The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

-Tap, tap

The anger in the footsteps echoed down the corridor.

-Swish

As if to welcome it, mist rose from the altar.

Shortly after, the owner of the space took form and appeared, only to find Kaeram, who had already reached in front of the altar, glaring at him with her arms crossed.

She seemed so full of rising anger that she might curse at any moment.

[Keep frowning like that, and you’ll get wrinkles, Kaeram.]

[Cut the crap! You! Why didn’t you tell me from the beginning!]

Aer chuckled and shrugged his shoulders as he asked.

[Tell you what?]

[That the scum of Lumendel were here! You must have known!]

Her fierce outcry seemed powerful enough to extinguish even blazing flames, causing the surrounding mist to disperse momentarily.

[I don’t see why you’re so angry, Kaeram. How does their presence harm you?]

[Are you asking because you don’t know? When have they ever done anything good for us? Their mere existence denies us!]

[…You’re worried about Cyan?]

As if honey was stuck in her throat, Kaeram suddenly found herself unable to continue speaking.

[It’s truly curious. You, of all people, Kaeram, feeling compassion for your owner. Did you have a change of heart while you were asleep?]

At a loss for words from astonishment, Kaeram could only repeat a hollow laugh.

Yet, she was exasperated at herself for not outright denying it.

[I didn’t come here to listen to such nonsense. This is a matter that could affect both your well-being and mine! So, stop beating around the bush and tell me clearly! Are you going to do something about them?]

Aer shook his head, indicating his response.

[Then just stay out of it and keep quiet as you’ve been doing! If you mess up my plans with your whims, know that you will be annihilated by my hand!]

[That wouldn’t be too bad.]

Despite the thick threat, the god of the black mist remained unfazed.

[However, Kaeram…]

Aer’s tone shifted slightly.

[I believe I have never indulged in meaningless whims for myself. Whether it was good or bad for you, I wish you would realize that it was all for you.]

[Even a passing dog wouldn’t believe that…]

Distrust still filled her eyes.

Having finished her business, Kaeram turned to leave.

As she walked away with the mist, Aer watched her departing figure with a gentle smile.

* * *

Boris L’Hellem. A native of the northern slums of the Empire, it’s said that the First Prince, during his tour of the area, noticed his talent and brought him over. It was not a pseudonym, but his real name, which he introduced himself with from the start.

There was nothing particularly surprising in the clan leader’s words.

After all, it was all information I was already privy to.

I opened my mouth, wanting to add something.

“The same person was also responsible for summoning marionettes and magical beasts at the imperial capital.”

The clan leader’s brow furrowed slightly.

“…Did you sense the aura of black magic?”

I shook my head.

“To say that there’s anything in this world that can be distinctly labeled as the aura of black magic isn’t quite right, is it?”

“Well, that’s true,” the clan leader nodded, acknowledging my point.

The aforementioned magics aren’t governed by some separate, unique force. They’re just a type of summoning magic.

So why the prefix ‘black’?

Simple.

It’s because among all humans who handle mana and cast spells, these are thoroughly unused.

Even darkness attribute magic, which might seem most fitting of the ‘black’ designation, never gets labeled as such.

Why? Because any human capable of magic can use 1st-tier elemental magic like ‘Dark Adaptation.’

Marionette: Reanimating a soulless corpse by infusing it with mana.

Beast Summoning: Bringing forth beasts drenched in malice from the demon world right before one’s eyes.

Necromancy: Reviving the dead with a massive influx of mana, without any complicated mana infusion.

These magics, which defy the natural laws of life, are branded with the term ‘black.’

“A black mage seeking the mist in the light… I expected as much, but it might be more dangerous than I thought.”

Even as he said this, the clan leader clicked her tongue.

“The First Prince really does have an unusual eye for talent. Anyway, he must’ve sent this person here, guessing that those who foiled their plans in the capital would be here.”

That’s not it.

The First Prince is merely a formal sovereign, not the master of light he spoke of.

After all, the prince isn’t capable of recognizing such things.

“At least, he won’t try to exert his power here.”

“Still, the fact remains he’s a troublesome entity, doesn’t it? That means he could keep an eye on you as long as he’s here, and I can’t stand to see that happen.”

The clan leader’s gaze sharpened for a moment.

“What do you plan to do then?”

“We’ll have to kill him.”

It was a simple and clear response.

“As I always say, as the leader of the Mist, I cannot stand to see our successor, you, fall into danger. What you think about this doesn’t matter to me.”

“I understand. If you were ever in danger, I would pour my everything into it, regardless of your wishes.”

