I Tried To Be Her Loyal Sword

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210 Chapter

“Oh, isn’t that my escort knight, Crisis?”

A familiar voice resonated in my ears as golden hair danced through the open door. Those playful, sparkling blue eyes evoked both joy and an ominous feeling at the same time.

“Behold the sun of the Empire.”

I bowed in greeting.

It was the Emperor, Helios Solarit.

Today marked the day I was to accompany him as his escort knight to the meeting with the North.

“You really do look different when dressed up.”

Helios circled around me, marveling like a five-year-old child admiring a new toy. As expected, the Emperor’s dignity seemed to have been swept away with the washing water that morning.

Having fully adapted to such behavior from Helios, I could only chuckle.

“Thank you for the clothes. I like them.”

I stood upright.

Since I was to act as the Emperor’s escort knight for the day, I needed to maintain his dignity, so I had to wear the outfit that Helios sent me, even if it was a bit uncomfortable.

The uniform I wore was made of white fabric with delicate golden embroidery, adorned with blue fabric on the lapel, resembling the knights’ attire but much more splendid.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve worn something this extravagant.’

Having only worn lightweight, casual uniforms, it felt like ages since I donned something this flamboyant.

At first, I thought it might be too extravagant for an escort knight. However, seeing Helios’ outfit now, I realized this was far from excessive.

‘Surely, wearing this much is necessary to not be overshadowed.’

Nodding in agreement as if I were a radiating sun myself, I came to accept it.

“Just as I said? Your low-tail and slightly-over-half bangs suit you well.”

Helios crossed his arms behind his back, laughing with satisfaction.

[Your hair must definitely be in a low-tail. A blue ribbon for the hairtie. The bangs should be split about 7:3, but I think wearing them slightly-over-half is preferable. Choose whichever looks better. Oxfords are fine for shoes, but knee-high boots would work too. Since we’re going to a cold place, a fur-lined cape should be…]

Helios had sent a detailed letter along with these clothes. I wondered if he really had quit the throne to become a stylist.

While it was ridiculous, living as a member of the Imperial Palace Guard and learning about Helios’s barren life, I willingly followed his guidance. I could understand his desire to find amusement in such a dull existence.

“My taste is impeccable, you see.”

Helios winked at me proudly. Realizing what he meant, I stood at his back.

As I waited for Helios to exit first, feeling somewhat nervous, he suddenly opened his mouth.

“How old are you this year?”

“I’m 18.”

I cocked my head at the unexpected question.

‘Wow, I really am young.’

Though I had never felt limited by my age, it dawned on me how youthful I actually was. Even if I had a mature mind from my previous life, the memories were vague, and ultimately, I had lived only 18 years distinctly.

Helios glanced back at me. His usually playful blue eyes carried an unusual bitterness.

He seemed to be feeling a heavy sense of responsibility.

“I’m sorry for making you bear such a heavy burden early on.”

That single statement was solemn and grave. It felt more like a statement from a person to a person, an elder to a younger one, rather than something said as an Emperor. I was momentarily left speechless, letting out a sigh before smiling.

He was always so self-centered, yet he was someone I couldn’t help but like.

“Let’s go.”

Helios turned on his heel, ignoring my response. In an instant, he transformed from a person into an Emperor, his cloak billowing and his epaulettes shaking, filling the space between us like a massive mountain.

“We must go see our enemy.”

The wind was growing fiercer.

The meeting with the North was to take place at the Glacier plains, where the Empire met the Northern territories. They seemed to believe that holding it in the vast, open fields was safer than in the chaotic city where many schemes could unfold.

The team heading from the Empire to the Glacier consisted of ten selected knights from the Imperial Palace Guard, ten holy knights from the Temple, and ten sorcerers selected from the Mage Tower.

‘Though it may seem like a large number, it’s because the upper echelon of the Empire is all present.’

I confirmed the gathered individuals at the teleportation device for our departure.

From the Emperor Helios I was guarding, to Pope Elio, Crown Prince Diego, Duke Caesar, the Captain of the First Knights of the Imperial Palace, Noah, and the Captain of the Second Knights, Reiner.

‘Should anything happen to these individuals… the Empire would almost certainly perish immediately.’

Such a guarded convoy could be seen as an extreme measure.

I tried to stop imagining the catastrophe that would ensue if things went wrong. There was nothing else to do but hope that everything would go smoothly.

‘Ah.’

While scanning my surroundings, I suddenly made eye contact with El. Surrounded by holy knights, he stood with an icy expression, arms crossed, until he spotted me and suddenly broke into a broad smile, completely different from a moment ago.

I signaled a greeting to El, who seemed about to approach, but upon confirming the complex situation around him, his face suddenly hardened.

Could it be that the eerie chill made me flinch? El quickly returned to his usual smiling self, silently moving his lips.

‘Let’s meet after it’s over?’

What was this all about?

With his hand lifted to cover his mouth in a childlike manner, he looked slightly mischievous.

I shaped my lips to signal back an acknowledgment. His delighted white face, grinning brightly, looked innocently endearing.

I scanned my surroundings again, wary of anyone who might catch sight of us and start rumors about El and I’s relationship.

This time, I initiated the silent communication.

‘Take care not to catch a cold.’

