Assassins Pride
/ Assassins Pride Vol 1 Chapter 1
Like a huge chandelier standing above the earth. This was the landscape of the world.
No ray of light could be seen in the skies. The existences of dazzling celestial bodies such as stars, moon and the sun were only heard in forms of stories in the ancient literature. They were often used in the poems of poets and scholars in their studies. In the distant past, the azure light that the sky exuded in any case, was incredible and was impossible to believe.
From the zenith of the sky to the ground, and then to the ends of the earth were all surrounded by the darkness of the night. As such, the geography couldn’t be confirmed by eyes. The total area of the earth had long been beyond human imagination. A darkness that couldn’t be overwritten by any colors… Only in that corner of the earth existed, a huge glass vessel group that extending from a few hundred meters to several kilometers exuding dazzling brilliance light.
This was the final metropolis of mankind:《Middle world of Lanterns(Flandre).》
Among the Lanterns, the largest diameter could reach up to five kilometers wide. 《Saint King》 area that inhibited a large number of privileged class people were surrounded by a dense number of 24 Campbells. They were supported by the metal base in order to stand in an orderly manner, which could only be described as a chandelier.
Each Campbell was connected with several layers of metal bridge, and on top of that was the railway which had become the means of transportation for the residents. And now one could see a train “flying out” from an open end of the tunnel, going to another Campbell along an overhead line with few hundred meters long, along a few hundred meters overhead toward the other Campbell.
In that second class train car by the rear of the private rooms, a young man who got nothing to do looked at the dozens of Campbell which were the proud of solemn and prestige while lost in thoughts.
Who the hell constructed this unwarranted structure, just thinking about it is terrible.
–Just like this.
† † †
The young man would arrive by train located in the outskirts of the Holy Park of one of the Campbell, It was Cardinal’s Academy. Here the side by side was the construction of a variety of colleges, half of the residents was student, Flandre’s main College Street.
It was now early in the morning. The white steam train stopped at the platform, the young man realized at one glance that the place was a street belonging to the student.
Whether it was the passengers going on or off the train, or the people waiting for the train, the age of the passengers who cross-walked within this site, in general was very young. The young man took a deep breath of fresh air, slightly sorted out a bit of his chaotic uniforms.
From his outer pocket of his outer garment, a paper sheet, which depicted the surrounding terrain, was taken out.
If one was to speak about the symbol the Cardinal’s Academy, it would surely be the beautiful building named 『Tower of Contemplation』. It was like being designed by the combination of mathematician, physicists and artisan, the crisp conical roof looked straight into the sky, it could only be said to be overwhelming.
The target was at the end of the street where the pinnacle was located.
The house of Merida Angel, to which the young man was heading, was built on the banks of the Sims River, which divided the street into two.
Three years from today — In this town, his life as a young tutor kicked off.
“And the atmosphere around the holy kingdom district is completely different.”
After he stuffed the note
back into his pocket, the lad snorted his nose.
“”It smells of Intelligent everywhere.””
The young man whispered softly, accidentally a high and clear voice coincided with his.
He looked to the side after a bow, and at the same time overlapped with the gaze of the person looking over here.
It was a girl who had just jumped off the ladder, someone looked younger than him, probably around sixteen. Maybe it was the urban style, in short one can see that she was a beautiful girl focus on appearance.
A bright red hair that had been maintained meticulously, her slender body was charming and tall. She wears gorgeous clothing that looks like fairy wings, which would make people think of she was an actor on the stage or a fashion model in the magazine.
Of course, although she attracted a lot of attention from the boys around, .but it seemed like she was not self-conscious of her own charm. Her innocent smile against the young man exposed a very childish look.
“Huh, how disappointing.”
“Seems to be so.—Not that, eto.”
After the young man coldly answered, he immediately shook his head gently.
The moment he reached the streets the task had already begun, now he was already a home tutor that going to take the post in the Knight Duke’s home.
“Excuse me, are you traveling?”
“N, no, I was going to work! So as you.”
“Ee. As you can see, I’m not a student.— Shall we go.”
The young man led her naturally and went to the train baggage that located at the train front.
The beautiful red-head made all the guys along the path turned their heads, while the women standing in between stations were not spared either, all of them were stunned and were left blushing after looking at her. Tearing down the drawing canvas, an artist started his work on a portrait, a man with a wide back that looks like a journalist start taking pictures with his camera.
Does we walking side by side look so much like a painting to you. Thinking so in his heart the young man turned to look at his side. This red-haired girl was still not aware of the surrounding line of sight, just with a little red line, she seemed quite happy.
“Your plate number is?”
“That, what number is it, eto…. aa, found it!”
The young man accepted the number plate the girl took out of her skirt pocket. he walked into the baggage compartment, when going out his right hand was carrying his suitcase, his left hand was holding a lot of decorative accessories, huge and lovely suitcase.
“Thank you for waiting, lady.”
After he handed over the suitcase, the red hair girl slightly opened her cherry lips and called out excitedly.
“A, a gentleman.”
“This is natural. I wish I could join you to your destination…..”
The girl exaggerated shook her lovely head, hurriedly accepted the suitcase.
After inquiring information about her destination, he got to know that the place she was going to was actually a high-end luxury residential area. In contrast, the young man’s target was the exact opposite. His proposed destination was actually a deserted area in the outskirts.
Out of the station, standing on a long and large ladder above, standing above, one could see the streets at a glance.
Like a stage scene in the drama in general, the two were holding hands together.
“In fact, a person’s speech would inherently be affected by anxiety and thus become coward-like, however, meeting such a friendly individual after coming to this street is a blessing! This made me feel like nothing is impossible starting from today!”
“This is really good. Then again will the future be so.”
“Ok, goodbye. Absolutely, I’ll see you again.”
After the young girl with both her hands holding his palm and made large swing up and down a few times, ran toward the front of the ladder down. Her red hair fluttered in the air from time to time, she also turned around and waved her lovely little hand with a smile.
