Chapter 30: Declaration
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Chapter 30: Declaration
The succession ceremony at the lake had ended.
As the children departed and the demons left, silence enveloped the place.
Staring at the now-empty lake, Berta exhaled. Her red lips held a crumpled cigarette.
Originally, she would have taken a fresh one from her sturdy cigarette case. However, her disciple, the mischievous little boy, had claimed that smoking disrupted his training and had thrown her cigarettes into the trash.
The crumpled cigarette in Bertas mouth was one of the intact items she had salvaged from the trash.
Khek.
She pinched her nose, irritated by the cold breeze blowing in from the lake as if it was insisting that winter hadnt ended yet.
But no matter how strong the wind was, it couldnt quell her urge to smoke. Berta disregarded the weather and conjured a flame.
Flurr.
The growing fire transferred from her fingertips to the crumpled cigarette.
Hu sigh Huh
Berta savored the scent filling her lungs. Suddenly, memories of when she first started smoking crossed her mind.
She had begun smoking at the age of fifteen. As a noblewoman, Bertas parents imposed many restrictions on her. Fed up with her parents rules, she roamed the courtyard garden. During one of her strolls, a servant girl she was close to had handed her a single cigarette. At first, the acrid smoke had been unbearable, but as she endured it, it started to taste sweet. Wasnt there a saying about finding pleasure in hardship?
Even if it was for these memories, Berta couldnt quit smoking. Now, cigarettes were her only companions and lovers.
How can I ever quit this pleasure
With a pout, Berta inhaled the smoke deeply.
On lonely or sad days like today, the cigarette smoke comforted her. She should quit for the sake of her disciple, who was with her but
Hu.
Berta exhaled smoke towards the icy lake with a cigarette between her lips.
And then, the howling wind turned the smoke back towards Berta.
Shhh
Was it the pungent smoke? Tears welled up in her eyes.
Are you enjoying your cigarette, Lady Inspector?
Knight Johan.
Berta turned her head to the voice she heard. There was Johan, his wrinkles deepened by a smile. She thought she was alone, but there were still people around Berta took out a cigarette from her pocket and offered it to Johan with a smile.
Would you like one?
No need. I was just worried about you, standing here all alone and gazing at the lake. What if a demon comes out?
A demon You mean?
Thats right. Since this place is adjacent to the Demon Realm, its possible.
Johan held up the black lump in his hand. The thing, now transformed into a sword, had an unrecognizable form, but it still pulsed as if it were alive.
Just now, this thing tried to attack you. Dont let your guard down near the Demon Realm.
I have the skills to protect myself.
Oh, my. I guess I shouldnt have meddled unnecessarily.
Saying so, Johan threw the black lump into the lake. The lump bounced off the ice a few times and then sank as if being sucked in. Johan widened his eyes as if he had witnessed something incredible.
Haha, its truly amazing. It looked like ice, but it wasnt ice at all. Today, Ive seen something remarkable.
The way she addressed the elderly knight had changed from sir to sir Johan.
Exactly. Ill only help you to the extent that you can walk on your own.
Berta unsheathed her non-magical sword.
Shiron, wake up. Weve arrived.
Mm
Seems like he fell asleep. Shiron yawned, rubbed his mouth with a bandage, and stretched while looking out the window. They had arrived at Dawn Castles courtyard without him realizing.
Shiron lowered his head at the weight he felt below.
There was Siriel, using Shirons thigh as a pillow, sleeping there.
Hey, Siriel, get up. I cant do anything with my hands like this.
Shiron showed his hands, which were tightly bound with bandages, to Lucia.
Sigh
Lucia sighed at Shirons cheeky attitude but did as he asked. The boys forehead was damp with cold sweat, and there was nothing for her to say.
Lucia carefully picked up Siriel, and Shiron exited the carriage.
The seats uncomfortable. My butts all numb from sitting like this.
Master Shiron!
As they entered the mansion, a lively voice echoed from inside.
