There were so many wrong things I didn't know what to say. Either to bang my head to the ground or to whack the sense out of the oblivious, oh-so-innocent-to-a-fault of a Royal Knight in front of me.
Really. I can't even retort with sarcasm. What kind of place did you grow up in to just abide orders without questioning the reason behind them? Ignoring my opinion, I'm allegedly at Fei's side with the Black Crest as the proof, so there's no need for me to accept the order.
Of course... that only works if......
"Am I supposed to obey her order, but not my Vagnalos?" I asked.
"Her Highness possesses higher authority than the Seventh Prince. I am sorry but ignoring her order meant you will be brought to the court for a treason against the Royal Family. Worst, you will be stripped of all rights and beheaded." The Royal Knight readily answered.
Ah... so one misstep and I will be kicked out of Raumia. It's getting worse by the minutes but how am I supposed to deal with this? I felt like this has happened before...
...right. I was assassinated once before. Technically, it’s not me but the ploy used must be quite similar. I looked down at myself, and all I could do was sighing and shaking my head.
"...such a disgrace for those bearing the title of 'Royal Knight'. Am I too important for all Vagnalos that you intend to use everything just to gain what I have?"
The knight didn't budge. But I could tell from his gaze something flickered in his eyes. Pity? No. Regret. Maybe disgust and hatred at his action.
Ah, so even I can now read in between the lines. Thank you Iris but this makes it more complicated.
"...young lady. Will you reconsider and accept our term?" Sir Orleans asked, his tone was almost begging.
You know you can't use that method. It's almost cheating had you not wearing helmet.
"Very well then."
I answered calmly, causing the Royal Knight to raise his head...
"I shall decline your request, Sir Richard Orleans."
And I heard a sharp intake of breath. I found the Royal Knight visibly shuddering and his eyes widened before narrowing with a sharp glint.
"You dared to refuse the direct order of the Royal Family?!" He roared.
I exhaled with a shake of head, my hands letting go off the great sword I had stabbed on the ground.
Then I put a hand on my chest. "I am associated with Leimburg Academy. As long as I am a student of the Academy, the kingdom's rules do not apply to me. In other words, not even the Empress' commands can touch me."
The knight exasperated upon the revelation.
"Secondly, the only one that can command me now is only my Vagnalos, Felix Sanctum Raumia. Without his approval, the princess' order means treason against the Black Hero."
I chanted Reinforce and a veil of golden light scattered around me.
"Lastly, my name is Charlotte Augmund, a noble's daughter of the Kingdom Aeinsland. Do you wish to create a larger rift by becoming an enemy of our kingdom?"
I glared at the Royal Knight. From this point onward, there are two possible scenarios. One is to retreat but risking their heads, the other being putting me under submission.
However, the consequence of the second option would cause Raumia to be common enemy of all that is in the human country. Aeinsland is known with its ironfisted rules but the rules are fair, and no arrogant snob could ever hope to fight against the Warrior King without risking at least their limbs and dignity.
The powerful kingdom, strict in abiding its laws but showering complete safety allowed trades and diplomatic relationships to move as smooth as river. Its location which was centered in the Territory enabled a wide spread of interactions and bonds many countries together. At least enough to rival Raumia's army excluding the Vagnalos' participation.
"Now answer me. Do you still wish to take me under your custody or will you back off from this place?"
The Royal Knight was silent. No answer was given until a deep breath was given out.
"You will regret this, foolish child." Sir Orleans said, then raised his sword up to the sky before swinging it down.
The gesture was approved by the cavalry units behind him. Those horse-riding knights rushed forward and I could see the outline of infantry units following closely behind them. The earth trembled greatly as I could feel their bloodlust drifting in the air but...
"Come." I challenged as I drew my second sword.
The silvery white sword glistened with the light of the sun. Runes were inscribed on the blade as reflection of light projected my calm figure. One glance was enough to stun the Royal Knight since what I possessed was something like nightmare to his kingdom.
But if that is so, he at least knew and experienced the horror this Cursed Sword has.
'Are you sure?' A whisper was heard. It was familiar even though I don’t remember it. Still, I knew all too well that doing anything other than fighting is pointless now.
Brandishing the Relixia Arma with both of my hands, I changed my posture into offensive stance of Draconic Swordstyle. Next, I nodded down.
"I am. And I do not intend to die here, Iris."
With a war cry, cavalry units charged with their lances aiming to pierce through my body. I kicked off the ground to avoid them, and, while somersaulting in midair, I inhaled as Radiata glowed with yellow light from aura infusion.
"Haaa!" With a downward swing, a sharp circular wave of energy slashed down, beheading the horses.
But the Knights had glowing lights that repelled my attack. Aura protection...? No, their armors are also enchanted huh?
I landed amidst the falling knights and gripped Radiata with both hands, then I pulled it to the limit my arms could handle and spun in circle.
First Step - Tail Smash Revised.
"What - guwaaaaah!!?"
The shining sword unleashed a full-circle, wide area attack that blew away everything around me. The ground was cut, winds became maelstrom while the aftershock brought my enemies even further away.
