Chapter 19: Prepare Your Death (3)
Next day.
I went to the Marquess' office after knocking three times. I opened the door without his permission. He was reviewing some files, probably from the palace's order.
"Marquess Trastius, I heard about the raid. Are you going to send some of our knights to Florenia?" I asked interestedly. I didn't bother his usual cold vibe, and looked at him like I looked at Commander Treso.
"I'm considering it." His gaze darken but he simply answered, my face also darken because of anxiousness.
"But how about Cartania? You've also heard the message from the Temple of Gallahan, haven't you? What if a dungeon suddenly appeared here." I asked, trying to hint him of what was about to happen, the Marquess' stern look didn't change.
"There's still spare soldiers and knights from every Noble House, it's enough to defend against it. Florenia's Dungeon is in a more urgent situation than something yet to happen." He leaned backward and sighs.
"No… I mean, it's for preparation. We need to be ready at any moment everywhere we go, we won't know when and where the message-like warning to happen. I suggest you hold down sending our troops to Florenia just in case." I confidently suggested.
"What's with you today? Why are you doing this? It's none of your business if I send them or not, do tell, what is your goal?" The Marquess' eyes looked as if he's interrogating me.
'Is it really that hard to trust your own daughter? Tch. What's new? Given Tania's shameful history, it's normal that no one will trust my words but… even then with my own father?'
"I just want to-"
"No. The treasures they retrieved will be sent to the palace, you can't have any from their loot" He cut me off just to say that? This… arrogant-!
'Do I look like a greedy person? Err… Maybe…? But not this time!'
"Not it. I would like to go with them to raid if ever a dungeon really did appear in Cartania." I seriously stated.
The frown on the Marquess' forehead disappeared and was replaced with a darkened face and sharp glare. I gulped, he's really serious this time, I even felt goosebumps creeped on my arms. Usually I'll just brush it off saying mine was even scarier… but not this time. I was startled when he slammed his quill on the table causing some file to have smudges on it
'He's mad… but wasn't those papers important? Well that wasn't my fault.'
"Have you gone mad, Tania? Do you think this is a joke? People are dying as long as dungeons continue to appear, and even more people die if left alone. That's why knights and soldiers do these raids… no one knows if they live or die in the process. But you? Who barely knows how to lift a sword or fight, you think you could survive?"
My eyes widened, while being in the body of Tania, this was the first time I agreed to the Marquess. What he said made sense and I understand his concern. I admit that even I, myself, was doubting my own decision and survival. Simply because I don't want to die again.
'…I expected the prologue of the story to unfold naturally but it changed. I really don't want to join that bloody raid, nevertheless, I will do it because I don't want to be responsible for their deaths. Yes, I feel responsible for the change. I didn't think ahead to the possible consequences. On top of that, only I know the dangers of that 4D tragedy, if I can give some of them some heads up from the book, the outcome may change a bit. I'll just lie my way out since I can't tell them all of it, can I? Only I have a cheat after all.'
"…I know that. But I already made up my mind… Our Kingdom sent enough assistance to Florenia, we can't let our own land get destroyed once the predicted dungeon appears. You said it yourself, Marquess… people die if dungeons are left alone, then it won't be a big deal if another insignificant life will be sacrificed in order to conquer it. I'm prepared for it." My voice did not shake and so did my eyes as I looked at the Marquess straight in the eye. Sacrifice? I won't sacrifice myself, not ever. I said it to appear confident at least, even though I really am not prepared to witness that bloody tragedy.
"I said NO! It's dangerous, and it is the work of a knight. You are a lady who should only think about marrying a good man." The Marquess remarked that it made my heart jump in surprise as he suddenly rose up from his chair.
'The fuck? Marriage isn't my priority. That's bullshit!'
My face went sour at the mention of marriage… Goddamned marriage!
*dingg!*
♤Notice!♤
There is a weak pain in your heart that needs to be unleashed every time you face the character 'Marquess Trastius Drell Cavelier', in order to release this pain, voice out the true feelings accumulated in your heart. Follow the beat.
'…what does that mean…?'
