Chapter: 589
The castle of the ancient hero Garad. The territory he received as a reward for dedicating his life to the nation, guiding the battle between good and evil to victory, still bears his name, even after the kingdom he once protected fell apart.
Even in an age where the glory of heroes has dulled, his castle remains safeguarded due to the legacy Garad left behind.
The cavalry he created with the help of his friend Erginius.
They have no physical body, allowing them to charge forth without guidance, and without a soul, they can race into eternity—guardians of the hero’s name from a time long past to the present day.
“Excuse me for a moment. Great knight and noble holy knight, and guardian of the forest.”
The knight, adorned in armor that looked as if it might crumble at any moment, bowed respectfully to confront the intruder on behalf of his sleeping comrades.
“This place was created by the hero Garad for future heroes. Please turn back if you have not earned the right to be here.”
He didn’t expect the opponent to easily comply. He didn’t even think he could defeat them. Nonetheless, the knight respectfully declared the invitation to leave.
As long as his master’s command remained active, his only choice was to uphold that legacy.
“…This…”
The knight, still loyal to his master’s dying wish after all these years, froze upon seeing the pure white shield presented by the girl before him—a shield that belonged to his master.
Its pristine white was pure enough that not even a speck of dust could breach it; it was a reflection of his master’s essence.
“I apologize. Future hero, might your visit here be to carry on Garad’s legacy?”
The girl, having jumped out of the carriage, silently tossed aside her robe.
The armor she wore, the kind a lowly noble might don, offended the knight’s sensibilities, but his face showed no sign of anger.
What could it mean to have someone bearing his master’s shield dressed so poorly?
“That’s the mace of Ruel.”
The beautiful, petite girl did not seem to match her equipment at all, but her stance revealed to the knight that she was a skilled warrior.
“Then, may I challenge you?”
The knight, having dismounted, unsheathed his sword and dashed forward without hesitation.
His target? The neck.
A sincere strike infused with deadly intent.
In the mythological era, the knight had inherited the swordsmanship crafted by hero Garad himself, confident that his sword had embodied his training’s results.
Clang!
However, the knight’s sword was easily blocked by the pristine shield.
The force of his strike was reflected back, splitting his sword in two mid-air, while the mace violently flew toward the exposed knight.
Judging that it was a straightforward attack, the knight twisted to evade the mace. But upon seeing the girl smirking, he realized he had made a mistake.
With a heavy thud, the knight’s body soared into the air, rolling noisily on the ground before he finally regained his senses.
Could he even stand again…?
What a bizarre motion it was.
He had thought he read the opponent’s movements correctly, yet somehow, an attack reached right under his chin.
It felt as if he had been enchanted by a fairy’s prank.
Now that he could no longer see fairies in this world, that was clearly impossible.
– You’re weak.
– No! Lucy is strong!
– Aren’t both of you just wrong?
Hah, haha! The knight chuckled as he saw the fairies chattering above the girl’s head, trying to hide in her hair.
“Thank you, hero.”
The one who inherits the hero’s legacy can achieve feats even the hero himself could not.
If that’s the case…
Fine.
My job here is done.
As the doll that had moved solely to honor its master closed its eyes, everything it held became dust, scattering into the air.
The girl, watching the knight lose even his body, stepped forward in silence—toward where the other knights were awakening from their slumber.
*
The Fairy Queen chuckled, listening to the raucous sounds echoing from the forest.
It felt wonderful to hear the children so happy after such a long time. After all, it was natural to have humans come to play as toys.
She had ordered not to cause any harm, but it would be hard to uphold that completely.
Fortunately, she had the cooperation of the Saintess. With that being the case, no one would die, thanks to her and other clergy.
It would be troublesome if something terrible happened right after she offered her cooperation. It wasn’t her fault if the opponent didn’t receive the fairy’s favor; the blame would fall on her if blood was spilled.
Above all, she wouldn’t want to earn the ire of the one who seemed as much a fairy as a fairy herself.
Ah, and it was the same for Erginius too.
Had the number of precious individuals increased from one to two?
How delightful. I’m glad to be alive, even if clumsily.
As she hummed a tune in the heart of the forest, she caught sight of a man emerging through the foliage.
With a stiff expression, he scanned his surroundings—he was the very person the Fairy Queen had been waiting for.
“Hello, First Prince of the Soladin Kingdom.”
“Do you know me?”
“The fairies are quite chatty. They can’t help but notice someone outstanding.”
“Am I that noticeable?”
“Absolutely. You’re the kingdom’s prominent heir, sparkling indeed.”
