"Do you, perhaps, feel reluctant taking a sword from here?" The king asked as Ark made an uncomfortable expression. "I assure you this is a reward you are worthy of as my kingdom's sword."

(He wants to make me owe him. The sword is a means to buy me.)

Ark didn't even try to guess the king's intentions about the sword, but now he knew.

Nausea arose in his chest as the heinous sensation eroded his brain like a foul stench.

"Ah, I understand." Ark identified the source of this evil and approached a sword tainted with a black pattern. "I choose this one."

King Alden became slightly perplexed. "I advise you not. This is a cursed sword that killed my ancestor who bought it."

"It feels like an excellent sword. May I know its story?"

"Indeed, the history is profound. A sword forged from a meteor by a great blacksmith of the past, it was sharper and stronger than any other weapon. A shame it was cursed by a demon in the past. Now all the bearers go insane and die a gruesome death." King Alden prompted Ark to drop the sword.

"Can't it be purified at the church?"

"The curse is too strong for an unrelated party to interfere. The bearer must deal with the curse himself."

(Isn't that a pefect match?!) Excited, Ark casted four fireballs.

The guards went to defend their king and aimed at Ark, but the king stopped them.

By now, the curse of the sword was fully inflicted on Ark, but he kept conjuring fireballs burning with curses and kept draining the source.

Finally, the sword had no black pattern to decorate it, keeping only a silver glow to it.

"I choose this one, Your Highness."

"...Then swear fealty on it."

The king judged that Arks value had just increased, but he inwardly sighed as he lost the ground to claim this as a favor. With Ark ridding of the sword's curse, he also rid of the headache it was to the kingdom. In fact, the tables have turned and the king became the indebt.

"I, Ark, swear upon this sword to be loyal for the kingdom and serve with honor so long as I'm known as Ark."

(Well, it's just a verbal oath, nothing serious. I can just change names at worst.)

What sort of knight readily swear fealty with the mindset to break his oath when he pleases!? Why are you even a knight!?

Anyways, with that, Ark had obtained a good sword, so his goal in coming to the capital was achieved(?). Now he could start developing his personal sword spirit.

He tried doing so against Qin, but he just couldn't do it. There was no enlightenment, no clue. Like a blind man searching for colors.

"I will name your Silverstar. If you can survive me, we will be partners."

His new sword had no ego, so it was merely him rattling to himself, but that was fine.

(It reminds of Silvia... not that I want a constant reminder of that menance.)

Even though he's saying so, Ark's eyes contained the faintest smile.

(To think I got this treasure for free. Suckers!)

...The foreign metal sword met an unworthy owner.

"It's good that you're back. I hope you didn't have plans before because things are about to get rowdy." His commander spotted Ark and took him to the side.

"What is going on?"

"They seem to want to calm the citizens, so they will push 'that' forward."

She kept talking riddles, making Ark unable to understand.

He wanted to ask further, but the king who came back with as much dignity as he had left gathered everyone's attention.

"As everyone is already aware of, the attack of the vile demons ended in utter defeat on their side. This is mainly thanks to the power of my precious commanders who were able to respond. They priorized the citizens and avoided damages, all while letting none escape.

Excellent as our commanders are, it caused me to wonder: what about the knights under their wing? I wish to see the strength of our knights, and show everyone that strong knights are there protecting them from any danger. Thus, I declare the early start of the 'Battle Royale of Valor'! Commanders of the orders, please step forward and offer your knights to my children."

Ark sucked a breath.

The Battle Royale of Valor was an event where the children of the king get to command the orders at a giant battle royale.

If the prince or princess managed to win the heart of the knight, they may receive incredible support in the future to consolidate the position of a crown prince/ss.

From what Ark knew, all the two princes and princess were aiming for the throne, while the last princess is young and seemingly without ambitions for now.

"Are you not stepping forward?" Ark whispered his question at his commander as the others gave their knights one by one.

"There is a tacit agreement not to expose the order filled with demon blood." Elizabeth whispered back in response, wearing a bitter expression. "Even though all our members could take a whole order or two solo, they have to hide to avoid discrimination."

She really wished her kids at the order wouldn't have to hide themselves like that, but that was impossible. Twenty years is too short of a time, and with the recent demons' attack, the grudge from the war will only escalate.

"I, Julius Eston, commander of the first order 'Jupiter', entrust my order at the hands of the first prince."

"I, Sirius Woods, commander of the fouth order 'Peregrine', entrust my order at the hands of the first princess."

