out of his mouth. He remembered the time when he used to attend the Academy’s middle school. Back then, summer vacation was a time for him to enjoy his break at the villa owned by his family. The maid was taking care of him, he didn’t need to bother himself with annoying chores. He could also enjoy three nutritious meals every day thanks to his family’s cook.
But now…
“Just how did I end up like this…?”
The guy, Damien Paulet, lamented his current situation.
“Assistant Instructor!”
“…”
“Here’s your food! You should pack your meals!”
“E-Excuse me, Lady Leila. I appreciate you packing my meals, but the bowl…”
“Oh, this? Sir Knight insisted on giving your food in this bowl! He said the bowl is specifically for you, so I should only serve you with it!”
“…Crazy bastard.”
“Yes?”
“…I’m not talking to you, Lady Leila. Dammit!”
“Huh?”
The maid blinked, not knowing what was wrong, and Damien realized once again that this maid was just as bad as that guy.
There’s not a single normal thing in this place!
That fucker really gave me a dog bowl! At least treat me like a human!!!
Assistant Damien Paulet, who was living in a 0.5-pyeong dog house—no, a boarding house with [Made in Yihan] engraved on it, looked up at the sky with tears in his eyes.
Why the hell is the sky so clear?!
I hope he gets hit by lightning!
…He prayed so, but then he realized that the monster wouldn’t die from getting hit by mere lightning. It made him remember once again why he didn’t just rebel against him.
Damien’s heart was once again, clouded by a deep sadness.
Damien Paulet.
He was a resident of the small kennel, or rather a somewhat(?) modest boarding house that was set up in the yard. Originally, he was supposed to spend his days off at the Academy’s dormitory, but for fucked up reason, he had to live here instead of the dormitory.
The reason?
…I’d elaborate, but I’m so pissed off that I can’t even begin!
Back then, he thought the instructor was away, resting, but then he suddenly came back, approached him, grabbed him by the back of his neck, saying, ‘Why the hell are you slacking off? You need to work during the vacation too!’ and dragged him all the way here.
…It was definitely the most terrifying moment of his life.
But even that moment was topped by a whole different moment entirely.
This is hell! Hell I say!
Damien Paulet muttered through his teeth. ‘That guy has no conscience!’
Fucking hell! Why am I working in this kennel?!
With tears in his eyes, Damien Paulet—the sole resident of the cozy kennel, or rather, the boarding house that was set up in the yard—was drowning in the sea of paperwork.
This was originally the instructor’s job. Whether they were instructors or lecturers, all the staff that were working at the Academy were always busy, even on holidays. The reason for that was because they had to prepare for the next semester’s lectures. On top of that, they had to submit 10+ pages of documents, and there were various requests that needed to be made for each department.
Because of that, lecturers, instructors, professors, everyone really, had to run around the Academy frantically, trying to make requests here and there.
Since Damien had done this thing for the instructor for the longest time, he had become an expert at writing such paperworks—something he never thought he’d become good at. He even found out that he became more skillful at handling various things at once.
However…
THAT DOESN’T MAKE ME HAPPY AT AAALLLL!!
He wanted nothing more but to vent his anger. Long gone was the old Damien, who knew not a single curse word, and was armed with elegant dignity, replaced by the potty-mouth overworked civil worker..
Damien was pushed to the point he wanted to run away, but unfortunately…
“Assistant Instructor.”
Flinch-!
“Y-Yes! Instructor…!”
He stood up quickly, gulping down the dissatisfaction that was about to leave his mouth. The pitiful guy didn’t have the guts to show his dissatisfaction in front of this person.
The man, Lee Han, slowly approached, his whole body drenched in sweat. Soon, he looked at the mountain of documents Damien was processing.
“You’re doing a good job. Guess the good air made you more efficient than before, huh?”
“…”
“I was kidding. Finish those quickly then rest.”
“…This is supposed to be your job, Instructor.”
“So what?”
“…”
“What’s with that glare, hm, Assistant?”
“…I’ll finish everything.”
“As expected, you’re really perceptive. Smart guy.”
“…”
“Don’t swear at me in your heart.”
“…I can’t do anything about my feelings.”
“You can’t, but I can. Want me to do that for you?”
“…Damn it.”
“What an arrogant punk. Is it because you’re a noble?”
“Please stop discriminating against nobles!”
Half a year had passed since he started rolling around under the instructor. During that time, the most common sentences Damien heard were:
‘Is it because you’re a noble? You are so…’
‘Rude bastard. Is it because you’re a noble?’
‘Your eyes are dirty. Is it because you are a noble?’
And so on.
He felt like he was going to have Anger Disorder at such a young age.
With his blood pressure that kept on rising, at some point he became a regular at the Academy’s recovery room.
But that wasn’t even the most shocking thing.
It was the fact that he had to do this for another two and a half years that was.
Just the thought alone kept him awake at night, and made him shiver throughout the day.
Perhaps because of that stress…
The recovery room’s priest told this to him:
-Hmm, have you been dealing with massive stress these days?
-W-What’s the problem…?
-You are showing symptoms of stress-related hair loss. How did you reach this point at such a young age…?
-…-
-A-Are you, are you okay?
-…Heuk.
-A-Are you crying?
Indeed. He got hair-loss due to stress at the age of 20.
…It’s the worst.
I want this suffering to end…
And yet he kept telling me that I’m dirty and filthy—!
Bang-! bang-!
He kept giving me all this work, even though he’s just been training all day!
At this point, his complaints came out naturally, but he couldn’t bring himself to rebel.
After all, that guy was the one who was holding his lifeline. And also…
What will it accomplish to rebel against such a monster?
Bang-! Crackle-!
The sandbag, made by tying dozens of heavy horizontal bars together with chains, changed shape and folded in half every time it was hit by the monster.
Then, Damien saw how the thing broke after the monster hit it exactly ten times.
“Haa… Why is this thing so weak? I bought it from him because I trust his goods’ qualities, but… This won’t do.”
“It isn’t the thing’s quality that’s the problem…”
“Then what is?”
“…Are you really asking because you don’t know?”
Seeing the instructor’s oblivious expression left him speechless.
But at the same time, he was scared.
Then again, it was understandable.
Did he get bigger? No, that’s not it… He got even stronger?
Indeed. The guy who had treated the deputy commander of Paulet Family’s Knight Order had grown so much stronger within half a year.
He became so strong…
That it was unimaginable.
…Even if our family’s knights were to attack him in droves, they wouldn’t beat him.
As a descendant of the Paulet Family, a prestigious knight family, he had pride in his family’s knight order. However, after experiencing things, he had grown to be able to see things more objectively and strictly. Hence why he could tell that the instructor’s skills were not at a level that the Paulet Family’s knights could handle.
But, even if they couldn’t…
The Great Noble Families’ Knight Order should be able to. Right…?
Damien, who didn’t know that the man had already fought against a Great Noble Family’s Knight Order, carefully gauged his skills.
As he did, he came to regret his past actions more. It was because of his stupidity of talking smack on the day of the entrance ceremony that he had to get involved with such a monster and lived like this.
I was stupid! How could a descendant of a knight family fail to recognize the opponent’s skills at a glance?! So stupid…! Stupid!
Indeed. The most foolish person was himself, who had failed to recognize the skilled person and was now living in a dog house.
Damien cursed himself again and again.
“…Damn it.”
“I can hear everything, Assistant.”
“…”
“Stop crying. I even made this boarding house myself. You don’t need to pay for rent and meals here! Do you know how lucky you are?”
“I don’t want this kind of luck.”
“Tsk, tsk, you’re so hard to please. Is it because you’re a noble?”
“Please…!”
Though he was a noble, he was a noble who wanted this discrimination to stop.
I need to work this guy to the bone. If I let him have time to himself, his thoughts will start to wonder.
Indeed. Lee Han didn’t make the dreg of a noble kid work in a doghouse just because he wanted to make it easier for himself.
…Yes, him not wanting to do paperwork was part of the reason, so he was perfectly aware that he was using the poor guy.
But, one of the reasons why he treated him so harshly was because he knew what kind of guy the punk was.
Lee Han had known him for half a year, Damien was an idiot by nature.
That was why he couldn’t just let him off easy. If he were to do that, he’d grow arrogant and go back to his old ways quickly.
How could he be so sure?
While I’m not good at handling the likes of him, I’ve seen over a hundred of them.
Because he had seen such a guy turning into failures countless times during his previous life as a non-commissioned officer. Although, he didn’t deny that there were a few things that stood out about Damien.
He was quick-witted, and had at least a modicum of conscience and morality…
In other words, he had room for reform.
Just from hearing his performance during the Ghost King Incident, it was clear that he wasn’t all evil by nature.
Usually, there are two types of bad guys.
Those who become human after you try to talk to them, and those who’ll stay as beasts even after you try to talk to them.
In that sense…
This punk’s the former.
That was an important point.
Even though their first meeting was atrocious, and their relationship was messy afterwards, he still held some affection for him. Moreover, since he was one of his students, he decided to give him a chance.
I’ll keep pushing him.
If I keep doing that, he’ll eventually turn into a human.
They said even a bear could become a human in 100 days, so he should be able to in 3 years.
Anyway, I should make him dig the drain after he’s done with the paperwork.
Then, when he’s done…
I’ll tell him, ‘I told you not to dig there! Fill it up again!’.
Indeed.
Lee Han had already perfectly planned a curriculum to turn the punk into a better person.
At that moment…
Knock-! Knock-!
“Excuse me, Brother.”
An intruder interrupted his precious time.
“…He came again.”
His expression turned serious in an instant. It was as if the thought of this person visiting him at this hour was already enough to make his head hurt.
He made such an obvious expression of disapproval, but the other person didn’t even care.
“Can we please talk today?”
“…No.”
“Oh my… That is too bad.”
“…”
“Still, I wish we could have a talk later…”
“…Please leave.”
Lee Han said as he was staring at the priest who kept trying to lead him to the path of religion.
“A ‘cardinal’ isn’t someone who is supposed to be so free.”
“Hehehe, I have given up such an excessive position a long time ago. Now, I am just one of the ordinary believers, so please treat me comfortably.”
“…”
…Oh, I will do that alright.
It would be easier for him to deal with someone who showed hostility first, but the man in front of him was showing kindness instead, which made it hard for him.
…This is the heresy inquisitor?
The former cardinal-turned-heresy inquisitor was a formidable opponent.
Nevertheless…
It feels like I could break his bones easily with a light hit.
Just looking at him, he couldn’t help but turn into a ‘normal adult’ who embodied the spirit of Confucianism and had respect for elders.
CH 134
“Kunta has question. Answer, Arno.”
“…Uhh, I don’t mind answering your questions, but finish your food first, Kunta. Also, please don’t talk loudly, we’re in a restaurant.”
“Okay!”
Slurp!!
“…You aren’t supposed to gulp steak like that. It’s something you chew and eat…”
Kunta ate—no, gulped five thick sirloin steaks as they were soup. No matter how softly they were cooked, eating them in that manner would surely give someone a stomachache.
Actually, no… It shouldn’t be a big deal for him…
As expected of a Barbarian, truly worthy of their status as a mystical race…
Kunta finished gulping down the steak with a bright smile as that thought appeared in Arno’s head.
“This, tasty. A lot water came out.”
“That’s not water, that’s meat juice.”
“Common language, difficult.”
“Don’t worry, you’re doing well…”
Kunta might have looked a little lacking because he wasn’t good at speaking the common language, but Arno knew more than anyone how wrong that was. If anything, he had a quick wit that was incomparable to anyone else, and he absorbed new knowledge like a sponge.
Some people call Barbarians savages, but they’re just wrong.
Such information existed, as if to disparage the Barbarians. Even though the truth of the matter was, they were just discarding all useless information so they could live in harmony with nature.
If I hadn’t met Kunta, I might have been trapped in that prejudice forever.
Arno knew now, Barbarians were brave warriors and natural strategists. At the same time, they were respectable people who were naturally kind and sincere.
He hadn’t met any other barbarians besides Kunta, but from what Kunta had told him during the days he stayed in his family’s mansion, he could tell how great the Barbarians were.
I wish we could become knights together.
I’d be blessed to have such a reliable companion as him.
“Whew, Kunta ate it all!”
“…Are you full now?”
“No, but Kunta will endure. Kunta is fine eating this little meal.”
“…I see.”
Though he said that, Kunta had actually eaten ten huge steaks all by himself—a total of 7 kg worth of meat.
…He’s reliable indeed, but if we become knights together, won’t he end up eating all of our food?
“Can Kunta ask now?”
“Yes, go ahead and ask.”
“What is temple?”
“You…are asking what the temple is?”
Arno blinked for a moment at the sudden question, but Kunta continued.
“Yes. Most famous and wise old man in Kunta’s tribe said, when Kunta leave, Kunta should be careful of ‘temple’.”
“…”
Hearing that, Arno understood why Kunta expressed his curiosity. After all, the temple was particularly cautious of the mystical races.
“But, all temple people Kunta meet, kind and nice. The priestess in recovery room, pretty and kind. Kunta wants her as wife.”
“…Unfortunately, priestesses and priests of the temple are only allowed to marry after they reach their fifties. Before that, they have to live a religious life.”
“…Kunta’s heart hurt. Is this broken heart?”
“Also, they say that once they turn fifty, they will be rejuvenated back to their teens. It’s as if God is rewarding them for all the hardships they have endured.”
“So, Kunta, wait?”
“…No, just give up.”
Haaa…
Arno was momentarily speechless at his friend’s absurd behavior, but not for long.
“…Fundamentally speaking, the temple is a force of ‘good’. Not only do they heal all the sick people in the kingdom for free, but they also actively do volunteer work.”
“Then, why elder tell Kunta be careful?”
“That…”
Arno looked around. While this was a place where only people from the Offen Family visited, he knew that the temple’s eyes were everywhere. In other words, he had to be careful. He had to make sure that there were no signs of people around them before he could say ‘that name’.
The name of the force that was known as the most dangerous and vicious force in the temple.
“It’s because the temple has the ‘Inquisition’. Perhaps the wise old man you mentioned was warning you to be careful of them, not the temple itself.”
Even the people of the kingdom would be scared out of their wits if they were to confront them…
Arno reflexively frowned as he spoke.
“Why they dangerous?”
“…Among the Inquisition’s members, there are quite a few who ‘hate’ mystical races and insist that they should all be exterminated.”
“…Kunta suddenly lost appetite.”
“…”
Though he thought that someone who had already eaten a whole cheesecake for dessert didn’t have the right to say that, Arno understood his feelings. This was indeed an unpleasant topic to talk about.
“But don’t worry too much. You’re a student who officially came to study at the Academy, Kunta. Moreover, the Inquisition doesn’t commit indiscriminate acts of madness like it used to… However, you should still be careful. I recommend that you don’t walk around the capital alone.”
“…The more Kunta listen to Arno, the more Kunta is confused. Is Arno telling Kunta to be careful, or not worry?”
“Just try to avoid getting involved with the temple, if possible.”
This was the best advice Arno could give, but Kunta still had a frustrated expression.
“Then, what should Kunta do, if Kunta get involved by accident?”
“At that time…”
“At that time?”
“…Just treat it as bad luck.”
“…”
“In any case, it’s extremely unlikely that you’d get involved with them. The Inquisitors aren’t all that idle these days. Unless you’re born with misfortune such as breaking your nose every time you fall, you should be fine.”
“Kunta don’t think Kunta ever get hurt falling down.”
“…When I look at you, I understand why Barbarians are still a minority. Even though you people are strong enough to establish a kingdom since ages ago.”
“?”
Kunta tilted his head, but Arno just let out a wry laugh.
It was a peaceful, ordinary day for the two cadets.
On the contrary to the two cadets who had a peaceful life…
“Brother, how are you today?”
“…I was having a good day until you came.”
“Hahaha, you can even joke around with me now.”
“I wasn’t joking…”
There was someone who could not enjoy his peace at all.
