《Sigrid》 Chapter 1 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.1: Sigrid Ankertna Why? Why? Why? Sigrid Ankertna looked down at the round barrel not far from her. Soon, when the guillotine¡¯s blade falls, her head will fall into that barrel. Sigrid raised her head to look at the people who¡¯d gathered and judged her with resentful looks. She was bewildered. All of her life, she¡¯d lived by the rules. She¡¯d lived right. No matter what others did, she was as loyal as a dog to the empire. But why did she end up like this? Why should she kneel here like this? WHY? WHY? WHY? She bit her lips. ¡°Execute!!¡± Just as the word was said, Sigrid felt her vision swirling. She saw the bottom of the approaching barrel, and then, complete darkness.. *** ¡°Ugh!¡± Sigrid woke up from the bed, struggling to breathe. ¡°Hah.. hah.. Haahh¡­¡± Drenched in cold sweat, Sigrid touched her neck. It had just been detached. Properly. ¡°What is this¡­? The afterlife?¡± Sigrid pushed off a rough blanket and got up from an old bed. It was a sixteen square meter room that was similar to what she used to have. Her hand groped around in the dark to turn the lamp on, then pushed the window open. The old wooden window rattled and opened heavily. As the cold air flowed in, Sigrid took in a deep breath. ¡®Is the afterlife like this?¡¯ She was in a similar place to where she lived before. Even the surrounding scenery was also no different. Without closing the window, Sigrid took out an empty teacup and a teapot. She lit a small stove to heat up water and took out some cheap tea leaves to make herself some hot tea. Then, she took a sip. She frowned. The tea was really bad. She looked at her hot tea then realized, even the stuff was the same. The tea tasted similarly awful. Furthemore, her habits were still the same. She subconsciously made tea when her mind was in chaos. She didn¡¯t feel like she was in the afterlife. ¡®My neck was cut off and I opened my eyes in my room and now I¡¯m drinking tea that tastes like this.¡¯ Sigrid kept drinking her tea while in daze. Her past life was like a funny joke. She had so many gold and silver treasures, but she lived too modestly as she¡¯d believed that a knight living a frugal life was the right way.g. If she¡¯d known her life would end like that, she would have lived in luxury. Sigrid slowly drank her tea and looked out at the darkness beyond the window. Everything was unfair. There was nothing that said that a person would live in the afterlife the same as they lived before. Even so, if it is like that, after the king dies, he would still live in the palace? And if the people in the slums died, they would be still in the slums¡­ Thinking of the slums, Sigrid let out a low groan. There were slums in the capital, but they¡¯d all been wiped out. It was her military squad and herself who¡¯d done that. The emperor gave an order to ¡®clean up¡¯ the slums. It was the virtue of knights to follow the emperor¡¯s orders and the orders of the master were absolute. She¡¯d blocked the entrances and set the fire while killing all those who ran away. She¡¯d also killed all the knights and soldiers who protested against what they did. Disobedience only earned death. But wasn¡¯t that natural? Knights were tools for the King. Or so she¡¯d thought, until the Emperor gave his tool this punishment. Sigrid touched her neck again. Even now, she felt that her neck would roll around. After her tea was finished, Sigrid got up from her seat. She wanted to know how far the similarities of the afterlife went compared to her past life. No, since she was in the afterlife, she wanted to visit the God of the Underworld and ask him, ¡®Have I really committed such a great sin?¡¯ She opened the closet to change her clothes. The wardrobe was also worn out. There was a piece of wood stuck in one of the legs to make it balanced. One of the doors was broken and if it wasn¡¯t opened gently, it would fall out, but Sigrid had the trick to open it so it was opened well. There were three sets of clothes in the closet. A uniform, two shirts and two pants. ¡®Come to think of it Morris told me to buy some clothes.¡¯ Sigrid let out a little chuckle at the thought of her friend. Morris was one of her friends who¡¯d tried to get her out of prison until the end. She didn¡¯t expect it since many of her friends had left her after the slum incident. And yet, some of them had still come to visit her when she was in prison. They believed in her innocence. Sigrid changed into everyday clothes and put on her boots before opening the door. Soon she was faced with the old and dark corridor that a typical multi-family residential area in one of the capital cities had. The wooden floor of the hall was worn out and creaked which made the people living there unable to stand the noise when people walked on it. However, Sigrid walked skillfully across the passage without making any noise at all. ¡®This is also similar.¡¯ Everything was really the same. Nothing had changed from the past world. ¡®You mean the afterlife was like this?¡¯ Sigrid stood in front of the building, feeling the urge to beat the theologists in the back of their heads. ¡®It¡¯s curfew.¡¯ Could she go out since it¡¯s afterlife? Or perhaps since it¡¯s curfew? After a moment of hesitation, Sigrid began to move. How did she know if it was curfew? If the guards from the underworld came, it would be a great welcome. Moving along, Sigrid began to walk towards the center of the capital city. She thought maybe the king of the underworld lived there. After a moment of walking, suddenly there was a whistle. ¡°There! Stop!¡± Sigrid stopped, then she turned around. She saw two guards with spears in their hand walking towards her. ¡°It¡¯s curfew. What are you doing?¡± ¡°Show me your identity card.¡± Sigrid was puzzled by the words of the two guards. If it was the identity card, did they mean the identity card in the current world? Did they talk about the things of the underworld? If it belonged to the underworld, she had not yet received anything. ¡°Identity card?¡± When she tilted her head, the two guards¡¯ expressions got more grim. ¡±Suspicious behavior!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go to the guard station.¡± Sigrid nodded her head and obeyed passively at the order of the guards. If she was being sent to the center of power, she didn¡¯t mind. However, when Sigrid arrived at the guard station, she was baffled. Chapter 1.2 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.2: Sigrid Ankertna ¡°Sir Ankertna?¡± ¡°Sir, are you dead too?¡± There was a man sitting in the guard¡¯s room. His appearance clearly showed that he was the Captain of the capital guard. It was just the same as usual. The captain was confused by Sigrid¡¯s words. Silence filled up the room. There was an awkward exchange of expressions between the guards and the captain. The captain finally replied, ¡°Dead? I¡¯m living well. Wait, by the way, what happened?¡± The guards who¡¯d captured her now knew that she was Sigrid Ankertna, the infamous imperial knight who was known as a person that never broke the law. If she broke the curfew, there must have been a good reason, and if that was the case, one could be grateful that the two guards who¡¯d brought her were not already dead at Sigrid¡¯s hands. In fact, even if she took the guards¡¯ life, they didn¡¯t dare to stop her. She must have had a good reason for doing it. ¡°But, I¡¯m definitely dead because I was cut off by a guillotine.¡± Sigrid mumbled in confusion. The captain laughed awkwardly and said, ¡°Sir Sigrid. Perhaps, wasn¡¯t it only a dream? But, Sir Sigrid in guillotine¡­ I think, even if Sir Sigrid had a nightmare, it wouldn¡¯t be that kind of a dream.¡± ¡°Dream?¡± Sigrid looked at the veteran mid-forties Captain Guard who was full of wrinkles from laughter around his mouth and eyes. He didn¡¯t seem to be someone who existed in a dream nor did he look like a dead person. ¡°Sir Ankertna.¡± Sigird didn¡¯t answer the call and looked blankly. Everyone looked at each other with confusion visible on their face. They felt like her condition did not seem to be normal. Then, Sigrid shook her head and said. ¡°No, not a dream.¡± Sigrid touched her neck. It couldn¡¯t be a dream. Even right at this moment, she could still vividly feel the pain digging into her neck. Sigrid covered her face with both hands. ¡®What is this? What the hell is going on? Is it a dream right now? Or was that one a dream? Which one is the dream?¡¯ The Captain Guard in the room looked at Sigrid with bewilderment, ¡°Sir Ankertna? Are you okay? Would you like me to call Sir De Forest?¡± At those words, Sigrid raised her head. ¡°Morris? Isn¡¯t he ¡­ not in the capital? ¡­ Isn¡¯t he on trip?¡± As far as she remembered, Morris was not in the capital, but he¡¯d returned shortly after he¡¯d heard the news about her. ¡°Not in the capital city? Is he not in the same Knight Order as you, Sir Sigrid?¡± As someone said cautiously, Sigrid looked at him with her mouth open. It was the first time they¡¯d seen that kind of expression on the face that usually showed coldness. Everyone in the room was starting to get nervous. ¡®Did she take medicine? Or alcohol? No, it doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡¯ ¡°Sir. Sigrid, I will call Sir. Morris for you right now.¡± The captain guard gave a sign to the guard who¡¯d taken Sigrid to the guard station to deliver the message. Then he gave a chair to Sigrid who sat in with her mind in disarray. ¡®Morris and I are in the same Knight Order? But that was five years ago?¡¯ A guard gave a cup of tea to Sigrid in confusion. Sigrid raised her head and received a teacup. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing, Sir. It is a cheap tea.¡± Everyone looked at Sigrid who again was lost in her thoughts. There was no problem with her pupils or breathing, so it meant she was not on drugs or alcohol. So what was going on with this poor female knight? Sigrid chuckled as she took a sip of tea. They said it was cheap tea, but it was better than the tea in her house. As Sigrid slowly emptied the tea, Morris came in with the guards. His black hair was messy, and his shirt had a lot of wrinkles. It was obvious he¡¯d just woken up from his sleep at this hour. But his pants and boots were quite fit. Sigrid felt a sense of incompatibility looking at Morris¡¯ face. There should¡¯ve been a scar on Morris¡¯ face. A scar that he¡¯d gotten after returning from a trip. But this Morris is¡­ youthful? His face is somewhat tighter and smooth. Chapter 1.3 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.3: Sigrid Ankertna ¡°Sigrid? Are you all right?¡± Morris asked with his eyebrows knitted. When he¡¯d heard that Sigrid had been taken to the guard station for violating the curfew, he thought the guards were playing some kind of mischievous prank. However, when the guards eagerly expressed the news that they didn¡¯t lie and even dared to put the names of their colleagues and their own on the line, Morris knew, the news was no joke. Therefore, Morris had come to the guard station as soon as possible and found Sigrid staring at him with an unusual expression. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? ¡°Morris¡­¡­¡± ¡°Why? What?¡± ¡°How old are you?