A knight's armor is, by definition, a premium product. Equipment is meant to be tailored to the user, and ordinary gear would be meaningless to knights, who are the most renowned elites within the Empire.
"But look at the state it's in." As
Noel spoke, pointing to the completely dented armor,
Aiden’s quiver quickly began to get damp. Even someone with no particular talent for combat would immediately realize that the aura
Noel was exuding was extraordinary.
"Do you understand what this means?" "...What do you mean?" "It means that without the armor, Gale would have died instantly. From a single punch you threw haphazardly without even getting into a proper stance."
Noel continued with a faint smile.
"It's absurd. Gale is a cut above the rest among ordinary combatants." "..." "Even an ordained knight couldn't achieve this result with such a ridiculous single attack." I wish he would stop praising me. My mouth is going to go dry.
“Come to think of it, there is exactly one person who comes to mind who seems capable of doing the same thing.” “……Is that so?” “Yes.” The smile on Lord
Noel’s face widened slightly, and soon his lips parted again.
“It is me.” “…….” “Because the pure white energy you just extracted from your body is the purest of all energy. Such a feat would be possible with just the output alone.” “Well—”
Aiden trailed off.
Honestly, it was a scene that was difficult to explain. Knights are a group where even those called geniuses can barely stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers, and this pure white energy is the very ability that the one standing at the pinnacle has honed for a lifetime. So, this woman is asking indirectly. How on earth is someone like you handling the essence of the technique she has built up?
“Explain it,
Aiden Kellermain.” The longer the words continued, the faster
Aiden’s back grew damp.
Noel’s face was smiling as she spoke, but her eyes were not smiling at all.
“Who on earth are you?”
Aiden barely managed to respond, struggling to suppress the choking sensation in his throat.
“Didn’t you see my records? I really have nothing—” “You mean those records just to cover my tracks? Yes. I did look at them. I did.” Tap, tap—Noel tapped his arm, moving his fingers slowly.
“...Yes?” Records just to cover my tracks? What on earth was he talking about? As
Aiden blinked blankly,
Noel continued in a calm voice.
“Why do you think I specifically brought you here out of so many people?” I don’t know why he asks this as if I would know the answer. That is the one thing
Aiden is most curious about in the world.
Fortunately,
Noel wasn’t the type to hesitate when explaining.
“If you wanted to properly hide your identity, you should have left a flaw at least once. You need to stop playing games so I’ll believe you.” “What do you mean—” “Mr.
Aiden. No matter how big a criminal is, they get caught at least once. No matter how lucky or skilled you are, you are inevitably bound to slip up at least once. Even a sage who sees through everything in the world never knows when they might get stabbed in the back—that is life. But—”
Noel’s gaze sank even deeper.
“Here, the person claiming to be an ordinary, insignificant con artist hasn’t been investigated, let alone arrested, for over ten years.” “…….” “Looking at your track record, you’ve avoided getting involved in any major cases. You’ve always pulled out beforehand whenever it seemed like things might get even slightly dangerous.” “…….” “Honestly, doesn’t that just mean you ‘knew’ all the dangerous things and went around avoiding them?”
Aiden’s mouth parted slightly.
“… … That’s true, but.”
In reality, it is only natural that when you work outside the boundaries of the law, you end up getting entangled in major incidents one way or another. In fact, he, too, had done everything in his power to avoid getting involved in dangerous situations.
Of course, it was likely a stroke of luck made possible by his knowledge of the original work.
However, the fact that he ran away at all costs just to avoid getting entangled in dangerous situations certainly isn't a reason to hold
Aiden in high regard.
“That is why I brought you here.” … …
The problem is that this person maintains a completely different attitude.
“It is clear that no matter who is put in the role of the husband in this fake marriage, it would be difficult to handle. At least, none of the people I know are capable.”
Noel slammed his teacup down with a loud clatter and added, “The fact that you have never failed means that no one knows the limits of your capabilities. It means there is no ceiling to be seen. So, I brought you here half-heartedly, like scratching a lottery ticket.” No, I get it. There is some truth to it.
The reality of those records is merely the result of a desperate struggle to stay out of sight and avoid getting entangled in the main story. I never imagined it would come back to haunt me like this. There is a limit to how much you can interpret a dream.
Aiden was about to speak again to somehow convince them of this. Anyway, he has quite a bit of experience in the profession of rolling his tongue. He must have been able to come up with a plausible explanation somehow… … “I guess I’ve won the lottery.
Judging by the ability you handle it.” “…….” … … If only it weren’t for this. Because he had ended up showing a scene that was absolutely unsuitable for the resume he claimed.
Aiden’s mouth immediately shut like a tightly closed clam.
“Mr.
Aiden. I would like to resolve this as peacefully as possible. The fact that you possess abilities beyond expectations is actually good news for me.”
Noel’s eyes, which had been subtly lowered until now, immediately rose to meet
Aiden’s gaze.
That alone was overwhelming. If there were such a thing as physical force in a gaze, it felt like he would be cut just by making eye contact.