Then suddenly my heart felt warm and it aches a little as it beats fast, this is the feeling I feel every time I'm upset or lonely. Was it Tania's former feeling? Well… I don't understand what it means but let's just take advantage of it. What a weird system.
"You really want me out of your life, huh?" I looked down hiding my face, my heart suddenly leapt in sadness… whoa. I felt my eyes watered but I didn't bother wiping it, and remained looking down.
"What are you talking about?" Anger was evident in his voice
"I'm right, aren't I?" My voice cracked but it's strange… I can't seem to stop myself, "You want me gone that you insisted on marrying me off to someone I don't love. I still have a year before my coming of age, I still have a year to do whatever I want before being caged into someone else's house yet why are you so eager to have me gone? Do you really despise me to such an extent? If so then let me die from that dungeon instead… Either way, it's the end for me."
I looked up at him with tears flowing from my eyes with a burning sorrow. And there… for the first time and again, I saw how his reaction changed from anger to worry and sadness.
"……" His voice had a colder tone than usual, while his eyes screamed firmness and stillness. "Aren't you the one who wants this engagement? You said you would rather die than not be with him. Just because you lost your memories, you also fell out of love? Then if the engagement was successfully cancelled, and suddenly your memories came back, wouldn't you regret your decision?"
"I said I won't. *sniff* Can't you even understand what I'm saying? *sniff* And so what if I regret my decision? You just have to do what you usually do, IGNORE us for all I care, *sniff* Vega and I are used to that anyway, so you don't have to concern yourself with us. *sniff* Asking you like this is a mistake. Tch, I'll be better off asking the King personally regarding this matter." I looked at him with a mixture of anger, disappointment and sadness. I harshly wiped my tears and looked straight to his eyes with my deep chestnut-colored eyes
"…However, I'll take back the request I'm about to ask, since you seem to be ready to turn it down, regardless of what it is. Thank you for gracing me with your precious time, Marquess." I turned around and I caught sight of Keaton sitting on the couch silently, I completely ignored him. He's been there this whole time?! Is he a ghost?! Gahh! It's a drama! So embarrassing!
"Tania…" Marquess Trastius seemed to want to tell me something, but chose to stop… and I completely left his office.
-----
I called Lora after I reviewed the Novel through the system. It was barely mentioned but I think aside from Marquess Trastius who inherited the title of Marquess, he has one relative who was also a Cavelier. His younger brother and Tania's uncle, Trestan Crell Cavelier. Since he was married to a noble from a foreign country, he was now called Trestan Crell Artenza. He was mentioned in the story as someone who dotes on Tania since she was a child, he is basically responsible for her being a spoiled brat apart from the King and Queen.
I gave Lora a task before dismissing her. Fristo was now improving a bit, who wouldn't if Lora was the one to mentor?
After a few hours of waiting, Lora came back with the purchased information from the information guild.
-----
⊙Information for Trestan Crell Artenza⊙
Birth Name : Trestan Crell Cavelier
Current Name : Trestan Crell Artenza
Age : 40
Title : Commander, Swordmaster, former 2nd Son of Cavelier Marquessate.
Birth Date: 145XX 04 25
Compared to Marquess Trastius, sir Trestan is weak on using magic but he is the strongest when it comes to strength and combat with any weapons, though has a low magic energy, still his magic was always used to enhance his strength, agility, endurance, and speed. Making him powerful enough to last an hour against Ryx, the Greatest Swordmaster of Barboa Dukedom.
Additionally, he was married to a Princess of Menalia Kingdom who gained an independent title as Countess, Countess Madeleine Bionce Artenza of Menalia Kingdom, a member of royalty who is known for her kind appearance but strict personality. Sir Trestan and Countess Menalia were blessed with four children.
* Zeref Crux Artenza, 16 years old. The first son.
* Renra Lynx Artenza, 14 years old. The only daughter.
* Rigil Acres Artenza, 12 years old. The second son.
* Zephra Pyxis Artenza, 7 years old kid. The youngest son.
