“That’s fascinating.” Katya asked from the side, her eyes gleaming. She spoke with a look of intrigue as she watched Aiden being tossed about here and there.
“Are you getting beaten up by a ghost right now?” “Don’t just stand there watching! Come help me—!” Before she could finish her sentence, Aiden’s body flew in a different direction. In the meantime.
Ghosts existing in the Otherworld—a space 'overlaid' on the real world—cannot exert significant influence over the material world. That is, generally speaking. Unless they are humans terrifying enough to twist even such laws.
So, this phenomenon must be an indirect indication of just how powerful a human the ghost currently shoving Aiden around must have been in life.
“You’ve got guts, you bastard—!” Katya couldn’t hear it, but the Knight of Dawn’s furious shout was truly ferocious. Though, compared to that demeanor, his appearance was incredibly handsome. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a handsome face, and full armor symbolizing a knight.
If he just kept his mouth shut and stayed still, his appearance was good enough to be packaged as noble.
“What, am I exaggerating? Are you a petty jerk? You’re still wet behind the ears, do you want to die—!” If only he hadn’t kept spewing such words while fuming, he could have been packaged that way.
Thinking this, Aiden soared through the air once again. “......Senior, please calm down for a moment—” “Senior? What hell are you talking about? I have no reason to get entangled with you over words like that—!” Soon, the Knight of Dawn raised his fist, fuming.
He looked furious, ready to punch someone. And even so, this looked a bit dangerous.
“I said, stop it!” Along with those words, a divine aura burst forth from his body. At that sight, the Knight of Dawn, who had been rushing forward, stopped in his tracks. His eyes were mixed with suspicion and astonishment. “......Divine aura?” The Knight of Dawn muttered blankly.
“You, I can definitely smell the scent of someone who manipulates ki. How do you even manipulate divinity?” “…….” Aiden gave a wry smile and brushed the dust off his body.
“Didn’t I tell you, ‘Senior’?” Right, he knew that showing off his ability to use multiple supernatural powers like this would pique his interest.
“Your junior greets you. If we limit ourselves to ‘multiple supernatural power holders,’ then we are indeed senior and junior, aren’t we?” The ability to wield multiple supernatural powers is a talent so rare that even searching through history reveals their numbers, and the Knight of Dawn standing before him is one of them. The reason he is loved across the continent is simple.
There is no way there could have been a human capable of skillfully handling multiple supernatural powers, which are the unique characteristics of each nation.
“I need help.” That is also the reason Aiden intends to ‘take him along.’ Even if one were to search the entire world, he is the only person who knows his ‘growth path’ from A to Z and can offer him advice.
“……To be honest, I desperately need your help, Senior. Otherwise, something truly terrible will happen.” The fate of the world is primarily in danger. Currently, Aiden is the only one who is fully aware of the existence of this global threat known as the 'Main Scenario,' and that means the moment he fails, it is no different from saying we will all die together.
“……What on earth is that nonsense? You were just complaining that I was overhyped a moment ago, and now you’re saying this—” “That was all a lie I told to see you, Senior. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to summon a spirit like this.” “…….” “Where in the world would you find a human who would strike down the first knight and a continent-level hero?” “…….” He can feel Katya looking at Aiden from the side with a look of disbelief.
Although he cannot hear the conversation, her gaze seems to say, “Surely no one would fall for such words.”
