Chapter 94 : Return

“…So he failed?”

The Black Prince asked.

“He has not returned yet. Nothing is certain.”

Count Hermann Stavanger answered with composure.

The prince’s sharp eyes turned to Hans.

“They left over two weeks ago, did they not?”

“That is correct.”

“Would it take so long?”

Hans replied evenly.

“I cannot explain all the details, but as far as I know, within my master’s tomb lies something called the Chamber of Trials.”

“Chamber of Trials?”

“Yes. That is where the Ninth Sword is sealed.”

“And?”

“No one knows what trials await inside, what happens there, or what one must face—save for my master himself.”

“…”

“My master once said, those who fail the trial…”

“Speak.”

“…will never leave the chamber again.”

The Black Prince pressed his fingers against his temples, sighing heavily.

Dark shadows pooled beneath his eyes.

“So you believe the Red-Eyed Devil has failed to pass the trial?”

“That is not what I meant. Only that it may take this long. My master feared that sword deeply; the trial cannot be easy.”

“What kind of trial?”

“I suspect… not of strength, but of willpower.”

“Hm… willpower.”

The prince leaned his head back against the chair, staring absently at the ceiling.

He recalled those blood-red eyes that had glared at him with murderous intensity.

“…He did not seem weak of will.”

Hans nodded in agreement.

“Nor do I think so.”

The Black Prince exhaled, rubbing his eyes.

“I am not rushing him, but time is short.”

The Count spoke calmly.

“He will return.”

“I believe so too. I only wish he’d keep better time.”

Another sigh escaped the prince.

“…If he’s coming, let him come quickly.”

At that moment, hurried footsteps rang outside, stopping at the door.

Knock, knock.

—My lord.

The Black Prince straightened.

“Enter.”

A black knight stepped in.

“The Red-Eyed Devil has returned.”

“…!”

“We’re nearly there.”

At Sir Walpole’s words, I nodded.

Far ahead, the walls surrounding Stavanger lands came into view.

Our journey was at its end.

I looked back at the knights who had ridden so long at my side.

“Sirs, you’ve endured much.”

Their replies came one after another.

“It was my honor to be of service.”

“No, my lord. It was you who bore the hardships.”

“We did no more than our duty.”

I turned to the still-stoic Sir Schneider.

“Sir Schneider. Did you keep that necklace safe?”

“I did.” He nodded.

“Who’s it for? Surely not for yourself.”

“Well…”

Scratching his head, he gave a sheepish smile.

“For my wife. I thought it would suit her.”

At that, his usual sternness melted away, replaced by the face of a family man.

I burst out laughing.

“Hahaha!”

Curtis and Walpole joined in, and at last Schneider himself let out a booming laugh.

“Hah hah hah!”

He looked warmer when he laughed.

We laughed together again.

Yes—this man laughed well.

I thought then, if he had been hurt, I wouldn’t have felt at ease.

“…Mm? What’s the noise?”

“Too loud…”

From behind, Shushruta and Linda, who had somehow managed to sleep draped over the horses like laundry, stirred groggily at the sound of laughter.

“Wake up. We’ve arrived.”

We slipped in quietly through the back gate.

The guards recognized the knights at once and eagerly swung the gates open.

Hooves clattered as we rode toward the manor’s side residence. By then, word must have spread, for a crowd awaited us at the front.

That was when it truly sank in—we were back.

It wasn’t my home, but it felt strangely like returning home.

…Perhaps I’d stayed here too long.

Before my heart mistook it for home, I would need to leave this country.

I guided my horse slowly, then turned to Curtis.

“Sir Curtis.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Would you handle Linda’s matter? I think it would sound more convincing from you.”

I was too tired for more explanations and arguments.

Fortunately, Curtis gave me a firm nod, assuring me to leave it in his hands.

“Yes. Leave it to me.”

It had been a long journey.

Not bathing properly was one thing, but riding so long left my whole body creaking.

I almost missed the days when fiends hounded me daily, when I could at least vent my blade.

More than anything, I longed to wash in warm water and collapse into bed.

As I was thinking this, a little brat came barreling toward me.

“Uncleee!”

I slid down from my horse and held out a hand as Joy dashed in—only to press a finger to his forehead.

“Stop right there.”

He froze, arms flailing as he failed to reach me.

“Waaah! Uncle, why!”

“I know you’re happy to see me, but I reek. Don’t cling.”

One by one, the others dismounted as well.

“Eeek…!”

Joy kept swinging his arms in vain. I looked at him and called, “Sir Walpole.”

“Yes, my lord.”

