My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 35

§ 35 – National Foundation Day Event (2)

Some call the Saintess a living miracle.

Of course, Xian had never directly witnessed the Saintess’s divine power.

So, he didn’t know if that statement was true.

‘I heard the Saintess would be attending the National Foundation Day event…’

It seemed that statement was true.

But wait a moment.

Let’s put that aside for now.

‘Why is the Saintess here?’

Why was such a Saintess here?

More precisely, why was Xian being guided here?

The Saintess was a VIP among VIPs, even in the Charlot Empire.

In short, she wasn’t someone who should be in the same place as Xian like this…

‘Ah, could it be…’

A thought suddenly occurred to Xian.

None other than the Crown Prince’s handwritten invitation.

From the perspective of the Royal Knights, Xian was someone the Crown Prince had personally invited.

And ‘someone the Crown Prince personally invited = an incredibly important guest.’

It seemed this formula had been established.

Judging by appearances, there seemed to be a hierarchy among the waiting rooms.

Perhaps others were gathered in different rooms, exchanging pleasantries.

Normally, Xian should also be heading that way.

Robert seemed to have judged that Xian, who had received the Crown Prince’s handwritten invitation, was on par with the Saintess’s level.

It was a truly enormous misunderstanding.

To be precise, it seemed this place was only for those personally invited by the Crown Prince.

‘Haa, why did he send a handwritten invitation in the first place?’

He just wanted to stay quietly and leave.

Xian shook his head.

Still, thinking differently, a quiet place like this might be better than a crowded waiting room.

Anyway.

Honestly, while the Saintess’s beauty was worthy of being called a miracle, Xian didn’t feel anything special.

Rather, her beauty was so unreal.

Perhaps because she felt like someone from another world, he wasn’t very interested.

In the first place, she was someone completely unrelated to Xian.

Still, now that he had made eye contact with the Saintess, he should introduce himself.

Xian strode towards Aria.

But why was it?

The closer he got to Aria, the dizzier he felt.

Xian felt a slight dizziness and greeted Aria.

“Nice to meet you. I am Xian Elan Dur.”

Aria gave no answer.

She simply stared at Xian.

Just as he wondered if there was a problem.

Aria sighed deeply.

“Hey.”

She said this.

She definitely said this.

Xian was momentarily stunned.

“Are you, by any chance, talking to me?”

“Yes, you. Who else is here besides you?”

Xian was momentarily speechless.

At the same time, Xian was able to grasp what kind of person the Saintess was in an instant.

And even why the Saintess hadn’t shown her face in public until now.

Indeed, it was strange.

If she was a Saintess of this caliber, they should be promoting her in every way possible, yet they were trying to hide her at all costs.

Perhaps… the Holy Empire had strongly dissuaded them.

A Saintess who truly shattered expectations.

Xian shook his head and said.

“Why.”

“Why?”

Then Aria retorted this time.

“You spoke informally first. Is it okay for you, but not for me?”

“……”

Then Aria’s expression turned blank.

She looked as if she was thinking, ‘What’s with this guy?’

It seemed she had never experienced such a reaction before.

That was because when the Saintess acted like that.

The reactions of ordinary people were mostly embarrassment or anger.

To be precise, most nobles would have reacted that way.

It was probably the first time someone had responded by speaking informally as well, like Xian.

But that was only for a moment.

“Fine.”

Aria said, raising her eyes.

“Judging by appearances, you seem like a nobleman’s son with some clout… but I’m sorry, could you shut that mouth of yours and get lost over there?”

Soon, Aria came closer to Xian’s ear.

“I’m not interested in your background at all.”

And was it that beauty also had a scent?

A dizzying fragrance wafted over and stimulated Xian’s nose.

Something that stirred the hearts of many men.

At that moment.

Stagger.

“……?”

Suddenly, Xian’s body staggered.

He looked as if he was experiencing severe dizziness.

And Xian was actually feeling that way.

The reason was very simple.

‘Why is the demonic energy (魔氣) suddenly…!’

None other than the demonic energy [dark magical energy] dormant within Xian.

It had suddenly begun to surge from the moment Aria approached Xian.

And the reason for this was also simple.

The Demon Soul Asura Sword (魔魂修羅劍) [a powerful sword technique] that Xian was currently learning.

The Demon Soul Asura Sword (魔魂修羅劍) [a powerful sword technique], used by the strongest Arnaise, Kyle, a thousand years ago, was a swordsmanship that dealt with demonic energy (魔氣) [dark magical energy].

