Chapter 102: Sinister Air (2)

⇒ "Remarkable Intuition" detected covert actions.

"Is this part of your so-called 'management'?"

"Pardon?"

Eleanor looked slightly flustered at my question, and I gently swept my hand over the 'presence' of mana reinforcing the coat.

"It's an eavesdropping spell."

"...... Tsk."

Spells using the 'Shade Element' excel in eavesdropping, deception, and invisibility.

Considering Eleanor was a mage of the fifth rank in shade magic, she was adept at such schemes.

"You're as sharp as ever. The other bishops didn't notice."

The other bishops, indeed. It seemed she had employed similar tricks against them as well.

But there was no need for me to fall for it too. It felt disconcerting.

"I asked, is this part of your 'bishop management'?"

"Yes, it is."

Since I didn't hear any complaints from the other bishops, she must have been successful in secretly installing the 'eavesdropping spells'.

"I'm disappointed. I thought I played a major role in you becoming an Archbishop."

Although it might sound boastful, I thought I considerably contributed to her attaining the position of Archbishop.

After all, I had given up and backed Eleanor, so my share ought to be significant.

"... Who do you think I'm doing this for?"

Who else, if not for your own benefit?

Acquiring more information provides the opportunity to amass strength, especially if one holds the position of 'Archbishop'.

"Because of you, Sir Yulian."

Why was this my fault?

She's spouting nonsense.

"I have a responsibility to mediate between the bishops. That's what the role of Archbishop entails."

A valid point. It was one of the reasons I declined the position.

But how does this concern me?

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Because you crushed Bishop Aiden, didn't you?"

Oh, please. I didn't crush him; I merely gave him a gentle warning... Yes, just a warning.

Hmm?

How did she know that?

Despite my inner turmoil, my expression remained unchanged. After a sigh, she began to explain.

"The information is already circulating within the Dawn Society. Although I can't be certain of the source, bishop Aiden's injured eye has led most to believe the rumors."

It was probably Lazlot who, concealing his identity, spread those rumors.

I distinctly gestured to keep it under wraps!

"Is that why you used the eavesdropping spell?"

"Yes. Relatively speaking, I hope nothing major occurs in my capacity."

"Surely, you don't think I would cause any trouble, do you?"

"...."

How absurd. Eleanor looked at me incredulously with such a nuance before giving yet another sigh.

"Regardless of you, Aiden's movements are troubling."

"Huhut, maybe he's planning with the other bishops to slit my throat."

I jokingly suggested something plausible.

Even if Aiden was angry and impulsive, he wasn't the type to act foolishly.

He was a fifth-rank "Barco" mage and potentially on his way to becoming a sixth-rank 'Libra'.

A mage ruled by knowledge and reason wouldn't act impulsively without gain...

"How did you know?"

Or so I thought.

***

Naturally, the rumors about 'Aiden' being overpowered by 'Yulian' were spread by Lazlot, who witnessed the scene.

Hastily returning to the capital, Yulian went straight to see Aiden.

Given his usual behavior, he must have had a reason.

'His intention would be to make Bishop Aiden an example for the other bishops.'

Imagination running wild, Lazlot set to disseminate this information within the Dawn Society.

Aiden, who suddenly injured his eyes.

Yulian, who sought out Aiden immediately upon his return to the capital.

Without spreading the word directly, Lazlot subtly prompted fellow society members to connect the dots.

Upon returning to Blind Eyes office, Lazlot found Yulian there awaiting him and told the entire truth to him.

"... I see."

Yulian, who had been listening quietly, nodded.

"Lazlot, on the day I subdued Sir Aiden, did you see me gesture with my finger over my lips?"

"Yes, I saw it."

"Do you know what I intended?"

Unsure if he'd done something wrong, Lazlot sought to gauge Yulian's reaction with trepidation.

Yet, as Slit-Eye's gaze betrayed no emotion, skeptical of why Yulian posed such a question, Lazlot chose to answer honestly.