“However, at least regarding the scene you just showed, I would like an explanation. That pure white aura—you may not know this, but it is quite tangled with a backstory.” “…….” Uh… … Hmm, it does look that way.
- Skill Info ◈ Weaver of Fate . . .<Copied Skill>
【
Noel Astria Seamus 】
◆ Pure White Heart ※Unique – Only this character possesses this! It possesses the highest efficiency among all Ki cultivation methods, and mastering it requires an extraordinary level of effort and sense. It is a Ki characteristic acquired by refining the cultivation method passed down directly from Sir
Noel’s master to the extreme. Even
Aiden himself would be baffled if someone else suddenly used a method passed down through a single line. I fully understand how he feels.
“So, you’d better tell me quickly. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to draw my sword.”
Let me correct myself. I absolutely cannot understand this.
“……Why is that your conclusion?” “Gale’s way of thinking isn’t always right, but you can certainly tell the fighting style he has built up just by clashing swords.
That alone is enough to roughly figure out how you acquired it.”
The moment
Aiden saw
Noel fiddling with the sword at her waist after saying that, the back of his neck, which was already damp, turned completely cold. Her face was still smiling, but the tone melting between the lines was undoubtedly sincere. If he didn't get a convincing explanation for this woman, he intended to actually draw his sword and cut her down.
“.......” No, but. How was he supposed to explain it? How was he supposed to explain that he was possessed by a game, and that, as a special perk, he could somehow copy and use skills?
“May I interpret your continued silence as a sign of approval?” But he had to do something. Otherwise, he might actually die.
And as he repeated that thought to himself, a click—the sound of a button being pressed—rang out in
Aiden’s head. It was a sound that always echoed whenever he dealt with a 'client.' It felt like entering a work mode. Convincing people of his identity as an ordinary con artist… … He had already crossed the point of no return. Let’s just give up cleanly. He couldn't come up with an explanation to convince
Noel right here and now. Then, what was the only option left? 'I have to deceive him.' Wasn't that his profession to begin with? Deceiving to survive.
Aiden’s mind began to spin wildly. Knowledge of the 'original' that might be helpful in this situation poured into his head. The essence of a con artist is deceiving others, and the essence of deceiving others stems from eliciting emotional responses. So, synthesizing the information about the man named
Noel Astria Seamus, he thoroughly dug up the keywords that would most unsettle him right now. What popped out from the very end was...
"I guess—" Even
Aiden himself thought it was a sentence assembled at the level of instinct rather than reason.
"It seems you don't remember the past?" "Huh?" "Like when you were young." He casually tossed out such words. As if feeling lonely, as if feeling disappointed. Subtly acting out those emotions. Even he himself felt as though he didn't know what on earth he was saying. It’s only natural that he doesn’t remember. After all, he never even met this person in the first place.
However, the moment he heard what
Aiden had said— “—”
Noel’s movements froze. Her eyes flickered for a moment. Her expression, too, twisted and shattered in an instant. Though she immediately returned to her usual self. It was a fleeting moment. It was a gap that lingered just for a brief moment at the very edge of that instant, but
Aiden’s eyes captured it precisely. This person. According to the information within the game, some of her childhood memories were erased due to the influence of a certain 'incident.' I don’t know what that incident was. The game didn’t cover that part. 'The important thing is…!' This person truly lost her memory, and additionally, she wouldn’t have revealed that fact to anyone. There wouldn’t have been any reason to do so.
Therefore. If he could just insert his existence into the information that only
Noel herself would know, that alone would be enough. Knowing information that only the person involved would truly be aware of would drastically raise the credibility of the story.
“……What do you mean by that, Mr.
Aiden?” And the fact that a sentence concealing his agitation returned like this means that this ridiculous excuse worked, at least somewhat.
It is a natural reaction, given that his own secret was provoked. His mind is likely racing with all sorts of hypotheses regarding
Aiden’s identity.
That alone serves as an excellent shield for him right now. In any case, he needs to survive this situation, doesn't it?
So, all that remains is...
“No, it is nothing. I didn't think you would actually forget.” Unless the other person notices first, he simply gives a vague answer, as if saying it is pointless. And that alone was enough to make Lord
Noel’s face stiffen. It is a face that can no longer hide its agitation.
“I will see you later, Lord
Noel.”
In other words. It is the perfect timing to act cool and then make a run.
Aiden’s voice, filled with melancholy, fell down.
“……Next time we meet, I would appreciate it if you greeted me a little differently.”
Noel would never know what this meant. Because— 'I don't know either… …!' Even
Aiden himself had no idea what on earth this bullshit was!
However, it was clearly the perfect moment to quickly slip out of the room, no matter who looked at it.
Feeling Lord
Noel’s blank gaze staring at him,
Aiden strode out of the room.
▣ That was yesterday. It was a series of incidents that left
Aiden completely exhausted, much like the storm that swept through just one day after he started his job. He is currently holed up in his private room, not meeting anyone.
- Skill Info ◈ Weaver of Fate Only you know the truth of this world. Earn new rewards by building bonds with key characters in the main story!
【
Noel Astria Seamus 】
- Bond: Level 2 - You can copy 1 additional skill.