Thanks to that, Xian was able to absorb demonic energy (魔氣) [dark magical energy] from the mana stone that had been condensed for a thousand years.

And that demonic energy (魔氣) [dark magical energy] was currently dormant within Xian.

Although demonic energy was mana that did not defy nature,

It was still an attribute opposite to light.

And the Saintess in front of Xian now.

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

An existence called the reincarnation of Muriel.

She herself was a mass of divine power.

“Ugh…!”

The demonic energy, aware of Aria’s presence, was raging!

It was as if it was shouting, ‘Get rid of that damn woman right now!! Hurry!!!’

Because of that, Xian felt as if his insides were being churned.

It was a natural reaction since extremes that should not meet had met.

“Ugh!”

It was the kind that he couldn’t bear at all.

“……?”

Aria seemed momentarily embarrassed by Xian’s staggering appearance.

Then she moved her body closer to Xian.

“What’s wrong? Why are you suddenly─.”

“Don’t come closer!”

Xian shouted, pushing Aria away.

Then Aria said with an absurd expression.

“I was worried about you. If you’re not feeling well, I can use my divine power─.”

“I don’t need it! Don’t shove that annoying face in my face!”

Annoying… what?

Aria wondered if she had heard correctly.

It was truly a word she was hearing for the first time in her life.

No one had ever said such a thing to her.

Holy. Noble. Sacred. Magnificent.

Pretty. Lovely. Beautiful. Graceful. Pure. Immaculate…

These were the words Aria had heard throughout her life.

Nowhere was there the word ‘annoying.’

Even if they wanted to say such a thing.

When they saw her face, they would all utter such words.

Could it be… is he putting on airs?

Yes, that must be it.

There’s no way he could say such a thing otherwise─.

“……”

But Aria was soon speechless.

That was because of the sight she saw.

There, Xian was sweating profusely.

Is that also acting…?

It didn’t seem like it at all.

Stagger.

Xian frowned, holding his forehead from the dizzying headache.

The demonic energy (魔氣) [dark magical energy] continued to mess with his mind.

He really guaranteed it.

A thousand years ago.

Kyle must have hated Muriel.

“Uweek!”

That too, immensely!

Xian involuntarily retched at the rampaging demonic energy.

His staggering body almost collapsed on the spot.

Fortunately, he was able to avoid such an unsightly scene thanks to desperately holding on to his mind.

And Aria was watching that scene.

‘Could it be that he’s frowning at me right now?’

The reactions of the men who had seen Aria’s beauty had been consistent.

He swore to God.

Not once in his life.

“Ugh…!”

There was no one who frowned upon seeing her face.

Even if they frowned, they would rather smile brightly.

“Damn it…! This is disgusting.”

Moreover, the word disgusting was truly unheard of.

Aria was shocked and her body stiffened.

“Ugh…!”

Xian, breathing heavily.

Xian grabbed his staggering body and moved with difficulty.

His mind was still dizzy.

He had to get away from that damn Saintess for now.

“Excuse me! Please change me to another room!”

Xian headed out the door, calling out to the departed Robert.

And then.

Bang!

Really…

He really left.

As if he had no interest in you.

To be precise, as if he really didn’t want to see your disgusting face anymore.

Xian really left without looking back.

“……”

Aria could only stare blankly at the scene.

At the same time, Aria could feel her pride as a woman being hurt.

And that was.

A feeling Aria was experiencing for the first time in her life.

#

Inside the room Xian had left.

And now, quite a long time after Xian had left.

“I am Conrad von Charlot.”

“Aria Rinue Sapiare.”

Aria was facing the Crown Prince of the Empire, Conrad.

“I didn’t know Your Majesty had invited the Saintess.”

“There was no need to move secretly, but it’s better not to be known.”

At Aria’s words, Conrad slowly nodded.

That was because Aria’s appearance now.

He had heard rumors, but Conrad couldn’t help but be impressed by her actual appearance.

If it had been known that the Saintess was moving.

The National Foundation Day event would have been overflowing.

That’s why the Saintess rarely showed her face in public.

Of course, the real reason was elsewhere,

But Conrad didn’t know that fact.

Anyway, there was a reason why such a Saintess attended this National Foundation Day event.

“Is it true that the demons who disappeared a thousand years ago have reappeared?”

“It’s not certain. Whether they are simply demons or devils. I think they are just demons… but we need to confirm.”

Conrad nodded once again.

If demons had really been resurrected, it would be a serious problem.

