Chapter 51
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Chapter 51:
Illusionary Pain was a phenomenon where one felt pain in an area that hadn’t been physically injured.
Usually, it occurred in missing body parts due to accidents or injuries, but surprisingly, Philip was suffering from illusionary pain all over his body, despite not having any physical injuries.
“... Ugh.”
His neck and heart were particularly affected.
Neria’s first owner had a kind personality and didn’t enjoy causing pain to others. However, almost all attacks were focused on the neck and heart, areas that could instantly kill a person. Despite being aware of the situation, Philip couldn’t react and had to endure the pain without moving.
‘... Why don’t we explore other options? This approach is too barbaric. Who practices like this? You might end up with a mental illness.’
“But there’s no other choice. I’ve already submitted a letter requesting a duel trial to the royal family.”
‘Well, can’t you just say that the cat accidentally sent it?’
“Does that even make sense?”
‘What else can we do? Your current actions are even more nonsensical. Are you planning to leave Neria as a masterless sword? Neria can’t help you even if you throw challenges at her since she doesn’t have arms or legs!’
“Please refrain from saying such things. Understood?”
In truth, Philip knew that Neria had a point. Simply immersing himself in training might not guarantee an improvement in his skills.
“But what if Count Elloy refuses your duel request? What will you do then?”
“That won’t happen. If the purpose is to provoke a war, they can’t miss the chance to lawfully kill Oswald’s child.”
That was how duels worked in this world. The royal family’s observer would preside over the duel, and even if someone died during the trial, no physical confrontation could occur on the spot.
Even if Philip were to lose and die in the duel trial, the Oswald family wouldn’t be able to take any immediate action.
‘They’ll immediately prepare for war. Then Count Eloy will easily achieve his goal.’
Philip nodded, considering that possibility.
“I’ve thought about it again, and it’s the same. He’ll definitely show up. Whether he comes out in person or hires a champion to fight for him, Count Eloy will attend the duel trial. He might die even before that.”
‘... I wish he would get struck by lightning and die. Or maybe he falls into the toilet and dies.’
Philip chuckled at Neria’s joke.
“If things could be solved so easily, how great would that be? It would be nice if someone kills Count Eloy without anyone noticing. If that happens, I feel like I would grant any request.”
Mumbling like that, Philip embraced Neria and closed his eyes. It was time to enter the virtual space to train.
Little did he know that a black cat was quietly listening to everything from within his shadow.
“... Mew.”
While Philip’s consciousness was in Neria’s space, Tania quietly emerged from his shadow.
While black cats could usually pass through shadows, being able to hide within a shadow was a rare ability among the black cat tribe.
It required inheriting the strong blood of past chieftains or being born with exceptional talent.
But, Tania had both of them.
Tania gracefully navigated her way through the shadowy thicket, and emerged from the mansion. Her short arms and legs moved with purpose, leading her towards the western domain of the Count Eloy.
—
In the household of the Count Eloy, Milah, a devoted maid, was diligently preparing lunch.
Renowned for her culinary skills in the village, Milah had inherited her mother’s talents, which allowed her to serve in the bustling yet manageable kitchen.
“Milah! You heedless girl! We’re running short of radish juice for the roasted duck! If you can’t even manage such details, I’ll reprimand you right away!”
The supervisor’s reproachful words echoed as Milah stirred the fragrant soup.
Milah pursed her lips. The supervisor’s tendency to blame her for any mishap involving precious ingredients like radish juice had become all too familiar, even when she couldn’t access them.
‘How am I supposed to anticipate shortages of ingredients I can’t even lay my eyes on?’
“... Very well! I’ll prepare it immediately.”
With a swift motion, the supervisor tossed two radishes in Milah’s direction. While she successfully caught one, the other met her petite head with a gentle thud.
“Tania? She’s known to disappear every now and then, isn’t she?”
Lua shook her head at Philip’s words.
“I’ve thoroughly searched all the places Tania frequents, but she’s nowhere to be seen. What if she’s fallen into the hands of someone malicious?”
