"The new Demon King feels differet, don't you think?" A shadow demon spoke to his friend as they viewed the parade with the Demon King at the center.

It was the third time Ark had experienced this realistic dream made of memories of deceased demons: the Demon Slayer Dream.

He had one the night before about the guy who ambushed him in the forest, Zoltan. A useless memory where he is defeated in a tournament by a demon and is humiliated.

Now it was the other guy's turn. The shadow demon that Silvia had let escape, which, by the way, Ark held quite the grudge for that, had found this Demon King as different.

"He smiles nicely, but I heard he killed all the ministers that didn't side with him."

"Well, a Demon King must be that brutal, no?" His friend commented.

"Yeah, I guess..."

That was it. The vision faded and Ark woke up to the sound of chirping birds.

(So useless. At least give me what you know about your leader.)

Ironically, they only now earned Ark's wrath and he wanted to kill them again, even though before they didn't mean anything to him. A shame no one could ressurect the dead, he thought.

Ark had slept in an inn he knew the owner of. It was to get away from all the noise of the pompous aristocrats. He'd have rathered return to his order, which was feasible with a teleporting commander, but was asked to remain in the premises of the capital for some reason.

There're going to be formal ceremonies aplenty this week, so the calm and simple vibe of the inn was refreshing.

"I just wanted a new sword..." he muttered weakly as he get off the bed and got dressed.

He fastened the belt and felt the weight of Silverstar hanging on his waist. It was the light compared to its famous reputation, but was strong and sharp.

At the very least, he got a fine sword after all.

...

And a knightly status. Sword of Arcadia.

Sighing, Ark went downstairs for breakfast.

"Didn't see you in a while. Where were you?" The daughter of the innkeeper, whom Ark was familiar with, asked with curiousity.

"Been busy. Fighting demons and such."

He defeated the strongest student knight, killed two demons and defeated another one, all single handedly. Had he not nearly died of self inflicted injuries from each fight, it would've been impressive.

(Because I had to use 'it' twice, my sword spirit is unusable for a couple days. I should recover before the Battle Royale of Valor but still...)

Thinking about it like that made him angry, but he made sure to conceal it.

"Father said that the bad demons were defeated by the commanders."

"Those at the city. I killed the demons in the forest."

The girl didn't seem to believe him, but Ark didn't care. He wasn't obsessed with others' opinion so badly.

Luckily for him, the father was not as ignorant as the daughter.

"Bonny, don't be rude! Lord Ark is a protector of this kingdom. He is set to become a commander of a knight order in the future."

Lord Ark.

It was how he should be called given his new status. Sword of Arcadia is an honorary title for excellent warriors and knights that performed their duty proving to be above their comrades.

Even without lands or wealth, Sword of Arcadia is to be adressed as lord or lady. Although there were no physical benefits, the title alone is putting one at the forefront of the Arcadia.

Ark had gained it for killing demons alone, as their appearance is rare these days and even the commanders struggle against such existances.

(Is that how it feels to return successful? Feels good.)

After breakfast, Ark went to visit the adventurer guild. He wanted to practice quietly using their grounds.

Due to the early hour, the guild was mostly empty with the exception of drunkards who passed out during the night and were dragged out to the cold street.

"Good morning."

"Welcome," The receptionist greeted politely.

"I want to use the training ground for B ranks."

The guild had different grounds depending on the rank. The higher ranked adventurers enjoyed the more luxurious facilities and privileges.

"Certainly. I must confirm your rank so if you could kindly show me your ID... eh!!" The receptionist gave a yelp as she saw Ark's name.

He had been the talk of the town so his name could flare reactions aplenty.

"E, excuse my rudeness, but are you that Ark? I mean, Lord Ark?"

"Yes."

(Yep, feels so damn good. Knew it, fame is the best when you rub it in someone's face.)

Why must the townsfolk have respect and awe towards this scumbag? Just kill this trash!

"Pardon me, but I cannot allow such a reknown figure to use a mere B rank facility. I will call the master right now!" And off she goes.

The other receptionists murmured and whispered about him. Ark made sure to exude an aura of dignity using Phantom so his surroundings automatically felt he was the same man who became the youngest Sword of Arcadia, which he was, but not for the reason they think.

Some actually recognized him, but Ark had the tendecy to maintain distance from people and they have little idea of him as a person.

Few minutes later, the guild master came to greet him. Then he personally guided him to a room so they could talk.

"To think the brat I met years ago had grown into such a refined warrior."