¡± ¡®What is she talk -¡¯ But Morris answered without a hitch. ¡°Twenty-five¡± Sigrid swallowed her breath. It was really 5 years back. She then put her teacup and started to roll up her shirt in a hurry. ¡°Sigrid! What are you doing?!¡± The embarrassed Morris tried to pull down Sigrid¡¯s shirt, but Sigrid was obstinate. Her slender waist was revealed. Sigrid turned her head and looked at the back of her waist side. She touched the area. ¡°There is no scar.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Here, there is supposed to be a big scar¡­ from fighting Veramood.¡± ¡°Veramood? Why are you fighting that guy? Hey, Sigrid, are you okay?¡± ¡°Morris.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Morris De Forest¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°What year is now in the Imperial calendar?¡± ¡°300th.¡± Sigrid was lost in thought. It was really five years back. ¡®What happened? I¡¯m definitely dead. I¡¯m dead. Did I come back? To the past? How?¡¯ Morris was starting to worry. In any means, she didn¡¯t look normal. ¡°Sigrid.¡± Morris¡¯ voice lowered and softened. Slowly at his call, Sigrid looked up at Morris, blinking as if to focus. The beautiful scarlet eyes that usually had zero emotions were filled with confusion. ¡°Are you alright? What happened.¡± ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡± Sigrid opened her mouth as if wanting to say something, but her words trailed off. She leaned against Morris as if she were falling forward. Morris became stiff because it was something Sigrid would never do. Morris never knew that Sigrid could make that kind of expression. She was like a different person. ¡°Sigird Ankertna?¡± Sigrid took a deep breath. As she leaned toward Morris, she could feel his warm and firm body. She could hear his heartbeat clearly. ¡®Is it real? That person, is he alive?¡¯ At the next moment, Sigrid lifted her head up. ¡°Alkerto.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Alkerto, is he alive?¡± ¡°Of course he is alive.¡± Morris slowly looked at Sigrid. He began to feel certain that she maybe was under some sort of magic. or she had some sort of problem. ¡°Sigrid, have you ever met a strange person before?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Did you meet a magician? Or a witch? Or did you eat something weird? Did you walk on a different street than usual?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Sigrid soon stopped. She swallowed her saliva. ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. I was having a very real dream.¡± ¡°Dream?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry for troubling you.¡± As Sigrid spoke in an unexpectedly calm tone, she looked even more suspicious in Morris¡¯ eyes. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Sigrid who smiled awkwardly at his gaze. ¡°I¡¯m really okay. I need to go back home and get some sleep. Oh, I can¡¯t go out right because it¡¯s a curfew. Then I¡¯ll sleep in the station¡¯s accommodations.¡± Everyone was embarrassed. ¡®The Station¡¯s accommodations¡¯ meant the jail. ¡°No, you don¡¯t need to. Sir Ankertna. You can move around during curfew with the guards. We will escort you home, Sir Ankertna.¡± Morris nodded at hearing the captain¡¯s words. ¡°My house is close to here. You could stay at my house for the night.¡± However, Sigrid shook her head. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll just go to my house. It¡¯s more comfortable there.¡± ¡°But the guard¡¯s job would be doubled.¡± Morris didn¡¯t feel right seeing the change in Sigrid¡¯s behavior. He wanted to keep her in his sight. So, Morris secretly raised a little problem in hopes that Sigrid would agree. ¡°Oh. Is that so?¡± With a little hesitation, Sigrid finally accepted the idea. It was a bad idea to trouble the guards to go all the way back to her house. Then, escorted by a guard, Sigrid and Morris headed to Morris¡¯ home. Chapter 1.4 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.4: Sigrid Ankertna Escorted by a member of the guard, Sigrid and Morris headed towards Morris¡¯ house. As Morris was the second son in his family, he¡¯d left his family manor and lived in a house in the capital city after being knighted. The house was a proper house so that even if it was a private house, it couldn¡¯t be compared to Sigrid¡¯s house. It was a whole building with four servants. When the front door was opened and they went inside, a cozy living room spread out in front of her eyes. It wasn¡¯t as high-class as the residential area in the first district of the capital city, but it was still a decent house. ¡°Come in.¡± ¡°Excuse me.¡± Upon entering the living room, Morris let out a long yawn, which Sigrid felt guilty for. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for waking you up for nothing. We have to go to work tomorrow, so go to bed now.¡± ¡°No.¡± Morris answered with a shrug. Sigrid carefully pressed her feet on the soft carpet in the room while she walked. The fireplace was decorated splendidly, and though the candlesticks on the wall looked simple, they were made by tapping brass. Morris spoke to her as she looked around. ¡°I bought it with my own paycheck.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything?¡± ¡°Everytime you see luxurious things, you¡¯re so noisy. Talking about the so and so knight¡¯s principles.¡± Sigrid frowned at Morris¡¯ words and for a moment, she wanted to protest, but just closed her mouth instead. Those knight¡¯s principles in the end did nothing to stop her from getting killed, so she didn¡¯t want to defend them. Morris, who¡¯d naturally expected a rebuttal from Sigrid, was rather taken aback by Sigrid not saying anything. It was unusual because their relationship was one where they would always bicker back and forth in every conversation they had. ¡°Sigrid?¡± ¡°Honestly, what you¡¯ve said is correct, Morris .¡± ¡°SIG!?¡± Getting more taken aback, Morris called her name. Sigrid sighed. ¡°So that is how you see me¨C no, you can judge me that way.¡± Morris believed in her innocence until the very end. He tried to get her out of prison. He deserved to judge her that way. ¡°Are you really Sigrid?¡± Sigrid looked at Morris as if he were a strange person and said, ¡°So you don¡¯t think I¡¯m real?¡± ¡°Right.¡± Sigrid grinned at his straightforward remark. She then slowly rubbed her forehead and said, ¡°I¡¯m getting a mild headache right now. Can I get some sleep, Sir De Forest?¡± ¡°Ah, ah, yes.¡± Morris then led Sigrid to the guest room upstairs. ¡°Thank you, Morris.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Morris shrugged his shoulders and then shut the door. Sigrid sighed a little and slowly began to loosen her hair. The beautiful silver hair, which was highly praised for being like sterling silver, fell down with a thick wave. Sigrid stood still for a while, untangling her hair with her fingers. She was lost in her thoughts. She was clearly beheaded at that time. It was a real thing that happened to her. But what happened? Why did she come back five years earlier? Was this a dream? A dream that people saw after death? ¡®Let¡¯s meet the magician.¡¯ There were many scammers who called themselves mages, but real mages or wizards were very rare. Sigrid slowly began to search for a certain name in her memory. Soon a name came up. ¡®Arcana.¡¯ From what she could remember, that person will be a famous mage three years from now. But, whether that mage was famous or not right now, he was still a mage. Thinking that she should find him, Sigrid began to take off her boots and sat on the bed. ¡®I can¡¯t sleep¡¯ Sitting on the bed, Sigrid slowly rubbed the sheets with her hand. The rough hand caused by holding the sword caught on the smooth bedding. ¡®I¡¯ve always envied Morris.¡¯ Sigrid didn¡¯t like thinking like that before. She always thought she did not envy him. However, she despised him as the second son of the noble family. Nevertheless, it was envious. Born nobility. That was what she envied. ¡®I envied the nobles¡± She also wanted to be part of it. In that time, after being accepted as a knight as a female, she had to make desperate efforts to be recognized by the Imperial Guard as a knight. She even matched all of her beliefs and life principles to the knighthood life. And because she couldn¡¯t be part of the nobility, to defend herself, she always ridiculed it. ¡®Stupid.¡¯ After she died, everything she had done before felt stupid. She tried everything she could do, but eventually, in the end, it was the thing that she was proud of that killed her. Sigrid let out a long sigh. She then laid her body in bed. ¡®It seems like I haven¡¯t come out as a swordmaster? I guess I was flustered.¡¯ As Sigrid looked up at the ceiling, she patted her empty side. ¡®So at this time, I also wasn¡¯t yet an aura user, was I?¡¯ When someone reached the highest mastery of a sword, they could use aura. In her case, she became an aura user three years from this time around and then was selected as a member of the Imperial Guard. Sigrid then raised her hand. No aura core had been formed yet. But, how it was formed was the same. She swung her hand like a sword. A faint light wrapped her hand but because there was no aura core, the light could not unite and disappeared. ¡°It works¡­.¡± Sigrid clenched her fist. It was clear that right now was not a dream. What has been learned or experienced was something someone cannot do in a dream. In other words, she really came back with her memories. ¡°Oh my God.¡± Sigrid put her fist on her forehead and closed her eyes tightly. ¡®First, find the mage.¡¯ Then, what is she going to do after that? Change the future, is that it? Sigrid opened her eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling. ¡°Change.¡± Change her life. Little questions had been raised at the same time whether it was okay to change it, but also why not? She didn¡¯t want to go up to the guillotine again. She didn¡¯t want to be criticized and stoned. Her core aura was dug up, and to be whipped, and her throat- Sigrid wrapped her face and breathed heavily. She didn¡¯t want to be betrayed again. The people she thought were on her side, the people she thought were kind coldly turned away from her. She was thrown away. His Majesty the Emperor. She swore an oath of loyalty, followed everything he commanded. Yet, he blamed her and put her on the guillotine. Instead, it was the friends who she¡¯d left who tried to help her. It was the people who she despised. Change. She had to change. But how? How could she change her life? The way people live is the mirror of the way they think, their own behavior. She would start changing them. Even it was not a kind of change that could be done fastly. That night, Sigrid stayed up all night. Chapter 1.5 - Sigrid Ankertna Chaper 1.5: Sigrid Ankertna Sigrid stayed up all night. As soon as dawn broke, Sigrid got up from her bed. She arranged the bed, put on her boots, braided her hair, and left the room. ¡®Is Morris still sleeping¡¯? She wanted to leave but it would be rude if she just left the house without telling the owner. Sigrid stood in the living room and wondered what to do. Then the maid working on morning duties came in. ¡°Oh my god!¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry if i surprised you. I came here last night.¡± The maid swept down her chest like unconsciously calming her heart from shock. However, since Sigrid was a knight and a familiar face, the maid regained her posture. