What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 406

#406

Ambush (7)

In the eastern sky, a beautiful golden streak traced a path like a shooting star.

It seemed that was the cause of the earth-shaking rumble from moments ago.

I blinked, my mouth slightly agape. What was that?

“…Elise Phenetiana.”

“Yes?”

Startled, I turned to look at the Crown Prince. His gaze lowered, settling on me.

“It seems the Princess Consort has returned.”

“Yes, I felt it too. An energy like a house-sized fireball.”

“…Good heavens.”

Gain agreed, and I ran a hand over my face, lost in a sudden flood of thoughts.

First, is His Majesty alright? Of course, he’s alright.

Carolin, the Marchioness, once said with a hearty laugh that worrying about his well-being was the most useless thing in the world.

If so, this is definitely good news.

Prince Yeseo, asleep in the Juliette Palace, might be able to meet his sister again someday.

If everything miraculously works out. I calmly opened my mouth.

“Then, should we just wait here? His Majesty told us to guard the military camp obediently, so until further orders come down,” I said.

-Whoosh!

“Aaaagh!”

-Thump!

“Waaah! Sir Johann!”

-Clang!

Instinctively, I deployed the Sanctuary, and Gain and Crown Prince Cedric instantly drew their weapons.

The very excited Lesser Pandas raised their paws, whimpering.

The Cardinal outside the golden dome was smiling at us.

In his hand, he held a thick, long spear of air.

Creak, creak. Each time a vein pulsed in his arm, the circle cracked painfully.

The guerrilla test was excessively eerie. It’s even scarier when a handsome person does that!

“That’s why you should have apologized right away! How dare you talk back to your teacher!”

‘You’re not showing any leniency at all!’ I hurriedly put down the lunch basket, took out my scepter, and scolded my friends.

Then, the two men gave me the same look.

Seriously, they only work well together like a couple at times like this!

“Gain. I understand you don’t want to show weakness and admit your mistakes, but it’s okay in front of Sir Johann and us. You’re not alone anymore. There’s Isabel too.”

“……”

-Thump!

“Ugh! Your Highness, the same goes for you. It’s okay to honestly admit your mistakes or shortcomings. No one will doubt your authority. Just think of your mother. Ugh!”

-Clang!

The roof of the Sanctuary tore open like a winter steamed bun.

I hurriedly enlarged my scepter, gripped it with both hands, and swung it. Woooong!

-Faaaaaah…!

The crescent-shaped ornament emitted dazzling aether [a magical energy].

Golden energy, bursting like a fountain, like fireworks, poured down like blessings throughout the Sanctuary.

The cracked parts quickly filled in, and the thickness and patterns of the circle all plumped up a bit.

Perry pressed down on my instep, purring contentedly.

Sir Johann, who had stepped back, tilted his head and smiled.

He seemed pleased that I had grown stronger in the meantime. Even if you look at me like that, it’s still scary!

“…I was wrong, Marquis. I know I could have done better that day. But I didn’t want to accept my pathetic self.”

“You should have said that about five minutes ago, uwaaagh!”

-Kugung!

I screamed as soon as I saw Sir Johann preparing to leap, and he soared high into the air.

A wide pit formed in the center of the training ground.

I felt the blood drain from my face and moved my lips.

I know what that is, he’s going to spike down here!

Like that Griffin or Gryffindor thingy!

“You can trust me.”

I urgently blurted out the first sentence that came to mind.

The eyes of the two people who turned to me were filled with concern.

“I understand that you’re trying to protect me no matter what, and I also know that I seem relatively weak. If I were in your position, I would have acted similarly. Especially if a dear friend died and came back, even taking a walk near the house would be worrying. You’d want to accompany me every time if you could.”

‘But I’m really okay.’ I tried to make my voice as firm as possible.

There was almost no room to spare, but I wanted to convey this story properly.

The Divine Beasts stared up at me.

“I didn’t come back to die twice.”

“……”

“I will definitely get stronger, even if it’s slow, and I think I’ve been doing okay so far. Tomorrow will be better than today. So, don’t worry about me wherever you are and fight freely. I can definitely do more than one person’s share. You know that.”

-Kugugung!

Flinch! Our heads went up at the same time.

Sir Johann was plummeting down, creating a fierce whirlwind.

A chill ran down my spine in an instant.