Obviously, I knew their armors aren't so cheap and weak they couldn't handle this attack, but a dragon-slaying sword technique clearly left huge dents for blunt traumas. I looked over the army and a few were intimidated by my display of power.
"Do not yield! The enemy is just a single person! Surround her!!" I heard Sir Orleans's command and the goons flinched before abiding him.
Hmph... I guess aura alone isn't enough to scare them off. Then...
"Alia, sorry but I'm going to test the Enchantment on the field." I smirked as I let go one of my hands and sheathed Radiata.
This caused the approaching infantry to be confused but they continued to draw nearer and ignoring my weird action. Not that I'm denying how foolish I am but...
"Rune," I whispered as I tapped the sheath's body which was the nearest to the crossguard. A faint blue light glowed on my finger then I ran it down. "Water Enchant."
Then several Ancient Words appeared from the smooth surface of the sheath, along with mini magic circles surrounding Radiata's crossguard. I then lowered my hips and leaned my body forward-
Blade Arts - Silent Rain Trail.
With blinding speed, I pulled out the Relixia Arma and slashed diagonally. A blue line of light flashed in front of me - and a blade of water extended from the sword, ignoring the laws of physics and passed through the infantry units from left to right.
"......?!"
Not even a grunt was given out when a line of red traced their armors... And the knights were sliced in two, if not losing their limbs through clean dismemberment.
"What...!?" Sir Orleans exasperated. Ah, he dodged at the last second and more than half escaped death.
I glanced at Radiata. Now, it was giving off blue light and water was spiraling the sword and moving like a river.
Hm... need more tuning. It was heavy to swing a water sword like that and the mana used to compose the 'Extension Rune Enchantment' was ridiculous. How much did I spend? A fourth? Two-third?
In any case, they're frozen solid. Now's my chance so I undo the enchantment by running a finger over the blade. The silvery white sword was then sheathed back and I tapped the sheath twice.
"This is bad...! Stop her!!"
Hah. So they recognized my actions. You're absolutely correct in your judgment, Sir Orleans.
"Rune: Flame Enchant..." I dashed forward as different Runes and Magic Circles appeared on Radiata.
The batch of knights swung their swords at me. I immediately braked then changed direction to encircle them while drawing out Radiata to grin against the ground. I weaved among thrown lances, dodging slashes of Swords and jumping over maces.
In seconds, my strengthened body had reached the place I started at and I raised the sword up.
Blade Arts - Wall of Conflagration.
A line of red marked the ground around the knights. Then abruptly, pillars of flame erupted before spewing hot balls of fire upon them. I ignored their painful agony and death throes, only burning their figures into my memory as a reminder that I reaped lives.
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
"YOU!!" I heard a yell and a shadow fell over me.
I quickly raised the Relixia Arma above - meeting a sword with design reminiscent of a cross head on. Kh...! Heavy, but...!
"Finally joining in the battle, Sir Orleans?" I smirked even as the swords gave out more sparks.
What the hell... his power is beyond what I imagined! But Radiata's heated blade should've...!
"Trickery shan't work against me, young lady!"
What...? I stared dubiously at the Royal Knight... Then I realized. His sword isn't melting! Aura coating...? A similar enchanted weapon? Could it be durability increase - no, wait, this is bad, I can't win in contest of strength!
"Tch...!" I deflected the blade and retreated a dozen steps back. But I sensed a looming presence before me and I swung my sword put of reflex.
*CLANG!* Metal against metal clashed together. Once, twice, thrice. As much as I slashed back, all of my attacks were perfectly nullified!
"Your skills astound me. Not even once have I seen a young girl such as you to meet all of my swords." Sir Orleans said.
Then with another clash, we stood still, our swords grinding and our arms trembling while putting more strength for dominance. I looked up to meet his gaze.
"Is that a compliment I have just heard?" I asked with a forced smile.
"You may take that as one." He replied off handedly.
Ha!
"Flattery will not get you anywhere, Sir Orleans!" I exclaimed as I turned off the Runic Enchant and opted for aura as my option.
The knight before my eyes seemed surprised at my action. "Oh? We're my words too much for you?"
"I assure you, these 'tricks' of mine are only to sweep insufferable fools."
And by fools I mean...
"Out of everyone who is present, only one of you is praiseworthy to duel against me on even grounds." I shrugged. "Raumia is certainly helpless without their Vagnalos, eh?"
I smirked as I heard a scowl coming from the Royal Knight.
"You best not underestimate us, child!!"
"Then prove it to me, Royal Knight! Show me your chivalry as one who stands at the top of knighthood!!"
With a roar, we charged ahead, sword meeting each other in succession. Every hit was countered. Every attack was repelled.
No wasted movement. No frugal accuracy. Attack and counter. Attack and counter. Attack and counter. Attack and counter.
As the swords danced, I noticed the other knights rushing forward. From their movements alone, it seemed they have synced up with Sir Orleans and pressuring me from all directions without hindering the Royal Knight.