-System Message ▶ Contact made with 'Knight of Dawn', Meyer Belford. ▶ Although he is not a figure who influences the Main Scenario, he possesses exceptionally extraordinary abilities. Possesses a value equivalent to a 'Key Figure'. ▶ Bond level with the target increases to Level 1! ▶ Links with the skill 'Weaver of Fate'! … … There is. A person that simple. Aiden laughed inwardly hollowly and glared at that spear. Given his nature, he had expected that a slight provocation would sway him, but it was so exactly as expected that it was actually absurd. “……Would anyone fall for such half-hearted flattery?” It was even more chilling that he was saying this while still acting that way… … The Knight of Dawn, Meyer, crossed his arms and spoke while maintaining a sulky expression on the outside. “You said there is someone in this era who would push someone like me to the back burner. Lionheart…… or something?” It did seem odd that a mere ghost knew all that information, but as evidenced by how he fell for Aiden’s provocation in an instant, he was a person who cared terribly about his 'honor' and 'reputation'. It would be strange not to care about the man who pushed him aside to claim the title of the strongest knight. But... “I happen to be the husband of that Lionheart.” At those words, Meyer’s eyes furrowed sharply, but his expression turned bizarre in reverse at Aiden’s words that immediately followed. “I guarantee it. Even you won’t be able to catch up to you, Senior.” Katya’s lips twisted at the edge of his vision beside him. She looked as if asking what on earth she was talking about, but Aiden was saying it with all his heart. Leaving aside the question of who was simply more powerful, it was a proposition that was undeniably true if just one condition were added. If this man had had just a little more 'time'. It was certain that even Sir Noel would never have been able to surpass this man’s stronghold. In cases where the soul of the deceased fails to ascend to heaven and remains, both conditions must be met. They must be a great figure worthy of leaving their name throughout history, and they must possess a deep-seated 'han' so deep that they cannot possibly close their eyes even in death. As for the Knight of Dawn. “There are still so many things you couldn’t do.” The Knight of Dawn’s expression changed abruptly. If his demeanor had been nothing but anger and rage just moments ago, he now appeared taken aback by Aiden’s words for the first time. “…….The Knight of Dawn is a character treated only as lore within the game, yet he leaves a profoundly deep impression. The realm he 'narrowly' failed to reach because he realized his talent too late is described in a single, brief sentence: 'It is not a realm for humans to challenge.' They say that the legendary tales of his exploits scattered across the continent were actually training to reach that realm. “… … You.” Meyer, who had been glaring at Aiden for a while, smirked and continued. “That’s funny. There’s no way records of that would still exist.” “Please consider this the enthusiasm of a junior who respects you, Senior.” “Bullshit. You just approached me to use me. Do you think I can’t tell the difference?” “Actually, that’s true.” “… …” While Meyer was left speechless by this disastrous honesty, Aiden shrugged and continued. “But wouldn’t there be no one better than me to use you in return, Senior?” “What?” “How long do you think it will take for another person with multiple supernatural abilities to appear besides me?” “…….” “What are the chances that someone like that would come find you in person like this and speak to you?” “…….” “And what do you think are the chances of meeting someone who will break through all those possibilities and swear to ‘fulfill your wish on your behalf’?” Meyer’s expression grew increasingly furrowed. “……You really pick out only unpleasant things to say.” It must be unpleasant because it is the truth. It is clear just by looking at what followed. “What exactly do you want me to help with? As a ghost, I can’t really do anything extraordinary.” —Caught. Aiden grinned inwardly and picked up an artifact nearby. It was an item he had his eye on since entering here. A bracelet that would be comfortable to wear naturally. “—In other words, there are bound to be things that are possible precisely because you are a ghost.” “What?” “Would you like to ‘go inside’ first?” Having said that, Aiden continued to explain what Meyer could ‘help’ with. “…… “Why on earth did I get involved with a guy like this?” It was the kind of thing that would elicit a sigh of exasperation from the other person.
* * *
A moment later.
“Hmm.” Aiden let out a sigh as he gazed at the bracelet emitting a mysterious light. It certainly looked like it contained Meyer’s soul well. ‘With this much...’ He had achieved his intended goal.
Rania’s mediumship, and Meyer’s soul contacted through it. And, even the First Prince’s skill—optimized for handling that soul—though not yet brought in. It would be safe to say that all the necessary materials to resolve Act 1, the ‘Ghost Knight Incident,’ had been gathered.
“Are you done?” “Yes. Now I just need to leave.” Therefore, he should be able to answer this question with a clear, decisive tone.
“But.” Katya tilted her head, interrupting Aiden as she stepped in.
“I think we’ve been here for too long?” “-Huh?” “That thing wasn’t here until just a moment ago.” Turning his gaze at those words, he saw that the crystal embedded in the wall was emitting a red glow at first glance. It looked as though it were about to sound an 'alarm,' and as if influenced by it, the entire room was bathed in the same color. Seeing everything turn red, Aiden’s expression hardened.
“It looks like a system that automatically turns on if someone stays inside for too long.” “—Instead of analyzing things like that, you should stop that…!” Aiden recoiled in shock and tried to move, but in an instant. With a snap, the alarm that was about to emit the red light shattered. It appeared to have been cut in two by a sword strike unleashed at terrifying speed.
Aiden stared blankly in the direction from which the attack had come. Noel, who had appeared out of nowhere at some point, was sheathing his sword with a sigh.
“I do not know what you have been doing, but would you please refrain from entering a place like this without permission? You could face serious trouble if you are not careful.” “…Lord Noel?” I distinctly remember hearing from Sir Stella just a moment ago that he had gone back, saying he wasn't feeling well.
“Where on earth did you come from…? Didn't you say he had gone back?” “…I was planning to go back, you see. I saw Mr.