While Philip could confidently dismiss the likelihood, he preferred that Lua remained unaware of Tania’s assassin origins.
“There’s no one in this vicinity who would stoop to that, so perhaps she paid a visit to Priscilla, the Instructor of the Magic Department. I took her there once, and they seemed to have established quite the rapport.”
Upon hearing this, Lua’s demeanor shifted towards relief. She was well aware that Philip’s judgment was rarely amiss.
“If she doesn’t reappear by tomorrow, we’ll initiate a search. Given her nature as a black cat, locating her should prove to be a swift task...”
In the midst of his sentence, Philip’s attention was seized by the sound of a window being unlatched.
“Meow.”
It was Tania, the kitten, entering through the window, playfully employing her front paws.
“Look who’s here, Tania.”
“Tania!”
Lua promptly cradled Tania in her arms, and it didn’t take long for her to realize that the feline held something in her mouth.
“Tania, what do you have there?”
It was a small, gleaming object.
“It’s a ring. Where did she come across this?”
Philip extended his hand, carefully extracting the ring from Tania’s grasp. She offered no resistance. After a thorough examination, Philip blinked.
“... A noble family’s signet ring, it appears. This isn’t an item one misplaces easily.”
While the identity of the absent-minded noble remained a mystery, they were undoubtedly entangled in a rather delicate situation.
“Huh?”
Philip was suddenly struck by a peculiar sense of familiarity as he gazed upon the emblem etched onto the ring. Almost immediately, beads of cool sweat formed on his brow.
“This... it’s the insignia of Count Eloy, isn’t it?”
How on earth did it end up adorning Tania’s collar?
Philip regarded Tania with a look akin to seeing a specter.
“Miyaa, meow.”
Tania simply swayed her tail and nestled serenely, as if silently seeking approval.
“... Lua, could you stay in the room for a moment? Bring Tania here. I’ll summon you again shortly.”
Having temporarily ushered Lua away, Philip clasped Tania’s flank and aligned her with his line of sight.
“What in the world is this? Where on earth did you come across this?”
The emblem of a noble lineage was an item that should never fall into the hands of others.
Even in the direst circumstances, the insignia or banner couldn’t be wrested away if the eldest son was captured by the enemy. Most vigilant nobles were accustomed to wearing their insignia rings even as they slumbered.
If someone had indeed taken the emblem ring, it must have been filched while he slept...
“You wished he were dead. And so I ended his life.”
Tania confirmed Lua’s complete disappearance and finally spoke. Her demeanor was akin to that of a clever child who had adeptly carried out an errand and now sought recognition through a display of innocence.
“... Um... yes, you did well.”
After contemplating for a while, Philip forced a smile, embraced her gently, and stroked her side.
The path forward remained uncertain, but there was no denying that she had acted commendably.
——-
Apologies. I was busy with Real Life stuff, so the delay.
There will be another release to compensate the loss. So happy reading.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 51:
Illusionary Pain was a phenomenon where one felt pain in an area that hadn’t been physically injured.
Usually, it occurred in missing body parts due to accidents or injuries, but surprisingly, Philip was suffering from illusionary pain all over his body, despite not having any physical injuries.
“... Ugh.”
His neck and heart were particularly affected.
Neria’s first owner had a kind personality and didn’t enjoy causing pain to others. However, almost all attacks were focused on the neck and heart, areas that could instantly kill a person. Despite being aware of the situation, Philip couldn’t react and had to endure the pain without moving.
‘... Why don’t we explore other options? This approach is too barbaric. Who practices like this? You might end up with a mental illness.’
“But there’s no other choice. I’ve already submitted a letter requesting a duel trial to the royal family.”
‘Well, can’t you just say that the cat accidentally sent it?’
“Does that even make sense?”
‘What else can we do? Your current actions are even more nonsensical. Are you planning to leave Neria as a masterless sword? Neria can’t help you even if you throw challenges at her since she doesn’t have arms or legs!’
“Please refrain from saying such things. Understood?”
In truth, Philip knew that Neria had a point. Simply immersing himself in training might not guarantee an improvement in his skills.
