Book 1 Chapter 471
471.
Bang-! Crunch-!
The battle-axe was shattered into pieces by the battle hammer swung by Lill.
“……?!”
Joren wore an astonished expression.
Thump-! Crackle-!
“Cough!”
Joren, who was directly hit by the hammer, fell to the ground.
Lill, who rushed over him, raised the hammer.
“Wait, just a moment! You, who claim to be aiming to become a hero, are mercilessly [attacking] an defenseless opponent……!”
He desperately begged for his life.
“Shut up!”
Crunch-!
Lill's hammer mercilessly crushed Joren's head.
“Haa- Haa-”
Lill exhaled roughly and retrieved the battle hammer.
Thud-
Leo approached Lill, who had slumped to the ground and was panting, and extended his hand.
“As expected, Senior Lill is amazing.”
“Haa…… haa…… Didn't Leo defeat four people by himself in an instant?”
Lill grabbed Leo's hand with a trembling hand and stood up.
“Hoo. Hoo.”
Lill took a deep breath, composed her ragged breathing, and said,
“Besides, I received a lot of help from Leo. I still have a long way to go.”
In the fight between Lill and Joren, Leo had merely watched silently.
However, Joren had witnessed the shocking scene of Leo instantly annihilating four Justice Guild members as if they were insects.
The moment Leo intervened in the battle, everything would be over.
That pressure had scattered Joren's concentration.
“Whatever the case, it's a fact that Senior Lill clearly defeated an opponent stronger than herself.”
No matter how amazing Lill was, she was now a third-year student at Lumern.
In contrast, her opponent had studied at Lumern until the fifth year.
Furthermore, he was an undeniable strong individual who had not neglected his training to become a hero.
The very ability to achieve a giant-killing was Lill's true potential.
‘Even if I hadn't been here, Lill would have won anyway.’
It was true that Leo's presence pressured Joren, but even so, Lill's combat ability was beyond imagination.
She displayed abilities beyond her own limits.
‘A clear quality of a hero.’
While Leo evaluated Lill internally, Lill looked at the battle scene with a complex gaze.
“It's shocking that there were people in the Justice Guild with such ideas.”
The ideology of regarding others merely as sacrifices to become a hero.
Lill found it utterly unacceptable.
“This isn't an ideology these guys hold personally.”
“Right. There must be some crazy people at the top who think like that. I want to smash their heads open and pull out their brains to investigate how they could have such delusions.”
“…….”
Leo stared intently at Lill.
Lill, covering her mouth, cleared her throat.
“I got a little carried away. My mouth gets a bit rough when I'm drunk.”
“It doesn't seem like just a 'little bit'.”
“Please just consider it drunken rambling.”
Watching Lill feign innocence, Leo nodded.
Meanwhile, Viscount Esmon, who had withdrawn his troops, approached.
“Lord Leo, Lady Lill.”
“Viscount Esmon. Are the soldiers safe?”
“Yes, thanks to both of you, the soldiers are safe. Truly, I don't know how I can repay this kindness……”
“We merely did what was natural as Lumern students. Please don't concern yourself with it!”
Lill waved her hand dismissively.
“Thank you so much. By the way, there is someone who wishes to meet you.”
As Viscount Esmon spoke, carefully observing their reactions, Lill wore a puzzled expression.
‘It seems someone important has come from above.’
Leo easily grasped the situation.
Viscount Esmon was said to be the commander of this front line.
He was not a person of low status.
Yet, for him to be so cautious meant…
‘Did King Karnel send an envoy to us?’
It was as Leo had surmised.
In the middle of the battlefield.
A person who appeared to be a high-ranking official was walking towards them, stroking his goatee.
He was wearing flamboyant armor that did not suit the battlefield.
Armor with no practical utility whatsoever.
It was clothing worn solely for display.
‘The war situation isn't good, but if someone from the capital is like this… then this country is understandable.’
Leo let out a hollow laugh.
Lill, too, seemed to be thinking something similar, as she subtly furrowed her brows.
Whether he knew their thoughts or not, the high-ranking official shouted with an impressed expression.
“My name is Duke Kernville Dotarn. I rushed here at once upon hearing the news that Lumern dispatched Lord Leo Plob and Lady Lill Luce to aid our Karnel Kingdom!”
At his words, Lill corrected him.
“No. We came here to search for the groups desecrating hero's graves……”
“Come now! Is that not a trivial matter?”
“Trivial matter?”
Lill's expression changed instantly.
The graves of heroes slumbering in this land ultimately meant the graves of the heroic spirits who fought to protect this land long ago.
Even if they were figures from ancient history, from before this nation was even founded.
To the people of this land, they were beings that could never be taken lightly.
Digging up the graves of such individuals was an act of insult to them.
Lill took on this request not only out of personal interest but also to punish those who committed shameless acts.