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now, so tell Morris I left first.¡± ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± Sigrid frowned for a second and opened her mouth to correct the maid that it should be, ¡®Sir Ankertna,¡¯ not Miss. But then she realized she had to change the way she was thinking. So, she closed her mouth, pressing her discomfort being called Miss, and gave a polite nod. When Sigrid opened the door and came out, the mist of dawn had yet to clear, and the cloudy road caught her eyes. At the same time as the curfew was lifted, sounds of city bustle could be heard little by little. People were coming out to start their daily lives. When Sigrid left Zone 2 and entered the outskirts of Zone 3 where her house was located, the area was already completely bustling with life. Here and there, bakers were wandering around, shouting ¡®5 kerv¡¯ while selling their bread, girls were shouting, selling their flowers, and women were selling their cookies. Sigrid was trying to buy some steamy bread when she realized she hadn¡¯t brought any money. Hence, she just headed home. Sigrid went into her room, changed out of her wrinkled clothes and into a uniform, put on a cloak and took her sword and her registration card along with some money before heading for the Knight Order. The Knight Order was within the Imperial Palace. Similar to Capital City, the Imperial Palace was divided into three areas. The third area was the area where the commoners could enter from. The second area was only accessible to those with a title while the first area was an area that couldn¡¯t be entered without permission from the Emperor. The Knight Order was located in the second area of the Imperial Palace. It was still in the early morning which meant the morning assembly had yet to start so the imperial knights were free. *** Knock Knock. Revel, the leader of the Second Knight Order , raised his head at hearing the knock. He looked at the clock on the wall. He was wondering who would come this early in the morning. ¡°Come in.¡± When Revel saw the face of the one who opened the door, he understood. It was Sigrid Ankertna. The ¡®simple and honest fellow who does what she wants¡¯ knight. It was already known that she always came to the Knighthood early in the morning. On top of that she did that everyday. Where in the world did such a knight exist? ¡°Welcome. What happened that you¡¯ve come by so early in the morning?¡± ¡°I came because I wanted to take a break from work.¡± At the moment, Revel thought he had heard wrong. ¡°Break?¡± ¡°Yes. a long break. I think it could be quite long if we add up all the vacation days that I haven¡¯t used over the years¡­¡± ¡°That would be a lot. A break?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Sigrid answered firmly. Revel nodded as he stared blankly at Sigrid. ¡°Okay. How long do you want?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like it as long as I can.¡± Then Revel asked, looking up and down at Sigrid, ¡°Are you sick? A problem in your hometown?¡± ¡°No. I just need some time alone to focus on myself. Well, is it difficult, Sir?¡± ¡°Huh? No, no. I see. If so¡ª ¡° Revel rubbed his chin. This was the first time that Sigrid had asked for a leave of absence after she became a knight. ¡®How long do I have to give for her paid absence¡¯ ¡°How about a 45-days paid vacation.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great. Thank you Sir.¡± ¡°If you need an extension, let me know in advance. Letters or whatever.¡± ¡°Yes. Thank you, Sir. Then, I¡¯ll get going now.¡± Following a polite greeting, Sigrid went out of Revel¡¯s office. *** ¡®Forty-five days¡­ This should be enough right?¡¯ She didn¡¯t know because she¡¯d done this before. ¡®If it is not enough, let¡¯s extend the holiday.¡¯ With that determination, Sigrid sat down on a bench near the drill hall. With her eyes closed and taking repeated deep breaths, she slowly felt a glittering aura around her. Then she imagined a strong aura being sucked through the pores of her skin, going deep into her whole body. But the imagination was scattered right away. At the sound of familiar footsteps, Sigrid opened her eyes wide. ¡°Alkerto.¡± She muttered very quietly, but Alkerto heard her mutter and turned his head. His face soon broke into a smile. ¡°Sigrid! You¡¯re first again today!¡± Sigrid bit her trembling lips and jumped from her seat. In an instant, she was standing in front of Alkerto by the drill hall, staring at him. His turquoise eyes soon stared at her with wonder. ¡°Sigrid? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Chapter 1.6 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.6: Sigrid Ankertna ¡°Sigrid? What¡¯s wrong? Alkerto¡¯s eyes narrowed and he grabbed the hem of Sigrid¡¯s sleeve like an innocent child. ¡°Alkerto.¡± ¡°Sig? What¡¯s going on?¡± He was alive. Her heart throbbed. So that was the feeling of seeing the face of a deceased colleague again. ¡°No, nothing.¡± Sigrid retracted her sleeve and laughed. Their conversation invited some stares. Afterall, it wasn¡¯t just Alkerto who was passing by. ¡°It¡¯s nothing? What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°I took some days off.¡± ¡°WHAT?!?!¡± Alkerto was also appalled at Sigrid¡¯s remark. Days off? Sigrid Ankertna was leaving? ¡°Are you sick? What¡¯s going on? Hm?¡± ¡°No, I just need to organize my thoughts.¡± ¡°But¡ª¡± ¡°Alkerto.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Alkerto stared at Sigrid¡¯s face like he was telling her ¡®tell me anything. I¡¯ll listen¡¯. When Sigrid saw Alkerto¡¯s expression, Sigrid took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°I¡¯m proud of you.¡± Alkerto had a completely absent-minded face. His mind was completely in shock. ¡®Now? What? Wait? Sigrid?¡¯ Seeing Alkerto¡¯s facial expression, Sigrid burst into laughter. As Sigrid laughed, Alkerto panicked again. His face was full of questions about the person in front of him. ¡®Who is this? What is this?¡¯ ¡°We are both commoners, but you seem to be doing great. I was actually jealous because I don¡¯t think I am. I think it looks obvious.¡± Revealing her honest thoughts like this made Sigrid blush. The curly blond hair and turquoise eyes, they went well on Alkerto. He looked like a fine man who was easy to talk to, which was true to how he was. Alkerto was a man who could hang out with anyone without being out of place. He had the confidence to talk to someone without hesitation. Yet, Sigrid hated it and was also envious of it. It was not easy for Sigrid to show her inferiority and accept she was envious. She lived in a world where she constantly needed to prove her worth and held her chin up high. Disclosing her inferiority in front of someone she was envious of made her want to hide away from his sight right away. However, she didn¡¯t want to regret it. That was her second life and to end up having regrets in her second life too? She hated that even more. ¡°Though, it¡¯s just because of my narrow mindedness.¡± When Sigrid got back from Alkerto¡¯s burial, it felt just a bit grim. However, one day, when Sigrid suddenly realized that there was no one talking to her in the Knight Order, only then it occurred to her that it was only him who always spoke to her first. It was the moment when she heard the story of aristocratic kids laughing at his death that she became engulfed in intense self-loathing. However, she couldn¡¯t complain to them. Instead, she talked to them as if she was one of them, then cried when she came back. ¡°But.. how should I say this.. You are still not the same as me. It may sound ridiculous, I¡¯m proud of you as a commoner. Although, I hate to be in that same category.¡± Sigrid grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll be going now, then. Thank you for always talking to me first.¡± Sigrid gave a light tap with her fist on Alkerto¡¯s chest. Then, as she walked past him, Alkerto grabbed her wrist. ¡°Wait!¡± ¡°Right, if there is anything you want to complain about, it¡¯s fine to say it now.¡± Sigrid shrugged her shoulders. Alkerto let go of Sigrid¡¯s wrist and stumbled over his words, ¡°Owhh.. shi.. It¡¯s not like that.¡± He violently ruffled his own hair, clearly flustered over the current situation. ¡°I¡¯m a little jealous of you too.¡± ¡°What?¡± Sigrid opened her eyes wide in astonishment. Alkerto laughed seeing her reaction. ¡°I¡¯m that somewhat frivolous kind of guy. I can¡¯t be like you who has good self-control and be a good model knight, You¡¯re a prime example of a good knight who¡¯s good at self-control. It¡¯s said that self-control has limits, yet you don¡¯t have that. You are the embodiment of a real perfect knight. That¡¯s why I¡¯m jealous.¡± At Alkerto eloquent speech, Sigrid stared blankly at him. Soon a red flush rose on her cheeks. She had been dying to hear those words all this time, but when she finally heard them, Sigrid couldn¡¯t be more embarrassed. ¡°No, well, I, that kind of¡ª ¡­.. tha..thank you.¡± As she managed to reply to him and lift her head with trembling lips, she saw Alkerto¡¯s round turquoise eyes reflected in her deep red face and expression. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll get going.¡± Sigrid turned around and walked fast out from drill hall like she was running away, ¡®An embodiment of a perfect knight.¡¯¡­ ¨C ¡®I envied you¡¯. Sigrid¡¯s heart thumped. To hear such a thing from someone she was jealous of was so different from hearing it from her boss or someone else. ¡®Did I change? Would it have changed a little?¡¯ Sigrid pressed both her cheeks. They were hot. Her heart was beating so fast. She was so happy. The compliment made her very happy. She felt good. Chapter 7 Chapter 7: Sigrid Ankterna ¡°Sigrid?¡± Sigrid raised her head to look at the person who called her. It was Morris who was currently looking at her with a face full of wonder. ¡°Ah, Morris. I owe you for last night.¡± ¡°No, why didn¡¯t you eat breakfast first at my house? Sig? Are you okay?¡± ¡°Uh.. yeah. It¡¯s all right.¡± Everything is alright, except for her heart. Sigrid took a deep breath to calm her heartbeat. She looked at Morris. Then she remembered something. ¡°Morris.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°How much did you pay to buy a house in Area 2?¡± ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t buy it. I pay monthly rent.¡± ¡°Monthly rent? How much is it? ¡°1500 kerv every month.¡± ¡°1500¡­.¡± Morris asked when he saw her muttering. ¡°Why? Are you interested?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m interested. But it¡¯s more expensive than I thought.¡± The monthly rent of the house she lived in was 400 kerv. If she compared to her current house, it was four times more expensive. However, her salary is four thousand kerv a week so it wasn¡¯t to the extent that she couldn¡¯t live. ¡°Thank you.¡± Sigrid greeted him and passed him. She paused for a moment before looking back and said, ¡°Morris, you have got the back of your hair pressed.¡± ¡°Oh no.¡± Morris rubbed his short black hair. Sigrid smiled and continued to walk again. * Morris was thinking about Sigrid¡¯s strange attitude while walking when he met Alkerto. ¡°Good morning.¡± However, Alkerto was so absent-minded that he didn¡¯t hear Morris. Morris slapped Alkerto¡¯s back briefly and said, ¡°Get a hold of yourself.