“Ha. That’s reassuring to hear.”

The clan leader smiled, a rare expression of satisfaction on her face.

“Why is it so quiet today, regarding her?”

My gaze naturally drifted to Kaeram, who was beside me.

She was in a state of complete indifference, showing not even a hint of reaction.

She wasn’t sleeping.

The moment we arrived in the pocket dimension, she vanished to the altar, saying she had something to discuss with Aer.

What’s funny is, she strictly told me not to follow her under any circumstances.

“It’s quite fascinating the more I look at it. Normally, for a demonic sword, the owner is nothing more than prey to be devoured. Yet, there’s no such tension between you and Lady Kaeram.”

“I’m actually putting in a lot of effort to control it.”

Anyone would think I’m handling it comfortably.

“Well, you’ll handle that as you see fit. But remember this one thing: for any creature, its nature is always like a desire that it seeks to fulfill. Even if it’s quiet now, the nature of the demonic sword she possesses could become a blade threatening you at any time.”

I know.

I’ve experienced it firsthand, felt it gnawing at my mind, so it’s impossible to overlook.

But.

“Well, I don’t really think that blade will end up stabbing me.”

Is that complacency?

When I retrieved her from the temple of light two years ago, I made it clear.

I said that in this land, no one else but me could properly wield her…

Knowing this, both Kaeram and I understand, so it’s unlikely there will be any issues.

At least for now.

“Anyway, I won’t call you for any tasks for a while. And you should avoid doing anything suspicious. Stay within the academy if you can.”

“Ah, I have a favor to ask of you about that.”

The word ‘favor’ coming from my mouth seemed to surprise her, her eyes widening in curiosity.

“It will be between a fortnight and a month, that’s the timeframe.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’ll need to leave the academy for about ten days.”

“…….”

Unable to meet the clan leader’s gaze, I averted my eyes.

* * *

In this place, sculptures of pure white light encompass the entire space.

There was not a speck of darkness to be found, the altar was pure white and the dozens of knights surrounding it like pillars, each with one hand over their chest, stood in a devout posture.

At the center, Alice knelt alone.

Soon, a woman wrapped in a white hood appeared from the central staircase.

“In the name of the almighty god of light, Lumendel, I wish to bestow upon you, who are deemed worthy of salvation, the highest of blessings.”

The woman placed both hands over her heart, enveloping the pure white light that emanated from her body.

While its form resembled that of the usual light of mana, the magic contained within was beyond compare.

“Alice Vert, I ask you. Do you truly wish to become a beacon of light to save this harsh and dark world?”

Without a hint of hesitation, Alice answered.

“I, Alice Vert, accept the will of the supreme god of light, Lumendel, and swear here to dedicate my inadequate self entirely to maintaining the peace of this world.”

Upon completing her vow, holy water that shimmered with transparent light was sprinkled over Alice’s head.

Gently opening her eyes, a longsword of pure white lay before her.

* * *

“Congratulations, Lady Alice.”

After completing the baptism, Alice was greeted by Cecilia as she emerged into the hallway.

“Stop with the formalities now! Cecilia… Sir. Now, you are above me…”

She had been a servant or a subordinate before, but here, she was clearly a superior in the Order of the Knights of Light.

Cecilia smiled and said,

“Before I am a knight of the light, I am a sword sworn to protect Lady Alice. So, please don’t be formal with me in private settings, just like before. I will do the same…”

Alice was unsure how to react and just scratched her face awkwardly.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m just overwhelmed. Honestly, I wonder if I’m really worthy of joining the Order with such honors…”

“There was nothing wrong with the path you’ve taken, Lady Alice. If there had been, the person you are today wouldn’t exist.”

Just one month.

That was the time it took for Alice to join the Order of the Knights of Light.

Considering the standard review period could be as short as three months to as long as a year, her induction period was significantly reduced.

It wasn’t that she received any special treatment.

She herself was special.

Outstanding abilities required to maintain the balance of the world, along with the mindset of a knight to support it.

She lacked nothing, making a lengthy probation period unnecessary for her.

“All I can think of is that I must do well from now on. To become a knight that does not tarnish the name of the Order of the Knights of Light, and to not shame my family…”

Alice looked at her new sword.

Her firm grip on the hilt revealed her resolute will.

“Cecilia, you’re going back to the front lines?”

“Yes. I came to see you on behalf of Duke Vert, so I must return.”

With that, Cecilia handed her a letter, keeping her smile.

“You are coming too, Lady Alice.”

“…!”

Alice immediately understood what the letter was.

“An order?”

It was her first official mission as a knight of the light.

(To be continued)