-----
I wrote a letter to my uncle, about asking to be adopted to their family, of course having a new identity needs a new background. I just need to persuade my uncle and auntie to adopt me somehow… It's because I couldn't use the name Tania Roa Cavelier, especially in this Kingdom if I plan to move around.
'Who would believe me as Tania anyway…'
-*-
After the fight with the Marquess, I've been embarrassed every time I remember the drama I performed, I was busy avoiding both the Marquess and Keaton. But of course, I didn't waste the time and used it to hone my skills and techniques.
"Hey, Drio, random question. Why do you think the King stays in his Castle and just gives out orders? Do you think he is a wise ruler or he is just being lazy?" I asked after swinging the steel sword 300 times, I feel like my arms will fall off.
"Well, I think he is a wise ruler. Because it's a wise move for him to send out his trusted loyal servants for the sake of the Kingdom, while he looks after the Castle and Kingdom in the Knights absence by himself bravely. Though he is not alone but less in number, he's still ready to defend and fight for us. While we, the Knights, are instruments and subjects for the kingdom, ready to obey his command as long as for the sake of the people and peace, everything he ordered or will order, we will follow." His voice was slightly sad, but his eyes were full of pride.
'Wew… He could be a Candidate for Ms. Universe by his answer, lol.'
Knights are really heroes, why would the author only honor the ten legendary heroes in the story when knights are the true heroes, tsk.
'But what if the King made a mistake, for example… the situation we're in? He sent assistance to other Kingdom without knowing the danger our own Kingdom will face… Naturally, he won't know the future… Gosh, I'm not prepared for this situation at all even though I have a cheat system'
*sigh*
Well, hearing those passionate words from a knight made me feel ashamed of myself. All the former Tania did was order them to find Prince Megastar wherever he was hiding or to track his location. Tarnishing the name and honor of the Knights.
"Alright. If the situation goes south, I'll make way for everyone to survive." I muttered after sighing a very long and deep one.
"What do you mean, my Lady…?" Drio's brow went up in confusion.
"…What I mean is I'll tag along if Cartania's dungeon happens to appear. Ha! I wanna see this dungeon personally." I proudly stated. Drio's eyes went wide
"No! It's dangerous!" Drio yelled in shock.
The knights nearby who heard him curiously watched us. Commander Treso came with Efren and asked what happened, or why Drio was yelling at me.
"Commander! Lady Tania decided to tag along with the knights if the Dungeon appeared here in Cartania. Stop her, Commander!" Drio's words made Commander and the Knights surprised and uneasy.
"Milady, this isn't a game where you can go and play anytime. Our life and safety are all at stake if we raid the dungeon. Please reconsider and tell the Lord about it." The commander stated.
I know, even so, I need to be there to instruct them. Marquess won't definitely allow me no matter what I do. Maybe I'll sign up as an adventurer sooner or later.
"Alright. But… I challenge Drio in a duel. If I lose I won't insist on going, but if I win I'll ask the Marquess to let me go, was it fair enough?" I offered.
The look on the Commander's face was pale, he knew about my ability but nonetheless, I only started holding swords a few days ago, while Drio was training to be a knight since young.
Commander Treso and Royal Knight Commander Myrtello, trained me these past few days. I already know some new techniques that are the same with the Prince Polestar. We have the same teacher after all. I may be a beginner but I think this body of Tania is considered a genius, lucky me this time.
"But…" the Commander is still unconvinced.
"Alright… then after Drio, I'll fight the Commander next if I win this match. Deal?" Now he looked more satisfied. Did he really think I'm really that great to be winning the match against Drio? Hahaha even I am doubting my own skills.
Winning or losing doesn't matter to me, if I win then good and if I lose then sign up as an adventurer to a guild, is that a problem? Hahaha I'm quite clever, having a plan B.
-*-
*dingg!*
*dingg!*
♤Character Status♤
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Name
Tania Roa Cavelier
Age
17
Gender
Female
Title
Job
Family
Cavelier Family
Status
Level
26
Next Lvl.
