Chapter 107. < 41. Unexpected Reunion (2) >
Cynthia Ainsword could not figure it out at all.
If she had been a man, if she had known what Ryan Promhart's complex was, if she had noticed that Bukal and the Knight King's gazes kept drifting downward, it might have been different.
But in the end, she failed to perceive the subtle atmosphere between the three people. An awkward feeling lingered on her face.
'Should I ask later…… No. I'll just stay quiet.'
It seemed like there was something private going on, and she didn't have the kind of relationship with anyone to ask about it.
Cynthia quietly drank her tea and maintained her silence. Left alone, conversation bloomed between the Knight King and Lumian.
"Haha, indeed it was. Sometimes I miss those days. My youthful self was so brave and overflowing with confidence."
"That remains true even now. After awakening, my ears have been stinging from hearing all the achievements Your Majesty has accomplished over the past year."
"Hahahaha, you've grown much more skilled at flattery in the time I haven't seen you, Sir Ryan. Isn't that right, Sir Bukal?"
"I-I……."
"Oh my, I apologize. That must have been an uncomfortable question."
Bukal fell silent.
From his position, both his lord the Knight King and Lumian Callad, who had died like a legend and returned to life like a myth, were equally difficult to deal with.
Understanding this, Phillip III asked Bukal no further questions. No, he changed the topic entirely.
It was because he belatedly realized that Rodia's finest knight, Cynthia Ainsword, kept glancing at them.
With a benevolent smile, he spoke to Cynthia, who had been left feeling like a spare tire.
"Ah, I apologize. In the joy of meeting after so long, I conversed only among ourselves without considering those around us."
"Not at all! How could I dare interfere with the touching reunion between lord and subject. Rather, I wonder if I should even be here……."
"It's fine. There's no need for such worry. I would actually like to ask a favor. Please stay and fill in the gaps in what I have to say."
"Gaps? What do you……."
"It concerns the demon race."
"......!"
The atmosphere rapidly grew heavy.
Lumian straightened his posture. The Knight King added a few more words.
"Ryan…… no, I thought Sir Lumian should also know the current situation."
"……I know roughly. That something ominous is in the air."
Lumian answered in a heavy voice.
It was true.
The suspicion that arose during Reyno Witten's time grew stronger at the Red Mountains, and upon hearing Cynthia's words, it became conviction.
The current human realm is by no means peaceful. It is merely the calm before the storm.
"Very well. Then let's get straight to the point. I'll be brief. A new Demon King has been born. The countless demon races under his command are also preparing to invade the human realm."
Seeing Lumian's expression, the Knight King nodded and began his explanation.
Various pieces of evidence flowed from his lips. The concentration of demon energy that had strengthened over the past decade had grown denser, the frequency of high-ranking demon summonings had increased, and unidentified groups were instigating conflicts between kingdoms and territories.
The situation was far more serious than expected. When Cynthia's supplementary explanation was added, the sense of crisis grew even larger.
"Recently, we even received news from an anonymous informant that a demon territory was discovered in the Red region. Given that multiple demon stones were enclosed, we judge it to be true."
"Ah, that was my doing. During my travels, I偶然 sensed demon energy and subjugated……."
"Ohh, Sir Lumian. Magnificent. Even after reincarnation, to step forward without sparing yourself for the continent……."
The Knight King exclaimed in admiration. Cynthia also looked at Lumian with a pleased expression.
At this time when an unseen threat was approaching, the fact that a reliable force named Lumian had been added was tremendous comfort.
He shook his head and answered.
"Not at all. I merely did what a knight should naturally do. If one has the capability yet neglects one's duty, one has no right to be called a knight."
"You're humble as always, whether in the past or now. Hahahaha."
Phillip III praised Lumian once more.
But that was brief. His expression sank heavily again.
Despite his exploits, the threat of the Demon King had not yet disappeared.
Moreover, just a month ago, the Main God had conveyed through an oracle to be thoroughly on guard, so his mind could not help but be uneasy.
"Still, the situation isn't entirely bad."
The Knight King smiled again.
Though somewhat stiff, it conveyed a sense of reliability. He continued speaking.