In my case, the chance of catching a cold was practically zero, but I worried whether El, being an ordinary person aside from his divine powers, might catch one.

Of course, the common belief is that a wielder of divine powers, like a Pope, would be immune to all poisons and diseases, but the specifics about hidden divine powers are more rumor than fact.

With eyebrows fluttering like white petals and eyes blinking in contemplation, El soon let out a big laugh. His radiant face felt stunningly bright.

His red lips began to move slowly.

‘If it gets cold, will you hold me?’

I couldn’t help but notice the way El’s long sky-blue hair swayed, making my ears flush with warmth due to his flirtatious act.

“Please start moving from now on.”

Just as I was about to respond, a sorcerer shouted loudly after completing the last safety check as the portal activated. The area erupted into a flurry of commotion.

“Hey, let’s go, my escort!”

Helios’s call was as casual as ever.

Though lacking any dignity, it was perfectly in line with Helios’s character. I acknowledged him and stood firm in my position to protect him.

“While Crisis claims neutrality, right now you are my escort knight. It wouldn’t do if you were in cahoots with the Temple.”

Helios spread his arms dramatically, feigning disappointment.

I shot him a glance like a person who had just bitten something sour—at that moment, Helios burst into hearty laughter. I reluctantly nodded in acquiescence.

Not that I had ever had any dealings in the first place.

“The Emperor is entering!”

Half of the knights crossed the portal first to assess the situation, and after confirming it was safe, it was Helios’s turn.

I followed closely behind Helios, like his shadow.

And I thought to myself again.

Wow!

I realized that shielding someone who radiated brilliance and making them shine even brighter brought me even more joy than shining myself.

A slight dizziness hit me as I crossed the portal.

It felt mildly disorienting, but far gentler than teleporting without any tools.

Before long, the sensation of floating faded and as the space solidified, I widened my eyes to scan for any potential dangers.

Whoosh—

A strong wind blew across the snowfields. In the middle of the plains stood the tent prepared for the meeting, while snowflakes drifted like flour in the wind.

I took a slow breath, relishing the familiar cold scent of the glacier.

No matter how successful I became, I could never forget my hometown.

The homeland of my blood. The very place I had loathed and resented.

‘Kill me.’

I hated the glacier because I could not forget the blood-soaked terrain, yet it was also the place where precious memories with loved ones were held.

I couldn’t completely wean off the attachment. This place was one of mixed feelings for me.

“There are no hidden traps.”

I shook off my thoughts and focused on my duty. I sensed no traps around. Unless the North had gone mad, the likelihood of finding traps set by three Sword Masters in attendance was low.

“Well… now I see you resemble a bloodhound?”

Looking askance at me, Helios chuckled as I was busy detecting. I admired his peaceful demeanor once again and chose to ignore him.

Before long, everyone stepped through the portal onto the glacier. The cold of the glacier pierced to the bone, but thanks to the mage accompanying Helios, providing protection and temperature control, being next to him felt like sitting before a fireplace.

“You’re late.”

From a short distance, Caesar checked his pocket watch, his face hardening frostily. A side glance showed it had been seven minutes past the appointed time.

“Interesting.”

El, who already had pale skin, blended perfectly with his white clothing and unwittingly took on a protective hue as he muttered. His silver eyes glinted frostily.

Though he normally appeared angelic, as one of the nation’s leaders, he could hardly remain indifferent to being disregarded.

‘Why on earth isn’t he here?’

Caught in between, I furrowed my brow slightly. Something might be happening, but it was highly probable that Zigmund, that bastard, was intentionally running late.

‘Let’s avoid starting a war here.’

As the wind gradually began to swirl, I did not let my guard down.

And in a moment of inhaling, I sensed a strange magical force gathering nearby.

“They’re coming.”

Caesar, who had realized it at the same time as I did, focused on the spot where the magic was collecting, placing his hand on the sword’s hilt.

My heart rate quickened gradually. Taking a deep breath, I calmed my lungs and expelled the cold air cautiously.

Swoosh.

A black portal unfolded before my eyes. The ominous energy characteristic of dark magic surged forth, causing those attuned to mana to recoil.

I held back my tension and stared intently at the portal.

Swish.

Black boots stepped out, trampling the pristine white snow. At that moment, I felt a familiar presence.

Swish swish.

As a figure fully emerged, the sound of footsteps crunched across the silent glacier. A wave of astonishment swept through all the gazes concentrated on the newcomer. I held my breath against the strong scent of winter that prickled my nose.

“I regret being late.”

A low voice flowed with the flurry of powdered snow. Along with that wind, a black fur cloak billowed.

It was an audacious attitude for someone arriving late, yet no one spoke of it, perhaps due to the shock of the moment.

After all, who would have thought the chief of the North would be an extraordinarily beautiful young man in his twenties? Before knowing his identity, I had envisioned a rough, burly man in his fifties, just like everyone else likely did.

He walked toward Helios and El, seemingly unaffected by the reactions of others. The flow of his black cloak resembled a painting.

His dark hair swirled along with the snowfall, and an unusual pressure oozed ominously in every direction.

He paused at a suitable distance, lifted his head, and smiled coolly.

His jet-black, lifeless purple eyes stared directly at me.

“I am Zigmund Hyde, leader of the North.”

Against the white glacier, as snowflakes tumbled down, the master of winter proclaimed thus.