The young man gently waving responded, while watched the back of the girl gradually away…..”Fuu”, the young man sighed with unmanned fervor.
The boss said “The best in the world” these kind of words to make a strong guarantee of his good skills really weren’t a joke. Although sad, but this time the task, among the troops the most suitable one was indeed he himself.
After confirming the redhead figure completely disappeared to the sea, the young man took the suitcase with one hand and took the ladder, began to move toward the destination.
The young man walked into the place the notes described. The place which was full of life. He was at the conical roof building, walking through the cheerful students, as he slowly approached the outskirts.
A city state (Flandre) constituting twenty five Campbells themselves. —Although rightly said to be its internal street, exuding strong sense of light that seemed to be able to disperse the surrounding darkness. It was shining, between the streets to maintain the construction of equidistant street lamps. Which was filled with glass windows, brilliant specialty gases.
《Song of the sun（Nectar）》
The liquid fuel that could be extracted in the suburb of Flandre. It could emit light with a strong flavor of the divine light through gasification. And this light, could become the protector of cities and citizens from the world that being cursed by darkness. In order to maintain human civilization necessary, the last lifeline——when the Nectar veins depleted, in the end what would become of Flandre. Among the council it had been hotly debated, up to now there was no clear answer to this question, it flashed in the mind of the young man, then disappeared without a trace.
Compared to worry about the distant future things, might as well think about this strange street as how not to get lost was more important.
Based on the directions stated in the notes, while occasionally asking passersby, he got the general idea on how to proceed and finally arrived at his destination. Not far away there was a rigid wall on the right hand side of the road, where the surrounding rusty fences seemed to be deterring unwanted visitors.
Looking ahead of the fences, was a garden full of healthy looking floras, a lush botanical garden indeed
The greenery that existed within Campbell would obviously be unnatural. Those capable of maintaining such a lush garden must definitely be some rich local tycoons.
Just as what the lad thought. Further ahead, there were three ladies dressed in aprons standing under the gas lamp, in front of an enormous-looking door.
After the young man entered, the maids neatly attend to him.
“You’re Kufa Vanpiel-san, right? Welcome, we have been waiting here for a long time.”
Upon getting to know about the fake name during the mission, the lad gave the maids a fade yet elegant smile. The fact that this mask was effective on anyone had already been proven by the red-haired girl.
“Nice to meet you. Please take care of me.”
“Ha, you’re welcome. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
One of the three maids, who was standing in the middle of them, suddenly stepped forward, letting out a graceful smile while raising her face. Even though she has a nomad-like soft side, the strong yet firm spirit of her inner self could definitely be felt.
“I am the head maid of this mansion, my name is Amy. If there is anything you don’t understand please don’t worry, be sure to rely on me?”
“Head maid?”
The young man— Kufa frowned slightly. The girl claiming to be Amy, who was deemed 17 years old, was actually close to his age. For those who lead the servants, they should address their names with ‘lady’ before ending their speech, however under these circumstances only the elder and more experienced women were responsible for this.
He suddenly got reminded of the stuff overheard from the boss before commencing on the mission. Miss Merida, who was suspected of not being a pure descendant, was gradually losing her power to voice out in Angel’s residence. Being hated by her father’s side, she was deported to the other states with only a minimum handful of servants, showing utter disrespect to her status in the family.
At the very least, it seemed not just the numbers, also included is the empirical meaning of existence. Standing behind Amy was two maids who would also be around similar age.
Speaking from the lowest point of view, it seemed that wasn’t only the numbers,but also existed the matter of experience.The two maids that were standing behind Amy had age that wouldn’t felt strange to say they were young girls.
“Look, a man!”
“It’s a man……!”
“He’s really young…….”
“He seems very mature, how old he is?”
Sneakily. The guest was clearly in front of them, but still in full swing talking in whispers. They looked at the lad with obvious interest. Those looked seems to carry some heat.
“Look, that shapely slender figure……I have never seen such a suit for the cavalry regiment uniforms!”
“That bright black hair with a little of purple color and that pair of calm, pretty eyes are great…..!”
“Yeah, I keep having that ‘I am the old driver, what’s your bloody problem?’ vibe!”
“Why don’t you just say that us as the seniors were administrated instructions called education.”
“Aah, what a devil!”
“Devilish Teacher!”
Who is the devilish teacher.
While their words indicated the opposite, it looked like they’re very happy. To the scene before him, Kufa let out a sigh. Amy seemed to have misunderstood him and stretched out her hand.
“My sincerest apologies. You’re tired, please allow me to take your luggage.”
“You don’t need to take care of me so much.”
Kufa politely rejected Amy’s offer while holding her outstretched hand.
“Since today we are colleagues, can we get along a little more casually? Please think of me as your own arms and legs; if you need help with something, please don’t hesitate to call on me”
“Well…”
Amy’s face flushed, and the maid behind her was noisier.
“Amy immediately got out-spoken!”
“Amy is cunning ~!”
*Cough cough* Kufa cleared his throat a few times, and Amy slowly lifted her skirt into a courtesy.
“Well then, let me take you inside the mansion.”
Kufa followed the three maids into the door. The front was a vast botanical garden that could be seen from the outside of the fence. The meandering path between the tall, growing plants stretched. Not only was the road hidden by the greenery, but also the mansion itself.
“You’ve really saved us; it’s nice to have a young man around. There’s a lot of jobs that are a great inconvenience for us women.”
As Amy brought up the topic, the other two maids joined in.
“Are you able to help out with physical work?”
“Such as carrying luggage and cleaning high places!?!”
Kufa exposed a smile, then with one hand made a ‘Bring it on’ gesture; the two maids let out an “ah ~ ~ ~ !!” in admiration.
For them, it was like having another servant their age in the estate. On the other hand, there were very few maids, and all of the staff appeared to be women. Male attendants were forbidden; this thought flashed through his mind.