"Our Zenas, along with the Kingdom of Rodia and the Kingdom of Cairo, are searching the entire continent thoroughly. While information is restricted to other nations for fear of intensifying continental chaos…… we won't miss a major figure like a Demon King, let alone small fry. The situation is different from the previous invasion."
"I agree with what the Knight King has said. If we know in advance and prepare, the danger will be halved. Perhaps the Demon King fellow might assassinate key continental figures without declaring territory, but……."
Cynthia glanced at Lumian and blushed.
It was because she remembered the mistake that originated from a misunderstanding. Nevertheless, she continued with what she meant to say.
"If the new Demon King is at a similar level to the previous Demon King…… at most, he would only be able to wield power equivalent to an ordinary Swordmaster, so I presume there won't be major damage. We might even be able to track him immediately and achieve great results."
"Hmm."
"And once again, I apologize. I simply thought Sir Ryan, no, Sir Lumian was a particularly strong Demon King……."
"That is truly fine. You don't need to worry about it anymore."
"Thank you. Anyway, the one who knows that best would be the Demon King himself. That's why both the previous Demon King and the one before that started their invasions using the Demon King's Castle as their base, wouldn't you agree?"
"Correct."
Lumian nodded.
Listening to the conversation, he felt relieved. A Demon King who hadn't even declared territory exerting tremendous power seemed difficult upon reconsideration. There hadn't been any such fellows in history, had there?
He had worried excessively in the meantime.
Of course, concern remained regardless. The desire to minimize damage to the continent naturally arose.
Lumian looked at the Knight King. And just as he was about to open his mouth, he was a step late.
Phillip III spoke with a stern expression.
"There is no need for that."
"……What do you mean? I haven't said anything yet."
"I already know. You were going to say you'd return to Zenas and join the front lines, weren't you?"
"......."
"Sir, there is no need for you to do so. You are no longer my subject, are you?"
"Your Majesty!"
Lumian prostrated himself. But the Knight King didn't bat an eye and continued speaking.
"What was the reason I kept you alive through the Main God's wish? Do you think it was to exploit the back of a subject who devoted decades again? No. Absolutely not, Sir Lumian."
"However……."
"Furthermore, Zenas is not so weak that the presence or absence of one person creates a difference in military strength. That's especially true when it comes to searching and tracking. Since the Demon King's trail hasn't been discovered yet, I'm saying Sir Lumian's help isn't needed."
"......."
Lumian closed his mouth.
There was nothing particularly wrong with the Knight King's words.
But how could a person's heart move only logically and rationally?
Different from the days when he moved only as his burning passion led him, he wanted to devote his whole heart before the lord he met after a long time.
But Phillip III was adamant.
He spoke in a stern voice.
"I will make what is close to a final request to you. Enjoy your current life. Put aside complicated thoughts and focus on resolving the bitterness and grievances you've held for decades."
"Your Majesty……."
"Of course, I'm not saying to just play around when a real crisis hits. If the Demon King's Castle or the Demon King's trail is discovered, or if something equivalent happens that requires borrowing your hand, I'll drag you along even if you refuse, so you just need to keep honing your skills as you are now."
"......."
"Do you understand?"
"I shall…… do so."
Lumian Callad nodded.
He had no choice. If he persisted further after hearing the words of Phillip III, who cherished him terribly, that wouldn't be loyalty but disloyalty.
And actually, the King mentioning 'decades of bitterness and grievances' played a part too.
'Having done it once is one thing, but to die a virgin again while facing the Demon King's army……!'
That was truly dreadful.
Thinking this far, Lumian formed a determined expression.
The Demon King would reveal himself at some point. Definitely. This was unavoidable.
Then, at least before that, he should proceed swiftly and make progress to achieve his goal!
'Of course, there's no law saying I'll die again just because I face the Demon King, but you never know!'
Unconsciously, his fist clenched tight.
The Knight King guessed his feelings. Then laughter naturally came out.
Lumian scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed expression.
"Pfft……."