"Listen, it was fine the first time, but how many times are you going to tell me this? Don't you have other things to say?"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The first time Ark made a big enough achievement to earn the attention of the guildmaster, he had said the exact same thing. Since that time, it was this exact sentence endlessly repeated.

"Well, how about a congradulations. The youngest Sword of Arcadia, protecting a commander of a knight order." He grinned.

Guildmaster Huron was a big man with the strature of a bear. His beard trimmed but eyes containing a wild glint. In his prime, he used to be an S rank adventurer who earned his reputation in the war. He was injured, however, and was forced to step away from the frontlines.

Ark noted that his intelligence isn't half bad, as the public wasn't informed of him protecting Sirius, only that he defeated demons.

"I've had tougher opponents already." He shrugged.

"Oh, I bet. You're so powerful I want to make you an S rank right now."

Incidently, Ark had thoroughly deceived the guild into thinking he is powerful as he presents himself, unconditionally.

It was easy as he just needed to prepare ahead and he could hunt super strong monsters alone. That was how he built his rank to this level.

"Unfortunately, I am content in the knight order. Although I am reluctant to formally withdraw from the guild, I don't think I'll have time to take on quests any time soon."

"Then what did you come here for?"

(I came to train, then you dragged me here for some nonsense.)

"Demons of considerable threat suddenly made a big move reaching the capital undetected. I get the feeling it won't be the last we hear of that."

"So you want me to keep an eye, huh?"

No, he did not. Ark joined the guild because adventurers have freedom. That is one advantage for individuals not tied to any organization. The problem is there is no order, no unity.

Many advanturers would die for lack of communication and many for foolish self interest.

Honestly speaking, Ark planned nothing. He is now arbitrarily speaking, hiding his annoyance at the master disrupting his training. "Curses are the main weapon for demons, so we'll need a countermeasure. We need to make curse dispelling more accessible."

"The church won't let that happen unless a war breaks out. They cherish the money they get, and priests are scarce."

The monopoly of the church over the priests. Curse dispelling is good money, and those who manage the church are eager for money, much unlike the holiness they should be.

"Right, unless I invent one."

(I spotted one... a chance to grab tons of money!)

Holy magic is impossible, but Ark was a walking curse breaker with a different method. Regardless of his ulterior motives, this sort of invention might revolutionize the battle against demons.

"...even if you can, they won't let this go."

"I'm not concerned. Would you support me?"

(Come one, you oaf. I know you like money, we all do!)

Don't lump decent human being with you. The guildmaster felt awe and respect towards Ark's noble (?) spirit.

"You have my back."

The two men shook hands, one thinking of the future and the other of money. It's obvious which is which..

◇◇◇

"Are you worried about tonight, perhaps?" Iris and Ark were having tea. "I've arranged a suitable garmet and your manners are by no means lacking for a commoner. Either way, I will make sure to stick with you all evening."

The mere thought of being subjected to Kiera's murderous gaze all evening was more dreadful than dealing with thousands of demons.

"I'm just restless. Just how much tea am I supposed to drink?"

"Would you like to train with the other participants. All the other epiphet holders are conducting a joint training as we speak."

Being proned and tested by strangers trying to grab him by the ankle? Ark had no interest.

"You'd be surprised how competent these guys are. Gauging them would be most appropriate." Just like Kiera, Iris also held the epiphet holders in high regrad.

It was reasonable concern. Ark had shown to be seriously injured whenever he fought a strong opponent. They were all short, single matches. He might be the strongest in a duel, but, conversely, he is weak in prolonged battles with a sequence of enemies.

The plans Iris made for Ark were built in consideration: he needed to run and hide while perserving his strength to tie Sylvia's feet. She was smart enough to understand the importance of the two's rivalry to maintain balance. Anything beyond was redundant.

"They have already marked you."

They certainly have. But...

"Somehow, I'm not nervous."

Fighting the opponents he had and emerging truimphiant had caused him to grow complacent, forgeting his own weakness. It would be fitting to be defeated and brought back to the ground.

(Besides, the stage is making my cheating legal, kuku.)

He could prepare rituals, steal mana and lay traps. Even the commanders won't be able to find fault with Ark.

Since that's the case, the failure of a knight laughed rather evily at the thought.

"Shall we go, my knight?"

It was time.

"Yes, Princess."

"Remember, the others will make their own plans. Whether to fight or ally each other, but you don't need to do that. You only need to perform remarkably well relative to being solo. The minimum condition is either 3 epiphet holders or one battle with Sylphid."

"...Understood."

It didn't sit well with him, even when that was his original plan. A laid back event is also good, but it made it feel so... boring.

