< Chapter 75 - The Wolf of the Wind >
Chapter 75 – The Wolf of the Wind
The next morning.
After waking up, Cordelia began to worry about a seemingly trivial but not something that could be taken lightly.
‘Eeeeeee… what should I do?’
The problem was corporal punishment.
This is the punishment for the lie Yuder told to use the name Pink Bomb.
‘It wasn’t really meant to be malicious, so you could just pass it off as a mean prank······.’
That was something that shouldn’t have been said.
Whether it was malicious or not, if you do something like this once or twice, you will inevitably develop what are called bad habits.
There is a saying that a needle thief will become a cattle thief.
‘No, isn’t the usage a little different?’
Anyway.
The important thing was that we couldn’t just let it go.
‘That’s right, that’s what Nammangoyangi Unnie did before. Dating is all about fighting. If you lose in the beginning, it’s over.’
Cordelia recalled the advice of her neighbor, who was the only one among the members of the chatroom she used to hang out with who knew both her age and gender, and began to think deeply again.
What kind of punishment should I give?
Should I just hit him?
‘That’s a bit too violent······.’
If Uther had listened to Cordelia now, he would have said, “In the old days?” and mentioned each and every thing that had happened to him from Cordelia, but what was important was now.
This is because, unlike before, I felt a strange sense of rejection at the very act of hitting Yuder.
‘Come to think of it, hasn’t Yuder been like that since before?’
What happened while wandering through Endymion’s underworld in the wild lands.
Cordelia smiled bashfully as she recalled Uther, who had suffered repeatedly because he couldn’t bring himself to hit the monster that had transformed into Cordelia.
‘You liked it from then on, right? Huhu.’
I don’t know how you held back from drinking tea.
And what should I say, it’s special?
‘Should I just forgive you?’
Cordelia’s heart softened a little, and she pursed her lips as if she was thinking about it, but then she shook her head again.
‘That’s not right. Yeah, yeah. That’s that, and this is this.’
What needs to be said needs to be said.
Be angry about what you need to be angry about.
“miss?”
Ugh… Then what kind of punishment should I give them? If I tell them to kneel and raise their hands, will they really do it?
I think it’ll be a problem whether you do something or not.
“miss?”
Should I spank your butt?
You’re embarrassing me by taking off your pants and then slapping me?
‘Uh …
I should say that I feel like it would be more embarrassing to be the one hitting something.
Anyone could see that it was a problem.
So, something different, something a little more rewarding but not weird··· and something that can also fix Yuder’s bad habits······.
“miss!”
“uh?!”
As Cordelia, startled, jumped up from her seat and let out a strange noise, Dahlia, who had been right in front of her, narrowed her eyes and spoke.
“What happened yesterday?”
“Huh? Oh, no. Nothing happened?”
“There was. There was. Did you cross the line?”
“Wh, what line?”
“That’s right, that’s right.”
At Dahlia’s words, Cordelia flailed her hands wildly and sat back down – more precisely, on the sofa.
“No, that’s not it. I just have something to worry about.”
“What is it? Tell me.”
“huh?”
“I’m older than you, I have more social experience, and I have more dating experience… don’t I?”
“I don’t trust that last sentence······?”
“How do you see people?”
“Well, Dahlia is beautiful. And she has a good personality too.”
When Cordelia spoke calmly as if she understood, Dahlia blushed slightly and looked at a loss.
“Ahem. Anyway, tell me.”
“Um··· So this is a story about my friend······.”
“I see, that’s a story about a friend.”
“Yeah, it’s a story about a friend.”
Dahlia was slightly troubled by Cordelia’s words.
I don’t know what to say about this.
‘Let’s listen first.’
If we want to get our innocent young lady to open her mouth, we’ll have to start with some rhythm.
Dahlia, who was smiling bitterly, nodded as if telling him to continue, adding encouragement.
“Is there something wrong with your friend?”