Even if it was only work, it didn’t mean that walking into this garden wouldn’t make people feel anxious. However, just by looking at this peaceful atmosphere, it all seemed as if nothing would affect the outcome of the mission, or rather, it shouldn’t be diverting the attention of these people.
——Kufa thought so before meeting ‘Her’ at the end of the road.
† † †
Merida Angel’s residence was a wide, two-storey estate, big enough to fit five or six people. The coniferous roofs, similar to those of the parish church building, as well as the huge botanical gardens that obscure the buildings all work to create a magical, seclusion-like ambience.
“Then, Kufa-san, please allow me to officially welcome you to this house, which will be your place of work for three years from today, and the eldest daughter is already waiting for you … ah?”
Amy seemed to suddenly notice something had caught Kufa’s attention. She and the other two maids followed his line of sight.
The sounds of the voices were conveyed through the walls. Above the entrance there was an open-air balcony, and the sound was coming from the depths of the room.
“Now, have they come yet? It’s been a long time since we started to meet people.”
“Oh please my lady, how many times has it been since you last asked the same question? Well, Amy and the company had already gone to welcome them, I guess we should be meeting up with them soon enough~”
“However, they are already three minutes past their scheduled arrival time. Perhaps because they got lost, or were involved in an accident … …! I want to see the situation!”
“Wait a minute, Merida-sama!? ”
Shortly after, a figure came flying onto the open-air balcony. Kufa made some hasty footwork in order to confirm the situation. He slowly took a step, two steps, three steps back.
–A dazzling sight of color filled his narrowed eyes.
Flowing, golden hair.
Even more radiant than that of God’s grace. That would be the “glory” of her hair, not color. However, it wasn’t known if that divine-like golden hair was able to be made, if angels themselves were to weave the lights shone from the crystals themselves.
The girl jumped on the railing while maintaining a running-pose, her golden hair seemed like threads found in a harp, billowing in the air along with the wind. These actions consistently matched the data gathered of the young girl.
She was comparable to a doll, with such a young and delicate face.
She possessed unusually soft-looking skin, slim stature and a small body. It simply couldn’t be believed that this girl had only just graduated, and her unblemished beauty instantly seized the attention of Kufa.
[PS: Lolicons (: з “∠) _】(reminds me to delete this when the editing is done!)
Along the lines Kufa’s already diminishing sight, he witnessed that Merida was leaning out towards the balcony, overlooking something distant. She seemed to not realize that the people she was searching was actually beneath her.
“Oh, ummmm…..I can’t see anything! It seems like they’re not in the garden. Could they be on the streets then? Or maybe at the front door….damn, these trees have always been in the way!”
“Wait! Merida-sama, this is very dangerous!”
The maid chased after her from the room was very confused. Well, this was to be expected.
After all, the naturally-lively eldest daughter was shouting out dumbfounded complaints, with her knees on the balcony’s railing. Looking at this scene, even Kufa also could not help but let out a slight gasp.
It must be close to school time, as Merida was wearing a college uniform. The deep, vivid, rose-red uniform peerlessly complimented her long, blonde hair.
Even though this was a good thing…..however without doubt, the lower half of the uniform was a skirt. Looking from the side, the fluttering of her skirt that showed the inner part of it made it very indecent -…..
Kufa quickly looked away.
Amy and the company, who was looking in the same direction as Kufa, felt nervous too.
“No, you cannot do this, Merida-sama! Here! Come back over here!”
“A man is looking at you!”
“Eh?”
Because an unexpected voice came from outside, Merida maintained her original posture. Then later she seemed to finally notice. From the front of the entrance looked up at her were the three maids, and standing in the middle of them, wearing a uniform was a tall man.
Based on his outer appearance and both of their standing positions —- even though it was just a brief imagination, Kufa could already see her innocent young looking face slightly blushed already.
“Eh … ah, woah … … – ah!!”
“””Aa!!”””
She gave a sulky moan of shame, which quickly turned to one of sharp sorrow. At the same time Amy and the maids held their breath in fear – At this moment, Kufa raised his face and sprung into action.
Merida lost her balance and fell off the open-air balcony on the second floor. Without even a moment to consider the situation, Kufa threw his suitcase aside and kicked off the ground to gain speed, heading towards where she was falling. With a considerable self-confidence he opened up his arms – and then caught her.
With a slight thump, Kufa felt a feather-like impact on his chest from the princess’ landing.
Merida seemed to have not yet understood what happened, in her surprise she had shut her eyes and braced herself.
“Ojou-sama, you… are you all right?”
“Eh……? —A, eto, ye, yes…..”
She opened her eyes carefully, and then her eyes met with Kufa’s.
At this moment, her face was red-hot and her ears are flushed bright red.
was it because of what happened just now? Or just her body was weak? Or rather, was Kufa holding onto her so firmly till she felt uncomfortable?
Peach thin lips gently trembling, the whispers flew out along with a sincere emotion.
“You are, my teacher, are you …?”
“Y – yes, my name is Kufa, please do look after me for the next three years.”
“……..”
Merida closed her lovely mouth again.
Gem-like pupils that had gravity of their own, Kufa cannot turn his eyes away. Without even realizing, they slowly came close to each other, looking affectionately into each others’ eyes. Kufa’s slowly narrowed vision only had her, as the surrounding objects gradually disappeared from his sight—
Amy hurriedly ran after them, Kufa and Merida snapped back to reality.
“Ojou-sama!! You’re all right!”
“Whoa! Ah … … where am I … …!”
Until now she finally noticed her own situation. Because the opposite sex was holding her in a princess carry, Merida blushed and pushed on Kufa’s chest, jumping to the ground.
Just before she was about to escape this place—-in a blink of an eye, having the honor of being a royal family member made her stop her footsteps.
“Please…..let me to take sensei to your room.”
She uttered the words with all of her might before going into the mansion. Her lovely voice accompanied by anxious footsteps sound made by the boots gradually fade into the horizon…it was left between the few servants, who happened to be looking at each other.
