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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: The Reason That Villainess Took Up the Sword
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Derek had also heard directly from Amon what Erin had done during the monster subjugation.
It was true that the incident had made him see Erin in a new light.
However… that didn't erase her sins, did it?
Derek glared at Amon, his eyes narrowed.
"How could someone so devoid of honor be engaged to Ferdin? Don't worry. I'll handle him myself."
Derek still remembered Amon speaking so boldly.
But now, Amon's actions seemed to indicate he was following Erin.
Amon Hedor was a man without loyalty.
Derek scribbled small words on the last page of the notebook he held in his hand.
He had heard that Erin's sword skills were quite impressive, but excelling in swordsmanship didn't automatically make one an honorable person.
Derek was deep in thought when it happened.
Following Amon, Lilia entered.
"Where is Princess Ashili?"
At Derek's question, Amon's face crumpled.
Derek couldn't help but be surprised by his reaction yet again. It was as if he found the Princess troublesome.
"She went to Erin."
"What?"
"Since the monster subjugation, she's practically been living in Erin Resus's room. Just like that Ferdin fellow!"
What in the world was he talking about now? What connection could Princess Ashili possibly have with Erin Resus?
No, more than that, Amon's behavior was utterly presumptuous.
To dare harbor dissatisfaction with something the Holy Princess was doing! Derek couldn't even imagine such a thing.
Thud.
Lilia, who had been silently listening to their conversation, set her teacup down with a clatter.
"It seems you've all become quite close with her."
"..."
"Well, it's a good thing to get along."
Derek silently stared down at the teacup placed before him.
It was Ferdin who broke the silence.
As if telling them to stop their pointless power struggle, he reminded them of the purpose of their gathering.
"We need to submit the monster subjugation report to the Imperial Family. As you all know, something utterly absurd occurred."
Amon replied to Ferdin's words.
"It is certainly puzzling that such a horde of monsters appeared in the northern forest."
Derek and Lilia added their thoughts.
"It's also strange that a Sword Master appeared so suddenly."
"As if someone orchestrated it..."
Ferdin nodded at their words.
This monster subjugation had too many strange aspects.
If the person presumed to be a Sword Master hadn't been in the forest at that time, it was horrifying to imagine what would have happened.
Ferdin spoke, sounding annoyed.
"That part will also be reported to the Imperial Family."
At his words, Amon and Lilia's expressions darkened. Derek, too, closed his eyes tightly in silence.
The thought of what unreasonable punishment the Emperor might impose on Ferdin was dreadful.
Ignoring the somber mood, Ferdin flipped through the report on the desk.
His brow furrowed at the name of a familiar individual.
[Atenz Academy External Guest Instructor Visit Schedule]
For quality education, a Sword Master would visit Atenz Academy periodically.
This was like a dream come true for undergraduates aspiring to be knights.
Everyone was desperate to gain even a little insight by catching the Sword Master's eye during this period.
Moreover, the Sword Master being dispatched this time was the knight most revered by the students.
"A survey team will probably be dispatched to the forest. And the Sword Master visiting the Academy this time is... Duke Ashili."
As soon as Ferdin finished speaking, a hint of anticipation appeared on the faces of Amon and Derek, who had looked so gloomy.
As knights, they couldn't help but look forward to meeting Duke Ashili.
Duke Ashili. Princess Ashili's father and the Empire's greatest Sword Master.
Only Lilia, who had no interest in Sword Masters, muttered as if annoyed.
"The Academy will be noisy for a while."
***
Erin gazed intently at the person in front of her.
Not long after Karon left, Princess Ashili entered her room. Her cheeks flushed shyly as she sat beside Erin's bed.
The fact that she had changed the future became even clearer the moment she saw the Princess.
It was definitely a good thing. She had completely resolved one of the incidents she regretted most in the past. But apart from that, she had no idea why the Princess was here.
"You don't need to worry about the injuries on your body."
She said that, fidgeting with her hands on her lap.
"I don't know the exact circumstances... but you didn't want anyone to know, did you? I changed Sir Erin's clothes for you."
The Princess said, gazing at Erin with sparkling eyes.
Erin felt quite a burden from that gaze.
Her actions seemed to be asking for praise, so Erin slowly opened her mouth.
"Um... thank you."
"Are there any other places that hurt? I healed the wounds inflicted by the monsters with my divine power. I left the other injuries to heal naturally, as I thought that would be best..."
So her back wasn't hurting thanks to the Princess.
Erin realized why her back felt fine.
But why...? Shouldn't the Princess dislike her?
At Erin's gaze, the Princess's face flushed again.
"I wasn't fully conscious... but I heard it clearly. You said you would protect me."
"..."
"Thank you so much, Sir Erin. If it's not too much trouble, may I visit you often...?"
"Don't you dislike me?"
At Erin's question, the Princess's eyes widened. Her reaction suggested she had never even considered it.
She exclaimed in an agitated voice.
"Why would I?"
"Why," she asked.
The unexpected answer momentarily left Erin speechless.
"Sir Ferdin and Your Royal Highness are lovers, aren't you?"
At Erin's words, her face momentarily contorted, then a smile appeared as if nothing had happened.
When Princess Ashili smiled brightly, the room instantly felt brighter.
"I can't tell you the details, but... you absolutely don't need to worry about that!"
Erin didn't know how to react to that. This was the person who stole her lover, and she was saying Erin didn't need to worry about it?
After that, the Princess held Erin captive and began to chatter for a long time.
She went on endlessly about how cool Sir Erin was, and how she wanted Erin to teach her sword skills once she recovered a bit more.
Erin even had the illusion that a skylark had perched beside her.
She didn't know what to say, so she repeatedly said only 'yes' and 'no,' but the Princess seemed satisfied with just that.
When she asked, "May I come again next time?" Erin couldn't help but say, "Yes."
It was because the Princess's eyes, as she spoke, were so clear.
Besides Ferdin, she was the first person who looked at her like that.
And just before leaving, Princess Ashili leaned closer to Erin and whispered softly.
"Sir Erin, if you ever need someone to talk to, please tell me. Whenever you're ready to confide. I know you're strong and resolute, but sometimes you need someone to confide in."
The Princess's face, as she said that, was serious, unlike before.
It was similar to what Ferdin had told her a long time ago, just before he left on the Emperor's mission.
"When you're ready, tell me."
At that time, Erin had thought she would tell Ferdin the whole truth when he returned. But he never returned.
So, contrary to the Princess's expectations, Erin would likely never tell her anything.
***
Erin was experiencing a strange feeling.
It was a sense of incongruity.
Perhaps it was because she had changed the future; things she had never experienced before were happening one after another.
She couldn't put off her sword academy classes any longer, and as she was about to leave for class, Karon came to her room and spoke to her.
"Did something happen between you and Ferdin Lexia during the monster subjugation?"
"Why?"
"If nothing happened, then never mind."
Karon's reaction was strange.
But it was already late for class, so she couldn't continue the conversation and moved on.
Her body felt heavy, but not so much that she couldn't move.
The sword academy often graded students through various practical exams, so it was best to attend classes unless absolutely necessary.
Ferdin had good grades in the sword academy, so to join him on missions, she needed to maintain good grades herself.
Moreover, she absolutely had to join the mission Ferdin would be going on in just a few months.
Maintaining excellent grades in the Beginner Class wasn't difficult. It was just difficult to appear *moderately* outstanding.
And in the sword class she attended after a long time, Erin felt another sense of incongruity.