Lee Han—the man who had such a deep misfortune that he’d end up in a sea of fire every time he fell—let out a sigh.
“…Have some tea and go back already.”
“I will bother you for a while again today.”
“…”
I swear this damn guy’s morality is my worst enemy…!
I can’t just act like trash in front of him—!
He hated himself for not being able to act badly toward the kind old man.
…His meeting with the old man, Father Raphael, was something that happened out of nowhere.
He was training as usual when he noticed an old priest holding a cane slowly walking towards his house.
The terrain’s too rough for a walk, though…
Lee Han found it surprising that an old man like him would walk to his house. After all, the terrains surrounding his house were rough—it was like an undeveloped area, even though it was still inside a city. The road was a mess because they never maintained it, and there was a risk of encountering wild animals and being attacked by it on the way.
Moreover, the night was so dark that one couldn’t even see their surroundings clearly even with a torch in hand. In short, his house was a place that people should avoid if possible.
Although, that was the reason why he got it for a cheap price.
In any case, he was completely taken aback when he saw the old man—who seemed to have difficulty walking—come to his house for the first time. Anyone could tell that he was a religious person just by looking at his attire, and he looked like a harmless old man with no powers.
That was why, at first…
-Excuse me, are you perhaps lost?
He thought of sending the priest away kindly. If the old man was indeed lost, he was going to guide him back to the city. He was even willing to carry the old man to wherever he wanted to go.
But contrary to his thoughts…
-Hehehe, no. I came to the right place.
The old man was a ‘big shot’.
-My name is Raphael. I am one of the servants whose life was saved by the Light of Brilliance.
…This was something that he found out later through the guild. The old priest was one of the only 5 cardinals of the Light of Brilliance. Although he had resigned from his position, the old man’s influence was still enormous.
[Cardinal Raphael has reached the 116th age this year, older than the current pope. Due to his faithfulness and selfless nature, he was even nominated to be the ‘Saint’. He had never used his power to rejuvenate himself, only faithfully following the words of the Light of Brilliance. However, he resigned from his position as the cardinal, saying that the position was too much for him. Rumors said that because of this exemplary behavior, he gained a lot of followers among the priests of the temple. Shockingly enough, currently, he is acting as the head of the Inquisition. Even within the temple, there are various speculations as to why he volunteered for such a role. In any case, he is definitely a great person, and if someone dared to hurt him, I dare not imagine how the temple would react. Please tread carefully, and make a wise choice…]
That was part of the contents of the letter he received from Simon, the head of the kingdom’s Guild Union.
Of course the content came as a surprise for him.
He simply couldn’t understand why such a great gentleman treaded on this difficult terrain just to come and see him.
Hence why, at first, he was wary of him, and wondered what to do, but Raphael…
-Today, I just wanted to see your face. I will come again next time.
-…
…Was true to his words. On the first day, he just came to see Lee Han’s face and left.
However, the old man continued to come to his house after that. No matter whether it was windy days, hot days, or rainy days.
So Lee Han…
– …Assistant, bring a shovel and follow me.
-Pardon me?
-We’re going to fix the road.
-Who?
-Us.
-…
Decided to fix the messy road that hadn’t been touched in years. Originally, it’d take twenty workers to turn the road into a normal one in half a day, but he did it with only a single shovel and a useless assistant.
After that…
-Hehehe, the road becomes really comfortable to walk on now.
-…I’m going crazy.
This was the first time Lee Han had faced an opponent as formidable as the old man. It would be one thing if he had shown some hostility, but the old man just came to greet him and left without showing any hostility, so he had no just cause to drive him away.
Also, it wasn’t like he came just to his face either…
-I thought it would be rude to just visit you, so I brought a gift. Do you drink milk…?
He brought goat milk and butter that he had squeezed himself as a gift. It was definitely an act that proved that he was a priest with some sense, so gradually…
-…If you’re not here to bother me, tell me what your purpose is.
-Hehehe, I just wanted to see your face in person, Brother. I want to see the appearance of the hero who saved the royal capital.
-…
-Your appearance is better than I expected. You’re even better than the rumors—surpassing that of the heroes I met when I was young. How about following the Light of Brilliance?
-…Damn.
At some point, his visit came with an invitation to join the Light of Brilliance.
Lee Han to admit…
-He’s my natural enemy…
That he had met the greatest natural enemy of his life.
The old man only gave him a kind gaze without any hostility, he also looked at him favorably for some reason.
Moreover, he didn’t come empty-handed.
For Lee Han, he was more of a ‘normal adult’ than any other old man he had ever seen in the kingdom, so it was extremely difficult to deal with him.
…But he still had questions.
Like, how could such a kind gentleman join a radical group like the Heresy Inquisition? Why did he come to him and not ask him anything?
-Blackie said that the temple marked me as a dangerous person…
According to the regressor, the temple was offended by him to the point that they marked him as a person of interest.
The reason?
Well, no one knew. Of course, he couldn’t say that absolutely had no guess, it was just, he couldn’t think of anything specific.
-I’m going crazy…
That was why Lee Han’s head was hurting.
He hoped that the old man would tell him something, but each time he visited, he always left immediately.
Now, he had came to visit again.
“Hmm, it tastes good. What kind of tea is this?”
“…It’s just tea of dried herbs that grows in the mountains.”
“Heheha, it means I’m drinking the grace of nature. Thank you for giving me such a special treatment.”
“…The herbs grow everywhere, though.”
“No no. I know how hard you worked to make this tea. From picking the herbs, drying them, and making tea for me.”
“…”
“Humility and sincerity, those are the qualities of a true believer!!”
“…Just how did everything lead to that?”
At this point, Lee Han was reaching a state where he just calmly accepted such enthusiastic scouting.
Seriously though, he’s still so energetic for someone who’s over 100 years old.
I can see him live for another 30.
Slurp-!
Lee Han drank his tea as he thought so.
“It was a good meeting today too, Brother.”
“Please don’t come tomorrow…”
“Hehe, I am getting close to you for the first time, Brother, how could I do that? I will see you again next time.”
“…Hmm.”
The old priest’s steps were unsteady as he walked.
His cane looked weak, and his legs looked even weaker than that.
“Assistant.”
“Yes?”
“Carry him. Then rent a suitable carriage to take him home.”
“M-Me?”
“What? Do you want me to do it?”
“…No. I’ll do it. Fuck…”
“You are talking too much, Assistant.”
Damien grumbled and approached Raphael, but Raphael tried to refuse.
“I don’t want to hold a funeral in this midsummer heat, and I don’t want to feel guilty about it, so just accept the favor. I won’t let you refuse.”
“Isn’t this a coercive favor?”
“No, it’s a necessary favor.”
“Hmm…”
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You’re a kind person, brother, despite your appearance.”
“…What’s wrong with my appearance?”
“You made me want to bring you to the temple even more.”
“Hey, answer my question.”
“I will accept your kindness. Thank you. May the blessings of light be with you.”
“…What the? Am I talking to a tree right now?”
Raphael said what he wanted to say, then left with Damien, letting the punk carry him on his back before walkin away.
As the old priest’s back was getting smaller and smaller, Lee Han scratched the back of his head.
“… Kind, huh?”
Hmm…
Is it because he reminds me of my grandfather?
Back in his previous life, it was his grandfather that had raised him after he got abandoned by his parents. He passed away not long after, but thanks to him, he was able to live an honest life and not go astray during his teenage years.
Of course, that didn’t mean that Raphael and his grandfather were alike. Their personalities, speech patterns, and appearances were all different.
However…
He’s a good person…
Lee Han thought that they were similar in the way that they weren’t stubborn, but flexible in their way of dealing with the world. That was how they could keep living uprightly. Even though they hadn’t met for long, his senses told him that Raphael wasn’t trying to ridicule him.
Well, if he came here to ridicule me, I’d have sent him to heaven a long time ago.
Ugh…
This is hard…
Lee Han wasn’t so evil that he’d treat someone who wasn’t fundamentally bad harshly.
At that moment, the sky was getting slightly darker.
He looked at the shadows that had descended and the two silhouettes who were moving away. After he confirmed that even the two shadows had completely disappeared from his sight…
“So, why did you guys come so close today, you wicked bastards?”
Lee Han opened his mouth without looking back.
There seemed to be no one around him.
However…
“It’s fine if you don’t want to come out, but the next time you do this again, you’d have to put your life on line. I’m just inches away from getting mad.”
Crackle-!
Then, as if a curtain call had occurred, someone appeared.
From the curtain of space, a mystical sight, a situation that would make people doubt their eyes, ‘he’ walked out.
“I apologize if it felt like I was testing Sir Knight. I am just guarding the Cardinal.”
“That’s why I’ve been letting you off with it. If not, I would have killed you a long time ago.”
“I see. Seems like you knew all along.”
The man nodded silently, his face barely showed any emotion. At that moment, Lee Han turned around and faced him.
From the way he looked…
He looks like he’d be good at interrogating heretics.
The man was a priest, holding a Bible in one hand and a bell in the other. He was wearing a dull, old priest’s robe with dark shadows around his eyes and gray hair.
His dead eyes, like those of a dead fish, made him look older than his age, and he carried an atmosphere that was even darker than his old priest’s robe.
Normal people would shrink in fear when they looked at him.
But for Lee Han…
“What are you waiting for? Scram.”
“…”
He was just a guy who made him think whether he should break his head or not.
CH 135
“This lucky bastard!!!”
“…What are you on about?”
“Cardinal Raphael, of course…! Do you know how many believers wish to talk to him?! People are even ready to spend money just to have a meal with him! But you!! The guy who doesn’t even care about religion! Got to spend that precious time with him…!!”
“Really…?”
Jake visited him to deliver news regarding the Tunnel, so Lee Han just told him about the things that happened recently. But, after hearing that, he just kinda exploded like this, making Lee Han blink at him blankly.
Anyway, Lee Han already heard that Raphael was a great person, but he never did he expect that his authority was that high. Nevertheless, he still believed that this guy was making too much of a fuss about this.
“But, why are you calling him ‘Cardinal’? Didn’t he step down a long time ago?”
He was genuinely curious. The old man was already on the verge of retirement, and yet this guy somehow was still making such a fuss.
“…If other believers hear that, they’d choke the lives out of you.”
To that, however, Jake pressed his brows together, as if finding that his question was mind-bogglingly crazy.
“He stepped down from being a cardinal because he didn’t want to continue holding that position. In reality, he could have an even higher position than that. It wouldn’t have been strange if he had become the pope. In fact, if he really wanted to become a pope, more than 40% of the priests of the temple would immediately step up to support him.”
“…I see. So he isn’t just any other old guy.”
“…You live in this country. How the hell did you not know him?”
Jake said, perplexed. This was the equivalent of hearing a citizen of the kingdom said that they didn’t know about the previous king.
“Dude, I’m not a temple nerd like you.”
“…Nerd? What’s that?”
“Someone like you.”
“…Why does that sound like an insult?”
“It’s not. Forget about it, dig the ground quickly. It’s about to get dark.”
“Ugh…”
Currently, they were making a field in the yard. They had pulled out all the weeds, removed all the rocks and pebbles, tilled the soil, mixed some fertilizer in it, and watered it to make the field usable for planting something.
Originally, this work would take several days, but Lee Han succeeded in clearing a little over 80-pyeong of land by himself in less than half a day.
“Whew, finally done.”
“…Do you really have to do something like this?”
“It’s called being self-sufficient. I’m gonna plant radish over there, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, and peanuts over there, and lettuce and cabbages over there.”
“…So you are serious, huh? What about that big field over there? What are you going to plant there?”
“Chili peppers.”
“Chili peppers? That unique spicy plant that they brought in from the west? The one that they used for torture?”
“…Yeah, it’s spicy, but torture? What the hell are you on about?”
This was the first time Lee Han heard about it being used for torture. He really just bought it so that he could sell its seeds in the neighborhood.
Before he realized it, someone had already misunderstood his intentions.
“You cruel bastard, who are you going to torture for you to plant such things?”
“…I’m planting it to eat it, you medieval bastard.”
Lee Han cursed, feeling wronged. In his eyes, the guy was making too much fuss over mere spicy ingredients. If the guy could just see how people in his previous life relieve stress with capsaicin, he wouldn’t even think of saying such things.
But sadly, he couldn’t. The medieval knight genuinely thought people would die if they were to eat spicy food.
“You’re going to eat something like that? Are you trying to increase your pain tolerance? Huh, actually, that does sound like a good training method…”
“…”
…I think he has a strange misunderstanding.
“Let’s leave it at that…”
However, Lee Han just shook his head, thinking that this misunderstanding was better than the previous one. After all, if he were to try to explain it, it would only hurt his jaw.
After that, the two of them continued clearing the field and planting more crops. Apart from swordsmanship and volunteer work, there were many other professions that would bring knights honors, but farming wasn’t one of them. Some knights would probably faint if they were to see what the two knights were doing.
However, one of the two knights was of a common birth, while the other one hailed from a poor, fallen noble family. These two didn’t have any aversion towards this kind of work. If anything, quietly digging the dirt, munching some snacks while resting, gave them a refreshing feeling.
After they did more work, and the assistant brought them sandwiches as their snacks…
“…Dealing with Divine Technique is tricky.”
“Huh?”
“You should assume that all the inquisitors belonging to the Inquisition know how to use [Divine Technique]. Since you don’t have any connection to the temple, I assume you don’t know much about it. So, Divine Technique is different from magic. It’s [mystics] that was given to the people by the Light of Brilliance—it’s like a mixture of magic and Combat Technique. However, due to its power and nature, mastering Divine Technique is extremely difficult. The inquisitors are the people, the human weapons who had overcome all those difficulties and became able to freely use Divine Technique in actual combat.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
“…What’s with that reaction? This is related to you.”
“Why are you telling me this? Do you think I’m gonna fight them?”
“I’m not thinking, I just know that you’re going to fight them. So, be careful.”
“…”
Alright, that’s just a wrongful accusation!
How could he say such a slander to a pacifist like me, huh…?
…Still, no matter how lacking my conscience is, I can’t really refute that since my track record is just that bad…
But in the end, he had to admit it.
That…
“The moment I saw them, I felt a little dirty.”
Even without that feeling, considering how he was recently involved with a group of fanatics, his discomfort had reached its peak. And then the Inquisition was suddenly trying to disturb his life. It went without saying that he was feeling stressed out.
And what was even more frustrating was…
I still don’t know why they’re watching me.
Indeed, he didn’t know why. Raphael was kind, and he never forced anything onto him. The old man just chatted with him and left, so it was all good. He didn’t seem to have any intention of harming him either.
That was why he left the old man alone.
But…
If that punk from before appears before my eyes again, then…
He might not tolerate it.
“Do it moderately. If you lose the temple’s favor, it’ll be hard for you to live. Especially in this kingdom—losing the temple’s favor means you can’t live here. So, be careful.”
“If that time happens, I’d just go into exile.”
“…In other words, you have no intention of doing it moderately.”
Seeing his friend’s smug face, Jake just shook his head.
As if telling that Jake’s concerns was unnecessary…
Chirp-! Chirp-!
“I heard that kid was acting rudely after I left. I’d like to apologize to you, Brother.”
“…I’m happy to receive your apology, but do you really have to come here at the crack of dawn just to tell me that?”
Old Man Raphael came back, saying those words.
It was early in the morning, the sparrows were still bustling about. Even Lee Han’s hair was still messy, so his grumble to the old priest was justified.
No matter what his intention was, visiting at this hour was just wrong.
“I have a prayer service scheduled for the next four days, so this is my only free time. My heart aches when I think about not being able to meet you, Brother, haha.”
“…You have such a faithful life, don’t you?”
“It’s only natural. Oh, if you want to attend the prayer, you can come anytime. Our temple always welcomes new brothers.”
“I will politely and sincerely decline.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.”
“…Assistant!”
“Damn it… I want to sleep more…”
Hearing the old priest passionately spreading his faith this early in the morning, Lee Han wanted nothing more than to send him away quickly. He noticed this, but the priest just smiled at him.