13.43%
⌸• Stats •⌸
Health
65/65
<+0>
Agility
45
<+5>
Stamina
130/130
<+10>
Intelligence
100
<+0>
Magic
-895
<+5>
Wisdom
47
<+0>
Power
60
<+5>
Luck
49
<+0>
Authority gauge
20%
<+4%>
Fame Points
15
<+5>
Gem Points
34
<+5>
Money
9778 G : 9864 S : 996 C
(Gold : Silver : Copper)
♤Character Status♤
Name
Drionard Walrusea
Age
21
Gender
Male
Title
Job
Family
Walrusea Family (affiliated to Cavelier House as Knight)
Status
Level
50
Next Lvl.
46.42%
⌸• Stats •⌸
Health
150/150
Magic
50
Stamina
150/150
Power
86
Agility
120
Intelligence
76
Wisdom
45
Luck
35
Description:
Youngest among the Cavelier Family Knights and talented if given a proper and strict training because he tends to laze around sometimes if given an opportunity. He was assigned as Lady Tania's escort by the Lord. He relies on his strength when fighting.
He swore his Knight's oath to 'Tania Roa Cavalier'.
'Hmm… There's a little gap in our stats even though he's level 50, it would've risen several times if he didn't laze around hahaha~ I'll give him a job after all this…'
Drio and I stand on the training field, using wooden swords as weapons. The other knights were our audience. When we heard the signal to fight, Drio rushed to me and our swords clashed. He used his strength to push me. Hahaha close combat is my specialty bruh, using my free leg, I kicked him on the thigh as hard as I could and he was taken aback by it, but he moves just as fast.
I attacked him with force, but he caught it with his sword. I feint to attack him on the head and go for the waist instead. I hit him and he almost kneel in pain but he supports himself using feet, he unexpectedly bend down and slashed me on the leg that made me fall over but in return, I thrust him on the shoulder (wooden sword can't thrust unless it had a powerful force and it's pointed), he winced and I hissed and I stood up.
Again he's close to me so I grabbed on his shoulder with my free hand and when he attempted to cut me, I perfectly back flipped over him, landing his back flat on the ground. Then I placed my sword on his neck. He's defeated. Easy piecy… The tactic you should've done is 'Don't. Ever. Get. Close. To. Me.'
'Thanks WWE, thanks Karate Kid, and thanks Jackie Chan… Close combat is life.'
Everyone dropped their jaws while watching until they realized the fight was finished, it was so short that even commander Treso's eyes were halted from blinking. Not until slow claps to loud and fast claps and the cheerings from the knights welcomed us. I offer Drio a hand to stand up, he shly accepted it and we faced them together.
*dingg!*
♤Notice!♤
Fame Points increased significantly!
You are now popular with Cavelier Family Knights and Soldiers.
Reward : 60 Fame Points
Current Fame Points : 75 points
"Sorry, I mostly used my close combat rather than the sword. You must've not expected it." I said, he scratched his head and awkwardly smiled.
"Yeah, I didn't expect it… It looks like you trained so much to move like that… you are like a wind I can't keep an eye on, milady." He praised me. Wind?
Commander Treso approached us and proudly praised us. It's like he expected the outcome, and that's why he accepted my second deal… He must've planned to defeat me to prevent me from tagging along.
"Congratulations, milady. You surely surprised us, you only decided to train and hold a wooden sword not long ago and you already defeated a true knight, you are indeed a genius." He praised me. "Drio, nice fight out there. You… almost win, keep up the good work. Stop. Being. Lazy. Brat."
After that he let us take a break and tended to our minor scratches and bruises. Thankfully I can still fight, but I'm not so confident because I'm fighting against the one who taught me the sword techniques- I am at a disadvantage here.
"Milady, Commander has one weakness I know of. His knee." Drio grinned while looking at the proud Commander who was already on the training ground, ready to fight.
"Aren't you against me winning? Why help me?" I observe his face, but a grinning face is still there
"Because I have recognized your skills. I was just a little ashamed to have you fight the Commander when you already won. It was unfair on your side." He looked down and pout looking at commander Treso's back and mumbles, "…He called me brat, hmp. It's not like I'm lazing around, it's just that he always orders me around so that I can't train myself."
