Chapter 417: Knowledge and Doctrine

A black line ran across the sky. The battle axe, while defying gravity, ripped through a man’s jaw and skull. Fishy-smelling brain fluids meshed with the humid, stuffy air.

However, the battle axe didn’t stop with just one strike. The long handle was swung in a circular motion, gouging flesh as the wielder wished. Blood splattered happily again.

A training ground in the city of Philos. The place where there the lively voices of soldiers usually echoed was now surprisingly quiet. In fact, some of those who had rebelled against the current ruler, Largud Ann, were lying on the ground.

The culprit was the one and only Steel Princess.

Only Vestaline Geluah’s voice resonated while her iron armor was covered in blood. The cold color of her iron armor made her voice sound even colder.

「…I’m disappointed. My heart is as cold as iron. I don’t like to break the rules. I never thought…that I’d be forced to act like this because of your foolish actions. 」

Her slit eyes let out a brilliant light from within her helmet. No one responded to those words. The Heraldic soldiers around her had reached the peak of their agitation, and the mercenaries who respected and followed Vestaline could sense that their master was in a bad mood. They didn’t want to interfere now.

Hence, the blood-soaked training ground was now Vestaline’s solo stage.

「Therefore, I wonder if you people still want to raise your flags and point your blades. If cowardice is the thing that drives you, then that’s fine, but I wouldn’t say it’s wise. 」

In front of Vestaline stood more than ten people who were still holding weapons such as spears and swords. They were the rebel soldiers who had been led by the unit commander, who had just died from the broken jaw and spilled brain fluids.

However, even in front of Vestaline’s provocative voice, none of them dared to take a step forward.

Their voices were quite fearsome just a moment ago, but now their faces were pale, and their fingertips were trembling. They could barely keep their weapons ready.

They had mustered their courage and raised their swords for the justice and wisdom they believed in. That was the undeniable truth.

However, there was always a huge wall called absurdity that made justice and wisdom succumb. If they couldn’t overcome that wall, then they wouldn’t be able to grasp those beliefs.

Vestaline swung her battle axe and dropped the hilt over her shoulder. And so she stood before them with her armor chiming with an air of self-confidence.

Considering her usual self, today she was acting incredibly rude and reckless. There was no sign of her usual steel-like coldness.

She showed a great amount of displeasure and frustration.

For some reason, Vestaline felt guilt in her own heart.

…I’ll leave you in charge of this place during my absence while I go to Philos.

That was the task given to Vestaline. But now, she had broken that command and stood in this place. It was this guilt that pierced Vestaline’s heart. Even though she knew there was nothing she could do about it.

That’s why she wanted to return as soon as possible. That’s what the current ruler said when she asked her to come to this place. At the same time as Vestaline raised the tip of her battle axe, clearly showing her annoyance…

…A familiar voice echoed through the training ground.

「…Stop. I will not allow you to shed any more blood. 」

Naturally, the ears and eyes of the soldiers and mercenaries were drawn to that voice and turned their faces to a certain point.

Many people knew who the voice belonged to. She was a pivotal member of the Heraldic Order, so there weren’t many people who didn’t know about her.

Although small in stature, Largud Ann, the voice’s owner, stepped into the training ground with a dignified demeanor.

She was not in the usual attire that gave off a somewhat casual impression. She wore the magnificent robes that were the formal attire of a Heraldic cultist.

Vestaline didn’t know why Ann would wear something that was originally used for ceremonies. However, it still had the effect of silencing everyone present for a moment. Beside Ann, Bruder and Vestaline narrowed their eyes.

Ann moved her lips smoothly and opened her mouth. She tried to calm down not only the soldiers who had rebelled, but also the soldiers who were still in a state of turmoil.

「I’m not saying you should step down. I understand that you guys have your points. 」

But listen, Ann continued. Then asked them if this way of doing things was truly proper?

No matter how different their thoughts and words could be, was it the way of a Heraldic believer to immediately raise a sword and try to stab the enemy in the heart? With this rebellion, they were embracing not words and intellect, but physical power.

It should be different. Yes, it had to be different. There was no way that they, who admired wisdom and reason and aimed to climb the stairs to the highest point, would entrust their ideals to physical violence.

Although conflict was inevitable, they should be able to at least exchange words. Yes, Ann said in a clear voice. Her voice showed a tone that resonated well with the ears and entangled the brains.

That was exactly the kind of genius Ann was. Her body language, the tone of her voice, even the details of her facial expressions. Her every being was used to incline a person’s heart. Swaying the other party’s heart was crucial for negotiations.

Ann couldn’t excite people like Lugis, nor could she attract others like Matia. Ann declared that those traits were not her strongest suits.

However, her ability to make people pause for a moment was second to none. Ann spoke with a solemn tone.

「…As the governing representative of Philos, I will now head to a meeting with Lord Saleino. You guys will take the lead. You, as the members of the Heraldic Order, will not raise any objections, right? 」

Those words were quite unusual and rare for Ann to profess. But there was no one who could object to them directly.

Many of the people here were religious Heraldics. It would be difficult to raise objections when the doctrine of the Heraldic Order was used as a shield. And since Vestaline and her mercenaries were backing Ann in terms of military power, there was no way they would shake their heads.

One of the rebel soldiers opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind. His eyes were flickering widely.

「Lady Largud. I would like to ask you one thing. Are you implying that, no matter what happens, you won’t punish our compatriots for their actions? 」

Ann reflexively looked up at that man and replied. Her eyebrows were twitching.

「…Yes. Of course. If everything goes well with the meeting with Lord Saleino, there won’t be any need for that. 」

A faint smile appeared on Ann’s cheeks. As expected, she exuded a solemn atmosphere, which was different from her usual behavior.

However, it seemed that, combined with that appearance, it had the effect of making people believe her. The rebel soldiers nodded and stepped forward to lead the way.

Looking at this, Ann got reminded of something. She didn’t actually see it herself, but only heard about it.

Once upon a time during the Battle of Garoua Maria, Lugis was able to provoke the slums’ inhabitants with just a single word. He made them go wild, forcing them to take up any weapons of their choices in order to rush to the battlefield.

What was in his heart at that time? Was it excitement, euphoria, or something else?

Up to this day, Ann thought that Lugis must had felt the same way as she did now.

At the end of the day, both of them enjoyed using themselves for their own purposes, but it still left a thorn in their hearts.

No, that person’s essence was actually good. Perhaps he felt a greater amount of guilty than Ann ever felt. How funny. It meant that her nature was far more poisonous than the one whom people called the Great Evil.

Bruder whispered to Ann in a voice that could not be heard by those around them.

「Are you serious? I can’t believe you came here to have a peaceful discussion. How can you be a fanatic follower of the Heraldic doctrine under these circumstances? 」

Ann laughed a little. She then answered in a very tiny voice.

「Lord Bruder. Knowledge and doctrine…are tools that I use. They’re not people I serve. 」

You know, humans tend to act for the sake of someone they serve, that’s why I should use it to my advantage. Yes, Ann continued her words with a deep smile on her face.

Previous | Next

Vol.14 COMPLETE! Thank you for reading!!!

—————–

Support us on Patreon and get access to early chapters