I Tried To Be Her Loyal Sword

---

217th Chapter

“Do you remember the conversation we had before? You asked me what kind of world I aspire to pursue, Master.”

Serenon had a voice closer to a soprano rather than a deep bass.

His soft yet dreamlike voice probably resembled the sound of a harp played by a lake fairy. I couldn’t help but listen intently.

I could never forget that conversation. The day I learned Serenon’s thoughts.

“Everything has cracks. These cracks may look like imperfections, but I believe light comes through them. If you’ve seen light coming in through a gap caused by a mistake, don’t just try to seal it up; tear down the wall. Face the light from outside. Please don’t turn away.”

Serenon spoke his convictions by entering the petition written by my mother.

“What I want in this world is the same as back then. I want to see a world where no one is turned away, not even shadows like me.”

Serenon expressed the same dream as before, but he felt significantly more matured. Those blue eyes that had once looked blank and empty now sparkled with a full vitality.

“The people of Atara must be suffering. And the only thing I can do is fight with my sword.”

Serenon clenched and then opened his hands. A silver aura resembling a moon halo burst forth from his hand like sparks.

He had only recently become a Sword Expert, yet he was using his aura proficiently.

‘It’s true, a genius is a genius.’

I felt admiration as I observed the density and intensity of the aura.

Though my sudden increase in responsibilities led to the indefinite suspension of my lessons with Serenon, it was unbelievable how quickly he was growing, considering that he was self-taught due to not bringing in a new teacher.

“I will do what I can. Even if it leads me to death. If royalty accompanies us, the Atara side will treat our reinforcements more cautiously, and the soldiers’ morale will rise. We can’t pull back for the sole reason of danger when there are so many benefits to be gained.”

Serenon stared directly at me, and while I internally agreed, I kept my expression firm.

“Royals shouldn’t recklessly throw themselves into danger. Just by existing, they become a kind of symbol. There are certainly things you can do safely within the Imperial Palace.”

“The palace will be protected by my brother. While it would be wrong for every royal to leave the palace, having all the royals remain could raise suspicions of cowardice. As the second prince and an aura user, it’s the most rational and safe choice for me to be the one to go.”

Despite my attempts to persuade him, Serenon didn’t yield even a bit. His arguments weren’t stubbornly defiant but rather reasonable counterpoints.

In the end, I could only smile, conveying that I had no choice but to support and believe in the resolution he had made.

“Are you trying to surpass your master?”

“Of course, the student surpasses the teacher.”

Noticing that I had given up on persuasion, Serenon relaxed and playfully winked at me.

“It seems like Her Majesty the Empress has no intention of granting permission. Do you think you’ll succeed?”

Serenon’s eyes gleamed like fireflies.

“I have lived following my mother’s orders all my life. If my mother truly loves me, then I believe she will support the path I have chosen now.”

They say there’s no parent that can be surpassed by their child, and maybe that’s true. I was supporting Serenon, but I couldn’t help but feel a bit worried.

“Don’t worry. Even if it takes time, I’ll persuade her until she’s convinced. My only concern is that once I leave for Atara, I won’t be able to see your face for a long time. How could I possibly bear missing you?”

Serenon lightened the mood with his witty tone.

‘Serenon doesn’t know that I’ve become the commander.’

It was quite remarkable that he hadn’t picked up on something decided just two hours ago. I smiled mischievously at the oblivious Serenon.

“You can put that worry aside.”

“Huh? Oh, will you be in touch often?”

“You’ll probably get sick of seeing me.”

I didn’t say it outright, instead opting to be cagey. I wanted to surprise him later instead of revealing it now. Serenon looked amused but also smiled kindly.

“That sounds positive.”

“Of course.”

‘If it’s Serenon, he’s more than enough to trust with my back.’

Humanly, I wished for his safety, but rationally, Serenon’s joining us was incredibly reassuring news. He was an undeniable expert and my disciple, after all.

Was I feeling relieved? Serenon glanced at me as if he was about to ask something.

“And by the way, this is a separate matter…”

“Oh, yes?”

“Could you possibly tell me what Lady Aida Crisis likes?”

“……Huh?”

And what came back was an unexpected question.

“Why do you ask?”

As I asked back in confusion, Serenon subtly averted his gaze.

“Since we often meet in the same social circle, there are occasions where I should give her gifts as a formality. I thought it would be good to know…”

His ramblings sounded plausible, but somehow it felt like an excuse. I narrowed my eyes.

‘What is it? Why do I feel like a parent sending off a well-raised child?’

A strange feeling gnawed at my insides.

Telling him wouldn’t be difficult, yet for some reason, I didn’t want to. Seeing the slight flush in his ears made some mischievous feeling bubble up.

I decided to act on impulse.

“Aida likes me.”

“Huh?”

