25-226

EP.226. [Ulysses Schneider and Victoria.] 

‘Ulysses Schneider? Isn’t he the father of my beloved brother?!’ 

Elizabeth’s eyes widened in shock at the completely unexpected name that came from Samantha’s lips. 

“I can guess what your expression means, Elizabeth. But at the time, it was only natural. Only a Swordmaster could survive in the zone of the Demon Eclipse. Also, Lord Constantine, who was also a Swordmaster, was affiliated with the Holy See, so he was excluded.” 

A Demon Eclipse occurred in Enclema. 

Naturally, the Empire had no choice but to handle the matter with utmost secrecy. However, it was difficult for a core figure from the Holy See to intervene directly in the history of the Heretic. That’s why the one unofficially requested for the task was Ulysses Schneider. 

“Hmm… So in the end, only Lord Ulysses, who is no longer in this world, knows what happened during that eclipse?” 

After hearing the whole situation, Elizabeth asked if there was any way to learn the details of what happened afterward. Samantha explained that she only helped Ulysses enter the Demon Eclipse and was not with him, so she didn’t know what happened inside. 

“That’s how it is. The imperial leadership, including the emperor at the time, has all disappeared into history. Maybe only Antoine could access the documents created back then? The process of Louis XVI’s enthronement overlapped with this, so everything got mixed up and most records were lost in the power struggles surrounding the previous emperor’s succession.” 

Samantha’s answer was pessimistic. 

Because it was unofficial and top secret, there weren’t many people involved, and most of the records were lost amid the fierce political strife during the previous emperor’s succession. 

‘I can’t ask my father. He would definitely ask why I want to know! Even if I’m confident in my love with my brother, it’s still not the time!’ 

The only meaningful person left is Antoine de Sel Oblaing, Elizabeth’s father. But even as his most beloved youngest daughter, there’s no way she could ask him about such a unique matter. Antoine is strict about public and private matters, so he would definitely question her motives. 

“But perhaps there are records left in the Temple of the Demon God in the Demon Tribe’s territory. It’s only speculation, though.” 

It was almost impossible to uncover what happened at the time. 

As if to add to this impracticality, Samantha casually mentioned the Temple of the Demon God, said to exist somewhere in the northern Iskandar region, in the territory of the Demon Tribe. The Temple is a mysterious place said to record all matters related to demons and the Demon God. 

But that offhanded keyword- 

‘Oh…! I remember! There’s a legend that important events related to the Demon Tribe are recorded in the Temple of the Demon God! So there is a way after all!’ 

For Elizabeth, who would do anything for Eugene Schneider, it was a Eureka moment. 

“How do I look, mister~? Am I pretty~?” 

Margaret, dressed in neat and pretty new clothes, showed off and acted cute for Eugene Schneider. 

“Wow~ What a pretty little lady! Are you really Margaret? Aren’t you a noble young miss? The little lady in front of me must be a noble young miss!” 

“Hehe~ I really am Margaret~! Hehehe!” 

Spin, spin, spin! 

Eugene played along, giving Margaret a reaction that made her happy. Margaret spun cutely in place, showing off her new clothes to Eugene. 

“Do you like it, Margaret?” 

“Yes~ Big sister Vivian~!” 

The one who gifted the clothes was none other than Vivian. Vivian had given clothes, shoes, and various necessities to the children of Yongmyeong Village. 

“Aren’t you spending too much money while you’re here, Madam Merchant?” 

Margaret, excited, ran off to play with her friends, and Jeanne, watching her, cautiously spoke to Vivian. 

Vivian was currently staying in Yongmyeong Village for a week. During that time, she spent a significant amount of money on both the villagers and the mercenary village. 

“It’s an investment. As I’ve said, I see great potential in this mercenary village and Jebodang Village. The western desert will become a major external trade zone, and this is the best gateway to Pangaea.” 

As the head of the Pieta Trading Company, Vivian replied with a smart smile. Of course, the main reason she stayed for a week was to spend more time with Eugene. But a savvy person like Vivian wouldn’t spend her time just for that. She saw the potential in Jebodang and the Red Fox Mercenary Village. Although Jebodang is currently used as a smuggling route due to security issues, it was once a fortress and is the most direct route to the western desert. Vivian, who had long been expanding her influence to one of the four great cities, was planning to use Pangaea as a bridgehead for her next expansion. 

“Wow… That sounds amazing, but can you really handle crossing such a vast continent?” 

