Sister, I Hit You Because There Was a Ghost Behind You - Chapter 42

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 42. Shaking the Dust from the Battlefield
Several days had passed since the horrific uprising at the Grand Cathedral was suppressed.
The thick miasma and bloodstains that had covered the sacred ground were gradually fading through the priests’ endless purification rituals, yet the collapsed Bell Tower and shattered statues stood as stark testimony to that day’s atrocities.
Of course, the cost of restoring that devastation was not my concern.
I reclined deeply into a plush velvet sofa, gazing contentedly at the mountain of gold coin boxes and parchment documents stacked before me.
In exchange for perfectly concealing and resolving the dark magic incident that had shaken the sacred Cult, both the Papal See and the Imperial Court vied with each other to bestow enormous compensation.
Hundreds of thousands of gleaming gold coins, and two deeds to fertile estates in the Southern Granary Region.
Spoils that far exceeded the amount on the receipt I had submitted—truly dazzling treasures that made one’s eyes swim.
“Though it is woefully insufficient compared to the Count’s tremendous contributions, I humbly beseech you to accept this reward without displeasure.”
An elderly minister dispatched from the Imperial Court bowed repeatedly, wiping sweat from his brow.
I elegantly unfurled my fan to conceal my lips, displaying a smile of boundless mercy and generosity.
“I am merely grateful for the profound benevolence of His Majesty the Emperor and His Holiness the Pope. The Eberhardt Family has always stood ready to dedicate itself to the peace of the Empire.”
As the minister withdrew with a sigh of relief, Demian, standing rigidly beside me, carefully opened his mouth.
“Violetta. As the Knight Commander, I must once again offer my deepest apologies for the disreputable affair of the Cult that has caused you such grave distress. The dedication and courage you have shown are something I shall never forget in my lifetime.”
In Demian’s blue eyes, deep guilt and reverence were still intermingled.
He appeared not to have slept properly for days, his eyes hollow, yet even this only accentuated the poignant charm of a virtuous Holy Knight.
I folded my fan and gave his firm shoulder a light tap.
“I have heard your apologies and reflections for days now, Demian. That is quite enough. Since the past has been perfectly compensated with gold, my heart is now as light as a feather.”
“But we do not know when or where the next calamity might strike. We should pursue clues immediately——”
“No. What we must pursue immediately is a soft bed and warm water.”
When I cut off his words decisively, Demian’s eyes widened. I pointed to the dazzling sunlight beyond the window and declared confidently.
“From the icy winds of the Northern Region to the riots in the Capital, we have relentlessly shattered the skulls of monsters and demons. Even a steel sword loses its edge without proper maintenance—how much more so a person? We shall pack our belongings at once and depart for the Southern Region.”
“The Southern Region, you say?”
“Yes. To Illumina, the finest hot spring estate in the South, renowned for its excellent waters and beautiful grounds. The Imperial Court has already prepared an exclusive carriage for our use.”
At my declaration, Kairik, who had been leaning against the window frame gazing outside, burst into laughter.
“Ha, the South? That place is full of insects and sticky humidity—I can’t stand it. Violetta, do you go searching for entertainment the moment a fight ends? Well, I suppose your extravagant and luxurious tastes are far more appealing than that stale stench of blood and gore.”
Kairik grumbled while roughly brushing back his hair, yet undisguised affection and interest lingered at the corners of his mouth.
I folded my arms and raised my eyebrows at him.
“If you dislike it, Your Highness may return alone to the Northern Region and take cold water baths. Demian and I shall soak in warm hot spring waters and enjoy the finest seafood cuisine of the South.”
“Who said I wasn’t going? I’m accompanying you as a protector in case you collapse again on some treacherous path.”
Kairik answered smoothly, baring his sharp fangs like a beast. Demian narrowed his brow slightly and addressed Kairik with a polite but pointed tone.
“Your Highness the Grand Duke. Considering the hardships the Count has endured, rest is a rightful privilege she naturally deserves. It would be best if you refrained from discourteous remarks in her presence.”
“The Knight Commander has become quite the perfect loyal hound after slaying a demon or two. Your leash seems quite comfortable, doesn’t it?”
“Show proper decorum, Your Highness. This is not a battlefield.”
Watching the two men already growling at each other, I released a light sigh.
A rough and feral beast of the Northern Region, and a celibate Holy Knight devoted to principle and propriety from the Capital.
The power struggle between two such different men remained exhausting, yet truthfully, it was also quite an excellent spectacle.
The Imperial Court’s exclusive carriage, having left the Capital, traveled for days before entering the Southern Region’s border.
