36. Early in the year
Adrianna’s eyes shook wildly.
“I’m going to wear it out like this.”
Adrianna, who was about to say something, roughly lowered her head.
“······That’s not it.”
Adrianna stuttered for a rare moment. Her face was filled with resentment.
“Hey, your face is red.”
“This came running in a hurry-.”
“Was it really this urgent?”
“······yes?”
Galahad smiled slightly and shook his hand, his eyes widening again. Ashes flew everywhere.
‘Oh, man. It looked delicious.’
I expected to receive that blood since he was a high-level demon, but it turned into ash for Adrianna.
Galahad had no time to stop him, as his intrusion was more violent than he had expected.
The wall seemed to break, and the demon’s head rose into the air.
If that sword had been pointed at Galahad, could it have been stopped? Galahad clicked his tongue slightly and wiped the remaining ash from his hands.
It’s not that I gained nothing.
‘It’s a mental world-.’
Maybe it was because it was a spiritual world, but the guy called ‘that person’ was watching Galahad within the demon tribe.
And the last moment-.
‘I moved my body myself. Even though it was just words.’
In that part, Galahad felt a keen interest.
It wasn’t a phenomenon that could be simply explained as a mental phenomenon. Neither mana nor distance could be felt.
Adrianna’s explanation that high-ranking demons form colonies came to mind. Could it be possible because they are colonies? It was difficult to explain.
I thought I would have to catch a few more high-level demons to confirm that.
“Are you okay?”
I looked up and there was Gilbutton. His face was covered in sweat. The knights came in behind Gilbutton. They were all in a mess.
‘I became interested in him.’
The guy they call him. I was curious about his abilities beyond just his connection to the Demon King.
Each ability of the demons we’ve seen so far felt close to the origin of magic.
From simply swinging mana around in a clump to the psychic realm – that was something that could be interpreted as magic.
But the physical control that the bastard showed at the end was something Galahad had never seen before. A deep curiosity arose in him.
‘I’ll contact you again.’
He had already contacted Galahad twice. Judging from his reaction the last time, it was clear he would approach again.
It’ll make you even more anxious. That’s why I intentionally turned the tables.
‘Emperor-.’
Galahad muttered words that were dull and bitter from having been chewed so much.
“Are you hurt?”
Adrianna’s question broke my thoughts. My gaze fell on Galahad’s crumpled hands.
“It’s a little scratched.”
At that moment, the demon’s cries shook the earth.
Galahad raised his head slightly.
The atmosphere was ominous. Strange sounds were heard over and over again through the thick fog.
Galahad clicked his tongue and poured mana into his hand. With a snap, his hand took shape.
It wasn’t a complete recovery. The bone was still broken and had just been reshaped. It would take a few more days for it to recover.
“It seems like we’re quite popular. We should hurry.”
“I will take the lead.”
Adrianna swung her sword wildly.
The wall collapsed in an instant. A terrible scream erupted from beyond it.
“We must prevent something like what happened earlier from happening again.”
“It’ll be okay.”
“It’s not possible.”
Adrianna’s eyebrows were sharp. Her expression seemed to have become a little more colorful. Galahad muttered softly.
The white aura flared up again. It was rougher than before, and looked like wings.
Adrianna knows that to Galahad, that Auror is more dangerous than the higher-level demons.
Galahad smiled bitterly and took a step back.
“What is your favorite food?”
Adrianna asked, adjusting her grip on her sword.
‘Conversation-. That’s quite a clever method.’
It seemed as if they were preparing for the same situation as before. The power or magic that the demons spoke of did not work on Adrianna.
Adrianna seemed to want to continue the conversation and check the condition with her voice.
Galahad laughed and waved his left hand. Perhaps he wanted to assert his own necessity. The Egg of Pain sprayed mana vigorously. The mana burned wildly.
The wind blew violently, pushing away the surrounding smoke. The hideous creatures outside the smoke momentarily stopped.
There are already so many gathered. Is this the devil’s court?
“Moderately cooked meat and odorless cheese. And you?”
Galahad clicked his tongue and answered.
Adrianna’s sword drew a long line. The two monsters that were rushing towards her turned to ash at the same time.
“I like sweet food.”