“Oh, by the way.”
“?”
And then, suddenly…
“While I’m away due to the prayer service, that child and other brothers might bother you.”
“…”
The old man made such an ominous prediction.
“They are faithful followers of the Light of Brilliance, but they got carried away sometimes, so I’m worried that they might bother you.”
“…If you know, you should stop them.”
“I’d like to, but there are many who ignore the words of an old man.”
“… Even though you are a cardinal?”
“Haha, how can there be ranks in the temple, except for the almighty Light of Brilliance? Everyone is equal.”
“…You are saying so many words just to say you can’t stop them.”
“Haha, forgive me. In any case, please…”
Rustle-!
“If those brothers are bothering you too much, you can tell them off. It’s fine.”
“…You’re giving me permission?”
Raphael gave him a brief smile and a high-grade holy water.
“I had thought about this for a long time, but you are a true gentleman.”
“That’s a pleasant thing to hear.”
The unofficial highest-ranked member of the temple gave permission for him to scold those guys, so there was no way that Lee Han wouldn’t feel elated about this.
It’s a refreshing feeling.
I feel like I can get along with this old man.
He realized that having a sensible adult around was a really good thing.
“What a pleasant brother.”
Raphael refused Lee Han’s offer to be carried and walked along the dirt road on his own. It was difficult for him to walk without the help of a cane, but the Light hadn’t called him to THEIR embrace yet.
Until that happened, he figured that he should walk on his own.
“Haha, this wasn’t here yesterday, was it?”
Still, the consideration of the new brother was pleasant to see.
The well-paved road was very comfortable to walk on. There were no rocks that could make him trip over, and there were also chairs placed under the shade of trees at every step.
It was as if the new brother was telling him that he could rest there if he was tired.
A broad smile appeared in his lips as he realized that the knight was more considerate than he had thought.
And then…
“Just like Senior said, he is a great stimulant.”
He thought of a certain senior priest who had introduced him to the new brother; the senior priest who had been as devout as him in the past, but now had long retired.
“…Senior is a little bit of a swindler, though.”
The aforementioned swindler had gained a new job as a [butler] after becoming younger through Divine Technique. But he did not speak for nothing.
“In any case, the other brothers should be beaten a little too.”
His mind wandered to the past.
-Get down, you rude little rascal!
Back when he was young, back when he had been beaten, or rather scolded, by his senior to correct his wrong beliefs.
“Hehehe, now that I think about it, it’s a nostalgic memory.”
Raphael walked peacefully, hoping that the memory the other brothers would experience in the future would turn into a nostalgic memory for them too.
All while humming a happy tune.
CH 136
Scribble-! Scribble-!
A man was writing on an old piece of parchment.
Even though various types of writing utensils—such as ballpoint pens—had been developed recently, the man still wrote with a quill pen made from bird feathers. However, judging by his beautiful handwriting and the fact that the ink did not leave any smudge on the parchment, anyone could tell that the man was quite skillful with the pen.
[The 10th angel who follows the Light stated that they would take on all the sins of this world. So at the entrance of hell, in order to save as many people as possible, the angel—]
“…”
As he wrote, the hand that had been writing down the contents of the Bible stopped for a moment. The ink was smudged, prompting him to let out a frown.
This was a rare occurrence. If those who knew the man well were to see this, they’d tilt their heads in surprise. After all, as far as they knew, this man was someone whose expressions rarely changed.
At that moment…
“Is this the so-called ‘anguish’…? As the monks had mentioned?”
He realized that his condition was not normal.
His heart fluttered and trembled. It was the first time he ever felt so restless. He pondered where this distress came from, as his hand was still holding the quill.
He thought that, maybe, if he kept doing what he was doing, he’d find the answer…
“Pierre, get ready.”
“…What’s with this rude conduct? What do you think you are doing?”
After calming down the stuffiness in his chest, the man turned his gaze at his colleague who was interrupting his train of thoughts. His eyes lit up coldly, angry due to his colleague opening the door without permission.
However, the other person just ignored his aggressive stance.
“I don’t care if you think I’m rude or whatever, just get ready quickly. We are going to commence our attack soon.”
“…”
“If even half of the information about that knight is true, his power is at least equivalent to that of a knight commander. All of us need to gang up on him.”
“…Hasn’t the cardinal told you not to make a fuss?”
“That’s exactly why we should finish it quickly so this matter doesn’t turn into a huge fuss.”
“…Is that why you waited for the cardinal to leave?”
“It’s just a coincidence.”
“…”
Pierre was neither foolish or stupid enough to not know that those words were lies.
He wondered if it was the right thing to do to disobey Cardinal Raphael’s words while hanging out with these people.
“Remember, he’s a heretic. Our role is to interrogate heretics who rebel against the Light.”
“…”
…Even after hearing that word, Pierre still hesitated.
Is this the right thing to do?
Is following that guy’s words equivalent to following the will of the Light?
While swallowing countless questions like that…
“How long do you think the cardinal will protect you? Remember, that [secret] is not eternal.”
“…”
“If you know, then move immediately.”
“…Understood.”
Pierre did not resist any longer. Rather, he could not.
Though, his anguish still made him hesitate.
I can’t not serve the Light…
If his secret was revealed, he would no longer be able to stay in the temple.
Hence why…
…It cannot be helped.
He used that excuse, rationalizing his actions.
…He knew that it was cowardly, but he—
“What I want to tell you is, cowardice or self-rationalization is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, people are beasts that can’t always be brave or smart.”
“That’s prejudice… .”
A small objection was heard, but Lee Han just shook his head.
“You think like that because you haven’t experienced much of the world yet. Try to visit a gambling den or a back alley. You’ll see how low humans could go in those places.”
“…”
“Anyway, what I’m trying to say is this. Assistant, it’s fine for people to be a little cowardly and less courageous. But…”
“…”
“It’s a sin for an ‘arrogant noble child’ and an ‘assistant’ to be lazy and rationalize his laziness.”
“…What’s with all those damned modifiers?!”
“Hey! Why are you cursing at me, you rascal?!”
Damien’s eyes were filled with tears.
Is this even right?!
I was just taking a nap and pulled out a few less weeds in the field! I didn’t deserve to be treated this way!
No, even before that—-!
“I have the right to rest too! Assistants are people too!!”
Damien shouted as if he was venting his resentment and anger at the unfair treatment, but Lee Han just silently looked at him.
“‘Assistants’ are people, yes, but you aren’t just an ‘assistant’. You’re an ‘assistant’ with an ‘arrogant noble child’ modifier attached to it. So, you aren’t a person.”
“!!!?”
“You can’t rest. You still have 2 years and 5 months to go. If you think you’re going to be treated like a person, then have your conscience checked.”
“Stop with this prejudice towards nobility, you crazy guy!”
Bang-!
“Aaak!!”
“How dare a slave, no, an assistant, resist his instructor’s words?!”
“…Shit.”
“Your mouth is getting dirtier, huh, you punk?”
“…”
“What? Are you crying?”
“…”
“Yeah, cry more. You’ll feel better after crying. If you feel better, you’ll be able to work harder.”
“…Keuuuk!”
“Look at this kid…”
Lee Han clicked his tongue. This was the first time he’d seen such a vicious guy—he just made himself faint just to rest a little longer.
The assistant had fainted and the maid had gone to see his elder sister for a while—she wouldn’t be back until dinnertime at least.
This meant Lee Han finally had some time to himself, but he didn’t do anything special. He just went through his usual routine of training and eating, the same old things.
“Hmm, what should I do for the next semester?”
Apparently I only need to add some schedule to the curriculum?
Currently, he was thinking about and organising his class’ contents for the next semester. Originally, he was going to ask the assistant for his opinion and decide on the content of the lesson together with him, but the guy had been sleeping for 30 minutes already.
It was probably because of the intense mental shock and fatigue that had been ailing him.
“Stupid guy. Kids these days are way too entitled. Acting like this just because of simple errands.”
But Lee Han just frowned, thinking that he hated this display from him.
Shiver-!
At that moment, Damien’s body was shaking as if he was having a spasm, but Lee Han withdrew his attention from him and looked at the next semester’s class content that he had written on the blackboard.
「The Chicks – Thanks to jumping rope, they have gained some stamina. It would be good to teach them strength training and light self-defense. Maybe teach them judo, eye poking, and ballbusting (need to teach them enough to knock a punk or two before graduation).」
「The Bears – Since they’ve gained some physical strength, it’s probably time for them to gain some combat experience. Have them fight the criminals in the ‘Parasitic Abyss’ (in war on crime fashion?). While gaining actual combat experience, it would be good to have them do cliff training and survive in the forest with their bare bodies for about a week. Additionally, it would be worth considering 5-day-no-night training.」
「 The Young Masters – If they’ve gained enough physical strength and strength, they could do the same thing with the bears. However, since they’ve learned Combat Technique, it seems like it would be okay to test if they can last 10 days without food (wouldn’t it be okay to drop them on a ‘stone island’ in the middle of the ocean so they can’t escape?).」
“…Hmm.”
Lee Han carefully read the contents of his personal opinions. At the same time he was pondering whether he was going too far or not.
“Actually, maybe making them fight against criminals is too far.”
Maybe it’ll be better to catch a few bears or tigers and have those guys fight them with their bare hands. No matter how strong they are, they’re still too young to get their hands dirty with the dirty criminals’ blood.
“Haa… I’ve become soft.”
As he thought so, he became worried that he might be raising his first batch of disciples like plants in a greenhouse without even realizing it.
“What do you think?”
“…Are you asking me?”
“Who else do you think?”
“…First, I recommend that you don’t go with that 5-day or 10-day-training thing. If you aren’t careful, it could lead to big trouble.”
“?”
“…Have some mercy on your cadets.”
The man, the battle priest belonging to the Inquisition, was terrified.
Gulp…
He broke out in a cold sweat.
Not because of the gruesome content the knight had written on the blackboard, but rather…
…He already knew I’m here?
The priest had heart about how their [Concealment Divine Technique] didn’t work against this man.
However, he had dismissed it as a lie or a coincidence. That was how much faith he had in the [Divine Technique].
Divine Technique Users are supposed to be completely in sync with the surroundings! No one should be able to feel our presence…!
And yet, this man could feel his presence. The battle priest couldn’t hide his bewilderment. The fact that this man could see through his Divine Technique, meant that his senses were comparable to those of a wild beasts’.
As the battle priest raised his alert level…
“There are so many of you here today, hm? Nine… No, eleven if I include those who are trying to snipe me?”
“!?!!”
“You guys are really going all out, huh? As soon as Raphael leaves, you did this? In a way, it’s amazing.”
“…”
…As expected, this knight is dangerous….!
The battle priest clenched his jaw and raised his eyes sharply as he took a stance.
“Lee Han Totle, member of the Order of Silver Lion. You are being suspected of heresy.”
“Me?”
“…You showed up out of nowhere, showcasing such skills…”
“??”
“Phew…!”
The battle priest took a breath.
Trying to focus the knights’ attention on him even a little.
“… A mere knight who had no notable achievements since joining the Silver Lion suddenly began to rake in so many achievements after being appointed as an instructor at the Academy. Most of those achievements are also related to the [heathens]. There is also circumstantial evidence that you were involved in the collapse of the Tunnel the other day.”
They had come not just because a knight with no merits had suddenly achieved countless merits, but also because the circumstances just completely fit in with their suspicions.
In a way, they were just doing their job. With that kind of circumstances going on, they couldn’t just rule out the possibility that Lee Han was related to the heathens and was working together with them to accumulate merits.
It was a completely reasonable suspicion.
“If you want to clear up the suspicions, surrender and let us tie you with the ropes. If you cooperate, I promise not to treat you harshly…”
“I think I’ve heard enough.”
“!!!”
Crack-!
…When did he become so close?!
Suddenly, the battle priest was hit by Lee Han’s fist without even being able to respond.
No, saying that he was hit by his fist would be inaccurate.
It was just a tap. A tap that hit the center of his chest…
“K-K…Eugh…! Eugh…?!”
The battle priest folded forward, finding it hard for him to breathe. Then, an excruciating pain hit him as his whole body felt like it was being torn apart.
No…
Crunch-!
Crunch-!
It was actually being torn apart.
“This is called Twisting the Muscles and Bones. Stay like that for a moment… I’ll be back to you soon.”
“…!…!!”
The knight declared indifferently while the battle priest shed tears of blood as blood vessels burst around his eyes. He clenched his teeth hard as he almost fainted, but sadly, the pain kept him awake. So, he could only tremble while screaming inwardly.
At that moment…
“…Wow, I guess the instructor really treats me like a human being.”
The noble child assistant who, at some point, had woken up, looked at the fallen priest’s appearance. Still lying flat on the floor, the child realized that he really had been treated as a precious(?) human.
He then turned his gaze towards the instructor, who was walking leisurely as if he was taking a walk.
“…Hey, you inquisition bastards, are you guys in your right mind?”
Seriously, if they want to come and deal with the instructor, they should’ve brought the entire Templar Order. Why are they coming with so few people?
Ah, wait, could it be…?
They just want to go to Avalon early? Is that it?
Well, the current world is a little dirty, so I understand their sentiment, considering them being a part of the temple and all…
But still…
Our instructor doesn’t kill people easily…
─If he thinks he could show you what hell on earth looks like, he won’t hesitate to do that.
“…After all the things I did, I ended up being treated like this… Tsk.”
As their senior who had stood up to the knight long before them, Damien clicked his tongue in sympathy.
After all, he knew precisely what they would end up like.
CH 137
Divine Power.
One of the ‘first Mystics’ given to humans by the Gods.
The Sun God and Moon God who had existed since ancient civilizations and still have the greatest influence in the Western and Eastern Continents. There were also the Sea God, Earth God, Sky God, and many more who were relatively old but had a small number of believers.
The first thing these ancient gods gave to mankind was the flame called Divine Power. The more devout the believers were, the more powerful their Divine Power became.
That was why most ancient nations were often religious nations. First, they expanded their territory using their Divine Power. From there, they developed an agricultural society, and eventually laid the foundation to establish a nation.
However, as the number of people abusing their Divine Power for their own wealth and power began to increase, religious nations became more and more corrupted. People then started to see those guys as those who defiled the name of God and punished them. Those people were called the first inquisitors, the [Heretic Inquisitors].
It was said that the first Heretic Inquisitors used the Divine Power as if it were their own hands and feet, and it was only later that they realized that these methods were similar to the principles behind magic and Combat Technique.
However, there were methods that were much easier to use and more powerful than Divine Power. It prevailed against the test of time and stayed superior even in the present age.
Divine Technique. A fighting technique that used the Divine Power as base that was said to be created by an unknown wandering monk. However, no matter how convenient it was, it still had its limits.
-The Divine Technique is ultimately nothing more than a shortcut. If you want to become truly strong, it is important to constantly train yourself by instilling the Divine Power in your body, not just by blindly honing your Divine Technique.
That was what the wandering monk said.
It was indeed a convenient technique, but ultimately, it was nothing more than a ‘shortcut’ to utilize the Divine Power. That kind of power would never surpass the ‘real thing’.
However, even after hundreds, if not thousands of years, the Divine Technique was still one of the temple’s greatest combat powers. It was the fighting method that symbolized the Heretic Inquisitors. Even after thousands of years had passed, they still hadn’t stopped developing it.
Perhaps, if the founder of the Divine Technique saw its current state, he’d take back the words that he had said.
That was how confident the inquisitors were in their Divine Technique.
…And they held the same confidence even now.
“We’ve been had. Get ready to unleash the Great Divine Technique!”
“Understood!”
As soon as the Heretic Inquisitors saw their fellow battle priests being defeated so easily by the knight, they quickly reorganized their ranks. They knew that their comrade wasn’t someone who could be beaten so easily, yet he fell in an instant. This meant the knight was even stronger than they had expected.
Because of that…
“We’ll match our treatment with his ability.”