The moment he heard the Knight King's laughter, suppressed laughter spilled from Bukal Garcia's lips as well. It was because he too had grasped the turning atmosphere.
But Lumian was not generous enough to let even this pass.
From his eyes, a gaze hot as lava poured forth.
"……I apologize."
"Hmm, hmm. Let's leave it at that, Sir Lumian."
"I've shown unsightly behavior. I apologize, Your Majesty."
'These people, what on earth are they suddenly talking about again?'
Cynthia, who had again become bewildered, looked at the three in turn.
But this time, the topic changed without even time to think.
An interesting story came from the Knight King's lips.
"But it is truly amazing, Sir Lumian."
"What do you mean……."
"Swordsmanship, and also aura. As I understand it, I heard that less than a year has passed since you awoke in your new body…… it is truly astounding beyond measure. To have caught up to your previous life's skill in that time."
"No, less than a year?"
Cynthia asked back with a surprised expression.
The Knight King nodded. Though it wasn't his own story, his face was full of pride.
"Correct. The Main God said the wish was fulfilled in February of this year."
"......."
Cynthia lost her words.
Bukal was the same. Hearing an unbelievable story, he clicked his tongue inwardly.
'It's so tremendous that I don't even feel a sense of deprivation.'
Well, all three except himself were legends who would leave their names in history. Thinking such thoughts was funny too.
He should just stay like he was dead. Like furniture.
As Bukal thought this, Lumian lowered his head and answered.
"Luck was on my side."
"Heheh, luck? No one can achieve such results with luck alone."
"......."
"I don't know exactly, but I believe I glimpsed parts that even surpassed your previous life. Hmm......."
The Knight King stroked his chin.
A look of deep consideration, wondering whether to say something or not.
For some reason, he even glanced at Bukal.
Then he finally made a decision.
The Knight King, wearing a mischievous smile, made a proposition to Lumian.
"I can't hold back after all. How about we have a spar for old times' sake?"
"Absolutely not!"
Bukal shouted loudly.
A completely different demeanor from having been quiet all along. He poured out words of concern in succession.
"Absolutely not, Your Majesty. A spar with Sir Lumian Callad—if by any chance your precious body is harmed……."
"Hmm…… I'll go easy."
"Your Majesty, please…… though my time serving Your Majesty is not long…… I know well enough that there is no 'roughly' or 'going easy' in Your Majesty's spars!"
"Hmm."
"Not only Your Majesty but I am also concerned Sir Lumian Callad might be injured. Please, withdraw……."
"Heheh. I understand well your heart of concern for me, Sir Bukal."
The Knight King smiled at Bukal and rose from his seat.
"But it's fine. Over the past ten years, I've achieved satisfactory results. I'll have plenty of leisure against Sir Lumian, who has only just recovered his previous life's realm, or perhaps slightly surpassed it."
"……I offer congratulations, Your Majesty."
Lumian smiled at Phillip III's words.
His congratulations were sincere.
But a great curiosity, and competitive spirit, rose in his heart enough to overshadow that feeling.
'You said you'd have leisure against me, Your Majesty? I'm very curious.'
Lumian also rose from his seat.
A flame-like energy rose from his body. Amid the heated atmosphere, he spoke to the Knight King.
"I earnestly request a spar so that I may feel Your Majesty's achievements with my own body."
"Excellent, hahahahaha!"
Phillip III strode out of the tent. Lumian Callad also followed behind him and went outside.
"This is…… interesting."
Cynthia Ainsword was the same. With a face full of an interested smile, she headed to a good spot to watch.
"Sir Bukal, please come as well. Such spectating is not easily available."
"……I understand, Swordmaster Sir Cynthia Ainsword."
Bukal answered in a resigned voice.
The atmosphere had already tilted. His meager power wouldn't be able to change this flow.
'Then, I'll just enjoy it properly!'
A smile occasionally glimpsed on his gloomy expression.
Before being a subject concerned for his lord, he too was a knight walking the path of the sword. He couldn't help but be interested in the current duel.
He moved to Cynthia's side with a heart full of excitement.
With another legend watching over him, he wouldn't meet with an unexpected accident while spectating.
'Who will win?'