“Huh? Uh. There’s a problem. By the way, her name is Scarlett. She’s not a fictional character or anything. Okay?”
“I see, Scarlett. I understand.”
I wonder if there are any ladies I don’t know, but let’s just say that.
When Dahlia, who had skipped the rest of the story, nodded as if to tell Cordelia to continue, Cordelia coughed and said.
“therefore······.”
Cordelia’s story was summarized as follows.
Scarlett’s lover told her a lie. It wasn’t a bad lie, it was just a naughty lie he told because he wanted to see Scarlett’s cute face, but a lie is a lie, so he thought he should give her a scolding.
But I’m worried about how to scold him and what kind of punishment to give him.
“Hmm. I see. I didn’t see it that way, but I guess you can lie too.”
“Huh? This is about my friend, right? Doesn’t Dahlia know him and his lover?”
“Well, that’s right. Anyway, the important thing is that he lied. Then, as you said, it’s right to punish him. If we just leave him alone, he might develop a really bad habit.”
“That’s right, that’s it! Me too- no, Scarlett said she thought so too!”
In such cases, it is less suspicious to just say that I think the same way as a friend.
Dahlia, who had given some advice only in her mind, continued speaking while touching her chin again.
“Hmm… Of course, that guy’s girlfriend would have something she likes too, right?”
“What do you like to do?”
“Yes, if possible, it’s something I can do with that friend.”
“uh······.”
Cordelia began to think, feeling her chin like Dahlia had, and soon she was able to remember one thing.
Something that Yuder really likes.
Something I’ve been trying to do out of the blue lately.
Besides, as Dahlia said, it’s something that Uther can’t do alone, and that can only be done with Cordelia herself.
“Hey, there it is!”
“Then let’s stop that.”
“uh?”
“It’s preventing me from doing what I like. For a limited time?”
After saying that, Dahlia crossed her arms and smiled as she continued.
“There are two types of corporal punishment. One is to make them do something they don’t like, and the other is to prevent them from doing something they like. There are different opinions on which is more effective… but when it comes to corporal punishment for a lover, the latter is more effective. It will also have the effect of making them reflect.”
“Ohhh······.”
It was a pretty plausible story.
Making people do things they hate and keeping them from doing things they like.
In that case, it seemed like the latter would come true.
‘I thought I’d go crazy if I wasn’t allowed to play games.’
Cordelia briefly recalled her past life and smiled brightly, saying she had found a good solution, but soon frowned again.
Because one important issue came to mind.
Something that Yuder is really into these days.
So, if you don’t let Cordelia lightly kiss your forehead or cheek every now and then-
‘I, I don’t like it either.’
No, it’s not that good, but if you think you can’t do it at all, then uhm······.
Cordelia began to worry again with a red face, and Dahlia narrowed her eyes.
“miss?”
“Ugh… Okay. There’s nothing I can do. It’s more important to fix the habit.”
Let’s just completely ban skinship for a while. Don’t even hold hands. Don’t let them escort you.
As Cordelia clenched her fists in determination, Dahlia rested her chin on her hand and spoke.
“So, have you decided? What are you going to prohibit from Prince Yude?”
“Oh, I’ve decided. I’m definitely going to push ahead.”
“Yes, you did well. Please say hello to Miss Scarlett.”
“Huh? Uh… Yeah. That’s right. Uh, because it’s Scarlett’s problem.”
Dahlia sighed softly and thought, eventually smiling as she watched Cordelia mumbling with a red face.
‘I’m worried, I’m worried.’
Our young lady is so good at using magic, so she must be smart, but why is she so ignorant about this?
Well… this kind of innocence is also part of the young lady’s charm.
“dahlia?”
“No, anyway, Prince Yuder will be arriving soon, so you should prepare.”
“huh!”
Cordelia answered strongly and jumped up from her seat.
And about an hour later.
“Completely… banned?”
“Oh, it’s a total ban for the next week. Do you know why?”
