Chapter 166 - Return (1)

It would be a lie to say there was no pressure. After all, among the twelve Knights of the Platinum Shield were names of past heroes, including the Sword God.

What I saved wasn't the Principality but just Princess Bibi. Strictly speaking, I wasn't someone who deserved to stand alongside them. I even worried there might be criticism about my lack of qualifications.

After the appointment ceremony, I learned fortunately that it wasn't awarded only to national heroes. It was more like an honorary title given to those who achieved special merit.

After such a grand ceremony, I headed back to the lodgings with Silveryn.

In the gently swaying carriage, I absently examined the shield.

Though its aesthetic value was excellent, it had almost no practical use.

Silveryn watched me contentedly before speaking, "How does it feel to be the protagonist?"

"I'm not sure. Being in the same position as other Sword Masters who received this shield... feels like overreaching."

"That shield isn't given just to strong and powerful people. Regardless of how big or small the achievement is. It's given to those who accumulate respectable deeds. Among those who received the 'Knight of the Platinum Shield' title, there was even a common farmer who had never held a sword."

Seeing that there were Sword Masters, farmers, elderly and young... there didn't seem to be any particular distinction in selecting recipients.

"How can the Principality's people respect me when they barely know me? I'm even obviously young."

"To be precise, you receive it when you move the Principality's people."

"...Move them?"

"The knights in Memorial Hall, remember how they looked at you with eyes full of respect and admiration? You literally brought to life their fantasy of 'saving a princess’."

I had no idea. But looking at what happened between Bibi and me objectively... it was far from romantic.

"Seems rumors about me have been embellished everywhere."

"Right. There are many floating rumors about you especially. Though hardly any bad ones... I was so... shocked when I heard from a drunk in a tavern that you and the Duchess had fallen in love in the swamp and were going to be betrothed."

I held my breath for a moment and swallowed hard.

Because Silveryn's expression while recalling that time showed more killing intent than bewilderment.

I hurriedly changed the subject.

"I can really feel now how cherished DUchess Bibi is, for it to cause such a stir across the country."

An orphan could disappear one day and no one would care.

"Yes, oh right. I almost forgot, speaking of interesting news..."

Silveryn pulled out a yellowed scroll from her chest and handed it to me.

I took it and immediately unrolled it.

[Obtain the [Knight of the Platinum Shield] title from the Principality.

Acquire the [Blue Heart of the Witch] from Claridium, the City of Magic.

Earn the [Golden Medal of Merit] from the Empire.]

"What... is this?"

"It's the second test set by your senior, Zeldan Hart."

"..."

I remember passing Zeldan Hart's first test while training with Silveryn in Wiesel. I had forgotten about it for a while, and now the next test was placed in my hands.

"He considered it exceptional in terms of mental qualifications if one could obtain just one of those three. Congratulations."

"Then... did I pass?"

"Yes. Among those three, Zeldan valued the Principality's one the highest. Maybe because the Principality's ruler has goddess blood mixed in, they have excellent eyes for judging people?"

Another achievement came without even intending it.

"About the Principality's ruler... do you think so too, Teacher?"

"Looking at past records, that tends to be true. Seeing how several Knights of the Platinum Shield grew to become renowned across the continent later... the Principality might even evaluate hidden potential as part of their criteria."

Thirteen Knights of the Platinum Shield in total. And after receiving this title, three became Sword Masters... so it wasn't wrong.

Then suddenly a thought crossed my mind.

"Are there... any others my age who passed the second stage?"

Silveryn suddenly pressed her lips together. Her focus blurred momentarily as if looking back into the past. A faint smile played around her lips as she swam through those memories. Whether it was a sneer or simply an expression of pleasure was unclear.

"...Yes. There is one more."

***

In the large corridor surrounding the Grand Cathedral's exterior, Sword Master Callios walked beside Silveryn with his hands behind his back and said, "That fellow asked about you."

Silveryn spoke as if surprised, "Interesting. I've never even seen him."

"That ill-mannered fellow showed no interest in receiving direct instruction from a Sword Master, and only kept asking about you."

Silveryn fell into thought for a moment to understand his intention. But she couldn't grasp any clues.

"Why would he be interested in me?"

"Must be admiration. He says he briefly glimpsed you near the Imperial Royal Academy a few years ago. Said that image remains etched in his mind, unforgettable."

"..."

