My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 24

Perfect Strike

I couldn’t believe it…

I couldn’t believe it.

“N, no way…”

Lukas froze on the spot, his mind blank.

Numerous orcs surrounded Lukas.

But Lukas didn’t care.

Those orcs were also looking in the same direction as Lukas, with equally astonished expressions.

Swish—the air screamed as it was torn apart.

From top to bottom, from bottom to side, from side back to top.

Sian’s sword continued its relentless dance.

It was a single, unbroken flow that defied division into specific movements.

“H, how…?”

No matter how much Lukas pondered it, he couldn’t believe the scene unfolding before his eyes.

That black orc was a magical beast wielding a power akin to Aura [a life force energy used by skilled warriors].

To be precise, it wasn’t Aura itself, but it possessed the same properties.

The only ones capable of facing such power were those who could also harness Aura.

That’s why only Lukas here…

Only Lukas, an Expert-level knight, could conceivably stand against that black orc.

‘Even I can’t guarantee victory against such a magical beast…!’

It was such a formidable magical beast that even Lukas couldn’t confidently assure his own triumph.

On the other hand, Sian couldn’t use Aura at all.

He hadn’t even grasped the fundamental concept of Aura, let alone learned to wield it.

A good-for-nothing, a blockhead among blockheads, branded as the disgrace of the Marquis family.

Therefore, Sian should never have been able to stand against that black orc.

It was an utter impossibility, a scenario that defied all reasonable expectation.

That’s why Lukas had believed everything was over.

But.

Clang! Clang!

He was fighting back.

Sian was fighting back against the black orc.

Moreover, the swordsmanship Sian was displaying now…

Swish!

Kwaaang!

Even Lukas couldn’t easily replicate it.

No, there were unfathomable mysteries woven into it that defied his comprehension, even as he watched.

Wait.

I can’t understand it…?

“H, how on earth…?”

At that moment.

Thud.

Sian’s breathing hitched.

Simultaneously, an unknown force erupted from him.

‘The Elan Dur Secret Technique…?’

Lukas muttered inwardly as he observed the scene.

Elan Dur, a prestigious family renowned for their swordsmanship.

Within the Elan Dur family, a secret technique was passed down through generations.

It was this very technique that had propelled the current head of the Elan Dur family, Durak Elan Dur, to the esteemed realm of Upper Master.

Lukas had witnessed that secret technique from afar.

To be precise, he had seen the secret technique performed by Kai Elan Dur, not Durak himself.

The eldest son of the Elan Dur family, Kai Elan Dur.

A genius among geniuses, hailed as the star of the Empire.

He was an even more gifted individual than the current head, Durak.

That was because he had attained the realm of Early Master at the remarkably young age of 26.

Kai was a promising talent destined to surpass Durak someday and reach the Grand Master level, considered the pinnacle of human achievement.

Lukas had observed such Kai from a distance.

And he had also witnessed the swordsmanship he displayed.

So now.

The force emanating from Sian.

It bore a striking resemblance to the force Kai had exhibited back then.

Sian was also a member of the Elan Dur family, so he could have learned that secret technique.

But.

‘No.’

Lukas quickly shook his head.

‘That’s not the Elan Dur secret technique.’

What Sian was demonstrating now was fundamentally different from what Kai had shown.

The difference in level was, of course, undeniable—Kai was far ahead.

Sian, who hadn’t even become a Beginner.

Kai, who had reached the Early Master level.

The disparity was so immense that comparing their levels was almost meaningless.

However, Lukas couldn’t help but question if it was solely a matter of level.

The realm of Aura might be distant.

The mastery of swordsmanship might also be far off.

But the underlying martial art embedded within it.

Sian was far superior in that aspect.

But that… does that even make sense?

Lukas couldn’t explain why he felt that way.

But one thing was certain.

The sword that Sian was wielding now.

That was the most perfect strike Lukas had ever witnessed in his life.

The black orc fell, and the battle concluded in an instant.

In reality, it was more of a massacre than a battle.

That was because the orcs were utterly incapable of stopping Lukas.

No matter how powerful the orcs were as magical beasts,

Lukas was a knight who had reached the Expert level.

Although the orcs surrounded Lukas,

That was merely a futile gesture.

Their purpose was to prevent Lukas from engaging the black orc.

So that the black orc could destroy the Singijeon [a powerful weapon or fortress].

But the black orc ultimately fell at Sian’s hands.

And Lukas, now unburdened, began his rampage.

A Sword Expert knight.