¡± ¡°Uh.. uh.. Ack.. ¨C Morris! When did you come?¡± ¡°Just now. What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just ¨C Oh, you.. Have you seen Sigrid?¡± ¡°A moment ago. Why?¡± ¡°Did you feel maybe she¡¯s changed a little?¡± At Alkerto¡¯s careful question, Morris nodded his head. ¡°She seemed a little strange, but maybe because she had a dream.¡± ¡°Dream?¡¯ When Alkerto pondered, Morris squinted his eyes and asked. ¡°Why do you think like that?¡¯ ¡°No.. just that.. She was taking some days off.¡± ¡°WHAT?! SIG?! Days off?!¡± ¡°Right.¡± Alkerto rubbed his chin. He was lost in his thoughts. He was recalling his conversation with Sigrid. Their confession to each other just a little while ago. The strict, blunt, high-intelligent, brilliant Sigrid Ankertna could not say anything to what he said. Moreover, it was unimaginable that she envied him. Rather, if he were despised, then he would receive it, that was what he thought. Also, the look she showed after what he said. She¡¯s unexpectedly cute? Morris who was trying to fix his flat back of hair said, ¡°She¡¯s been really weird since yesterday.¡± ¡°Yesterday?¡± ¡°Uh¡­ since last night.¡± ¡°What happened last night?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. She was caught during curfew. Her condition was really weird.¡± ¡°Caught during curfew?¡± Alkerto made a strange face hearing the strange new information. It was impossible for Sigrid to break the law. Morris muttered while tapping his forehead. ¡°I think she¡¯s a little strange in here¡­ Like possessed by magic¡­ Also suddenly took a long holiday¡­¡± ¡°But there¡¯s no reason for mages to go after her, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but¡­¡± Morris stopped for a while, like recalling his memory. ¡°I had a fight with Sigrid before.¡± At Morris¡¯ words, Alkerto had a puzzled look on his face. ¡°You always have a fight with her, though?¡± ¡°Right. But the reason we fought was because Sigrid was going to cut off the wrist of a pickpocket on the spot.¡± ¡°That¡¯s definitely her.¡± ¡°He was a skinny little kid. She held onto that kid¡¯s hand and without hesitation took out her sword. I tried to stop her with my sword.¡± Morris¡¯ forehead creased as he frowned. The memory of the time came to his mind vividly. That time, while he was stopping Sigrid, the little boy had run away, which was exactly what Morris wanted that little boy to do. Sigrid angrily shouted at Morris that he was an accomplice as he defended the offender. She reported him to the guards. The guards were taken aback and embarrassed since they had to punish Morris who was a knight just because of a small case. In the end, they fined Morris a little. Usually, that kind of incident would lead to separation between people. However, Sigrid was equally strict with herself. So, Morris couldn¡¯t find fault in her actions. If she thought it was wrong, then it was wrong, and she wouldn¡¯t bend to anyone. It had been several times that she saved a junior knight who was falsely accused by the superior. Although she suffered huge disadvantages, she didn¡¯t even lift an eyebrow. She applied the same standard to herself and others. So, very few people who actually maintained a relationship with her. Even though, of course, there were some people who could never maintain it, though Morris was not part of that. ¡°You sure?¡± Alkerto swept his hand through his hair. ¡°Well, we¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°I suppose so.¡± The two shrugged their shoulders. *** Chapter 1.7 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 7: Sigrid Ankterna ¡°Sigrid?¡± Sigrid raised her head to look at the person who called her. It was Morris who was currently looking at her with a face full of wonder. ¡°Ah, Morris. I owe you for last night.¡± ¡°No, why didn¡¯t you eat breakfast first at my house? Sig? Are you okay?¡± ¡°Uh.. yeah. It¡¯s all right.¡± Everything is alright, except for her heart. Sigrid took a deep breath to calm her heartbeat. She looked at Morris. Then she remembered something. ¡°Morris.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°How much did you pay to buy a house in Area 2?¡± ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t buy it. I pay monthly rent.¡± ¡°Monthly rent? How much is it? ¡°1500 kerv every month.¡± ¡°1500¡­.¡± Morris asked when he saw her muttering. ¡°Why? Are you interested?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m interested. But it¡¯s more expensive than I thought.¡± The monthly rent of the house she lived in was 400 kerv. If she compared to her current house, it was four times more expensive. However, her salary is four thousand kerv a week so it wasn¡¯t to the extent that she couldn¡¯t live. ¡°Thank you.¡± Sigrid greeted him and passed him. She paused for a moment before looking back and said, ¡°Morris, you have got the back of your hair pressed.¡± ¡°Oh no.¡± Morris rubbed his short black hair. Sigrid smiled and continued to walk again. * Morris was thinking about Sigrid¡¯s strange attitude while walking when he met Alkerto. ¡°Good morning.¡± However, Alkerto was so absent-minded that he didn¡¯t hear Morris. Morris slapped Alkerto¡¯s back briefly and said, ¡°Get a hold of yourself.¡± ¡°Uh.. uh.. Ack.. ¨C Morris! When did you come?¡± ¡°Just now. What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just ¨C Oh, you.. Have you seen Sigrid?¡± ¡°A moment ago. Why?¡± ¡°Did you feel maybe she¡¯s changed a little?¡± At Alkerto¡¯s careful question, Morris nodded his head. ¡°She seemed a little strange, but maybe because she had a dream.¡± ¡°Dream?¡¯ When Alkerto pondered, Morris squinted his eyes and asked. ¡°Why do you think like that?¡¯ ¡°No.. just that.. She was taking some days off.¡± ¡°WHAT?! SIG?! Days off?!¡± ¡°Right.¡± Alkerto rubbed his chin. He was lost in his thoughts. He was recalling his conversation with Sigrid. Their confession to each other just a little while ago. The strict, blunt, high-intelligent, brilliant Sigrid Ankertna could not say anything to what he said. Moreover, it was unimaginable that she envied him. Rather, if he were despised, then he would receive it, that was what he thought. Also, the look she showed after what he said. She¡¯s unexpectedly cute? Morris who was trying to fix his flat back of hair said, ¡°She¡¯s been really weird since yesterday.¡± ¡°Yesterday?¡± ¡°Uh¡­ since last night.¡± ¡°What happened last night?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. She was caught during curfew. Her condition was really weird.¡± ¡°Caught during curfew?¡± Alkerto made a strange face hearing the strange new information. It was impossible for Sigrid to break the law. Morris muttered while tapping his forehead. ¡°I think she¡¯s a little strange in here¡­ Like possessed by magic¡­ Also suddenly took a long holiday¡­¡± ¡°But there¡¯s no reason for mages to go after her, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but¡­¡± Morris stopped for a while, like recalling his memory. ¡°I had a fight with Sigrid before.¡± At Morris¡¯ words, Alkerto had a puzzled look on his face. ¡°You always have a fight with her, though?¡± ¡°Right. But the reason we fought was because Sigrid was going to cut off the wrist of a pickpocket on the spot.¡± ¡°That¡¯s definitely her.¡± ¡°He was a skinny little kid. She held onto that kid¡¯s hand and without hesitation took out her sword. I tried to stop her with my sword.¡± Morris¡¯ forehead creased as he frowned. The memory of the time came to his mind vividly. That time, while he was stopping Sigrid, the little boy had run away, which was exactly what Morris wanted that little boy to do. Sigrid angrily shouted at Morris that he was an accomplice as he defended the offender. She reported him to the guards. The guards were taken aback and embarrassed since they had to punish Morris who was a knight just because of a small case. In the end, they fined Morris a little. Usually, that kind of incident would lead to separation between people. However, Sigrid was equally strict with herself. So, Morris couldn¡¯t find fault in her actions. If she thought it was wrong, then it was wrong, and she wouldn¡¯t bend to anyone. It had been several times that she saved a junior knight who was falsely accused by the superior. Although she suffered huge disadvantages, she didn¡¯t even lift an eyebrow. She applied the same standard to herself and others. So, very few people who actually maintained a relationship with her. Even though, of course, there were some people who could never maintain it, though Morris was not part of that. ¡°You sure?¡± Alkerto swept his hand through his hair. ¡°Well, we¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°I suppose so.¡± The two shrugged their shoulders. *** Chapter 1.8 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.8: Sigrid Ankertna Sigrid checked her bank balance. For years now, she had been living an ascetic life, very abstemious. It definitely made her money swell in her bank account. ¡®Let¡¯s move out first.¡¯ Sigrid made up her mind. If she wanted to change her life then she needed to change her way of living, and the best way to change the way of living was to change the living environment. If she moved out and changed her living space, the basic necessities of life like food, clothing, shelter would also change, then her life would change. That was what Sigrid thought. ¡®Should I buy a small house in Area 2 or a country house outside of the capital?¡¯ Sigrid groaned with a simple worry. She went to the Knight Order everyday. However, thinking about it again, she honestly didn¡¯t have to go there everyday. As a matter of fact, even though she went there everyday, she didn¡¯t really have work everyday. Imperial Knights only went there when they were called to work. ¡®Shall I go outside?¡¯ A garden was what she honestly wanted to have. She wanted to drink her tea in the garden with some quality tea and a pretty teacup, like other girls. In the past, when she wanted to buy teacup, she always went to the teashop while acting like she disliked going to the teashop or going to a tea party, although inwardly it was the opposite. Also, when the sellers tried to offer her luxurious or pretty teacup, she tried to act like she was not such a ¡®girl.¡¯ In the past, she really dismissed all things that were feminine like outfits and makeup, disrespecting them as unknightly. Obviously, the kind of buyer like her could not get along with the sellers. ¡®But, it¡¯s different now.¡¯ After much thought, a country house was much better for her. As she decided on purchasing a country house, she headed to a real estate agent. Upon entering the business area in Zone 2, loud noise could be heard from all directions. The shopping street was neatly decorated and the roads were extensively maintained so wagons could pass through. Among other buildings, Sigrid entered a building with the sign ¡®Marigold Real Estate¡¯. ¡°Welcome.¡± A woman with brown hair was in charge of her. ¡°I¡¯m trying to see a house for sale.¡± At the words of Sigrid, the woman smiled and offered her a seat. The woman introduced herself as Marigold. After serving a cup of coffee to Sigrid and sitting on an old, clean sofa, Marigold started to question Sigrid. ¡°Are you going to live alone?¡± ¡°Yes, and I¡¯m working for the Second Knight Order.