Chapter 290, Please Endure, Older Brother (1)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

During one’s life, there would be at least one day when one prepares for death.

 

If someone were to say such a thing to Kalian, one would be able to see the pretty sight of those large eyes blankly blinking. When he had lived as Bern, almost every single day had been such a day, and on the final day he eventually faced, he had also prepared for death. So such a day being ‘at least once’ was not something to speak of so solemnly.

 

The Old Kalian’s life had been the same. Every single day spent secretly entering and leaving the Royal Archives while keeping it secret even from Ian and learning Magic alone. It had been like crossing a single-rope bridge suspended between windy valleys for the Old Kalian.

 

Since that was the case, how could the way the current Kalian lived his life be any different?

 

Therefore, Kalian had prepared for death without much deliberation.

 

How could he have the heart to survive after severing someone’s breath without being prepared to die himself? Therefore, he had naturally prepared himself, as naturally as breathing, or blinking his eyes, or swallowing the saliva in his mouth. And he had said it.

 

“This time, I will keep you alive.”

 

“No.”

 

But he said no.

 

Kalian understood very well, quite remarkably, that this was not an answer to an instruction to wait.

 

“…I’m not someone who will die trying to protect older brother. I won’t die.”

 

“I know.”

 

Was it an assertion with any conviction?

 

To his younger brother’s words, which were difficult to gauge as truth or not, Plants immediately conveyed his reply.

 

Since it was the answer of Plants, who was smarter than anyone, Kalian smiled faintly, thinking that the words about not dying were probably true after all. It was because he wondered where Plants had learnt the strange talent of turning contradictory words spat out by someone who habitually prepared to die into truths.

 

After that, in the short time it took for the five tensed swordsmen to take one step closer, the two brothers’ conversation proceeded rapidly.

 

“Until now, older brother has only injured someone’s body once. When I told you to address me properly, you suddenly threw a knife while eating.”

 

“…I know.”

 

“I was hurt. I still have a scar, and I won’t forget it until I die.”

 

“I know.”

 

Even in the midst of all this, his mouth moved so well despite his body in such a state.

 

Kalian, who had been watching the Knights slowly approaching rather than moving away, their faces tense, whether they had no intention of fleeing or had noticed Kalian’s physical condition, spoke in a somewhat lower voice.

 

“It will be very different from that time. You won’t be able to forget how different it is until you die.”

 

“I know.”

 

Thanks to his mind starting to flicker, Kalian took a deep breath, having almost snapped and said, ‘even Raven speaks in two different ways. Purreuk, purung.’ He then addressed his older brother, who would never know he had been treated as having less linguistic ability than Raven, once more.

 

“Sure.”

 

Actually, moving his body right now was difficult. After dealing with those five in front, his body might just stop when he needed to still deal with the two Warriors behind. So, if Plants just holds off those five swordsmen, he could deal with the two Warriors behind. Arsene would come, and they can just face the rest easily after that.

 

“Don’t die.”

 

Short words.

 

They were short words containing many words. Since it was such short words, clever Plants would understand well what meaning was contained within.

 

Kalian tapped the ground once with the tip of his foot.

 

After awakening his sinking body once, he kicked the ground again. Harder and stronger than just before.

 

*Thud!*

 

One black shadow slipped into the deep darkness.

 

The afterimage of the sword emitting red light and the scent of blood carrying the same light lingered briefly before soon disappearing.

 

Plants slowly closed and opened both eyes.

 

He recognised that the five swordsmen before him were the ‘real enemy’. He properly acknowledged that this situation was not the fake battle he had engaged in facing his younger brother or Valkan’s members.

 

Strength entered the hands gripping the two swords of different colours.

 

The two swords that contained the same stars but emitted completely different light began to trace their first trajectory.

 

*Claaaang!*

 

The sound of distant predators driving their claws into each other burst forth like a roar.

 

The second battle had begun.

 

* * *

 

Not even once had Kalian forced anything.

 

Not only had he never forced anything, but he had also never pressed. He had instructed them to proceed as they could without overdoing it, proceeding as possible, and if it was difficult, it was fine to take detours.

 

This was about the construction of Cyries’ Teleportation Magic Circles.

 

Rachel had constructed Magic Circles in places where Rmain’s permission had been granted. After construction was completed, she moved to another location and repeated the same work. As a result, she moved around various places across the vast land of Cyries, carrying out her work.