Great Divine Technique. A sacred technique that would take more than 30 priests to perform, but since each inquisitor held the power of 10 priests, they could perform it even if there were only 9 of them here. And so, they…
“[Please bring down the Mace on the heretics].”
Protection of the Mace.
It was a Great Divine Technique used to catch violent and large monsters like wyverns or drakes. The other name for this technique was [Earth’s Trap].
And then…
Rumble-!
As soon as the Great Divine Technique was activated, an enormous pressure poured down on the earth. Rocks were crushed like sand, and trees were crushed like weeds. It was a Divine Technique that literally overwhelmed the entire surroundings like a ‘mace’ falling from the sky.
Even if the opponent was a knight commander, there was no way they would be able to escape from this technique. Of course, they wouldn’t be able to break through it either.
“Woah! This thing’s pretty nice for a workout!”
“…”
“See, see? It stimulates my muscles nicely! How long will this last? Can it last for 2 hours at least?”
“W-What…?!”
“I asked you a question, so answer me, you bastards.”
Crack-!
“!!!”
One of the battle priests who was performing the Great Divine Technique suddenly fell to the ground with his jaw turned. It happened in an instant, leaving the battle priest who appeared to be the commander bewildered.
What just happened…?
Bang–!
Bang-!
Rumble-!
However, his bewilderment didn’t end with just that.
The battle priests who were performing the Great Divine Technique were hit by an unknown blow and fell to the ground one after another.
“Y-You! W-What did you do!!”
“Hitting A Cow Across The Mountain.”
“…What?”
“You don’t know? Then you deserve to get hit.”
Bang-!
Seemingly annoyed by one of the battle priest’s loud, high-pitched voice, the knight gifted him a special punch. Because of that, the battle priest’s face was dented with a fist mark.
It was a completely different type of attack.
“By the way, this one’s called Hundred Steps Divine Fist.”
Thud…
The priest fell down without being able to respond properly.
Bang-!
Even after knocking down the annoying guys in front, there were still some guys who hadn’t moved yet. At that moment, Lee Han saw two priests on both of his sides trying to attack him with tremendous acceleration. They were swinging their awls to stab him with it.
He felt a strong murderous intent from them, but…
Bang-!
“?”
“??”
He just hit the awl.
However, the awl didn’t pierce his skin at all, as if it was blocked by a wall.
“T-The Penetration Protection is on, s-so how…?”
“Do you think I will answer if you ask?”
Crack-!
After that, Lee Han lightly twisted their wrists, twisting them in the wrong direction, prompting them to glare at him.
“Oho, I see you guys are stronger than these bunch, huh?”
Judging by the fact that they didn’t even scream, it was clear that their strength was quite considerable.
And so…
Tap-!
“Since you seem to be good at enduring pain, try enduring this.”
Crackle-!
“!!!!?!!!!”
Twisting the Muscles and Bones
Originally, it was just a torture technique. Even in martial arts novels, it was rare to see it being used as a means of attack, but here, Lee Han did exactly that.
It wouldn’t be accurate to say that his understanding of human’s muscles and bones, extraordinary combat senses and various other things made it so that the technique was usable in real combat.
Of course, it sacrificed the intensity of the pain compared to when it was used as a torture technique, but it still didn’t diminish its effectiveness. It would still be difficult for anyone to endure it.
Whoooooosh-!
While appreciating his own work, Lee Han noticed a flying object flying towards him. An arrow. A gift from the sniper who had been sending out murderous intent from 1.5 km away.
It was as if the arrow had its own will, and Lee Han couldn’t help but observe the arrow as if amazed.
And then…
Whoosh!
He kicked a rock nearby as if it was a soccer ball. His gesture was light, as if he was playing, but the power contained within the rock was by no means light.
On the contrary, it was extremely heavy…
Bang-!
And astonishingly destructive.
Sun Piercing Spear, or rather, Sun Piercing Stone?
It was the arrow that got shattered midair. After that, Lee Han approached a nearby tree.
Crackle-!
He uprooted the tree, as easily as if plucking a flower. That was how extraordinary his strength had grown.
If someone wanted to overwhelm him with force, they would have to bring at least a thousand-year-old troll or ogre.
Crackle-!
At that moment, Lee Han took a stance.
A javelin throwing stance.
Wooong-!
Then, he used his entire body as a springboard and lightly bounced his body before he ran. Gathering all his strength, he delivered them all to the tree.
Lee Han couldn’t guarantee the accuracy, but as long as the tree hit the ground, its surroundings would be devastated. No matter how hard his enemy tried to run away, there was no way he’d be able to escape without a scratch.
Bang-!
It was just a simple throw—he didn’t use Sun Piercing Spear or anything. But, its power and speed was incomparable to the arrow that had just flown towards him.
And then…
─Banng!!
A sound like a bomb exploding echoed from a far away distance.
“…Did it hit?”
However, he couldn’t be sure that it actually hit the sniper. After all, he wasn’t properly aiming, just following his instincts.
At that moment…
“…You are even ignoring the Deadshot Protection? Your strength is truly unreasonable. Even if you’re not a heretic, that’s the kind of strength that you’d only get from a heretic’s sorcery.”
“So you’re the last one. Hm? Ah, so that’s why you felt familiar.”
“…”
“I let you off easy once already. You won’t expect me to do that twice, will you?”
“I am not that shameless.”
“That’s good to know.”
“…”
“By the way, you can take that out.”
“You already know?”
“How could I not when I smell so much gunpowder from you?”
“…Is that so?”
Clink-!
This priest was the same priest carrying the Bible and the small bell Lee Han had seen the night before. He took out a revolver from inside his Bible and just like that…
Bang-!
He fired towards Lee Han.
In this world, guns were just muskets invented for the nobles to hunt—it wasn’t a common weapon for combat. In the first place, guns weren’t that effective against monsters. Also, even if an intelligent monster got their hands on them, they wouldn’t be that threatening.
They could be developed more, but there was a risk that the commoners might use it to rebel in the future. Hence why the development and distribution of guns in this world was extremely slow.
Bang-!
But, if one were to say its research was being done carelessly because its development was slow…
Bang-!
That couldn’t be more wrong. Even though the gun Lee Han faced was just a revolver, its power was comparable to a sniper rifle. If it hit him, he wouldn’t be able to get out of it scot-free, even with Vajra Body.
Its power had transcended the laws of physics—not something a normal revolver could produce. They probably created it with Divine Power, or it was specially made.
Whoosh-!
However, Lee Han managed to read the bullet’s trajectory and dodged everything. Indeed, the eyes of a trained knight were fast enough to react to the movement of bullets.
He even thought that he could just approach the opponent and subdue him.
However…
Boom-!
“?”
“As expected, I can’t subdue you with my bare hands.”
“…No, you can try harder. Please.”
“…”
“I won’t kill you, so just keep going.”
“…Hmm.”
His opponent’s fists, or rather, his fighting technique were quite good. It was a fighting style that mixed joint locking techniques and striking techniques.
The closest thing Lee Han could think of when looking at his opponent’s fighting technique was…
Systema?
Damn!
Lee Han couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. He never expected to see something like that in this world.
Seeing that, he thought that maybe…
[Gun Technique], huh?
A mix of martial arts and gun shooting.
It was a martial art often seen in movies that had a heavy focus on guns. If someone who was skilled enough to handle guns and learned a considerable level of martial arts used it, the martial arts would turn into a force to be reckoned with. No, actually, in this case, said force to be reckoned with was probably the gun instead of the martial arts.
Bang! Bang! Bang!!
The battle priest in front of him was not only skilled in martial arts, but also had considerable marksmanship. He controlled the recoil of the revolver using the Divine Technique, so his body didn’t even jerk back, his accuracy was also decent.
“How come you keep shooting me? How many bullets do you have in there?”
“This is also Divine Technique.”
“Wow~ Damn, what a broken technique!”
“…”
“Why are you looking like that?”
“…I just didn’t expect you’d say that.”
“?”
Lee Han was wondering what kind of nonsense he was spouting, but that thought only lasted for a moment. He then continued to fight. However, rather than a full-blown fight like when he fought Maximus, he only responded with bare-handed martial arts while adjusting his strength appropriately.
If he wanted to, he could end it anytime.
His fighting skill is not bad.
It was refreshing.
His technique was one thing, but his martial arts mixed with his gun shots stimulated Lee Han’s interest and made him want to mix things up a bit more.
That’s why…
“One hour.”
“?”
“If you can hold out for one hour, I’ll let you go.”
“??”
Lee Han’s meaningful statement made the battle priest confused for a moment, but after 30 minutes passed…
“So that’s why you said that…”
Drip-! Drip-!
The priest’s whole body trembled as his sweat poured down like rain.
One hour.
He finally realized that those words really meant that he’d let him go if he fought for an hour without fainting.
Unfortunately, his physical strength was already nearing its limit.
While his opponent…
“C’mon, you can keep going. Get up already, you gutless bastard.”
“…Are you even human?”
Didn’t shed a single drop of sweat. Even his breathing was still calm and steady.
“Cheer up, you can do it!”
“…Don’t you think it’s a bit much to cheer on your enemy?”
“My enemy? You?”
“…”
“And here I thought you guys came here to act cute. Heh…”
“…This is more humiliating than being treated like an insect.”
That was when the battle priest—Pierre—realized.
Their opponents didn’t even consider them as enemies, but mere toys that he could play around with as much as he wanted.
Realizing that fact…
Clack-!
“I’d rather die.”
Pierre aimed the gun between his own eyebrows and pulled the trigger. As if he wanted to pay for everything with his death.
However…
“You can’t do that.”
“…”
“You think you can just run away like that?”
“…”
…Watching the bullet that had been fired spin around between the knight’s thumb and index finger, Pierre was truly at a loss for words this time.
On the other hand, Lee Han…
“Seriously, you got decent skills and talent, but your mind is too rotten. How come a rotten bastard like you exists?”
As he spewed his anger like a dragon being targeted by royal ire, Lee Han picked up a stick that was rolling on the ground. It was just a plain wooden stick, but the moment he picked it up, it somehow came alive and felt as solid as iron.
“You rotten brained bastard! You deserve a thousand lashes!”
“…”
“Lay down on your belly.”
“What?”
“Lay down, you fucking rotten brained bastard!!”
After that, Lee Han continued to swing his whip regardless of what the battle priest was trying to say.
Whip-!
Pierre’s mind flew away.
After that, everytime he lost consciousness, the knight would pour water to wake him up. When he felt like he was going to die, he would pour a potion on him. When he was exhausted, he would feed, then he would swing his whip endlessly again.
This went on and on…
Pierre kept passing out from the intense pain that he could never get used to, and every time he woke up, he had to watch the whip hit him. It was as if he had fallen into a hell where he’d suffer eternal pain…
This went on for 4 days, and then he had an epiphany.
…This knight is actually keeping his word.
A thousand.
Just as the knight said, he was hit a thousand times over four days.
How did he know that?
“Assistant, how many times does this bastard have left?”
“Um, you have hit him 480 times?”
“Are you sure about the number?”
“I wrote it on the blackboard everytime you hit him.”
“There are so many people to hit, it’s a bit confusing.”
“T-That could be true.”
“Oh, you’re awake. You only need to be hit 520 more times. Assistant, count accurately.”
“Understood…”
…Because, the knight kindly told him how many times he had left every time he woke up.
CH 138
“First, let me apologize to you. I’m so sorry.”
“Please don’t bow your head like that. It makes me feel like I’m the bad guy here…”
Seeing the old priest who was bowing his head so low made Lee Han feel guilty. His heart pricked seeing the old man, or rather, a man so old that he could be called ancient, a 116 years old man, apologizing to him so sincerely like this.
Because of that, he tried to get him up, but the old man…
“Age has no meaning in the face of a mistake. Besides, by principle, an older person is supposed to lead an example and apologize when they made a mistake.”
“…I’ve known this already, but you really are a real adult.”
The old man’s manners left Lee Han in awe. Once again, he realized how outstanding he was as an adult compared to the other adults he had ever seen in this world.
Feeling more favorable towards the old man now, Lee Han opened his mouth again.
“…Really, I just worked hard because you gave me a deposit. When I looked into it, the holy water you gave me was the highest-grade one that took three years to make. The price was also astronomical.”
To explain it in martial arts terms, the highest-grade holy water was something like ‘Shaolin Great Rejuvenation Pills’ or ‘Void Stalactite Milk’. In other words, it was a precious elixir that no money could buy. It was a treasure that wouldn’t only cure all kinds of diseases, but also grant someone a healthy life afterwards. Its value was comparable to pure troll’s blood.
For a knight who made a living with a sword, it was like gaining an extra life, so receiving this felt like an excessive down payment, a way too satisfactory of a deal.
Moreover…
“In my opinion, that kind of down payment is too excessive for dealing with those kids. A few gold coins would be more appropriate.”
“They are valuable combat personnel of the temple, though, hehehe.”
“…Those guys?”
That statement made Lee Han raise his eyebrows.
It was only natural. After all…
“Even a group of idiots are more notable than them, though?”
Except for one guy, they were all atrocious.
Though his evaluation was borderline mockery, the weak guys…
“Ugh…”
“K-Kill me…”
“Ack… Ughhh…”
Could do nothing but howl in agony, like a pack of beasts.
“…”
The only one Lee Han could evaluate as decent was the red-haired priest who was able to endure more pain than others as he closed his eyes.
“…”
…At that moment, Raphael looked at the red-haired priest, Pierre, with a sad look.
“You must have heard that you are being accused of heresy, brother.”
“That gnoll-like statement is actually true?”
“Embarrassingly, yes.”
“Okay, that’s just scary. How could someone who’s just living normally in this world suddenly get suspected, and get his life threatened? How could one live in this world when this kind of thing could happen?”
“…It’s due to the temple’s lack of virtue.”
“Hmm…”
Lee Han recalled the battle priest’s words three days ago, when he accused him as an heretic.
If I remember correctly…
“They’re suspicious of me because I came out of nowhere and raked in those achievements, aren’t they?”
“That’s merely a superficial reason.”
“?”
“The real reason the Heretic Inquisition suddenly designated you as a heretic is because some high-ranking priests and cardinals in the temple had delusions that they were harmed by you.”
“What the…?”
That answer was the kind of nonsense that left Lee han speechless.
Seeing Lee Han blinked in bewilderment, Raphael let out a sigh for the first time. A rare sight, considering that he had never lost his composure so far.
“…It may sound like an excuse, but it hasn’t even been two days since I found out why you were labeled a heretic. Before that, I just decided to make my move because the brothers in the Interrogation Department were acting suspiciously and seemed to be targeting you.”
“So, you were protecting me?”
For Lee Han, this was a surprising revelation. Of course, assuming that he wasn’t lying.
He volunteered to act like a shield for me?
To summarize, Raphael was protecting Lee Han, who was being targeted by the temple without even knowing why.
Now that the reason why the old man visited him every day was revealed, Lee Han felt both gratitude and a strange feeling toward him. After all, they were merely strangers. But, there was another emotion that came before those two.
“Why?”
Why did he protect him? That ‘curiosity’ came first. Before they met, they were just complete strangers. Why did he decide to act as his shield and go against the temple’s wishes? Not to mention that he was also the most senior person in the temple.
To this question, Raphael…
“Isn’t it obvious? What can’t I do for someone who has been wrongfully accused? I am a worthless human, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t move.”
“…”
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t help you much, and my weak body is inadequate to stop them. I needlessly caused you to suffer. Even though I gave you the holy water, that’s still worth less than an innocent man’s body and the emotional wounds you almost suffered for no reason. If anything, the holy water is nothing more than a cheap consolation prize.”
“…No, I am satisfied enough with it.”
“Are you trying to console me, brother?”
“No…”
He had realized this before, but…
This man is a real and proper adult…
Lee Han exclaimed in admiration, thinking that he had finally met an adult he could respect for the rest of his life other than his grandfather.
The old man’s attitude of a self-sacrificing saint who’d help others without even trying to look for a reason was an attitude that no one could imitate. Naturally, Lee Han was in awe.