Lill's face became devoid of expression, but Duke Dotarn didn't notice and chattered on happily.
“Our Karnel Kingdom needs the salvation of great heroes. Those wicked Phetimon Kingdom scoundrels are oppressing our kingdom by using the Justice Guild! Shouldn't Lumern rightfully help us?”
Duke Dotarn stroked his beard and said,
“This is not a story to be told in such a dirty place. The King wishes to meet with you to explain the kingdom's situation.”
At his words, Leo looked at Lill.
In any case, to understand the situation, they needed to hear the detailed story.
When Lill nodded, Leo opened his mouth.
“Understood.”
“Haha! Now the Phetimon Kingdom is finished!”
Duke Dotarn laughed heartily, as if he had already secured Lumern's aid.
Then, they arrived at the royal palace using a temporary warp gate.
Upon arriving at the royal palace, an enormous number of servants and maids were waiting for the two.
Those from the royal palace grabbed Leo and Lill and pushed them directly into changing rooms.
“It is an honor to serve you. We will prepare you quickly.”
“What are you talking about? Why are you touching my clothes? Wait, just a moment! Leo is right next to……”
As Lill's flustered voice echoed, the curtain fell.
Afterward, sounds of bickering could be heard from inside.
“I'll take them off myself……”
“That will be too late!”
“So, please explain the situation!”
Flap- Flap-
It seemed the maids were forcefully changing her clothes.
Leo caught Lill's flying school uniform top.
‘What is this situation?’
Leo furrowed his brows at the sudden situation.
Meanwhile, the servants quickly took Leo's measurements, prepared a splendid suit, and dressed him in it.
“His Majesty has opened a welcoming banquet for you.”
Someone who appeared to be the head chamberlain approached Leo and whispered.
Swish-!
A moment later.
The curtain was drawn back, and Lill, splendidly adorned in a dress, walked out.
Lill, seemingly unaccustomed to the crystal shoes, stumbled a few times and frowned.
“It's uncomfortable. Please give me back my shoes.”
“No! You are so incredibly beautiful right now, how can you wear shoes that soldiers would wear?!”
The maids resolutely hid Lill's shoes behind them.
Seeing that, Lill sighed deeply and stood next to Leo, linking her arm with his.
“You look handsome, Leo.”
“Senior Lill also looks beautiful.”
“That's probably just polite talk, but it makes me feel good.”
Lill said with a slightly softened expression.
Of course, Leo was sincere.
Lill, when dressed up, was extremely beautiful.
“By the way, what exactly is all this? I heard from Viscount Esmon that the country itself is in a precarious situation. A welcoming banquet, when serious discussions about state affairs wouldn't even be enough? And with the money for these expensive dresses and accessories, it would be better to provide supplies to the soldiers……”
“Since they're officially asking for help, they probably want to be courteous. High-ranking people like formalities and ostentation.”
Leo calmed down the agitated Lill.
In response, Lill also took a deep breath.
“That's true. Since the situation is serious, we should have a serious conversation and report the situation to the school.”
Lill straightened her back and puffed out her chest.
She had returned to being the dignified class representative of Lumern.
Leo adjusted his tie and stood by Lill's side.
The two were guided into the banquet hall.
A moment later.
The doors of the lavish banquet hall opened.
And what unfolded before their eyes was literally luxury itself.
The first thing that caught their eye was a fountain in the middle of the banquet hall.
Wine was flowing from it instead of water.
The food, too, was abundant with all sorts of luxurious dishes, regardless of the season.
The banquet hall was adorned everywhere with magnificent flowers, jewels, and gold.
The nobles attending the party also had very extravagant attire.
To the point where Leo and Lill's attire might seem understated by comparison.
An orchestra of immense scale was playing music.
It wasn't just a welcoming party but perhaps a social gathering, with nobles even gambling on one side.
It was literally a free-for-all party.
It seemed most of the kingdom's nobility had gathered.
This time, Lill's face truly became devoid of expression.
At that moment, the King, who was in the highest position, pointed at Leo and Lill.
“Behold! My loyal subjects! The heroes who will save this nation have arrived! Let everyone welcome them with utmost hospitality!”
A roar of cheers erupted from the nobles.
If one were to judge solely by that scene, it would be easy to mistake this country for being in a period of peace and prosperity.
Leo let out a deep sigh.
“Leo.”
“Yes.”
“The king of this country is…… no. The nobles of this country are clearly insane.”
“I agree.”
***
To conclude, Leo and Lill were unable to exchange a single word with King Karnel about the current situation.
The King was too busy enjoying the banquet to pay any attention to the two.
Even when Leo and Lill tried to approach, nobles blocked their path and engaged them in conversation.
Ultimately, Lill, concluding that discussing serious matters was impossible, merely suppressed her anger.
She then exuded an aura that warned nearby nobles to stay away, and continuously guzzled wine from the fountain without pause.
