My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 308

308. The Eve of the Storm (1)

The smartphone in Kyle’s hand.

There was no discernible process.

With the memory replaying, Cyan saw Kyle holding a smartphone.

‘Could I be hallucinating?’

Cyan rubbed his eyes, trying to clear his vision.

But Kyle was definitely holding a smartphone.

‘Was there a gap in my memory, then?’

He could only assume there was a missing piece explaining how Kyle obtained the smartphone.

This seemed like the only logical explanation.

However, it didn’t feel like the memory flow was interrupted.

It was just that Cyan hadn’t witnessed one specific moment.

‘He brought the smartphone from that space…?’

This was the only explanation that made sense.

The space filled with pure white light.

The unidentified man inside.

Something must have happened there.

The Demon of Pride that had consumed Kyle had also quieted down.

And then Kyle suddenly had a smartphone.

It all pointed to something occurring in that unknown space.

‘What on earth happened inside?’

But he had no way of knowing.

There was no way to know what transpired in that space.

But it wasn’t the same for Kyle.

He directly interacted within that space and emerged.

He had a conversation with that unidentified man.

Perhaps that was why.

“…”

Before he knew it, Kyle, now calm, was quietly looking down.

His gaze was fixed on the smartphone in his hand.

Complex emotions flickered in Kyle’s eyes.

And then, whaaaar!

A burst of pure white light once again engulfed Cyan’s vision.

#

As the light flooded his vision, Cyan’s mind became a tangled mess.

Numerous assumptions arose.

And then, just as quickly, disappeared.

The truth remained elusive.

It felt like walking through thick fog.

His mind was filled with chaos.

In that dazed state.

The light slowly faded.

He found himself in a cave.

It was a familiar cave.

‘This is…’

The place where Cyan first discovered the smartphone.

The cave he entered while being chased by goblins.

Kyle was standing alone deep inside the cave.

He was gripping a sword, not a smartphone.

The smartphone was nowhere in sight.

‘Did he put it in his clothes? Or leave it somewhere else?’

He couldn’t be sure.

But now Kyle held a sword, not a smartphone.

“All I can do is make arrangements.”

Kyle’s voice echoed.

Cyan looked around frantically.

But no one else was there.

Even with his enhanced senses, he couldn’t detect any other presence.

Only Kyle existed here now.

To be exact, only Kyle and Cyan, who was observing Kyle’s memory, were present.

But at the time, Kyle was alone.

“Quick Sword [a sword style emphasizing speed] is a sword that pursues extreme speed, like beggars of the Beggars’ Sect [a fictional martial arts sect often depicted in Wuxia stories] coveting food. However, that is the nature of nature, the natural movement for life.”

Kyle muttered as if speaking to someone.

Almost as soon as he finished speaking.

Kwaaaaaaa─!!

Kyle’s energy surged.

Thick demonic energy erupted from his body, shaking the cave.

And again, at that moment.

‘…’!

Cyan felt a strange sense of incongruity.

Something… something brushed past Cyan’s body.

But he couldn’t see it.

He couldn’t see it with his eyes, nor feel it with his amplified senses.

Swaaaaaa!

Only after a long moment did he hear the sound of air tearing.

“Illusion Sword [a sword style that relies on deception] is a sword that confuses the opponent’s eyes. It deceives the eyes, blocks the ears, and causes confusion. It deceives the fake as real, creating a feint of the sword. However, the world is already empty(空), void(虛) [referencing Buddhist concepts of emptiness and illusion]. Reality is an illusion of everything. Therefore, it takes the birth of life as its essence and blooms the world. Mount Hua [a famous Taoist mountain and martial arts sect] calls this flowering(開花) and says it is the extreme(極) of the Plum Blossom Sword Art.”

Kyle’s words continued.

At the same time, Kyle’s figure vanished, turning into darkness.

Kyle’s footwork, so swift it left no shadow, the Demonic Soul Shadow Step(魔魂無影步).

Above Kyle’s fleeting figure, a streak of swordsmanship flashed.

