Chapter 76

While Louis Berg navigated the treacherous currents of Elder Council politics, Lancelot sat alone in the corner of the training grounds, exhaling a long, frustrated breath.

“This is killing me already.”

His unit captain’s spear techniques had transformed his life—there was no denying that.

The devastating power, the flowing forms that moved like water given deadly purpose, and that incredible Aura cultivation method all bore witness to why

House Berg was renowned throughout the realm for their spear mastery.

“Fat lot of good it does when it eats Aura like a starving beast.”

The Berg family techniques seemed designed exclusively for warriors blessed with bottomless reservoirs of power.

Each thrust drained him, each swing burst through his muscles like fire through parchment. The more he learned, the more the art tormented its wielder.

What manner of demonic discipline was this?

“Even actual Demons would think twice about using this. Argh, whatever!”

Lancelot collapsed onto the packed earth, surrendering to gravity and frustration alike. He knew the truth, bitter as it tasted—this wasn’t a flaw in the

techniques. The problem lay within himself.

Talent. That insurmountable wall had finally revealed itself before him.

“…At this rate, I’ll fall behind even old Roxen.”

Kai possessed something called Slayer’s Birthright—whatever that meant, it explained his rapid advancement. Being surpassed by such natural gifts stung,

but Lancelot could accept it.

What he couldn’t stomach was the thought of being overtaken by Roxen, the grizzled veteran.

Wasn’t he supposed to be the senior member? The experienced one?

“What a bloody cursed fate,” he muttered, staring up at the cloudless sky.

“What’s troubling you?”

A shadow fell across his vision. Lancelot blinked, then shot upright as he recognized the figure standing over him.

“S-salute!” He snapped to attention with parade-ground precision. “I humbly greet the Acting Head of House Praha!”

“Haha, no need for such formality. At ease, knight.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Lancelot lowered his salute, swallowing nervously.

The woman who commanded his respect stood before him—flowing red hair catching the sunlight, her bearing that of a true master.

Lin Praha had achieved the rank of Aura Master through skill and determination alone, proving herself worthy in a world that questioned women’s martial

capabilities at every turn.

To not revere such a person would be the height of foolishness.

“Training hard, I see,” she said.

“Y-yes, ma’am!” Lancelot nodded hastily, swallowing hard again.

Lin gestured toward a shaded area nearby. “Let’s speak over there. The sun’s rather harsh here.”

“Of course, ma’am!”

They moved to a sheltered area near the barracks.

Once they’d settled into the cooler air, Lin Praha asked, “I understand you serve in the Special Taskforce. Is that correct?”

Lancelot’s heart soared. The Acting Head knew of his existence—knew who he was! 

The gods haven’t abandoned me yet!

Lady Lea had been his former mistress, but to think her sister, the knight he so deeply admired, actually remembered him...

It was practically a dream come true.

“That’s correct, ma’am!”

Lin Praha smiled at his enthusiasm. “Your bearing is exemplary. I heard you originally served in Lea’s personal guard. Would you consider returning to that

position?”

The question caught him off guard. “…Ma’am?”

“I could arrange your transfer. From what I understand, Sir Louis assigned you to his unit without proper consultation. That hardly seems appropriate, does

it?”

Silence stretched between them.

Lancelot’s heart warred against itself—part of him desperately wanted to accept. 

Lady Lea had taken him in when no one else would, shown him kindness beyond measure. In contrast, Louis Berg was an unpredictable madman with a

thoroughly selfish nature.

Yet...

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m content where I am.” Lancelot declined her offer, scratching his head.

He wished to return, true, but he was bound by a solemn promise—a promise of absolute loyalty.

If he pledged his unwavering allegiance, Louis Berg had promised to lead him into the Demonic Realm.

Though that journey had yet to come, he was at least being trained well enough to survive. And, despite himself, a reluctant respect had begun to grow

for his captain.

“I am grateful for your offer, but I have a promise I must keep.”

Lin Praha studied him with an expression he couldn’t quite read. “You won’t regret this choice?”

“No, ma’am.”

“I could make you one of my personal retainers, if you wished.”

“That’s... an incredible honor, but I must decline. I’m sorry.”

“…So he’s trusted by his subordinates,” Lin Praha whispered under her breath.

“What was that, ma’am?”