“Eeto, that Ojou-sama is my master … …”
“… she is Merida Angel…”
Amy bowed down in front of Kufa, in a posture that made her seemed like she was having a headache. It appeared that this wasn’t their first time witnessing this unprecedented behavior.
After Kufa made all kinds of conscious decision deep down his heart, he could hear gradual footsteps inside the mansion. He thought that Merida had returned, but it seemed this was not the case.
With a bang, the front door opened and a fourth maid appeared from behind it.
“Ojou-sama fell down from the rooftop!! … … ah? Ojou-sama?!?”
She frantically looked around in front of the entrance, surprised that her master wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Instead, was the circle of four; Amy, the two maids and Kufa … ….
Kufa immediately gave her a wry smile.
“Handsome devil teacher….”
She had completely forgotten about Merrida’s problem, her eyes gradually wet up.
† † †
After all the commotion earlier, Kufa was finally taken inside the mansion.
The middle part of the attic situated on the second floor was being made as a personal room. Half of it was the room, while the other half was the attic, making it very odd-looking. Amy opened the door leading up to stairs, then gently nodded at Kufa.
“Because there’s no room for men so far, I invited you to clean the vacant room urgently, and I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“No, how could it?”
Kufa took the heavy suitcase, and went into the room that he’d be staying over the next three years from now.
He put the baggage on the ground, finally relieved. Although Amy was very modest, Kufa’s room which was on the outskirts of the suburbs of the holy kingdom. In comparison to living in a broken apartment, this was paradise.
There were no traces of insincerity to Kufa’s words, but Amy apparently hadn’t literally accepted it. She desperately stepped forward, so that he may like this place.
“At this mansion, Miss and our servants will be having dinner together, and are planning to host Kufa-san’s welcome party tonight, so stay tuned!”
“Well, I’m looking forward to it.”
“… Ah, this was originally confidential to Kufa-san! Really…!”
“Ah ha ha.”
Seeing Amy embarrassed while holding her cheeks, Kufa’s expression softened naturally.
After she left the room, Kufa looked once again inside.
Although Amy said that this was empty room before, even the corners were swept clean. Kufa wasn’t used to such a soft bed; the new mattress was bathed in streetlight (the sun’s blood) and gave off a warm, gentle smell. These were basically prepared by the maids for their new colleague.
“This workplace isn’t so bad.”
Then Kufa moved the luggage to the wall and opened the window.
Fragrance of flowers blew inside the room. Good lighting, also by looking from the second floor he could see the beautiful scenery–
“Not bad.”
Kufa closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, and sucked the fresh air into his lungs.
At that moment, he suddenly felt the presence of someone standing outside the door.
After a brief, seemingly hesitant silence, there was a light knocking sound.
“… Hey, sensei. Can I bother you…?”
“Ojou-sama?”
Kufa immediately ran to the door, opened the door to see, Merida wearing the Saint Frideswide Girl’s Academy uniforms, rubbing her knees coyly, and looked up at him.
“What’s the matter, isn’t it time for school yet?”
“Y, yes. That’s why, anou….”
Merida was making a difficult face, didn’t take long after she finally had the determination to raise her head.
“If it’s convenient, can I ask sensei to give me a lesson before school time?”
“What…”
“I’m sorry, it seems teacher is obviously very tired!”
Seeing the violent bow of the girl apologizing in front of him, Kufa felt a little overwhelmed.
── Oh, this is really surprising. I thought she was not the type to be energetic, and will get the kind of terrible results, but unexpectedly, the person itself is actually hardworking.
Kufa suddenly became more interested in Merida.
“Yes, certainly.”
Kufa gave his answer while taking off the uniform coat, and loosened his tie.
“Alright, I’ll simply look at your strength, please put on the sports dress, and go to the courtyard.”
“Yes—yes! Thank you very much!”
Merida looked up and was smiling happily.
Kufa’s heart at that moment jumped a bit. Merida’s smile was too bright, he couldn’t help but forget to breathe while being fascinated ──must be because he wasn’t prepared for that kind of relationship.
† † †
In the rear of the house was a wide garden, used to host tea parties. The square was spacious enough to play with, and when used as training ground was impeccable. Kufa was wearing his shirt, together with Merida in her skintight sportswear, each holding their dummy weapons face to face.
“So, starting with the basics; follow the popular Practical swordsmanship textbook (Master of Defense) <
“Ye, yes.”
Merida answered with a stiff voice, and set up the wooden sword to her height.
That weapon obviously wasn’t suitable for her physique, but for someone of Paladin rank, they should be able to freely wield that degree of sword. Merida should also be aware of this fact.
If Merida was really a Paladin, then of course, there would be no problem, but…
“Haa!”
Merida took a short breath with a step forward. Her knees softly sank, with all of her strength she released the blade out loud, ripping the wind.
“Oh.”
Kufa couldn’t help but reveal a sound from watching her performance.
Originally he worried that Merida would be using weapons, but she used her centrifugal force skillfully to manipulate the sword. Turning her body in one acrobatic rotation, she slashed down in one swift motion, and then adding another notable strike.
Maybe due to her awareness of Kufa’s sight, her actions from time to time were a little stiff. Nevertheless, the habitual effort of nature would not betray her. Merida had been repeating hundreds or even thousands of times to practice the sword until her body could reproduce the perfect model of the basic type for it.
Until all were smoothly done, Merida proficiently raised the sword.
“It seems that you’re practicing regularly.”
Kufa was neatly writing notes in the notebook, while he picked up a knife.
“Then, take a look this.”
Kufa rounded the front of Merida, gently close his eyes.
In the dark, emerging in the depths of consciousness was a pale flame.
Kufa instantly focused the flame into one spot. The flame became inflating with astonishing momentum, surmounting the speed of sound and spreading throughout his whole body.
In one breath he ignited up!
Boom! Blue dazzling flames were spraying out of Kufa’s body. It was the emancipation of Mana.
