chapter 12

It’s been a long time ago since I was first introduced to Ares . I’ve been a friend with him since then .

The Earl Of Roxietta was the archduke Schwarzer’s va.s.sal, and was in a position to receive protection .

There is this [Liege-Va.s.sal] system among the n.o.bles of Holy Arcadia Empire .

All aristocrats swear their allegiance to the Emperor, but smaller aristocrats would also swear their loyalty to a clan with a stronger influence . The stronger clan who protect the smaller clans would be called the liege, while the clans receiving the protection would be called va.s.sals .

For the smaller clans, choosing the right clan to swear fealty is a matter of life and death . In exchange of being protected, the order from the stronger clan will be absolute for them .

Also, having a lot of va.s.sals is important in creating a faction .

For example, the archduke Schwarzer and archduke Saxon who are both militaristic in nature . They both belong to the aristocratic clans with a huge influence over Holy Arcadia Empire soldiers .

As the va.s.sal of Schwarzer clan, the Roxietta clan, which is a clan with long tradition of warriors, is a.s.signed to guard the north .

And I was born as the sole daughter to the Earl of such clan .

Our Liege, Edgar-sama, is someone who is easy to speak with, and has a very good relationship with my father Loyd since childhood . Therefore, as a result of me also becoming Ares’ friend, we often visit Romaria Castle .

Ares has a weak const.i.tution and a crybaby when he was young . The adults won’t let him out to play unless he’s with me . However, I remember that he’s loved by everyone because he acts gentle and polite without discriminating anyone .

Roxietta clan members have always been warriors for generations . For that reason, I’ve trained in swordsmanship since I was young . It might be hard for Ares who had a weak body const.i.tution to train the way I did . But the way he always smile despite that had tugged me in my heart .

One day, Ares was afflicted with a strange sickness of unknown origin . He was suffering from high fever, and his consciousness was hazy at best . When I went to visit, and saw his figure… . . For the first time, I was frightened by the fact that Ares might be gone at any time . At that moment, I realized how big of a presence he was to me .

After that, I would go to the church again and again, praying to the G.o.ddess . For Ares to get well soon somehow……

Later I heard that my wish came true, Ares was cured from his sickness . However, I was not allowed to meet him until the next year . I didn’t get a clear answer even when I asked my father .

A year later, when I finally met Ares again…I felt that something in him was changed . But I didn’t know what at that point… . .

Ares started to read a lot of books . The kind of difficult to read books that I won’t understand no matter of how many times I read it .

When I invited him for sword training, he would clearly decline . The previous him would’ve followed obediently despite how bad he was at sword fighting… . even when I deliberately treated him harsher than I should have . To other people… . it may seem like I was making a fool of him by comparing him to Kaizer… . but all I want was just to inspire Ares more .

Most people who loved him before also started to see the changes in him… . . but most of them gradually left out of boredom .

But I always know . Even if there are things about Ares that changed, his essence has never truly changed .

His gentleness that doesn’t discriminate, and also, his will to never give up .

Ares hasn’t changed that much . At least I thought so .

Right… . . until that day .

=====

◆

It was when we were both 15 years old .

Right at this time, it was when I temporarily went back home from studying at Imperial Academy for the first time after a long while .

While riding on a carriage, an incident occured where another aristocrat’s private soldier kidnapped me .

From the east of the Forest of Evil, Baron Gordon’s son seemed to have taken a liking to me, and he ordered the private soldier to do this .

The Gordon barony has always had bad names surrounding them .

For the right amount of gold, they would do anything including thievery . And I heard only bad things about their fool of a son who actually applied to the Imperial Academy to take the knight course .

He was an arrogant and domineering man, who likes to exploit his people . He would seek happiness by enacting violence on the villages and towns nearly everyday . He also loved to drown himself in alcohol and kill anyone who he didn’t take a liking .

Also, in order to not let their deeds reach the Emperor’s eyes, I heard that they’ve been using force to hide their misdeeds .

Now that I think about it…… . among the many aristocrats that sent their marriage proposal, he was one of the more persistent .

That means, did he do this because I kept ignoring his proposal?

Afterwards, I was taken to meet with Baron Gordon’s son . He, as expected, threatened me to accept his marriage proposal .