¡± ¡°Oh. You¡¯re a knight. Then, there is a good sale in Zone 2 or Zone 1-?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯d like to pick a country house at the outskirts of the capital city.¡± ¡°Oh my¡­ country house? But, it would be inconvenient to go back and forth from there to the imperial palace?¡± ¡°Yes, but I wanted a garden.¡± ¡°Ah¨C!¡± Marigold nodded and asked. ¡°So, what about District 14 in Zone 2?¡± ¡°District 14?¡± ¡°Yes. It is a newly renovated place with small gardens. Personal privacy is guaranteed.¡± ¡°But, I think it¡¯s going to be expensive.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t want a monthly rent?¡± ¡°Yes, monthly rent is a bit¡­¡± ¡°If it¡¯s like that, it¡¯s cheap here!¡± Marigold smiled broadly and handed out the documents. It was the building in District 14, Zone 2, which was usually half the price of the market price. That was a good price for Sigrid, but she wondered. ¡°Why is it so cheap here?¡± ¡°Mmm.. so the thing is..¡± Marigold glanced at the young woman knight in front of her. Marigold felt like she shouldn¡¯t lie to her face when she looked so neat yet doll-like. So she said it frankly, ¡°There was a murder case.¡± ¡°A murder?¡± ¡°Yes. the head of this house killed the whole family and committed suicide. I even went to the auction because I had a lot of building loans, but unfortunately there were no buyers¡­.¡± Hearing the explanation, Sigrid nodded. ¡°Can I personally have a look at it?¡± Marigold hesitated at the remark. ¡°Well, this house isn¡¯t in good shape because it hasn¡¯t been cleaned.¡± ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have more reason to see.¡± As Sigrid said, Marigold nodded. She felt like she finally could sell this house. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll let you know the address.¡± Chapter 9 Chapter 9: Sigrid Ankertna Sigrid looked at the house Marigold gave its address to visit with admiration. The house was completely different from the houses from both sides. It was surrounded by the rusty iron bars and the weeds that had grown innumerable and waist-high, which all of those seemed like to test the patience of the houses next to it as those were hurting the view of them. Sigrid opened the creaking iron door carefully, and walked through the weeds that grew to her knees. The moment she opened the door, the smell of the rotten blood struck her. Sigrid frowned. She used to see dead bodies, but still, she didn¡¯t like this kind of smell. When she tried to look at where the smell was coming from, she saw the area where the wooden floor of the house had blood seeped into it. The smell was very strong in that area. ¡®I must change the whole wooden floor, if it were just to be cleaned up, it would still smell¡¯ The windows were also broken as if they were thrown by rocks from outside. The furniture strangely remained intact. Probably, no one tried to take anything since all of them from murder scene. The kitchen also smelled terrible. There were a lot of rotten food ingredients. In the child¡¯s room which was on the second floor, the baby bed was covered with blood and many flies were buzzing around. It was clearly no one touched the house since the murder. ¡®Was maintaining a house usually like this?¡¯ Sigrid let a heavy sigh. If they¡¯d like to sell the house, wasn¡¯t the most basic thing to do cleaned up the murder trace? Sigrid looked at the house structure in wonder. At least the house¡¯s structure was not lacking. The building looked strong, and the interior inside the house was actually a fine interior. Although it was not like a luxurious interior. It was basically a middle class¡¯ house. When Sigrid left the nursery room, there was a faint baby cry behind her back. It was only then Sigrid was realized and convinced. This was a haunted house. She put her ears to the door and listened attentively. Surely, there was a sound coming out from the room. Yet, when she opened the door to check, the cry stopped. ¡°Maybe .. umm..¡± Sigrid tilted her head and slowly gathered aura. The sphere of light began to appear in her hand, then it started gradually grew bigger. The size of the aura light was growing from a size of firefly to as big as a fist, and then as big as a head. However, since she hadn¡¯t had a core, the light was unstable so the surface of the light was repeatedly distorted like ripples. Then Sigrid released the compression of aura on her hand. The warmth spread out with a flash of light in the room. Glittering light particles filled the room and slowly disappeared. Afterwards, no more crying was heard when Sigrid came out from the room. I guess it¡¯s a good thing. Sigrid used to listen to mages¡¯ conversation. The theory of ghost was it was created by the aura of negative emotion that was left by the people who died. It was said that, spreading a warm aura in the place where the negative¡¯s aura exists, it would drive out ghosts. At first, Sigrid didn¡¯t know whether it was real or not, but now she was convinced that it was true. Sigrid returned to the real estate office and Marigold, who had been waiting, looked at Sigrid¡¯s face and asked, ¡°How was it?¡± ¡°It was haunted, isn¡¯t it?.¡± Marigold was discouraged by Sigrid¡¯s words. The ghost was the biggest reason the house didn¡¯t sell. Everytime it was going to be cleaned up, the ghost bothered the people who tried to clean up, and of course they were scared and left the house in a mess. She was constantly getting complaints from both sides of the house, it was dropping their house prices, they said. But she didn¡¯t know how to solve that problem. ¡°If you can make it cheaper, I¡¯ll buy it. I have to change many things inside the house, remove the furniture, and clean up the whole house.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s already half the price, costumer.¡± Marigold laughed with a troubled face. Sigrid pondered and said. ¡°Then deduct the cost of cleaning, the replacement of wooden floors and windows.¡± After a little bit of scuffle, Sigrid took over the house at forty-percent of the market price. Marigold was honestly in a good mood. It was good to buy the house at a cheap price when it was auctioned, but it was a headache to sell it because of the existence of the ghost. Sigrid paid the down payment on the spot. She drafted the contract and received the keys. As she came out after receiving Marigold¡¯s farewell greetings, she felt bewildered. ¡®Is it okay to buy a house like this?¡¯ There was sudden fear. She was determined to change her life necessities, but why did it feel so impulsive? Although she bought the house for less than half the market price, the house was still not cheap for her and half of her savings was blown away. Then, while fiddling with the bronze key in her hand, Sigrid shook her head. ¡®No, you¡¯re supposed to change it. You did well. You¡¯d do a good job. Also, it¡¯s fine if it¡¯s wrong. What¡¯s wrong with doing something wrong?¡¯ She had tasted disgraceful death when she thought she lived the right way, that pitiful life. However, Sigrid felt it was not easy to live the way she wanted to live. She herself didn¡¯t know what her heart wanted. Sigrid had always killed her desire in her lifetime that when she looked into her heart and tried to understand what she needed, it was really hard to find them, to find what she wanted. Chapter 1.9 Chapter 9: Sigrid Ankertna Sigrid looked at the house Marigold gave its address to visit with admiration. The house was completely different from the houses from both sides. It was surrounded by the rusty iron bars and the weeds that had grown innumerable and waist-high, which all of those seemed like to test the patience of the houses next to it as those were hurting the view of them. Sigrid opened the creaking iron door carefully, and walked through the weeds that grew to her knees. The moment she opened the door, the smell of the rotten blood struck her. Sigrid frowned. She used to see dead bodies, but still, she didn¡¯t like this kind of smell. When she tried to look at where the smell was coming from, she saw the area where the wooden floor of the house had blood seeped into it. The smell was very strong in that area. ¡®I must change the whole wooden floor, if it were just to be cleaned up, it would still smell¡¯ The windows were also broken as if they were thrown by rocks from outside. The furniture strangely remained intact. Probably, no one tried to take anything since all of them from murder scene. The kitchen also smelled terrible. There were a lot of rotten food ingredients. In the child¡¯s room which was on the second floor, the baby bed was covered with blood and many flies were buzzing around. It was clearly no one touched the house since the murder. ¡®Was maintaining a house usually like this?¡¯ Sigrid let a heavy sigh. If they¡¯d like to sell the house, wasn¡¯t the most basic thing to do cleaned up the murder trace? Sigrid looked at the house structure in wonder. At least the house¡¯s structure was not lacking. The building looked strong, and the interior inside the house was actually a fine interior. Although it was not like a luxurious interior. It was basically a middle class¡¯ house. When Sigrid left the nursery room, there was a faint baby cry behind her back. It was only then Sigrid was realized and convinced. This was a haunted house. She put her ears to the door and listened attentively. Surely, there was a sound coming out from the room. Yet, when she opened the door to check, the cry stopped. ¡°Maybe .. umm..¡± Sigrid tilted her head and slowly gathered aura. The sphere of light began to appear in her hand, then it started gradually grew bigger. The size of the aura light was growing from a size of firefly to as big as a fist, and then as big as a head. However, since she hadn¡¯t had a core, the light was unstable so the surface of the light was repeatedly distorted like ripples. Then Sigrid released the compression of aura on her hand. The warmth spread out with a flash of light in the room. Glittering light particles filled the room and slowly disappeared. Afterwards, no more crying was heard when Sigrid came out from the room. I guess it¡¯s a good thing. Sigrid used to listen to mages¡¯ conversation. The theory of ghost was it was created by the aura of negative emotion that was left by the people who died. It was said that, spreading a warm aura in the place where the negative¡¯s aura exists, it would drive out ghosts. At first, Sigrid didn¡¯t know whether it was real or not, but now she was convinced that it was true. Sigrid returned to the real estate office and Marigold, who had been waiting, looked at Sigrid¡¯s face and asked, ¡°How was it?¡± ¡°It was haunted, isn¡¯t it?.¡± Marigold was discouraged by Sigrid¡¯s words. The ghost was the biggest reason the house didn¡¯t sell. Everytime it was going to be cleaned up, the ghost bothered the people who tried to clean up, and of course they were scared and left the house in a mess. She was constantly getting complaints from both sides of the house, it was dropping their house prices, they said. But she didn¡¯t know how to solve that problem. ¡°If you can make it cheaper, I¡¯ll buy it. I have to change many things inside the house, remove the furniture, and clean up the whole house.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s already half the price, costumer.