Although it was a flame, it didn’t necessarily burn the body. The splendor only exuded the divine power of expelling the “night.” The so-called Mana, also known as the body’s ability to produce the “Blood of the Sun.”
“Wow…!”
Merida stared at Kufa.
“Sensei’s Mana is pale blue… it’s the first time I saw such a clear flame!”
“It’s so embarrassing if you say it like that.”
“That, I would like to ask but, what is sensei’s rank…?”
“It’s a Samurai, and it’s a bit more agile than anything else.”
Kufa call out while spinning the slender wooden knife, Merida sighed as a result.
He made a wry smile before holding the wooden knife in front of himself. Mana from his hands passed to the blade, turning it into a sword in blue flames, with its tip burning the air.
“Well, you can attack me anytime, and don’t even think of stopping even if it hits me badly.”
“Y-yes.”
Merida nervously nodded, then raised the sword. The length of the sword as expected was still somewhat heavy in appearance, making the sharp end wobble a bit.
As if waiting for the moment while in a motionless posture, Merida suddenly moved. As she stepped forward, she raised her sword to her head, and drew near to Kufa.
“Haa!”
Kufa heard Merida’s menacing cry, then felt a puzzling emotion coming right out of his heart.
However, it was too late. The sharp-pointed end of the long sword was thrown with heavy momentum. A fiercely violent wave was dropped down. The sharp slice of the long sword was matched up with the orbital movement of the knife.
Paching──! The long sword following with a near-splitting impact was flicked off.
“Kyaa!”
Merida was blown away two meters backwards, she couldn’t help but fall on her butt. Slipping out of her hand, the sword that was now dancing in the skies, was shattered into two. It just so happened that it was falling above Merida, so Kufa quickly rushed forward and waving his knife, brushing off the wreckage of the sword.
Kufa used his left hand to help support the dizzy Merida as she stood up.
“I’m so sorry, Miss, are you all right?”
It was too careless. Kufa completely forgot the “MP – 0” description on Merida’s profile.
As long as someone thought properly, they should know that those with the ability to use Mana would be given the privilege of aristocracy, but the price was by being forced to carry up the responsibility to stand against foreign enemies. For Merida who was completely unable to use Mana, if the weapons imbued with Mana collided with general weapons, it would lead to this result.
“Let’s change the schedule, first off you should let your Mana awaken.”
Kufa looked at Merida’s broken wooden sword and smiled a bit.
“We have to prepare a new weapon.”
“…I’m sorry.”
Merida was clearly not in the wrong, but she said that, and hung her head in frustration.
Kufa hid the weapons used for practice, held Merida’s arm and led her up in the middle of the square.
Kufa, in a gently but blunt manner, told Merida about the basic course.
“Mana users have a few organs invisible to the eyes. There are dozens of them in the body known as <
Kufa put the palm of his hand gently on her forehead. Although what he really wanted to indicate was the place of the central skull.
“Each of the Mantle is named, and here is the <
Kufa then touched Merida’s slender right upper arm, right forearm, left upper arm and left forearm, then the slender right thigh and calf, and the left thigh and calf. In every touch he named them: “Understanding, Discipline, Wisdom, Compassion, Honor, Kingdom, Victory, and Foundation.”
Finally, Kufa’s fingertips went on the center of Merida’s chest. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but Kufa had always been serious in his expressions. The thirteen year-old lady closed her lips, in order not to get distracted by such actions.
“Beautiful” ──Here is the most important Mantle. Mana’s fountain is in here, twenty-two Vaporizers all gather here. By the ability of the will of this “beautiful” pressure, You can make so that the mana through Vaporizer gets liberated from the body.”
Kufa was urging her so strongly, she could hardly refuse.
She strained her eyes, clasped her hands, and posed as if she was praying.
She tried to wait for a while… but nothing happened.
Merida’s forehead emerged with sweat, dripping through her cheeks.
── or not? Kufa wasn’t saying anything, she muttered on her heart.
For example, Kufa couldn’t understand that cats had a sense for their tail; can’t imitate the bats by ultrasonic flight; nor fish gills that can make you breathe in water.
Different creatures can’t realize the sensation of organs they don’t possess.
Merida was clearly distressed because of this feeling.
Because her body didn’t have Mantle and Vaporizers, and even Mana itself didn’t exist ──
“… Ojou-sama, it’s almost time for school.”
In the end, until Amy called out to Merida, we didn’t get any results. The maid’s petite figure looked somewhat apologetic as it came over from the mansion.
Amy suddenly turned to Kufa, while forcing out a smile.
“Yes, Kufa-san, it might be inconvenient but please take care of ojou-sama in college.”
“I’ll give it my all for the task,” he announced, with the strict mentality of a duke’s servant.
“—Huh?”
Merida who seemed shocked by it turned around. She tepidly asked:
“Sen, sensei is also going to school…?”
Oh, right. You didn’t know? I’ll be acting as your older brother to teach you, so at the same time I can accompany you. Since the Saint Frideswide Girl’s Academy is an all-women school, generally I’m prohibited since I’m a man, but if I were to follow your family status, then I’ll be permitted to enter the institution.”
“…Oh is that so!”
Merida was making a disturbing face while biting her lips, and then abruptly turned away. She went back to her mansion, leaving Kufa and Amy as they looked at each other.
At that moment Kufa, can’t figure out what Merida was worrying about.
† † †
Merida attended the Saint Frideswide Girl’s Academy, that had castle-like school buildings, and was attached to the cathedral, which was a building with the history and architectural style of the College. It was located in the Southern District of Albert Avenue, which seemed to be surrounded by towering walls of the vast campus. Even by looking from a distance, you could see the towering school structures.
The children of the nobility – including those with the capability to become apprentices to seek knowledge, in Flandre was a total of thirteen. Saint Frideswide Girl’s Academy particularly specializes on making those students become wise and independent ladies through their education, which was the long established root of this school.
Once it was time to go to school, the streets naturally filled with many students. School uniforms were varied, with traditional robe dressing, as well as lovely pleated skirts and so on.