"... Didn't it mean to spread what happened that day?"

Silence reigned briefly in the office after Lazlot's answer.

Feeling an inexplicable sense of drowning in the air, Lazlot contemplated whether he'd made a mistake or should've reported stronger, all under Yulian's unwavering stare.

Suddenly, lifting the weight off Lazlot's chest, Yulian's words mercifully broke the tension.

"You did well. Huhut."

'Thank goodness.'

Lazlot heaved a sigh of relief internally, feeling reassured.

***

Had I merely stayed quiet, things might have settled better.

Lazlot's response began to make me feel dizzy.

I clearly gestured as if zipping my lips.

Meaning not to divulge the day's events to anyone.

'Wait a minute.'

Thinking back, was there even a concept of 'zippers' in this world?

'Damn...'

I emulated 'Yulian' too well, overthinking, and carelessly made mistakes.

Too thoughtlessly, indeed.

A blunder on my part.

"In any case, there's no need to spread more stories about Sir Aiden."

Yet, before matters could escalate, I resolved to silence Lazlot.

In retrospect, I should have been more straightforward in my instructions.

Admittedly, having returned from the capital, my mind was overwhelmed, culminating in this mess.

"If Sir Aiden tries anything strange, do report it."

"Understood."

With eyes filled with reassurance, Lazlot affirmatively replied, then politely excused himself from the office.

'What a mess...'

Left alone in the office, buried in thoughts.

Clearly, clashes with Aiden were now unavoidable.

Desired outcome aside, the means becoming needlessly complicated was indeed troublesome.

'Bishops' were notably prideful, detesting bowing their heads even to fellow 'Bishops'.

Yet Aiden gathered bishops to stand against Yulian, stooping to such lengths.

'... Pintel?'

Ah, exclude him. He's rather odd.

Anyway, the fact remained that Aiden couldn't ignore the reality that he'd suffered because of me.

'The rumor could snowball, reaching even the nobility.'

Thus, purists intent on pureblood superiority would consider being defeated by a 'half-blood' like Yulian.

'Annoying mages.'

Though tempted to mutter profane remarks, I held my tongue.

After all, a formal cursing held no power.

In truth, 'mages' were versatile creatures in this world.

After all, anything can be resolved through 'mana' and 'magic'.

However, they also become notoriously tricky adversaries when opposed.

'Especially since the Donatien family specializes in one of the five elements, the Metal Element.'

Since an attack was possible, taking precautions seemed prudent.

It was unlikely that Aiden would allow a simple approach like before.

Luckily, I'd already deduced their family's countermeasures.

That is, the weakness in the Donatien family's battle magic, 'Gem Magic'.

'The number of gemstones must inherently be limited.'

Therefore, the magic would similarly be finite.

There are constraints to what one can carry.

The countermeasure was simple: exhaust the gems while slowly advancing using agility and some degree of check.

'I've incidentally acquired excellent means of check.'

It's not 'Sombra', but a by-product of the 'New Sword Saint' trait: 'Single Stroke'.

The ability to emit sword energy or aura.

Though not yet defined as a 'trait', mastering it would allow its free usage.

It would become useful against Aiden, even in future battles with the Donatien family.

'But how shall practice proceed?'

Murmured to myself, I wished to accumulate practical data instead of futilely striking wooden dummies.

"Sir Yulian, are you in?"

Just then, the sound of knocking resounded, and Fern entered the room.

"Thank you for your efforts in escorting His Highness the Prince!"

Contrary to what Blind Eyes was known for, the voice filled with discipline.

Come to think of it, he was a member of the Azure Lion Knights, wasn't he?

"These are letters and official documents addressed to you, Sir Yulian. I will leave them here!"

Having said this, Fern placed the documents he brought on the table.

Among them was a request from a magazine 'The Knights' for an interview.