“hmm······.”
At Cordelia’s threat, Uther looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded.
“okay.”
“huh?”
“I will do that.”
“Uh… yeah.”
What is this dry reaction?
I thought you’d at least cry a little more?
Embarrassed, Cordelia glanced at Dahlia, who nodded in return.
‘You’re just pretending to be strong for nothing.’
Although not to the extent of Uder, Dahlia was still able to communicate with Cordelia to some extent.
Cordelia nodded immediately and lifted her chin.
But it was at that very moment.
“Oh, but what should I do?”
“what?”
“Have you forgotten? There’s a farewell party among the northern nobles today.”
“Huh? Oh, right. It was today, right?”
It was already two weeks since National Foundation Day.
Although the royal capital itself was in disarray and the schedule was delayed compared to the original plan, it was time for the nobles who had gathered to attend the national foundation ceremony to start heading home.
Unlike in my previous life, here in the Pleiades, it was really difficult to meet relatives from other regions unless they were close or really close friends.
So the northern nobles decided to have one last meeting together before they set off on their journey home, and that day was today.
“To go there··· you’ll need an escort······.”
Uther glanced at Cordelia, trailing off, and Cordelia pursed her lips before letting out a sigh.
“Okay, then I’ll allow you to escort me. But is it only for escorting me?”
“Okay, thank you very much for your permission, Princess.”
Uther smiled slyly and lightly kissed the back of Cordelia’s hand, and Cordelia made her heart’s desire once again.
‘Only until the escort! Only until the escort!’
Anything more than that is absolutely out!
Cordelia clenched her fists several times and made a resolution, but Dahlia, who was watching from the side, sighed. Right now, Uther was kissing the back of Cordelia’s hand.
‘Well… I’m sure you’ll figure it out.’
Dahlia sighed and slumped her shoulders, while Maia, who was watching from the other side, smiled happily.
&
The farewell party of the northern nobles was held at the mansion owned by the Crossbell Counts in the royal capital, and the reason was simple.
‘Sylvia’s mansion is the biggest.’
After all, the richest of the twelve northern families was the Earl of Crossbell.
Anyway, upon entering the magnificent Crossbell family mansion, Uther and Cordelia witnessed an unexpected sight.
“Miss Cordelia that day… no, Count August Chase was truly like an angel.”
“Was it that beautiful?”
“Of course! It’s not just beautiful, it’s sacred!”
A girl is praising Cordelia with excitement.
But that girl really looked familiar.
‘Emma Pikes?’
When Cordelia turned to look at Uther in surprise, Uther surprisingly smiled leisurely instead of being surprised.
It was for a simple reason.
‘It seems like you’ve finally opened your eyes to the truth of the world.’
It was such an obvious story to Uder.
‘What, what are you talking about?’
‘No, why? You’re an angel. You’re really pretty, aren’t you?’
Cordelia blushed and flinched at Uther’s direct gaze.
It was all true, but it wasn’t embarrassing to say it was true. Cordelia would have been ashamed to even think of saying such things with her own mouth.
‘Anyway, let’s at least say hello.’
‘Huh? Can’t you just pretend you don’t know?’
If you look at it now, it might be a bit embarrassing, right?
But despite Cordelia’s dissuasion, Yuder had already made noise.
Emma Pikus, who was hit on the back by Yuder’s aura, turned around without thinking and opened her eyes wide.
“Your nose, Miss Cordelia?”
“Oh, Miss Emma.”
Cordelia smiled awkwardly and answered, and Emma Pikus started to fluster again with a red face, which was a reaction that was a little different from what Cordelia had expected.
That’s exactly why I blushed.
‘You look happy.’
As always, Uder’s analysis was accurate.
Emma Pikes wasn’t blushing in embarrassment right now.
It was as if he was a fan who didn’t know what to do with his joy as if he had met the idol singer he had admired.
“Well, I was really grateful at that time. I was really grateful.”
