Against the Dark (5)

Im trying to reduce the scale of the fire, though it is inevitable flames will burn all over Albion.

Well, its not wrong. War is a disaster like fire, and paper burns well.

This world was, quite literally, built on paper. Kleio was able to defend it so that unexpected developments didnt carelessly burn down the manuscript. Mietsu swept his beard as he understood.

To that end, are you holding up in this uncomfortable position?

Mietsu had decided Kleio was remaining in the banquet hall for the same reason as him, which was to understand Melchiors intentions to visit the north suddenly. Their eyes met, and suddenly a scarred hand popped in through the narrow window facing the training grounds. It grabbed at Kleios collar, but Mietsu pinched the back of the cold frozen hand painfully.

Aah, are you crazy, master?

The voice was lowered, but he had no problem recognizing it as Arthurs.

Why are you trying to surprise people?

Thats right, Lei can you just give me a drink?

What kind of alcohol do you drink during the night watch?

What kind of drink is just one?

If you get drunk and lose your sword, dont even dream that Ill replace it.

Oh, how grim.

The window was narrow, and it was dark outside so that he couldnt see him, but he could hear the sound of Arthurs sword rattling. Begs sword had a distinctive resonance as it rubbed against the special leather sheath Vasco had prepared. The moment Kleio opened his mouth, dozens of glasses clinked together in a rough toast. Several glasses shattered as they were unable to withstand the power of the knights. Melchior, watching the alcohol and glass debris splatter down, expressed his gratitude.

Thank you for your hospitality. This is my first birthday to be so happy.

It was your birthday?!

This! We have to pour another round!

Cheers!

For the princes health!

Glory! Victory!

Wow!

Kleio naturally turned towards Melchior even with his Perception turned off, as the voice cut through the turmoil. Arthur, sensing it, shouted.

Hey, hey, what do you see?

Todays your brothers birthday.

Is that all?

Theyre continuing the toast. He doesnt normally have a birthday like this?

No. My brothers birthday is on February 29th. He doesnt have a birthday this year. Hes just getting the mood up.

After hearing Arthurs words, Kleio went through some mental arithmetics. The leap year with February 29th was every four years, and this year was 1891, so the calculation of the crown princes age was incorrect.

Hes one year younger?

Isnt your brother supposed to be twenty-seven this year, not twenty-eight?

I dont know Lady Elene said she thought her child was a year younger.

Then, do you really celebrate the princes birthday only once every four years?

Youre so interested I was worried he was using a skill on you.

Kleio turned his head toward Melchior.

In this atmosphere, it would seem strange not to look at him.

Well, everyone here has become a fan of the crown prince like that.

Melchior began to go around the banquet hall, surrounded by people. He didnt seem to be leaving a single knight behind.

If only the duke died, they would become his knights.

A tall shadow was cast over Kleios head as he shook the empty wine glass. Like a beast who sensed danger, Mietsu carefully closed the window. Arthurs protests were cut off by Mietsu as he gave in and retreated into the darkness. A few seconds later, Melchior arrived from the crowd. Kleio could only admire Mietsu.

Did he predict this?

Kleio turned on Separation, which made him a little dizzy given the alcohol in his stomach.

Ah, why now?

There were too many eyes on them for either Kleio or Mietsu to escape.

.

.

.

Melchior looked worse than usual. His pale appearance made him look even more inhuman and gave off an eerie feeling. The scarlet in the middle of his irises had widened out, clashing with the turquoise color at the edges.

Why do you look like youve done so much today?

Mietsu quietly put Kleio behind his back. Melchior, who saw the giant obstructing his path, stopped in place and seemed surprised. At the same time, Structural View was activated.

!!!

Kleio, who had moved to the wall unconsciously, raised Separation to its maximum. Instead of the expected shock, a cold sweat formed on Melchiors brow. He was acting injured as his eyes twitched in pain.

What is it?

What sort of pain could defeat a prince that had mastered the art of hiding his expression. In response to that question, Promise began to shine.

[Unique skill: Structural View

Restriction use limit is exceeded

Exceeding the limit of use increases the prohibition .]

It was a broken message, but the meaning was clear enough. Kleio hadnt been the target just now. As the skill unfolded, Mietsus large body trembled.

[Unique skill: Structural View

User: Melchior Reignan]

[Unique skill: Concealment Veil

User: Michislav Davrovsky]

[Skill conflict. Two skills are colliding.

An urgent [reduction] is required.

Urgent [reduction] Request ]

Their unique skills are colliding.