<Copied Skill>
◆ Pure White Heart . . .
It’s a good thing. Indeed, it’s a good thing. Because what he did yesterday worked so well, he ended up getting a free skill copy ticket. No matter how you look at it, there is nothing to lose.
◈ Fake Marriage - You have been chosen as Lord
Noel’s spouse. Maintain your contract with the other party until the end! - A related incident will occur soon.… … Except for this one thing. 'What on earth is this related incident?' He frowned and glared at the window. No matter how he looked at it, it wasn't a word that gave him a good feeling. He had a hunch that personal danger was imminent again. '… … Should I gather more power?'
Honestly, he would rather avoid getting caught up in a fight first, but if they are telling him so blatantly that something bad is about to happen to him, sitting idly by would be foolish. 'But, from whom?' He couldn't exactly go to Lord
Noel to get another skill. Something like that happened just yesterday, so it would be awkward to go and run into him now. Is there no suitable candidate?
As he continued these thoughts, the surroundings became extremely bustling.
“His Highness Daniel is arriving soon!” “Everyone, finish up and get out of the way! Don't draw attention!” Peeking his head out into the hallway at the unexpected commotion, he saw that a high-ranking official was visiting. The Imperial Command Headquarters is the central nervous system of the Imperial Army, and a place where all kinds of people come and go, but… Nevertheless, it was clear that he was a distinguished guest of a status rarely seen among the royal family of a nation. As the Prince walked down the corridor with a commanding air, it was noticeable that the Imperial Command staff passing by were swiftly making way for him.
Watching this,
Aiden narrowed his eyes slightly. 'If he is royalty of the Holy Kingdom...'
Aiden rummaged through the game's lore in his head. The supernatural abilities wielded by the Empire are 'Qi' empowered by the authority of Karba, while those wielded by the Holy Kingdom are 'Divinity' empowered by the authority of Shear, the God of Purification. And the ones who wield them best are the royals.
In other words, they are the ones closest to the very source of Divinity. '...Should I give it a try?' If raising the bond allows skills to be copied, there wouldn't be any harm in getting acquainted with someone like that. If a good bond is formed, that's fine; if not, so be it. Since he holds the title of Lord
Noel’s spouse, exchanging greetings and having a brief conversation wouldn't be such a grave offense.
With that thought in mind, he spotted the prince walking down the hallway with his chest puffed out. Naturally, he met him as if to greet him.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I am…” As soon as he said that and extended his hand, it was roughly slapped away with a loud smack. A voice tinged with disgust followed, as if he had seen a cockroach trying to approach him.
“Get out of my way. You lowly fellow.” “…….” … … Life is truly harsh.
Aiden ruminated on this sentiment as he looked at the man who had slapped his hand. He was a slick-looking young man. Every muscle in his face seemed to be filled with arrogance and authority. ‘… … That’s why people were running away before he arrived earlier.’ With a temper like that, such a reaction was to be expected.
“It is customary to kneel on one knee to show respect to royalty. Why is an ignorant fool who doesn’t even know that here?” “…….” Wasn’t that a custom that had been obsolete long ago? In this day and age, demanding something like this is the norm—even for royalty.
“I am the 7th Prince of the Craven Holy Kingdom. My name is—” Slick. There is no particular need to remember his real name. This guy is just a slick.
Aiden thought this while mentally cutting through the sentence he had just heard with a bored expression.
Judging by what followed, it was clearly a good move.
“—And judging by your lowlife-like behavior, I don’t even need to ask about your lineage.” “…….” Good heavens. Watching his words and actions reveal the very nature of his character in a matter of seconds,
Aiden’s temples began to throb as if they were about to explode.
“……Your Highness. I would suggest you reconsider treating this man so lightly.” It was so bad that a fully armored guard standing beside him stepped over to try and dissuade him.
Of course, the slick prince’s expression immediately crumpled.
“Shut up. Who told you to butt in?” “But the opponent—”
As he heard the guard standing beside him whispering quietly, a crooked smile spread across the slicker’s face.
“—Ah.” It was a sneer, as if dumbfounded by a ridiculous joke.
“You brought him this time? That Lion Heart?” “Yes, Your Highness.” At the guard’s reply, the slicker’s obnoxious gaze scanned
Aiden up and down once.
“A fellow like this?” “…….” “You didn’t even pretend to listen to my request, and you chose a guy like this as a spouse?” … …
Judging by the way he spoke. It was clear that this person had always had a profound interest in the position of Lord
Noel’s spouse. A vague realization struck him only then.
◈ Fake Marriage - You have been chosen as Lord
Noel’s spouse. Maintain the contract with the other party until the end! - A related incident will occur soon.
“…….” That “related incident” listed here. Wasn’t it none other than something revolving around that unruly royal family member right in front of him? I had come out to prepare for that, only to end up slamming my head right into it. 'Ah.'
Aiden Kellermaine. Day 2 on the job. On the first day, a man claiming to be his spouse's friend drew his sword and charged at him, and on the second, he got into a fight with royalty from another country. 'Ah.' There was nothing to utter but that sigh.