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Adrianna continued to advance without stopping. Her white aura flapped like wings.
At that moment, a neat-looking man approached with a smile. Adrianna’s surroundings were deeply dug at the man’s gesture. Adrianna swung her sword without a care.
The demons were turned to ashes.
In the meantime, demons and devils rushed out. They looked threatening, but-.
“Do you drink alcohol?”
Adriana spoke calmly and continued her sword. The ash burst out again. It was a truly trustworthy sight.
“You’re not drinking. What about you?”
The wind blew wildly through Galahad’s left hand.
The smoke was pushed back. The demon on the border raised the corners of his mouth. He was a clever guy.
“I can’t drink it.”
The demon fell to Adrianna’s sword.
Adrianna glanced back. Galahad waved his left hand. Adrianna looked straight ahead again.
“How was your academy life?”
Adrianna’s breathing was slightly ragged.
A monster jumped out from the side. Gilverton shouted, “Knight- Gilverton!” and swung his sword. The monster collapsed with the aura. The knight right next to him cut off the monster’s neck.
“It wasn’t fun. I just studied.”
The monster’s attack struck Adrianna’s armor. Adrianna’s body shook slightly.
Adrianna continued to swing her sword without any hesitation. Another monster turned to ash.
A wind rose. The smoke was pushed back.
“I heard you graduated at the top of your class as the youngest person. That’s amazing.”
A huge monster that looked like a tiger opened its mouth wide. Adriana continued forward without stopping. The monster turned to ashes as if it were nothing.
“You entered as the youngest, so you should graduate as the youngest. I heard that you also earned the title of Sword Master at a young age. You were very famous as the most beautiful and strongest knight.”
“I am not the strongest knight. There are those who have not yet fought-.”
“I can’t deny that it’s the most beautiful.”
Adrianna’s sword paused briefly and then continued. Galahad poured the water bottle into his mouth. The Egg of Pain vigorously poured out mana. The Egg of Pain’s presence grew stronger.
“Do you like cats?”
“Yes, isn’t it cute?”
“Isn’t that cheeky? You don’t even recognize your owner. I like dogs.”
Gilverton coughed softly as he cut off the demon’s head. Galahad squinted his eyes.
“That scar earlier·········.”
“You got out.”
The smoke around them had cleared. There were no more attacks.
It was a black, rotten land.
“······Yes, I have escaped the demon realm.”
Adrianna’s forehead was covered in sweat. Her hair was a mess. Her eyes showed signs of fatigue. She seemed to be overdoing it.
Galahad looked around. It was a little far from the border of the Demon Realm. However, since the Demon Realm itself was deep, it would take a long time to return to the battalion.
The knights all looked like they were about to collapse. Gilbutton was in relatively good shape, but he was also drenched in sweat.
Adrianna, who was in the lead, was actually the most sane.
Tsk- Galahad clicked his tongue slightly and blew the wind again. His head spun for a moment because he had used too much magic. He gritted his teeth and held on.
The dust was pushed back. It was the pleasant territory of the Demons.
Coming from a place where things kept popping out, the realm of the demons felt somehow familiar.
“Take a breath and go.”
Everyone nodded to Galahad’s words. They surprisingly became obedient.
Galahad squinted as he reached into his inner pocket. His right hand was shattered, making it difficult to get the cigarette out of his left pocket.
“Why are you doing that?”
“Um, could you take some cigarettes out of your inside pocket?”
“······I will try.”
“It’s not something that deserves such a determined look.”
Adrianna, her face set with determination, moved her hands cautiously.
As Adrianna’s hand approached, the egg of pain vibrated violently. It even hid behind it. What are you going to do with such ambitions? Galahad clicked his tongue slightly.
Adrianna took out the cigarette with a more serious expression on her face than when she was fighting the demon.
What an ability that requires such caution even to take a cigarette out of your pocket.
“You must have had a hard time.”
Adrianna’s face hardened as she put the cigarette in Galahad’s mouth. Adrianna’s lips pursed. Adrianna quickly averted her gaze.
Galahad clicked his tongue slightly and flicked his fingers to light the fire.
The scent of lemon was deep.
Adrianna, whose eyes had been fluttering for a moment, let out a small breath.