And from that passing swordsmanship.

An unknown floral scent gently tickled his nose.

“Dull Sword [a sword style that emphasizes simplicity and directness] is a slow sword. But just because it’s slow doesn’t mean it’s without merit. Extremes resemble each other. It’s not strong, it’s not flashy, and it’s not fast, but it walks a more perfect righteous path(正道) [the correct or moral path] than any other. A sword that excludes all changes and tricks. The Jongnam Sect [another fictional martial arts sect] calls this the Sword of the Middle Way(中道) [a concept of balance and moderation].”

Kyle displayed his sword again.

As the sword was swung slowly, Cyan found himself unable to move.

Kyle’s sword was being swung so slowly that it was clearly visible.

He could have avoided it with a single step to the side.

But Cyan was paralyzed.

A heavy pressure seemed to suffocate him.

‘This is…’

Cyan knew what it was.

He had known from the beginning.

The highest level of the Demonic Soul Asura Sword.

The sword to reach the realm of Exceed.

Kyle was directly teaching Cyan the Demonic Soul Asura Sword.

“Strong Sword [a sword style that focuses on power] is a sword that puts weight on the sword. The Way(道) [the Tao, the fundamental principle of the universe] hides and has no name, but the more enlightenment is added, the more weight is added. It touches the world that makes me, and I become the world.”

Yes, Kyle was teaching Cyan.

Still, no one was there.

Only Kyle existed.

But Kyle was speaking as if someone was in front of him.

He was wielding his sword as if someone was watching.

“Heavy Sword [a sword style that emphasizes stability and unwavering resolve] is a sword that contains heaviness. That heaviness is none other than the weight of the heart(心) [the mind or spirit]. In Buddhism, the heart(心) of heaviness(重) that does not waver in anything is called the heart of the Buddha, the Immovable Heart(不動心) [a state of mental stillness and equanimity].”

Kyle interpreted his sword in detail.

“Flowing Sword(流劍) [a sword style that emphasizes adaptability and change] is a sword that connects all of these into one, and it contains the mysteries of Taoism. Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Form(色) and emptiness(空) are not different. Sensation, perception, volition, and consciousness are also like this. The five aggregates that make up the world will also be like that.”

As he interpreted each style, he explained its meaning.

“Finally, Overlord Sword(覇劍) [a sword style that emphasizes dominance and overwhelming power] is a sword that adds the mysteries of Confucianism. Overbearing energy(覇氣) [a commanding presence or aura] is the energy that fills the heavens and the earth(天地) [the universe] with extremely great and extremely strong power. It is a spirit that can stand against anything, and it is a sword that requires constant training as it is created by accumulating righteousness(義) [moral righteousness or justice].”

The energy that erupted eventually gripped Cyan’s mind.

Kyle’s sword, both visible and invisible.

Quick(快), Illusion(幻), Dull(鈍), Strong(强), Heavy(重), Flowing(流), Overlord(覇).

The highest level of the Demonic Soul Asura Sword and the basic sword of all swordsmanship(劍術).

It was the sword that Cyan had seen through Mobile Lord.

But it wasn’t the same sword Kyle was explaining now.

The sword Kyle was explaining was not simply the basics of swordsmanship.

A sword that seemed to contain the principles of the world beyond swordsmanship.

A sword(劍) that seemed to contain the whole world.

“This is the Demonic Soul Asura Sword(魔魂修羅劍) that I have completed so far.”

Kyle stopped his sword.

“And it is also a sword(劍) that I have not completed.”

He raised his gaze towards Cyan.

Cyan couldn’t understand the situation.

Kyle’s actions seemed to be teaching the sword.

Kyle’s words seemed to be directed at Cyan.

‘What is this…’

Beyond the difficulty, he couldn’t understand Kyle’s actions.

He couldn’t understand why Kyle was acting as if Cyan was present.

And in that chaotic mind.

Ding!

[Demonic Soul Asura Sword(魔魂修羅劍) Highest Level Progress Rate 72.1%(+3.2%)]

《You can rewatch the memory by consuming cause and effect.》

《Would you like to rewatch the memory?》

Numerous notification windows appeared on Cyan’s retina.