“But what if Count Elloy refuses your duel request? What will you do then?”
“That won’t happen. If the purpose is to provoke a war, they can’t miss the chance to lawfully kill Oswald’s child.”
That was how duels worked in this world. The royal family’s observer would preside over the duel, and even if someone died during the trial, no physical confrontation could occur on the spot.
Even if Philip were to lose and die in the duel trial, the Oswald family wouldn’t be able to take any immediate action.
‘They’ll immediately prepare for war. Then Count Eloy will easily achieve his goal.’
Philip nodded, considering that possibility.
“I’ve thought about it again, and it’s the same. He’ll definitely show up. Whether he comes out in person or hires a champion to fight for him, Count Eloy will attend the duel trial. He might die even before that.”
‘... I wish he would get struck by lightning and die. Or maybe he falls into the toilet and dies.’
Philip chuckled at Neria’s joke.
“If things could be solved so easily, how great would that be? It would be nice if someone kills Count Eloy without anyone noticing. If that happens, I feel like I would grant any request.”
Mumbling like that, Philip embraced Neria and closed his eyes. It was time to enter the virtual space to train.
Little did he know that a black cat was quietly listening to everything from within his shadow.
“... Mew.”
While Philip’s consciousness was in Neria’s space, Tania quietly emerged from his shadow.
While black cats could usually pass through shadows, being able to hide within a shadow was a rare ability among the black cat tribe.
It required inheriting the strong blood of past chieftains or being born with exceptional talent.
But, Tania had both of them.
Tania gracefully navigated her way through the shadowy thicket, and emerged from the mansion. Her short arms and legs moved with purpose, leading her towards the western domain of the Count Eloy.
—
In the household of the Count Eloy, Milah, a devoted maid, was diligently preparing lunch.
Renowned for her culinary skills in the village, Milah had inherited her mother’s talents, which allowed her to serve in the bustling yet manageable kitchen.
“Milah! You heedless girl! We’re running short of radish juice for the roasted duck! If you can’t even manage such details, I’ll reprimand you right away!”
The supervisor’s reproachful words echoed as Milah stirred the fragrant soup.
Milah pursed her lips. The supervisor’s tendency to blame her for any mishap involving precious ingredients like radish juice had become all too familiar, even when she couldn’t access them.
‘How am I supposed to anticipate shortages of ingredients I can’t even lay my eyes on?’
“... Very well! I’ll prepare it immediately.”
With a swift motion, the supervisor tossed two radishes in Milah’s direction. While she successfully caught one, the other met her petite head with a gentle thud.
“Tania? She’s known to disappear every now and then, isn’t she?”
Lua shook her head at Philip’s words.
“I’ve thoroughly searched all the places Tania frequents, but she’s nowhere to be seen. What if she’s fallen into the hands of someone malicious?”
While Philip could confidently dismiss the likelihood, he preferred that Lua remained unaware of Tania’s assassin origins.
“There’s no one in this vicinity who would stoop to that, so perhaps she paid a visit to Priscilla, the Instructor of the Magic Department. I took her there once, and they seemed to have established quite the rapport.”
Upon hearing this, Lua’s demeanor shifted towards relief. She was well aware that Philip’s judgment was rarely amiss.
“If she doesn’t reappear by tomorrow, we’ll initiate a search. Given her nature as a black cat, locating her should prove to be a swift task...”
In the midst of his sentence, Philip’s attention was seized by the sound of a window being unlatched.
“Meow.”
It was Tania, the kitten, entering through the window, playfully employing her front paws.
“Look who’s here, Tania.”
“Tania!”
Lua promptly cradled Tania in her arms, and it didn’t take long for her to realize that the feline held something in her mouth.
“Tania, what do you have there?”
It was a small, gleaming object.
“It’s a ring. Where did she come across this?”
Philip extended his hand, carefully extracting the ring from Tania’s grasp. She offered no resistance. After a thorough examination, Philip blinked.
“... A noble family’s signet ring, it appears. This isn’t an item one misplaces easily.”