What Merida was wearing was Saint Frideswide Girl’s Academy’s lovely and proper Gothic-style uniform. Among the students many of them slightly bowed, while gazing on the stone road as she moved forward.
Her slender hands were carrying a bag filled with stuff.
“It seems very heavy, ojou-sama, may I help you instead?”
“N-no! No problem!”
Merida didn’t look at Kufa, and just shook her head. Moreover, what was inside that obviously stuffed bag?
Soon after approaching Albert Avenue, they were surrounded by more and more of the girls wearing the same uniform figures. Kufa was awe-inspired by the uniform dress, whether it was the color or height that were particularly conspicuous, from time to time curious eyes were being gathered. Merida felt like a needle was stabbing her shoulder.
The entrance to Saint Frideswide Girl’s Academy was a slender tunnel that served as the gates. You could also see a number of girls along with Merida that were gathered in the tunnel wearing first-year badges.
Recognizing and walking over to Merida, a twin-tailed lady raised her hand.
“You’re finally here, but too slow, Merida!”
Merida looked up, unaware why they took a glimpse of Kufa, and was somewhat observing his manners.
Then she squeezed out a smile towards them.
“Go, good morning everyone.”
“Good morning! Then, the thing I was asking for?”
The twin-tailed lady reached out the palm of her hand, while the others giggled a bit.
Merida opened her bag, and took out two unusually big books from it.
They were the latest works of a famous romance writer in the region. Kufa remembered that many critics thought that these novels were “too radical, and not suitable for students.”
The twin-tailed lady quickly took the novel from Merida’s hands.
“This is it! This is the new work of Kristy Ratwigi-sensei! I’ve always wanted to see it!”
“Nerva-sama, please lend me a look!”
“Me too! Please allow me to read it!”
The female students gathered towards the novel in a noisy manner. The twin-tailed girl, turned to Merida with a smiling face.
“My house is very strict, so the postman refused to send this kind of thing to my home. At this point, Merida is an exception, because she has no mother nor father at home to guard her!”
Merida nodded with an ambiguous expression, showing her stiff smile once again.
At that moment, Nerva noticed the man in military uniform behind Merida.
“Oh, Merida, who is he?”
“Ah…this person is… going to guide me from today on, my tutor…”
“My! Merida-san unexpectedly has a tutor!”
The female students focused on the love novel uproar, Nerva herself seemed to be the head of these students, so she quickly raised her hand to attract everyone’s attention.
Nerva went in front of Kufa, and gracefully pulled up her skirt while bowing.
“Nice to meet you. I’m called Nerva of Earl Martio House. I want to make Merida and the Blumen of my household get close.”
“Blumen?”
“”Blumenblatt”…it is a so-called unit, sensei?”
Nerva replied with a smile, but that to the point of mocking, that looked down on others.
Unit, a military organization that guarded Flandre ──that was composed of Mana-capable “cavalry regiment”, the smallest units of the type.
A set of “units” with a maximum of five people, “Legion” consisting of multiple units. Regardless of attack or defense, these units, their tactics were assembled based on Legion.
It was recommended that a group consisting of students should be set up during the period of schooling, and a course based on the composition of the regiment would be arranged as a prerequisite for the training of the children of the nobility.
Nerva with a proud look explained
“Blumen” means “petals,” which is called in the name of Saint Frideswide . We are inseparable in our school or in our dormitory, while holding book parties, tea parties or pajama parties… as Sisters. ”
“It’s a splendid custom.”
“Fufu, would you like to learn more? Sen.Sei.”
Kufa didn’t cower from Nerva’s sarcastic tone, and instead gently smiled back.
“I’ll keep that in mind, I am Kufa Vanpiel, please take care of me.
“Vanpiel… I haven’t heard of such a name.”
Nerva was confused for a moment, but since it was insignificant to her she turned around to leave.
At that moment, the group- no, it seemed that someone among the Sisters (Blumen) seemed interested.
“Ah, could it be that, Elize-san invited a tutor, isn’t it?”
“Eh?”
Merida suddenly twitched her shoulders.
Although they didn’t notice her because she was behind the other girls, but in a little distance, there was a first-year female student. A girl with trimmed silver hair, and reminiscent of snow-like skin. Like the cold ice, those eyes looked straight at Merida.
Always feeling that they were somewhat similar. Merida’s lips became pale, as she was trembling with her words: “I-It’s really you, Elize.” The voice seemed to fade as if it had vanished, and only reached Kufa.
The girl known as Elize, answered with an expressionless face:
“…I just came to the mansion this morning.”
“Not only that her family position is different, but it is said that she’s the youngest in the history to join among the elites of <
“Oh, she’s on a totally different level!”
Nerva along with the students were amused with the situation, besides Elize’s family standing with her. Although it wasn’t said who Elize was being compared to, Merida’s shoulders still trembled slightly..
“Well, we might get late for class, let’s go.”
Nerva called out to them, together with the students they went ahead. Merida although some what mortified, got left out.
It was clear that Merida was quite distant from the girl named Elize. Kufa searched his mind for information on the mission – he did recall that name. Elize Angel…She was also a member of the Duke of Knights; the separation of the lineage, and Merida was her cousin.
It was also said that Elize was suspected of doubting Merida’s birth, considering her Paladin awakening was different from others long ago, it didn’t take long before her talent showed up.
Removal of a family member and outstanding separation… it was not even difficult to imagine the relationship between them, furthermore it was possible that those higher-ups’ plans were connected.
Walking in front of them was Nerva who turned around to see the group behind. While thinking of a way to get Kufa’s attention, she seemed to have a different meaning to her smile; before clearing her throat and throwing a topic to her fellow sisters.
“Speaking of the Guard, have you considered what you will do after graduation?”
“Oh, Nerva-san, you are too impatient. Don’t we still have a while until graduation?”
“It’s not that; it’s just that three years have passed in a blink of an eye, isn’t that right, Merida?”
“E-Eh?”
