My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 39

§ 39. Arnise Hall

The event hall was in an uproar.

No, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the entire empire was completely turned upside down.

The Zodiac Sword, which chooses the best talent of the era.

And two stars.

Kai Elandur.

Panat Rothschild.

These two were geniuses so rare, they might appear once in a thousand years.

So, who would be chosen by the Zodiac Sword this time?

And who was the more outstanding genius?

Wasn’t that the biggest concern of this event?

Was that the reason?

For some reason, the Zodiac Sword chose not one, but two people.

Something that had never happened in the past thousand years.

But the two beings chosen were too strange.

Saintess Aria.

Cyan Elandur.

The Saintess was understandable.

She was born with the strongest divine power in the history of the Holy Empire.

Even if she was called the star of the empire, appearing once in a thousand years.

She could still be surpassed by the Saintess, who was called the reincarnation of Muriel.

The empire’s pride was hurt,

But still, this could be acknowledged.

But not Cyan.

He was definitely not.

This meant that Cyan, along with the Saintess, was the best talent of this era.

That meant.

Kai Elandur and Panat Rothschild.

Cyan was a genius who surpassed these two…

Did that even make sense!

Cyan was not even mediocre, let alone a genius.

He was truly the dullest of the dull.

Could it be that the Zodiac Sword’s selection criteria were different?

This was always said.

But that didn’t make sense either.

A degenerate and unfilial son of the Marquis family.

No matter what criteria were applied, Cyan did not meet them.

So, with the entire empire in an uproar now.

The imperial palace, the center of the imperial capital.

An unscheduled meeting was taking place in the Emperor’s audience chamber.

“It’s absurd. How… how could this happen…?”

“This is also related to the empire’s reputation.”

“This time, we should apply an exception and make it as if it never happened…”

As expected, the ministers were negative about Cyan being chosen.

Especially Rothschild’s opinion was strong.

Rothschild, who was in a rivalry with Elandur.

It was already unfair that he wasn’t chosen.

To be surpassed by Cyan, not even Kai, made it even worse.

Just then.

“Your Majesty. However, we cannot ignore the tradition that has been going on for a thousand years.”

Someone stepped forward and shouted.

Looking there.

It was none other than the Crown Prince, Conrad.

Conrad stepped forward to the Emperor and spoke again.

“Also, Cyan Elandur is fully qualified.”

“Fully qualified?”

The Emperor tilted his head.

The Emperor also knew about the rumors about Cyan.

Even if he wasn’t very interested, he would naturally find out when he knew about Elandur.

Therefore, Conrad’s words that he was fully qualified.

Even if it was the Crown Prince Conrad’s words, it was not easy to nod.

But.

“That’s right.”

Conrad’s eyes were full of confidence.

The Emperor stared at Conrad quietly.

Crown Prince Conrad, who would lead the next empire.

He possessed the qualities of an outstanding emperor that the Emperor acknowledged.

That’s why, despite the numerous successors to the throne.

Even though he was still healthy.

Didn’t he appoint him as Crown Prince long ago?

A talented person who could lead the next empire well.

Conrad was so confident…

The Emperor slowly opened his mouth.

“I understand the Crown Prince’s thoughts, but the ministers’ intentions are also reasonable. Allowing someone who is not qualified to enter the hall is also related to the empire’s reputation.”

“But, Your Majesty─!”

“However.”

The Emperor interrupted and spoke again.

“However, we cannot break the tradition that has been going on for a thousand years. Rather, that would be ignoring the empire’s tradition and tarnishing its reputation.”

“Does that mean…?”

The Emperor nodded and said.

“Follow the tradition.”

And the tradition was that those chosen by the Zodiac Sword would enter Arnise Hall.

But this time, there were two chosen.

Therefore.

“I allow both of them to enter the hall.”

#

Ah.

How did things get to this point?

Cyan’s mind was beyond confused; it was about to explode.

Honestly, he wasn’t interested.

Whether it was the Zodiac Sword’s choice or whatever.

Whether it was the honor of being the best talent of the era or whatever.

Cyan had no interest at all.

What Cyan was interested in was only his bulging money pouch, 450,000 gold.