About ⅜ of the knights were in the first prince's camp, and another ⅜ with the first princess. Compared to them, the second prince's ¼ was only slightly worse, but not irredeemable.

Only the second princess had no one to support her.

It was as a matter of course, as the battle which will transpire is going to affect the pride of the orders. Having a child as a leader would only result at a crushing defeat.

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"Now, those who had gained epiphet due to their talent and achiements also get the right to choose for themselves. Silvia of the house of Clarent, the Sylphid, please step forward and declare your choice."

Sylvia came forward and knelt in front of the princes

"When did she get here?"

"She had to attend in the duke's place, so I gave her a quick ride back and forth."

"...Aren't you too generous with Teleport?"

The rare spell that only the sage could do is being used as transportation means.

"I, Silvia Clarent, granted by his majesty the title of Sylphid, will serve under the first princess."

Withdrawing, the other epiphet holders Ark didn't know of declared their alliances.

"Why did she not go with the first prince?"

"She is a friend to the princess..."

So it was a choice based on friendship. Is that really fine for a duke's daughter to make such desicions based on personal feelings?

"Ark, Sword of Arcadia, please step forward and declare your choice."

Ark only blinked once.

Elizabeth whispered. "Yeah, it's not a normal epiphet, but your status is enough to compare. Just go there and choose. I trust you."

(Shit! I was caught off guard for this one.)

It wasn't such a bad deal though. The event is conducted through the course of a week, with plenty of parties and banquest in between. He had wanted to participate back when be was just an adventurer.

Stepping forward, Ark knelt as he had a brief look at the royalties.

Unfortunately, Ark had understood his position well enough not to choose based on his own convenience.

'I trust you'. His commander didn't say that randomally. She trusts Ark to choose what won't ruin the balance between the knights.

It was her way of saying to not choose the first princess, as only he could contend with Silvia, who is a game changer, among the participating knight.

Now he should probably go with the second prince. Ark felt nothing bad from him and it should help even the odds for all the princes, so only strategy is in order.

Though it won't matter either way, so if he wanted to have greater odds winning, the first prince is just fine.

A difficult conundrum for Ark who is unused to noble subtelty.

(Okay, I decided.)

"I, Ark, granted by his majesty the status of Sword of Arcadia,"

The situation is annoyingly troublesome for him. He didn't want to face Silvia again, so his remaining choices all lead to trouble.

Unless, he takes an unexpected move.

"Will serve under the second princess."

◇◇◇

"Ark, come seat here! I will give you lots of sweets!"

"Th, thanks, Your Highness..."

"Geez, I told you there is no need to call me that. I will get mad, you know. Now, say ahh."

Currently, Ark was being pampered by the second princess.

It was a bizzare situation where she tried to feed him sweets and cuddle with him. He had attempted to avoid, as the killing intent emitted by her guard was bone chilling.

(I thought I could have easy time in the losing team. The second princess never actually sent a group to the event, so maybe there won't be what to participate in for me.)

With that mindset Ark felt he avoided an extremely tense political situation. He felt really nervous there, unusually.

"I am unworthy of the Princess' attention..."

"There, you see. Every year no one chooses me, saying when I am older they might will. So when you chose me, it made me really really happy."

"I shouldn't be treated like this. It will be scandalous if a noble heard of this." He tried to appeal.

"Don't worry. No one is here but Ark, me, and my guard. And he is loyal to me."

Ark blinked only once. Then he stood up and sat at the other side to face the princess.

This had confirmed something he needed to know.

"I'm impressed, Your Highness."

"By what?" She tilted her head, playing oblivious.

"Your acting skills. I dare say they are this kingdom's finest. Even I was almost deceived."

"What are you saying? Are you calling me a liar?" No slip in the mask, still sticking to the persona.

"I have chosen to join you partly because I could feel the wisdom unfitting your character and age. You who'd managed to fool the entire court felt the most impressive to me."

...

"Did you confront me only after confirming my guard's loyalties?"

The mask has been removed. The princess' eyes glinted with cunnings as she smiled.

"Fufu, I like you. It seems I can cast aside my child's behavior and speak with you properly."

"Oh please, your body is that of a child. I bet your emotions are uncontrollably chaotic and you half lost yourself there, princess."

Princess Iris was taken aback. The desire to possess Ark flared, as well as her wariness. To see through her facade with ease is unprecedented. He could turn into an extraordinary ally, or an extraordinary threat.

"Takes one to know one, is it? And what sort of facade are you putting, Sword of Arcadia Ark?"

"Well, for once, I'm not as strong as I seem. But you already knew that." Ark smiled.