Such a fool of a son . Not to mention that Baron Gordon also demanded Earl of Roxietta to pay ransom for the hostage .

[Now that you are here, there is no way out . How about marrying into the Gordon clan already?]

I looked at the father and son……giving them a stare as if I want to bleed them out .

[I have said it for the several times already . Cease this folly . In the first place, if this become known, your clan will definitely be crushed . My parent is an earl . Do you really think that your clan’s standing is above us? My clan definitely won’t stay silent . ]

Normally, we couldn’t resort to violence so easily . That’s why Gordon barony hasn’t disappeared yet from the Empire .

[Nonono, that won’t be the case . ]

Saying that, the baron and his son laughed maniacally .

The laugh of sc.u.ms… .

It felt unpleasant and nauseating .

[I remember that I recently met with the second prince… . . and he asked me a favor . The second Prince said that he would like to meet you . Apparently you are quite famous in the Imperial Capital . The Knight Princess of the Imperial Academy .

(So he colluded with the second Prince… . ?)

His Highness, the Second Prince, Joseph, is also someone with a bad reputation in the Empire .

His Highness, the Second Prince, Joseph, is also someone with a bad reputation in the Empire .

As the Emperor of The Holy Arcadia Empire, His Majesty Sephiros obtained the t.i.tle of [Thunder Emperor] after many meritorious efforts . However, the [Thunder Emperor] always act too softly when it comes to his own family .

(I guess they are indeed two of a kind… . . )

When the name of the Emperor was brought up, doubt begins to cloud my mind .

It’ll be easy for the second Prince to manipulate the situation . Forcing my family to give up on me in order to make me their s.e.x slave . When it comes to the Second Prince, it should be possible to hide everything under a black screen .

It will be hard even for the Archduke to oppose this . Not to mention an Earl .

However, there is one thing that still left me with hope . Why, I was kidnapped… . yet still alright? Perhaps it’s because the second prince that they hadn’t done anything to me .

But when the time comes, I still have a dagger concealed for self-defense . I’d rather kill myself rather than be humiliated and bring bad rumors to my family .

While trying to think up another solution, that pair of father and son kept pestering me . Can you people cut it out alreadyーーwhen that thought crossed my mind, it happened .

[Oーi, Sharon . I came to pick you up . ]

[Wha?]

It’s as if time had stopped ticking .

Me and the parent-son pair looked up toward the source of that voice who didn’t match with the atmosphere .

Looking back, it was Ares, standing there with a smile on his face and a sword in one hand . However, his appearance was shocking . Blood splattered across his face, as well as on his clothes .

[Ah, aren’t you Baron Gordon? Greetings . But taking my friend away like this is no good, you know? You’ll get yourself in serious problem thanks to that . But alright, you people only have one option . Let Sharon free and be silent about it . Or else… . ]

[What the h.e.l.l are you talking about?]

Baron Gordon’s son interrupt Ares mid-talking . He seemed to be perplexed by Ares’ sudden appearance .

[What will you lot dare to do to me?]

[No, I guess you don’t get it, do you? I’m talking to Baron Gordon . ]

[Are you kidding me! This is my house . If you do things as you like, you will . . ]

Looking at the situation, Ares sighed and muttered without hearing what the other side was trying to say .

[Shut up!]

At the same time as Ares said that, the son’s hand danced in the air .

At the same time as Ares said that, the son’s hand danced in the air .

[GaaaaaaaaAAAAAAA!!!??]

The baron’s son screamed crazily .

I held my breath in shock .

[My hand! My haaaaand!?]

[That’s why I told you to shut up . ]

Right after Ares said so, the son’s head flew this time . The head flew out the window, making a b.l.o.o.d.y arch along the way .

[Hiiiiiiii!]

Baron Gordon screamed and fell on his b.u.t.t .

I couldn’t see the sword slashーーAres probably used the sword he had on his right hand, but I didn’t see him move that sword .

[Well, even if he listened to me, I didn’t plan to let him alive anyways . ]

Ares turned toward Baron Gordon after saying so . He talked to the baron who was still stunned after seeing what had just happened before him .

[This matter has been brought into Emperor’s attention through Archduke Schwarzer’s report . Let me tell you the Emperor’s judgment . ]

After taking a breath, Ares gave an extraordinary smile to Baron Gordon .