Suddenly being called out, Merida being in the corner of the whole group while keeping a certain distance, twitched her shoulders out of astonishment.
Nerva proudly continued:
“I’ve been thinking, which side of the department will accept someone like you? I’m seriously bothered by it, since we’re friends, after all. As you’re also enrolled in this school, you intend to enter the cavalry regiment in the future, right?”
“Uh, yes…”
“I think it’s a good place for Merida to join in. What about the White Night Cavalry Regiment?”
Nerva said so, as a result the other ladies went “Ah!” leading to an uproar.
Flandre’s military organization composed of hundreds of Legions, which was the total combat power of mankind, also known as the “Light Cavalry Regiment” (Guild Ferniks). They were divided into four categories, namely: “Maintaining Law and Order” in order to maintain Campbell’s order, “Defending Territory” to defend the human survival zone, “Crusading Foreign Enemies” who had penetrated the defensive lines and stepping into dangerous night fields which was “Night Realm Exploration”.
Among them were those who had great achievements, such as setting a lot of credit in the task, or winning in the large-scale martial arts conference, etc., would be invited to the <
But there was a rumor that had been spreading in the streets, it was said that there exists a pair of dark cavalry regiment holding the symbol of peace within the holy cavalry regiment (Guild Ferniks)…
They were said to be secret organizations active in the shadows of society, and nobles and wealthy merchants were afraid of their clutches. In secret talks, you would wonder if they existed across the walls. As well as starting an armed coup d’etat in the lower residential areas, and were heard to eliminate an entire region overnight, and so on… their legends were too numerous to even mention.
Everyone hoped of having a name to call them, no one knew who started it but, “White Night Cavalry Regiment” (Guild Jack Raven), this title imperceptibly penetrated into the public. The name was synonymous with the specter of ghosts and natural disasters as a symbol of terror, or was regarded as “Actually doesn’t exist”, was widely known.
In other words, without thinking about it, it was understandable that Nerva was ridiculing Merida.
“Ah, but Merida has already decided on achieving a proper future, you know.”
“—”
As if she predicted those words, Merida once again trembled, stopping on her pace.
The ladies as if looking forward to the climax of a certain program, came forward.
“Tell us, Miss Nerva!”
“I’m interested!”
“Oh, you guys calm down, it just so happens that Merida is in the same group when she got interviewed, while hearing her say to the interviewer- “My goal is to enter the <
Including Nerva, Blumen were laughing out loud in an unbearably sharp tone.
They sure were thoughtful about selecting the middle of the road through this point. Being surrounded by the students of Saint Frideswide Academy, if one were to laugh so loud, people around them would obviously hear it clearly.
If they thought of cruelly exposing something in this kind of place, just how big can this humiliation be?
“……”
Merida, despite the terrible shaking of her body, continued on clenching her lips, but-
“What do you think, Elize-san?”
“—!”
One of them tentatively asked the silver-haired girl, so Merida’s slim shoulders shook a bit.
Elize in the opposite direction of the group didn’t join the circle ridiculing Merida, but had still been expressionless.
As she received everyone’s attention, it wasn’t long before she slowly opened her lips.
“…I–”
At that instant, Merida ran away from that horrid scene. She wasn’t heading towards the direction of the school building, and perhaps she didn’t even know where she was going.
Throughout the scene, a lot of students watched as she fled the scene, sympathy showing in their eyes. Even though the ladies didn’t have any ill intent, Merida still felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.
Nerva appeared perfectly satisfied, smiling as if the prior scene was a top-notch painting.
“Ah, I’m truly delighted with this… You must definitely be my friend, Merida.”
Repeatedly mumbling this much made her some sort of a mad sadist. Meanwhile, a young lady separated from the group.
“Oh, Elize-san, where are you going?”
“…”
Elize still glanced silently, before trotting away. She was headed for the direction which Merida ran just now.
Although Kufa acted as a shadow until now, but as a tutor and her attendant, he really had to catch up to her. So he nodded a little to Nerva and the others, before leaving the place.
† † †
Although it was excessively vast for a campus that Kufa lost his way, he hadn’t seen anyone in the Cathedral except for the those two. The first thing he heard was Merida’s crying.
“Why did you still come? You just wanted to say that it’s impossible for me anyway, right!?”
Kufa peeped from the shadows, he could see that Merida was interrogating Elize from that appearance. The blonde girl’s eyes were swollen, one could easily figure out that she was crying and felt shaken with the situation.
Kufa held his breath while observing them, only to see the silver-haired young lady’s sudden change in her expression for the first time. The silver-haired young lady knitted her brows, while somewhat hesitant on saying:
“A-About that, Rida, I also planned on joining the <
“—”
Merida’s face flushed red.
“Don’t call me Rida so casually!”
Elize shook her shoulders. Merida was so loud that it was almost the same volume of a high-pitched roar, before flying off again. She bent over in the corner of the church, it just so happens that it was also the place where Kufa was just hiding and bumped into her.
“Sensei…!”
Merida’s eyes were wide open, while being aware of her moist eyes. She rubbed her flushed face, and yet she dashed away from Kufa.
Melida hurriedly ran away from Kufa, while a glittering drop splashed on his palm.
Kufa just watched her frantically flying away from his sight, before turning around to see Elize on her back, with her head down.
Kufa suddenly thought of something and took out his note, and wrote in a tremendous speed.
— “Incompetently Talentless Woman”, her goal was to enter the cavalry regiment of the top of the <
“This joke isn’t funny at all.”
Kufa mumbled as he smiled, before returning the note into his pocket.
† † †
In short, this was the status of Merida Angel. She was born in the aristocratic family but can’t use Mana, as the heretics couldn’t be integrated into the children’s groups.
Nevertheless, Merida seemed to be going about it her own way, within her capacity due to a certain degree of effort.
Kufa watched over the morning classroom, with his figure sitting still while showing the proper appearance of a master.