Why? Didn't I unsubscribe from that magazine?

"Sir Fern."

"Yes!"

His booming voice, reminiscent of a knight from the order.

"Do you have some time?"

"If it's time you need, I'm available, but are there any tasks to be done...?"

"Yes."

Please say the word!

Fern responded confidently.

"Would you care to spar with me?"

A brief silence ensued.

Atop Fern's head, eyes widened, the shade of 'fear' briefly danced.

"If I've done anything wrong, please let me know. I'll correct it."

***

I eventually convinced the fearful Fern that I wasn't harboring any grievances but simply wanted to wield a sword.

Having relocated to the 'Blind Eyes' training grounds, I stood still, observing Fern.

"Hoo..."

He took several deep breaths repeatedly. I surmised it was an attempt to mitigate his nervousness at sparring with 'Yulian'.

"I'm ready."

With resolve resounding in Fern's voice, I beckoned with my fingers for him to approach.

Initiating an attack in combat signaled the admission of inferiority.

'Regardless, data needs to be gathered.'

The reason behind this stance was to test 'Single Stroke' in a practical setting, improving its 'understanding.'

After all, channeling aura into a sword and releasing it as a sword energy required focus.

⇒ Remarkable Intuition

⇒ Innate Swordsman

⇒ Insight

⇒ New Sword Saint

Even one equipped with various traits found its proper usage challenging.

'For something untried, what can I do?'

Thus, intending to create an environment that somewhat replicated reality, I provoked Fern.

Pushing him to attack with lethal intent.

"I'm coming."

Unlike his usual uptight voice, Fern's tone grew calm as he launched himself forward.

The gap began closing.

Facing Fern, I channeled aura into the sword.

Shiiiiing—!

Attempting to discharge it like sword energy.

Very lightly.

"Ugh...!"

As soon as the sharp sword energy from the 'Moonlit Sword' aimed his way, startled Fern hastily halted his attack and swung his sword.

'In normal circumstances, deflecting 'Single Stroke' with such a loose stance is impossible.'

Contrary to expectations, the sword energy from the 'Moonlit Sword' easily dissipated against Fern's blade.

'Indeed.'

As expected, incomplete mastery of 'Single Stroke' didn't possess significant force.

Even so, crumbling like a cracker seemed excessive.

===

⇒ Understanding of 〈New Sword Saint〉 has improved.

⇒ Awareness of the 〈Single Stroke〉 trait has been attained.

===

Fortunately, through the recent strike, my body began comprehending the concept of 'sword energy' somewhat.

"Just now... you released aura, didn't you?"

The act of channeling aura into a blade and harnessing it as sword energy.

Perhaps realizing its difficulty, Fern spoke with surprise lingering in his voice.

"Yes, having grasped the technique during this journey."

"... Impressive. For someone like me, mastering aura itself is a challenge."

"There's nothing to be astonished by. Such is the difference in talent and rank."

Observing Fern, who seemed to be expressing uncertainty, I uttered words without shame.

As a knight. Well, more accurately, as an 'ex-knight'.

Therefore, he must possess his unique pride regarding handling a sword and aura.

'I suppose instigating like this will provoke him, inciting unrestrained aggression.'

A knight, in this worldview, embodies such characteristics.

Despite differences in accumulated experiences, they believe there's no absolute superiority amongst themselves.

Such it was with Heiden Reich.

Such it was with Yulian.

And every knight I'd met thus far.

'So, you must have your own pride.'

Show it.

While slightly apologetic for probing, I hoped for an aggressive advance.

For the forthcoming battle with Aiden.

Moreover, to prepare for the conflict against Tenelon.

"It won't do if you're this startled. Did you accept the sparring session with such amateur skill?"

I heightened the level of instigation.

Having initiated the sparring topic, reacting to this attitude would rightfully incite anger.

"Yes! I'll learn through body and experience!"

No, I meant to provoke irritation.

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