Hearing the words from Ignet Crescentia, Kuvar gulped.

Lulu, too, looked at Irene with tense eyes.

The Black Knights are the third-ranked knights of the Holy Kingdom, Avilius, and they are a bit inferior to the White and Red Knights, which have a long history.

However, it was just the rank within the nation. No one on the continent would ignore the members of the Black Knights.

The Holy Kingdom is the oldest kingdom in the world.

A place that has protected the continent as a sacred shield throughout its long history.

A place that produced the most heroes and defeated the most demons.

Thus, it was a place that was respected all around the world.

To become a member of the Black Knights means to become a member of such a place.

It was no exaggeration to say that it would be a swordsmans or knight's greatest honor.

But, isnt this too sudden?

Irene definitely had talent.

His swordsmanship skills are so great that he cant find an opponent his age, and he has a nice personality.

Although he is indecisive due to his lack of experience, hes good enough to consider taking him in from Ignets point of view, as experience can be gradually filled.

However, Kuvar never heard of a member being appointed without the proper procedure.

She isnt asking for a mercenary, but a knight!

Has she still not given up her mercenary captain habits?

Seeing Georg and Anya calling her captain rather than commander, Kuvar thought that it could be the case.

Irene thought the same.

Ignet, a name he heard a lot.

The continents greatest genius, heartless, cold-hearted swordsman. That was the feeling he got from what Ilya Lindsay said and the rumors he heard.

However, there were no rumors about her being a reckless person.

I refuse.

Sharp as a knife. What is it that you dislike?

Rather than saying I dislike

Wait, listen. The Holy Kingdom is a much better place than you think.

Ignet raised her hand, cutting off Irene, and spoke about the strengths of Avilius.

Irene didnt care.

Even the lazy noble knows how great the Holy Kingdom is and what it means to be a paladin there.

However, the words which came out of Ignets mouth were completely out of line.

The Holy Kingdom is freer regarding sex than you think.

Sorry?

It isnt a place that emphasizes stuffy, stupid, innocence, and pure white character like outsiders think. Its often misunderstood, and young talented ones are reluctant to come to the kingdom.

that doesnt matter.

Doesnt matter?

Ignet, who said that looked at Georg.

That guy said that he wouldnt join the knights because of that.

please dont talk to me about that, captain.

Why not?

I cant figure her out.

Kuvar thought.

When she killed Charlotte and Victor, there was no one more terrifying than her, but when she joked around, she seemed like an ordinary woman.

Thanks to her relatively young appearance and tone of voice, she actually felt cute.

Fortunately, Ignets attitude towards Irene was friendly.

Hmm. There are many other advantages, but when I say them, they dont exactly come out smoothly. Please understand that Im not good at talking. Hmm, so the biggest advantage is

If she was socially adept, she couldnt have continued such a soft atmosphere after killing people.

It was different, and Ignets current appearance was clearly far from the harsh rumors.

Still, I dont think Irene will enter the Holy Kingdom.

Kuvar looked at Irene.

A humble and fragile young man compared to his skills. A person who is so gentle that he wondered about how he lived until now.

And when it came to stubbornness, Kuvar would agree that he was.

What he knew about Irene was right.

And if he doesnt understand the offer, he would never follow it. No matter who said it.

That was what Kuvar knew about Irene.

At least, until he finds a way to control the iron stake in his heart, he wont want to belong anywhere.

Then, the important part was how he would reject the offer from Ignet.

I apologize, but no matter how you try to convince me, I cant accept your offer. Because I have something to do.

I knew this would happen.

Kuvar sighed in relief.

It was unavoidable.

Ignet said that she wasnt talkative, but in her view, Irene was even less talkative.

Kuvars heart skipped a beat at the way Irene had conveyed his intentions.

Fortunately, Ignet didnt seem to be angry.

Still, in the same posture, she sat on the rock and looked at Irene.

And time passed.

10 seconds

20 seconds

30 seconds.

And 1 minute.

A short time passed. It should be normal, but it was uncomfortably long, considering it came in the middle of the conversation.

Kuvar was puzzled, but Lulu said with a tense voice.

Shes looking into him.

What?

Shes looking inside Irene. Just like Georg

At that moment, Ignet, who looked at Irene, opened her mouth.

I heard that there was a man with a lump of iron in his heart.

!