“Are you saying that the way to confirm that is in the Hall of Arnaise in our Charlot Empire?”

Then Aria nodded this time.

“A thousand years ago, Charlot the Great, the leader of Arnaise, seemed to know something about this. So, when he founded the empire. I heard that he left a legacy in the Hall of Arnaise.”

“Hmm….”

The Hall of Arnaise was an ancient ruin located in the basement of the Imperial Palace.

A ruin created by Charlot the Great a thousand years ago.

And the fact that Charlot’s legacy was in that ruin was a complete secret.

To be precise, it was something only members of the Imperial Family knew.

But seeing that the Saintess also knew,

It seemed that Muriel had also left some clues a thousand years ago.

But.

“It is not certain that there is a legacy.”

Only such legends have been passed down.

No one has confirmed the legacy in the past thousand years.

Above all.

“Only the chosen can enter the Hall of Arnaise.”

Only the chosen could enter such a Hall of Arnaise.

Even members of the Imperial Family could not freely enter and exit.

Even Crown Prince Conrad had only been able to enter once.

“That’s why I came here.”

But Aria opened her mouth confidently.

Aria, called the reincarnation of Muriel.

Perhaps there would be no major problem for her to be chosen.

However.

“It won’t be easy.”

Conrad was a little skeptical.

“Why?”

In response to Aria’s question, Conrad mentioned two names.

Kai Elan Dur.

Panat Rorschild.

The children of the two pillars supporting the empire,

And the two geniuses called the stars of the empire.

These were geniuses who were by no means inferior to the Saintess.

No, they were more than the Saintess, they were definitely not inferior.

Perhaps the one who would be chosen was very likely to be one of these two.

The biggest interest in this National Foundation Day event was also which of the two would be chosen.

“Kai Elan Dur…?”

“Do you know him?”

“I heard that there are two stars in the Charlot Empire that appear once in a thousand years. But I don’t know the exact name….”

Conrad slowly nodded.

The two figures were famous, but only within the Charlot Empire.

Durak or Egret, the heads of the two families, would know.

Kai and Panat have not yet spread their fame to the continent.

Above all, the one in front of him was the Saintess.

She was called the reincarnation of Muriel and was the most famous person on the continent.

Meanwhile.

Aria tilted her head for a moment.

Why did the name Elan Dur sound familiar?

‘Where have I heard it before…? Ah.’

Aria was able to nod her head then.

Just a moment ago.

The name of that bum who threw up after seeing her face was Xian Elan Dur.

Aria frowned slightly and asked.

“Is he related to that per… no, person named Xian Elan Dur?”

“If you’re talking about Xian Elan Dur…?”

“Well, he seemed to be an unlucky per… no, a nobleman of a similar age to me.”

At Aria’s words, Conrad seemed greatly surprised.

The Xian Elan Dur that Aria mentioned.

In the first place, there was only one person in the empire who used that name.

‘How does the Saintess know his name?’

Did she hear rumors about him?

“Did you hear the rumors that he is a scoundrel?”

“Yes? A scoundrel?”

Aria asked, tilting her head again.

“Was that guy a scoundrel? No wonder… his behavior was vulgar.”

And then she nodded as if she understood.

Seeing that… it seemed she was hearing the rumors that he was a scoundrel for the first time.

‘But she knows him even so….’

The Saintess knows Xian but doesn’t know Kai.

The more he dug, the more curious he became.

“Then let’s go to the venue together for now.”

Conrad stood up from his seat.

Anyway, the Saintess’s goal was the Hall of Arnaise.

The one who would be chosen,

It was something that would be revealed at the National Foundation Day event.

#

“…… What kind of Saintess is that?”

Xian spat out the words as if chewing them after coming out of the room.

His mind was still dizzy.

Xian held his forehead and forcibly calmed his mind.

Demonic energy (魔氣) [dark magical energy] based on dark mana.

Divine power based on light mana.

The compatibility was not good, it was too bad.

What was wrong with him? Every time he thought of the Saintess’s face in his head, his whole body ached and his head hurt.

She was truly a harmful existence.

No matter how much her beauty transcended humans,

To Xian, that was practically a demonic beast (魔獸) [magical beast].

“Besides, why is her personality like that?”

Above all, her personality was completely terrible.

And how rough her language was.

Honestly, she was no different from a thug, not a Saintess.

Not only did she speak informally out of the blue,

But she was also shameless enough to assume things even though he had no intention of flirting.

A noble Saintess (聖女)?

The reincarnation of Muriel?

