The Failed Swordmaster - Chapter 107

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 107 41. Unexpected Reunion (2)

Sinsieo Ainsworth couldn’t understand it at all.

If she had been a man, if she had known what Ryan Fromhart’s complex was, if she had noticed that Bucal and the Knight King’s gazes kept drifting downward, it might have been different.

But she ultimately failed to grasp the subtle atmosphere between the three men. A look of discomfort crossed her face.

‘Should I ask later… No. I’ll just stay quiet.’

It seemed like there was something private going on, but she wasn’t close enough to anyone to ask about it.

Sinsieo quietly sipped her tea and remained silent. Leaving her be, conversation bloomed between the Knight King and Lumian.

“Haha, that’s right. Sometimes I miss those days. When I was young, I was so brave and confident.”

“You still are, Your Majesty. After awakening, my ears were sore from hearing about all the achievements you’ve accomplished over the past 10 years.”

“Hahaha, you’ve gotten much better at flattery since I last saw you, Sir Ryan. Don’t you think so, Sir Bucal?”

“I, I am…”

“Oh, my apologies. That was an uncomfortable question to ask.”

Bucal remained silent.

From his position, both the Knight King who was his lord and Lumian Calard who had died like a legend and returned like a myth were equally difficult to deal with.

Understanding this, Philip III asked no more questions of Bucal. No, he changed the topic entirely.

He had belatedly realized that Rodigia’s greatest knight, Sinsieo Ainsworth, was constantly reading the room.

He smiled kindly and addressed Sinsieo, who had become like a borrowed barley sack.

“Ah, I’m sorry about this. It’s been so long since we met that we got carried away talking amongst ourselves without considering those around us.”

“Not at all! How could I possibly interfere with the touching reunion between lord and retainer? Rather, I wonder if I should even be here…”

“It’s fine. You don’t need to worry about that. In fact, I’d like to ask a favor. Please stay here and fill in the gaps in what I’m about to discuss.”

“Gaps? What kind of…”

“It’s about matters related to the demons.”

“…!”

The atmosphere quickly grew heavy.

Lumian straightened his posture. The Knight King added another word.

“Sir Ryan… no, Sir Lumian should also know about the current situation.”

“…I know roughly. That there’s some kind of ominous atmosphere brewing.”

Lumian answered in a heavy voice.

It was true.

The suspicions that arose during the Leiton Wino incident had grown stronger at Red Mountain, and hearing Sinsieo’s words had turned them into certainty.

The current human world is far from peaceful. It’s merely the calm before the storm.

“Good. Then this will go quickly. I’ll get straight to the point. A new Demon King has been born. The numerous demons under his command are also preparing to invade the human world.”

Seeing Lumian’s expression, the Knight King nodded and began his explanation.

Various pieces of evidence flowed from his mouth. The concentration of demonic energy had grown stronger over the past 10 years, the frequency of high demon summons had increased, and unidentified groups were inciting conflicts between kingdoms and territories.

The situation was far more serious than expected. When Sinsieo’s supplementary explanations were added, the sense of crisis felt even greater.

“Recently, we even received news from an anonymous informant that a red territory was discovered. Judging by the multiple demonic stones that were enclosed, it appears to be true.”

“Ah, that was my doing. During my travels, I happened to sense demonic energy and went to subjugate…”

“Oh, Sir Lumian. Magnificent. Even after your reincarnation, you spare no effort for the continent…”

The Knight King exclaimed in admiration. Sinsieo also looked at Lumian with a pleased expression.

At a time when invisible threats were approaching, the fact that a reliable force like Lumian had been added was tremendously reassuring.

He shook his head and replied.

“Not at all. I merely did what any knight should do. If I abandoned my duties despite having the ability to act, I wouldn’t deserve to be called a knight.”

“You’re as humble as ever. Hahaha.”

Philip III praised Lumian once more.

But that was brief. His expression grew heavy again.

Despite his achievements, the threat of the Demon King had not yet disappeared.