Someone like him…
Is someone worthy of being called a ‘great man’.
There were many people who unintentionally became Raphael’s eyes and ears all over the temple. Even now, those people still respected him and treated him like a cardinal. Naturally, he was thankful towards these helpful people, and thanks to that, he learned of the temple’s corruption not long after he made his new resolve.
What he managed to find out about the corruption was none other than…
“To summarize, the high-ranking priests of the temple…”
They had a ‘share in the Tunnel’.
“So, when that share becomes a wasted piece of paper due to the Tunnel’s collapse, they get angry at me and declare me a heretic?”
The Tunnel was a prison to the worst of criminals and also the largest fertilizer production site in the Southern Continent. Due to its nature, it also became a perfect place for someone to hide their dirty money to avoid the royal family’s eyes. In other words, it was a ‘safe asset’, like gold which value would never go down.
And to take advantage of this, the high priests of the temple bought shares in the Tunnel, and it just happened that…
…I turned it into dust.
They probably thought that the Tunnel would never collapse in their lifetime.
And yet, it took only one—no, two knights to collapse the place that possessed a hundred years of history. Those who invested in the Tunnel probably suffered losses comparable to the guys who invested a ton during the [Dutch Tulip Mania] at the very least.
It was an unexpected situation, and it wasn’t hard to understand why they ended up hating him, but…
“How could members of a religious organization order someone’s assassination because they lost some money? They even sent guys who are supposed to punish the heretics.”
“…”
“There’s no way that the temple didn’t know that the Tunnel was a real ‘den of heretics’.”
“…They knew.”
“And yet they are holding me responsible?”
“…”
“Is this right…?”
“…Even if I had two mouths, I have nothing to say.”
“Wow… Really?”
“…”
“I’m going crazy… I don’t even know what to say.”
He took the old man’s silence as affirmation. This time, he was truly surprised and lost his cool. Yes, he could understand that someone would be angry if they had lost their property, and it was normal for them to vent their anger on the person who caused it.
However…
For the people of the temple to do something like that…?
A bunch of religious guys who are proud to believe in God in a world where God really exists?
I’m not getting pranked, right? Is there a hidden camera nearby?
That doubt came to mind, so Lee Han ended up hitting his forehead.
…It hurts.
Through history lessons, Lee Han had learned how terrible it could be when religion became corrupt. However, he only learned about it, and he had never actually experienced it. To him, it was like stories more than anything.
However, now that he directly experienced the ‘corruption’ and ‘degeneration’ of religion, he came to fully understand with his whole body that the depravity and unpleasantness were beyond imagination.
It was so bad that the back of his neck had turned cold…
“Wow, just wow…”
He was even amazed.
Now I understand why they told me to not get involved with the temple if possible.
Blackie the Regressor and Timid the Status Window Guy. Those two guys both had warned him about the temple.
-Don’t get involved with the temple, Instructor.
-Be careful of the temple, Instructor.
Now he knew why they said that.
Those fuckers are more stinky than I imagined. Like ‘filthy dregs that stink worse than filth’.
“It’s really regrettable… I never thought something like this would happen while I was away for a moment…”
“…It’s not your fault, is it?”
According to the information Lee Han received from the guild, after he stepped down from his position as a cardinal, Raphael had been on a pilgrimage. For 7 whole years, he had only been spreading the word of God, living in line with nature.
But then he suddenly returned one day…
It was like a big shot in politics that had announced his retirement, suddenly returned to the scene.
“Was the reason you returned and became an inquisitor related to the current temple’s corruption?”
“That’s right. I didn’t think something like this would happen in just 7 years…”
“Hmm, I don’t think that’s the case.”
“Huh?”
“The corruption must have been progressing slowly, you just didn’t know it. After all, it’s not normal for such a huge organization to become corrupt in just 7 years. This means, the progression has been happening in secret, everyone’s been doing it behind your back. It’s not hard to make a fool of one person with just 5 people, let alone more…”
“…”
“Or I could be wrong.”
“…Heheh, no, that sounds right.”
Raphael made a cold expression after hearing Lee Han’s words. It was as if he had gained enlightenment from his words.
“Really, I was so indolent and ignorant. Rather than going on a pilgrimage, I should have stayed at the temple and made an effort, even if only a little.”
“Can a person change a group by working alone? Once mold grows, its growth will be uncontrollable.”
“…Brother, you really are kind, despite how you look.”
“What’s wrong with my appearance?”
“Hahaha.”
“Are you laughing at me?”
The old priest laughed with a much more relaxed expression. It seemed as if the burden on his heart had been lightened a little by talking to the man in front of him.
Then, the knight and the old priest continued their conversation.
And that lasted for quite a while.
As their conversation was almost over, Lee Han came to know why he was accused of being a heretic and that there might be more people targeting him.
Raphael did tell him…
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll do my best to protect you.”
Though he didn’t have much of a position, he had the dignity of the oldest real adult in the temple. If he wanted to, he could act as a shield to Lee Han.
His resolution could be seen in that statement, and Lee Han was grateful for that. But…
“No, you can just let them.”
“…Brother?”
“Let them come. I need a decent sandbag anyway.”
If the temple’s fighters were of a higher level, he would’ve welcomed Raphael’s offer with open arms, but they weren’t.
So…
Even if they keep coming, they won’t cause any damage.
He deemed them as a decent sandbag to help him pass time. Besides, he already felt the limit of training by himself, so having the opportunity to fight the opponent who could utilize the unique power of [Divine Power] was a refreshing stimulus.
In addition…
If all the Heretic Inquisitors are like this bunch, they won’t ever be able to handle me.
They were atrocious.
Though he had said that jokingly to Raphael, his statement was true.
They are like the Young Masters, no, the Silver Lion.
They just put their trust on their Divine Power and go wild.
While they could bully those weaker than them, they were no match to those who were just slightly stronger than them. In other words, they were just thugs who could only believe in their Divine Power and ran wild.
That Pierre guy was pretty good though.
While the other guys just believed in their Divine Power, that guy had trained his skills and body well, treating his Divine Power as a supplementary means. His display was quite impressive, and it left Lee Han wanting to see more from him.
…However.
His mentality is rotten.
Lee Han frowned.
Indeed. The guy had great skills, but his mentality was among the worst. Just because he was at a disadvantage, no, because his defeat was certain, he immediately tried to commit suicide.
He was the type of person that Lee Han hated the most.
Disrespecting people who struggle to survive even when they live in suffering like that…
That guy might have great talent, but he was worthless as a human, so Lee Han did not hide his contempt at all.
“Hehehe, I guess that kid disappoints you deeply.”
“…Yes.”
“…Please be lenient. That kid has suffered plenty.”
“That’s not an excuse. Not even ‘He’s still young and doesn’t know the world’ is an acceptable excuse.”
“…”
“Are you wondering why I said that? It’s because I could tell by just hitting him and looking at his skeleton. Just by seeing how he keeps his ‘outer shell’ until the end, I could already tell how vicious of a guy he is.”
“…It seems like I’ll find myself to be surprised a lot while I’m together with you, Brother.”
“Well…”
While Lee Han was laughing…
Thud…
For a moment, the red-haired priest fainted again from the pain.
And then.
Paat!
Just like a snake shedding its skin, the priest’s skin peeled off and the red-haired priest’s true appearance was revealed.
He was smaller, and his skin was a little smoother—
“Um, I’m just wondering, but, is he a man because he identified himself as a man? If so, I can understand, but…”
“Is that what you’re really curious about?”
“What else do I have to be curious about?”
“…”
One should respect others’ identities, and Lee Han knew of this well.
…Although, though he’d respect others’ identities, that still wouldn’t stop him from raising his fist. After all, his fists were fair to all genders.
CH 139
Pendragon’s Royal Academy opened its main gates again.
Mount Vulcan heat was still hot and sweltering, but soon it would disappear as if it was an illusion. After all, the time when the fairies of winter and ice would visit wasn’t far off. By then, the heat would be neutralized, and the green leaves would turn red.
The second semester.
It was the beginning of the second semester at the Academy.
Whoosh-!
“Mother, this is the central fountain, the landmark of the Royal Academy. Isn’t it huge?”
“I-It’s amazing. But, is it really okay for me to come into a place like this?”
“Brother, there are so many gorgeous people…!”
“Big Brother!!”
“…Can you speak in turn, please?”
Barry Cobbs.
Also known as Bear Number 11. His family was overwhelmed by the grandeur and splendor of the Academy, but he could understand why they felt that way.
Because I was like that too at first.
Only he knew how much his heart trembled and how his legs turned into noodles the first time he set his foot in the Academy.
To the past Barry Cobbs—who had only ever lived in the countryside—the Academy, or rather the entire royal capital, seemed like a different world. Hence why he could sympathize with his mother, who had only lived on her farm her entire life, with his younger sister, who had to grow up early because she had to help the family make a living by sewing, and with his younger brother who had only just begun to speak.
He knew that they would probably be intimidated by the sight and felt like they were walking on eggshells, but he wanted to show his family this place. After all, this was the place where he learned for the past few months.
I wanted to show it to Father, too.
His father had decided to stay at home since they still needed someone to take care of his babbling twin brothers at home.
According to his father, he had been to the royal capital when he was young, so he was fine with not coming, but Barry Cobbs knew. The reason why he didn’t come was so that his wife and his children—brimming with expectations for their visit to the capital—could come in his stead without worry.
Next time, I’ll bring him here! I’ll do my best so that I can advance to my second year!
On every first day after the summer break, the Academy let the cadets’ families enter its ground. Apparently it was so that the Academy could show the parents that they had been taking good care of their children, as well as allowing them to take a look at what exactly it was that their children were learning.
Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad I could bring them.
His family still couldn’t take their eyes off the magnificent sight, while Barry Cobbs couldn’t hide his delight.
At that moment…
“Barry, where is your swordsmanship instructor?”
“Huh!? W-Why so suddenly?”
Barry Cobbs was taken aback by his mother’s sudden question.
However, Mrs. Cobbs said to her son.
“So suddenly? Not only did he take care of you, but he also basically raised you. I heard that you were able to stay in the Academy because he taught you so well. Even the most ignorant people know the worth of teaching and how great an opportunity it is to be taught. He can not only be considered your benefactor, but also our Cobbs Family’s.”
“W-Well, t-that…”
“I’ve been wanting to visit him in person and greet him, so this is the perfect occasion. Let’s go and meet him.”
“U-Uh…”
Barry Cobbs started to sweat, but his mother’s stubbornness left him with no choice but to take her to the Swordsmanship Department. He knew better than anyone that once his mother had decided on something like this, there was nothing he could do to dissuade her.
I…might be screwed…
Barry Cobbs was extremely reluctant to see his mother and the instructor meet.
Of course, he respected the instructor. His respect to the instructor was only below his respect to his father, maybe even equal. Not only was he strong, he always kept his words, and also he willingly taught the ordinary cadets, including him, skills that were comparable to Combat Technique.
And, as far as Barry Cobbs knew, he was someone who was the closest to an ideal knight.
However…
Respecting him is one thing, introducing him to other people is another thing…!
Just thinking about him already made his body tremble and his stomach tingle. That was how intense his presence and the sense of intimidation he exuded was. Even if they weren’t warriors, anyone who laid their eyes upon him would have this anxiety that he was going to attack them at any moment whenever they faced him.
That’s how fierce the instructor’s impression was.
I hope Mother’s heart is strong.
And that was also why Barry Cobbs felt anxious.
“Brother? Why are you sweating so much?”
“Big Brother!!”
“O-Oh, it’s nothing…!”
As he tried to swallow his anxiety, Barry Cobbs could see familiar faces approaching the Swordsmanship Department.
“Mother, do we really have to go?”
“Dad, I told you it’s really okay!”
“G-Grandma? Do we really have to go?”
They were his classmates, who were also heading to the Swordsmanship Department with their families. For some reason, the young masters, the chicks, and the bears were all gathered on the first day of school.
Their eyes met for a moment, and in that instant, sympathetic feelings that crossed the barrier of social status resonated in their hearts.
Indeed. Regardless of their statuses, parents all thought similarly.
And soon after.
Rumble-! Rumble-!
They arrived at the Swordsmanship Department’s training grounds. Ominous thumping sounds were echoing from there.
Then, the thing that entered their eyes were…
“Wow, Big Brother! That thing is bigger than an ox!”
“Y-Yeah…”
His younger brother, who was still so innocent, simply said the thing that he saw. Meanwhile, the other cadets and their families simply let their mouths agape at the absurd sight.
There was the instructor, carrying hundreds of sandbags that were as big as an ox—no, they were bigger than ox, all by himself.
Without breaking a sweat, no less.
“Huh? Why are you guys here?”
He asked calmly.
But, rather than replying to his question, all the cadets there asked him a question inwardly.
…Why do you look even more inhuman every time I see you?
“Sorry for letting you see this unsightly part of me, I’ve been working since early in the morning. You are the mother of Bear Number 11—no, I mean, Barry Cobbs, right?”
“Y-Yes…”
“Welcome. It’s my pleasure to finally meet the wonderful mother who’s raised such a wonderful son.”
“…Oh my.”
“Mom?”
Surprisingly, the instructor was good at dealing with parents.
“He could adjust to his classes well, so there’s no need to worry.”
Contrary to his appearance, he was kind and didn’t hesitate to reassure the parents.
Aside from the shocking impression on the first meeting, the rest of the conversation wasn’t a problem.
However…
“W-Will our child be able to become a knight?”
“I almost fainted. My child suddenly started jumping rope or something. She worked so hard that her hands were shaking…! Why did you make my child do something like that? What if my child develops unsightly muscles because of that?”
“Ahem, I heard you’re a member of the Silver Lion? How did you end up falling to this level?”
Some of the parents were surprisingly aggressive. Seeing their parents’ behavior, the cadets’ faces instantly turned pale.
And as they expected…
“He’s going to be a great knight. He’ll definitely have plenty of fun after he graduates, so trust him, Madam.”
“Please don’t worry about that. Muscles aren’t something you can build just by jumping rope. If anything, you should worry about your own body. I can tell just by looking at you that your body isn’t okay. Your back hurts and you get tired quickly these days, right? That happens because of lack of exercise! Instead of worrying about your child, you should worry about your own body first!”
“What? Are you picking a fight with me right now-?”
The instructor didn’t hold back. He’d treat polite people kindly, but he didn’t hold back when facing ignorant people. Because of that, some parents almost got into trouble with him.
“C-Calm down, Instructor! I’ll apologize on my parent’s behalf!”
“Father, apologize quickly! If you don’t, our entire family might just fall apart—!”
“I-I’m sorry…!”
Fortunately, the cadets always managed to douse the situation before it got too volatile.
Their instructor was someone whose temper would change drastically if he got angry; a complete 180 compared to when he was acting kindly.
Facing that temper, a nobleman who provoked him felt a chill down his spine, and even lost strength in his legs.
He’s still the same.
However, seeing the instructor like that made the cadets feel relieved. Seeing him acting the same as always made them feel that school had finally started again.
But…
“By the way, Instructor, what are those sandbags?”
“Ah, these? These are training aids for you guys.”
“Huh?”
“I’m thinking of making you guys climb a cliff with these. Well, each of them only weighs 30 kg, so don’t worry.”
“…”
“There are also 50 kg and 100 kg ones. I’ll gradually increase it as you guys get used to it.”
“There’s no way we can just not worry about that…”
…On the other hand, the fact that he was acting the same as always made the cadets’ heads ache.
It seemed like they couldn’t expect this semester to be an ordinary one.
After the opening ceremony ended, the parents left and the cadets of the Swordsmanship Department gathered. A total of 80 cadets. A number that proved that none of the first-year cadets had been expelled or dropped out.
Looking at other departments, there were many who failed their exams and were expelled, or voluntarily dropped out because they realized that they weren’t skilled enough. But it wasn’t the case at all in the Swordsmanship Department.
This was possible because every single one of them got excellent grades on their exams and were confident that they would be able to remain in the Academy.