When I saw that, just like Baron Gordon, I was unable to move even an inch of my body due to the pressure .

ーーscaryーー

Is thisーーstill the Ares I know? The one who would listen calmly to everything I saidーー?

[Gordon Barony is to be crushed . Its territory will be reinstated to Archduke Schwarzer’s territory and its lord is to executed . ]

[I, impossible!!]

[It’s not a lie, you know? Or do you want to see the written order from the Emperor himself that I bring with me?]

[You… . how did you appear here all of a sudden!?]

[Ah, I haven’t introduced myself . I am Ares Schwarzer . The heir of Archduke Schwarzer . As a matter of fact, soldiers are supposed to be sent from our territory shortly . But since Sharon, my childhood friend over there is being involved, I just bid my time and came in advance . ]

[Do you think I’ll believe those nonsense!]

His loud voice echoed throughout the room .

His loud voice echoed throughout the room .

[Do you think how long will it take for them to get here… . how far the distance they will have to travel to get here… . ]

The baron trembled .

[Get this little twerp!! Anyone!]

After the Baron cried out… . . several people who appeared to be mercenaries entered from the room next door . Probably hired bouncers . But I actually recognized one of them .

(Could that be……the『The Crimson Reaper』!?)

A slim bodied, expressionless person appeared from behind the incoming mercenaries . The scarlet crescent-moon necklace hanging on that person chest became evident .

(Why is the famous a.s.sa.s.sin of the Empire is here too!!?)

Gordon screamed .

[Ki…kill… . . kill him already!]

[Is it alright? He is an aristocrat, isn’t he?]

[Doesn’t matter . He can’t be allowed to live . Do it already!]

Listening to the order, the men shouted .

[Yosh, kill this boy . What about that girl over there… . ?]

At that moment… .

The head of those men separated from their body and soared high in the air .

[What a bother… . now rest there… . . ]

What on earth had happened……both the baron and I thought of the same thing .

When Ares slashed his sword… . . all of the mercenaries were decapitated… . except for one .

Every and each one of the mercenaries died except the『Crimson Reaper』 . But even the a.s.sa.s.sin looked shocked .

Ares simply turned around to face the『Crimson Reaper』, and said .

[And apparently you are… . someone that is hard to handle, aren’t you?]

Ares brandished his sword slowly… . . and laughed after saying so .

It’s been a long time ago since I was first introduced to Ares . I’ve been a friend with him since then

The Earl Of Roxietta was the archduke Schwarzer’s va.s.sal, and was in a position to receive protection

There is this [Liege-Va.s.sal] system among the n.o.bles of Holy Arcadia Empire

All aristocrats swear their allegiance to the Emperor, but smaller aristocrats would also swear their loyalty to a clan with a stronger influence . The stronger clan who protect the smaller clans would be called the liege, while the clans receiving the protection would be called va.s.sals

For the smaller clans, choosing the right clan to swear fealty is a matter of life and death . In exchange of being protected, the order from the stronger clan will be absolute for them

Also, having a lot of va.s.sals is important in creating a faction

For example, the archduke Schwarzer and archduke Saxon who are both militaristic in nature . They both belong to the aristocratic clans with a huge influence over Holy Arcadia Empire soldiers

As the va.s.sal of Schwarzer clan, the Roxietta clan, which is a clan with long tradition of warriors, is a.s.signed to guard the north And I was born as the sole daughter to the Earl of such clan

Our Liege, Edgar-sama, is someone who is easy to speak with, and has a very good relationship with my father Loyd since childhood . Therefore, as a result of me also becoming Ares’ friend, we often visit Romaria Castle

Ares has a weak const.i.tution and a crybaby when he was young . The adults won’t let him out to play unless he’s with me . However, I remember that he’s loved by everyone because he acts gentle and polite without discriminating anyone

Roxietta clan members have always been warriors for generations . For that reason, I’ve trained in swordsmanship since I was young . It might be hard for Ares who had a weak body const.i.tution to train the way I did . But the way he always smile despite that had tugged me in my heart

One day, Ares was afflicted with a strange sickness of unknown origin . He was suffering from high fever, and his consciousness was hazy at best . When I went to visit, and saw his figure… For the first time, I was frightened by the fact that Ares might be gone at any time . At that moment, I realized how big of a presence he was to me

After that, I would go to the church again and again, praying to the G.o.ddess . For Ares to get well soon somehow…….