Even if they were magical beasts dwelling in the Dark Forest,

The orcs’ strength was insignificant against Lukas.

The remaining orc groups were swiftly slaughtered by Lukas.

In the first place, the Singijeon’s devastating attack had already decimated the orc numbers.

In the end, the situation unfolded unilaterally and overwhelmingly.

It concluded in an instant.

The orc village was annihilated.

On the other hand, Ruben suffered no damage.

To be precise.

“Ugh… !”

Only Sian was injured.

Sian calmly surveyed the aftermath.

Lukas was systematically eliminating the remaining orc remnants.

The soldiers were also assisting Lukas.

“I can rest a bit now.”

So, like with the goblins, it was a fuss…

So, there was no need to put on a show.

Thud.

Sian slumped down in his seat with relief.

“Cough… !”

At the same time, excruciating pain surged through his body.

He hadn’t noticed it in his focused state,

But Sian had sustained minor blows from the black orc.

Fortunately, he hadn’t taken any direct hits,

And, most importantly, the S-grade armor had provided crucial protection.

Without it, Sian would have perished long ago.

“Ellie’s going to nag.”

It was as if he could already hear Ellie’s scolding.

Sian chuckled weakly.

Then, he calmly shifted his gaze and examined the fallen orc.

A colossal body over 5m tall.

The sprawled corpse of the black orc resembled a small hill.

And a watermelon-sized mana stone [a crystal containing magical energy] was embedded in its chest.

A dark energy was still emanating from that mana stone.

“A magical beast that uses the power of magic.”

Perhaps that was the reason for the black orc’s strength.

It was overwhelmingly powerful.

To be honest, Sian couldn’t even comprehend how he had managed to defeat it.

The fact that he had triumphed over such a magical beast was nothing short of a miracle.

Nevertheless, there were two key factors that made it possible.

The first of which is.

“It seems like the S-grade sword is emitting the power of Aura.”

The only force capable of contending with Aura was Aura itself.

But Sian couldn’t use Aura.

Therefore, there was no logical way for Sian to defeat the black orc.

Far from inflicting wounds, he should have been overwhelmed from the initial clash.

But now.

The black orc was lying defeated beneath Sian.

And its corpse bore only two perfectly clean cuts and stabs.

That meant.

The S-grade sword itself possessed the ability to emit the power of Aura.

“What is it made of…”

He had never even heard of such a sword.

Even if it was a weapon crafted by the dwarves, renowned as the artisan race.

It seemed impossible.

Emitting the power of Aura without actually using Aura.

How could such an absurd phenomenon be possible?

Then what would happen if the power of Aura was added here…?

“What on earth would happen?”

Sian couldn’t even begin to imagine the possibilities.

Anyway, the S-grade sword itself could emit the power of Aura.

Nevertheless, that only provided the qualification to contend with it.

The decisive reason why Sian was able to defeat the black orc.

Sian took out his smartphone from his pocket.

Then, an alert window popped up on the screen.

[Mahon Sura Sword (魔魂修羅劍) Initiation Progress Rate 27.3% (+26.5%)]

“It went up 26.5%.”

The Mahon Sura Sword’s [Demon Soul Asura Sword] initiation progress rate had increased by a whopping 26.5%.

Normally, the Mahon Sura Sword’s progress rate increased by only 0.1% to 0.2%.

And that was with the growth buff fully activated.

It was a progress rate that barely increased by 0.1% even when performing tasks until his muscles trembled and spasmed.

But this time, the progress rate increased by a staggering 26.5%.

It was as if about 260 days’ worth of progress had been gained in one go.

“Does that mean it increases that much faster if you grasp the essence?”

Or does it ultimately mean practical experience is what matters?

Sian thought it was probably both.

At that moment.

“Young Master! Are you alright!”

Hans’s shout came from one side.

Looking over, Hans was rushing over, panting.

It seemed he had roughly assessed the situation before coming.

Following behind Hans, Amelia was also coming.

The two quickly approached Sian.

“Are you hurt! Are you hurt anywhere?”

“A, are you okay?”

Hans and Amelia asked simultaneously.

Sian waved his hand at them.

“I’m fine. It’s manageable compared to the hobgoblin incident.”

Of course, it wasn’t exactly accurate to say it was manageable.

The fact that his body was still trembling showed that there was something seriously wrong.

However, it really was manageable compared to the hobgoblin incident.

Back then, he had felt like he wanted to pass out immediately.

It wasn’t that bad now.

