“Sword Saint.” “...” “Sword Saint. Please wake up.” “...” Silence filled the room after the Head Maid left. I tried shaking the Sword Saint, who was hugging me tightly, breathing softly. But she showed no intention of moving even slightly. Snore- Snore- Instead, seeing her tighten her grip on me with her arms and legs, as if refusing to let go even in sleep. “Whew.” I contemplated for a moment. What should I do? Should I just wait like this until the Sword Saint wakes up? Wouldn't it be bad to needlessly provoke the Sword Saint, upset her, and worsen our relationship? 'No.' But that line of thinking was far too weak, not proactive. Although I, too, initially adapted as a person of common sense when dealing with an unconventional individual. 'Doing that will just lead to being constantly pushed around.' Considering Sylvia's actions so far, it was a rather obvious inference. The Sword Saint was an utterly shameless person. Someone this oblivious wouldn't even recognize consideration if shown to her. Therefore, the stance to take when dealing with Sylvia from this point on was clear. 'Fight shamelessness with greater shamelessness.' Just as it's said that anger subsides when faced with someone even angrier. If I acted more shamelessly, even the Sword Saint wouldn't be able to do much. Therefore, I decided to forget etiquette, at least when dealing with the Sword Saint from now on. Just in case, I added one more word. “Sword Saint. You will regret it if you don’t wake up.” “...” Still no response. Can't be helped. I shrugged my shoulders. “It cannot be helped then.” Leap! As soon as I finished speaking, my body rose from the bed without hesitation. I had limited my strength to avoid carelessly handling Silvia, but now ignored her and stood up forcefully. Of course, what naturally followed was. Thud! “Ack!” Forcibly detached from my body, the Sword Saint lost her balance and tumbled off the bed. Sylvia, who landed face-first on the floor, let out a sharp cry. “Ugh...” Forcibly awakened by the shock, the Sword Saint staggered to her feet. Her eyes, half-opened, glanced around hazily. Then, looking at me, she tossed out a single phrase. “Not sleeping more?” Does this woman know how to do anything besides sleep? “Sleep if you wish, I don't mind.” “Hm...?” At my emotionless reply, the Sword Saint tilted her head and seemed to sense a change in my demeanor. “Anyway, no matter what I say, you're not going to give up the thought of staying in my room, are you?” “Yeah. Right...?” “While the Sword Saint sleeps, I'll go out, so please lock the door.” “...?” Confusion. Sylvia’s pupils filled with clear bewilderment. She probably never imagined I would react so calmly. “Hmm...” Only then did her self-centered atmosphere dissipate slightly. A reluctant reply followed. “Then I’ll follow too.” 'Hmm.' So she says. I thought she'd just sprawl out and sleep, but she surprisingly doesn't want to leave my side. 'Does she really just want to be with me, literally?' I didn't know what whim made the Sword Saint think that way, but. 'Well, none of my business.' I led the conversation again without batting an eye. “Do as you please. However, do not interfere with what I am doing.” “Ah. Don’t worry about that.” The self-centered energy returned to the Sword Saint's face. Sylvia spoke with a blank face. “I can walk while sleeping, you know.” “...” 'That sounds like Narcolepsy.' An irreverent thought crossed my mind, but I decided to keep it to myself for the sake of the Sword Saint's honor. * I opened the door and stepped out, with the Sword Saint dozing beside me. The peculiar thing is, she had reached out with her small hand and was firmly gripping my forearm. Should I consider it extraordinary that she could walk perfectly fine while gripping my arm, even while dozing? 'Why waste such outstanding talent on something like this.' Shortly after the Sword Saint and I started walking, I quickly spotted the Head Maid. She was waiting, standing perfectly still. She likely had no intention of leaving until she delivered the message she mentioned for me. Indeed, as expected of the Head Maid, she understood well how to treat a superior. “Your Highness.” The Head Maid noticed me and turned. Despite witnessing the shocking situation just moments ago, her face remained completely composed. 'Impressive.' Proof that she was not new to her role as Academy Head Maid. However. “It pains me to say this, but it seems Your Highness and the Sword Saint possess a certain radiant glow. I am relieved to think you must have had a good time...” “Enough. Do not misunderstand.” Thinking we had engaged in some affair, her attempt to offer congratulations was unbearable. I cut her off sharply. “Head Maid, I am aware of how the scene you witnessed might appear, but it is vastly different from what you are thinking. Understood?” “Yes. I understand. My apologies.” The Head Maid immediately corrected her posture and bowed her head. I didn't know whether she truly understood my words, or simply thought she shouldn't mention it further in front of me, the Prince. Regardless, it was a relief that she wouldn't bring up this topic again. Someone of the Head Maid's stature wouldn't gossip lightly. I changed the subject. The information the Head Maid brought was important. “So, what is the information you have for me? Was that not why you came all this