Chapter 39

Thanks to Lord Agreus's arrangements, Elliot and the others were treated to a banquet at the Diemeld Duke's mansion.

The meals they had been served since staying at the royal castle were also lavish, but the exquisite dishes laid out before them were even more luxurious.

"Wow! It looks so delicious!"

Lady Marianna smiled at Emily, who couldn't help but exclaim.

"Today is a feast to honor all of you, so we'll be lenient with etiquette. Please enjoy yourselves."

"Lady Marianna, thank you! Yay!"

While Emily was happily playing, Elliot wore an awkward smile.

The elaborate and high-class dishes were something he had never tasted when he was a commoner. However, due to his nervousness and the current situation, they tasted like sand in his mouth.

After the banquet, Lord Agreus, Elliot, and Lloyd moved to the smoking room. Although he was a knight and did not smoke, he sipped the distilled liquor that was served.

When the alcohol had slightly relaxed him, Lord Agreus placed a small vial on the table. It looked like a glass bottle that a noble gentleman might carry, containing scented oil.

"It's holy water. Please carry it with you just in case. You can also purify it regularly."

Saying this, Lord Agreus glanced at the replica sword Elliot held. Elliot couldn't help but frown.

"...If you believe the story that its duty is over, why go to such lengths?"

Lord Agreus smiled elegantly.

"You were worried earlier about the undead beast that appeared at the edge of the capital, weren't you? So, this is insurance. One should be enough to deceive it."

Despite his calm voice, Elliot couldn't shake off the unease in his chest and looked down in silence.

"The other day, it was in the northeastern part of the capital, along the Ureli River. The river originates from the northern mountains, passes through our Diemeld territory, and flows into the capital. The northern part, in particular, has a fast current. It's not strange if an undead beast that escaped detection was carried downstream."

Hearing this, Elliot's expression darkened, and Lord Agreus continued in a consoling tone.

"Even if the holy sword had never existed, the same thing would have happened. So, there's no need to feel burdened. Besides—..."

Then, Lord Agreus stood up and approached the window. Outside, the royal castle was visible in the moonlight as the sun set.

"To give new soldiers experience, I could easily send them away. ...Soon, I will take over as the commander of the royal knights."

Elliot and Lloyd, taken aback by this unexpected news, opened their eyes wide and stood up.

"Ah, that's right. I hadn't told you yet to avoid spoiling the celebration."

Lord Agreus turned around, smiling as if he had forgotten.

"It seems that the king and Sir Lionel had a falling out over the handling of the holy knights. He's a stubborn man."

He sat back on the sofa, crossing his legs.

"Although I don't have his heroism or military achievements, I have led the proud Diemeld knights for generations."

"...Of course, I understand that..."

Lloyd responded, and both of them sat back down to calm themselves.

Dylan Agreus Diemeld is the next head of the Diemeld ducal family. He received royal blood during the annexation and is a collateral relative of the current royal family. Although he lacks military achievements, he is a descendant of the royal lineage that has protected the northern region, known for its many beasts, for generations. As the leader of the Diemeld knights, he has a long history, even before the kingdom was established.

Given his status and position, he is indeed a suitable candidate to take over as the commander of the royal knights after Lionel's departure.

"Moreover, in this position, I can be of more help to you."

– It would be more convenient to have someone who shares the secret in a higher position...

Elliot took a deep breath and looked down. Compared to hiding the secret from the former commander Lionel or revealing it to him, it was indeed a relief. Thinking about it, he felt a bit lighter.

After leaving the Diemeld Duke's mansion, Elliot and the others returned to the royal castle with Emily.

The corridors of the royal castle were brightly lit by magical lamps created by court magicians, even in the twilight.

A familiar tall man, Goliath the weapons merchant, was walking down the corridor. He must have been summoned for some official business.

As they approached, Goliath greeted them with a slightly surprised smile.

"Oh, you two are back already?"

"Yes, we are..."

In the castle corridor, where anyone's ears might be listening, they couldn't discuss the hidden village or the sword. They had planned to meet after consulting with Lord Agreus, but an awkward silence filled the air.

While considering whether to just exchange pleasantries for the day, Goliath's gaze fixed on the sword Elliot was holding. After a moment of silence, Goliath's expression turned neutral.

"...I see. You chose that path, then."

Goliath, a discerning weapons merchant who had seen the real thing, couldn't be fooled. His voice was hard and devoid of emotion, but it was cold as ice.

In the end, they didn't exchange any more words, and Goliath left.

Suddenly, Elliot felt as if he was standing on a very fragile foundation, and he felt dizzy. With heavy steps, he parted ways with Lloyd and walked down the corridor to take Emily to her room. Emily clung to his arm.

"Hey, Elliot. Can I come to your room tonight?"

Emily looked up at him with a blush, her eyes full of innocence.

– Even if the vessel was given by Flora, the one who brought the holy sword through prayer was her.

To Elliot, this was the only truth left. It was his only support now. He had seen her dedication with his own eyes, so he knew it was true. This thought filled Elliot's mind.

– Besides, if the holy maiden Emily prays, eventually...

Thinking this, he gripped the replica sword in his hand tightly.