“I’m fine. More importantly, what about the soldiers? Is anyone hurt?”

“······”

Hans and Amelia were at a loss for words at Sian’s question.

Contrary to Sian’s worries, there were no casualties among the soldiers.

This was not only due to the firepower of the Singijeon [Korean hwacha, a type of rocket artillery], but also because Sian had demonstrated overwhelming force on the battlefield.

And the price for that was Sian’s current condition.

Sian’s condition looked serious at a glance.

Therefore, no one would blame him for taking care of his own well-being first.

Yet, despite that, Sian was taking care of the soldiers and the people of the territory before himself.

“How can he always···.”

“······”

Unidentifiable emotions flickered across Hans and Amelia’s faces as they looked at Sian.

Just then.

Thud.

Another presence was felt from the corner of his vision.

Sian’s gaze naturally turned towards it.

Looking over.

Lukas was standing there, covered in blood.

Lukas, who had butchered nearly hundreds of orcs.

Lukas stood still for a long time.

His gaze fixed on Sian, Lukas was rooted to the spot.

The Sian that Lukas knew was an incompetent being.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire [meaning rumors usually have some basis in truth].

He thought there must be a reason why the world was pointing fingers.

And the Sian he met was just like that.

A man obsessed with money.

A greedy and foolish lord who couldn’t distinguish right from wrong when it came to money.

Lukas defined Sian that way.

So, when the black orc appeared, Lukas jumped in without hesitation.

He thought he was the only one who could handle it.

From Lukas’s point of view, it was the best decision.

But when you think about it, it was against the knightly code of loyalty.

Lukas was Amelia’s escort knight and, at the same time, a resident of Ruben territory.

He had acted independently without Sian’s orders.

Furthermore, that decision had put the entire territory in danger.

It even put Amelia in a life-threatening situation.

If it hadn’t been for Sian.

What would have happened afterward?

The foolish one was himself.

The foolish one was Lukas himself, who had looked at him with prejudice.

The young master of the Marquis family.

A useless good-for-nothing.

From this moment on.

Lukas erased all the rumors related to Sian one by one.

How much time had passed?

“I’m sorry.”

Lukas suddenly bowed his head to Sian.

Without saying what he was sorry for.

Lukas bowed his head to Sian.

Lukas’s head, bowed to Sian, showed no sign of being lifted easily.

Sian gave a small smile at Lukas’s appearance.

He seemed to know roughly why Lukas was acting like this.

“······ I will accept any punishment.”

Lukas’s head, bowed now, contained numerous emotions.

A knight’s pride.

A sense of guilt for putting people in danger.

And gratitude to Sian for saving Amelia.

Knowing how heavy that weight was.

Sian could tell that Lukas’s actions were sincere.

That’s why Sian didn’t say much.

“It’s true that you have to be punished if you’ve done something wrong.”

“Tell me.”

Lukas, as expected, did not make excuses.

“Lo, Lord···.”

Amelia interjected with a worried tone, but Sian continued without even looking at Amelia.

“Lukas, from now on, you will train the soldiers instead of Hans.”

“······?”

Then Hans and Amelia’s expressions turned blank.

And Lukas also raised his head with a face that wondered if he had heard correctly.

“······ Me?”

Sian nodded.

“Hans is currently training the soldiers, but as you can see, Hans is so old that he might die tomorrow or the day after.”

“I’m not that old, Young Master?”

Sian lightly ignored Hans’s words.

“So, Lukas, I want you to train the soldiers from now on.”

Lukas was a Sword Expert knight.

He was an outstanding knight who couldn’t be easily found even in the Empire.

That meant that he sufficiently met the condition of ‘outstanding instructor,’ which was the criterion for receiving additional effects.

And whether he knew it or not, Lukas would definitely train them better.

That was because Hans was a mercenary, and Lukas was a knight.

There might not be a big difference in terms of skill, but Lukas would definitely be superior in terms of systematic training.

Above all, Lukas was an active knight.

Honestly, Lukas should be considered more skilled in terms of skill as well.

No matter how he thought about it, there was no one better to exploit than him.

“······”

Lukas did not answer easily.

Then Lukas continued.

“I have a responsibility to protect the young lady.”

If he was in charge of the soldiers, Lukas would have to spend most of his day with the soldiers.

Frankly speaking, it was just training.

Sian’s words were practically no different from telling him to command the soldiers.

That would mean that he couldn’t stay by Amelia’s side.

Amelia would be alone.

But.