In front of Shiron was Encia, wearing a maids uniform instead of a dress. It was unclear when she had arrived and changed her clothes. She quickly hugged Shiron, and her round cheeks started squishing as she inspected him.
Why are you suddenly like this?
Shiron was getting disgusted by Encias affectionate approach and tried to break free from her embrace. He struggled and flailed his arms, but the strength gap was too wide for it to be effective.
Ah, dont be embarrassed!
After finishing her cheek-pinching session that lasted a while, Encia lifted Shiron up towards the sky and smiled widely.
Young Master, I was deeply moved today!
Yeah, I guess I did pretty well, huh? I couldnt even speak earlier because I was so moved, you know?
Ahaha.
After smiling brightly, Encia gently put Shiron down.
At that time, there were too many people watching, you see. How can I make such expressions in front of everyone? And for the Young Masters honor, I held back a bit.
Ah, is that so?
Come on. Put on a better expression. Ive prepared a bath for Young Master. Ive also made plenty of lemonade, and tonight, were going to have a celebration.
A celebration?
Yes! I heard it from the head maid. She said Young Master has gained the power of prophecy at todays succession ceremony!
Yuma said that?
Yes! Your achievement at todays succession ceremony! It finally convinced me. The next lord must be Young Master! To gain the power of prophecy at such a young age!
Encia spun around with an ecstatic expression. Shiron narrowed his eyes and exhaled sharply while watching Encia.
What nonsense. Im not going to be the lord.
What?
Encia froze in shock at Shirons startling declaration.
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Chapter 30: Declaration
The succession ceremony at the lake had ended.
As the children departed and the demons left, silence enveloped the place.
Staring at the now-empty lake, Berta exhaled. Her red lips held a crumpled cigarette.
Originally, she would have taken a fresh one from her sturdy cigarette case. However, her disciple, the mischievous little boy, had claimed that smoking disrupted his training and had thrown her cigarettes into the trash.
The crumpled cigarette in Bertas mouth was one of the intact items she had salvaged from the trash.
Khek.
She pinched her nose, irritated by the cold breeze blowing in from the lake as if it was insisting that winter hadnt ended yet.
But no matter how strong the wind was, it couldnt quell her urge to smoke. Berta disregarded the weather and conjured a flame.
Flurr.
The growing fire transferred from her fingertips to the crumpled cigarette.
Hu sigh Huh
Berta savored the scent filling her lungs. Suddenly, memories of when she first started smoking crossed her mind.
She had begun smoking at the age of fifteen. As a noblewoman, Bertas parents imposed many restrictions on her. Fed up with her parents rules, she roamed the courtyard garden. During one of her strolls, a servant girl she was close to had handed her a single cigarette. At first, the acrid smoke had been unbearable, but as she endured it, it started to taste sweet. Wasnt there a saying about finding pleasure in hardship?
Even if it was for these memories, Berta couldnt quit smoking. Now, cigarettes were her only companions and lovers.
How can I ever quit this pleasure
With a pout, Berta inhaled the smoke deeply.
On lonely or sad days like today, the cigarette smoke comforted her. She should quit for the sake of her disciple, who was with her but
Hu.
Berta exhaled smoke towards the icy lake with a cigarette between her lips.
And then, the howling wind turned the smoke back towards Berta.
Shhh
Was it the pungent smoke? Tears welled up in her eyes.
Are you enjoying your cigarette, Lady Inspector?
Knight Johan.
Berta turned her head to the voice she heard. There was Johan, his wrinkles deepened by a smile. She thought she was alone, but there were still people around Berta took out a cigarette from her pocket and offered it to Johan with a smile.
Would you like one?
No need. I was just worried about you, standing here all alone and gazing at the lake. What if a demon comes out?
A demon You mean?
Thats right. Since this place is adjacent to the Demon Realm, its possible.
Johan held up the black lump in his hand. The thing, now transformed into a sword, had an unrecognizable form, but it still pulsed as if it were alive.
Just now, this thing tried to attack you. Dont let your guard down near the Demon Realm.
I have the skills to protect myself.
Oh, my. I guess I shouldnt have meddled unnecessarily.
