Book 3: Chapter 5


    Hm, so you do know about me. For someone from Zilgus, I have to admire that. Konrad looked down at Kyle with a somewhat arrogant gaze. The reason I of all people called out to you is that


    Brother Konrad, can you get out of the way for a second?


    Right as Konrad wanted to say something, a young girl appeared behind him. Age-wise, she seemed to be the same as Kyle, and she was a beauty with noble facial features and a strong gaze in her eyes. She was d in a luxurious dress, with ornaments befitting the royalty that she was. Indeed, she is the only female child of the Emperor, as well as the youngest out of the siblings, Princess Ang.


    A-Ang! Im in the middle of a conversation here!


    Konrad seemed shaken because of this sudden appearance, but Ang didnt bother with that in the slightest.


    You must be Kyle-sama, yes? I always wanted to meet you! Ang closed in on Kyle, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    Undoubtedly, that was an affectionate smile.


    I like strong people! Hearing your heroic tale, I felt my heart racing. Thats why I needed to talk to you.


    I-I see, thank you very much.


    However, Kyle felt danger mixed in that gaze, so he reflexively stepped backward. Angs expression was indeed filled with interest and positive affection, but there was no admiration or romantic feelings at all, more like she was a hunter in the wild. It felt like she was already thinking about what kind of trap to set up, and how to poison the drink. Of course, this was nothing but Kyles impression, but Kyle couldnt help but be more cautious. However, as she was royalty, he also couldnt take any insolent attitude towards her. Finally, Konrad recovered from this sudden development and spoke up.


    Ang! I am talking with him, so keep that forter


    What are you doing, Big Bro and Ang?


    Yet another individual joined. Naturally, it could only be another member of the imperial family.


    Maizar! Konrads face grew tense, and he seemed displeased as he looked at Maizar.


    Ah, Brother Maizar, rare to see you appear during an asion like this. Ang seemed surprised.


    As Maizar was known to regrly skip these sorts of events, he gathered quite the amount of attention.


    Just happened to. By the way, Big Bro Konrad, what are you doing?


    Doesnt have anything to do with you! Step back! Konrad howled.


    Thats right. Its rude to interrupt people when they are talking, Big Brother Maizar. Ang turned towards her older brother as well, but Konrad gave her a gaze of contempt.


    However, right as he tried to speak up, another person appeared.


    Whats this ruckus about?


    Seran returned with a te full of food, calling out to Kyle. In return, said Kyle gave him a harsh re. There was a chance he might do something stupid and increase Kyles worries. Kyle sent him a Donte here gaze, but Angtched on way before that was conveyed.


    My, you must be Seran-sama, yes? Ang spoke up with a happy voice, approaching Seran. I heard from Darius that you are very strong.


    Um, thanksDarius who? Seran seemed a bit bewildered at Angs attitude, and tilted his head at a name he never heard of suddenly popping up.


    Ah, Darius is the personal guard of Big Bro Eldorand. He was present during the meeting this noon. Maizar exined, to which Seran remembered.


    That guy, huh.


    Both Kyle and Seran knew that he was quite strong and that he was equally checking them out from afar.


    Yes, he is the winner of the previous Martial Arts Festival and one of the strongest swordsmen in the entire Empire. Now that Darius has judged you as strong, I wanted to talk with you. Ang showed a simr gazepared to when she spoke out to Kyle, relentlessly approaching Seran.


    Right as Konrad was about to scream in anger once again at being ignoredthest individual joined the group.


    Will you give it a rest already! I was the first one to


    What is this ruckus about?


    With a sharp voice full of pressure ringing out, everybodys movement stopped abruptly.


    AhDear Brother. Konrad lost all of his energy, looking at Eldorand.


    With this, all the children of the current Emperor had gathered, which made all the attention drift towards them.


    Ang, you should have some more respect for Konrad and Maizar. The same goes for other people older than you.


    My deepest apologies, Brother Eldorand. Ang showed a truly apologetic expression and apologized.


    It seems like she earnestly listens to her oldest brother at least.


    Same goes for you, Konrad. You should know better than to scream like that in such a ce.


    That! No, Im sorry, its just as you said, Dear Brother. He wanted to rebel for a moment but immediately lowered his head after. Ill cool my head, he said and walked away.


    Who was that small fry anyway? Seran asked Kyle with a quiet voice.


    Hes the second prince of the Empire, alright? Even if he seems like a weakling, dont say that out loud. Kyle did agree with Serans feelings and wondered what business Konrad had with him anyway.


    Big Bro Konrad only listens to Big Bro El, huh. Watching his older brother stomp off, the youngest brother shook his head.


    You should learn from himThe only problem is that he is a bit too diligent for his good. Eldorand let out a sigh but didnt say much to Maizar.


    He seemed to know that whatever he could say, it would fall on deaf ears.


    Both my younger brothers and younger sister have been quite rude to you. I hope I can make it up to you.


    No, dont worry about it. Kyle panicked and shook his head.


    Having the candidate for the next emperor apologize to him was bad for his heart.


    Then, let us continue. I had wanted to hear a few things from you two. Ang called out to Kyle and Seran again, although with a more calm voice than before.


    Ah, me too actually Maizar looked at Kyle, to which Ang protested with a pout.


    Brother Maizar, as I said before, I came first.


    Yeah, I got it already. Ille back once youre done. Maizar walked away with a troubled smile, seemingly being weak against his sister.


    Then, Kyle-sama, Seran-sama, please tell me lots of your stories!


    AhhI dont mind. Seran scratched his cheek, seeming a bit bashful.


    If youre okay with us, Kyle said while ncing over at Maizar.


    His original goal had been to get more acquainted with Maizar, and he also seemed to have something to talk about, but he figured that tagging along with Ang first would be better.


    Thank you very much. Recently, I havent gotten many chances to calmly talk during these asions. Ang looked around, showing something resembling a teasing smile.


    She was currently a mere 15 years old, and the time to bind an engagement was slowly approaching. Normally, a princess under the Empire would have no right to decide on anything, but since both Emperor Benedix and her older brother Eldorand tended to spoil her, they wouldnt force it upon her, or so a rumor was going around. As a result of that, many participants of banquets like these were looking out to leave a good impression of her, hoping to one day have a chance with her.


    However, Kyle and his group were rted to Zilgus main actors present tonight. On top of that, since Eldorand broadly stated Please take your time and entertain my younger sister in a way for everybody to hear, nobody would dare to break between them right now.


    So, please tell me how you defeated the dethe enemy.


    As the involvement of demons was kept secret between a small group of people, Ang was forced to keep her question a bit vaguer.


    Well Kyle couldnt exactly tell her everything, so he simply told her about the battle itself.


    Ang herself seemed interested in martial arts and the like, so she asked a lot of questions, and the conversation between the three was going just fine. However, a simple question from Ang brought ruin to the good atmosphere they had going.


    You two are strongBut, I wonder, who is the stronger out of you two?


    Thats me for sure.


    Without a single moment wasted, both Kyle and Seran answered at the same time. In that brief second, the atmosphere changed drastically.