What the…! He looks somewhat cute, I didn't realize that I unconsciously held out my hands and pinched his cheeks before stretching it several times. Whoa, it's unexpectedly soft for a man's face. Drio's eyes grew bigger every moment before slapping my hand and moving away while rubbing his red cheeks with a bit of tears in his eyes.
"My lady, what were you doing? That hurts!" This time, it's not just his cheek that was red but his whole face including ears. Haa… What a cute bastard.
*dingg!*
♤Notification♤
The character 'Drionard Walrusea' has increased his understanding of you.
Reward : 5 Fame Points
Current Fame Points : 80 Points
"Don't look upset, it will bring me bad luck." I said and looked at Commander's direction, "Commander Treso already knew it. He wouldn't shamelessly accept an offer where it is not fair to any of the duelists. He thought ahead of everything because he knew my skills, he's the one who taught me after all."
*dingg!*
♤Character Status♤
Name
Treso Ahne
Age
43
Gender
Male
Title
<1st Platoon Commander>
Job
Family
Ahne Family (affiliated to Cavelier House as Family Knight)
Status
Level
230
Next Lvl.
46.42%
⌸• Stats •⌸
Health
350/350
Magic
250
Stamina
450/450
Power
486
Agility
420
Intelligence
116
Wisdom
145
Luck
65
Description:
A retired 1st Class Royal Knight, literally a veteran on the battlefield. Joined Cavelier House to protect [Lack of Authority] to honor his former Master's last wish.
He tends to rest a lot because of his old injury on his knee.
He deeply took pride in all of his students/disciples.
'…This… I really couldn't get used to his high stats. The difference is like heaven and hell to me. I do not wish to fight against him seriously to begin with.'
I stood up and picked up my wooden sword. This time I'll use what I have learned from him and Commander Myrtello. I'll treat this as a practical exam. I went to the training ground and stared at the proud face of the Commander. He's confident he will win, so let's test what I've learned so far.
And there goes the signal, both of us rushed at each other having our wooden swords clashed repeatedly. For the third attack I will slightly target his knee. But he was too fast to avoid it.
'I missed.'
He used one of the attack techniques he taught me and I used the counterattack I learned. None of us fazed, and continued clashing with each other. Again I sneakily targeted his knee by bending over and it missed again, but instead I swiftly spun kicking his stomach that made him spit.
"Whoaaa! Nice kick, milady!" The audience cheered
When he recovered, he blocked my next sword attack and punched my shoulder. The force was so strong that I took about 5 steps back, that hurt!
"…hiss"
I made myself withdraw for a second, because it hurts! He attacked again and I barely blocked it, but then I used the next technique to counter defense by Commander Myrtello. I poured my force on my weakened arm and came tumbling before kicking his knee. It was an unexpected attack since that kick wasn't included in that technique. He was limping when he got away.
"Whoaa…!"
"She kicked?!"
"I did not expect that…"
"Oww… that must've hurt."
I wiped my sweat that trickled down my face, but a second just passed Commander Treso already disappeared from his spot. I felt his presence on my back and blocked the incoming sword, and this time it surprised me because the moment our sword met, he let go of his one hand and used it to punch me in the stomach.
"Argh… *hurling*" I couldn't stop myself from vomiting water, that impact was too great for me to handle.
'He's on a different level…'
"Give up, Miss. This is just a quarter of what you'll have to go through to enter a dungeon." Commander Treso urged and kicked me on the waist that made me flipped over and winced in pain. Thankfully I built up my muscles or else I'll be full of bruises after this… or worse than being black and blue. He's merciless!
I grabbed the sword on my side and forced myself to stand, my body screaming in pain… I could even taste the blood on my lips after I bit it.