Saying so, Johan threw the black lump into the lake. The lump bounced off the ice a few times and then sank as if being sucked in. Johan widened his eyes as if he had witnessed something incredible.
Haha, its truly amazing. It looked like ice, but it wasnt ice at all. Today, Ive seen something remarkable.
The way she addressed the elderly knight had changed from sir to sir Johan.
Exactly. Ill only help you to the extent that you can walk on your own.
Berta unsheathed her non-magical sword.
Shiron, wake up. Weve arrived.
Mm
Seems like he fell asleep. Shiron yawned, rubbed his mouth with a bandage, and stretched while looking out the window. They had arrived at Dawn Castles courtyard without him realizing.
Shiron lowered his head at the weight he felt below.
There was Siriel, using Shirons thigh as a pillow, sleeping there.
Hey, Siriel, get up. I cant do anything with my hands like this.
Shiron showed his hands, which were tightly bound with bandages, to Lucia.
Sigh
Lucia sighed at Shirons cheeky attitude but did as he asked. The boys forehead was damp with cold sweat, and there was nothing for her to say.
Lucia carefully picked up Siriel, and Shiron exited the carriage.
The seats uncomfortable. My butts all numb from sitting like this.
Master Shiron!
As they entered the mansion, a lively voice echoed from inside.
In front of Shiron was Encia, wearing a maids uniform instead of a dress. It was unclear when she had arrived and changed her clothes. She quickly hugged Shiron, and her round cheeks started squishing as she inspected him.
Why are you suddenly like this?
Shiron was getting disgusted by Encias affectionate approach and tried to break free from her embrace. He struggled and flailed his arms, but the strength gap was too wide for it to be effective.
Ah, dont be embarrassed!
After finishing her cheek-pinching session that lasted a while, Encia lifted Shiron up towards the sky and smiled widely.
Young Master, I was deeply moved today!
Yeah, I guess I did pretty well, huh? I couldnt even speak earlier because I was so moved, you know?
Ahaha.
After smiling brightly, Encia gently put Shiron down.
At that time, there were too many people watching, you see. How can I make such expressions in front of everyone? And for the Young Masters honor, I held back a bit.
Ah, is that so?
Come on. Put on a better expression. Ive prepared a bath for Young Master. Ive also made plenty of lemonade, and tonight, were going to have a celebration.
A celebration?
Yes! I heard it from the head maid. She said Young Master has gained the power of prophecy at todays succession ceremony!
Yuma said that?
Yes! Your achievement at todays succession ceremony! It finally convinced me. The next lord must be Young Master! To gain the power of prophecy at such a young age!
Encia spun around with an ecstatic expression. Shiron narrowed his eyes and exhaled sharply while watching Encia.
What nonsense. Im not going to be the lord.
What?
Encia froze in shock at Shirons startling declaration.
