SWNOVELXO Chapter 398
The people surrounding the round table all possessed distinct personalities.
‘First of all, the two we’re most concerned about.’
The execution squad and the woman from the North, of course.
‘Moreover, the other three are quite strong-willed individuals as well.’
It was indeed fitting that these two belonged to the so-called Central Nobility Cult, considering their connections to the royal family through different fields of business or as descendants of families receiving hefty salaries from the royal court.
‘This gathering of the Cult was primarily designed for the princess to build connections with promising young nobles before she took the lead.’
If the princess’s speculation was correct and there was a spy among them, it would certainly make for an entertaining situation.
Whether it was someone conspiring with their own family to stab the kingdom in the back or an independent traitor selling information for personal gain—they had already caused considerable damage to the newly built academy with their antics.
‘It’s about time to make a flashy example of one of those scoundrels.’
The mere fact that someone had colluded with them would undoubtedly tarnish their reputation beyond repair.
Furthermore, due to the rampant cults across the continent, the once-renowned noble families known for their beauty and martial prowess had nearly been wiped out, and with the Empire struggling to operate normally, it was clear that any misstep here could lead to the downfall of one of those influential families.
Thus, masking their true intentions, we followed the flow of the conversation led skillfully by the princess.
‘Finally, after finishing those tiresome introductions…’
We were able to dive into the real purpose of our gathering, exchanging valuable information and probing for any signs of the spy.
“Recently, not only the kingdom but the entire continent has been buzzing with news about demons and cults. Thus, our Duke’s family has also been paying attention to matters concerning the cult. I’ve heard there was even a recent incident in a village of the eastern part of the capital.”
Leona Rephelia’s gaze shifted.
The subject was a knight infused with magic.
“Nothing is more critical than raising awareness about the dangers of the cult, and I’ve been told that this incident has been directly resolved by the royal family’s execution squad… if it’s not too much trouble, could Lady Eleta kindly share her account with us?”
Surely, the renowned Duke’s family wouldn’t have let someone tainted by magic inside the Cult Gathering for no reason. It appears they were aware of her magic too. Hence, it looked like Leona was particularly interested in that knight called Eleta.
Even after speaking ill of the cult, no one seemed to reveal anything through their expressions. One by one, they began to speak, evidently testing the waters while subtly gauging the atmosphere.
“Indeed, that’s a great idea. I was one of the knights who participated in that operation, so I can confirm it to everyone here.”
Taking over the baton from Rephelia, Eleta elaborated on the recent incident.
She emphasized that cultists could never be underestimated, noting that even knights who had risen through the royal ranks felt meaningful pressure from them. Occasionally, she exchanged glances with Shione, radiating a spark of admiration.
Then, she began to recount the moment when cultists had brutally killed the fearful villagers, using them as a medium for their attacks.
“I’m sure you, my lady Shianella, and the Baron felt the same, given your experiences on the battlefield… I believe everyone here is well aware of the dangers posed by cultists and the magic they wield.”
As she looked at us again, Eleta seemed to gather her resolve, slowly raising her left arm.
When she rolled up her sleeve, a horrifying scar appeared on her arm.
“This serves as proof that those immersed in the cult are far more dangerous than one might think. They wield weapons that are inhumane and horrific. And this arm… this is the evidence.”
The arm didn’t look normal at first glance.
It seemed to have been infused with divine power multiple times to restore it, but there were still lingering effects.
‘So that’s what they meant by sensing the magic.’
It appeared that the shaman who had appeared in that village had been quite formidable.
Magic slows down the regeneration of wounds and digs deep into the flesh and tissue, gnawing away at life. Even competent priests would struggle to fully purify someone afflicted by such tainted magic.
Regardless—
“…That must have been quite a severe injury. As a knight, you have to be ready to wield your sword at all times, but are you okay now?”
“The magic has deeply penetrated, but the execution squad promised to send a top priest over soon, so I should heal completely before long. And… this is a mark of honor, as I faced cultists just like the royal star, Princess Shione. It’s no mere injury and shouldn’t impede my swordsmanship.”
Upon hearing a hint of concern from Shione, Eleta opened up without reservation, indicating that she couldn’t possibly be involved with the cult.