While the identity of the absent-minded noble remained a mystery, they were undoubtedly entangled in a rather delicate situation.
“Huh?”
Philip was suddenly struck by a peculiar sense of familiarity as he gazed upon the emblem etched onto the ring. Almost immediately, beads of cool sweat formed on his brow.
“This... it’s the insignia of Count Eloy, isn’t it?”
How on earth did it end up adorning Tania’s collar?
Philip regarded Tania with a look akin to seeing a specter.
“Miyaa, meow.”
Tania simply swayed her tail and nestled serenely, as if silently seeking approval.
“... Lua, could you stay in the room for a moment? Bring Tania here. I’ll summon you again shortly.”
Having temporarily ushered Lua away, Philip clasped Tania’s flank and aligned her with his line of sight.
“What in the world is this? Where on earth did you come across this?”
The emblem of a noble lineage was an item that should never fall into the hands of others.
Even in the direst circumstances, the insignia or banner couldn’t be wrested away if the eldest son was captured by the enemy. Most vigilant nobles were accustomed to wearing their insignia rings even as they slumbered.
If someone had indeed taken the emblem ring, it must have been filched while he slept...
“You wished he were dead. And so I ended his life.”
Tania confirmed Lua’s complete disappearance and finally spoke. Her demeanor was akin to that of a clever child who had adeptly carried out an errand and now sought recognition through a display of innocence.
“... Um... yes, you did well.”
After contemplating for a while, Philip forced a smile, embraced her gently, and stroked her side.
The path forward remained uncertain, but there was no denying that she had acted commendably.
——-
Apologies. I was busy with Real Life stuff, so the delay.
There will be another release to compensate the loss. So happy reading.
Chapter 51:Illusionary Pain was a phenomenon where one felt pain in an area that hadn't been physically injured.Usually, it occurred in missing body parts due to accidents or injuries, but surprisingly, Philip was suffering from illusionary pain all over his body, despite not having any physical injuries.... Ugh.His neck and heart were particularly affected.Neria's first owner had a kind personality and didn't enjoy causing pain to others. However, almost all attacks were focused on the neck and heart, areas that could instantly kill a person. Despite being aware of the situation, Philip couldn't react and had to endure the pain without moving.... Why don't we explore other options? This approach is too barbaric. Who practices like this? You might end up with a mental illness.'But there's no other choice. I've already submitted a letter requesting a duel trial to the royal family.Well, can't you just say that the cat accidentally sent it?'Does that even make sense?What else can we do? Your current actions are even more nonsensical. Are you planning to leave Neria as a masterless sword? Neria can't help you even if you throw challenges at her since she doesn't have arms or legs!'Please refrain from saying such things. Understood?In truth, Philip knew that Neria had a point. Simply immersing himself in training might not guarantee an improvement in his skills.But what if Count Elloy refuses your duel request? What will you do then?That won't happen. If the purpose is to provoke a war, they can't miss the chance to lawfully kill Oswald's child.That was how duels worked in this world. The royal family's observer would preside over the duel, and even if someone died during the trial, no physical confrontation could occur on the spot.Even if Philip were to lose and die in the duel trial, the Oswald family wouldn't be able to take any immediate action.They'll immediately prepare for war. Then Count Eloy will easily achieve his goal.'Philip nodded, considering that possibility.I've thought about it again, and it's the same. He'll definitely show up. Whether he comes out in person or hires a champion to fight for him, Count Eloy will attend the duel trial. He might die even before that.... I wish he would get struck by lightning and die. Or maybe he falls into the toilet and dies.'Philip chuckled at Neria's joke.If things could be solved so easily, how great would that be? It would be nice if someone kills Count Eloy without anyone noticing. If that happens, I feel like I would grant any request.Mumbling like that, Philip embraced Neria and closed his eyes. It was time to enter the virtual space to train.Little did he know that a black cat was quietly listening to everything from within his shadow.... Mew.While Philip's consciousness was in Neria's space, Tania quietly emerged from his shadow.While black cats could usually pass