"He said, dead serious, that you were the most beautiful person he'd ever seen, hah hah."

Silveryn showed no particular reaction to those words.

"It seems that's not the only reason."

"Appears so. Anyway, shouldn't you check for yourself? After all, he's someone the Order is putting all their effort into raising."

"...I'll see him once if the opportunity arises."

"Seems he'll come seeking you himself."

"What a terrible joke."

Callios grinned and said, "I'm not joking."

With that, their conversation ended and they parted. Having finished her business with Callios, Silveryn had no reason to continue walking the corridor.

And Callios' prophecy came true much sooner than expected.

On her way back, a boy stood at the corridor's end with his hands behind his back.

Silveryn sighed irritably upon seeing this.

Hearing her footsteps, he turned to face her as if knowing who it was.

Dark gray hair. Neat features as if obsessively groomed, revealing his forehead and handsome features. A confident, bold, and aggressive gaze. He was about a fist taller than Damian.

"It's an honor to meet Archmage Silveryn."

Silveryn stood with folded arms, slowly examining his appearance.

"Who are you?"

He bowed according to Imperial court etiquette and said, "I am Enoch Basilius III. I believe you've heard of my name."

He showed no nervousness even before the Archmage. His confident expression wasn't fake.

She knew the name. He was Zeldan Hart's successor, known as the owner of the Holy Sword.

Seeing the boy, Silveryn suddenly thought of Damian. It was habit. Whenever she saw boys that age, she reflexively thought of her disciple.

She answered coldly, devoid of emotion, "Yes, what business do you have?"

Seemingly unprepared for such a dry response, he showed momentary confusion. But that expression quickly disappeared, replaced by confidence.

"I've admired you for a long time. This moment is something I've imagined for years."

"Unfortunately, I don't prefer such meetings."

"My desire was excessive. Please forgive my rudeness."

His voice showed little real regret. He seemed to move solely for his own purposes, regardless of others' feelings.

Silveryn faced Damian. He had set aside his awarded shield and was lost in thought.

Actually, she had planned to tell him about Zeldan Hart's test next year. No matter how fast one's growth, achieving something to draw the Principality's attention wasn't easy.

It didn't matter if others dismissed him, and it was fine to grow slowly. Damian was already progressing fast enough.

Though she thought this, Damian broke even her expectations with repeated leaps forward. 

Is this how her masters felt when facing her magical growth?

While proud and amazed, she also felt somewhat bitter at how quickly he was changing.

Damian, seemingly unaware of her feelings, was lost in other thoughts. Finally unable to contain himself, he spoke, "Teacher, what's that person's name?"

He seemed bothered that someone had achieved it before him. Considering the time spent wielding a sword, Damian should be far behind. His eyes occasionally flashed with wildness. Like a winter sea harboring a volcano deep within. Seeing this made even Silveryn feel she might be swallowed up. The current Damian looked like he would unhesitatingly tear out Enoch's throat if he were present.

"You might meet at the Academy exchange tournament. Come closer, let me whisper it."

"...?"

Damian leaned in to bring his ear closer to Silveryn.

Then, catching him off guard, she wrapped both arms around his waist tightly. He coughed violently from the surprise attack.

"Kuhek...!"

His waist made a cracking sound from her tight squeeze. Though he struggled, she didn't budge.

"T-Teacher, my waist..."

"No, you're mine. I won't let go."

She held on tightly like that for a while.

"It, it hurts."

She thought for a moment and loosened her grip.

"Right, the waist is important."

Only then could Damian finally catch his breath.

"But my disciple."

"Yes?"

"How come you never give your teacher a kiss?"

"...Pardon?"

Damian froze like stone. He just blinked, his expression asking if he'd heard correctly.

"I've given you so many, shouldn't there be some give and take?"

Damian was speechless, his mouth opening and closing silently like a fish. Silveryn kept staring at his eyes protestingly with a dissatisfied face.

"How could a disciple carelessly..."

"It's just a light expression of affection between master and disciple. Why are you making it such a big deal?"

"...Is this common between masters and disciples?"

"Well, it can be if you want it to be."

"That... Teacher, there are eyes watching behind us..."

"Behind?"

Silveryn turned her head back. Through the rear window, she could see a Principality carriage. It was following so closely that the slightest mistake could cause a collision.

Damian seemed to know whose carriage it was.

"I think it's Duchess Bibi's carriage."

And Silveryn let out a heavy sigh.