Such excitement and joy from her was hard to dismiss as mere acts. If it were a façade, she would already be one of the continent’s most famous actors by now.
For now, Eleta was on hold.
The next subject smoothly transitioned, thanks to Rephelia’s seamless guidance, and we ended up receiving quite useful information.
“I’ve heard the Empress of the Empire succeeded in eliminating two traitors and has begun stabilizing things. However… the local nobles, whose loyalties have cracked, are now searching for new centers of power. The troubling part is who they wish to elevate.”
“Indeed. While the Empire’s internal turmoil may allow the kingdom to catch its breath, the figure they want to promote was embroiled in controversy during the Empress’s internal pacification wars. It’s rumored that they have ties to cultists…”
The central nobles were eagerly dispersing information about the Empire.
With the Imperial army that had been stationed on the front lines returning to the center, the Kalia Marquis Family now had ample breathing room until their reconstruction.
However, it seemed that the influence of cultists spread wider and deeper within the Empire than anyone had imagined, and the Empire might soon be afflicted by disease.
‘You can practically feel the urgency creeping in.’
There’s no order to who falls first; however, one thing is certain—the moment the Empire is overtaken by demons, the entire continent will be on a fast track towards catastrophe.
The Empress seems to be managing to hold on somehow, but that too will eventually reach its limit. When she falls, it’s inevitable where the targets of the demons that have reorganized the Empire will turn; naturally, the external entities will be thoroughly ravaged from then on.
“Moreover, a bizarre group has recently been discovered in the North, which doesn’t fit the profile of mere thieves. The Alenarr Marquis Family has begun purchasing war materials and weapons… if possible, it would be wise to establish trade with the Marquis family.”
“The Marquis Family has been preparing the supplies for the decades-old winter war with the monster that returns only once in several decades. However… it seems you have a different perspective?”
“It’s well-known that the Princess visited the Marquis Family, but surprisingly, the stories of what transpired after her departure have not circulated much. That being—”
The news from the North, well…
I had hoped for slightly different news, but it was as if I was just hearing what Adelhaite had already told us.
Still.
“It seems that the Alenarr Marquis Family has indeed caught hold of something significant.”
Hearing that they had achieved results was encouraging.
‘Adelhaite promised that she would call us when the time was right.’
Although I had received this order ahead of time, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would hear other news from her in the near future.
She had surely said she would contact us once something significant came up, so now that we had started to seize the right clues, it would be wise to plan our operations for the Special Mission Team at a leisurely pace.
‘For now, the most pressing issue is the Demon of Gluttony.’
The Kalia Marquis Family had a traitor in their main base because of that cursed creature, ultimately suffering a major blow.
But we would all need to stake our lives to fight together in the end, so minimizing the damage from the Alenarr Marquis Family was essential.
However, for all the information we had gathered, there was still—
‘…Indeed, it’s clear that no one here is showing any signs of being the spy.’
The problem was that we hadn’t been able to uncover the traitor yet.
So, as the three of us—including the princess, who were aware of this fact—lost ourselves in thought, Shione addressed Eleta.
“Lady Eleta, I hope it’s not too forward, but I believe my magic could be of assistance to your wound…”
“I’ve heard quite a bit about the magic that only you possess, Princess Shione. You’re referring to the miraculous power to obliterate that magic, correct?”
She seemed to be quite the fan of Shione, naturally praising the greatness of her magic in an instant.
“Exactly. Moreover, my magic has a soft silver glow that sways within its range. I thought it might resonate nicely with the atmosphere of this gathering.”
So, turning to Rephelia, who was quietly listening to the anticipation-filled knight, Shione asked:
“If Lady Rephelia permits, I would like to demonstrate it here.”
“…It’s a rare opportunity to witness the master’s magic in action, indeed. Surely, everyone here will treasure this moment all the more.”
Leona Rephelia’s eyes widened for a moment before breaking into a broad smile.
The mark that showed a traitor was surely outrageous.
With that mark still on her body, if even the slightest trace of magic lingered, Shione’s magic would be unavoidable. It seemed as though the anticipation of purging the entire gathering entertained her.
“Very well. Please come up to the stage.”
A hell for the traitors, and a revival for the loyalists of the kingdom.
The splendid magic show was about to commence.