I... see... so to make up their skills, they chose to cooperate together as a band of knights. I can't say it's a wrong method, much less ineffective.
It's brilliant, in fact. To be able to help the commander even though you're a just a mere foot soldier. These guys have dedication, alright...
"But!" I flipped, slashed at a knight, shifting to the right and repelled Sir Orleans' sword before gaining distances.
Phew... I breathed out as I faced... uh. How many again? A couple hundreds? The calvary is done for while the knights with swords and shields are more than half that made up the entire army.
Also, lancers at the front. This makes it hard for me to focus since I have no long-range weapon.
"Have you understood your disadvantage now?" The Royal Knight in platinum armor asked. "Surrender now and we will not hurt you!"
...haa... I shook my head, my shoulders drooped.
"And do you think your princess will ascertain my safety once I am under your custody?" I replied.
...
No answer. Oh well.
I swung Radiata to the side. "Surely you have known how corrupted the nobles are. Have you watched how they do in the Academy?"
"...a knight's duty is to uphold honor and become the symbol of nobility. I see nothing wrong in an Academy that trains everyone to become respectable knights." Sir Orleans answered.
"And that is where you have it wrong, Mister." I pointed out. "Do you know what they do before they were taught the codes of knighthood?"
Silence. Again. Damn it, I'm not cutout to be a teacher character! Why the heck is this happening again?
...ah, right, it's because I started it all. Good job, me. I planted a hand on my face and exhaled. A damn looong one.
"While commoners may have a chance to become a student, the testing session happened to be rigged." I started.
"What...?"
"Did you know that the selection is depended on the students' side? Some noble students wouldn't want to have commoners to study with them in the same class so they volunteered to be examiners and... well, obliterated most of the examinees while grubbing the exorbitant registration fees for their selves."
Now, now. I just heard 'Impossible!', 'No way, she's lying!', and while I'm not so surprised... 'Lies! She's just bluffing!!'
You know, can't you just... Learn how to lie a bit better? I mean, come on, as if nobody wouldn't notice when you're so aggressive with the comeback.
I nudged at the silent Royal Knight who stood speechless. I can't see his expression well but it must be priceless.
"Also, it seems some of your knights are graduates, huh? Nobles, maybe?" I smiled and those at the far backs cringed for my implication. "It's not like I'm against 'Survival of the Fittest' in this kind of kingdom, but..."
I pointed my sword at the army.
"I heard this all from the Black Hero personally. You can ask him if you still want to deny my claim. The answer is still going to be the same." I stated.
Hmph. Now the balance is shaken. Bluffing I may be, but I talked A LOT with Fei whenever I have free times. It's a given that I wanted to know what I am involved in since I'm the main target of the Royal Family for generations.
Also, my other selves were probably murdered a lot by other races excepting demi-humans. They all treasured people like me and I'm grateful Leon is like them all. Excepting the Orcs and other less intelligent douchebags, of course.
Although I don't like the fact they also fought each other just for my sake. It's not wrong but getting along is better in hard times.
"I can list out more secrets he has found out. What he tried to erase for so many times but always appearing like a plague... I know all of the ugly sides your kingdom has."
And that was the final nail.
"You can capture me and do whatever you like to me, but you will face Aeinsland's wrath, Celestia's contempt and the Divine Beasts' long-awaited judgment. Leimburg Academy too will not agree to your methods in interfering with their system by abusing your royal authority."
After all, this means I hold massive information about Raumia when I am a noble of Aeinsland. And I was given the prized sword of Iris Isperia Waltzen as a token of friendship between Aeinsland and the Eight Divine Beasts.
Added with my intel, I can use them all as bargaining chips to stop Raumia from enacting murders and abduction of Fragmented Souls, and to make sure the reformation of political structures Fei dreamed of coming true.
See? Even I can do something useful for everyone! How do you like that, you stuck-up knights?!
"...Most impressive performance you have there, Charlotte Augmund."
Hm...?
"However, you are forgetting one important fact." The Royal Knight eased his shoulders and stood with sword lowered.
...What is he…
"Your mother - Agatha Augmund is a runaway noble of our kingdom. She has NOT been stripped of her status as a member of the Augmund household."
Uh...?!
"Hence - this means you too are a citizen of Raumia! A noble from our kingdom means you are bound to the local laws, and it means your defense is invalid against the Royal Decree!!"
"......!!"
The knights charged. Lances at the ready. Swords and shields raised as my enemy attacked with full-blown battle cries. They became tidal waves that howled with their bloodlust rising exponentially. In the face of the powerful threat-
"Give it up! Divine judgment awaits you in the upcoming trial, illegitimate child of the Augmund!!” Richard Orleans shouted.
Brandishing Radiata, I lowered my waist as I faced the army head-on. "Tch...! You... thickheaded fool!!"
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
A/N: You think she's OP for fighting elite knights? Please hold that impression for now. And yes, this's kind of inevitable since it will happen due to plot reasons, sooner or later. I seriously AM evil huh?