The aftermath of the crash struck Kleio, who managed to hold onto the wall so as not to fall down. The same ringing in his ears from the first time he met the crown prince was all he could hear. Even though he was surrounded by so many, the whole world was silent. It felt like time had stopped. Soldiers were still smiling with glasses in hand.

Silence.

The smell of blood began to stimulate Kleios senses. The prince, who had a hand over the blood that had been drawn, managed to remain calm. The dignity of one who caught victory returned to him.

Its amazing to see you here, Sir Michislav.

Melchiors words sounded like judgment. It was a conviction that was impossible to die. Mietsu, the man just called Sir Michislav, suppressed a terrifying expression. Without Separation, Kleio mightve fainted.

Dont call me a title I never had.

You didnt make a [Covenant] in the end, so youre not a knight? Its an unfortunate legacy; losing you was to the detriment of the country.

How do you seem to know what you havent actually experienced? You were still a newborn babe at that time; you cant remember anything.

No, Sir Michislav, I remember. I remember everything I have witnessed since I was born.

Though he didnt use appropriate judgment, Kleio could sense the truth in the princes words. He had a look similar to when he discussed flowers, that rare expression that wasnt quite a smile. The princes tone softened as he confronted Michislav.

And, you seem to believe in the importance of memories as much as I do.

Kleio screamed inwardly as tension squeezed his stomach.

He read ithe read it properly.

Mietsus identity, past, and what he was investigating had been revealed before Melchior.

Im really sorry. I wanted to take over my fathers covenant someday and make you my knight.

The covenant isnt an absolute sanction, dont you know?

Nevertheless, it is inherited at the moment of crowning and is more valuable than the crown. Wouldnt Tanpet de Neju here agree with that?

As Melchior moved, Cel, who was standing beside Lysa, raised her head.

What are you talking about?

You should also know this. That a covenant isnt just a righteous oath or a beautiful promise.

Cel froze as Melchior gently patted her shoulder. It was an attitude that proclaimed that he knew almost everything about Arthur and his friends. Isiel was inseparable from Arthur, and the twins were still children. Cel, who was actually funding Arthurs private army, was the first link he had to break to catch him. Kleio carefully surveyed the situation.

Then, are you going to put pressure on them too?!

Why had he changed his attitude now, in such a way? That wasnt the princes way; it was neither economical nor elegant. Melchior did look somewhat unstable and distorted. His smile disappeared and reappeared, and his complexion was sickly pale. Mietsu intervened in between Cel and the prince.

I dont think its a good thing for the prince to treat a young student with vulgar words.

Melchiors chin rose arrogantly.

I dont think there is much I need to hear from Sir Michislav about saving face. Just think of Rosa Pehites feelings of anguish as she desperately searched for her only sons whereabouts. How could you so heartlessly cut off any news for over twenty years?

Kleio was surprised at the unexpected information. Mietsu, and everyone in the party, seemed to have forgotten how to breathe.

What?! Mietsu was her son?! No, she was married before?

Melchiors bomb solved many questions at once.

It would be natural for him to learn from Professor Rosas son. Ha, that man, really

When Michislav no longer responded, Melchior naturally quieted down. But he could sense Kleio standing by the wall, and Arthur was outside banging a spear. Michislav sent out his colorless ether to the window with the back of his hand, subduing the sound of Arthurs knocking. He was already engaged with Melchior, but he was trying to save his disciple from that. Mietsus judgment and actions were excellent.

Not today. Something would happen with this strange Melchior.

The whites of Melchiors eyes were tinged a beautiful yet bizarre pale pink.

I cant help but admire Sir Kleio, who is in charge of our future. You caught Pyton with Sir Arthur?

Unexpected, the conversation turned to him. Kleios palms became sweaty, and he could feel the liquor he had pulsing through his veins. Since he was called out directly by the prince, it was difficult to back off. Mietsus expression was almost gloomy as he kept a hand on the window sill. Kleio took a step forward, becoming the line defending Mietsu.

Yes, I was lucky.

Kleio wouldve normally given credit to the others, but not in front of Melchior.

Nothing good will happen if that name is mentioned here.

Its luck Wouldnt it be good if that luck were to be repeated? The news of your magic is spreading throughout the capital. Pyton was a fierce beast possessing a very rare mana stone, right?

Yes, its said to be a sleepy onyx.

The moment Melchior heard that name, his eyes revealed complex emotions. Perception clearly captured the details, giving Kleio a great clue.

The princes real purpose is that onyx.