For some reason, he enjoyed this situation. Talking riddles and fighting with words. It seemed fit for him who is an Illusionist.

"I could be mistaken. Two demons were unmistakably defeated by you alone. Maybe you are simply playing weak in front of the commanders to lower their guard."

"Never. I only cheated these demons to death."

Ark still refused to explain. It would greatly disadvantage him were he to reveal his every card. Were something to happen and he needed to flee, keeping a few cards up his sleeves was the best decision.

Iris glanced at her guard. Were they to judge Ark as threat, he would need to eliminate him.

"You don't need to kill me, you know? I came to you, revealing knowing Her Highness' true self because I don't plan to expose you."

"That... is valid logic."

"During the entirety of Battle Royal of Valor, please use me as you like without holding back. This whole event is to win the heart of the subordinate knights so win me over by showing me your real self."

He was planning into the long term. The princess was showing qualities of a great ruler, and Ark didn't want someone as manipulative as he perceived her to scheme against him.

Jumping into court troubles is risky, but a position next to Iris is not only safest, but also most promising. Despite meeting her a short time ago, he had great opinion as he evaluated her the way only he could.

"I... wasn't lying when I said I was happy to be chosen. But to be chosen because of what I truly am, makes me even happier."

"It's my pleasure, Your Highness."

(Well, don't do anything unnecessary. I'll be really pissed if you do.)

The two constantly wore facades, so Ark knew taking the masks off would be the better way to connect and form some trust.

Just that, he won't reveal his trashy nature to anyone. No matter what.

"Say ahh..." the princess suddenly took some sweet and brought it into Ark's mouth.

The abrupt rush of sweetness confused him.

"Iris! What are you doing?!"

The first princess, Kiara, declaring her presence, grabbed her little sister and seperated her from Ark.

(Ah, she is good.)

Just as someone came, she reverted back to her persona almost instantly.

"Sister!"

"Big sister is here! Ah, you hug me so tightly."

Although Kiara laughed and fooled with Iris like a nice person, the moment her eyes intersected with Ark, the fluffy expression turned demonic.

"I've heard Ai's knight is a commoner, so please don't make him feel uncomfortable. You as well, don't forget your position."

"...Yes, I understand."

Irked by people jumping to blame him of having relationships with troublesome women, the prospect of being homosexual became very attractive all of the sudden, or better yet, nonsexual.

Iris's fake confused face was very cute. She tapped on her sister's shoulders. "Ark is nice. I can tell."

Putting her down, Kiara patted Iris on the head.

"Can I speak with Ark for a little? I promise to bring him back soon."

"Fine, I will lend him to you. But only because it's sister!"

(I ain't your doll, you know.)

Forced out of the room, Princess Kiera led him to a different room.

"I will cut to the chase; what's your deal?"

"Excuse me?"

"Are you trying to tie yourself to a royalty? Become a noble? What?"

Kiara was suspicious. It wasn't unjust nor just. Her concern for her sister clouded her judgement and she couldn't give Ark the benefit of the doubt.

Ark sighed. "The king ordered me to choose, despite me being a member of the Solitary Wolves. Does Her Highness knows why my order is secretive?"

"Elites with questionable background, handpicked by the sage. What about it?"

(She don't know about them being demon blood. Her intelligence is worse than her sister? No, maybe she didn't pry...)

"Indeed, all the members I've met thus far are more powerful than the average knight. But that applies to Silvia—"

"Lady Clarent." Princess Kiara snapped. "Do not refer to the duke's daughter so impolitely."

Ark twitched inwardly. The reason he hated dealing with nobles was mainly because he didn't like talking with respect even though he felt himself equal or superior.

"Lady Clarent is amazing even comparing to the rest of the Solitary Wolves."

The strength of Silvia was clear in his mind. Liliana would succumb to speed, Kristan loses head on even with shadow magic, Ragna couldn't deal Silvia's full power and her magic speed cast, Scarlet... well, you get the point.

"Her Highness is farely competent, so if I were to join your side, a crushing victory would be natural. Unfotunately, I must keep Lady Clarent in check. But... the princes' factions might utilize me for more than just balance her out, ruining my goal."

Princess Kiera fell silent in contemplation. For her friend's support she has received with heartfelt gratitude, the consequances are more severe than she realized. The position Ark chose suddenly became natural.

Then, thinking about it further, she laughed. "Your arrogance'll be your downfall. Don't underestimate the knights of Arcadia, or you won't survive long to 'keep her in check' as you said."

The princess still laughed as she sent him away.