#

The conference hall located in Ruben’s Lord’s Castle Lv.4.

Everyone representing the citizens of Ruben’s territory was gathered.

Grayson representing humans.

Semir representing dwarves.

Serah of the dark elves and Karis of the beastmen.

Literally everyone representing Ruben’s citizens was present.

And overseeing and responsible for Ruben.

Hans slowly turned his gaze to the woman at the head of the table.

“Before long, the forces of the Holy Empire will advance towards Ruben.”

The Empire’s Princess, Elena.

Ruben was currently operating under Elena’s command.

Originally, this was Cyan’s responsibility.

Cyan, as the lord of Ruben, should have been in that seat, commanding everyone.

But Cyan was absent.

Elena was in control as his proxy.

This was Cyan’s intention.

What Cyan had said to Hans earlier.

‘Are you saying you’re delegating all rights to Princess Elena?’

‘Yes.’

Cyan nodded and continued.

‘I know that war with the Holy Empire is imminent. But currently, Kai’s whereabouts are unknown.’

Kai Elandur.

The Demon of Pride in this era.

If Cyan’s guess was correct…

No, no.

Let’s stop with the guesses.

Kai is the Demon of Pride in this era.

He is also the existing god(神) [a deity or divine being] who has seized the Holy Empire.

Of course, Kai may not be the Demon of Pride.

But let’s not consider that possibility now.

Kai is the Demon of Pride.

He might even be an existing god(神).

But he was certainly trying to become a god(神).

Therefore, the divinity that Pride possesses.

‘I honestly don’t know how strong he is…’

In the first place, the existence of God was unclear.

Even if one existed, a mere creation couldn’t perceive it.

Therefore, the divinity that Pride has.

He couldn’t gauge Kai’s strength.

But one thing was certain.

‘The Demon of Pride is comparable to Kyle.’

Therefore, Kai, possessing such a Demon of Pride.

Perhaps… he could stand against Kyle.

And Kyle was the absolute being in this world, unmatched by anyone.

No one could stop Kyle.

No one in the present or past, throughout time.

‘I have to stop Kai.’

But Cyan had to stop him.

And frankly, it was difficult now.

‘I need time.’

That’s why he had to reach it.

The realm in mythology, Exceed.

He had to stand alongside the Arnaizes who saved the continent a thousand years ago.

‘Maybe… I might not be able to come back in time.’

Even by the time the Holy Empire reached Ruben.

Even by the time Ruben and the Holy Empire were at war.

Cyan might not return.

‘So I’m wondering if I can ask the Princess to take command of Ruben.’

So Cyan asked Elena to fill his vacancy.

Hans understood Cyan’s reasoning.

‘But Master…’

He felt uneasy.

He didn’t think it was a good choice.

He understood that Cyan had no choice but to leave.

‘Does it have to be the Princess?’

But why Elena?

Elena was a wise woman.

He acknowledged her insight as a princess.

But she was a flower in a greenhouse.

She had grown up beautifully in the Imperial Palace.

But reality was not a greenhouse but a ruthless wilderness.

A cold place, unlike a warm greenhouse.

Elena had no experience in such a wilderness.

She may have knowledge learned in the Imperial Palace.

But the wilderness was not a place where knowledge alone ensured survival.

Knowledge learned in a greenhouse doesn’t block flying swords.

It doesn’t satisfy the hunger of starving beasts.

This time it was war.

A war that captured the cruel reality of killing and being killed.

Entrusting Elena with such a harsh task?

He was worried.

He was sure Cyan was wrong.

‘Trust me. The Princess will do well enough.’

But Cyan’s mind was made up.

He didn’t know what Cyan saw in Elena.

But Cyan’s will was firm.

Hans had no choice but to nod.

But he couldn’t shake his unease.

So Cyan left his seat.

Now Elena had taken his place.

“Before the war, we first need to deceive Marchioness Isabel.”