 

Euria was unexpectedly experiencing the unforeseen result that had arisen from this situation. And already for the second time…

 

“They said it was the fastest speed, and it’s really fast. I’ve heard from the brat once before, but I didn’t know it was this fast.”

 

“I’ve become much faster than when His Highness went to his Roselita. I’ve been going here and there to set up Magic Circles, but even if I like going around, time is still precious. So, it ended up like this.”

 

Rachel’s own speed at work had become incredibly proficient.

 

Although Kalian had never once requested rapid work, given Rachel’s personality of being unable to handle work leisurely, this was an achievement gained from trying to at least reduce the time consumed in travel.

 

“Thanks to that, it seems we arrived without being late. Seeing them swarming together like that, it looks like they’re about to do something.”

 

“Indeed. It does look that way.”

 

“But I don’t understand why this country’s King is trying to eliminate the Elf Forest. What will he do if he faces retaliation?”

 

“The Elves living here don’t receive the Mother Tree’s protection. Secritia has never been reached by the Mother Tree’s power in the first place. Since there’s nothing for Secritia to lose except for one forest disappearing, and if they need something more important than this forest, why would they not do it?”

 

“Then I’m curious why Prince Kalian is bothering to stop it.”

 

“Well. I don’t really know that much either.”

 

What would Debeullan do now?

 

After finishing the conversation with Debeullan and leaving, Kalian had continued to think about it. What would be the weakness of Kalian that Debeullan could most easily grasp right now? Without taking great risks, what could serve not only as a light warning to Kalian but also take other gains in the process?

 

Brigit Forest.

 

The place where his mother had spent her childhood, the place he had told Debeullan was precious to Kalian. Debeullan would have clearly seen that this was not a lie.

 

If something happened to the Elves here, Great Elder Narzan would immediately withdraw from Cyries and try to negotiate with Secritia again. Therefore, whether the objective was to take away Kalian’s precious place, or the healers were the objective, or repaying Rmain’s amusing letter by taking away one of Cyries’ great gains was the objective, or obtaining all of it. He thought of what Debeullan would target right now, which would be Brigit Forest.

 

As a result of that thought, he had originally intended to send Euria and Eila to the forest. While Eila might not know where Brigit Forest was, in any case, she was someone who had lived in Secritia, so he thought she would be helpful in finding that place.

 

‘Where are you going?’

 

‘The sea.’

 

‘Why go there? It’ll be night soon.’

 

‘It’ll be my birthday by the time we arrive at the sea.’

 

Then Plants had suddenly been stubborn.

 

Kalian knew that Secritia Nobles had approached Plants. In addition to that, he also knew that Debeullan would try to harm him somehow and had conveyed that fact to Plants as well. But Plants had suddenly said to go to the sea and then summoned Euria and Rachel.

 

Euria, the strongest among the group excluding Kalian, and Rachel, who could move Euria quickly. What work would require them? After thinking about it, he came to think that perhaps Plants intended to have someone attack Kalian.

 

He had moderately grasped Plants’ plan.

 

Because Plants was clever and Kalian was experienced.

 

If Kalian truly faced danger from someone and Chase somehow heard news of it, it was obvious that Chase would not try to remain within the Royal Palace. Therefore, Kalian first summoned Kyrie and conveyed the instruction to prevent Chase from leaving the Royal Palace. He also did not forget to instruct Arsene to tie down Euria and Rachel’s feet and follow to the place where the sea was, to watch over Plants.

 

After that, to stop Debeullan’s plan, he sent Euria, and changing his thinking slightly, sent Rachel together instead of Eila. It was partly because he recalled that Rachel had also been to Secritia, and partly because another use had arisen for Eila, who knew the interior of the Royal Palace well.

 

“Whatever the reason, we have to do the assigned task first. Euria.”

 

“Yes. We must.”

 

The place where the two Mages stood was on top of a sturdy tree inside the forest.

 

They could see the appearance of numerous soldiers beginning to close in gradually, surrounding the not-large forest as if to encircle it.

 

“Don’t forget what he told us to be careful about.”

 

“Yes. It’s been too long since I handled things without killing anyone, but I won’t forget.”

 

“Good. The bastards have started moving, so I’ll gradually head to the back of the forest.”

 

“Yes. Be careful.”