Even a month ago, the patron deity had sent an oracle through divine revelation telling them to be thoroughly vigilant, so he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

“Still, the situation isn’t all bad.”

The Knight King smiled again.

Though it felt somewhat stiff, there was a sense of trust in it. He continued speaking.

“Our Jenas, the Kingdom of Rodisia, and the Kingdom of Cairo are thoroughly searching the entire continent. Information is restricted to other countries to prevent continental chaos from intensifying, but… while we might miss small fry, we won’t overlook the territory of a big fish like the Demon King. The situation is different from the last invasion.”

“I agree with what the Knight King has said. If we know in advance and prepare, the danger will be cut in half. Though it’s possible the Demon King might assassinate key continental figures without declaring territory…”

Sinsieo glanced at Lumian and blushed.

She remembered the mistake born from misunderstanding. Nevertheless, she continued what she was saying.

“If the new Demon King is at a similar level to the previous Demon King… he should only be able to exert the power of an ordinary Sword Master at best, so I estimate there won’t be major damage. We might even be able to track him down immediately and achieve great results.”

“Hmm.”

“And once again, I apologize. I mistook Sir Ryan, no, Sir Lumian for a particularly powerful Demon King…”

“That’s really fine. You don’t need to worry about it anymore.”

“Thank you. In any case, the one who would know 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, isn’t it?”

“That’s right.”

Lumian nodded.

Listening to the discussion was reassuring. A Demon King who hadn’t even declared territory exerting tremendous power seemed difficult when he thought about it again. There had never been such a case in history, had there?

He had been worrying excessively.

Of course, regardless of that, he was still concerned. A desire to minimize damage to the continent naturally arose.

Lumian looked at the Knight King. He was about to speak, but he was a step too late.

Philip III spoke with a stern expression.

“There’s 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 Jenas and join the front lines, weren’t you?”

“…”

“You don’t need to do that. You’re no longer my retainer, are you?”

“Your Majesty!”

Lumian prostrated himself. However, the Knight King continued speaking without batting an eye.

“Why do you think I revived you through the patron deity’s wish? Do you think it was to exploit the backbone of a retainer who had devoted himself for decades once again? That’s not it. Absolutely not, Sir Lumian.”

“However…”

“Moreover, Jenas is not so weak that our military strength would differ based on whether you’re there or not. This is especially true when it comes to searching and tracking. Right now, when the Demon King’s whereabouts haven’t been discovered, we don’t need Sir Lumian’s help.”

“…”

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?

Unlike his past days when he was led only by his throbbing member, he wanted to devote his loyalty before his long-unseen lord.

However, Philip III was adamant.

He spoke in a stern voice.

“Let me make one last request that’s close to an order. Enjoy your current life. Put aside complicated thoughts and focus on resolving the sorrow and resentment you’ve carried for decades.”

“Your Majesty…”

“Of course, I’m not saying you should play around when a real crisis comes. If the Demon King’s Castle or the Demon King’s whereabouts are discovered, or if a situation arises where we need your help, we’ll drag you along even if you refuse. So just keep honing your skills as you are now.”

“…”

“Do you understand?”

“I will… do as you say.”

Lumian Calard nodded.

He had no choice. If he continued to be stubborn after hearing the words of Philip III, who cherished him dearly, that wouldn’t be loyalty but disloyalty.

And in truth, the King’s mention of “decades of sorrow and resentment” played a part too.

‘If I had tried it once before, it might be different, but if I die fighting the demon army as a virgin again…!’

That would truly be terrible.

Having thought this far, Lumian made a resolute expression.

The Demon King would probably show himself eventually. Certainly. This was unavoidable.

Then, at least before that happened, he needed to 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!’

His fist clenched unconsciously.

The Knight King guessed at his feelings. Without realizing it, he found himself smiling.

Lumian scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed expression.

“Puhup…”

The moment he heard the Knight King’s laughter, suppressed laughter also flowed from Bercal Garcia’s mouth. He too had grasped the atmosphere that was developing.

However, Lumian was not generous enough to let even this slide.

A gaze as hot as lava poured from his eyes.