Just looking at the fact that there were no drop-outs even among the commoners, it meant that the first-year cadets of the Swordsmanship Department this year were excellent.
But the cadets themselves would say this:
It isn’t because of our own achievements or anything.
The only reason we’re able to survive is…
Because of that person’s skills.
“Why are you guys here? Isn’t there a week break period for your courses registration? No need to show up during that time, classes won’t start until after that period is over anyway.”
However, at the moment, the instructor who had made all 80 cadets survive was harshly criticizing them.
“It just happened…”
“We came here to say hello, but it seems like everyone gathered here by chance, hahaha…”
Some cadets threw those witty responses to him.
Meanwhile, the instructor who had forced all 80 cadets to survive…
“Why are you guys so needlessly sincere…?”
Only clicked his tongue, feeling that the situation was absurd.
Judging by the fact that they seemed happy after hearing his words, it was evident that they had gotten used to him to some extent.
“Whatever. Since you guys are already here, why don’t you do some sparring before you go back? Of course, if you want to fight me, I’ll welcome it.”
“I refuse.”
“…”
They really just came to say hello, they didn’t want to fight the dangerous guy.
After all, people should fight people, not monsters.
Also, they planned to return to their respective dorms after greeting him.
“Master, I’ve finished the transfer of those people as you instructed.”
“Yes, good job. But, Female Bear…”
“Hm?”
“People? No, no, that isn’t it.”
“U-Um? But, aren’t they…?”
“No. People? Haven’t I told you? Those guys aren’t people.”
“…”
…At that moment, the cadets doubted their own eyes.
Watching nine people dragging iron balls with chains on their ankles—not to mention their leashes—made the cadets question their reality.
At a glance, they looked like slaves, but…
“Oh, don’t misunderstand. Those aren’t slaves. I brought them from outside. You can call them ‘Assistant Interns’.”
“…”
“Isn’t that right, Intern Number 1?”
“…”
“Where’s my answer?”
“That’s right-!!”
“Why did your answer come so late?”
“I will correct myself!”
“Haa… Don’t act like a smartass in front of the kids.”
“Understood!”
“Tsk, just when will you convicts become proper humans, hm? …Assistant!”
“Yes, Instructor!”
“You’re their senior, so take care of them well. Handle them appropriately, and don’t oppress them. Do you understand?”
“Just leave it to me! I’ll make sure their total sleep time for the week doesn’t exceed 1 hour!!”
“Heh, so you know what’s up.”
“Hehe, thank you.”
…None of their brains could keep up with this sight.
However, one thing was clear.
Damien… That bastard looks really happy.
The punk’s face looked so happy that he almost cried.
“Stand up straight! Didn’t you hear what the instructor said?! Don’t even think about sleeping from today onwards! Keep in mind that your evaluation scores depend on me! You intern bastards!”
Damien, the assistant who was at the bottom of the Swordsmanship Department, was simply overjoyed by the fact that there were people who were lower than him.
…Though, it was rather ironic, considering that these guys were heretic inquisitors, so Lee Han couldn’t help but wonder if Damien could handle the aftermath.
But, unbeknownst to Lee Han…
Fuck, I don’t care! I live in the present!
The assistant was passing all the complicated matters into his future self.
CH 140
Two weeks before the start of the semester.
When the old priest told Lee Han the reason why he was being suspected as a heretic and was being targeted by the Heresy Inquisition.
Lee Han…
-You must have the list of cardinals and high-ranking priests who are after me, right? Can you give them to me?
-I don’t mind giving them to you, but why do you need them?
-Well, I figured that I should go and talk to them myself. I’d rather talk things out, you see?
-Hehehe, that’s a lie.
-…
Was planning to go back to being an assassin for a bit.
He thought that if he could somehow assassinate the higher-ups who were after him, the temple wouldn’t target him anymore.
Of course, he was confident that he could pull that off.
After all, as long as he used his abilities well, he could even become the ‘Second Coming of the Shadowless Thief’ in this world.
-There’s a reason and value in confronting Tristan head on, but when it comes to the temple, there’s no such thing.
Just as killing flies or mosquitoes wouldn’t make someone feel guilty, Lee Han felt the same way about the high-ranking officials of the temple. He wouldn’t feel like he was getting his hands dirty if he were to kill them.
As Lee Han confidently spoke about what he wanted to do with them, the old priest…
-That’s not a bad idea.
-…?
Casually agreed with him, leaving him shocked.
-…I know I was the one who said it, but is that really okay?
-Hehehe. My discipline isn’t crooked enough to forgive the evil servants who sell the Light’s name. Sometimes, it’s necessary to use extreme measures. Don’t worry, even if you commit that sin, I’ll take it all and go to hell in your stead.
-N-No, I don’t want that…
Now that he could take a look closer at the old priest, it was clear that he was willing to take a step further than him in this regard.
-…However.
-Um?
-Punishing them isn’t the answer.
-…Keep talking, I’m listening.
-Thank you. What I’m trying to say is this. To use your words as an example, pests will keep coming back no matter how much we kill them. It’s like when you find an ant in your house, that means there are already thousands of them scattered all over.
-…Even if we kill them, new pests will keep on appearing, is that what you mean?
Lee Han could agree with his assessment.
There was an old saying that went, ‘If you try to catch a flea, you’ll end up burning down the whole house’.
Though the real meaning was that one could ruin something big because of something small, it could be interpreted this way too.
-If you want to eradicate all the pests, you have to be prepared to burn down the whole house.
In other words, if they wanted to catch them, they’d have to pull them out at once by their roots.
If Lee Han only killed the high-ranking people in the temple, he might feel better and things would be resolved right away, but that didn’t mean more annoying people wouldn’t come after him from the temple at a later date.
The temple had already started to pay attention to him, so the second batch of pests would definitely come out and linger around his ears.
And of course, they wouldn’t come in peace.
-Moreover, the Heresy Inquisition’s Inquisitors are a group of people who don’t know how to give up. They will send more powerful people to attack you, Brother. If they were to send the Special-Grade Inquisitors, even if it’s you, the damage you’ll suffer won’t be small.
-Are they strong?
-Rather than strong, I should say they are not picky about means and methods, so they are not easy to deal with. Instead of you, they will target those around you instead.
-…If that were to happen, the temple and I wouldn’t be able to live under the same sky, you know?
The temple wasn’t a small force, but if he moved alone, he was confident that he could take them down completely by himself in 10 years.
It was not arrogance by any means, it was confidence.
He was a narrow-minded person who wouldn’t just move on after being forced to suffer. He’d only feel satisfied when he returned what he suffered through ten—no, a hundred fold.
-That would be a tragedy. For both you and the temple. That’s why, from my perspective, I think it would be better for you to give the matter some time.
-Time?
…Can time even solve it?
In front of Lee Han’s question, Raphael without hesitation.
-Of course. I won’t be just playing around. Fortunately, there are brothers who are still willing to help a worthless old man like me.
-Hoo.
Lee Han understood what he meant right away.
The old priest had been gradually forming a ‘force’ ever since he returned to the temple.
A former cardinal, the oldest elder of the temple, and a great person who even became a candidate for sainthood.
If someone like him were to form a force, the people who would cooperate would probably be considerable.
-If those who want to cooperate with me gather, then I would also have to carry out my last mission in life.
-Are you trying to reform the temple?
-If necessary.
-…It won’t be easy.
Lee Han had heard from somewhere that it was easier to establish a new dynasty than to save a fallen nation. So he could only see that the old priest was trying to do something even more reckless than what he wanted to do. Even so…
-If someone has to do it, then it should be me.
He casually answered as such.
-…Alright, we’ll leave assassination as the second option for now.
-Thank you, Brother.
-Still, if it seems like it’s going to get annoying, I have no choice but to pick that ‘second option’. Please keep that in mind.
-Hehehe, of course. But don’t worry, as long as I’m holding my position at the Inquisition, neither they nor the inquisitors will be able to move recklessly.
Their attack had already failed once, and the high-ranking priests wouldn’t be stupid enough to move while the old priest was watching them. That would be like openly advertising that the temple was corrupt, and it would only serve as an excuse to increase the old priest’s influence.
-Those who are greedy for power will never create excuses that could possibly take away their power.
-Hehehe, you know the psychology of those in power very well, Brother.
-…It just happens to be so.
Lee Han was able to think so because among the people he knew, there was a certain older sister who was THE embodiment of power itself.
With that, Lee Han and the old priest were about to close their conversation in agreement, but then…
-Anyway, what should we do with these guys?
-…
For the first time, the old priest showed signs of reluctance.
Lee Han was talking about the 11 heretic inquisitors who were captured by him.
Since he still hadn’t decided what to do with them…
The old priest agonized for a moment.
-Hmm, I’ll take those two with me.
-Those two?
One of them was the priest who first opened his mouth and spouted the gnoll-like story of Lee Han being a heretic, while the other was the priest who seemed to be leading the rest of them.
The old priest picked up those two, so Lee Han asked why he was taking them.
-They are the adopted children of the high-ranking priests. These two must have been the ones leading this incident. If they were with me, the high-ranking priests wouldn’t be able to move recklessly. The information coming out of their mouths would probably be fatal to them as well.
As expected. Though the old priest was kind, he wasn’t completely ignorant of politics.
Still…
-…I guess nepotism happens even in the temple, huh?
-That’s proof of their lack of faith.
Amazed by the sight of the inquisitors in front of him, the old priest let out another sigh.
While thinking about how to treat the remaining 9, the old priest…
-Hmm, I think you can do whatever you want with them, Brother… But, if I can make a plea, those brothers were just following their superior’s orders, so please show them mercy.
-I thought you said it didn’t matter if they left this world.
-Hehehe, but they’re still alive right now, aren’t they? Then, there should be a chance for them to taste mercy.
…That’s a convenient excuse for mercy.
Lee Han replied vaguely as he briefly looked at the remaining 9. From the ones writhing in pain to the red-haired woman disguised as a man.
Then he…
-Hmm. Assistant!
-Y-Yes, instructor!!
-I got you some successors.
-Pardon?
-Originally, I was going to keep you thoroughly under my thumb for the rest of the time you are with me, but somehow, things that are worse than you came. So…
-…
-Since you’re their senior, you should handle them well.
-…!!!
Lee Han decided to give the assistant instructor a gift.
The gift was in the shape of ‘Interns’ who’d die if they didn’t do their jobs well.
Back to the present…
“Stand up straight, you bastards! You’ve studied for half the moon cycle, why can’t you still not know this?! I just told you to stand in line properly!”
“…”
“Where’s my answer?!”
“…Sorry.”
“Ha…! Is that way of answering supposed to be appropriate, you bastard?! Are you looking down on me just because I’m so much younger than you guys?!”
“…No.”
“No my ass! That’s exactly what you’re thinking! Answer me, am I right, or wrong?!”
“…No.”
“Answer me truthfully!”
“…I’m being honest.”
“You are denying it, but your voice can’t fool me! What, are you afraid now? Sucks to be you then! You should’ve become an assistant sooner than me! Then you wouldn’t have been humiliated by a kid like this. Pathetic, right?!”
“…”
“Since you’re not answering, I can assume that what I’m saying is right?”
“N-No!!”
“Open your eyes and open your mouth! And don’t yell loudly! If someone were to see us, they’d think I’m bullying you!”
“…Sorry.”
“Why is your voice so small…?!?!”
“…”
And thus, the assistant who finally had received successors had awakened.
Not as a proper senior…
“…That lunatic…”
“Seriously, that fucker needs to vent so badly that he becomes like that, huh?”
“Wow, if I were in their position, I’d kill myself. That’s just terrible, terrible, I tell you.”
…But as a psychopath.
Awakened as a mad dog, Damien turned into a horrible person. He’d pick on the others for trivial reasons, and in fact, he had been doing it for over two hours already. It was a sight that made anyone who saw it get tired of it, and as they kept watching it…
“…He needs to be careful on the way home at night.”
They thought he might get stabbed by the interns while walking down the street at night. But, even though everyone who was watching him felt uneasy about his future…
“How dare you open your eyes wide—!”
Damien was happy.
Really, really happy.
“They say everyone has a hidden talent. Seems like that guy has it too.”
Meanwhile, Lee Han, who was seeing all this unfolding, was amazed. The punk didn’t miss. He hadn’t even taught him all of that, he just knew how to handle his successor properly.
That could be nothing but innate talent.
“Can that even be called talent…?”
“Kunta thinks they are pitiful.”
“This reminds me of my days as a low-ranking mercenary.”
The trio uttered their opinions.
But unlike them…
“That woman…”
There was someone who showed their interest in the interns. To be more specific, the red-haired woman.
“Look at you go, Timid. Thinking of cheating now?”
“T-That’s not it. More importantly, cheating? I don’t have a girlfriend.”
“…I’m going to tell Purple Doll that.”
“Why?”
“You know, I should probably consider beating you up.”
“??”
“…Forget it. It’ll only get my mouth hurt if I continue talking. Tch.”
Listening to Status Window guy’s words, Lee Han felt sorry for Purple Doll.
Just how did she end up liking this guy…?
Lee Han grumbled, but Derrick just continued, not even knowing why he was grumbling.
“M-More importantly, Instructor. I-Is that woman’s name Judia Pierre.”
“I don’t know about the Judia part, but she is Pierre. Why? Do you know her?”
“Oh, we don’t know each other, but I kinda know her…”
“Oh, how?”
“You see…”
…While listening to Status Window guy’s story, Lee Han’s gaze shifted to Blackie without him realizing it.
“───!”
Then, he saw Blackie’s face swirled with various emotions–shock, hatred, and anger–leaving him surprised.
But, Lee Han found it understandable.
“She’s one of the three main villainesses in the original work. Judia Pierre, who is called the ‘Blood-Spraying Flower’ along with Irene, the ‘Poisonous Flower.’ She’s a villainess who got to marry Young Master Roen, but divorced him later.”
“…That guy was a divorcee?”
Just how many tropes does he have?
A regressor and a divorcee?
Haha…
Lee Han let out a wry chuckle, realizing that he was indeed the protagonist.
Divorced men were a trend at one point.
…It was a trend that he didn’t want to experience, but it was a trend nonetheless.
That revelation made him feel a small sense of sympathy towards Blackie.
CH 141
hand.
“Let me say this in advance. I have never learned proper swordsmanship. In other words, I have no foundation.”
Then, he stretched his body, letting it sway, creating some sense of spirit and momentum.
With how shabby the old wooden sword and shield looked like, it seemed like he was forcefully suppressing his momentum.
“That’s also why I don’t have a school. All I have are techniques that I’ve perfected to a certain extent in actual combat. And that’s also why…”
Wooong-!
“The only swordsmanship I can teach you is ‘this kind of thing’.”
The swaying wooden sword shot at a scarecrow in an instant like a wasp’s stinger. It happened in a split second; a stab that even the eyes couldn’t follow.
Crack-!
The wooden sword pierced the scarecrow’s eye. It was a clean move; cruel, bold and precise.
“This is what I can teach you. Exploiting your opponent’s weaknesses. I could also teach you how to make them let their guard down, and how to survive even if it’s cowardly, and so on. Honestly, it’s not the way of a knight.”
He belittled the skills he had learned, but that didn’t mean he was ashamed of what he was doing, or what he had shown to them.
“When I learned these things, I wasn’t a knight, and I had to be good at these things to survive. So, I had no choice.”
Bang-!
This time, it was a slash using a shield.
His movements made the cadets realize that even a shield could be used so freely. Not only that, he also showed them how to use a wooden sword in various ways.
For example, using either the handle or the back of the sword to bash their opponent’s skull.
A rather brutal method.
“Huuuu.”
…At some point, the scarecrow was reduced to rags.
If it had been a person instead of a scarecrow, they would be in a horrible state to look at. That was how bad the scarecrow was damaged.
It sent shivers to the cadets’ stomach.
“Of course, I’m not telling you guys to learn this cowardly method. I’m just letting you know that there are guys who fight this way, so that you are able to respond to this cowardly method.”
“…Respond?”