“Do you like lemons?”
“I hate it. It’s just a habit.”
Adrianna’s eyebrows rose slightly.
‘I guess I’ll have to put it on both sides next time.’
Galahad muttered softly.
****
“What kind of person are you?”
Gilbutton, who was drinking from a water bottle, turned his head at the question heard from the side.
Robert of the direct unit pointed at Galahad with a strange expression. Adrianna was putting a cigarette in Galahad’s mouth.
Adrianna Lani putting a cigarette in a man’s mouth-.
If I had heard about it, it would have been a sight that would have kicked my butt and told me not to lie.
However, I didn’t really feel like saying anything to the opponent since he was Galahad. The other knights had similar reactions.
‘What kind of person is he-.’
It was a question that the guys in my direct unit had asked me before I left. It was the same question, but the tone of voice was completely opposite.
Gilbert thought for a moment and then answered.
“I don’t know.”
Robert frowned at Gilbert’s answer. Even though he thought it was insincere, Gilbert was sincere.
The more I got to know him, the more unfathomable he seemed. He was actually more difficult now than when I first met him.
Gilverton looked at Galahad. He was talking to him as if nothing had happened, even though his right hand was tattered. He was not in his usual mental state.
“It feels like a long time to think about wandering around in the dark again.”
“You’ll be coming with me tomorrow too. You’re Adrianna’s fiancé.”
“Ahem, I guess so?”
Gilbutton smiled faintly at the conversation he heard nearby.
Even though they were composed of moderates, they were knights of the direct unit. It was natural for them to feel antipathy towards Galahad. They were only moderate compared to Mardian.
We only came out together once, but it changed their perception.
Those who had worried that Galahad would be a burden were now worried that Galahad would not go with them.
“I should suggest that the 1st Battalion also hire a magician.”
Gilbert chuckled at someone’s muttering.
‘So that’s why you always said you were great.’
I thought I knew why Galahad would always say, ‘I am so special, no other wizard could ever do this.’
‘Hmm, those idiots.’
No matter what wizard you bring, he won’t be able to do what Galahad did. Gilverton sneered.
“Sir Gilbert, you’re looking quite strange these days.”
“······When did you come?”
“I just got here. It’s time to go back.”
Ahem-. Gilbert nodded, coughing slightly.
“I will take the lead.”
As always, Adrianna took the lead.
****
There was a tense atmosphere around the 1st Battalion’s main gate.
“That’s why I said we have to leave out that imperial bastard! It’s clear that that bastard is the cause of the problem!”
As Adrianna’s return to the Demon Realm was delayed, Mardian was on the rampage.
It wasn’t about a guy who was both an imperial and a wizard.
How deadly can one stupid ally be on the battlefield, and even heading towards the demon’s territory-.
“Open the door! We’re leaving now!”
Mardian shouted. His demeanor was so fierce that he looked like he would fall over immediately if he didn’t get out of the way.
The other knights, who knew Mardian’s temper, gulped.
“It’s impossible.”
Erdal, the gatekeeper, shook his head firmly.
“The domain of the Demon Tribe is only open at sunrise and sunset. That’s the rule.”
There was not even a little room for error in Erdal’s voice. Mardian took out his skewer.
His nickname was ‘Mad’ Mardian. There was no way I hadn’t heard rumors about Mardian.
Even though such a Mardian drew his weapon, Erdal remained calm.
“Can you take responsibility?”
Mardian asked, holding up a skewer. The mood of the other knights was similar.
The atmosphere became tense. It felt like it would explode if you touched it even slightly.
When it came to Adriana, her immediate subordinate unit was the one that was most concerned.
The sun was setting, and Adrianna still hadn’t returned.
The knights around the door took a step back, one by one. This was because their opponents were their direct subordinates.
If I had just stretched out here, my neck would have been blown off.
However, Erdal was a gatekeeper knight.
“If the gatekeeper is responsible for guarding the gate, then I will do it.”
“this-.”
“Just let me talk for a moment.”
Lunavirn stepped forward. Mardian took a step back, his eyes hardening.
“Adrianna’s return is delayed. You must know how important Adrianna is. Could you please open the door?”
“It’s impossible.”