 

“All right.”

 

“Oh. Shall we have a drink after we finish our work before going back?”

 

“Sounds good.”

 

Rachel, who had lightly replied and nodded, teleported below the tree. Then she mounted her horse again and galloped to the opposite side of the forest. It seemed better for Euria and her to each take half of the forest, so fleet-footed Rachel had decided to set Euria down and go to the opposite side of the forest.

 

‘His Highness said that if Secritia’s soldiers attack Brigit Forest, to please stop them. It doesn’t matter if you’re seen by the soldiers, but you must not kill anyone. He also said it’s fine as long as they don’t die, so please keep that in mind.’

 

Euria, who had confirmed that Rachel’s presence had quickly distanced itself, recalled the precautions Kyrie had conveyed. Thinking that she quite liked those last words, a faint smile crossed Euria’s lips.

 

*Crackle crackle!*

 

Magic Power concentrated at both of Euria’s fingertips. The rippling energy of water created in one hand set out to find water veins in the ground, while intense violet sparks gathered in the other hand.

 

Then a moment later, on the opposite side of the forest.

 

Rachel, who had been silently watching the sudden energy of lightning swirling in the distant sky, loosened her body by rolling her shoulders, which had become stiff from riding. Then she stretched both palms out flat towards the ground. After finishing her preparations in this way, she concentrated on the flow of Mana while gauging the distance to the gathering soldiers.

 

Magic Power gathered.

 

The Magic Power that gathered through her heart to her arms and hands began to move according to Rachel’s will.

 

*Saaaaa…*

 

The wind did not blow, but the tree branches shook.

 

The dry leaves that had not yet fallen all fell to the ground at once, making a rustling sound. The birds that had been sleeping soundly through the night in nests on bare branches flew up in alarm.

 

The trees shook and the forest trembled.

 

*Rummmble…*

 

The earth’s cry continued.

 

* * *

 

He had scoffed.

 

How strong could the sword of a Prince who had been standing as if asleep within his younger brother’s shield until now be? Such a thought had occurred, so it was inevitable that the man had looked down upon the two swords of the Prince who had been silently watching him with that porcelain doll-like expressionless face.

 

*Crack!*

 

[Now!]

 

Even at the moment of twisting and extracting the two swords that had severed a throat and carved up a heart, while looking at those light green eyes that contained absolutely nothing, there was nothing he could do about the belated regret for a mistaken judgement.

 

*Thud!*

 

While quickly retrieving the swords so they would not be dragged along with the body of the corpse falling after losing its life, Plants selected his next target.

 

For a very brief moment, he thought it was not as terrible as expected. He did not know exactly why the sensation felt at his fingertips was not so terrible, but it was so.

 

Was it ultimately because he too was of the Beurisen Bloodline? Or was it because he had imagined and resolved countless times that such a thing would happen someday, telling himself not to waver?

 

*Clang! Clangg!

 

Without time for deep thought even with that quick mind, he put strength into his right hand once more while gripping the sword in his left hand. Then he blocked the sword strikes of two swordsmen flying in from both sides.

 

Something warm that had splattered on his fingertips rapidly cooled and dripped to the ground. That too was less terrible than expected, so Plants continued to let flow the killing intent towards his opponent without withdrawing it.

 

The one who had been furthest back amongst the four Warriors kicked off and charged in.

 

Plants crossed his two swords to block the next attack, then extracted the lower of the two and stabbed towards the swordsman before him. He felt the edge of his opponent’s flesh tear, but it was not deep. Knowing this, he leapt back to create some distance. Then, he charged again towards the one standing furthest back.

 

*Clangg!*

 

He was not yet fully accustomed to the two swords. However, not being accustomed did not mean he could not handle them.

 

Since he had handled swords well from the beginning, he did not feel much difficulty in moving the two swords in different ways. Kalian had not explained that the reason was also due to his very clever mind. Because even if he told him, it would only increase his unnecessary thoughts.

 

*Clang! Claang!*

 

After glancing at the fight between one and two continuing in the distance with red light moving chaotically, Plants moved his feet again.

 

After dodging the attacks pouring in from four directions, he swung his arm to strike them away. Because he was using a sword heavier than Cinnastar and could not retrieve it in time, he thrust both swords together into the fleeting gap left open.