Aiden diligently infiltrating the Imperial Palace security with His Highness, so I followed him just in case.” “….” “I helped because it looked like he was in danger.” Did he let me catch him again? In the midst of all that, he didn't even think to stop me, just quietly followed me. 'Still, well.' Thanks to him, the situation was resolved smoothly without any hassle.
I should thank him, I suppose.
“Thanks to you, we got through this safely. Thank you, Sir Noel.” “…Yes.” “….” What kind of reaction is this? Only a curt voice returned—so stiff that even a wooden puppet would be more lifelike than this.
Noel snapped his head away and pulled his hat down low, as if trying his best to avoid making eye contact with Aiden.
“…Would you like to follow me? I will guide you out.” “… .” “Let’s go straight back to the headquarters. I decline to let the night drag on any longer.” As Aiden tilted his head and followed her, puzzled by her strangely curt tone, “… … Hmm.” Behind them, Katya was glaring at the back of Noel’s head with a look of suspicion.
“It feels like… her attitude has changed a little… …?” Such a murmur lingered in her mouth.
* * *
An untimely commotion was swirling inside the military headquarters. The reason, if any, was likely Lord Noel, who had just returned from a banquet with her fiancé. While parting ways with Aiden and heading to her private quarters, she was creating a tremendous amount of… ‘commotion.’ “Uh, Lord Noel?
Was the banquet today alright—” The person who was about to speak snapped their mouth shut. It was a natural reaction. Anyone looking at the expression on Noel’s face as she strode down the hallway would realize that striking up a conversation was not a good idea.
“C-Lord. Are you alright?” “I’m fine.” “If you feel unwell, contact the medical unit immediately—” “I said I’m fine.” “Hick.” One of the people around who had been worried involuntarily held their breath. It was probably because Noel’s response was so chilling.
He was someone who usually showed no particular expression other than a blank face or a forced smile, butHer blank expression now exudes the strong impression that she is pressing down on something deep inside. 'She must be in a bad mood...' I don't know for sure, but something must have happened at the banquet. As everyone recoiled in thought, Noel strode purposefully toward her private room.
She kicked open the door, dropped her sword as if tossing it, and took off her coat and hat to hang on the hanger. And then. “.......” She slammed her head against the desk as if collapsing. It was loud enough to make a crash.
Immediately, she felt the heat, which had turned bright red not only in her ears but all the way to the crown of her head, finally drain away a little. It had been truly difficult to hold it all in and keep it a secret from everyone. 'What is this?' What is this?
What, what, what. That was the only thought filling her mind. Her breathing was labored.
She had managed to walk to her room somehow while holding it in, but now she felt the heat rushing through her entire body. It felt as if someone had poured a ball of fire into her veins.
"—I... I like him." “—!” At the sentence repeating in her head once again, she slammed her forehead against the desk with a loud bang. '… … What is this?' Gasping for breath, with her forehead still pressed against the desk, she rubbed her hair until it became a mess, yet the question wouldn't leave her mind.
Even to herself, she couldn't understand what on earth had just happened. That man had said he liked her. Why, for what reason?
At least, as far as Noel knew, there was not a single reason for him to harbor such feelings for her. 'A lie.' He was a con artist by profession. It was most likely that he had said that just to get out of the situation.
That was how she understood it in her head. The problem was...
"—I will do it. Proof of worth. If that is the only way to sign the engagement." It was too much to simply dismiss it as such a lie.
"—But why did you go out of your way to want to learn magic, Mr. Aiden?" "—I said it was for the person I love." "—I told you. That you picked a good husband." Isn't a life worth living when a guy born with that much talent looks at you with such devotion?
There were things she had seen and heard up until now. “.......” Come to think of it, wasn't it strange to even take her side, even if it meant lying? Considering everything Aiden had done so far, the conditions the Prince presented fit his attitude perfectly. He wanted to avoid dangerous work as much as possible, cherished his family dearly, and preferred to live quietly and out of the spotlight.
But. Was there any reason to refuse a proposal that perfectly satisfied all of that, even going so far as to lie? To even make up such preposterous words—that is. that Aiden likes her— “----!!!” She slammed her fists against the desk.
It was an act that had sold off all dignity and decorum, but she had no time to care about such things. 'Why, saying such a thing, Mr. Aiden, why on earth—' Amidst his tangled, chaotic, and jumbled thoughts, only that sentence floated clearly.
“…Haaah—” A long sigh, as if his soul were being ripped out, shot out from Noel’s lips.