“Don’t worry about that.”

Sian continued as if it was no big deal.

“I’ll protect Amelia no matter what.”

“Ye, yes?”

Then Amelia looked greatly embarrassed.

“Why?”

“N, no···. I, it’s not that···.”

How could he say such cheesy things without hesitation?

Amelia felt her heart racing for no reason.

Whether he knew Amelia’s feelings or not.

Sian looked at Amelia and said.

“Amelia is the head of Ruben’s merchant guild. Of course, I, as the lord, have to protect her.”

Amelia was a talent that he should never miss or lose.

How much gold would Amelia earn in the future? How could he lose Amelia?

Sian could never allow that.

“Ah··· That’s what you meant···.”

Amelia felt somehow dejected.

And.

“I understand.”

Lukas nodded obediently at Sian’s words.

“Lu, Lukas?”

Amelia was very surprised.

That’s because she didn’t think Lukas would agree so easily.

Knowing Amelia’s feelings, Lukas said to Amelia.

“I have determined that I can trust Lord Sian to take care of the young lady.”

“······”

Amelia was speechless.

It was the first time.

Lukas had ever said that.

Lukas always thought of Amelia’s safety as the top priority.

Lukas was a person who followed Amelia’s opinions on any matter, but the only thing that Lukas went against Amelia was when it came to Amelia’s safety.

But entrusting her safety to someone else?

That had never happened once while Lukas was her escort knight.

No, wait a minute.

He trusts me to take care of her?

“Follow me. I’ll introduce you to the soldiers.”

Hans’ voice was soon heard.

“Then, I’ll leave the young lady in your care.”

Lukas bowed to Sian and disappeared, following Hans.

Thus, Sian and Amelia were left alone.

“Ah… well…”

Amelia felt quite awkward.

It seemed to be because of Lukas’ words.

“Amelia.”

“Yes, yes?”

Sian abruptly stood up and approached Amelia.

“There’s something I’ve wanted to ask you since earlier.”

“Wh-wh-what is it…?”

Her heart was pounding.

Soon, Sian pointed to one side with his finger and said,

“That black orc. How much would it be worth?”

*Sigh.*

What on earth was I thinking?

Amelia shook her head.

Then, she carefully examined the black orc’s corpse and said,

“At this level… it would easily fetch at least 3,000 gold.”

“3,000 gold!”

Sian’s eyes widened.

“Th-then…! What about those regular orcs over there?”

“I’d have to take a closer look, but maybe… wouldn’t they fetch about 50 gold per head?”

“50 gold?!”

Sian’s eyes widened as if they would tear.

The number of orcs they had caught this time was a whopping 3,000.

Then, the total gold earned from the orc corpses alone would be…

‘150,000 gold!!!!!’

And on top of that, a high-grade mana stone mine!

“Ah ah!! Ah ah…! Ah ah ah…!!!”

Sian began to tremble as if he had been electrocuted by lightning magic.

“Ah ah ah…!!!!!”

No, it was as if he was possessed, beyond being electrocuted.

His body was shaking violently!

“Wh-why are you… doing that…?”

Amelia shuddered.

But Sian was still trembling.

He even looked somewhat scary.

“Ah, right!”

Then, abruptly.

Sian’s possession was cut off.

Before she could wonder what was going on.

“This isn’t the time for this! Quest!!”

Sian hurriedly took out his smartphone.

And immediately launched Mobile Lord.

As if reading Sian’s thoughts.

*Ting!*

A cheerful notification sound rang from the smartphone.

『[Territory Quest] – ‘A surefire strategy that even Sun Tzu couldn’t help but admire, a preemptive strike!’ (Cleared!)

▶ Amazing! Truly amazing!

Not only did you confidently launch a preemptive strike,

But you even showed the skill to 멋지게 [admirably/splendidly] behead the enemy commander!

Even though there was a crisis where your allies could have been annihilated,

You 멋지게 [admirably/splendidly] overcame that crisis!

A pushover lord?

That’s NO NO!!

Now, call me the King Wang Jjang [best of the best] Lord!

빠밤! [onomatopoeia for a grand reveal]

Thanks to your 어마무시한 [tremendous/amazing] performance, there were no casualties among our allies!

A great victory!

A complete, super victory!!

If Master Sun Tzu had watched your battle, he would have definitely said this!

‘This is definitely a cheat map created by the host.’

Your 기지 [resourcefulness/wit] is so amazing that even Master Sun Tzu would be speechless!

It was truly amazing!