A female teacher in her late twenties was standing on the podium, looking around at the students who were sitting in a 180 degree arc in front of her, and spoke in a laid-back voice.
“Everyone, I know you’re looking forward to summer vacation, but keep in mind the exam at the end of the semester. The Ring • Knight’s Festival will be held after the exam, as you should all be aware… So do not forget to prepare for the exam in your excitement over the Knight’s Festival?”
Several students were ashamed and looked down. The female teacher laughed lightly.
“This is the first written test for you students. Don’t just focus on martial arts; what will happen if you don’t put any effort into your studies? Today, we will revise on what we have learned so far. ——Is there anyone who can explain the topic [The Cursed Night, Lankaslov, Human Lives] in history subject?”
And faster than anyone else, un, Meria raised her hand. The female teacher was very happy to call her name.
Merida rose from her chair. Just for a moment, she looked at Kufa’s seat.
“………’Humans’ refers to us who live among the lanterns (Flandre), and ‘Lankaslov’ refers to the monsters hidden in the darkness. Lankasloc have a variety of forms, from highly intelligent creatures to beast-like monsters. From the highest rank, we have 《Vampires》, 《Werewolves》, Predator《Torrent》 to 《Will O Wisp》 that rarely appear……. They have the ability to fight against Mana Anima, and attack mankind with malicious intent. We nobles are the ones to protect the weak from ‘Lankaslov’ — These are Mana users’ missions; to repel Lankaslov and prevent them from coming close to Flandre is the most important work of the Radiance Cavalry regiment (Guild Fernics).”
The female teacher urged Merida to continue with her eyes. Merida continued after she swallowed her saliva.
”The most troublesome thing about Lankaslov are that they were once ordinary humans, animals and plants. This is the importance behind the ‘Cursed Night’; the darkness of night will erode biological creatures and turn them into Lankaslov. To prevent this, we cannot leave the Flandre. The knights of the Cavalry regiment who go to the fields of darkness, must never release the Nectar lanterns must never. If one day the Flandre Campbell are destroyed, then it will be the end of all humanity. The mana users who carry the blood of the sun arethe hope of those living in the Flandre and also the hope of mankind in this world. We have to keep this in mind.”
” It’s a pity that today is not an examination. I have never heard such a model answer.”
After the female lecturer put down the praise, the students in classroom uttered ”Aaa…….” with their eyes gleamed. Merida blushed and lowered her head, but soon after Nerva poured a cold water basin.
” She actually said “We are capable”! That girl, is the hope of mankind!”
”I heard that! If I were in the same position, my face will be spitting fire!”
Her blue-eyed sisters, mocking in whisper with the same tone. In contrast, the classroom was an awkward silence. The female lecturer picked up the textbook again after coughing deliberately.
”…….. Then continue the lesson. Next “The use of Nectar. The difference between pressure type and suction type” this project——“
The female teacher didn’t hesitate to name the next student. Merida completed her answer sat back down in her seat. Nerva and several people continued to laugh at her. Other students didn’t say anything about it even if they were concerned about it.
Merida also, didn’t refute anything.
No matter how much she memorised the textbooks, or even demonstrated the actions taught in the bookswith perfection, she still had the unreasonable shortcoming of being unable to use Mana.
After this afternoon lesson —— the reason she was called the ‘incompetent talent’ had been engraved into Kufa to the extent that he couldn’t bear to see it.
† † †
Saint Frideswide Academy, has a number of very wide martial arts field.
One of these was like a circular stage for performances. On a stage that was divided into cones by ropes, a wide variety of sports equipment was provided.
Although it looked like a sideshow of amusement part activities, the decisive difference was in the dangers involved. There was no cushioning around the bottom of the footholds, which had a height of tens of meters. Better to say, various traps were set in order to shoot down the challenger.
First graders who put on school-designated sportswear were neatly arranged at the entrance of the stage. They entered the venue in groups according to the signal given by the instructor stood at the side and determine the training to break through the obstacles and the time for clearance. This score is recorded in the “Flandre Unified White Battle Determination Benchmark”, and visualize the abilities of the mana user.
Of course, this stage was designed under the premise of that the challenger was a mana user; things will be complicated if ordinary people were to enter here.
In front of the huge pit which was impossible for her cross over, Merida’s legs began to tremble. Nerva who was in the same test stage urged in the back like showing off.
” Hey Merida! The people behind are stuck up, give me a quick jump!”
“…..”
The pupils from the outside of the stage looked up at the trembling Merida with worry. The instructor, who saw the situation, put down the report that was recorded in her hand, then picked up two wooden swords.
”Merida Angle! Stay there and wait!”
The instructor entered the stage, she breakthrough the barrier in less than ten seconds where students will take a few minutes to pass through it. Gently landed behind Merida, handed a wooden sword to her.
That means having a direct fight to determine the ability value. This is also one of the methods.
But Kufa standing behind the students watching at the same time, uttered a sigh “This is the same result”.
Attack power is【1】, Defense is 【1】, Agility was slightly better point is【2】——This is the limit of Merida Angel without Mana.
”Yaa!”
Holding a wooden sword disproportionately, Merida began to attack with all of her might. However, the female instructor who had resigned from the the cavalry regiment responded to her attack, had her entire body engulfed in Mana.
——The wooden sword flew in the air, Merida fell to the ground embarrassingly, not even for five seconds.
”Au…..!”
He’d already lost count of know how many times this had happened. At soon as Merida started her dejected moaning, Nerval, as if she had been waiting for that very moment, burst into laughter.
”Ahahahaha!! Hey Merida, you really should become an artist! Comparing with the Crest Legion, it looks a lot more realistic!
“…..!!”
Merida still was laying on her belly, her clenched fists turned pale, probably due to that extreme force. This was the moment when the female instructor turned her body around.
”——Uaaa!!”
Howling like an injured cub, Merida jumped up and waved the wooden sword again. The female instructor who had been released from the fighting posture had been surprised by the action of the female student who attacked her.
”Merida Angel! D
Chapter end
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