“Lady Aida Crisis likes me more than anyone else in the world.”

I twisted one corner of my mouth while staring blankly at Serenon, who was gaping at me.

“Aside from that, unfortunately, I don’t know much. You’ll have to find out for yourself, Your Highness.”

I knew I was being childish, but it wasn’t easy to shake off my sulky demeanor. Somehow, it felt like admitting it would mean losing.

“Oh, I need to… Yes, that’s right. I was being short-sighted.”

Unlike what I had expected, where he would refute me, Serenon nodded repeatedly as if he had realized something. His eyes sparkled with determination.

“When it comes to someone I’m interested in, it’s best to find out directly by interacting rather than asking others.”

Serenon, his face lit with understanding, grinned widely.

“You continue to teach me even in this place. You are truly a master. Thank you, I understand well what you mean.”

‘What did I mean……?’

It seemed Serenon, who was deriving lessons from my unclear words, would probably grasp any divine revelation from even finding a single flower in full bloom in a barren field.

“Aida is…”

Just as I was about to say something, my pocket vibrated briefly. I immediately realized it was the direct communication tool I received from El.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

I sought Serenon’s understanding and checked the communication tool. The message written there was clear.

[I have something for Shushu going to Atara. Come see me. As soon as possible.]

‘How on earth did they know about something decided just two hours ago?’

I sighed and clicked my tongue. Tina might be in the palace, but how did El figure this out from the temple, which was quite a distance away?

His information network was truly that of a pope with the Empire under his thumb.

I stuffed the communication tool back into my pocket.

“Uh, I’m sorry, but I think I need to go. I’ve received a summons from the temple.”

“Already? We have so much to talk about…”

The phrase “as soon as possible” urged me to hurry. Serenon looked a bit disappointed, but he nodded.

“When I go to Atara, you’ll at least see me off.”

“Haha, of course.”

Not just seeing him off, but I’d be going together, yet I pretended to be casual and smiled confidently.

“Well then, I’ll see you next time.”

I bowed and, wrapping my legs in mana, darted swiftly out of the palace.

The palace and the temple were about a 10-minute carriage ride apart.

It was much faster to run using my legs with mana flowing than by carriage, so I dashed lightly between the buildings.

Now that I had become a noble’s child, running like this might be seen as undignified, but it was familiar and much more convenient.

Arriving at the temple before the minute hand could complete two circuits, I removed the robe I had thrown on and stood before the knights guarding the temple.

They confirmed my face, completed the basic verification process, and let me in.

“The King awaits you on the Path of Petros.”

Upon entering the temple, the priest waiting for me bowed and guided me along the way. I lightly nodded and moved my steps.

The Path of Petros was named after a knight who had died fighting for the Empire in the past, and at the end of that path, a spring of holy water erupted eternally.

The spring of holy water was one of the most important places in the temple, so only the Captain of the Knights Order, ministers, and popes could walk that path without special reasons.

Normally, I wouldn’t have even been allowed to set foot there, but with the pope’s permission being absolute within the temple, I had no obstacles.

“Please, go inside.”

The priest, who stopped before the entrance adorned with mysterious silver crystals, pointed to the entrance. I thanked him and parted the white silk curtain.

“Roar.”

As soon as I stepped in, the presence felt inside rushed toward me. The scent of lilies enveloped my senses.

What he said was playful, quite unlike his low and quiet tone.

“Wow… ACK.”

Our silver eyes met up close, I blinked twice out of courtesy, pretending to be surprised, but my own scream sounded shockingly bland to my ears.

“Are you trying to surprise me? How considerate.”

El laughed out loud, narrowing his cat-like eyes. I awkwardly scratched my neck and bowed.

“It’s been a while, El.”

“Indeed. It’s the first time since the meeting.”

He whispered softly and extended his hand forward, revealing his long, white, slender fingers still marked by rough scars.

“Shall we walk together? The path is very beautiful.”

Despite saying to come as quickly as possible, he seemed quite relaxed.

I tilted my head but, relieved that nothing serious was wrong, nodded readily and gently took his hand.

The warmth spread through our clasped hands, and El firmly intertwined his fingers with mine.

The Path of Petros stretched straight through a green lawn.

It was early afternoon now, yet inside, it was strangely dark like night. The silvery lights floating around were truly a spectacle.

Occasionally, when they touched my skin, they seemed to absorb instantly, offering a soft sensation, indicating that the lights were likely divine power.

“It definitely feels like the firefly forest.”

“Right? It’s so pretty that every time I come here, I think about walking with you, Shushu.”

El walked in step with me. When conversation momentarily paused, the surroundings were so quiet, without even the sound of wind, that only our breaths disturbed the tranquility.

It felt as if we were floating in a vacuum, with only the warmth of our joined hands remaining intact.

It felt like El and I had stepped out into the world alone.