way?” At my words, the Head Maid immediately bowed deeply and began relaying the gathered information clearly. “First, I shall report the incident outside the Academy that is most likely to be helpful to Your Highness.” “Speak.” “Are you familiar with the Boderode County, located near the Academy?” The Boderode Family. A page turned in my memory. It was a name I had heard while residing in the Imperial Palace. I confirmed the quickly recalled information with the Head Maid. “The Knight Family that managed the Demon Sealing Stone. Is that correct?” Demon Sealing Stone. A stone that serves to seal and bind evil power. It requires periodic maintenance to prevent the seal from breaking. Customarily, influential organizations would take on this role, as it was too much for ordinary people. “As you say. However, it is said that recently the seal on the Demon Sealing Stone has weakened, and a sinister energy is leaking out.” “Hmm.” “Due to its influence, demonic beasts frequently appear in the lands managed by the Boderode Family, causing trouble for the residents.” And the conclusion is that the Special Class can achieve merits by resolving this problem. 'Not bad.' It wasn't far from the Academy, so there was no burden of traveling a long distance. Dealing with demonic beasts would be easy work for the members of the Special Class. Especially, no one was better suited than the Saintess for inspecting the Demon Sealing Stone's seal. 'Truly appropriate.' This task was perfectly suited for this moment. I praised the Head Maid for the valuable information. “Well done. Head Maid.” “It is my honor.” “Is there any other information?” Although it didn't matter much since I had already achieved my goal, I asked to be more thorough. The Head Maid paused for a few seconds before opening her mouth. “One noteworthy point is the rumor of the ‘Knight Hunter.’” “The Knight Hunter, is it? Quite an arrogant title.” Knight was not a position just anyone could hold. Only those with deep knowledge of weapons, especially the sword, could be called a Knight. Their skill must be at least first-rate, typically reaching the peak. To ‘hunt’ such Knights, hmm. My eyes deepened as I pressed the Head Maid for information. “Tell me more. What kind of person is this Knight Hunter?” “A Villain who has been stirring up the world for months. I hear he seeks out Knights, challenges them, and murders every single one.” “Hmm.” “There are even claims that he wiped out an entire Knight Family, we are currently verifying the exact truth of this.” If that was true, he was no ordinary foe. A Knight Family commanded numerous martial artists, roughly ranging from third-rate to peak level. To seek out such a place and completely exterminate the family? I understood why the Head Maid had hesitated to mention this information earlier. “Indeed. So, the Knight Hunter’s recent whereabouts were likely near the Boderode Family, explaining your warning.” “That is correct. Knowing you intended to go to the Boderode Family, I hesitated to speak, fearing it might hinder Your Highness's plans.” 'Hmm.' Certainly, encountering such a dangerous villain could lead to trouble. But I spoke without hesitation. “Head Maid, do not worry. I cannot miss an opportunity out of fear of a villain I may or may not even meet.” “...” “Even if we were to encounter him, with my classmates and I combined, we will not be easily defeated. You can rest assured.” “I shall trust and follow Your Highness's bold decision.” “Good. You may withdraw now.” The Head Maid bowed deeply and departed without making a sound. I watched her retreating back silently, then spoke to the Sword Saint dozing beside me. “Sword Saint.” “...” “Sword Saint, please answer.” At the repeated prodding, the Sword Saint rubbed her eyes and replied. “Ugh... Why’d you wake me.” “Did you hear the conversation just now?” “Yawn. Well, roughly.” “You seemed asleep, but you were listening.” “For now. Since it’s related to you.” I once again confirmed Sylvia’s intentions. “You truly have no intention of joining us, correct?” “Of course. No intention of going.” “Understood.” Having finished the conversation, the Sword Saint immediately fell back asleep. Watching her, I mentally removed Sylvia from the list of people going to the Boderode Family. What remained were Linette and Adella. Of these two, Linette must accompany us. The Saintess is necessary to investigate the Demon Sealing Stone's seal. Then there's only one person left to meet. 'Let's go meet Adella.' Just as I thought that and started walking. Suddenly, Sylvia opened her eyes slightly and whispered to me. “But Laurent, I’m curious about something.” “Yes. What is it?” “What’s a radiant glow? Why did she say that looking at us?” “...” For a moment, I was speechless. I hadn't expected her to pinpoint that directly. “Hmm.” What should I answer? No matter how I racked my brain, a suitable answer didn't come to mind. Ultimately, after finishing my deliberation, the words that came out of my mouth were a postponement. “You will understand when you are older.” “?” Unable to meet the eyes of the Sword Saint, who tilted her head blankly. The two of us walked in silence. “...” But in a corner of my mind, 'Perhaps the Sword Pavilion doesn't teach about relationships?' I felt genuinely concerned for the Sword Saint's future marriage prospects.

The Smoking Saintess (15)