I didnt believe it at first. Ive seen people with grudges, pride, and vanity but Ive never heard of someone with iron in them. But the moment I arrived in Derinku and saw you, I knew that Georgs report was true.

Irenes breathing became rough. His hands were becoming sweaty.

This wasnt the first time someone managed to see the iron inside him.

Sword Master Ian, Lulu, and Kuvar managed to see it with their sharp eyes.

Georgs gaze was sharp too, and he must have relayed the information.

Irene remembered that he was nervous then too.

However, now, he was feeling suffocated.

Her eyes gave him a sense of dread as if he was an animal in a glass tube being observed.

I got interested. No, it was more than that. Its a piece of iron, enough to make the arrogant Vulnacus drool I couldnt help but want to covet it too. However, there was also the thought that nothing can be done if it wasnt forged. Right? You cant do what you want with this metal in your heart. However.

Seeing you here, it looks like you havent become the master of iron yet.

Whoops!

A fierce fire poured out from Ignets sword.

It was an Aura Sword.

A red and dark aura, as if it was lava.

A drop of sweat ran down Irenes forehead.

Black uniform.

Black hair.

Black eyes.

Ignet Crescentias appearance was all black.

There was no place on her that wasnt dark. It was as if one was looking at a mirror made of obsidian.

While looking in her eyes, Irene wanted to run again.

He couldnt raise his sword.

And he felt himself being swayed.

I will say it again. Irene Pareira, I appoint you as a member of the Black Knights. This is an order, not an offer.

I decline.

Didnt I tell you? You have no choice. Its very tiring to see you get swept away by the force which you will never control and make

He said hes not coming, you witch! Irene can overcome it! Hes nothing like you!

Hes so nice and so strong, and hes even getting stronger! Even if you dont help, he can get over it on his own!

Ignet turned to the cat, which was talking.

She smiled and said.

Black cat. I like it. The black color and the cat too.

It doesnt matter if you like me or not! Irene is not going anywhere! If Irene says he doesnt like it, then accept it and leave!

Haha! Georg, oh my. Look at the beast. Its so fun.

Ignet said. As if she was happy looking at Lulu, her eyes smiled.

However, Lulu didnt laugh.

Im scared.

For a brief moment, their eyes met.

But her body was already shaking. Her throat, which was dry from shouting, also went silent, and she couldnt speak.

Only then did Lulu realize that there was a reason Irene couldnt speak properly.

It was a great thing to just stand up like that.

At that time, Ignets pressure disappeared.

I dont like this.

?

At her words, everyone except for Anya was puzzled.

She said she was happy a moment ago when she saw Lulu. Now shes saying negative stuff.

Of course, no one cared about that.

She continued.

You act as if Im doing something wrong? Im trying to help him handle the steel he cant handle properly.

Im trying.

I dont believe that.

Sword Master Ian saw me. My parents, my sister, and Kuvar and Lulu here, they all believe in me, so I believe in myself too.

Ignets eyes widened for a moment. It was because of Ian.

Even for her, the owner of Krono wasnt someone who could be ignored.

However, even that name couldnt break the will of the Black Knights Commander, who is the greatest genius on the continent.

There you go again. Dont depend on the power of others. Irene Pareira, all you have to show is your own abilities. Its no use trying to convince me with a thousand words unless you can prove it.

I will prove it.

Hmm?

I will prove that I have the power to control the steel in my heart.

Silence passed.

It was because no one expected Irene to say such cool words.

Even more so for Ignet.

The Irene she saw was a child, swaying to and fro under the weight of the sword.

And now, he seemed confident.

She asked.

Tell me how you can prove it?

There is a knight called Hill Burnett in the Hale Kingdom. His fighting spirit that came from slaughtering numerous demonic beasts is as ferocious as a demon. It was enough to stimulate the iron in my heart.

.

Even Count Crescentia, if its possible, Ill show you that I will not be swept away any longer.

The silence was even deeper this time.

Kuvar, Lulu, Georg, and Anya looked at Irene speechless.

And then looked at Ignet.

They saw the brightest smile on her face.

As she said.

Can I take that as you want to fight with swords?

Irene Pareira nodded and summoned his greatsword. As he said,

Irene Pareira of the 27th batch of Krono is asking Commander Ignet Crescentia of the Holy Kingdom for a duel.