“Nothing important. I understand your position. Do carry on with your training.”

“Yes! Thank you, ma’am!” Lancelot saluted.

After she departed, Lancelot clicked his tongue in frustration. Missing the chance to serve under someone he revered so completely... He might regret this

moment for the rest of his life.

But what choice did he have? A promise was a promise.

“Tch… May as well just train.”

But he reached for his spear with a groan, a short blade whistled through the air toward his throat.

“What in the—!”

He managed to turn his head, but the rest of his body couldn’t respond fast enough. 

I’m gonna die!

Lancelot squeezed his eyes shut as the blade drove into his throat.

…Why doesn’t it hurt?

He opened his eyes, and realized the weapon was a toy sword held by a familiar black-haired boy.

“…What’re you doing?”

“Executing a traitor.”

“Setting aside the question of who the real traitor is here, how exactly am I one?”

“Because you were going to abandon Young Master,” Kai muttered, gripping his toy sword harder.

“What the hell…?” Lancelot was dumbstruck and speechless.

How was he a traitor? He’d chosen a lunatic over someone he respected!

“Oi! What makes me a traitor, exactly?!”

“You hesitated.”

“Oh, come on! Surely I’m allowed that much!”

“That’s why I used a toy sword.”

“That’s not the poooint!” Lancelot flailed his arms in exasperation.

Kai regarded him with a shake of the head. “Getting angry will give you wrinkles.”

“It’s all your fault!”

“Oh, is it?”

“You little fff—!”

Their bickering might have continued indefinitely if Hans hadn’t arrived to separate them, bringing their typical squabble to its customary end.

But then, out of nowhere, a question popped into Lancelot’s head.

Why had the Acting Head approached him with that offer?

* * *

After parting with Lancelot, Lin Praha made her way to her office.

Having spent so long outdoors, the interior felt more stifling than usual.

She hung her coat on the wooden rack with a soft thud, then settled into her leather chair. The old seat groaned beneath her weight.

“Well-regarded by those around him…” she murmured, leaning back. “He does seem trustworthy enough.”

She had approached every member of the Special Taskforce unit save for the boy named Kai, offering each a chance to transfer. Without exception, they had refused. 

Their loyalty reminded her of her father’s knights—though these mercenaries possessed none of those legendary warriors’ strength, their devotion was no less admirable.

“Still, perhaps I should test them once more,” she said to the empty room.

There was only one reason she had made those offers to Lancelot and the others: the second expedition.

As acting head of House Praha, she was bound to remain here while her father explored the Demonic Realm. But the High Elder would undoubtedly insist on sending a direct member of the Praha bloodline with any secondary force.

Her second sister remained consumed with artistic pursuits, while the third devoted herself entirely to dabbling in commerce—neither suitable for such a perilous journey.

That left only Lea Praha, her youngest sister.

The High Elder, that cunning old fox, would find some way to justify sending Lea into danger, and Lin would have no grounds to refuse such a proposal.

That’s precisely why I need to determine whether Louis Berg can protect her.

Exceptional personal combat skills would be ideal, but even without them, mastery of mercenary tactics was what truly counted. After all, excelling in strategy was enough to earn a commander’s post.

By that measure, Louis Berg was more than qualified.

Having set aside one worry, Lin Praha closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. She would need further verification, but she felt as though she’d overcome the primary hurdle.

Suddenly, though, a commotion erupted outside her office.

“W-wait!”

Lin Praha rose and cracked open her door. The next moment, the head butler’s urgent voice reached her.

“Lady Lin! Forgive the intrusion, but this is grave news—a carriage bearing His Imperial Majesty’s edict approaches!”

An imperial decree sealed with the Emperor’s own mark carried tremendous significance.

Such documents served only two purposes: offering terms of surrender to would-be rebels, or announcing rewards bestowed upon war heroes. Whatever message it contained, the contents would be momentous.

…Which is precisely the problem.

Lin Praha sighed quietly. “Fetch me a dress,” she instructed her maid. “I must prepare to receive His Majesty’s decree properly.”

“Yes? Oh—yes, milady!”

The servant hurried away while Lin Praha moved to the window.

It wasn’t long before a herald’s voice rang out across the estate grounds.

“Let Louis Berg hear this—!”

The Emperor’s decree began to echo forth.