“Yes? Uh… yes. I’m glad you’re safe.”
“How could I have behaved so badly······.”
Emma Pikus was deeply moved by Cordelia’s words and her eyes turned red, and the surrounding ladies all looked at Emma Pikus and Cordelia with eyes full of curiosity.
And that’s why Cordelia couldn’t help but blush.
‘Why are you doing this!’
Is it okay for a person to change like this just because you saved his life once?!
It was a strangely disrespectful remark, but fortunately only Yuder could see through it.
“Miss Cordelia… no, Count August Chase. The Count that day was really….”
Emma Pikus began her testimony of faith, holding Cordelia’s hand tightly, and the attention of those around her increased even more.
‘No, I’m not that kind of a kid. I’m an angel, yes, but I’m not like that… Oh, please.’
For Cordelia, who was a true angel anyway, it was nearly impossible to let go of the hand she was holding tightly.
Because of that, I had to listen to a barrage of embarrassing compliments while holding her hand, and I couldn’t help but smile at Emma Pikus despite the awkward stares from those around me.
‘Oh, really! Why are you looking at me with such sparkling eyes!’
Cordelia, who had become irritated by Emma Pikus in a different sense than before, looked back at Uther as if asking for help, but seeing that he just smiled with a sly face, it seemed that he had no intention of saving her.
‘I hate you! I hate you!’
But that was just then.
Cordelia received a helping hand from an unexpected place.
“Count August Chase.”
‘Sister Sylvia!’
First of all, Sylvia, who could be called the host of this farewell party, appeared and spoke, so Emma Pikus had no choice but to pause for a moment.
“Miss Pikes, I’m sorry, but the Count has a prior engagement with me. We’re going to have a little chat about the new shampoo and conditioner license······.”
“Yes, that’s right. I’ve decided to do that. Miss Emma, I’m sorry, but can I step aside for a moment? It’s something really important.”
Cordelia spoke desperately, and Emma Pikus, overwhelmed by her momentum, stepped back with a regretful face.
“Wow… Thank you so much, unnie.”
“Please lower your voice. You are the Count.”
“Then you are the next Count of Crossbell.”
As Cordelia came out cutely, Sylvia snickered and walked out of the banquet hall.
I had to leave the place for a moment because I had something to say.
And so, Uder, who had Cordelia stolen, smiled bitterly and turned his gaze elsewhere.
In any case, since he was one of the main characters in this final battle, the attention focused on Yuder was also enormous, and there were many people approaching him to talk to him.
But unlike Cordelia, Uther had a knack for it.
He pretended to be mild-mannered and pushed away when the time was right, so soon only Lucas was left by Yuder’s side.
“There are only two left.”
“Yes. First of all… I would like to express my gratitude. Maia told me that you came to visit me twice.”
“It was only natural. I’m so glad you recovered safely.”
As Lucas smiled kindly, Yuder smiled along and took a moment to check his thoughts.
It wasn’t that I was desperate to pair them up like Cordelia, but since Lucas seemed interested in Scarlett, I was wondering if there was a way to connect them.
But it was at that very moment.
“By the way, Prince Yu De, have you heard?”
When Lucas, unable to resist Juder’s insistence, changed his title from Count August Bayer to Prince Juder, Juder stopped thinking about it for a moment and showed interest.
“What is the story?”
“There’s talk of a martial arts tournament being held. They’re going to make an official announcement this afternoon.”
At Lucas’s words, Yuder nodded faintly.
I haven’t talked to Cordelia yet, but I heard something similar from my father this morning.
“Because we have to show that the royal family is still alive and well.”
“Yes, in the Argon Empire too.”
There were several reasons for pushing ahead with the martial arts tournament in these times, one of which was the ‘absence of the Ten Swordsmen’.
The Guardian Lord who had repelled the empire twice and the Sword Saint of Light who was called the best in swordsmanship no longer existed.