Hans realized how unfounded his worries were.

“Marchioness Isabel focused attention on Elandur through treason. She blocked the justification for the imperial family to step in. Fortunately, we noticed the plan, but… still, we will move as if we are being dragged along.”

Elena showed surprising insight.

“As if we didn’t notice the Marchioness’s plan, so that she can rest assured that her plan is proceeding smoothly.”

And the countermeasures were perfect.

“I have secretly contacted my brother in the imperial family. Soon there will be an expedition from the imperial family to punish Elandur.”

Elena was not just a flower in a greenhouse.

A seed called monarch.

Elena was a seed with the qualities of an Empress(女帝) [a female emperor].

That seed was raised in a greenhouse.

It was fortunate that it was raised in a greenhouse.

Even newborn baby dragons fear adult ogres.

However, the dragon that has safely become an adult in the greenhouse has become an absolute being that no one can approach.

Hans no longer trembled with anxiety.

He didn’t doubt Elena.

To Hans, Elena was the person in charge who replaced Cyan.

At this moment, Elena was no different from the mistress of Ruben.

And that was the same for the other representatives of Ruben.

“In line with that, Ruben also needs to show movement. That way, Marchioness Isabel will be mistaken. Ruben has no idea that the Holy Empire is invading. We are Marchioness Isabel. We are playing well in the game you have set up. Like this.”

Elena glanced at those gathered and continued.

“She will never think that her plan has been detected. That’s how… meticulous the plan was.”

Isabel, who oversaw the internal affairs of Elandur.

She had heard countless times, but Isabel, whom she had seen in person, was definitely a scary person.

“So we need to hurry.”

But Elena was no less than that.

Elena quickly judged the situation and revised the plan.

Objectively speaking.

Ruben needed to buy time.

The size of the war itself was absurd.

The empire that entered the ranks of the empire as the ruler of the continent.

Ruben was a small territory on the outskirts located in the Dark Forest.

Naturally, Ruben was at a disadvantage.

That’s why they had to drag the war to buy time.

But Elena didn’t do that.

“We will advance the war with the Holy Empire.”

Because she knew Ruben.

Because she knew Ruben’s potential.

The place that defeated Elandur’s 300,000 troops without a single casualty.

The place where unprecedented power in continental history was sleeping.

“The moment the Holy Empire shows movement towards Elandur, they will lead their troops and advance.”

But this, conversely, means.

“The faster we move, the less time they have to prepare.”

It meant that they were anxious.

They also didn’t have time.

They had to eliminate Ruben before Elandur was destroyed.

If Elandur is destroyed before Ruben.

If even the imperial family intervenes.

It was they who would have a headache.

Therefore, if we move quickly, the Holy Empire will also move hastily.

It was clear that they would raise their troops without proper preparations.

It was obvious that they wouldn’t even do a proper investigation.

What Ruben is preparing.

Without even knowing that Ruben has another justification for treason called the princess.

“We will swallow the unprepared Holy Empire in reverse.”

That way, they would be caught in the trap they had set themselves.

This was a trap that was dug in reverse after first detecting Isabel’s plan.

Right then.

“Princess.”

A low voice came from one side of the hall.

Looking there.

Diana, the head of Ruben’s intelligence department, stood.

She was seriously injured a while ago.

She seemed to have recovered quickly, as her condition looked fine.

Elena looked at Diana.

Diana bowed her head and opened her mouth.

“The imperial family has announced an edict regarding Elandur. Accordingly, the imperial family’s Royal Knights are moving towards Elandur. And as you said…”

Diana continued with a surprised look.

“The Holy Empire has moved towards Ruben.”

Everyone in the conference hall opened their eyes in surprise at Diana’s words.

Elena’s predictions were accurate.

“Everyone, prepare.”

Elena calmly continued.

Looking at those gathered with cold eyes.

“Until the Count returns, no one will set foot on Ruben’s land.”

A majesty like that of an Empress(女帝).

And perhaps because of Elena’s appearance.

The tension had disappeared from the faces of Ruben’s representatives.