“…I apologize.”

“Hmm, hmm hmm. Let’s leave it at that, Sir Lumian.”

“I made a spectacle of myself. I apologize, Your Majesty.”

‘What are these people suddenly talking about now?’

Sinseeo, who had become bewildered again, looked at the three of them in turn.

However, this time the topic changed without even a moment to think.

An interesting story popped out of the Knight King’s mouth.

“But truly remarkable, Sir Lumian.”

“What do you mean…”

“Your swordsmanship, and your aura. As I understand it, you awakened in your new body less than a year ago… It’s truly astonishing beyond measure. To think you caught up to all your previous life’s skills in that time.”

“Wait, less than a year?”

Sinseeo asked back with a shocked expression.

The Knight King nodded. Though it wasn’t even his own story, his face was filled with pride.

“That’s right. The Patron Deity said his wish was fulfilled this past February.”

“…”

Sinseeo was at a loss for words.

Buckal was the same. He clicked his tongue inwardly after hearing the unbelievable story.

‘It’s so incredible that I don’t even feel deprived.’

Well, all three except himself were legends worthy of having their names recorded in history. It was ridiculous to even think such thoughts.

He should just stay still like he was dead. Like furniture.

As Buckal was thinking this, Lumian bowed his head and answered.

“I was lucky.”

“Haha, luck you say. No one could achieve such results through luck alone.”

“…”

“I’m not certain, but I think I glimpsed parts where you’ve even surpassed your previous life. Hmm…”

The Knight King stroked his chin.

He looked like he was deeply contemplating whether to say something or not.

For some reason, he even glanced at Buckal.

Then he finally made his decision.

The Knight King, wearing a mischievous smile, made a proposal to Lumian.

“I really can’t hold back. How about we have a sparring match after so long?”

“Absolutely not!”

Buckal shouted loudly.

It was completely opposite to how he had been quiet the entire time. He poured out words of concern one after another.

“Absolutely not, Your Majesty. A sparring match with Sir Lumian Calard, if your royal body were to be harmed…”

“Hmm… I’ll go easy.”

“Your Majesty, please… Though I have not served Your Majesty for long… I know that there is no ‘half-hearted’ or ‘going easy’ in Your Majesty’s sparring!”

“Hmm.”

“Not only Your Majesty but Sir Lumian Calard might also get injured. Please, reconsider…”

“Haha. I understand your concern for me well, Sir Bucal.”

The Knight King smiled at Buckal and rose from his seat.

“But it’s fine. Over the past 10 years, I’ve achieved quite satisfactory results. Against Sir Lumian, who has just recovered his previous life’s level or slightly transcended it, I should have plenty of leeway.”

“…Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

Lumian smiled upon hearing Philip III’s words.

His congratulations were sincere.

But a curiosity large enough to overshadow that feeling, and competitive spirit, bloomed in his heart.

‘You said you have leeway against me, Your Majesty? I’m very curious.’

Lumian also rose from his seat.

A flame-like energy arose from his body. In the heated atmosphere, he spoke toward the Knight King.

“Please, so that I may feel Your Majesty’s achievements with my body, I request a sparring match.”

“Very well, hahahaha!”

Philip III strode out of the tent. Lumian Calard also followed behind him and went outside.

“This is… interesting.”

Sinsieo Ainsworth was the same. She headed to a good spot to watch with an interesting smile spread across her face.

“Sir Bucal, you should come too. This kind of spectacle isn’t something you can easily see.”

“…Understood, Swordmaster Sir Sinsieo Ainsworth.”

Buckal answered with a resigned voice.

The atmosphere had already shifted. With his meager strength, he wouldn’t be able to change this flow.

‘Then, I might as well enjoy it properly!’

Glimpses of smiles could be seen on his gloomy expression.

Before being a retainer worried about his lord, he too was a knight walking the path of the sword. He couldn’t help but be interested in the current confrontation.

He moved to Sinseeo’s side with his heart full of excitement.

With another legend protecting him, there would be no chance of suffering misfortune while watching.

‘Who will win?’

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