The moment the word ‘heir’ reached Rene Soladin’s ears, darkness churned within his heart.
Receiving some portion of the dark deity’s powers granted him this ability, which was quite convenient.
He could see things that were otherwise invisible.
“Have you found a fairy to your liking?”
“Before that, no one has ever shown me any favor.”
Well, that makes sense. After all, it was the hero who saved the fairies. Attempting to monopolize someone like that would only earn him their disdain.
“Is there a way?”
“I’m sorry, but no. Fairies can be pure and foolish, but they’re also stubborn at times. They won’t lend their strength to someone they don’t like.”
“Even if that is your command?”
“Yes, even if it is my command.”
“Then, there’s nothing to be done.”
“Oh? You’re giving up that easily? I expected you to ask a bit more.”
“In the past, perhaps. But now, power holds little meaning.”
“Why’s that?”
“You know—fairies are chattering away.”
Rene Soladin’s eyes bore a deep resignation.
The Fairy Queen could not understand this. The power bestowed upon royalty is not something that can be easily relinquished.
Having seen others who became obsessed with that power countless times, she understood well. Even those who merely coveted a title sought her out, asking for strength, only to get driven away.
Yet this child before her readily abandoned the power.
Ah, that’s it. It’s because he is a child.
“If you answer one question, I could lend you my strength.”
“That’s quite a generous offer. What will you ask?”
“What is your dream?”
Upon hearing the Fairy Queen’s question, he displayed his first real surprise, taking a moment before responding.
“To become a king.”
“That’s incorrect. That’s not your dream.”
“…What?”
“Come back to me when you find your truth someday. This forest will always welcome you.”
The Fairy Queen rose and offered a courteous bow but paused to speak once more.
“Oh, by the way, one piece of advice: Don’t even think about seeking cooperation from those around you to get close to Lady Alrn. Something truly disastrous will occur.”
“A disastrous event, you say?”
“Yes. The young lady is receiving much more love than you might imagine.”
While he himself may think that people were merely overreacting, they were being sincerely genuine.
What if the hero were to shed tears saying he didn’t want such a marriage? Wouldn’t the nation topple over?
Of course, I’d be part of that frontline as well. I’d never forgive those who made the hero cry.
“…I see.”
The Queen, imagining punishing the rude and disrespectful individuals, tilted her head as she overheard Rene’s mumble, fists clenched.
“What did you say?”
“I thanked you for the advice.”
For someone expressing such thoughts, his voice seemed a little shaky.
The Fairy Queen suppressed her playfulness and saw him off for a simple reason:
It seemed like it would be more fun this way.
*
When Lucy announced she would head to Garad’s castle alone, Benedict nodded without hesitation.
Having witnessed his daughter’s uniqueness time and again, he understood that no one, past or future, could match Lucy’s capability in the field.
Even knowing his daughter was weakened, he extended his pinky finger to her, believing in her strength.
“Now then, may I ask for a move?”
However, Lucy didn’t move as Benedict had expected.
Using moves so intricate they were unfathomable even to seasoned adventurers, she faced knights one by one with strange diligence.
There were plenty of alternate routes. Given the knights were earnest, their weaknesses could easily be exploited. Even he saw a few possibilities, so she no doubt saw even more.
In fact, ever since entering the castle, Lucy hadn’t uttered a single word.
She took down knights one after another while hiding powers that even gods found hard to resist.
As if to pay respect to those guarding this castle.
“Everything she does is also a tribute to you.”
Following the watchful voice that clung to his ears like fine wine, he turned to see Lina taking on a human form, smoking an exotic cigarette.
“Your daughter has come this far and has grown strong.”
Turning his attention back to Lucy, Benedict took in the sight of her fighting. The knights she battled against were undoubtedly strong.
The trials crafted by the knights of the mythical era were ones only determined talents could surpass.
Yet still, Lucy continued to secure victory simply because she was stronger.
Lucy was intentionally dragging these fights on to showcase her strength. She was exhaustively fighting knights with her waning energy.
“If you notice it, you should just watch quietly from the back.”
“…Lina, when will I stop being an incompetent father?”
“Well, I don’t know. Isn’t that a human thing? Even I wouldn’t be able to give you a proper answer.”
Though she often showed her harsh side, the Queen of the Forest was most definitely the Queen of the Forest.
As Benedict unwittingly marveled at her wisdom, he blinked in surprise at the sight of blood trickling from his nose, just as Lina smirked.
“Hehe. I must thank the blacksmith who made that armor. Every movement is stunningly beautiful.”
Damn, why am I regretting even a smidgen of the reassessment I’d made of her?
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