I jerked my chin toward Joy.

“Handle it.”

“Yes!”

With a practiced motion, Walpole scooped Joy up and out of the way.

“This brat. What about me? Don’t you miss me?”

“Ugh! You smell, Sir Knight!”

Walpole sniffed at himself.

“…Not that bad.”

Joy pinched his nose, voice muffled.

“It stinks! Rotten stink!”

“…”

“I’d rather go to Sister Shushu! Put me down!”

“Can’t do that. Orders are orders.”

“Eeeek!”

Leaving the racket behind, I walked toward the crowd.

Hans and Julia came smiling.

“You’re safe. I worried for you. You’re not hurt?”

“We fretted so long, not knowing when you’d return.”

I raised my chin proudly.

“I am Ashuban. The immortal who survived the Misty Cliff. You think I’d die from something this small?”

“Hahaha.”

Hans chuckled.

“I thought so too. But my wife wouldn’t stop fussing.”

“You said it wouldn’t take this long! I thought you’d be trapped in the tomb forever!”

“You woman. Keep such thoughts inside.”

“How could I not worry?”

Some things never change.

I watched the two bicker with a smile before meeting the eyes of Count Stavanger.

He smiled at me.

“You’ve returned safely. Did you obtain what you sought?”

Silently, I revealed my waist.

A sword none of them had seen before hung there. The Count’s eyes lit up.

“Oh…”

As a knight himself, his gaze fixed, burning, upon the crimson blade at my side.

Meanwhile, the other knights reunited with their fellows. Curtis was giving a report; Walpole held court in the middle of a crowd, retelling his feats; Sir Schneider clutched his wife tightly.

I looked on with satisfaction—until I spotted the black-armored knights waiting at the back.

“Count. Who are they?”

“Ah.”

Following my gaze, the Count nodded.

“The Black Prince awaits you.”

“…Our prince. Impatient as ever.”

He had come here before being summoned.

The Count searched my eyes.

“Are you up for it? You must be tired.”

“It’s fine. I’d rather settle this now. I’ve questions for him too.”

The Count nodded.

“As you wish.”

Just then, something coiled around my leg.

Looking down, I found Joy hugging me tightly, grinning.

I scowled at Walpole, who came panting after.

“Sir Walpole. I gave you one task. Just one. And you failed it?”

He scratched his neck sheepishly.

“I have no excuse.”

“You’re dismissed.”

“No, my lord…”

I grabbed Joy by the scruff, dangling him in the air.

“Hehehe.”

He laughed so harmlessly that I found myself laughing too before I shook it off and called, “Shushruta.”

“You called?”

I turned to see her still struggling to pull Linda off her horse, the girl refusing to dismount.

“Leave Linda to Curtis. You take Joy inside.”

“Ugh. Fine.”

“Yay! Sister Shushu!”

Joy instantly abandoned me and clung to her.

Shushruta carried him off and then soared skyward, Joy’s delighted laughter scattering in the air.

[ A pleasant sound. ]

“Indeed.”

I watched the fading laughter, then strode toward the annex.

The Black Knights’ eyes followed me. Even though I had succeeded, their looks were anything but welcoming.

One glare in particular caught my notice.

“Well, well. Sir Bol-cok-cok. Been a while.”

“…It’s Wolfgang.”

The burly, bearded knight growled.

I smiled faintly, voice smooth.

“Wolfgang, then. Lower your eyes if you value your life. Keep glaring, and I’ll want to kill you.”

“…What?”

“Tell the others too.”

I patted his shoulder lightly and walked past into the annex.

He stood frozen, then roared once I was gone.

“That bastard!”

His shout echoed, but the other knights held him back.

A shame.

I headed for the audience chamber.

Bang!

I kicked the door open.

The Black Prince sat inside, massaging his temples, sighing.

“Couldn’t you enter normally, just once?”

“I cannot. The Red-Eyed Devil never enters normally.”

“…Haa.”

He sighed deep enough to shake the floor. I dropped into the chair opposite him.

His face looked even more haggard than last time.

“Why so down? What’s wrong now?”

“You are what’s wrong. Why did you take so long?”

“…Some minor complications.”

“And the sword. Did you bring it?”

“Before that.”

I narrowed my eyes. A question had gnawed at me all this time.

“Answer me this.”

“What is it?”

“The Second Prince’s men hounded us relentlessly. Swarming as if waiting for us, as though they knew exactly when and where we’d come.”

“Hm.”

“Care to explain?”

The Black Prince smirked.

“Of course. I leaked the information.”

…This bastard.

(End of Chapter)

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