Chapter 53: I Became a Swordsman in the Middle Ages

Direct Train to the Demon King's Castle (1)

Cecilia's vacation had come to an end.

Beatrice had reached a level where she could somewhat perform Flash Cut.

However, she still struggled when it came to utilizing her Blessing.

No matter how thoroughly Cecilia explained it, there was no progress.

Still, there was no need to rush—

A few near-death experiences would easily solve that. Simple.

March 10, Year 499 of Saint Michael.

Queen Lydia, who rarely interfered in mundane matters, made a rare public appearance.

[ Report: Threat to the Kingdom due to the Demon King's death – Edward Windsor ]

That was the report submitted by Edward, which became the catalyst.

For the first time in a long while, Queen Lydia acted like a monarch.

“I hereby command all vassals of the Lianen Kingdom. For the time being, cease all wars and focus on strengthening your internal affairs.”

“Reorganize the supply lines and eliminate any dungeons near those routes that may cause disruption.”

“The large-scale purges shall be entrusted to the Windsor Knights. However, we cannot neglect our northern defenses. One high-ranking knight shall be dispatched for that.”

The usual bickering nobles and officials—who constantly clashed—fell immediately into line.

“We obey your Majesty’s command.”

It was only possible because it was a direct royal decree.

Queen Lydia was known to be benevolent, but she had no mercy when it came to anything that challenged royal authority.

‘Deployment is crap.’

Mission analyst Cecilia instantly saw through the essence of the assignment.

Of course, she did need to go North eventually.

There was some minor business to take care of regarding the Demon King.

But that was a one-off matter.

A deployment of indefinite duration like this was essentially the same as exile.

‘The Commander will handle it, right?’

Cecilia emptied her mind and looked up at Kairon with pleading eyes.

You're really going to throw your beautiful daughter into a battlefield…?

Feeling her gaze, Kairon glanced at her once and sighed.

“We must not jump to conclusions about any of this, not even about the Demon King’s death, an unconfirmed fact. But what is true is that demon forces are gathering in the North. We must not be lax in our defenses.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

It was a warning not to stir up public fear by running your mouth.

The Queen scanned the stiffened hall and gave a gentle smile.

“With you all here, I am at ease. The war that occurred 100 years ago was overcome thanks to loyal retainers. I believe this time will be no different.”

100 years ago, the Lianen Kingdom did have “nothing but loyal retainers”, as she said.

Because those who weren’t loyal drank tea with some extra ingredients and were never seen again.

In short, Queen Lydia was openly threatening them.

Even Cecilia shrank back in fear.

‘As expected… a 300-year-old ancient monster really is something else.’

Then, with her eyes closed and reopened, the Queen spoke in a deeply solemn voice:

“The Lianen Kingdom now faces an unprecedented crisis. Let every step you take be worthy of being recorded in history. With that, the meeting is adjourned.”

***

"Cecilia."

Cecilia eyed the teacup in front of her with deep suspicion.

When she lifted her gaze, she saw Edward sipping tea with a relaxed smile.

"What, worried it's poisoned?"

"Yes."

Cecilia answered honestly.

"I'm really curious about what's in your head."

Edward looked at Cecilia with an absurd expression.

Since she had just returned from the royal council meeting, Cecilia was wearing the official dress uniform per regulations:

Black trousers, a white shirt, and a black coat draped over her shoulders.

In particular, the ‘Silver Medal of Valor’ she’d been awarded last time was prominently pinned on the right side of her chest.

‘Still, she knows how to distinguish between time and place, I guess.’

Cecilia rarely wore her formal uniform.

In fact, she hadn’t even worn it at the award ceremony.

But the fact that she was wearing it so precisely this time likely meant she recognized the severity of the situation.

‘I like it.’

Edward preferred the Cecilia now in front of him—composed in both demeanor and attire.

…Though really, this is the world’s greatest knight order—skirts and knee-high socks were a bit lacking in dignity, weren’t they?

"You look good like that. What do you think? How about dressing like this more often?"

"No."

Of course, Cecilia’s taste was firm and unwavering.

Edward’s mouth twitched.

"So, why did you call me here? If it’s to ask me on a date, please wait a year. My schedule is quite full."

"…No thanks."

Edward barely kept his poker face intact, forcing a smile as he replied.

"Cecilia, don’t you think it’s about time you had your own squad?"

"I have Betty."

"One person’s a little too few, don’t you think? We’ve got a lot of new recruits this year."

Cecilia sharply turned her head away.

Edward fought the urge to flick her on the forehead and continued.

"…So I was thinking, why not take on some of the new knights into your unit? Their skills may not be to your liking, but judging by your recent accomplishments, your leadership potential is more than proven."

