Chapter 80 – Lantis’ inner feelings

More than 90% of those with the crest gain the power to enhance their physical abilities. However, there are rare individuals who possess other special abilities.

These individuals are those who have inherited the blood of the Gnochein particularly strongly…they are often high-ranking nobles.

For example, Mayo. She can manifest an ultra-high-temperature light sword that can easily slice through steel. In terms of offensive power, she is overwhelming.

I, too, have awakened to a slightly special crest technique because I have royal blood. Initially, this power only covered my hands with gauntlets, but now it has grown to cover my entire body.

In this state, not only are my physical abilities dramatically enhanced, but my defensive power is also increased.

Furthermore, although these appear to be black armour at first glance, they are not actual armour, so I don’t feel any weight. Also, since the joints are covered, it is not easy to penetrate with slashing attacks.

“Kuuh…!”

Elfilia must have instantly seen the strength of this crest technique. When the crest on her left hand glowed, she readied her sword.

She is clearly very experienced in combat. She has probably cut down many bandits with her own hands. Given her appearance, if I had met her in a dress for the first time, I would have doubted her ability.

“Haaa!”

Elfilia must have felt disadvantaged in a defensive position, so she kicked off the ground and rushed towards me.

“Hmph!”

I intercepted the descending sword with my sheathed blade and deflected it backward. Then, at the moment our bodies were side by side, I kicked my knee towards her torso.

“Hah!”

However, as if she had anticipated this move when she was deflected, Elfilia forcibly twisted her body with her enhanced physical abilities. She then spun around, swinging her sword horizontally to create distance between us.

Her high physical abilities are not the only thing. Her sword skills and quick decision-making are also impressive. The sword swing was a precaution against my follow-up attack. At the same time, she balanced her body and prepared her stance a short distance away.

Before Elfilia could gauge my next move, I steadily advanced my steps.

“…!”

Elfilia leaped at me again. Waiting in a defensive stance must not suit her nature. She has a strong offensive approach.

‘What formidable strength…! If I weren’t planning to take her as my wife, I would have wanted her as a general!’

■

“How…?”

Lantis was greatly surprised as he watched the battle between the two. First, there was Elfilia.

She was activating her crest technique stronger than usual and maintained an aggressive stance against Vilgard. It had been a long time since he last saw her swordsmanship and her movements were incomparable to before.

But Vilgard was deflecting all her attacks. It was as if he could see where every strike was coming from.

“Karan-tono… is that the prince’s crest technique?”

“Yes. In the past, he could only summon gauntlets.”

Elfilia’s offensive did not let up. But that was because Vilgard was entirely on the defensive. Even though he advanced his steps, he never swung his sword himself.

“Haaaaa!”

Vilgard either took Elfilia’s sword head-on or deflected it from the side.

From an outsider’s perspective, it might have looked like a sword training session.

“I knew the prince was strong… but to this extent…”

“Vilgard-sama has been apprenticed to a renowned swordsman, known to all in the Amatsuki Empire, since he was ten years old. This form was likely honed through countless battles and experiences.”

When Vilgard reunited with them on the grasslands, he had a look of enlightenment. It was clear he had survived numerous life-and-death encounters.

And Vilgard’s master, Kirimune, had said he had reached the pinnacle. Not only did he have the talent to lead an army but his personal prowess was also undeniable.

Elfilia’s breathing gradually became labored. Her physical limits were near. At that moment, Vilgard called out to her.

“I think I’ve demonstrated my skill by now… do you still want to continue?”

“Of course! I’m still standing!”

Elfilia had always been fiercely competitive since she arrived in Diltrack. This trait was not something one could guess from her appearance.

She constantly remained vigilant, gripping her sword and cutting down bandits. That was the life she had led.

But if Seazak had not appeared, she likely would have lived as an innocent young lady who had never held a sword.

‘It is partly my fault that she ended up this way…’

Lantis always felt a deep sense of guilt towards Elfilia.

It wasn’t because he couldn’t save her parents or their territory. The real reason Seazak began ravaging the imperial territory was because the alliance of lords and the emperor started their conflict. Seazak merely took advantage of the chaos of this civil war to invade.

Moreover, Lantis himself was one of the major lords in the alliance. He took his current position to force the emperor to recognize the rights of the nobility.

‘I’ve always felt guilty towards her…I wanted to fulfil her wishes as much as possible. But I alone…the alliance of lords can’t unify the empire.’

At this rate, after several years of gradual decline, the alliance of lords would eventually lose. If that happened, not only would he fail Elfilia, but he also wouldn’t be able to face her parents in the afterlife.

Vilgard was the prince who appeared at such a time. He was a man who could challenge the current emperor head-on and had the qualifications to unite the alliance of lords. How long had they awaited someone like him?

‘Ah… Prince, and Elfilia. Please…’

At that moment, Vilgard crouched down and kicked off the ground, charging towards Elfilia.

Elfilia could barely keep up with Vilgard’s offensive movements. And then.

“Ah…!”

Elfilia’s sword flew through the air. Vilgard’s sheathed sword was pointed at her neck.

■

“It’s over… isn’t it?”

I sheath my sword and deactivated my crest technique. Elfilia’s sword fell, stabbing into the ground nearby.

I knelt on one knee in front of the stunned Elfilia and took her hand.

“Elfilia, your swordsmanship was splendid. Your strength and fearless character make you incredibly appealing as my wife.”

“Eh…”

“I promise you here and now. I will defeat Seazak and return the Mardkrald territory to you. Please, come with me as my wife.”

For the sake of our families and unifying the Northern Empire, having Elfilia as my wife is invaluable.

But more than that, I have a personal reason for wanting this woman as my wife. It is her relentless pursuit of strength.

Perhaps it is also because her circumstances are similar to mine. The paths we choose are alike.

As a member of the royal family, I sought the strength to raise an army and unify the empire. Elfilia sought individual prowess to defeat bandits. It is a difference in our positions.

Above all, her strength is beautiful and incredibly attractive. I want her to bear my children.

Elfilia placed her hand over mine.

“Fufu…Prince Vilgard proposed to me that he would fulfil my wish. How could I refuse?”

“…Thank you.”

I stood up and, with our arms still linked, turned towards Lantis.

“That settles it. I apologise for taking one of your knights, Lantis-dono, but Elfilia will accompany me to Clostova as my wife tomorrow.”

“Yes, sure…Prince Vilgard…! Please take care of Elfilia…!”

“Of course. I vow to love her with all my heart for as long as I live.”

And so, in the Diltrack territory, I took Elfira as my third wife.