¡± Marigold laughed with a troubled face. Sigrid pondered and said. ¡°Then deduct the cost of cleaning, the replacement of wooden floors and windows.¡± After a little bit of scuffle, Sigrid took over the house at forty-percent of the market price. Marigold was honestly in a good mood. It was good to buy the house at a cheap price when it was auctioned, but it was a headache to sell it because of the existence of the ghost. Sigrid paid the down payment on the spot. She drafted the contract and received the keys. As she came out after receiving Marigold¡¯s farewell greetings, she felt bewildered. ¡®Is it okay to buy a house like this?¡¯ There was sudden fear. She was determined to change her life necessities, but why did it feel so impulsive? Although she bought the house for less than half the market price, the house was still not cheap for her and half of her savings was blown away. Then, while fiddling with the bronze key in her hand, Sigrid shook her head. ¡®No, you¡¯re supposed to change it. You did well. You¡¯d do a good job. Also, it¡¯s fine if it¡¯s wrong. What¡¯s wrong with doing something wrong?¡¯ She had tasted disgraceful death when she thought she lived the right way, that pitiful life. However, Sigrid felt it was not easy to live the way she wanted to live. She herself didn¡¯t know what her heart wanted. Sigrid had always killed her desire in her lifetime that when she looked into her heart and tried to understand what she needed, it was really hard to find them, to find what she wanted. Chapter 1.10 - Sigrid A Chapter 1.10: Sigrid Ankertna Sigrid was walking and twirling the key in her hand when a clothing store caught her eyes. Behind the window of the store hung a gorgeous, fancy women¡¯s dress. Sigrid gulped down her saliva and opened the door, entering the boutique. ¡°Welcome!¡± ¡°Welcome!¡± The clerks shouted cheerfully at the same time. Then, a person who had the name ¡®Etwatz¡¯ written on his badge came over to Sigrid and looked up and down at her, and asked with a smile. ¡°What can I do for you? Do you want to see new dresses? Or¡ª..¡± Sigrid glanced at the hanging fabrics and half-made dresses. She actually had no idea what to buy. So Sigrid set aside her pride and decided to speak honestly. ¡°I only have a uniform and two shirts. I¡¯ve never been concerned about what I wear, so I don¡¯t know what to buy¡­ but I want to fill up my wardrobe this time.¡± ¡°Aha!¡± Etwatz laughed and seated Sigrid at the cozy sofa meant for customers. His eyes were sparkling. He looked at Sigrid and asked, ¡°I see you are wearing a uniform. So, are you a knight?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Okay, then¡ª I¡¯m sure you¡¯re more comfortable in pants than dresses. But you said what you have is just a regular shirt, right? Where did you buy it?¡± ¡°They are basic shirts that I received from the imperial palace.¡± ¡°Oh, my¡ª¡± Etwatz lamented. The knight in front of him did not have the weakness and slenderness of ordinary ladies, but she had the resilience and nimbleness of a deer. Etwatz felt a fire sparkling somewhere in his mind. The knight in front of him was such a pretty gemstone. ¡°Then, let¡¯s match the shirt first. Well, how much is your budget?¡± Sigrid actually didn¡¯t know the price of clothes. All she had in her life was cheap stuff. ¡°I¡¯m not sure about the price range, so could you explain it to me?¡± ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Etwaz brought out several large catalogs. The catalogs were full of fabric samples. Etwatz eagerly explained the fabrics and their prices. ¡°generally, the cotton on 150 kerv is already good quality. Please, touch it, the cotton feels great right? If you go up a bit more, look at this side that has a bit of shine¡­ ¨C Yes, yes.. Isn¡¯t it smoother? This is a mixture of about 30 percent of silk. ¡ª oh, you have good eyes. That¡¯s 300 kerv. The price is high, but when you wear it on your body, it would feel good on your skin.¡± Sigrid swallowed her breath shocking at a price that was beyond her imagination. She didn¡¯t know that clothes were that expensive. In addition, the price also would go up depending on the material of the button. Sigrid¡¯s hands were trembling. Her head rang an alert that she couldn¡¯t buy those clothes. She wanted to run out from there, but she held back desperately. Another part of her loudly reminded her that she had decided to change life and she should not back up from her decision. That was also a challenge. Sigrid¡¯s mind was embroiled in an internal war. All because of the price¡­ Etwatz who looked at Sigrid¡¯s face quickly took the expensive catalog from Sigrid¡¯s hands and handed a slightly cheaper clothes catalog. ¡°This side is also good.¡± All the fabrics were cheaper than before, but they were still expensive for Sigrid. However, she couldn¡¯t go out without buying one. It was the first time she had ever bought products like this. So, with Etwatz¡¯s eloquence, Sigrid, who was on the verge of being bewildered and barely controlled herself from running away, finally ordered two shirts and a pair of pants. After measuring several times, looking at the cut, choosing a design from the collar to the button, and the end of sleeves, Sigrid made a payment and left the boutique. ¡®I¡¯m dizzy¡­¡¯ It was something she didn¡¯t want to go through twice. Yet, she had to buy a new cloak, hat, gloves, and boots to match her new clothes. Sigrid took a deep breath. All of the things she did were draining her courage. Maybe she needed a break. Those things could wait. Next time. So, Sigrid decided not to buy all of those things at once. Instead, she returned to her small, old room. After notifying the landlord that she would be leaving the house soon, she sat down on a shabby wooden chair. ¡®It¡¯s comfortable here¡¯. Suddenly, Sigrid felt an unexpected regret. The house, the garden, the fancy dressing room felt not right for her. The life of just drinking cheap tea, lying in an old bed with the smell of flea medicine, and having only two worn out clothes were more comfortable. She had a sudden urge to cancel everything, but she had already taken her long vacation and paid for everything. Sigrid massaged her forehead. Sidgird, who was always used passively following orders, found it very difficult and stressful to do something for herself. ¡®It¡¯s okay. I can do it. You can do it, Sigrid.¡¯ Sigrid cheered for herself. She then changed into pajamas and went to bed feeling tired, thinking that today had been more difficult than training. Chapter 1.11 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.11: Sigrid Ankertna The next morning, as if there were an alarm on her body, Sigrid woke up naturally at the same time as the sound of a chicken crowing. Subconsciously, she did her routine: washed her face and changed into a uniform. However, she soon realized that she was on a long break. She let out a sigh and took off her uniform and changed her clothes. Then, she headed to her new house in Zone 2. ¡®My house.¡¯ Sigrid laughed bitterly at the strange feeling at thinking those words. Upon arriving at her new house, Sigrid purified the whole house with her aura right away. Afterwards, Sigrid took a break and ate up the bread and drank the water she had bought in a hurry. Purifying a house by herself without having an aura core was extremely tiring. However, she felt proud after feeling the air of the house becoming clear. Then, Sigrid went to Marigold and asked her to send the cleaning workers. Marigold was looking worried that cleaning workers would run away again when Sigrid shook her head and said, ¡°It won¡¯t come out anymore.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t come out anymore?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Marigold was a little bit suspicious at Sigrid¡¯s words, but she still agreed to send the cleaning worker tomorrow. Sigrid nodded her head satisfied. She was thinking about getting a cape today, but the morning work was so exhausting that Sigrid decided to go to the bookstore instead of the clothing store. As Sigrid entered the bookstore, the owner looked at her as if she was an eyesore and even pretended not to see her. This was because Sigrid always stopped by the bookstore to read and never bought any books. However, today she was different. Sigrid picked up several magazines and books related to gardens and interior design and headed to the cashier. The owner accepted the payment with a surprised look. Then Sigrid came out to the street with some books. She thought about taking a carriage, but it was also a waste of money. Since she often walked down the street, she went back with those books to Zone 3. In the evening, while having her tea with milk and sugar, Sigrid opened the books she¡¯d bought. Books belonged to the realm of luxury that not all people could buy because of how expensive they were. Since she finally bought them with determination, she would use them to be as useful as possible. While reading those books, Sigrid changed her mind about her new house, ¡®i shouldn¡¯t throw away all the furniture in the house¡­. New furniture is expensive¡­¡¯ Sigrid remembered most of the furniture was fine. Even the tableware was still there. She could clean all of them and use them again. All the valuables seemed to have been auctioned off and they seemed to have left the things that were not worth the money. Or they had given up because of the ghost, which is more likely considering that the bloodstains remained uncleaned. Determined to leave everything as it was, Sigrid looked into her books again. ¡®The rent will be finished by this month¡­¡¯ It was a good thing that her house was a small room without a deposit. If it wasn¡¯t renewed every month, the rent was over, so she didn¡¯t lose anything. Since it wasn¡¯t rushed, she decided to move her luggage there little by little. * The next morning, Sigrid got up early as usual, then headed for her new home. The cleaning workers arrived at the same time as Sigrid. Their faces somewhat looked nervous. ¡°Are you sure, it was really okay?¡± ¡°If it comes out and we can¡¯t work, you still have to give use the money as it is.¡± Sigrid opened the door with a mild answer, ¡°Alright.¡± The cleaning workers entered the house with their minds on high alert. Yet, nothing really happened, then they started to work in wonder. ¡°Should I throw away all the furniture?¡± ¡°No, please leave as it is, except for anything that is soaked in blood or broken.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The cleaning workers smashed the blood-soaked furniture and loaded them on the cart they¡¯d brought. The blood-soaked wooden floor was cut with axes to tear the whole thing off. The blood-soaked wallpaper was also torn off and the stone wall was wiped clean. While the workers were doing their work, Sigrid went out to order glass windows for the house. By dusk, the house had become shiny as a result of cleaning the house and throwing away all the trash all the way until sunset. The cleaning workers decided to leave and come back to finish all the clean up tomorrow. Sigrid looked around with pride at the clean house. The living room floor on the first floor was all exposed, but it still had a luxurious feeling. At the back of the first floor, there was a kitchen connected to a servant room. On the other side of the floor, there was Sigrid¡¯s favorite place in the house: the bathroom. The marble bathtub and the copper water pipe were fascinating to just look at. She also liked the water heater that was built on one side of the bathroom. The backyard was still quite terrible, but it would be a great garden if the weeds were pulled out and the grown trees were trimmed. ¡®The second floor is not bad either.