It might be a delusion, but I felt like I made eye contact with him.

The Crown Prince adjusted his Holy Sword and asked.

“What’s the strategy?”

“First, let’s minimize our voices as much as possible. Sir Johann can amplify most of what we say.”

“Whispers in silence, good. What else?”

Gain lowered her stance as much as possible and whispered.

She was ready to spring out anywhere.

The tense muscles of her lower body were pushing against the dirt.

I gripped my scepter tightly and racked my brain.

Whoosh! The rough wind messed up our hair.

Demi, not sure what she was thinking, suddenly started making loud noises.

Then, the other Lesser Pandas, not wanting to be outdone, cried out loudly.

In an instant, a lightning-like realization struck the top of my head.

They’ll provide plenty of holy noise, so we can have the necessary conversations in the meantime!

-Squeak, squeak! Woooong! Squeeeeeak!

“Our strategy is one thing: Cheat! Go really dirty and petty!”

“Serenete?”

“Good! I’m confident in that! I’m really good at it!”

“And one more thing! You have to trust and follow my words unconditionally, you two right now…!”

-Wooong! Kia! Woo! Grrr!

Whoooooosh!

“Get out of the Sanctuary!”

-Thump!

-Thwack!

The two of them kicked off from my side without hesitation and moved away.

The intense aftershock lashed at my cheeks, but I glared at the sky.

Pale dust motes flickered in the cold air.

Through that dizziness, the Cardinal’s mint-colored eyes finally appeared.

It was the moment when his white hair was close enough to touch.

It was the moment when the man’s swift spear momentarily moved away to pierce the roof of the Sanctuary.

An unavoidable vertical drop. A precious opportunity of less than 0.5 seconds.

-Whoooooosh!

I smiled and looked up at him.

You can’t beat the wind by just running away honestly.

When a thread of bewilderment flickered across his iris—

-Faaat!

The Sanctuary was completely extinguished!

“Marquis!”

Immediately, Sir Johann’s breathing faltered.

It was natural to be surprised since he almost stabbed my heart.

Of course, that was also a very, very brief moment.

I didn’t afford myself any leeway and slammed aether into my scepter!

-Faaaaat!

“Kuh!”

-Thwaaack!

The Cardinal, who had been flustered by the unexpected deployment of the Holy Ground, was immediately thrown back.

I smiled brightly and slammed my staff down on the floor!

A golden wave rippled out across the circle, centered on the end of the scepter.

A very powerful shield, if deployed properly at the right time, could also be an excellent pushing tool.

It’s a bit of a sneaky ambush, but in the end, isn’t winning all that matters in practice? Those two are disciples of mercenaries, after all!

“Attack him right away!”

Before my shout could even reach them, Gain, who had leaped up like a kangaroo, grabbed Sir Johann’s hair and rolled him around.

The Crown Prince, who had been silently watching the scene, began to tear his plain clothes.

I closed my eyes tightly, wondering what kind of development this was, then hurriedly covered the Divine Beasts’ eyes, and then gaped at the man’s actions.

The guy who had quickly jumped into the gap created by Gain was strangling Sir Johann’s neck from behind with a piece of cloth.

The priests were stuck together like magnets!

“Quickly declare defeat, Teacher! If you don’t, I’ll give you instant hair loss? Huh! People are passing by! Will you do it? I’ll really do it? This is very lush!”

“Kuh.”

“Crazy, good heavens…”

-Squeak…

Wow, you guys are really good at this vile stuff too! As expected of the protagonist!

About ten minutes ago, Statia Plains.

-Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!

It was the first day after the ceasefire.

Half of the vast field was densely packed with Liester soldiers.

Their morale was high enough to reach the main god of the Celestial Palace.

It was a scene where deafening shouts, drumbeats, and horn sounds echoed endlessly.

-Pooooooo!

“Waaaaaaa…!”

“Victory! Victory! Victory! Victory!”

“Aaaaaaa…!”

“Liester forever! Liester forever! Liester forever!”

Everyone was well-fed, properly rested, and highly trained, so they were full of motivation.

Many soldiers were burning with revenge due to the explosion a few days ago.

All the soldiers who returned as corpses from Mankrance were their families.

They were commanders they respected like adults, and brothers and sisters forged in blood and sweat.

