I Tried To Be Her Loyal Sword

---

178th Chapter

“Princess! Please put on this jacket!”

“Just a moment! I need to wipe my scabbard first!”

Half dead, I stretched out my arms to either side.

A maid who dashed over like a squirrel helped me into an elegant uniform jacket. Next to her, another maid started wiping the dirt off my scabbard with a damp cloth.

I was the winner of this swordsmanship tournament. I had decisively gained the upper hand against Rainer in the finals. As the main character about to be honored at the awards ceremony, I felt like I was being forced to shine.

‘I’m so tired…’

I leaned back deeply into the chair and tilted my head back.

I had just had a match with Rainer, the Sword Expert. I wasn’t on the verge of collapsing, but I genuinely wanted a short nap.

‘Stay alert. An incident is about to happen.’

I squeezed my eyes shut and then opened them again, focusing my mind. According to the original story, a life-changing event that would shake the continent was about to occur during this awards ceremony.

I had to prevent that incident.

Thinking about it made my tired, droopy body tense up in an instant. My already sensitive senses sharpened, causing a headache, but I stayed focused on the impending event as I followed the rapid flow of the waiting room.

“Sister!”

And then, at that moment, my fatigue remedy made a sudden appearance.

“Aria.”

Normally, no outsiders would enter the waiting room, but it seemed family members were the exception. I smiled widely and habitually opened my arms. Aria naturally enveloped herself in my embrace.

As I gently stroked her fluffy pink hair while holding her small frame, it felt like all my fatigue melted away.

“Shushu. You did great.”

Kall, who entered right behind her, ruffled my hair. He looked oddly excited, gazing at me with pride. His eyes shined as if he wanted to run through the capital holding a banner proclaiming, ‘Congratulations! Winner of the Kashmir Crisis Swordsmanship Tournament!’

“You were so amazing today! Honestly, I wish only I could see that side of you. But still, I was proud.”

Aria, nestled in my arms, whispered.

Feeling a bit bashful at her sincere praise, I scratched my head.

“Father apologized for not coming right away. He has to hold down the fort.”

Kall was adjusting my jacket collar as he spoke. Naturally, he couldn’t leave the Crisis position empty.

I nodded casually.

After that, Kall and Aria chattered away. Most of what they discussed was my match review and people’s reactions. I watched the two of them, who were acting like excited kids, with a soft smile.

This was the everyday life I needed to protect.

“I’m really sorry, but… it’s almost time for the princess to finish getting ready, so you’ll have to vacate the space for a moment.”

One of the anxious maids, who had been unable to approach me while I was chatting with Kall and Aria, cautiously stepped forward. She seemed quite frightened, her voice wavering.

“…Tch. Let’s meet at the awards ceremony, Shu.”

“Aria, I’m going ahead to wait.”

With reluctant expressions, Kall and Aria stood up. I reassured them as I escorted them to the door and suddenly spoke up.

“Could you please focus on the Emperor during the awards ceremony?”

“The Emperor? Isn’t it enough to just watch you?”

Aria responded nonchalantly, as if watching the Emperor was the most unnecessary thing.

“Still, please. Just keep an eye on him while the ceremony is happening.”

With the flow of the world shifting so much due to my arrival, I couldn’t be certain that the event would actually occur. I couldn’t inform others about the uncertain content, nor did I know who my accomplice was, so I couldn’t confide in just anyone.

Kall and Aria were the ones I could trust the most. Although I couldn’t explain everything in detail, I could at least ask them for help concerning the incident.

Moreover, both of them were competent magicians. Should things turn perilous, they’d be able to assist me swiftly.

“If that’s your request.”

Kall readily agreed without even asking why. He always acted blindly devoted to me.

Aria, catching my gaze, sighed and nodded.

“You know you’re still being unfriendly, right? But okay. If it’s your request.”

‘They’re both so kind.’

I smiled contentedly. Though I knew the term “little beans” applied, to me, Kall and Aria only appeared gentle and sweet.

“I’ll see you soon, Aria. And Kall too.”

I waved goodbye to the departing duo. Though the hallway was somewhat crowded, they kept glancing back regretfully, blocking the flow of people. I watched their backs with a smile until they completely disappeared.

Whoosh.

And then, as I moved among the crowd, a familiar scent suddenly tickled my nostrils.

Instantly serious, I hurriedly turned around.

It was a scent that shouldn’t be here. It had to not appear.

I scanned the people passing by with rapid eye movements.

‘…It’s not here.’

The familiar figure was nowhere to be seen. Even though I’d checked, my heart was nothing but more anxious.

As I contemplated whether I should go take another look, someone tugged at the hem of my clothing from behind.

“Um, Princess. I’m sorry, but you need to finish preparing quickly.”

“…Ah. I’m on my way now.”

I followed the maid’s guidance back to the room, my heart heavy with discomfort.

I truly hoped my assumptions were wrong.

“You will wait here until your name is called to exit.”

The attendant who guided me to the entrance of the arena spoke. I nodded and buttoned my cuff.

The organizers told me that the winners of the swordsmanship tournament had a tradition of wearing blue attire. While I felt the design was a bit burdensome, it still looked quite impressive.

‘The sword is secured.’

Confirming the existence of the sword at my waist for the fifth time, I took a deep breath. My heart continued to race. I stood alone in the empty corridor as the attendant left.

‘I really hope nothing happens.’

Although I’d planned everything under the assumption that the incident would occur, I didn’t actually wish for it to happen. No one could wish for lives to be in danger. Given that the original had shifted, I sincerely hoped that it wouldn’t occur at all.

