Torn Asunder by War, A Sword Saint for Tomorrow X The Knight Wizards!! – Chapter 46

Chapter 46
  “Delicious, and a nostalgic taste I’ve encountered a few times before… But, why did you choose this place?”
  
  “Without trying to put up a front, Sariel arranged it for us.”
  
  Casually revealing a part of the inside story in a natural way, I also savor the freshly baked waffle. The fluffy texture and the balance of honey and whipped cream are just right; it’s a masterpiece that makes Izana’s happy expression understandable.
  
  “Hmm, it’s not inferior to the sweets of Zephyrus Domain, is it…”
  
  Even if it can’t compete with the variety of German sweets supported by the active backing of Lord Nina, it might be able to hold its own against individual items.
  
  While I was somewhat impressed by this fact, Izana, reacting to my earlier monologue, turned a sharp gaze towards me.
  
  “Revia told me that she bought the copper and leather ring she was wearing after returning from his territory out of concern for me… But, Claude, you sent it, didn’t you?”
  
  Given the circumstances, Lloyd bought his younger sister a cute choker, and I bought Izana a silver bangle cuff, so she probably thought it wouldn’t do to leave Revia out.
  
  I had no intention of lying to her as she looked at me with her emerald green eyes full of conviction, so I nodded honestly and frankly.
  
  “As a token of my gratitude and trust…”
  “And that’s why it’s a ring for the left pinky finger, but she has feelings for you, you know.”
  
  “I had a vague feeling, but is that really so?”
  “Exclusive knights and mages share a lot of time together, so it’s natural for them to be attracted to each other.”
  
  Although I had been sternly warned about this matter by the previous king’s mistress, it’s only natural that when you board the same mecha and face life and death together on the battlefield, the feelings of caring for each other gradually grow stronger.
  
  However, if I were to ask for Izana’s understanding, who was hurt by the physical relationship between her father and the woman who was like an older sister to her, seeing it as a betrayal of her deceased mother, it’s highly likely that everything would sound like an excuse.
  
  Therefore, as I was pondering what to do, she, with a composed demeanor, spoke first.
  
  “As you may have already heard from Sariel herself, the fact that I didn’t acknowledge the relationship with Otou-sama… I also feel remorse and regret.”
  
  Since it would be unthinkable to interrupt her sincere attitude, I straightened my posture and faced Izana, focusing so as not to miss a word she said.
  
  “If it’s not some random nobody, but Revia, my childhood friend, I wouldn’t mind. She comes from the Lumias family, a prestigious lineage of mages, so there would be no objection to welcoming her as a concubine.”
  
  “I’ll keep that in mind gratefully… Personally, I wish to remain devoted to one person.”
  “Fufu, I’ll look forward to it.”
  
  Embarrassed by her gentle smile, I stuffed my cheeks with the Belgian waffle as a way of deflecting, and while Izana wiped the whipped cream from the corner of my mouth with a handkerchief, we spent some time together enjoying the relaxed afternoon.
  
  After finishing the little tea that remained and chatting a bit with the elderly shop owner again, Izana promised him the royal warrant, and then we headed for our final destination of the day, the hilly area in the west district.
  
  Because it was nearby, it didn’t take long. We passed through the main street bustling with preparations for dinner and reached the deserted hilltop, overlooking the cityscape of the royal capital Asia, illuminated by the setting sun.
  
  “Wow, the city is dyed in the colors of the sunset, it’s so beautiful.”
  “Indeed it is…”
  
  Giving a somewhat absent-minded reply, I glanced at Izana’s profile as she held her lustrous black hair so it wouldn’t be ruffled by the wind, and when she turned around, our eyes met.
  
  “? What’s wrong, Claude?”
  
  To resolve the knot in my heart, I questioned her about something that had been bothering me since the first time we met, as she tilted her head cutely.
  
  “… Not just for appearances, I want to hear your true feelings.”
  “Depending on what it is, I’ll do my best to answer.”
  
  “Even if you say the marriage is for the sake of the people, do you have no regrets?”
  “Honestly, I don’t know… I wasn’t in a position to choose who I would marry anyway.”
  
  The words that came back were perfectly understandable, and they deepened my awareness that she was indeed merely chosen as a partner by chance.
  
  ‘If that’s the case, should we just maintain our current relationship?’
  
  So as not to hurt Izana with a convenient interpretation, I closed my eyes for a moment and admonished my immature self. Then, a gentle voice, filled with concern, reached my ears.
  
  “I don’t dislike you, Claude, for always considering everyone’s feelings. Will you, a Rare Human, love this world and me?”
  
  With the cityscape of the setting sun behind her, she shyly held out her right hand, adorned with the bangle cuff.
  
  “I can’t deny that I still want to go back, but I’ve already become involved with many people here.”
  
  Gently taking her fair hand, I embraced her…
  
  
  
  Following a shiver that ran down my spine, I leaped to the side just as a jet-black magic spear pierced the spot where I had been a moment before.
  
  “HMM, SO YOU’RE NOT JUST A FOOL BLINDED BY BEAUTY.”
  
  When I turned around, there stood a single knight clad in black, fitting for the twilight hour, exuding an eerie atmosphere.
  
  “Tch, I can’t sense the breath of life from him.”
  “Some kind of undead…”
  
  As if we were of no consequence, the skeletal knight continued to speak unilaterally, ignoring our brief exchange.
  
  “THE WHITE ELVES’ FUTURE PREDICTION SCOLDED ME FOR DOING SOMETHING UNNECESSARY… SO I’M NOT PLEASED, AND I’LL HAVE YOU LEAVE, NEW KNIGHT KING.”
  
  I had no obligation to entertain the Aberration’s words, so I whispered to Izana that we would leave this place, and casually drew the double-barreled pistol I had concealed in my pocket.