Erdal was a man fit for a gatekeeper. He was honest and also stupid. If all the knights gnashed their teeth at Erdal and opened the gate, he was not a gatekeeper.
“Oh, me too. I’m the deputy commander.”
At that moment, a blond-haired man appeared among the knights.
He was a handsome man with honest looks. He was the 1st Battalion Commander Felix. Originally, Mardian hated Felix terribly, but now he pointed at Felix and shouted.
“Only His Royal Highness the Grand Duke and Captain Adrianna have the authority to open the door.”
“In the absence of the commander, the deputy commander assumes the authority.”
“Authority over doors is an exception.”
Felix furrowed his brow at Erdal’s straightforward answer.
The atmosphere was such that trouble seemed likely to erupt at any moment.
Everyone was angry at Erdal for being stupid, but Erdal didn’t care.
The gatekeeper only guarded the door.
at that time-.
Phew oh oh oh-!
The sound of the horn rang out for a long time.
It was a sign that Adrianna had returned.
“open it!”
Erdal gave the order without hesitation. The soldiers began to whip him. The iron bars rose roughly.
“You’re quite arrogant.”
Felix grumbled quietly. Erdal paid him no attention.
Iron bars went up one after another and a thick door came into view.
Erdal inserted a thick key into the joint and turned it. When the door rattled, other soldiers grabbed it and pulled it open.
The door opened slowly with a heavy sound.
But unlike usual, no smoke came in between.
Erdal’s thick eyebrows deepened.
At that moment, Adrianna appeared through the door. But her appearance was a mess.
Her long hair, which was usually neatly straightened, was all tangled, and her armor was covered in scratches. She looked a bit messy, unlike usual.
“Adrianna!”
Erdal sent a signal.
Boom boom! The sound of drums rang out. Soldiers and knights saluted.
at that time-.
“This is a grand welcoming ceremony.”
It was a soft voice, but it was pleasing to the ear.
A wizard from the Empire, Adrianna’s fiancé, the captain of the special forces, a man named Galahad.
Galahad’s behavior was even more disorganized than Adrianna’s.
Covered in dust, with torn clothes and tattered hands – he looked like he had just rolled around outside.
But his face was full of leisure.
“Empire! It must be because of you!!”
Mardian, his eyes rolled back, charged forward roughly. The knights behind him also showed off their sharp aura.
at that time-.
“Stop, Mardian.”
The knights of the direct unit that had gone out together stopped Mardian. It seemed like they were protecting the man.
“···What are you doing now?”
The direct unit is blocking us. – A look of confusion appeared on Mardian’s face.
Instead of answering, the knights readied their swords, ready to fight at any moment.
“Mardian.”
Adrianna quietly called out to Mardian.
Mardian froze at Adrianna’s cold voice.
“This is your final warning.”
Mardian doubted his ears.
This is the final warning-.
What is that···.
Mardian’s eyes trembled wildly.
I don’t understand what the situation is right now.
At that moment, the man’s eyes met mine.
The man raised one corner of his mouth as he looked at Mardian.
“Well, Adrianna.”
I wanted to get angry at him for daring to call Adrianna so presumptuous, but the final warning tied Mardian up.
At the man’s call, Adrianna cautiously put her hand into the man’s coat.
Then, when Adrianna put the cigarette in the man’s mouth, he forgot to be angry and just stared blankly.
Doing something like that in front of the entire 1st Battalion-.
It was so distant that I couldn’t even be astonished.
In that heavy silence-.
“It’s quiet now.”
Galahad lit the incense burner with satisfaction.
****
A dark temple where silence weighs heavily.
The old man sat quietly and looked down.
Below them stood a long line of people wearing black hoods.
There were so many of them that the end was in sight.
It was truly a grandeur befitting a temple.
The old man slowly opened his heavy mouth. A scream-like voice flowed out from between his wrinkled lips.
“There is a man who muddys the waters of the North.”
There was no answer. Everyone just bowed their heads deeper.
The old man’s position was that high.
“It’s a guy named Galahad. Take care of him.”
The old man didn’t speak for long.
Everyone bowed deeply and fell flat on their faces.
at that time-.
“Hiccup!”
The guy in the corner shuddered violently.
It was a guy wearing a crow mask.
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