 

The sensation he had experienced once lingered at his fingertips, and the light disappeared from the opponent’s eyes. Feeling no need to confirm it, Plants drew his swords out again. A red droplet formed on the black characters and fell with a plop.

 

Immediately turning back, he searched for the next opponent.

 

*Clang! Clangg!*

 

He repeated blocking and deflecting the extending swords, stabbing and slashing. He felt his arm, cut by someone’s blade that had grazed past at some point, burning, but he tried not to let it bother him. Instead, he concentrated a bit more to aim for any opening his opponent gave.

 

Without being greedy, he dealt with them one at a time.

 

While absolutely not missing any gap.

 

The remaining three exchanged glances amongst themselves and then took one step back. Taking advantage of that gap, Plants looked towards where Kalian was in the distance.

 

One against one.

 

[Looks like he had already gotten one.]

 

Thinking that he was still a terribly insane bastard, Plants gripped both swords firmly. But then…

 

*Flicker.*

 

He saw one of the two red lights visible in the distance suddenly flickering on and off.

 

Plants knew well what that meant. If he was not careful, even if he went to Beurisen and declared he would not keep a cat, the matter of Plants’ heart being squeezed would disappear.

 

“…Ha.”

 

[Three in front, one far back. Which should I attend to first?]

 

The deliberation was not long.

 

*Thud!*

 

Plants turned his back on the three opponents. And ran. Like that day sometime ago, except this time towards where his younger brother was instead of his mother.

 

He heard the footsteps of the swordsmen running after him from behind, and he saw his younger brother, the bastard, who had been smiling with a face about to die and disappear, turn his eyes towards Plants.

 

“Kalian.”

 

The bright red eyes widened.

 

“…Catch.”

 

The footsteps behind him drew closer. He paid no attention. He threw the sword in one hand towards Kalian.

 

Then he turned back again.

 

The swords of the three swordsmen who had approached closely struck down all at once. He raised the one remaining sword to block.

 

Two were blocked and one was missed. He twisted his waist to dodge. The burning pain was felt once more. He ignored it. He moved his arm and swung. He deflected two swords and gripped the sword to block one.

 

He released the strength from the hand gripping the sword.

 

He had learnt of Kalian’s style. He caught the sword plummeting to the ground again with his left hand.

 

The one who had been putting strength into his sword against Plants’ sword lost his support and staggered. Using that opening, Plants pierced the opponent’s heart.

 

*Claaaang! Clangg! *Clang!**

 

The sound of two beasts from the same den attacking each other was heard again beside Plants. An ear-splitting roar rang out, and he had the illusion that the forest was shaking. Not paying attention to any of that, he gripped the sword in his right hand again.

 

Plants’ sword, which had been stabbing into the solar plexus of one of the two, was blocked. The opponent caught Plants’ sword not with his sword but with his gloved hand. Because it was a sword as thin and light as dividing two swords in half, it was caught that easily. The opponent then swung the sword in his remaining hand.

 

He tried to extract the caught Cinnastar to block, but it was not easy.

 

If there had been another sword, he could have easily struck that hand away, but that was now in Kalian’s hand.

 

Plants considered releasing the sword and dodging again, but another’s sword flew in. Even in this moment, his clever mind instantly informed him of its judgement.

 

[There is no way to dodge.]

 

*Shiiik!*

 

He absurdly thought, [Will I die in a place like this and ultimately bring war to this land again?]

 

*Scrape!*

 

At that moment, the swordsman’s grip was severed.

 

A scream rang painfully in his ears, and someone’s hand grabbed Plants’ shoulder and pulled him back.

 

“No.”

 

An answer to his soundless soliloquy was heard.

 

His younger brother, who had run over at some point, was blocking the way before him again.

 

In Kalian’s hand, now facing three swords, was a blue-silver sword that held an unsteady flickering Aura.

 

Having made another assertion without conviction, Kalian moved his arm.

 

Two swords of the swordsmen, one sword of the Warrior. They flew in. Kalian extended his sword. The scent of blood was thick, and red light flickered. Four swords rushed towards each other.

 

Metal made a sound as if being scraped by something.

 

*Screeech!*

 

It was not the sharp noise made by blades tangling with each other. The four swords did not tangle with each other. No one died.

 

Four swords blocked by a thick wall of ice came into view.

 

“…You’re late.”

 

The crazy blue-haired Mage had finally arrived.