IYAMD 78

IYAMD 78

“Did you notice anything? I didn’t see anything that could be considered a dimensional rift from where I was.”

“No, nothing at all.”

On the way back to the camp, Marsilia chatted with Jaha. They discussed whether there was anything unusual about the dragon’s appearance or if they had missed something the other hadn’t noticed.

However, there was no real insight. They had heard that Alexander II had found a dungeon, but nothing resembling that could be seen anywhere in the valley.

In the end, it seemed the only way to find the dimensional rift was to defeat the dragon first.

While Marsilia was deep in thought, Jaha asked, “Why don’t you call for reinforcements? I heard Darren is a sword master as well.”

Marsilia paused for a moment before answering.

“I’ve always done it this way. When I go on a campaign, Darren stays behind to protect the palace, and when Darren goes, I stay. It wouldn’t do for both sword masters to die at the same time.”

Jaha, who seemed a bit confused, was met with Marsilia’s quiet laugh.

“I’m not always worried about death. It’s just that I don’t want problems to arise in the palace while I’m away.”

“Problems?”

“Like if the Archduke suddenly going mad and starting a rebellion.”

“A rebellion… that easy?”

Jaha’s eyes widened. Why does he look so different when he’s surprised? Marsilia sometimes felt the urge to ruffle his hair when he made that face. Now, he barely stopped himself, letting out a sigh.

“Not easy.”

Marsilia briefly answered and then looked up at the sky before continuing, “But when there’s someone behind you with a reason to do something like that, you have to stay cautious. Even if they aren’t an actual threat, you can’t let your guard down. The danger comes when you least expect it.”

Jaha, with a thoughtful tone, asked, “So it’s the same as how you purify your food?”

Marsilia tilted his head slightly, still looking at the sky. Jaha, sensing something, raised his gaze to meet hers.

“Yeah. It might seem unnecessary, but it never hurts to be cautious.” Jaha, still looking puzzled, seemed unsure of what to say.

But what pleased Marsilia more than his expression was the fact that he had asked about him. Even though it was just a simple question, it pleased him to see this small change.

Jaha, unaware of his feelings, continued the conversation.

“When did you start doing that?”

“I started purifying my food around five years old. Before that, my father did it for me.”

“Doesn’t it bother you?”

Marsilia chuckled softly. He had felt an odd sensation in his chest ever since earlier, making him smile involuntarily.

“It’s as routine as washing your hands before a meal. It’s just a habit now, so I don’t even find it uncomfortable anymore.”

Seeing his smile, Jaha furrowed his brow, clearly noticing something was off.

“Why do you keep smiling?”

Unable to hold back any longer, Marsilia answered with a grin, “You’re just too lovable.”

For some reason, his face flushed. It was probably because of the midday heat.

Marsilia covered his face with his hand, narrowing his eyes. Jaha wouldn’t understand. He had no idea how much his small interest made his happy.

At Jaha’s complaint, Marsilia narrowed his eyes even further, delighting in his red neck and shy murmurs. He felt like pulling him into a hug if they weren’t on horseback.

“You’re… quite the flirt.”

However, after hearing those words, he had to suppress himself. The tight grip on the reins, while trying to hide his frustration, was a secret only he knew.

…

After returning to the camp, Marsilia shared Jaha’s speculations with the commanders. While it wasn’t conclusive, they all agreed that it was the only possibility. He then instructed to report on the current situation.

“Gerald Sonnet hasn’t returned yet, Your Majesty. The timber is still too wet to be used. We’ll need to wait for him to return before we can begin making the ballista.”

“Gathering materials for the weapons takes time, but we can’t wait forever. Send a message telling Gerald to hurry.”

Since they had sent Gerald, Marsilia also asked him to look for the bipa fruit Jaha wanted, though he had complained that it would be hard to find in this season. He hoped that wasn’t the reason for the delay.

Just when his worry began to rise, Marquis Yoncen completed his report.

“We have enough rations, but our vegetables are running out. The meat has all been used up since yesterday, Your Majesty.”

Marsilia had expected they could hunt more, but with the dragon around, it seemed there wasn’t even a trace of a wild animal.

“The rations are handled by Gerald Sonnet. He’ll take care of it when he returns. Make sure the knights get plenty of rest before he comes back. After he does, we’ll be busy for a while.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Send a message to Serez, telling him to hurry with his report. How long has it been since we sent him to the tower? Why haven’t we heard from him yet?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll send the message immediately.”

After hearing General Des’ response, Marsilia sighed.

“I no longer expect any help from the tower, but for some reason, I feel like Serez has caused some trouble.”

Marsilia couldn’t pinpoint why, but he felt a chill at the back of his neck. General Des, who knew well Serez Hastings’s antics, cleared his throat softly.

Before the meeting ended, Marsilia gave his final instructions to the generals.

“Listen up, everyone. There is no need for immediate action, let the knights rest as much as they can, but always ensure they remain vigilant. For the time being, no wine at dinner, and make sure to light a fire behind the camp at night.”

Then, anyone who sees the light at night will come towards us, Marsilia thought, rubbing his nose as he issued the rest of the orders.

“Make sure to inform those on night patrol clearly. They need to stand with their backs to the fire. If they want to avoid being annihilated while distracted, they should be positioned well.”

“Understood, Your Majesty. I will make sure of it.”

After the meeting ended, Marsilia left the tent. stolen content In the open field, Jaha was practicing. After parting with the generals, Marsilia approached him with a sword in hand.

“Are you done?”

He nodded in response, then asked him, “Want to spar?”

Marsilia smiled widely as he answered, “Sure, but with a condition.”

“A condition?”

“How about the loser has to kiss the winner?”

Jaha made a subtle face, then furrowed his brow. “I don’t think there’s anything good for me if I win.”

Marsilia liked that about Jaha. Despite his innocent appearance, he was unexpectedly sharp. Even when he teased him, he didn’t easily fall for it.

“There’s plenty. If I win, I’ll kiss you.”

Jaha snorted and silently took his sword. Marsilia smiled, pulling away from him. He liked this too—the fact that he would give in, even though he knew what would happen.

“I’m not going to take the bet.”

Laughing, Marsilia asked him seriously, “Why?”

Jaha, holding his sword, answered firmly, “I don’t want to.”

“…”

Without anything to retort, Marsilia watched as Jaha provocatively flicked his fingers at him.

“You come first.”

Gritting his teeth, Marsilia unsheathed his sword with a metallic sound, wrapping it with aura.

“I’m sorry, but I have to win today,” he said, and without another word, he swung his sword. As Jaha countered the sword’s aura with his own, Marcilia dashed straight at him.

His diagonal swing was blocked by Jaha’s sword, which also began to glow with a white aura. Jaha, pushing his blade aside, extended his arm towards his neck with lightning speed. It was an incredibly fast strike. Marsilia barely dodged by moving his neck, then swung his arm to knock his sword away.

Moments later, as Jaha’s feet barely touched the ground, he sprung back and attacked again.

The crowd began to gather around the two, watching the battle intensify. They murmured among themselves.

“I can’t even see the swords.”

“Hey, do you even see all that?”

“You have to see it with your mind.”

“That’s nonsense.”

The knights, who had been grumbling, were now fully immersed in the fast-paced duel, watching with rapt attention. One moved like a hummingbird, while the other stood firm like a rock, it was quite the spectacle. However, most people watching didn’t find much to learn from a duel like this—after all, the emperor was an exception.

They nodded in agreement, as if they all had the same thought, even though no one said it aloud.