Eugene was amazed at Vivian’s ambition. Alexandria and Pangaea are nearly on opposite sides of the Elysium Empire. In a world like Gaia, without the convenient transportation of his previous life, it seemed daunting. 

“Once the Pieta Company grows as much as I want and establishes itself in the Empire, I plan to step back from the front lines.” 

Smile…! 

Vivian was happy with Eugene’s reaction. It meant they’d grown closer, with past misunderstandings gone. That’s why she smiled and reassured him that he didn’t need to worry. 

Vivian never aimed to become personally rich through her company. Like her father’s dream, she wanted to bring new winds to the Empire. If her company grew large, its system would need to change as well. Vivian had no attachment to a single power structure. 

“Captain! You got a letter! Looks like it’s from the Imperial Knights!” 

At that moment, Thomas called out for Eugene Schneider. Thomas now visited the Pangaea mercenary street and the mercenary guild every other day, since the Red Fox Mercenaries were now receiving many letters from outside. This time, a letter from the Imperial Knights had arrived for Eugene. 

“It’s from the special quest leader, as expected.” 

Eugene received the letter from Thomas and read it in the Red Fox Mercenary leader’s office with Jeanne and Vivian. It was from Victoria von Bayern. 

[Through Mage Elizabeth, I heard about the mercenaries and Captain Eugene’s recent activities. I heard you’ve been busy with village construction and such, so I waited a bit before sending this letter.] 

Although it was officially from the Imperial Knights, the letter felt more like a personal message between Eugene and Victoria. 

[As I mentioned before, the drake’s defeat was not solely Captain Eugene’s doing but the result of a party effort, with your final strike landing the decisive blow.] 

The reason was to protect Eugene Schneider’s Sword Seeker secret. 

‘Wow… Victoria is loyal. Honestly, this could be a huge hassle, but she’s taking the fall for me.’ 

Reading the letter, Eugene was impressed. Victoria could have just glossed things over, but having promised to take responsibility, she never did that. She personally stepped in to shield him. If anything went wrong, Victoria herself would be in trouble. 

‘Hmm… What does this mean?’ 

As he admired Victoria’s integrity, Eugene’s expression turned curious. 

[However, since you dealt the most significant blow, you’ll need to visit the Imperial Knights’ arena again. And since I did my part, I think I deserve a personal reward from you as well.] 

‘A reward…’ 

He’d already expected he might have to visit the arena after the special quest team disbanded, but the mention of a “reward” made him pause. 

‘Well, it depends on how I handle it. I have things I want to ask Victoria, so this could be a chance for a personal conversation.’ 

Eugene’s expression turned thoughtful. 

“Is it about your Sword Seeker secret? Are they calling you to the Imperial Knights’ arena?” 

Jeanne, noticing Eugene’s change in expression, guessed the contents of the letter. She already knew some of what was going on. 

“Yeah, I’ll probably have to go soon. By the way, Jeanne, do you know anything about Victoria before she entered the academy?” 

Eugene nodded and asked Jeanne, hoping she might know something more about Victoria. 

“Hmm… Not really, nothing I can say for sure…” 

But Jeanne, crossing her arms, shook her head. 

At that moment- 

“Victoria? Do you mean Victoria von Bayern, Eugene?” 

Vivian perked up with interest. 

“Yes, Victoria von Bayern. The youngest Sword Expert and the youngest Saber in the Imperial Knights. Do you know her well, Madam Vivian?” 

He sensed it. Vivian knew something about Victoria. Eugene asked her with a look of anticipation. 

“Hmm… We’re acquainted. Especially regarding what you just mentioned-she and I became friends during her years of traveling. We’re not in touch now that she’s working officially, but…” 

Indeed, Vivian had information about Victoria. 

“Aha! So Duke Alexis and Duke Constantine were friends!” 

“Yes, so when I first started working in the company, Duke Constantine and Lady Victoria visited to encourage me. That’s when I first met Lady Victoria. After she started traveling alone, we met several times.” 

So Eugene and Jeanne listened to Victoria’s story from Vivian. 

“Something unusual… Hmm… I’m not sure if I should say this…” 

Eugene, hoping to get useful information from Victoria when he met her, had tried to probe. Vivian, caught by his effort, hesitated for a moment. 

“Ulysses Schneider, yes. She was extremely curious about that forgotten Sword Saint.” 

And so, the keyword Vivian mentioned was, coincidentally, the same as Samantha’s: Ulysses Schneider, Eugene Schneider’s father.