‘But if it does, I hope I have the strength to stop it.’

I took a moment to pray to someone.

I wouldn’t mind who answered my prayer. The Sun God Raiden, or even a demon.

– Presenting the winner of this swordsmanship tournament, Princess of the Kashmir Crisis!

As my name was called out loudly, I moved forward.

When I stepped into the arena, cheers erupted along with beams of light. When living as Mir, I often operated quietly in the shadows without light or honor, yet now the cheers felt strangely familiar after so few tournaments.

While walking confidently, I scanned the arena, internally anxious.

‘According to the original, there is an assassin lurking here. Where could they be? I can’t sense anything.’

Even sharpening my already heightened senses didn’t reveal any hidden presence. While it would be nice if I could relax now, that was unlikely given the North’s overwhelming dark magic.

‘Last time at the Hunting Tournament, a barrier prevented even the Sword Master from detecting anything. If they used dark magic to suppress senses again, I might remain oblivious.’

Still tense, I stood before the empty throne. I forced a soft smile to avoid revealing my anxiety.

– His Majesty the Emperor enters the arena for the awards ceremony!

Along with the announcer’s booming voice, a thunderous cheer erupted from the audience. I clenched my clothing tightly.

‘This is the most dangerous moment.’

As the Emperor himself descended into the arena for the ceremony, this was the time when exposure to danger was at its peak. Of course, many guards would have accompanied him and numerous procedures would have been followed for safety, but the North was always beyond expectations. After all, they had once unleashed two enormous monsters at a hunting tournament.

Thump, thump.

Someone walked down the central aisle. I swallowed hard.

Shining blonde hair and clear blue eyes. Instead of aging through time, his appearance seemed more refined than ever. A playful yet sharp gaze, the aura of a schemer surrounding him.

Diego’s father, the current Emperor, Helios.

He gracefully sat on the prepared throne. The posture resting against the chin looked a bit arrogant, but it suited him as if it was his rightful place from birth. His seasoned blue eyes pierced through me. Though it felt somewhat burdensome, I didn’t avert my gaze.

“The winner, come closer to me.”

In the now quiet arena, Helios spoke clearly. I bowed my head once and advanced towards him. Although my eyes remained fixed on him, my nerves were actually drawn to where Helios was situated.

When I reached right in front of the throne, Helios softly smiled.

“I’m pleased to meet a new talent. With such skill, you should have teased me earlier. This is quite entertaining.”

“…I’m embarrassed.”

I bowed again at his oddly reproachful tone regarding my concealed strength. Helios was an enthusiast of thrilling experiences. Since his main priority was his kingdom, he wouldn’t betray it for mere amusement, but it was certain he enjoyed himself as long as it didn’t harm the country. For Helios, saying something was ‘amusing’ was akin to the highest praise.

“Well, I guess it’s fortunate that I’ve learned it now.”

Helios concluded casually, nodding his head.

An attendant nearby approached me. Following what I had learned in the waiting room, I knelt on one knee and solemnly lowered my head. My mind was still focused on Helios.

“May glory be with your victory.”

Helios’s voice suddenly grew sincere. He was someone you couldn’t help but like when he was in the right mood. The attendant placed a golden laurel crown atop my head and laid a sword—a prize—before me.

“Draw your sword.”

I slowly lifted my head and smoothly drew the sword from my waist. I planted the sword’s tip into the ground to support my kneeling form.

“May your movements be blessed by the gods; you shall wield your sword for righteousness. Your loyalty shall be offered to the gods, and you shall work for the people. This is your mission.”

The winner of the swordsmanship tournament received immense prizes and honor; however, it also came with a formidable duty.

Do not misuse the colossal power that could easily overshadow all the knights of the Empire.

That was both an honor and a restriction.

Yet, I thought it wasn’t so bad. With great power surely comes responsibility.

“And now, as you live under the sun…”

Thud.

My heart sank heavily. I opened my eyes wide. Helios’s serious words melted into mist, and all I sensed was the pounding of my heart.

‘Danger is approaching.’

A piercing instinct rang alarms within me.

I could feel it. The dissonance of this space. The latent danger that had held its breath now stirred to life.

Helios was in danger.

I stood up straight, straightening the knee I had bent. People around me showed signs of confusion at my sudden movement, but I didn’t care.

I had faced life’s threats hundreds, if not thousands, of times amidst rampaging monsters, yet I had survived every single instance to get here. Moreover, the reason I was still alive was that I never disregarded my instincts.

‘When rationality and instinct clash in uncertain situations, I follow my instincts.’

That was my rule. This time, I too would heed the call of instinct.

I hurled my sword like a spear.

Whoosh!

With a harsh whooshing sound, the sword sliced through the air. The tip of the sword aimed directly at Helios.

Helios’s blue eyes widened, and screams erupted from all directions. Guards rushed in, but no one could intercept a sword thrown by a Sword Master.

As Helios shut his eyes tightly, seemingly sensing his impending doom…

“Aaargh!”

The scream came from another place.

The sword flew through the air, cleaving through the transparent figure that flickered in what had seemed empty space. Red blood splattered toward Helios.

As everyone was struck with shock, someone slowly revealed themselves.

A man clad entirely in black, wielding a sharp dagger, was colliding with my sword, grimacing in pain.

“What’s everyone doing?!”

Amidst the chaos where everyone was frozen in shock, I swiftly drew the prize sword I had received and aimed it. Thankfully, I had a spare sword.

“Assassin! Protect the Emperor!”

What was expected to happen today was none other than the assassination of Emperor Helios.