“At the end of the day, what I showed you was just a shortcut. It only serves to make your opponent let their guard down—a method that only works well on weak guys. Even so, there are quite a lot of people who can’t respond to this cheap method. Even if they’ve learned Combat Techniques, it doesn’t mean they won’t die if they get stabbed. That’s why I figured that it’ll be better for you to train yourself to destroy this kind of trick in advance. In that sense…”
Thud-!
“From now on, you’ll be the scarecrows. You just have to block the tricks that I use. This will be a mandatory assignment that you have to get used to in the second semester. Of course, the exam will be replaced by this.”
“…”
“I know, right? It’s too easy. Don’t worry, I have other special training planned for you guys since it’s too easy, no need to feel disappointed! This instructor has already made countless plans for you to grow stronger, haha!”
“I’d rather be put in a cage together with a wild beast. What is this—?”
“Huh? How did you know? I also have something like that planned.”
“…”
“As expected, young people’s brains are something else! You predicted this instructor’s test in advance. Marvelous!”
“…”
…However, the cadets were not happy at all with his praise, nor were they happy about their prediction being right.
Wow, he’s really out to kill us…
The cadets looked at the horribly crushed scarecrow again, and they just felt extremely certain that it would become their appearance in the near future.
Really, all they wanted was…
“W-We’re still way too young…”
To stay alive.
Even though Lee Han described the training routine calmly, it didn’t mean he didn’t know of its dangers. No matter how much he suppressed his strength, if he were to land one wrong hit to the cadets, they would die. Even if they didn’t, they’d become a vegetable.
Of course, he had no intention of turning his disciples into vegetables.
“Don’t worry, I have a countermeasure for that.”
No matter how reckless he was, he wouldn’t be planning this training routine so ignorantly.
“Interns, to the front.”
“…”
“Don’t just move your body, answer me why you do it. I might just think your mouths are useless and rip your tongue off if you don’t.”
“S-Sorry.”
“If you know you’ll have to apologize for doing that, why are you doing that in the first place?”
“…”
“Haa… Forget it. I’ll only get my mouth hurt. Just do what I told you yesterday. Quickly.”
“T-That…”
“You don’t want to? Sure, don’t. I’ll just send you to a week-long course of Twisting the Muscles and Bones instead.”
“W-We’ll do it right away!!”
“…You should’ve done that in the first place. Stop wasting our time.”
No matter how much training they received to endure torture, the pain of Twisting the Muscles and Bones wasn’t something they could ever get used to. The knight had even lowered its intensity, but it was still enough of a trauma for them.
The heretic inquisitors, or rather, the interns, obediently followed the knight’s orders. Then…
[Great Divine Technique – The Barrier of Sacrifice].
They activated their Divine Technique.
Though they were rotten pieces of human beings, they were still elite of the elite. They could easily perform the Divine Technique that normally required a hundred priests to perform, albeit on a smaller scale. However, that was enough to cover the training grounds of the Swordsmanship Department.
“Huh? Why is it suddenly so cool here?”
“It was piping hot just a moment ago…”
“Oh my? My skin suddenly became smoother?”
“Oh my–!”
For a moment there, they were left surprised because the interns that Lee Han bought were emitting Divine Power from their bodies. As the cozy sacred energy began to circulate in the space, they reacted in different ways.
Minor wounds, muscle pain, and even their fatigue that had built up without them knowing disappeared in an instant.
“T-This is…! The Barrier of Sacrifice?!”
Arno and several other children of prestigious families realized the nature of the technique, leaving their mouths gaping in surprise. They never thought they would see the legendary Divine Technique they had only heard of through rumors here out of all places.
“Arno? What is this?”
“…It’s the [Barrier of Sacrifice]. Basically, those inside this barrier won’t be hurt or injured no matter what. It’ll also maintain the best physical condition of people inside it, and I heard that anyone inside the barrier will be fine even if they don’t eat or drink.”
“Kunta doesn’t understand, but it sound very good!”
“Calling it good doesn’t cut it. It is one of the three barrier-type Divine Techniques that the temple has. According to legends, the Templar Knights fought against the demons for a thousand days without rest due to this barrier…”
“Wow! If it’s good, why not use much?”
“…Because the priests who create the barrier will take all the damage instead…”
“Huh?”
“The priests who create the barrier will take on all the fatigue and wounds of those inside the barrier. That’s why it is called [Sacrifice]. It is literally a Divine Technique that’s performed under the premise of sacrifice.”
“Kunta hate this barrier now…”
The kind Barbarian boy took back his praises towards the barrier. He loathed to experience benefits under the expense of others.
However…
“Don’t worry, big guy. What he said was an extreme example. In the first place, there won’t be any problems if you were to use it just for about a day. Depending on the priest’s skills, the pain they’d get won’t even exceed 5% of the real pain.”
Lee Han explained, trying to dispel his worries.
“So…?”
“Fortunately, our interns are quite excellent. They won’t feel much pain or fatigue. Also, since we’ll only use this barrier during class, there won’t be any major problems.”
“Oh!”
“So? Feeling relieved now?”
“Yes, Instructor! Kunta like the barrier again now!”
“It’s nice to see you’re so motivated. Train hard, okay?”
“Okay!”
“…Don’t answer me informally, you brat!”
“Ahhh! D-Don’t come, Instructor! A-A slap from Instructor would break Kunta’s skull!”
Kunta tried to run away, but the instructor’s unusually quick movements destroyed all his effort, and he received a hard hit.
“Ahh! It hurts…! …Huh?… It doesn’t hurt!”
That was how he personally experienced the barrier’s effect.
“I see, so it’s like that, huh…?”
“As expected of the instructor, you prepared something amazing.”
“…Thank goodness I don’t have to write a will…”
A sense of relief spread among the cadets, but Arno was still suspicious.
Even if it’s only 5% of the damage, if the damage from 80 people accumulates, won’t it still be considerably painful…?
Hmm…
“Well, it’s none of my business.”
In the end, he decided to shake off his worries.
Although he was a little concerned about the identity of those priests…
“It would be better to make good use of this opportunity. At least, for now.”
After all, this was a good opportunity to practice the skills that he usually wouldn’t dare to practice out of fear of getting hurt. It would be foolish of him to miss it.
He was worried about the priests’ future, but…
“Ugh!”
“Does it hurt? If it hurts, tell me now. It’s okay to quit. But, I’ll tell you right now, if you quit just because it hurts, I don’t think the instructor will leave you unscathed.”
“Grrr!”
“Why are you glaring at me like that? What? Are you mad at me? Huh?!”
“N-No.”
“My ass! I know you want to hit me! Too bad, you can’t. Ha!”
“!!?!”
Since Damien Paulet’s sacrificial spirit(?) that lived only in the present without fear of future troubles and attracted the resentment of the priests to himself, Arno decided that it would be okay.
…Maybe the instructor’s right. It’s a kind of talent.
A talent to enjoy the present without fearing the future.
They say that the person who enjoys the present is the scariest… So, that person will surely become stronger.
“If you have a complaint, hit me!”
…Only if he’d survive to see the future, though.
For the first time, Arno felt admiration and respect for Damien Paulet, who possessed the mentality of a mayfly.
“…Look at these rascals! They’re so excited.”
Perhaps it was because Divine Technique was something that even the upper class of this world couldn’t experience often. Even the noble cadets couldn’t help but get excited and fascinated by the Divine Technique.
Just watching them made Lee Han feel proud.
“This is a real flex.”
“How?”
“I made the training ground a nice place just by putting some people who are destined to die. Even the royal family can’t do this, no? Then, it’s a flex.”
“I-Is that how that works?”
For some reason, that was enough to persuade Derrick. Though, he hesitated for a bit more before agreeing.
At that moment…
“Instructor, I have something to talk about. Can you spare me some time?”
“…”
Roen, the regressor who knew the future in a different sense from Derrick, approached them.
“What’s wrong? Normally you’d just say what you want to say. Are you trying to keep a pretense now that we’re in the Academy?”
“I’m in a hurry right now. Instructor, I have a favor to ask.”
“A favor?”
“Yes, a favor.”
“Hmm, is it related to that red one?”
“…! So you noticed… Alright, I’ll tell you. Please give her to me, Instructor!”
─Please give her to me!
“…”
…A moment of silence passed.
Even Lee Han was left speechless and dazed for about 5 seconds. As soon as he came to his senses, he immediately asked back.
“…Blackie. Don’t you realize?”
“What do you mean?”
“Think back at what you just said.”
“…What was strange about it?”
“I see, so you’ve gone crazy too…”
That was when Lee Han noticed that the guy’s eyes were completely red.
As if screaming that he was just a step away from causing a big incident.
Has he lost his reason?
He doesn’t even realize how crazy the thing he had just said…
I guess being able to say that he wants to kill someone in such a sweet way is a kind of talent…
However, Lee Han, who read the bitter feelings contained in Roen’s words, didn’t know what he should do. If he were to give the woman to him just like that, he’d just stab her neck and there would be nothing he could do about it.
Haa… The elder always told me to not get involved in a couple’s fight…
Lee Han was at a loss.
CH 142
Lee Han didn’t really want to know about it, but he had an informant who was just as good as the regressor, and thanks to that, he unintentionally learned about Blackie’s love sto—no, ‘divorce story’.
“In the original story, Judia Pierre is one of the orphans saved by Cardinal Raphael during his pilgrimage. She joined the temple to repay the grace bestowed to her by the cardinal, but for some strange reason, she became an inquisitor, and for some reason she disguised herself as a man.”
“Elaborate on the ‘reason’ parts…”
“I-I’d love to, but… I don’t know much about that… I-I only know the gist of it…”
“…”
“I-I hate getting spoilered, so I just did what the planning team asked me to do, so I never bothered to learn about the details…”
“…Have someone ever told you that you’re useful at times, but useless at other times?”
“T-That’s just too much, Instructor…”
Lee Han just dismissed the boy’s reaction and furrowed his brows.
“…So how did they get married?”
“That, I know.”
“You only know strange things, do you…?”
“A-Anyway.”
Derrick then started talking about what he knew.
“J-Judia Pierre, who became a heretic inquisitor of the temple, was a spy who infiltrated the Revolutionary Army—the army led by Young Master Roen. As a spy, she extracted and delivered information about the Revolutionary Army to the temple. Eventually, she received a new mission; to seduce Prince Roen and ‘eliminate’ him.”
“Eliminate?”
“From the temple’s perspective, Young Master Roen, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, is a rather annoying existence. Using beautiful women to get rid of someone is something that has been practiced since ancient times. It’s also one of the most effective methods, so…”
“…No, let’s take a step back for a sec. That guy? Got seduced?”
It was just hard for Lee Han to see how Blackie could ever fall for a honey trap.
“Well, I understand what you mean, but it happened… For some reason…”
“What’s that ‘reason’ again?”
“…Things…I guess…?”
“…”
“C-Can you please not look at me like that…?”
“Useless punk.”
“A-Anyway, what happened next is…”
The status window continued to talk about everything he knew about Judia Pierre. As for Lee Han, though he didn’t seem interested, he perked his ears up to listen.
“Young Master Roen got seduced for some reason, and later, right before their wedding, they somehow found out that Judia Pierre was a spy, and she ended up leaving in vain. In other words, she’s a later-story villain. However, the reason why she’s considered as one of the three villainesses is because she’s the character who caused the most damage to Young Master Roen in the story.”
“Hmm.”
“His resentment towards her should be big. Among her most notorious crimes were sowing strife and information interference. She single-handedly caused astronomical damage to the Revolutionary Army, and above all, several knights that Young Master Roen cherished died because of her.”
“His anger’s justified then.”
“Yes in a way, but it hasn’t happened yet, no? It’s something that happens in the ‘future’. I think it’s a little unreasonable to get that angry…”
“What kind of arrogant nonsense are you spouting?”
“Huh?”
Lee Han asked, leaving the boy bewildered since he really didn’t know what the instructor was talking about.
Seeing that reaction, the instructor elaborated.
“Imagine if Karin was one of her victims. Try saying that again.”
“…”
“I understand where you came from. As you said, it’s something that happen in the future, it hasn’t happened in the present yet, but humans’ feelings can’t be judged by logic. I mean, just look at you. Your expression looks so scary right now.”
“?”
“Look in the mirror, you punk. Your face looks so savage right now.”
“…”
After confirming the instructor’s words by touching his face, Derrick was left surprised.
…Sure enough, his face was extremely stiff.
So, it’s like this, huh?
He then admitted that his words just now were outrageous. Then, he began to understand why Roen was giving such a terrifying murderous look to the young girl.
That was when he realized that telling others to ‘forgive’ someone so easily was such a tactless piece of advice that no one should ever give out lightly.
Thankfully, he quickly accepted that he made that mistake.
In the first place, it wasn’t because the status window guy was a bad guy that he spouted out such arrogant words, it was because he tended to view the world in an overly optimistic way, which could be problematic in some aspects.
After all, innocent remarks would usually often lead to big fights.
I hope that he’ll only do these sorts of things in front of me and not in front of the others…
The status window guy’s communication skills were so bad that he couldn’t even talk to his fellow cadets. He could speak just fine with Lee Han, but if it was with others…
He’ll turn into a shoulder massager.
With that in mind, Lee Han could be assured that he wouldn’t make such a mistake in front of others.
…Actually, when I think about it…that guy’s pretty pitiful, isn’t he…?
That means he doesn’t even have friends he could talk to.
Poor guy—
No, wait, he got a girlfriend.
She’s smart and pretty too, isn’t she?
…Yeah, never mind, fuck that guy.
Lee Han suddenly felt his stomach churn.
He just hated seeing others being happy like that.
However, he had to put aside the disgust he felt for a moment, because…
“It’s funny to see the temple’s hunting dog acting like this.”
“…”
“Oh, now that I think about it, even the word hunting dog is a waste for those guys. They have no loyalty whatsoever, nothing but disgusting, filthy little rats.”
“…”
“Are you ignoring me now, Instructor?”
“…What’s with that tone, Young Lion? Have I wronged you before? Or are you trying to challenge me right now?”
“…”
“If you have any complaints, then, come at me. Get a permission first, though.”
“…A day when we can cross swords will come.”
“Really? I look forward to it, then.”
“…”
Crack-!
“Stop that. Your teeth are gonna fall out.”
What am I gonna do with him?
Just where did our cool-headed Blackie go? He’s all grumpy now because of that Redhead.
Seriously…
“This is a mess.”
Once again, Lee Han knew how horrible it was to see two ex-lovers together in a room.
…In any case, Lee Han rejected Roen’s request.
The reason?
It wasn’t anything special.
“People aren’t objects, you rascal. Also, they aren’t slaves.”
“Based on what they’re doing right now, anyone would think that they’re even lower than slaves.”
“They’re Interns.”
“What is ‘Interns’ even?”
“Interns are interns. Their status is lower than an assistant, that’s what you need to know. Anyway, yes, right now, they’re under me, but that doesn’t mean I own them. I’d have to treat them well and return them later.”
“…Treating them well? Really? You don’t even treat them like people…”
“Stop nagging me, you brat. If you really want them, persuade them to follow you. I won’t stop you from doing that.”
“…”
“Got anything to say to me? Spit it out then. Or do you want to fight me instead?”
“…It’ll be hard, but I’ll endure. Anyway, I need to calm down for a bit. I’ll leave for a few days.”
“Did you just tell me you are going to skip class?”
Fortunately, Red, no, Judia Pierre’s survival was temporarily guaranteed. However, Lee Han still clicked his tongue.
This is so complicated…
That old man asked me to take good care of her. But, the status window guy told me to be careful of her since she’s a villainess, and Blackie is out for her blood…
It was a painful situation for Lee Han.
Haa… What should I do…?
He glanced around and stared at the woman who was the cause of all this problem.
“…”
While everyone was being scolded by the assistant who didn’t even care about his future, all while suffering under the harsh condition of the Barrier of Sacrifice, the woman just quietly did her work.