They walked, Ark from behind and Iris cheerfully, embaracing her child-side, to the hall. The hall had magnificent decoration and eye-catching food.

Needless to say, not all the knights participated in this banquet and event. Were that the case, the whole kingdom would've found itself defenseless. Approximately 2-3 knights from every station are chosen to join. This results in 150-200 participants, not lacking elites among them.

Filled with nobles, because of course no commoner is chosen!, it was an environment that made Ark uncomfortable.

"Sorry, I have to leave you for a while. The king has called for me."

(Here goes sticking to the princess. At least now no one would look at me like a lolic... pedophile.)

"Now I can relax... or not."

Everyone stared at him. Their gazes mixed with various negative emotions, all scruitinizing his powers. If the new Sword of Acradia is fitting the title.

He wasn't, but he'd be damned if that was found out.

"Yeah, there are always gazes in these parties."

"Sil—Lady Clarent. Eh, you look lovely in a dress?"

It was Sylvia, dressed in a light blue dress made of fine silk, sewn by a master seamstress. She was comely, making some shift their attention to her unconsciously.

But Ark wasn't one to lose mind over a beauty. His negative and poisonous mindset greatly calms him, not even flustering. He was agitated, though, in a different sense.

"You can drop the formality. You're awefully bad at this anyways."

"No, it's just that I don't know how to treat you. Silvia is a friend, a rival. I guess I forgot you were also a lady."

Right. He had forgotten all about it. Because—

(Isn't Sylvia more than a brutish gorilla than a lady? She tries to appear elegant but that monster holds the strength of an ogre.)

He still have a grudge for Sylvia being too powerful. Ark is jealous of her might and talent he wasn't blessed with. It was hard to let go.

But of course, Silvia sensed nothing. "How rude! .....and now? Am I more ladylike?" She bashfully asks.

"(Who is the schemer now, liar.) I guess."

Why pretend being nervous at this point? Isn't she a female sought after by countless men? Get a grip and treat her properly!

It happened as he had foolish thoughts...

"Lady Clarent! I am Freid Belga of the Belga Earldom. Would you do me the honor to grant your first dance to me?"

A random dude introduce himself to Silvia while completely ignoring Ark. He attepmts to get the desired first dance, so Freid acted swiftly.

He saw an opportunity and seized it. This made several nobles scowl in envy.

Naturally, with the lessen attention, Ark should be thankful to Freid. He should...

(Oi oi, did you just ignore me? Are you looking down on me? Bastard!)

Seriously, is he deliberately looking for a fight? To be insulted is one thing, but to childly hold a petty grudge... sigh.

"Sorry, Freid Belga." Ark said, barely suppressing a sinister grin as he gently held Sylvia's hand. "This lady had already promised me her first dance. Isn't that right, my lady?"

Truth is, Ark is oddly skilled conducting himself as a noble. It was very theatrical, which means it was acting. And acting he knew very well.

Silvia raised her eyebrows for the split of second, then chuckled softly. "Shall we, sir Ark?"

The two rivals danced to the sound of the melody. Ark, who had little to no dancing experience coped with Sylvia's movements with refined accuracy.

"Are you a dancer?"

"Just body control. Precision is one of the things I appreciate the most."

No one remembered Freid after the dazzling performance, not even the man in question. Ark and Silvia had stolen the thunder in the smoothest, most beautiful way.

After the dance, a handsome man approached. He had a refined gait even better than the average noble, and his demeanor calm and towering.

"What an impressive young man. To think a commoner could assume the impression of a noble of the highest class and have the gals to dance with my daughter."

"Father, please refrain from embarrassing comments."

Ark blinked once. "Duke Clarent! I'm humbled to have you think so well of me. Hmm, as I stayed in the capital for years, I studied on how to communicate with nobles, but I am still lacking. Please be so kind to forgive any misgivings on my part."

This particular way of speaking made him sick, but being rude would be rather unwise.

The duke coldly evaluated Ark with his gaze. "It seems I was wrong."

"Father?"

"...It's nothing. Enjoy the party so long as it lasts. I have tedious socializing to do." And the duke left.

"Sorry, Ark. My father acted unusually weird today."

"I don't mind."

(How dull of you, to not see what lied under your own father's gaze.)

Ark was the only one to understand what exactly happened. The duke had tried to comprehend the true Ark... and utterly failed. He had managed to deceive the duke.

It brought pleasure knowing even a duke beyond competent couldn't fully see through his essence.

His greatest deceit, no one could see the parts he didn't reveal.

(Because they can't know. Ever. So I won't let them.)