Don’t say such ridiculous things.

Perhaps the Mobile Lord would have said this if he had seen that appearance.

《Really hopeless!》

“But could it be… was Muriel like that too?”

The Muriel in the myths was definitely not like that.

The kindness and benevolence that one would commonly associate with a Saintess.

But even the current Saintess was rumored to be like that.

Perhaps… he thought that might be the case.

“Then Kyle must have hated her a lot.”

Xian burst out laughing without realizing it.

“More than that, I didn’t know the demonic energy (魔氣) [dark magical energy] would rage like this.”

The demonic energy, which had fortunately stabilized to some extent now.

This demonic energy absorbed from the mana stone was still in an unrefined state.

Therefore, the attribute of the demonic energy that spread to madness remained,

And it seemed that the demonic energy reacted to the divine power and went crazy.

He wondered if it would continue to be like this,

But he was soon able to realize that it was not.

According to Elodie’s records last time.

The other Arnaise comrades did not know that Kyle was using dark mana.

Only Elodie had noticed the fact.

That meant.

Kyle had completely controlled the dark mana.

And the reason for that was something even Elodie could not follow.

The fundamental way to handle demonic energy (魔氣) [dark magical energy].

“I need to learn the Demon Soul Control Method (魔魂制法) [a technique to control demonic energy] quickly.”

Perhaps there would not be such a problem if he learned the Demon Soul Control Method.

The problem was where to learn it….

Xian took out his smartphone from his pocket.

『[Story Quest] – ‘Legacy of Arnaise’』

.

.

“What the hell is wrong with this quest?”

Xian shook his head.

“Eh, it’ll work out somehow.”

Let’s go to the venue for now.

That’s how Xian headed to the place where the event was taking place.

To be precise.

“…… Where is it anyway?”

He was going to go to the venue.

“I need to know where it is.”

He really couldn’t figure out where it was.

It was also incredibly wide

And in the first place, this was the first time Xian had ever entered the Imperial Palace.

When he asked the people around him for the location of the venue.

They told him to turn that way and go this way and that way.

Even if the Imperial Palace was wide, it should be a little wide!

He couldn’t find the venue at all!

“I should just ask them to guide me.”

So, just as he was about to approach someone he saw.

A group of people came into Xian’s view ahead.

To be precise, the ministers of the Imperial Palace and the Royal Knights.

It was someone who was accompanied by them.

“Hmm?”

Soon, someone ahead looked towards Xian.

Just as Xian had discovered him.

He also discovered Xian and strode over.

When he saw him up close, he was a handsome blond man in a neat uniform.

Even though he didn’t seem much older than Xian,

He naturally exuded dignity and grace.

Xian knew that face,

So Xian knelt on one knee.

“Xian Elan Dur of the Elan Dur family. I greet His Highness the Crown Prince.”

The second-in-command of the empire.

The Crown Prince, Conrad, who would lead the next Charlot Empire.

“Ah! Are you Xian Elan Dur?”

Conrad shouted happily at Xian’s introduction.

Unlike other nobles, he had no prejudice.

He had heard rumors that Crown Prince Conrad had a fairly generous personality.

Especially in dealing with people.

Unlike ordinary nobles who valued family, origin, and background.

Conrad valued the person’s humanity and ability.

That’s why there were so many people who followed Conrad even within the Imperial Palace.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. I really wanted to meet you.”

“Me… are you talking about me?”

Not Kai, Roswell, or Nathan?

That’s why Xian couldn’t understand Conrad.

The rumors related to Xian were scoundrel and parricide.

Whether it was humanity or ability.

No matter which one he considered, there was no way Conrad would be interested in Xian.

The Crown Prince gave a deep smile at Xian’s questioning expression.

“But….”

Soon, Conrad looked around Xian and said.

“Why are you out here instead of being at the venue?”

“Ah, that is….”

Xian was worried about what to answer.

That’s because he couldn’t say that he came out because he didn’t want to see the Saintess’s face and got lost.

‘Ugh… my head hurts again just thinking about the Saintess’s face.’

How could it be disgusting just to think about it?

She was truly an existence he never wanted to deal with again.

Just then.

“Since we met like this, let’s go together. We were just about to go to the venue too.”

Conrad requested Xian to accompany him.

But we…?

Xian tilted his head for a moment.

Soon, Xian’s gaze slowly turned to Conrad’s side.

And he saw a platinum-blonde beauty.

No wonder.

“Ugh….”

Suddenly, his head started to hurt.