through shadows, being able to hide within a shadow was a rare ability among the black cat tribe.It required inheriting the strong blood of past chieftains or being born with exceptional talent.But, Tania had both of them.Tania gracefully navigated her way through the shadowy thicket, and emerged from the mansion. Her short arms and legs moved with purpose, leading her towards the western domain of the Count Eloy.In the household of the Count Eloy, Milah, a devoted maid, was diligently preparing lunch.Renowned for her culinary skills in the village, Milah had inherited her mother's talents, which allowed her to serve in the bustling yet manageable kitchen.Milah! You heedless girl! We're running short of radish juice for the roasted duck! If you can't even manage such details, I'll reprimand you right away!The supervisor's reproachful words echoed as Milah stirred the fragrant soup.Milah pursed her lips. The supervisor's tendency to blame her for any mishap involving precious ingredients like radish juice had become all too familiar, even when she couldn't access them.How am I supposed to anticipate shortages of ingredients I can't even lay my eyes on?'... Very well! I'll prepare it immediately.With a swift motion, the supervisor tossed two radishes in Milah's direction. While she successfully caught one, the other met her petite head with a gentle thud.Tania? She's known to disappear every now and then, isn't she?Lua shook her head at Philip's words.I've thoroughly searched all the places Tania frequents, but she's nowhere to be seen. What if she's fallen into the hands of someone malicious?While Philip could confidently dismiss the likelihood, he preferred that Lua remained unaware of Tania's assassin origins.There's no one in this vicinity who would stoop to that, so perhaps she paid a visit to Priscilla, the Instructor of the Magic Department. I took her there once, and they seemed to have established quite the rapport.Upon hearing this, Lua's demeanor shifted towards relief. She was well aware that Philip's judgment was rarely amiss.If she doesn't reappear by tomorrow, we'll initiate a search. Given her nature as a black cat, locating her should prove to be a swift task...In the midst of his sentence, Philip's attention was seized by the sound of a window being unlatched.Meow.It was Tania, the kitten, entering through the window, playfully employing her front paws.Look who's here, Tania.Tania!Lua promptly cradled Tania in her arms, and it didn't take long for her to realize that the feline held something in her mouth.Tania, what do you have there?It was a small, gleaming object.It's a ring. Where did she come across this?Philip extended his hand, carefully extracting the ring from Tania's grasp. She offered no resistance. After a thorough examination, Philip blinked.... A noble family's signet ring, it appears. This isn't an item one misplaces easily.While the identity of the absent-minded noble remained a mystery, they were undoubtedly entangled in a rather delicate situation.Huh?Philip was suddenly struck by a peculiar sense of familiarity as he gazed upon the emblem etched onto the ring. Almost immediately, beads of cool sweat formed on his brow.This... it's the insignia of Count Eloy, isn't it?How on earth did it end up adorning Tania's collar?Philip regarded Tania with a look akin to seeing a specter.Miyaa, meow.Tania simply swayed her tail and nestled serenely, as if silently seeking approval.... Lua, could you stay in the room for a moment? Bring Tania here. I'll summon you again shortly.Having temporarily ushered Lua away, Philip clasped Tania's flank and aligned her with his line of sight.What in the world is this? Where on earth did you come across this?The emblem of a noble lineage was an item that should never fall into the hands of others.Even in the direst circumstances, the insignia or banner couldn't be wrested away if the eldest son was captured by the enemy. Most vigilant nobles were accustomed to wearing their insignia rings even as they slumbered.If someone had indeed taken the emblem ring, it must have been filched while he slept...You wished he were dead. And so I ended his life.Tania confirmed Lua's complete disappearance and finally spoke. Her demeanor was akin to that of a clever child who had adeptly carried out an errand and now sought recognition through a display of innocence.... Um... yes, you did well.After contemplating for a while, Philip forced a smile, embraced her gently, and stroked her side.The path forward remained uncertain, but there was no denying that she had acted commendably.-Apologies. I was busy with Real Life stuff, so the delay.There will be another release to compensate the loss. So happy reading.