¡¯ Two of the three rooms on the second floor were bedrooms and one was a study room. In the study room, there was not a single book left, so only the bookshelf remained alone, but that alone was enough. ¡®This is my home now.¡¯ Chapter 1.12 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.12: Sigrid Ankertna As Sigrid thought about how she couldn¡¯t believe that she¡¯d done all of this, she walked around the house several times, taking the time to open, close, touch, and sweep her hands over the doors that existed in the house. ¡®Is everything going to change?¡¯ In all honesty, would buying a house really change her life? Sigrid laid on the cold floor and looked up the ceiling. ¡°His majesty.¡± In a low voice, Sigrid called her previous master. ¡°-Die for this King¡± There was an ¡®unacceptable confidence¡¯ in that voice saying those words. Yet, Sigrid never doubted the emperor and would really die for him. Sigrid was willing to die for her master, the Emperor. However, it wasn¡¯t that kind of way. Not the cut off at the guillotine after being brutally tortured, after being dishonoured due to being charged of treason. Because, being charged with treason, her body and head must have been hanging in the wall, struck by stone, and hung until it was rotten. ¡°Why did I get charged with treason?¡± Sigrid tried to recall what had happened in her previous life. However, her memories were limited as she covered her eyes and ears and only moved according to the Emperor¡¯s order. Yet, she still clearly remembered her isolation room. ¡®It is me who killed the crown prince. I joined hands with the second prince to kill the crown prince and save the throne.¡¯ But why did the emperor do that? Why was it for the emperor that the prince died and the second prince was also executed for treason? Wouldn¡¯t it be bad for the imperial family to have two successors killed? Of course there were other princes, but¡­ ¡®My head hurts.¡¯ Thinking about something she had never thought about made her head hurt. However, after she came back to life to the time before her execution, she refused to live her life without knowing the real reason she died. Now that she thought about it, she felt ridiculous not knowing why she died. ¡®And what¡¯s more painful is¡­¡± Sigrid smiled bitterly and wrapped her hands around her face. ¡®I was thrown away.¡¯ It was the most miserable thing to be such a person who died like that. She wanted to be recognised. She really wanted to be recognized. She wanted to be a precious person. Laughter flowed from her lips and soon it turned into sobs. Sigrid sobbed in misery as tears streamed down her cheeks. It was sad and miserable that all of her efforts were useless, so she cried and cried. After crying for a long time until she was exhausted, Sigrid felt refreshed somehow. Her eyes were burning, but her heart was cool. Sigrid slowly got herself up. She went to the kitchen, turned on the water of the kitchen sink, and washed her face clean. She felt good when the cold water touched her eyes. ¡®I won¡¯t take you as my master anymore.¡¯ Sigrid made a promise to herself. The emperor was no longer her master. Yet, a new problem arose, who should she have as master? While wiping her face with her handkerchief, Sigrid decided to think about the matter slowly. She didn¡¯t want to choose too hastily, and she was on a long break for the time being anyway. Thinking about it made her head hurt so that matter could be thought over later on. Throughout the week, Sigrid was preoccupied with tidying up the house from dawn until she fell asleep at night. Because of that, at the end of the week, the garden had become neat and fresh enough to have a tea party right away. Every bit of furniture, from candlesticks to chair legs, in the house was shiny, even from the roof to the rainwater pipe had been polished excellently. The horse stable, which had collapsed, had also been rebuilt. Sigrid also prepared a new bed sheet for all the beds as the old ones were used by others. Surprisingly, her stuff fit into three suitcases, so Sigrid was able to bring all of it without any difficulty. After putting the interior books she recently bought in the bookshelf in the study room, Sigrid organized her uniform and clothes, as well as put some living tools in place, then it was over. ¡®Oh right. I should get my clothes.¡¯ Sigrid clapped her hands and then headed out for Area 2. As Sigrid was going inside the clothing store, Etwatz greeted her joyfully. ¡°Welcome, Sir.¡± ¡°Oh my gosh.¡± Sigrid, who turned her eyes to the direction of the surprised voice, was embarrassed. Chapter 1.13 - Sigrid Ankert Chapter 1.13: Sigrid Ankertna Sigrid, who turned her eyes to the direction of a surprised voice, was embarrassed. Standing in that direction was a face Sigrid familiar with. It was Mariesuez, a fellow knight of the same order as her. Her blonde hair was elegantly tied up and she was dressed in an off-duty dress. There was a sarcastic smile on her face that was clearly aimed at Sigrid. ¡°The perfect role model of a knight for others, the Sir Ankertna, what are you doing here? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re here for a shallow woman¡¯s dress¡­ But she¡¯s not someone who buys a shirt that¡¯s luxurious for her¡­¡± Mariesuez¡¯s sarcasm was painful for Sigrid. However, Sigrid admitted it simply. ¡°I¡¯m here to buy more clothes. I ordered them a few days ago.¡± Etwatz, who quickly came out with a shopping bag, looked at the conversation between the two. Mariesuez felt ridiculous and raised her voice, ¡°Then, you are now the same and that¡¯s why you are here, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°You can think that way.¡± Sigrid paid the remaining payment. Seeing Sigrid¡¯s response, Marisuez became increasingly angry. As Sigrid was walking out from the boutique after paying her remaining payment, Mariesuez grabbed Sigrid¡¯s arm and shouted. ¡°Just now. What are you saying?!¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You are ridiculous, a very funny person. When I or other ladies wear dresses, decorate our shirts, you act like we¡¯re so shallow, then suddenly you come here, buy a shirt and cancel your words!¡± As Sigrid blankly stared at Mariesuez, she shouted again. ¡°If it¡¯s like that, your talk about other women being shallow or whatever the words! Apologize right away!¡± Sigrid looked at Mariesuez¡¯s fiery navy blue eyes, and was at a loss. However, no. As matter of fact, in her opinion, it was still not right as a knight doing all of these things, and she still stood to that. ¡°No, I still don¡¯t think that is right as a knight.¡± ¡°What?¡± Mariesuez¡¯s fingernails dug into Sigrid¡¯s wrist, and it was starting to hurt. ¡°But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a bad idea anymore. So I¡¯m sorry for that bad evaluation of you.¡± Sigrid added. When Mariesuez saw Sigrid bowing politely, she was relieved. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? What do you mean, as a knight, it¡¯s not right, but not bad?¡± At Marisuez¡¯s words, Sigrid began to talk slowly, trying to pour her unorganized thoughts into words. ¡°I have been thinking that luxurious attire or dresses aren¡¯t right as a knight. I still think so¡ª but these days I¡¯ve been wondering if that is bad. Is it bad to wear clothes that you like? The knighthood says it¡¯s bad, but why is that bad¡­¡± ¡°What are you saying¡­? Really.¡± Mariesuez shook Sigrid¡¯s wrist off. ¡°Saying nonsense. It¡¯s annoying.¡± Mariesuez muttered and ignored Sigrid. Sigrid bowed to her and left the boutique. The whole conversation caused her to blush. ¡®Why is that bad?¡¯ She was surprised by the question that she had come up with. Why did she think it was bad? A knight got a salary. So why was it bad to spend your salary as much as you desire? Who said that? Some noblemen had told such a story. The luxury of these men had reached its peak. However, now that she thought about it, those who said that were also wearing colorful clothes. Moreover, whether Mariesuez and other knights really wear luxurious clothing or not, they weren¡¯t even like that. They were just spending the money they earned. It was not right. With a double denial, Sigrid began to walk faster, hugging her shopping bags tightly. Wearing good clothes was not a bad thing. It was not bad to wear clothes you like. She suddenly realized it was the first time that such an idea strangely gave her joy. Forgetting that she had an argument with Mariesuez, Sigrid ran home and opened the shopping bag before quickly changing into her new clothes. The texture of the cloth that touched her skin was completely different. Standing in front of the mirror with twinkling brass buttons, Sigrid looked at the clothes with admiration. Clothes tailored to her figure made her stand out even more. Pants made of soft leather were also easy to move. There was no need to struggle over not breaking it. She used to get scratched by the inner sewing line in her clothes, but her new clothes didn¡¯t even sting her skin. ¡°It¡¯s pretty¡­.¡± Sigrid looked in the mirror and said the word she never said before for the first time. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. She turned around in front of the mirror and twisted her body so she could see it. The neat sewing line showed her figure without distortion and made her slim waist stand out. After touching her smooth clothes several times, Sigrid carefully took off her new clothes and hung them in the closet. Chapter 1.14 Chapter 14: Sigrid Ankertna Mariesuez huffed her way to the opera box seat. Rowen Green, who was sitting first in her seat, looked at Mariesuez with a puzzled expression. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had something completely pissed me off. You know Sigrid right? You know what she did? She got clothes in the boutique.¡± ¡°Sigrid? In the boutique?¡± Rowen Green, wearing an elegant pink dress, also belonged to the same knight order. Of course, she knew Sigrid. She put down the pamphlet she was looking at and raised her head, looking dumbfounded. Mariesuez finished a glass of water and said, ¡°yes, so I said ¡®so you¡¯re that kind of knight too right? And I said, ¡®yes, you¡¯re one of those knights, aren¡¯t you? And she said, ¡®no, well, i think it¡¯s not right as a knight, but it¡¯s not something bad.¡¯ so she thinks, it¡¯s an affair if others do it and romance if she does it? It¡¯s really annoying.¡± ¡°But, Sigrid is not a person who applies different standards to others though?¡± Rowen Green tilted her head. Sigrid was an annoying person, but she was not a double standard. She was not a person who said, ¡®it¡¯s bad if others do it, but it¡¯s right if you do it.¡¯ ¡°But that¡¯s how it was!¡± ¡°So she said, it¡¯s bad for you to wear it, but it¡¯s not bad for her to wear it?¡± ¡°No, no. ¡®it¡¯s not right as a knight, but i don¡¯t think it¡¯s a bad thing.