'Records of Memoria open'
*dingg!*
♤Records♤
Memoria:
3. Venice Randall Mel'v (Gained)
Folders under Venice Randall Mel'v:
Technologies
Advanced Sciences
Modern Knowledge
Business Knowledge
General Knowledge
Tea Brewing
Proper Etiquette
Judo Martial Arts
Basic Fencing
Others
2. (???) (Locked)
1. (???) (Locked)
0. (???) (Locked)
'Memoria: Judo Martial Arts and Basic Fencing apply'
*dingg!*
♤Notice!♤
Congratulations!
You have used the Records of Memoria for the first time! You gained a reward!
-*-
'Judo Martial Arts' and 'Basic Fencing' is applied as a temporary skill from Venice Randall Mel'v's folder.
Time limit : 00h:15m:00s
Reward : Black Belt (rare)
Flashes of memories from my previous life performing these sports entered my head and as if memorizing everything, my body started to move, and the air around me calmed. I point my sword to him with a slightly bent arm just like how it is in fencing. I slowly advance my steps watching every move he does.
When he attacked with full force, my body moved with agility and handled the sword light but faster to the point of seeing the sparks created by the sword clashes. We are using long swords but I use my sword as if it was a rapier that is thinner and lighter.
The seriousness on Commander Treso's face turned into a frown as he watched my sudden change in movement. He did not teach me these techniques and he knew Commander Myrtello's preference and fighting stunts.
'He must've been confused…'
Another thing that I liked in using rapier is because of thrusting. It has a sharp narrow double edge blade just like in barbecue sticks thrusting meat.
"Is it just me or does milady's aura feel a little strange?"
"You feel that too, right?"
"Oh, she got an ace up her sleeves!"
"Umm… those moves are fancy, and somewhat funny but deadly."
"I knew it! She was a hidden genius!"
"…I never knew we could use the sword that way"
*swing*
*thrust*
*clank!*
*clash!*
We exchange clashes after clashes and dodges after wounds and bruises, none of us give up and keep the pace, but the moment I found an opening… I feint a move by throwing my hand on the blade that made the commander pull out the sword to avoid cutting my hand. Even if he didn't pull it away, I could still keep my hand in one piece.
Everyone was surprised because of that, I immediately smacked his hand using the hilt of my sword and successfully kicked his knee that made him step back but I'm not finished yet. I closed the gap between us as fast as I could and grabbed him on the wrist where he's holding his sword. I again knocked his wrist with my sword as I let go of my sword that thrusts on the ground…
Seeing that opportunity, Commander Treso used his other hand to attempt to grab me but I ducked and slid between his spread legs, as soon as I got behind him… I elbowed his waist with full strength, the commander let out a yelp and turned to me… gotcha!
I pulled his right arm and over my back with all my remaining power to lift him before throwing him on the ground. A perfect Ippon Seoi Nage or One Arm Shoulder Throw. When he was still dumbfounded, I grabbed the chance to grab my sword and pointed it at his chest while he was laying still on the ground.
*huffing*
"You… *huff* You died, Commander! *huff* *huff*" I shouted, chasing my breath.
Upon those words the Commander closed his eyes but proudly smiled from ear to ear. I stepped back and dropped my weapon. And offered the commander a hand, while he took it and proudly yelled.
"She won! She's my student!" And the knights were in awe and started to cheer nonstop.
"That's insane…!"
"You saw that, right? She lifted and threw the commander!"
"The lady is so strong!"
"Whooo! I want to try to throw someone too!"
"That was amazing!"
"So Commander, do you acknowledge me tagging along to raid the dungeon if ever?" I excitedly asked with twinkling eyes and expecting face
"Welp, that depends on the Lord of the house hahaha, I have no say about that. You had the skills milady, I did not expect those moves you pulled, but I'm afraid it was still inferior to some other palace knights. You know, I'm just your average knight commander, teaching you what I know would be a little helpful." He stepped out of the training ground and drank water.
'Haaa… Now I don't know what an 'average' is with the stats like that, even Keaton, Megastar, and Valentine, three of the 10 Legendary Heroes couldn't compare.'
*dingg!*
♤Notice!♤
Fame Points increased significantly!
You are now known as 'Duel Genius' within Cavelier Family Knights and Soldiers.
Reward : 70 Fame Points
Current Fame Points : 150 Points