SWNOVELXO Chapter 5
“Hmm…?”
Although the men seemed like mere thugs at first, their demeanor changed completely when the fight began.
They each pulled out a short sword they’d been hiding, fixing their vigilant gazes on me.
“Prince Esmeralda… Shall I assist you?”
Mirua, having recovered from the enchantment, now stood beside me, offering her support.
…Well, let’s see.
Relying entirely on my subordinate would be villain-like, but prioritizing earning the elf’s favor seems a better approach now.
I want to fully experience the “romantic life” I couldn’t enjoy in my previous life.
“No, it’s fine. Leave this to me.”
“Understood. I wish you good fortune in battle.”
Mirua bowed respectfully. I nodded back, drawing my sword and assuming a combat stance.
“Hehehe… Hahaha… You intend to fight? The infamous fifth prince?”
The men’s knowledge of the fifth prince’s ill repute apparently even reached these thugs.
With contemptuous smirks on their faces, they seemed certain of their victory.
“Prince. You know, right? You couldn’t even beat a goblin and had to be saved by a princess.”
“Even a newbie adventurer can defeat a goblin. Just because you’re slightly well-born doesn’t mean you can handle us.”
“How dare you speak ill of Prince Esmeralda――!”
Mirua was the first to react angrily, but I stopped her with my right arm.
…Although it’s a memory from before my past life returned, I do recall fleeing from a goblin.
Probably it was some public display of strength.
Goblins, trivial creatures for the real ‘Esmeralda’ regardless of his level, with his high stats.
But the goblin I fought was unnaturally strong.
Without strong weapons or armor, I had no choice but to retreat.
In retrospect, it was probably Princess Yuricia who had enhanced it.
Right after I backed off, she eagerly jumped in, and coincidentally… she had just received a national treasure sword before the event.
The scenario seemed too scripted.
Perhaps Prince Esmeralda in the story became mentally unstable due to such trivial bloodline conflicts.
But…
I cannot be disturbed by such old stories if I’m to live up to the villainous role.
Being calm and composed at all times is part of my ideal villainous character.
“Well then, shall we end this idle chatter? Gentlemen.”
I smirked provocatively at the men.
“Come at me. It’s a great opportunity for you commoners to play with a prince.”
“What…?”
Seemingly unamused by my response, the men grimaced and, crouching slightly, spoke defiantly.
“Fine. Since you’re asking for it, we’ll entertain you, ‘weakest prince’!”
With that, they both charged at me simultaneously.
― Fast.
Either they belong to some organization or have unusually coordinated movements.
Wait, this movement seems familiar…?
Clang.
I effortlessly blocked the sword swung down by one of the men with my own.
“Oh…?”
Lighter than I expected.
Perhaps my overall stats have increased after defeating Sword Emperor Mirua. Who knows.
“What…?”
“Don’t falter! Keep attacking continuously!”
They seemed surprised by how easily I defended, but their attacks were far too weak.
Compared to Mirua, their movements were significantly slower, making it easy to block their strikes. And this way of moving, I’m sure I’ve seen it before.
“You guys… you’re from the kingdom’s army, aren’t you? Members of the Third Division.”
“What…⁉”
“Third Division, which means you’re closely connected to Princess Yuricia. ― Heh, seems like there’s more to this, huh?”
“You…!”
Seemingly hit the mark, the men showed obvious dismay.
So their shabby appearance was a camouflage. Indeed, with their current looks, it’s hard to imagine them as kingdom operatives.
“Heh. Seeing that reaction, I guess I’m not far off.”
“Don’t talk nonsense! How can you be so sure!”
“Kukuku. There’s no need for you to know.”
I maintained a mysterious smile and a calm demeanor.
― Perfect.
An ideal situation for Esmeralda Dia Vefeld, the villainous prince.
“Prince Esmeralda…”
Mirua, still gazing at me with her hands clasped, stood behind me.
Even on the battlefield, she’s dangerously inattentive. Quite a scare, this woman.