The fact that the Holy State dropped the Empire’s moon, tarnished its honor, and even launched a cowardly surprise attack was enough to enrage the entire army.

Now Liester wanted a desperate retaliation.

-Clang!

The monarch did not abandon their hearts.

When Frederica Liester at the head drew Durandal [a legendary sword], the army supported her with tremendous shouts.

“Waaaaaaa…!”

“Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long live!”

-Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!

“Victory! Victory! Victory! Victory!”

-Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!

They stomped their feet regularly and thrust their spears down in unison.

A huge crimson flag with the imperial crest embroidered on it fluttered in the wind.

It was the same color as the Emperor’s cloak.

‘Heeheehee!’ At the same time, her Silvester, called the Divine Steed, raised its thick forelegs and roared.

The horse’s silver helmet, gray mane, and red tassels were shaking like a prelude to slaughter.

Frederica stared at the distance with emotionless eyes.

The appearance of the Holy State army, covering the other half of the plains and the long east, was visible.

Commanders wearing gleaming armor. Soldiers shouting behind them.

Catapults that had been repaired. A rhinoceros corps that had not been reported. The Knights Templar.

Sharpened weapons and an even sharper murderous intent.

And the golden spear placed alone in the middle of the field. ‘Aegis of the Headwind.’

“Waaaaaaa…!”

“……”

No one had dared to touch the divine object that had lost its owner.

Frederica recalled the day she met Elise at the Imperial Palace.

She was a child who looked strong to anyone, and she was good at hiding her emotions like an educated royal.

However, she was still too young and immature to deceive me.

I had the thought that she was a powerless Princess Consort even back then.

Otherwise, no royal family would consider the card of an enemy country to save their own flesh and blood.

“…Did you finally leave the continent?”

‘Tsk.’ The Emperor clicked her tongue.

Perhaps becoming a star in the Nine Heavens might be the easiest path for that poor child.

She was definitely not one to run away, but that was the result.

Now, I can only pity the people here who have lost a new possibility.

Cherry-colored eyes slowly rose like the sun.

Soon, the vibrant sunlight settled on her, reminding her of another Emperor who stood here a long time ago.

Exactly the same sword. A gaze that was eerily similar.

“Huh!”

All the blood flowed from her grandfather.

“Yaaaaaaa!”

-Clatter, clatter, clatter…!

“Long live Emperor Frederica!”

However, it was said that the current Emperor was stronger than him.

Frederica held Durandal in her right hand and rode her horse like a storm, carrying the support of the soldiers on her back.

However, no one followed the monarch.

This was not because they did not obey her.

It was not because they lacked the will to participate in the war, nor because they were suddenly afraid.

Carolin, who was in charge of the left flank, was also not drawing her greatsword.

The khaki eyes above the saddle flickered silently.

Quite a long time had passed since Frederica had used her aura to kill.

“Long live the Crown Prince! Long live! Long live!”

“……”

If so, her first sword strike and its shockwave would be something that no one here could withstand.

The amount of aura she had accumulated through training would be beyond imagination.

In short, they had to wait.

Until a storm passed.

-Clang! Clang, clang!

“Fight back! The opponent is alone!”

“Is there anyone among you who wants to be a hero! Kill the Emperor!”

“Hwaaaaa!”

-Clang, clang, clang!

The Holy State army, having confirmed the Emperor’s approach, charged forward with hot shouts.

This was because of the firm belief that no matter how great a swordsman called the best swordsman on the continent might be, she could not withstand the attacks of tens of thousands of people.

It was ridiculous and unfortunate, but that was the nature of the crowd’s heart.

Frederica raised Durandal to chest height and deeply wrapped her arm.

‘Woooong—’ Aura was forming on the dangerously sharpened blade. Her short silver hair fluttered incessantly.

-Clatter, clatter, clatter!

“……”

In an instant, her eyes darkened.

It was as if she could hear Aurelie’s voice in her head. ‘For the future of Liester—’

-Whirrrrr!

Right then, the golden spear that had been lying dead shot up into the sky.

‘Ugh!’ Some of the terrified soldiers stopped in their tracks, and the astonished commanders stopped their horses. ‘Heeheehee!’ ‘Whoa, whoaaaa!’

The front line, which had been rushing in like a tide, faltered in an instant like a wave meeting a rock.

The Emperor quickly sheathed her sword and grabbed Silvester’s reins.