After the banquet ended, the two were escorted to a guest room.
“Seriously! Does this make any sense?! The soldiers are risking their lives for the country! And the higher-ups who sent them to the battlefield are indulging in luxury and pleasure!”
Lill, who had entered the room with Leo, erupted in fury.
“They're crazy! The higher-ups are definitely insane! Aren't they?! Leo!”
Drunken Lill turned to Leo and shouted.
‘She's drunk.’
Lill, who usually spoke politely and respectfully to her juniors, was now, shockingly, speaking informally.
“That's just how it usually is, isn't it?”
“Yes, it's all like that! I know the world is dirty! But still, there's a limit to how crazy one can be!”
Lill, revealing her intense emotions, irritably removed her hair ornament.
“I almost just blew all their heads off, but I barely held myself back!”
“We'll probably be able to have a proper conversation tomorrow.”
“What if they're still like that tomorrow morning?”
“Then we'll have to act on our own. We can't just leave the Justice Guild alone.”
Whatever happened, Leo intended to eliminate the Justice Guild itself.
“Right.”
Lill nodded.
Leo looked at Lill and said,
“Then, please go back to your room and rest. You've had a tough day today.”
“Before that.”
Lill approached Leo.
Lill, who had come right up to him, cupped Leo's face with both hands and pulled him towards her.
So close that their breaths almost touched.
Leo said,
“Senior, you're drunk right now.”
“Yes, since I'm drunk, I'll say it.”
Lill, reeking of alcohol, said with slightly unfocused eyes.
“Leo Plob.”
“Yes.”
“Make me your disciple.”
At the unexpected remark, Leo burst out laughing.
“I'm your junior, Senior Lill, how can I make you my disciple?”
“What does that matter?”
Lill, having reverted to her usual tone, walked over to the bed, plumped down, and shook her feet.
With that, her crystal shoes came off and flew away.
“It is customary to learn from someone superior to oneself.”
“You've always wanted to be my disciple? Have you been thinking that?”
“No. If I were a beast summoner, I might have felt that way, but I was a spirit mage.”
Publicly, Leo was more skilled in summoning phantom beasts than spirits.
“But my thoughts changed after seeing Leo's spirit magic earlier.”
Lill had seen Leo's appearance during the battle.
“Leo's spirit magic was too perfect.”
‘Of course. He was imitating Lycinus.’
Lill, flapping her now comfortable feet a few times, let out a 'Ooh-sha' and stood up, approaching Leo.
And looking up at her junior, she said,
“I'm well aware that merely asking you to teach me spirit magic isn't right. That's why I'm asking to be your disciple. A disciple does whatever their master tells them. Just give me anything to do. If you tell me to do homework, I'll do homework, and if you tell me to buy bread, I'll buy bread.”
“That's not a disciple, that's a minion.”
“Anyway.”
Lill smiled brightly.
“I want to be Leo's disciple. I will serve you well as my master.”
“I don't want to be a shameless junior who exploits his senior.”
“Let me be your disciple.”
Lill grabbed Leo by the collar.
“Let me be!”
Watching Lill stubbornly insist with unfocused eyes, Leo looked up at the ceiling and sighed.
‘Next time, I definitely shouldn't drink with her.’
***
Soldiers of the Phetimon Kingdom, armed with shovels and pickaxes, were digging up the ground.
The gravestone commemorating the hero was already destroyed and lying on the ground.
The soldiers' faces were filled with guilt.
“Stop dawdling and dig!”
The knight serving as supervisor shouted.
“Ah, that we must dig up this person's grave like this.”
“He was someone who sacrificed and shed blood for this land 3,000 years ago.”
The soldiers let out sighs.
A hero from the tales they had heard since childhood.
He was a hero with famous heroic tales in the northeastern region.
The fact that they were digging up the grave of such a person made the soldiers feel enormous guilt.
“You fools, if I catch you chattering, you're dead!”
A veteran soldier next to him whispered hoarsely.
A moment later.
A coffin emerged from the excavated grave.
The supervisor tore off the coffin lid.
Crunch-!
“This isn't it either.”
Inside the coffin, there was only dust.
The knight snorted and shouted at the soldiers who were trying to restore the grave even a little.
“What are you doing?!”
“Huh? My lord. We should at least try to restore it a little……”
“There's no time for that! Head to the next grave!”
At his words, the soldiers deeply apologized in their hearts to the hero from 3,000 years ago and departed.
Rumble-!
A moment later, lightning struck the sky.
Thump- Whoosh!
Rain poured down, turning the excavated grave into a muddy mess.
A moment later.
Grab-!
A hand broke through the mud.
Squish- Squish-
The man who emerged from the mud stood up.
[How dare you……]
The eyes of the man, caked with mud, glowed crimson.
[I cannot forgive this!]
A voice filled with resentment and hatred flowed from his lips.