With two of the Ten Swords missing, the gap had to be filled as quickly as possible.
‘I don’t know about the position of the First Swordsman, but the position of the Guardian of the Country won’t be easily filled.’
Unlike the First Sword, which was simply a strong swordsman, the Guardian Sword was a symbol of the defense of Seilun, so it was impossible to replace it.
But that doesn’t mean I can just sit back and do nothing.
‘We need a new swordsman.’
It wasn’t enough to just put Count Bayer forward as the ‘Sword of Wind’ to fill the position of the Sword of Light.
With two out, there needed to be at least one new swordsman born.
‘For now, Gale is also a candidate.’
A story my father told me this morning.
In addition to Gale, there were many young knights in the kingdom who were called the ‘next Ten Swordsmen’.
The royal plan was to call them together this time and have them prove their abilities, and then give the position of Ten Swordsman to at least one of them.
‘It seems that a summons has been issued to those who did not participate in this National Foundation Day celebration.’
Richard Galleon, who stood out especially within the Knights of the Golden Lion, the most elite knight order in the Kingdom of Cailun, and earned the nickname Lionsword.
Aios Rain, known as the fastest and most powerful swordsman among the ravens guarding the North.
Calix Orphan, Kai’sa’s older brother and the Sea Serpent Slayer known in the South as the Scourge of the Seas.
‘Your brother is here too.’
At least one of those four, and preferably two, will be elected as the new Ten Swordsmen.
Of course, if all four of them had performed below expectations, it would have been a completely different story, but in any case, it could be said that it was an event where the royal family’s intentions were quite clear.
“The event will be held in five days… It feels like it’s being held quite hastily, but since the martial arts tournament itself was originally scheduled, there shouldn’t be any problems with the event itself. And honestly… I’m really looking forward to it.”
As Lucas spoke with shining eyes, Yuder smiled bitterly.
That would be the case, as this martial arts tournament was not an event completely unrelated to Yuder and Lucas.
‘There are also immature people, right?’
Adult division for participants aged 20 and over, and youth division for participants aged 20 and younger.
“It’s been a long time since we fought shoulder to shoulder.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
The regular martial arts tournaments held by the Royal Family of Seilun were not simply one-on-one duels.
It was a group fight that was closer to a war than a duel, with the North, the Center, and the South each taking turns and gathering in one big fight to decide the winner.
‘Is this the last event to be performed in the royal capital before going to find the Ultimate One?’
It wasn’t bad.
It was nice to be able to work with Lucas again after a long time, and since it was a competition, there would be some pretty lucrative prizes if we won.
‘It’s also good to test the results of rehabilitation.’
Although it was still an imperfect body, it succeeded in stabilizing the black sun to some extent.
‘I wonder who will come from the South.’
In the center, the Golden Knights and the Inspectorate will be sending additional personnel, but who else will come up from the south?
As Yuder thought about the talents of the South, he soon realized why he was so excited.
‘Because this is my first time experiencing this event.’
In the original work, where the royal family was destroyed, the martial arts tournament was not held.
And the following year, the martial arts tournament was not held either, as the Kingdom of Cailun itself was virtually destroyed.
Because of this, Yuder had only encountered the group martial arts unique to the Kingdom of Seilun in settings, and had never actually experienced it.
But when I heard that such a martial arts tournament, such a fantastic event, was being held, I couldn’t help but smile.
‘I guess I’m just rotten water.’
I see you’re excited about the new content.
Yuder smiled slightly, looked away and saw another pool of rotten water, and this time he laughed out loud.
Cordelia, who was suffering from Emma Pikus’ second onslaught, was sending out a desperate rescue signal this way.
‘Yuder! Yuuder! Help me!’
How could I ignore that sight of him trying so hard to help?
“Excuse me for a moment.”
After asking Lucas for understanding, Uther took a powerful step towards Cordelia.
&
< Chapter 75 - The Wolf of the Wind > End