And what to spend it on.

Thus, he just wanted to see the trembling Mobile Lord [a powerful in-game character].

But what!

“It was an unprecedented event, but… after the meeting, it was decided that Cyan, you will also enter the hall.”

He was about to enter Arnise Hall, which was not in his destiny!

Crown Prince Conrad looked at Cyan and said with a gentle smile.

Cyan let out a deep sigh.

Why?

Why did the Zodiac Sword choose Cyan in addition?

‘Could it be because of Mobile Lord?’

It was a highly likely, almost certain guess.

“And before entering, there is one thing I want to tell you.”

Conrad looked at Cyan and the Saintess alternately and slowly opened his mouth.

“In fact, there is a reason why only those chosen can enter this Arnise Hall. Rather than a reason… it’s a story that has been passed down for generations.”

Conrad told a brief story about it.

In the distant past, there was an outstanding man in the empire.

A man that no one could approach.

The Emperor at the time, who did not want to miss him, promoted his marriage to his sister.

But the man refused.

Because he already had someone he loved.

However, due to the Emperor’s threats, the man had no choice but to marry the Emperor’s sister.

But how could you force someone’s heart?

The man continued to long for his lover.

And eventually died of illness.

And the lover that the man loved.

That woman also longed for the man for the rest of her life and died.

And her soul is said to have fallen asleep here, in Arnise Hall.

To wait for the man who would not return.

“It’s like a story from a fairy tale.”

“That’s right.”

Conrad nodded at Aria’s words.

Then Aria tilted her head and asked.

“But… why is the story of someone who is not a member of the imperial family passed down in this hall? And why is her soul in this hall of all places?”

“I don’t know the reason either. I think it’s because it’s been passed down orally for a long time, so it’s been modified…”

Conrad shook his head once.

“Anyway, her soul is said to be guarding this hall. Of course, neither I nor anyone else has ever seen it.”

“You’ve never seen it? Has Your Highness ever entered the hall?”

At Aria’s question, Conrad nodded slightly.

“The Zodiac Sword chooses once every 20 years, but that’s only for members outside the imperial family. Members of the imperial family are a bit of an exception.”

That’s because they were descendants of Empress Charlotte, the original owner of the Zodiac Sword.

They were the ones who could actually use the Zodiac Sword.

Of course, only the Emperor could use it now, but Conrad was the next Emperor.

Conrad was chosen by the Zodiac Sword when he was appointed Crown Prince,

And he had entered Arnise Hall once at that time.

“Anyway, to enter the hall, you need her permission.”

And that permission is the choice of the Zodiac Sword.

It was said to be to find the man who was so outstanding that no one could approach him.

And this was the basis for why the Zodiac Sword chooses the best talent of the era.

“Honestly, I’m not even sure if it’s her permission or not.”

Conrad finished speaking like that.

And Conrad himself didn’t believe it.

And.

“I see…”

Aria was not much different from Conrad.

To be honest, it was just a story.

It was also a story with some forced elements.

Maybe there was an emperor in the past who liked this kind of thing.

Anyway, there were many parts that didn’t make sense.

Nevertheless, there was a reason why this absurd story was passed down.

“It is true that there is a strong barrier in the hall.”

There was actually a strong barrier in the hall.

And it was true that only those chosen by the Zodiac Sword could approach it.

In this regard, the magician who reached the 8th level, Egret Rothschild.

Even he could not break this barrier.

Eventually, he tried to uncover the secret of the barrier, but that also failed.

It wasn’t just Egret.

No one in the past could explain the secret of this barrier.

Only that story could explain it.

“It’s a real legend.”

“That’s right.”

Aria and Conrad nodded casually.

And Cyan, who was listening to the story.

In fact, he wasn’t really listening to Conrad’s story.

‘Haa, damn it.’

Cyan sighed deeply inside.

As mentioned earlier, Cyan didn’t care about the Zodiac Sword’s choice or whatever.

Frankly, if he could get a refund for the choice, he would refund it right now.

But there was no way there would be such a refund system,

And more than anything, there was a decisive reason why he couldn’t refund it.

Ding!