Later I heard that my wish came true, Ares was cured from his sickness . However, I was not allowed to meet him until the next year . I didn’t get a clear answer even when I asked my father

A year later, when I finally met Ares again…I felt that something in him was changed . But I didn’t know what at that point… .

Ares started to read a lot of books . The kind of difficult to read books that I won’t understand no matter of how many times I read it When I invited him for sword training, he would clearly decline . The previous him would’ve followed obediently despite how bad he was at sword fighting… . even when I deliberately treated him harsher than I should have . To other people… . it may seem like I was making a fool of him by comparing him to Kaizer… . but all I want was just to inspire Ares more

Most people who loved him before also started to see the changes in him… but most of them gradually left out of boredom

But I always know . Even if there are things about Ares that changed, his essence has never truly changed

His gentleness that doesn’t discriminate, and also, his will to never give up

Ares hasn’t changed that much . At least I thought so

Right… until that day

=====. ◆.

It was when we were both 15 years old Right at this time, it was when I temporarily went back home from studying at Imperial Academy for the first time after a long while While riding on a carriage, an incident occured where another aristocrat’s private soldier kidnapped me

From the east of the Forest of Evil, Baron Gordon’s son seemed to have taken a liking to me, and he ordered the private soldier to do this

The Gordon barony has always had bad names surrounding them For the right amount of gold, they would do anything including thievery . And I heard only bad things about their fool of a son who actually applied to the Imperial Academy to take the knight course

He was an arrogant and domineering man, who likes to exploit his people . He would seek happiness by enacting violence on the villages and towns nearly everyday . He also loved to drown himself in alcohol and kill anyone who he didn’t take a liking Also, in order to not let their deeds reach the Emperor’s eyes, I heard that they’ve been using force to hide their misdeeds

Now that I think about it…… . among the many aristocrats that sent their marriage proposal, he was one of the more persistent That means, did he do this because I kept ignoring his proposal?.

Afterwards, I was taken to meet with Baron Gordon’s son . He, as expected, threatened me to accept his marriage proposal Such a fool of a son . Not to mention that Baron Gordon also demanded Earl of Roxietta to pay ransom for the hostage

[Now that you are here, there is no way out . How about marrying into the Gordon clan already?].

I looked at the father and son……giving them a stare as if I want to bleed them out

[I have said it for the several times already . Cease this folly . In the first place, if this become known, your clan will definitely be crushed . My parent is an earl . Do you really think that your clan’s standing is above us? My clan definitely won’t stay silent . ].

Normally, we couldn’t resort to violence so easily . That’s why Gordon barony hasn’t disappeared yet from the Empire

[Nonono, that won’t be the case . ].

Saying that, the baron and his son laughed maniacally

The laugh of sc.u.ms… It felt unpleasant and nauseating

[I remember that I recently met with the second prince… and he asked me a favor . The second Prince said that he would like to meet you . Apparently you are quite famous in the Imperial Capital . The Knight Princess of the Imperial Academy

(So he colluded with the second Prince… . ?).

His Highness, the Second Prince, Joseph, is also someone with a bad reputation in the Empire As the Emperor of The Holy Arcadia Empire, His Majesty Sephiros obtained the t.i.tle of [Thunder Emperor] after many meritorious efforts . However, the [Thunder Emperor] always act too softly when it comes to his own family

(I guess they are indeed two of a kind… ).

When the name of the Emperor was brought up, doubt begins to cloud my mind It’ll be easy for the second Prince to manipulate the situation . Forcing my family to give up on me in order to make me their s.e.x slave . When it comes to the Second Prince, it should be possible to hide everything under a black screen

It will be hard even for the Archduke to oppose this . Not to mention an Earl

However, there is one thing that still left me with hope . Why, I was kidnapped… . yet still alright? Perhaps it’s because the second prince that they hadn’t done anything to me

But when the time comes, I still have a dagger concealed for self-defense . I’d rather kill myself rather than be humiliated and bring bad rumors to my family

While trying to think up another solution, that pair of father and son kept pestering me . Can you people cut it out alreadyーーwhen that thought crossed my mind, it happened

[Oーi, Sharon . I came to pick you up . ].