Chapter 30: DeclarationThe succession ceremony at the lake had ended.As the children departed and the demons left, silence enveloped the place.Staring at the now-empty lake, Berta exhaled. Her red lips held a crumpled cigarette.Originally, she would have taken a fresh one from her sturdy cigarette case. However, her disciple, the mischievous little boy, had claimed that smoking disrupted his training and had thrown her cigarettes into the trash.The crumpled cigarette in Bertas mouth was one of the intact items she had salvaged from the trash.Khek.She pinched her nose, irritated by the cold breeze blowing in from the lake as if it was insisting that winter hadnt ended yet.But no matter how strong the wind was, it couldnt quell her urge to smoke. Berta disregarded the weather and conjured a flame.Flurr.The growing fire transferred from her fingertips to the crumpled cigarette.Hu sigh HuhBerta savored the scent filling her lungs. Suddenly, memories of when she first started smoking crossed her mind.She had begun smoking at the age of fifteen. As a noblewoman, Bertas parents imposed many restrictions on her. Fed up with her parents rules, she roamed the courtyard garden. During one of her strolls, a servant girl she was close to had handed her a single cigarette. At first, the acrid smoke had been unbearable, but as she endured it, it started to taste sweet. Wasnt there a saying about finding pleasure in hardship?Even if it was for these memories, Berta couldnt quit smoking. Now, cigarettes were her only companions and lovers.How can I ever quit this pleasureWith a pout, Berta inhaled the smoke deeply.On lonely or sad days like today, the cigarette smoke comforted her. She should quit for the sake of her disciple, who was with her butHu.Berta exhaled smoke towards the icy lake with a cigarette between her lips.And then, the howling wind turned the smoke back towards Berta.ShhhWas it the pungent smoke? Tears welled up in her eyes.Are you enjoying your cigarette, Lady Inspector?Knight Johan.Berta turned her head to the voice she heard. There was Johan, his wrinkles deepened by a smile. She thought she was alone, but there were still people around Berta took out a cigarette from her pocket and offered it to Johan with a smile.Would you like one?No need. I was just worried about you, standing here all alone and gazing at the lake. What if a demon comes out?A demon You mean?Thats right. Since this place is adjacent to the Demon Realm, its possible.Johan held up the black lump in his hand. The thing, now transformed into a sword, had an unrecognizable form, but it still pulsed as if it were alive.Just now, this thing tried to attack you. Dont let your guard down near the Demon Realm.I have the skills to protect myself.Oh, my. I guess I shouldnt have meddled unnecessarily.Saying so, Johan threw the black lump into the lake. The lump bounced off the ice a few times and then sank as if being sucked in. Johan widened his eyes as if he had witnessed something incredible.Haha, its truly amazing. It looked like ice, but it wasnt ice at all. Today, Ive seen something remarkable.The way she addressed the elderly knight had changed from sir to sir Johan.Exactly. Ill only help you to the extent that you can walk on your own.Berta unsheathed her non-magical sword.Shiron, wake up. Weve arrived.MmSeems like he fell asleep. Shiron yawned, rubbed his mouth with a bandage, and stretched while looking out the window. They had arrived at Dawn Castles courtyard without him realizing.Shiron lowered his head at the weight he felt below.There was Siriel, using Shirons thigh as a pillow, sleeping there.Hey, Siriel, get up. I cant do anything with my hands like this.Shiron showed his hands, which were tightly bound with bandages, to Lucia.SighLucia sighed at Shirons cheeky attitude but did as he asked. The boys forehead was damp with cold sweat, and there was nothing for her to say.Lucia carefully picked up Siriel, and Shiron exited the carriage.The seats uncomfortable. My butts all numb from sitting like this.Master Shiron!As they entered the mansion, a lively voice echoed from inside.In front of Shiron was Encia, wearing a maids uniform instead of a dress. It was unclear when she had arrived and changed her clothes. She quickly hugged Shiron, and her round cheeks started squishing as she inspected him.Why are you suddenly like this?Shiron was getting disgusted by Encias affectionate approach and tried to break free from her embrace. He struggled and flailed his arms, but the strength gap was too wide for it to be effective.Ah, dont be embarrassed!After finishing her cheek-pinching session that lasted a while, Encia lifted Shiron up towards the sky and smiled widely.Young Master, I was deeply moved today!Yeah, I guess I did pretty well, huh? I couldnt even speak earlier because I was so moved, you know?Ahaha.After smiling brightly, Encia gently put Shiron down.At that time, there were too many people watching, you see. How can I make such expressions in front of everyone? And for the Young Masters honor, I held back a bit.Ah, is that so?Come on. Put on a better expression. Ive prepared a bath for Young Master. Ive also made plenty of lemonade, and tonight, were going to have a celebration.A celebration?Yes! I heard it from the head maid. She said Young Master has gained the power of prophecy at todays succession ceremony!Yuma said that?Yes! Your achievement at todays succession ceremony! It finally convinced me. The next lord must be Young Master! To gain the power of prophecy at such a young age!Encia spun around with an ecstatic expression. Shiron narrowed his eyes and exhaled sharply while watching Encia.What nonsense. Im not going to be the lord.What?Encia froze in shock at Shirons startling declaration.