『[Story Quest] – ‘Arnise’s Legacy’

▶A long time ago.

The demons disappeared and peace came to the continent.

Arnise Kyle faces some kind of truth.

And he sensed his fate that he had no choice but to leave.

So, Kyle, just before leaving.

He left his legacy here in Arnise Hall.

And he asked his fellow Arnises to seal the hall.

For someone who will come here someday.

So, a thousand years have passed.

And now.

You have finally faced fate against such a thousand years.

Now, all that’s left is to face your destiny…

Oh my goodness?

It is said that there is a ghost guarding the hall?

Um… it’s a bit difficult, but maybe it’s a good thing.

Kyle didn’t leave many clues about his legacy.

Even now, after a thousand years have passed.

That clue has disappeared!

So it’s impossible to find the legacy!

But if it’s that ghost, it’ll be different, right?

Because she’s been in the hall for a very long time!

She must know about Kyle’s legacy!

Maybe she has Kyle’s legacy!

So, all you have to do is find the ghost…

Oh my?

It is said that the ghost has become a vengeful spirit due to her resentment towards the imperial family who separated her from her loved one!

Ha ha!

As expected, there’s no way you can easily get the legacy, right?

Find and defeat the vengeful spirit guarding the hall

And win the legacy left by Arnise Kyle!』

.

.

It was none other than the story quest.

The content of the quest, which had been unmoving throughout the founding day event, finally came to mind.

Also, the reward that was ‘???’ was changed to ‘Kyle’s Legacy’.

It seemed that being chosen by the Zodiac was a condition for activating the quest.

‘But… Arnise put up the barrier in the hall.’

So no one could break the barrier.

It was clear that Elodie made it.

And the way to break that barrier was Charlotte’s sword, the choice of the Zodiac Sword.

It was the moment when the truth that had not been revealed for a long time was revealed in Mobile Lord.

But the story that Conrad told.

It was still a mystery why that story came out.

And Kyle’s legacy.

It was not yet known what it was.

‘I think the Demon Soul Control Method is here.’

It contained a fairly high probability.

Kyle’s aura training method.

The fundamental method of refining demonic energy, the Demon Soul Control Method (魔魂制法) [a technique for manipulating demonic energy].

Even to get that, he couldn’t refund it now.

“Well, then I’ll step down now. And…”

Conrad’s voice was heard.

Conrad looked at the Saintess and whispered softly.

“I hope you find the legacy left by the Great Emperor.”

Conrad stepped down from his seat.

Cyan shook off the surging thoughts.

Anyway, to get the legacy left by Kyle, he had to go inside the hall.

Also.

“What are you doing standing still since earlier?”

With that damn Saintess.

#

As he entered the entrance of the hall, a strange magic wrapped around Cyan’s body.

It felt like a chilling feeling was blocking access.

It seemed to be the barrier surrounding the hall that Conrad mentioned.

To be exact, it was the barrier created by Arnise, Elodie.

Cyan slowly pushed his body inside.

Then, he felt more repulsion.

Soon, he was able to enter the hall.

A pretty amazing experience.

As he was calming his surprised heart.

“… I guess you were chosen.”

Aria, who had entered first, muttered with a disappointed expression.

At the same time, surging demonic energy (魔氣) [demonic energy; a dark, powerful force].

Cyan forced himself to calm down and opened his mouth.

“Do you put divine power in your voice? It seems like you have a lot of divine power left?”

“Unlike someone, I have a body that is excellent in many ways.”

Then Aria made a noble expression.

It was as if she had just realized her nobility.

“Why? Are you thrilled to hear my voice?”

Was she crazy?

Thrilled my ass.

“You’re full of it.”

“W-what? Y-you’re full of it?”

Aria seemed momentarily flustered.

Perhaps it was the first time she had ever heard that word.

She was making an expression close to shock beyond embarrassment.

“You really─!”

“Okay.”

Cyan cut off Aria’s shouting.

“Didn’t we decide not to pretend to know each other? So don’t follow me for no reason, let’s act separately. Okay?”

Then Cyan passed Aria.

He could feel Aria’s trembling from behind.

And perhaps because of that.

Aria’s divine power began to run wild in all directions.