[Wha?].

It’s as if time had stopped ticking

Me and the parent-son pair looked up toward the source of that voice who didn’t match with the atmosphere

Looking back, it was Ares, standing there with a smile on his face and a sword in one hand . However, his appearance was shocking . Blood splattered across his face, as well as on his clothes

[Ah, aren’t you Baron Gordon? Greetings . But taking my friend away like this is no good, you know? You’ll get yourself in serious problem thanks to that . But alright, you people only have one option . Let Sharon free and be silent about it . Or else… . ].

[What the h.e.l.l are you talking about?].

Baron Gordon’s son interrupt Ares mid-talking . He seemed to be perplexed by Ares’ sudden appearance

[What will you lot dare to do to me?].

[No, I guess you don’t get it, do you? I’m talking to Baron Gordon . ].

[Are you kidding me! This is my house . If you do things as you like, you will ].

Looking at the situation, Ares sighed and muttered without hearing what the other side was trying to say

[Shut up!].

At the same time as Ares said that, the son’s hand danced in the air

[GaaaaaaaaAAAAAAA!!!??].

The baron’s son screamed crazily I held my breath in shock

[My hand! My haaaaand!?].

[That’s why I told you to shut up . ].

Right after Ares said so, the son’s head flew this time . The head flew out the window, making a b.l.o.o.d.y arch along the way

[Hiiiiiiii!].

Baron Gordon screamed and fell on his b.u.t.t

I couldn’t see the sword slashーーAres probably used the sword he had on his right hand, but I didn’t see him move that sword

[Well, even if he listened to me, I didn’t plan to let him alive anyways . ].

Ares turned toward Baron Gordon after saying so . He talked to the baron who was still stunned after seeing what had just happened before him

[This matter has been brought into Emperor’s attention through Archduke Schwarzer’s report . Let me tell you the Emperor’s judgment . ].

After taking a breath, Ares gave an extraordinary smile to Baron Gordon When I saw that, just like Baron Gordon, I was unable to move even an inch of my body due to the pressure

ーーscaryーー. Is thisーーstill the Ares I know? The one who would listen calmly to everything I saidーー?.

[Gordon Barony is to be crushed . Its territory will be reinstated to Archduke Schwarzer’s territory and its lord is to executed . ].

[I, impossible!!].

[It’s not a lie, you know? Or do you want to see the written order from the Emperor himself that I bring with me?].

[You… . how did you appear here all of a sudden!?].

[Ah, I haven’t introduced myself . I am Ares Schwarzer . The heir of Archduke Schwarzer . As a matter of fact, soldiers are supposed to be sent from our territory shortly . But since Sharon, my childhood friend over there is being involved, I just bid my time and came in advance . ].

[Do you think I’ll believe those nonsense!].

His loud voice echoed throughout the room

[Do you think how long will it take for them to get here… . how far the distance they will have to travel to get here… . ].

The baron trembled

[Get this little twerp!! Anyone!].

After the Baron cried out… several people who appeared to be mercenaries entered from the room next door . Probably hired bouncers . But I actually recognized one of them

(Could that be……the『The Crimson Reaper』!?).

A slim bodied, expressionless person appeared from behind the incoming mercenaries . The scarlet crescent-moon necklace hanging on that person chest became evident

(Why is the famous a.s.sa.s.sin of the Empire is here too!!?).

Gordon screamed

[Ki…kill… kill him already!].

[Is it alright? He is an aristocrat, isn’t he?].

[Doesn’t matter . He can’t be allowed to live . Do it already!].

Listening to the order, the men shouted

[Yosh, kill this boy . What about that girl over there… . ?].

At that moment… The head of those men separated from their body and soared high in the air

[What a bother… . now rest there… ].

What on earth had happened……both the baron and I thought of the same thing When Ares slashed his sword… all of the mercenaries were decapitated… . except for one

Every and each one of the mercenaries died except the『Crimson Reaper』 . But even the a.s.sa.s.sin looked shocked

Ares simply turned around to face the『Crimson Reaper』, and said

[And apparently you are… . someone that is hard to handle, aren’t you?].

Ares brandished his sword slowly… and laughed after saying so