The very air differed from the biting winds of the North or the heavy tension of the Capital. As I opened the carriage window, a fresh and sweet orange fragrance and the rich scent of unnamed Southern flowers rushed in.
The interior of the carriage was as ornate as if an enormous reception room had been transported wholesale.
The finest crimson carpet lay beneath our feet, reinforced with premium stabilization enchantment stones positioned throughout the carriage. Not even the water in our glasses rippled with the motion.
“I’m absolutely sweltering. How do those Southern folk even breathe in this boiling cauldron?”
Kairik von Herzen grumbled in frustration, roughly unbuttoning his shirt down to his chest. His bronzed skin, glistening with perspiration, and the savage scars crisscrossing it were laid bare for all to see.
He draped his long legs carelessly over the seat in front of him, fanning himself with an air of complete indifference to propriety.
In stark contrast, Demian Lyart sat across from him without a single thread out of place.
Dressed in his immaculate uniform with every button fastened to his collar, he maintained perfect posture while reading his book.
“Your Grace, no matter how unbearable the heat, disrobing yourself in the presence of a Count is beneath your station. Do lower your legs.”
Demian offered his quiet reproach without lifting his eyes from the page, prompting Kairik to snort derisively.
“Station? Please. Why don’t you shed that suffocating shell of yours? I’m suffocating just looking at you. Violetta, you agree with me, don’t you?”
“Both of you, please. My eyes are perfectly content and delighted as things are.”
I swirled my glass of refreshing fruit water adorned with ice and smiled with leisurely amusement.
With two premium specimens of masculine beauty radiating their distinct charms before me, the stress accumulated over recent trials seemed to dissolve through sheer visual therapy.
Beauty was always right. That was an immutable truth.
Soon the carriage began to slow, and the Coachman’s cheerful voice rang out.
“We’ve arrived! The pride of the Southern Region—the Illumina Hot Spring Estate!”
As the carriage door swung open, brilliant sunlight poured in, and I squinted against its radiance. The vista before me was nothing short of paradise on earth.
Towering palm trees swayed in the breeze, their fronds tinged with azure, while a magnificent white marble resort building rose to greet us. Ethereal wisps of hot spring steam curled from various points across the structure, weaving an enchanting atmosphere.
The moment we descended from the carriage bearing the Imperial seal, dozens of waiting servants bowed in unison with utmost deference.
“Welcome, Countess Violetta! Your Grace, and Holy Knights Order Commander! We are infinitely honored by your presence at the Illumina Estate.”
I was escorted to my guest chamber, situated in the Imperial suite on the highest floor of the resort building.
Smooth marble floors were covered with exotic carpeting so plush that my feet sank into it with each step, while an enormous enchantment stone chandelier hung from the ceiling, emitting a soft, prismatic glow as it slowly rotated.
What delighted me most was that one entire wall of the chamber was transparent glass, offering an unobstructed view of the emerald-hued private outdoor hot spring with its gently rising steam and the expansive terrace beyond.
“Perfect. An absolutely perfect vacation.”
I unceremoniously dropped the heavy magical hammer from my back onto the floor and hurled myself toward the swan-feather bed positioned in the center of the room.
Thump!
An overwhelming softness enveloped me like sinking into clouds, gently cradling my exhausted muscles. Instead of blood and acrid magical residue, the delicate scent of lavender drifted across my senses.
“Violetta, I’ve instructed the servants to unpack your belongings. How would you like to arrange dinner?”
Demian appeared at the chamber door, his voice warm and gentle as he posed the question.
Though his posture remained impeccably rigid, the easing of tension had softened his expression considerably from his usual severity.
Kairik suddenly thrust his head over Demian’s shoulder with a grin and added his own comment.
“First, soak yourself in that hot water. Your face looks like an owl that hasn’t slept in days. Once you’re thoroughly warmed through, I’ll have the finest Southern meat brought to fill your belly.”
“Both of you have made excellent suggestions. I’ll enjoy a full bath and then step out onto the terrace, so do wait for me there with some tea. Oh, and I’d recommend dressing a bit lighter to suit this warm Southern climate when you come out.”
I rolled across the bed and offered the two of them a meaningful smile. Demian’s ears flushed slightly at my words, and he lowered his gaze, while Kairik’s eyes gleamed with intrigue as he left the chamber.
The door clicked shut, leaving me alone in the guest room.
Shortly after, Handmaidens entered to prepare a hot spring bath scattered with rose petals, arranging premium aromatic oils and a silk robe neatly upon the table.
I peeled away my heavy combat attire piece by piece, exhaling deeply.
Calamity, dark sorcerers, the Empire’s peace—none of it mattered tonight.
This was my time to savor every decadent, luxurious moment of respite to my very core.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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