At the same time, Cyan’s demonic energy (魔氣) [demonic energy; a dark, powerful force] was also running wild.

“Ugh…!”

Cyan forced himself to calm the surging inside and entered the hall.

The inside of the hall had a dark atmosphere.

Light was leaking from the mana stones embedded around, but overall it felt dark.

The interior was as quiet as it could be.

It was combined with a wide common area to create a quite mysterious atmosphere.

Cyan continued to move his steps.

He could hear Aria following behind, making a ticking sound.

How much further did he go?

Suddenly, his vision opened up and he saw huge statues.

A total of 6 statues.

The foremost statue was of a handsome man standing with a sword.

And the sword that the man was holding.

It was shaped like the Zodiac Sword.

So Cyan knew at once that he was Arnise’s leader, Empress Charlotte.

Centered on Charlotte, there were also statues of other Arnises [members of the Arnise group].

Saint Muriel.

Great Magician Elodie.

Divine Smith Morkru.

Celestial Master Noemi.

And even Kyle.

There was Kyle too.

Just then.

Dada da.

Aria passed Cyan with quick steps.

He tilted his head, wondering what it was.

Aria was standing in front of Charlotte’s statue.

‘Charlotte? Not Muriel?’

Just as such a question arose.

Aria rummaged around Charlotte’s statue as if looking for something.

‘What is she doing?’

He really wondered what she was doing.

Cyan stared at Aria quietly and shook his head.

Anyway, he had no interest in Charlotte.

He didn’t even want to ask what she was doing.

Cyan slowly approached Kyle’s statue.

The legacy left by Kyle.

The quest was to find the ghost in the hall, but there was no real way.

He couldn’t just summon a ghost out of the blue,

In the first place, he didn’t even know how to summon it.

And even if he summoned it, he didn’t know if it would come out as it is.

Hasn’t anyone who has entered the hall in the past seen a ghost?

So Cyan decided to put the ghost aside for a while and explore Kyle’s statue.

If he left a legacy, he would have left it in something related to himself.

Cyan approached the statue.

But.

“… Huh?”

Cyan tilted his head without realizing it.

That’s because the Kyle statue that was visible.

“Who is it?”

That’s because it wasn’t Kyle.

Cyan had seen Kyle once.

It was when he first spent money on the Demon Soul Asura Sword (魔魂修羅劍) [a powerful demonic sword].

Although it was a virtual existence, Kyle had appeared in front of Cyan.

A silver-haired handsome man with a cold impression.

But the statue that was visible now was a completely different being.

Of course, now, after a thousand years have passed.

No one on the continent knew Kyle’s face.

Unlike other Arnises, Kyle didn’t have much known about him.

Kyle’s appearance was also all based on imagination.

So the appearances of Kyle that were spread on the continent were all different.

Therefore, this statue could also be thought of in that sense.

But.

This place was none other than Arnise Hall.

A relic that Charlotte personally created a thousand years ago.

That meant.

Charlotte made this statue.

Could it be that Charlotte didn’t know Kyle’s face?

‘But why…?’

Cyan calmly looked around the hall.

In the hall, there were also appearances of Arnises besides the statues.

A mural drawn on the wall.

It seemed to be a mural drawn to commemorate the achievements of the Arnises.

Such paintings were densely drawn on each wall.

It covered almost the entire hall.

Cyan looked at each painting one by one.

And the appearance of someone presumed to be Kyle in them.

‘They’re all different?’

Their appearances were all different.

Just then.

“… Uh?”

Something foreign came into Cyan’s side.

It was a mural engraved on one corner of the hall.

There, the 모습 [appearance] of the Arnises confronting the demons were drawn.

But just one.

To be exact, just one scene.

There was something that caught Cyan’s attention.

It was a scene of a man standing proudly in front of the demons.

An innumerable number of demons were gathering in front of him,

But the man was standing with his sword indifferently lowered.

And the man’s face drawn in profile.

“Kyle?”

It was none other than the 모습 [appearance] of Kyle that Cyan saw in Mobile Lord.

At that moment.

Heh!

A cold sensation that swept his neck was felt.

At the same time.

-You… who are you…