Now! You who confidently launched a preemptive strike!

You are fully qualified to become the master of the world!

위! 풍! 당! 당! [majestic/dignified]

Go and enjoy what you rightfully deserve!』

*Ting!*

《’Elodie’s Laboratory Lv.1′ has been unlocked in the 【Territory Facilities】 section.》

《Higher-level facilities have been unlocked in the 【Territory Facilities】 section.》

《In Elodie’s Laboratory, you can research technologies necessary for the development of the territory.》

《You can browse Elodie’s knowledge.》

《Use the knowledge left by Elodie to 멋지게 [admirably/splendidly] develop your territory!》

“Uh… um.”

Sian nodded awkwardly.

It was good that the quest was cleared, but as expected.

He couldn’t get used to the words of that Mobile Lord.

‘And who the heck is Sun Tzu?’

Judging by the fact that Mobile Lord kept mentioning him, he seemed to be a great person.

Especially, he seemed to be an amazing 능력자 [competent person/expert] specialized in strategy…

‘Whatever.’

Sian decided to only be curious up to that point.

Because that wasn’t what was important right now.

Sian immediately accessed the 【Territory Facilities】 section.

And thanks to the quest reward, there were several facilities with the word ‘New!’ attached to them.

There were many facilities that looked useful at first glance.

‘Let’s check them out slowly later.’

Sian scrolled down.

Soon, he was able to find the facility he was looking for.

『《Elodie’s Laboratory Lv.1》 (50,000G)

▶ Have you ever had this kind of imagination?

Wanting to fly freely in the sky.

Or wanting to steal the heart of someone you like.

Or stopping time to… *ahem!*

But as you know, realizing such imaginations is virtually impossible.

Because it’s just imagination.

But here!

There was an existence that made those countless imaginations a reality!

Her name is Elodie!

In the past, she was an 어마무시한 [tremendous/amazing] magician called the Great Archmage!

A miracle magician who makes the impossible a reality!

Typically, it’s stopping time… *ahem!*

Well, what more needs to be said!

Elodie’s Laboratory, which contains all of Elodie’s knowledge!

Install it right now!』

– (Basic Effect) You can browse the knowledge left by Elodie.

– (Basic Effect) Various researches necessary for the development of the territory become possible.

– (Basic Effect) Technology research speed is increased by +10,000%!

– (Basic Effect) “Ah, no?! How did you even come up with this idea?!” The level of territory magicians is greatly increased!

– (Basic Effect) “Ah, no?! This was a possible theory?!” The level of territory researchers is greatly increased!

– (Additional Effect) Can be selected when upgrading the laboratory.

“Wow…!”

Sian exclaimed without realizing it.

That’s because the effects of Elodie’s Laboratory were 어마무시했기 때문이었다 [tremendous/amazing].

Especially the technology research speed +10,000%.

This meant that the efficiency was a whopping 100 times.

Research that would take 100 days would be enough in one day,

And research that would take 1,000 days would be finished in 10 days.

‘Is this crazy?’

It was truly at a level where the word ‘crazy’ came out automatically.

Indeed, the Great Archmage Elodie, one of the Six Arnazes.

He had to install the laboratory without fail.

But.

‘They weren’t just giving it away?’

Sian looked at the words next to Elodie’s Laboratory.

Namely (50,000 G).

In simple terms, it meant that he had to pay 50,000 gold to build Elodie’s Laboratory.

He thought he was just getting it as a quest reward.

‘I knew they used the word ‘unlock’.’

Sian shook his head.

Well, considering the name value of Elodie, it was practically a bargain.

“Nothing is free.”

It was truly a 현질 유도 [inducement to spend real money] where you couldn’t let your guard down even for a moment.

Sian took out the money pouch from his pocket.

Then he poured out the gold coins inside.

*Clatter.*

To be exact, he poured out the air inside.

“……”

He didn’t have a penny.

Until recently, he had 21,000 gold, but he had used it all to buy arrows and mana stones, including the Singijeon [Korean hwacha/rocket arrow launcher].

Sian slowly turned his gaze.

There, Amelia was looking at Sian with strange eyes.

Honestly…

Amelia wondered what Sian was doing.

That’s because he was suddenly electrocuted.

Then he was possessed.

Then he took out a strange object and muttered to himself.

In a word, he was doing a 쌩쇼 [acting out/making a scene] by himself.

Then now.

“Amelia. Let’s sell those orcs right away!”

He was asking to make money again.

“…… Ah, yes.”