Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 43
“Hmm, it feels like I was tricked by some kind of ghost. I still don’t understand why my last attack missed at all.”
After returning home and finishing dinner, it was time for everyone to relax in the living room, yet Larni continued to tilt her head in confusion.
“What does it feel like when your sword gets deflected?”
“That’s a mystery too. The moment I thought my sword was being blocked, it felt like my whole body was being swept away in another direction. It’s not just being swept away; it’s as if I had been swinging my sword that way from the start.”
“It seems it’s not simply a technique for deflecting attacks.”
“Probably not. If that’s a skill, then aligning the swords must be the condition for activating it. Once that skill activates, it feels like my body is being manipulated. You felt that way when watching the previous opponent, right?”
“Indeed, it did seem that way. However, if that’s the case, it’s strange that my last ‘Flying Blade’ missed.”
“Exactly! I thought that was a good move…”
As Larni kicked her legs in frustration, Karma, sitting next to her, gently ruffled her hair.
“I think your aim was good. Besides, you fought really well, Larni. The audience said there hadn’t been anyone who held out like that.”
“But I wanted to land at least one hit! Ugh, I’m so frustrated! Soushi, you have to take revenge for me!”
“Revenge is a bit much. I’ll do my best, though.”
“Do you have any breakthrough ideas?”
When Karma asked, everyone turned their attention to me. However, I didn’t have any solid thoughts to meet their expectations.
“Honestly, I have nothing. I’ll just give it my all.”
“Eh, is that really okay?”
Larni squinted at me, looking doubtful.
Just as I was about to respond, our servant Milgret approached.
“Lord, Her Imperial Highness has arrived.”
“Princess Marishielle at this hour? Alright, I’ll go meet her.”
Leaving everyone, who looked just as surprised as I was, I headed to the entrance. There she was, Princess Marishielle, her silver hair tinged with purple shimmering in the light of the magical tools.
And she was alone. Even though she was the highest-ranking adventurer in the Empire, it seemed rather reckless for a woman to be walking alone at night.
I tried to guide her to the Reception Room, but she said, “Um… if possible, I would prefer to be with everyone…” so I led her to the living room where everyone was.
As Princess Marishielle entered, even Larni and Karma appeared tense. The moment Sakura Hime, an Imperial citizen, saw her, she froze in place.
The princess unsheathed her sword and gracefully sat down on the sofa, her demeanor befitting her status as a royal.
“Um, Count Okuno, I apologize for the sudden visit. I absolutely needed to speak with you before tomorrow’s battle, so I pushed myself to come.”
“No, I’m very pleased to have you here, Your Highness. Given the events of the day, I might have needed to visit you instead.”
As I lightly bowed my head, the princess hurriedly shook her head.
“N-No, I’ve heard everything regarding Momental. The reason I came here was actually to convey that.”
“Is there something new you’ve discovered?”
“Not exactly… Upon examining Momental’s body, it appears that aside from the surface, it was composed of a different material than that of a human… His body reportedly crumbled shortly after.”
“I see… How did Marquis Falcrum react?”
“He was in a state of complete disarray, seemingly at a loss for words. Although Momental’s body crumbled, he took it with him and locked himself away in his mansion.”
“I understand… Did he express any resentment towards me?”
At my question, Princess Marishielle furrowed her brows, looking hesitant.
“…I’ve heard he was quite vocal about such things. However, my brother mentioned there were some unnatural aspects to it. It seemed he was deliberately trying to be overheard.”
“I see… In that state, it would be difficult to gather any information.”
“Yes. However, I’ve been informed that surveillance has increased even more. My brother has assured me that you should not worry about that and focus on tomorrow’s match.”
“Thank you. I will do just that.”
“I have no ill feelings towards you regarding Momental, Count Okuno. In fact, I should be thanking you. I believe it must have been quite frustrating for him to be manipulated in such a state.”
“I appreciate your kindness. Hearing that from you, Your Highness, lifts a weight off my shoulders.”
As I bowed my head again, Princess Marishielle smiled gently, covering her mouth.
“I wish to fight you, Count Okuno, without any excuses. This is perhaps the first time my heart has raced like this.”
When she said that, her eyes were not those of a noble lady but rather those of an adventurer, no, a warrior. It strongly conveyed that her essence lay in battle.
As I pondered how to respond to her words, Larni chimed in from the side.
“Hey, Princess Marishielle, what exactly is your skill? I just can’t accept that both of my final attacks missed!”
As fearless as ever, Larni seemed unfazed, but even I felt a bit weak in the knees facing Princess Marishielle.
The others reacted with surprise, covering their mouths or faces, indicating they shared the same sentiment.
However, the princess merely smiled, saying, “Hehe, I can’t reveal the secrets of my skill. But I can tell you its name: ‘Kokuun.’ It’s a special skill that only I possess.”
“Kokuun,” a name full of meaning. It could mean “Declared Fate” or “To Declare Fate.” I wondered if it had any relation to my own skill, “Ten’un”—but perhaps that was overthinking it.
“Kokuun, huh… Just the name doesn’t tell me much. But can I assume that my attacks missing was due to that skill?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Your attacks were impressive, Larni. I must admit, I felt a bit chilled. I believe your strength ranks among the top one or two I’ve faced.”
“Hmm, if that’s the case, I guess it’s fine. But I need to get stronger!”
“There is no upper limit to strength. I too am always aiming higher. If I don’t, I won’t be able to protect what I must.”
As Princess Marishielle spoke, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. She must have her own past. Perhaps she harbored some regrets regarding Momental.
After chatting about our travels for about an hour, Princess Marishielle took her leave for the castle. I couldn’t let her walk home alone at night, so I accompanied her to the castle gates. Along the way, she said, “Your home is so comfortable, Count Okuno. I envy you; I can’t have such enjoyable conversations at the castle.”
Given her position, it was understandable, but it also suggested that her adventurer activities provided her with a sense of liberation.
When we parted at the castle gates, I entrusted Princess Marishielle with a message for His Imperial Majesty.
Based on past experiences, if anything were to happen, it would likely be tomorrow. There was no better timing than the setting of the final match in the arena.
“Hehe, you’re already thinking about what comes after our battle, aren’t you? Count Okuno, you truly seem to be a person of great capacity, just as my brother said.”
Though she said that, I couldn’t help but wonder how much the Emperor was overestimating me. Regardless, I would do everything I could. As someone who was being evaluated beyond my worth, that was the most sincere response I could offer.