Cecilia pulled a disliking face as if she'd just eaten a three-year-old pickled herring.

While technically there was no obligation, reacting like this to a superior officer’s suggestion was—well, aggravating.

Edward felt thoroughly provoked.

"…Betty’s enough. With just her, I can handle the missions assigned to high-ranking knights."

"If that’s how you feel, then fine. It’s good for me that your power base doesn’t grow."

"…"

Cecilia went cold.

That comment was petty. She thought so, clearly.

"Oh right, did you hear Her Majesty’s command? I’ll need to decide your deployment. I’m thinking of recommending you for assignment—"

"Vice Commander."

Cecilia spoke with a blank face.

‘I’m going to slay the Demon King and stay glued to the capital, no matter what.’

Still, it wouldn't be wise to worsen her relationship with Edward, who was about to become the next Commander.

In such cases, there was an excellent go-to strategy.

"Excuse me, but I’d like to leave now."

Edward’s expression clearly hardened.

"Sounds like you have something to do? It better be important enough to justify interrupting me."

"I want to change my clothes."

"…"

Edward closed his eyes for a moment.

Then reopened them and asked seriously:

"Is that really so important?"

"Yes. I’m on my period."

Edward closed his eyes again.

After a brief pause, he gave a small nod, and Cecilia stood from her seat.

She gave him a curt bow and walked out of the Vice Commander’s office.

Left alone, Edward stayed frozen for a moment before breaking into a faint smile.

"In the end, you didn’t accept a single thing I said today."

But there was nothing to fault her for.

That was simply how Cecilia operated.

"…Still, you’ll have no choice but to move according to my will."

She was, after all, just a young girl.

If he couldn’t even handle that much, he wasn’t fit to be king.

Edward was confident.

***

‘Didn’t even have time to change clothes.’

Cecilia moved swiftly.

To subjugate the Demon King—without anyone catching on—required meticulous preparation.

Though she had Kairon as a strong backing, this mission was too important not to be cautious.

‘Everything is perfectly in place.’

Cecilia’s plan was as follows:

First, take on a mission that seemed trivial and simple, but was actually quite important.

“If I were a demon, I’d target the magic engineering train first. I’ve got experience stopping terrorism, so I’ll personally go check it out.”

“Approved.”

The North was a harsh and barren land.

As such, large-scale supplies were shipped there only once every three months.

Tomorrow happened to be that day, making it the perfect excuse.

‘I’ll take it as easy as possible. That way, all the ‘good’ missions will be taken while I’m gone.’

The Windsor Knights were essentially like office workers.

While they had a strong sense of duty, they still preferred to grab the best assignments within reason.

‘By the time I get back, the only thing left will be the least popular North expedition. I’ll swoop in and take it while looking generous.’

Cecilia had already told Kairon in advance:

For this mission, she wanted to choose it herself. She asked for autonomy.

And now, her final move:

“Rude. Do it for me.”

“U-uhm. No matter how cute my Lia is, this one’s tough. I’ve already been assigned another mission…”

“I’ll do ‘that’ for you.”

“……!”

Click click!

It was a deal to let Rude take photos with his self-developed magical device, the Image Recorder.

In other words: a glamour photo shoot!

Cecilia obediently struck poses and gave a peace sign.

“Oh wow……!”

Rude’s eyes sparkled with joy. The deal was sealed.

He would take on the most unwanted "trash mission" instead of Cecilia.

“We're going to inspect the train.”

Everything proceeded smoothly.

The reason Cecilia hadn't even changed clothes was because of this rush.

But that too was intentional.

This outfit was uncomfortable—but at a glance, it screamed “I'm a very high-ranking person!”

“M-Military merit medal…! What an honor to meet the recipient!”

“Conductor, we’ll be doing a checkup now. Please make a round near the capital while I inspect it. Announce it to the passengers too.”

“Yes! Absolutely!”

“Preferably slow. Inspections must be done carefully.”

[Welcome aboard the northbound magical engineering train...]

Cecilia sat comfortably in a standard seat, a smile on her lips.

“Lady Cecilia, what should I do first?”

Next to her was a cute little newbie who was very tense and stiff.

People passing by noticed the medal and respectfully bowed before her.

Everything was perfect for Cecilia to feel just the right amount of smugness.

“Just observe the ride and try to spot any weak points in the security.”

‘Though, no matter how well it’s guarded, a Seven Deadly Sins would break through easily anyway.’

Because of that smug comfort, she didn’t notice it.

[…We would like to inform all passengers that the destination has been changed.]

Disrupting supply lines before a war began was…

A very traditional method—

And a highly reliable hypothesis.

Which meant… it had a very high chance of actually happening.

[This train’s final destination is the Demon King’s Castle. There is no exit.]

Next Chapter