If the other inquisitors were following Lee Han’s words because they didn’t want to suffer, the woman did so solely because he had defeated her, at least that was how it looked in Lee Han’s eyes. He didn’t feel any particular emotions from her.
Anyone who saw her would think that she was a doll, and they’d wonder whether she had any emotions or not.
A villainess and an inquisitor… But, she doesn’t seem to match either…
Lee Han recalled what happened on that day.
The way she put the gun to her head and tried to shoot herself without hesitation as soon as she was defeated. She looked lifeless, like someone without any will to live.
If she’s gonna be a villainess later, doesn’t she need emotions? To some extent, at least…
Lee Han was familiar with people who’d unhesitatingly bestow malice towards others.
After all, they gave off a certain aura of malice.
But Judia didn’t really show any of that.
If he were to give a one-line evaluation of her…
“…She’s a strange person.”
Neither bad, nor good. Just strange.
That was his evaluation of her.
“…What do you think when you see her?”
“Hmm… She’s a little strange… Should I say that she has this different energy? At first, I thought it’s because of her Divine Power, but it doesn’t seem to be the case.”
“Right? That’s what I thought too.”
“Mhm!”
“Hmm… But, Chick.”
“Yes?”
“…Why are you still here?”
“…”
“It’s the second semester already, you know?”
“U-Um… B-Because I want to take your class, Instructor?”
“…”
“P-Please say something… Hehehe…”
“Is being a magic freak such a relaxing thing?”
Lee Han poked the magical girl’s—no, Irene Windler’s cheek, who, for some reason, took the swordsmanship class again, even though it was already the second semester. Every time he did that, she’d show an embarrassed expression.
Looking at that, Lee Han could only sigh.
There were many other departments besides the Swordsmanship Department. If she wanted to earn credits, she could just take other, easier classes. That was why it wasn’t hard for him to guess why she was here again.
Affection from a child is burdensome…
As he inwardly guessed why the young magical girl chose to stay in the Swordsmanship Department like a piece of gum, a wave of dizziness struck him. No matter how desperate he wanted to date someone, he just knew that he wouldn’t want to date someone who had an annoying setting attached to her.
She’s a transmigator and a magic freak. And also too young, immature, and a magic freak. And above all…
…She’s a magic freak.
There were too many reasons for him to reject her affection, and all of them were detrimental by nature.
“Just… What kind of sin did I commit…?”
“Sorry?”
“Take another class. You can still change it now.”
“No! I-I want to be in the Swordsmanship Department too!”
“Do you think it makes sense for the top student of the Magic Department to say that?”
“I-I can be an honorary Swordsmanship Department’s student, no…?”
“…There’s no such thing.”
“Hingg…”
The chick’s shoulders slumped as she started whining.
Seeing her like that made his heart weak. Even though it was only the first semester, they had spent time together so he had grown some affection for her.
…Should I just let her?
His heart being a little weak for her was one of the reasons, but there was also a fact that her body was still so weak even after all that training—although she had grown stronger compared to when she first joined the department.
So, he thought of just letting her be.
But…
“…Oh, right. Instructor. That greasy old man asked me to deliver this.”
“??”
“I-I didn’t want to deliver this to you either, b-but I’m delivering it because he asked me to… I’m sorry.”
“…”
“Y-You don’t mind, right? Hehehe.”
“Don’t laugh.”
“Ouch!”
He flicked her head with a little force and the girl’s body flew. But, he didn’t care about what was gonna happen to her. After all, he knew she wouldn’t fall over due to her telekinesis.
What worried him more than the girl was…
“I knew it, I should’ve just kicked her out sooner…”
Lee Han let out a sigh, blaming his indecision for whatever happened to him right now.
A pattern that looked like the waves.
It was just a simple letter made of paper, but it was covered in jewel dust, making it glittery. A crazy way to spend money.
There was only one family in the kingdom that was allowed to use these patterns and jewel-like ink.
This is another reason why I shouldn’t get involved with her…
Galahad.
Lee Han felt a pain in his neck as he stared at the invitation sent by the current head of that ducal family.
CH 143
In both his previous and current life, Lee Han had never gone fishing before.
It was an expensive hobby.
Because fishing was a more expensive hobby than one would expect.
Not only were the fishing rods expensive, the other equipment was also quite expensive. Renting a boat would also cost money, and the cost of gas wouldn’t be cheap.
So, in his eyes, fishing was a luxury hobby, and that thought didn’t change even after he came to this world.
If anything, he thought it would be more expensive to fish here than in his previous world.
Because…
“…So, this is a private fishing ground… No, a private fish farm?”
“Yes. Fishing in a regular river or lake would risk one getting attacked or eaten by aquatic monsters. That’s why nobles make their own fish farms. Even so, only the wealthy can make one. The management, upkeep costs, as well as the cost of creating one, are astronomical.”
“…”
“Is fishing even that fun? I don’t understand why people built a fish farm.”
“…I know, right?”
…Lee Han answered, feeling dumbfounded.
He was enlightened. This was the real crazy way to spend one’s money.
Is this seawater?
One wouldn’t need to have Lee Han’s super smell to be able to tell the salty smell of the sea the farm exuded.
Moreover…
“…Is that a real sea bream…?”
The fishes that he saw were the ones that could only live in the sea.
Red sea bream and black sea bream, even squid and octopus were there.
Aside from them, there was also…
Splash-!
“Wow, it’s a shark!”
“…”
…They’re even raising sharks.
He gradually realized that this huge lake was actually an artificial ‘sea’.
There’s no fucking way that there are more of these artificial seas around.
Even if the other nobles built their own fish farms, they wouldn’t be able to build something even remotely close to the one he saw right now. The artificial sea was one thing, but the fish species living here were also unusual.
Some of them were probably airlifted directly from the sea before they got released here.
They’re melting gold in real time…
The thought of how much gold they were melting per second just to maintain this fish farm was enough to make Lee Han about to vomit.
However, that wasn’t the end of it.
“Are you here, Young Miss?”
“Oh, Elsa.”
At the fish farm, or rather, its surrounding ground, countless servants were waiting in line. There seemed to be at least a hundred maids and servants. There were even knights and soldiers mixed in there.
Their number was equal to the number of crew members of a luxury cruise he had seen in his past life. But the catch here was that they weren’t here to tend to a cruise, but to greet a single person.
“Hmm, the number of servants today is lower than usual?”
“His Excellency dislikes having so many people moving around unnecessarily.”
“Well… It is a little too much to move two or three hundred people at a time…”
“However, considering His Excellency’s status, I think we should move twice as much.”
“I beg to differ.”
“Haha, if you say so.”
“…”
…What is this crazy conversation?
Suddenly, Lee Han felt that the Chick was a stranger.
It was like seeing your neighbor suddenly called in a private jet and said that it was hers.
Seriously, the world is just unfair…
Lee Han shook his head.
After passing dozens of servants like that.
“You’re finally here.”
“…”
…He was able to see a familiar face..
This man maintained a youthful and handsome appearance that made it hard to imagine that he was in his 50s. At the same time, he was also someone that Lee Han didn’t want to see.
Despite his appearance, he was a seasoned politician who must have raised hundreds of snakes, and a powerful man who should be second to none in the kingdom.
And the man…
“It’s been half a year since I’ve seen you last time, Knight Lee Han.”
“…Why are you coming out in person? It’s burdensome.”
“As someone who has invited you here, I should show this much sincerity at least.”
“…Because of that sincerity, they are staring daggers at me.”
“They did that because of their excessive loyalty. Please understand.”
“…”
…Greeted Lee Han kindly, but Lee Han, who rarely broke out in a cold sweat, felt it trickling down his body.
I want to understand, but my whole body refuses to…
From the moment the duke greeted him, Lee Han was greeted by the intense aura of hundred soldiers and knights.
…Wouldn’t it be better if I just…run now?
Duke Blake Vivienne de Galahad.
The only duke in the kingdom, the best swordsman in the kingdom, the greatest successor of the evil sword, and the strongest Galahad.
He was a man with a lot of fancy modifiers.
A noble among nobles. There were even rumors that if someone had a conversation with him, their life would change…
I heard that some people even spent their family fortune just to have a conversation with him.
Recalling a rumor he had unintentionally heard, Lee Han scratched his cheek.
Whether the rumor was true or not, encountering such a big shot made him uncomfortable all the same.
While people might envy him, he…
Ha… I want to go home… And eat… And sleep…
Just found it really annoying.
“Hmm, you’re having impious thoughts.”
“…I don’t know what you are talking about, Your Excellency.”
“Don’t lie to me. It’s apparent in your face what you’re thinking.”
“…”
“You’re having strange thoughts again. I don’t have the ability to read minds.”
“…Do you really not?”
“Ahaha! I wish I do. Unfortunately, it’s just your facial expressions that are too easy to read.”
“…Ugh.”
For some reason, everyone he met said it was easy to read his facial expressions.
…Maybe I should start wearing a mask.
As he was about to continue that line of thought, the duke personally guided him in.
“Alright, let’s sit down.”
“…?”
Before he could even wonder why the duke was doing that, Lee Han blinked his eyes as he witnessed what went on in the luxurious fishing farm.
Whoosh-!
The female divers, or rather, the male divers, were catching seafood.
Crustaceans such as sea squirts, clams, and shrimp were carried out of the water. Then there were the other guys holding the fishing rods…
“Crazy…”
With a golden fishing rod—probably made of real gold—one of the guys caught a huge tuna, creating an absurd sight.
…Old Man Santiago would weep if he saw this.
Lee Han, who was once impressed by the tale of the old man’s struggle to catch a tuna in the sea, found it absurd that one could catch one at a fish farm.
It’s like finding a tuna on a river randomly…
“Have you ever eaten tuna?”
“Maybe once? Or twice.”
“Huh? It’s hard to get tuna inland, but it’s fortunate you have some experience eating it. That means you won’t mind eating it, right? Butler.”
“Yes.”
“Gut it and bring it in.”
“Understood, Your Excellency.”
The duke then handed over the tuna, which easily weighed over 300 kg, with one hand, and the old man, who seemed to be his butler, also caught it with one hand.
He didn’t seem like an ordinary butler, but rather a former knight who had mastered Combat Technique to a considerable degree.
However, the butler’s skills weren’t really surprising to Lee Han. After all…
Everyone here knows Combat Technique.
…All of the duke’s servants were no pushovers.
He could sense considerable spirit from the maids, servants, even those who were doing menial tasks.
The worst of them are at the level of a squire.
In the case of soldiers, they each were strong enough to deal with multiple people’s worth of workload at once. They were easily at the level of knights of a decent noble’s knight order.
As for the knights…
They are as powerful as the stronger guys of the Red Eagles.
Among the Tristan’s Eagles, there were only a few people who could be on par with those who occupied the top ones. In other words, these people here could just become either a vice-commander or even straight up knight commander of a regular knight order.
They make those Silver Lion punks look like white cats.
The people in this place were simply on a different level.
To put it in the status window guy’s terms, the average power of the royal family’s soldiers, including the Silver Lion, barely reached Lv. 4. Meanwhile, Galahad’s average power was Lv. 6.
The status window guy said that a single level difference was as big as the difference between a sparrow and an eagle. If what he said was accurate, then…
If Old Man Baltar hadn’t been there, the royal family would have been devoured long ago.
The name of this country could change from Pendragon to Galahad at any moment, and Lee Han understood why his older sister had been so wary of Galahad.
With such a powerful force, it was only right that the royal family was worried about them.
In the midst of such unexpectedly surprising experiences…
“Our food has arrived. Let’s eat.”
“…”
“It’s hard to find this delicacy inland. Don’t be shy, eat it.”
“…The food looks appetizing, but this place…is quite burdensome.”
Even though there were plenty of delicious tuna as well as seafood carpaccio and ceviche, Lee Han just didn’t have the appetite to eat.
Then again, it was understandable, after all…
“Please don’t mind them. They’re just being excessively loyal to me.”
The duke’s servants bared their hostility towards him whenever the duke showed kindness to him. It was just hard for him to eat well in this kind of situation.
“…I’ll try not to mind them… Oh? This is actually good.”
“…You are still so straightforward like before.”
Surprisingly, the meal the duke prepared was extremely tasty. It got Lee Han to eat the raw fish with great relish regardless of whether the servant showed hostility or not.
Damn, so this is what tuna tastes like, huh!
By the way, the only tuna he had ever eaten was those served in all-you-can eat restaurants. Since this was the first time he had eaten raw tuna like this, he ate it like crazy.
Although some might say that it was shameless of him to eat so greedily in front of the duke…
“Our instructor is really manly, isn’t he?”
[A man shouldn’t mind grace or whatever when eating! They should all eat like that!]
…The magic chick and the ghost girl, who was seeing him with tinted glass, simply enjoyed seeing him eating well.
“Please have some tea. It’ll help with your digestion.”
“No need, I’m already done with that. Can you just give me more cake, please? It’s tasty.”
“…If you want, I can pack it for you when you leave.”
“That would be even better. Thank you, Butler.”
“Hahaha…”
The old man, who was presumed to be the butler, nodded his head in embarrassment at Lee Han’s shameless remark.
Though he was shameless, he was polite, so he didn’t look unruly at all.
“…You must be popular with the old people.”
Duke Blake, who barely touched his food, said so in admiration.
It was really unusual to see someone devour about 20 servings of seafood by himself and still had room for cake and fruit.
“I’m a picky eater, so I don’t normally eat food prepared by others. But the duke’s food suits my taste very well. Please deliver my praises to the chef.”
“…He will be delighted to hear your praise.”
Lee Han casually lied through his teeth. He was never a picky eater.
Considering how he had lived as a slave, a merc, and a soldier, there was no way he’d be picky about food when he was struggling to survive.
However, he was sincere when he said it was delicious.
It was the best meal of my life.
Those words encompassed even his previous life.
As expected, no matter the era, as long as you have money and power, you can eat good food.
It was such an extravagant treatment, probably a luxurious lunch that he’d never be able to eat again due to his financial situation.
“So, what is it that you’re going to ask me, Your Excellency?”
“What do you mean?”
Since that was out of the way, Lee Han wished them to get to the main point.
“Your Excellency, there is no reason for you to treat me so kindly. We aren’t close enough for you to treat me to such a luxurious meal.”
“Hmm… Can’t I treat you to a meal just because I like you?”
“You can. But that isn’t it. In the first place, you won’t call me all the way here just for that.”
“Hoo… Why do you think so?”
“Because the people in power I know are similar to you, Duke.”
“…That’s a rather arrogant evaluation of me.”
“No, I think it’s just right.”
Lee Han shrugged. He wasn’t the kind of person who’d act rude to someone who had just treated him to a good meal, but he felt he could afford to be a little rude right now.
“People in power tend to show kindness whenever they want something. With that in mind, I could assume that you want something from me, Duke.”
“…”
From the way he acted, it was clear that the duke was in the position of ‘someone in power’ instead of ‘someone in need of help’.
“…You. You’re smarter than you look.”
“…Just what’s wrong with my looks…?”
“Hahaha.”
“That was a genuine question, you know…?”
“Indeed. I was definitely in a rush…”
Duke Blake seemed to reflect on his attitude.
He acknowledged that he had been so anxious to the point that the knight in front of him was able to notice it.
And so…
“Yes, you are right. I have three requests to ask of you. You don’t have to grant the other two, but I want you to grant the other one.”
“…?”
“…That young inquisitor girl you have with you. Her name is…Pierre, correct?”
“…”
“I want you to hand that girl over to me.”
“…”
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
“…Duke, think about what you just said. Please.”
“Hmm? What’s strange about it?”
“…”
Didn’t he realize that he spoke like a criminal?
Lee Han was taken aback, but then he met his eyes and realized.
Now that I look at it…
This guy’s eyes are a little crazy too, huh?
Blackie was like this, and now this guy…
Seriously, how could they treat a human as if they are an object?
Haa…
“That Redhead sure is popular, huh?”
…Actually, could I even call it that?
Seriously though…
This love triangle would get someone killed.
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