¡¯ what does it even mean?¡± ¡°Yeah, what does that mean?¡±Rowen Green was lost in thought. Then Marisuez continued her words with pouting her lips, ¡°I don¡¯t know, it must be bullshit she is spouting as an excuse. Anyway, that kind of kid is the one that disgraced the reputation of the female knight.¡± With a loud snort, Marisuez puffed her chest out and leaned out to the edge of the box seat. Her new dress would be unveiled to the world. Marisuez was the third daughter of a count. Her family was not big enough to buy such an opera box seat. The box seat belonged to Rowen Green. No, to be exact, it belongs to the Alsekidna family. Rowen Green, the eldest daughter of Marquis Alsekida, praised Marisuez¡¯s dress when she saw it. ¡°It¡¯s a new dress? So pretty.¡± ¡°Yes, it was specially tailored in the Violet Boutique. Isn¡¯t the embroidery so pretty?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s finely crafted. It¡¯s even prettier than a real flower as it¡¯s made with jewels.¡± The opera box seats were like small salons. Having a box seat also meant that the family had power. Thus, when the Ingrid Opera House was built, Marquis Alsekidna invested a considerable amount of money, that was why he had a lot of box seats. Rowen green sat in the inside part of the box seat and showed no appearance to the public, but Mariesuez liked to show off her own beauty, and she was confident in herself. ¡°But certainly, Sigrid is weird these days.¡± Marisuez turned her head at Rowen Green¡¯s words. However, her straight body that emphasized her chest and her smiling face remained unchanged. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°She even took a long vacation. She bought some new clothes¡­.¡± Mariesuez smirked and lightly slapped her palm with a fan. ¡°Maybe there is a guy she likes?¡± ¡°A guy she likes?¡± ¡°Yeah, that kind of kid is the kind of person who is usually out of their minds when they have a lover. Perhaps, she got caught by a bad guy somewhere, and is getting her money ripped off by the guy.¡± At the sarcastic remark, Rowen Green frowned. For Mariesuez, who liked to decorate, Sigrid was a natural enemy, and it wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t understand Marisuez¡¯s animosity, but¡­. ¡®Let¡¯s meet her once ¨C nope, let¡¯s not mind it.¡¯ Rowen Green shook her head and ordered the attendant to bring more refreshments. What did Sigrid have to do with anything? Rowen green buried herself deep in her chair and listened to the high-pitch singing of the singer. *** Sigrid was sitting under a tree in her garden. Repeatedly breathing deeply and exhaling, doing meditation, she tried to make an aura core. The aura flocked to the pit of her stomach at her call and scattered repeatedly. After a while, a few auras stayed at the pit of her stomach, but they weren¡¯t enough to produce a core yet. However, Sigrid was satisfied with the little amount of aura she collected. Aura was like a snowball. It was hard to produce a nucleus for the first time, but it would be so much easier after it grew to a certain extent. After getting up, passing through the garden and terrace, Sigrid went into the house and changed her clothes. Then she went to the boutique. ¡®I have to get Echo from the Knights.¡¯ Sigrid was a bit excited. She was ready to pick up her horse. Etwatz greeted Sigrid who became a small Chapter 1.15 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 15: Sigrid Ankertna Morris squinted at the sight of a stranger standing in the stable. ¡°Hey, that horse has an owner.¡± Sigrid, who opened the door of the stable that had Echo in it, turned her head at Morris¡¯ words, and said, ¡°I know. I¡¯m the owner.¡± ¡°Sigrid?¡± Morris stared blankly at Sigrid in surprise. She wore a glossy white shirt, a vest with silver buttons that stuck to the body, leather pants that looked luxurious, long boots that up to the knees, as well as a blue cape connected by a silver chain¡­. ¡°¡­.Si..grid?¡± Morris called out again to confirm doubly that it was Sigrid in front of him. ¡°Why?¡± Sigrid was puzzled and asked Morris back. Morris was amazed at Sigrid¡¯s nonchalance. Why? Because she was Sigrid Ankertna, a person who often wore clothes that often made people mistake her as a footman, but now here she was wearing clothes that clearly showed that she was a knight. ¡°Clothes, new ones.¡± ¡°Oh yeah. I got new ones.¡± Sigrid¡¯s cheek turned red at Morris¡¯ words. She looked at herself and asked. ¡°It¡¯s fine, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Uh ¨C yeah, it¡¯s very good. I mean, you won¡¯t be misunderstood if you were dressed like that.¡± ¡°It¡¯s weird.¡± ¡°What¡¯s weird?¡± ¡°Dressing like this¡­changes the way people treat me.¡± Sigrid tilted her head as if she had had a marvelous experience. Everyone politely sidestepped themselves and said, ¡°Sir Knight,¡± opened the door, and gave her the hospitality appropriate to her position. They were experiences she hadn¡¯t received before when she only wore the shabby shirt and pants. Morris shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Of course it¡¯s different.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yeah. no one could see through someone¡¯s true nature at a glance. So, of course it¡¯s obvious people have no choice to judge others by their appearance. You also use the marks on the clothes when you distinguish between the knights.¡± ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Morris felt really strange when he saw Sigrid nodding her head. ¡°Why are you so yielding?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Usually, you would say that judging people by their appearance is not the right way of a knight.¡± ¡°Because it is you.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°Because you are Morris, you won¡¯t say anything that will harm me.¡± Sigrid said while looking straight at him. Morris opened his mouth, not knowing how to take her words. Sigrid still remembered his offer to break out of prison. She remembered Morris crying when he saw her ruined by torture. She remembered him getting angry because she refused his offer to escape even in that situation, saying that it wasn¡¯t right. So, Morris wouldn¡¯t recommend or say strange things or trouble her. When Morris didn¡¯t answer, Sigrid was puzzled and then asked. ¡°Are you going to harm me?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it, but¡­¡± ¡°Right?¡± Sigrid laughed. Morris rubbed his fine black hair. He couldn¡¯t understand Sigrid. ¡°Ah!¡± Sigrid then said. ¡°Oh, would you like to come over to my house?¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Well¡­ tea in the garden¡­ do you want to drink tea?¡± Sigrid brought up what she wanted to do strugglingly. She always wanted to do it, but it was one of the things she didn¡¯t do because it seemed to show a feminine appearance. Garden teatime. ¡°What garden do you have in your house?¡¯ ¡°I moved.¡± Morris thought there was nothing more that could surprise him, but no. He couldn¡¯t even speak for a moment. Sigrid then continued. ¡°I moved to District 14 of Zone 2. I barely managed to get my house in order¡­. But please come once if you can. Oh, should I officially send an invitation for this?¡¯ Morris looked at Sigrid with a stupid face. Doubts have sprang up in his mind. ¡®Is this really Sigrid?¡¯ Because, some wizard might have changed their appearance to infiltrate the Knights. Morris smiled as he thought he had to discuss it with other knights. ¡°No, a verbal invitation is enough. When would you like to?¡¯ ¡°Well, when is it convenient for you?¡¯ ¡°So how about this weekend?¡± ¡°Yes, see you then.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Morris watched Sigrid greet her horse, Echo, and pulled on Echo¡¯s reins. Animals were sensitive to someone different than their master, so Echo might show gestures to reject her. However, Echo was happy to meet her and came out of the stable following Sigrid¡¯s hand, then Sigrid lightly climbed on the saddle. ¡°Then Morris, see you later.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± With her light blue cape flying behind her, Sigrid disappeared from his sight. ¡°Horse thief?¡± Morris looked back at the voice he heard behind him. There stood Kaul, the youngest member of the Second Knights. ¡°No, it¡¯s Sigrid.¡± ¡°Sir Ankertna?! That knight just now?¡± Kaul¡¯s eyes widened with surprise. Morris said, rubbing the back of his neck, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°But why is she wearing such clothes?¡± Morris laughed at that half-in-dazed voice. ¡°I dont know.¡± ¡°Where¡¯s the money coming from?¡± ¡°Well, from the beginning she earns a lot of money. How long do you think it¡¯s been since she became a knight?¡± ¡°No, but I thought she was very poor. Living in Zone 3, and I actually thought she wore those sort of footman¡¯s clothes because she didn¡¯t have money. Did she pay all her debts?¡± ¡°She¡¯s not the kind of person who lived that kind of life because she¡¯s poor.¡± ¡°Then?¡± Kaul wondered. ¡°Why would you live like that unless you were poor?¡± ¡°She lives like that because she thinks it¡¯s right.¡± ¡°¡­ Why is that right?¡± ¡°A knight must be frugal.¡± ¡°What a strange person.¡± Now, even only into six months at the Knight Order, Kaul could be thinking of Sigrid as a poor, hard-working woman. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s strange.¡± Morris said the same thing, but what he said had a different meaning from Kaul. A person¡¯s way of thinking or behavior did not change so easily. It was not going to change suddenly in a day. Feeling increasingly suspicious, Morris took his steps and headed to the Knights. Chapter 1.16 - Sigrid Ankertna Chapter 1.16: Sigrid Ankertna That day, the knight members present in Knight Order were Morris, Alkerto, Kaul, and Sarid. ¡°Alkerto.¡± ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here?¡± ¡°Did you see Sigrid today?¡± ¡°No? She¡¯s on break, isn¡¯t she?¡± ¡°She just came and took the horse.¡± ¡°I guess she¡¯s doing some exercise at the horse paddock.¡± ¡°No, she took him home.¡± ¡°There is a stable in her home?¡± As Alkerto tilted and murmured, Morris said something as if he were throwing a bomb. ¡°She bought a house. In Zone 2.¡± Suddenly silence filled in the anteroom. Sarid, who was cleaning the sword, raised his head. ¡°What?¡± ¡°She bought a house. SIgrid. In Zone 2. And she invited me over the weekend to have tea in the garden.¡± Alkerto quickly shut his widely opened mouth, then asked. ¡°Buy a house? Zone 2? Sigrid?¡± ¡°Yes, and also, she¡¯s wearing nice clothes, even with a cloak.¡± Sarid, whose skin color was darker than others due to the mixture of foreign blood, tilted his head for a moment and then focused again on cleaning his sword. ¡°I see she¡¯s finally come to her senses.¡± Alkerto shook his head and said, ¡°come to her senses? No, Sig¡¯s like that is insane. She¡¯s the kind of person that is always picking on us whenever we buy something a little expensive and nagging at us for wasting the Knights¡¯ supplies. But honestly, I thought she was a little weird. I thought about it¡­¡± Can a person change that much? ¡°Is she dying?¡± Morris looked at Alkerto who was murmuring by himself. It was plausible. A sudden long vacation, spending the savings like crazy, frankly admitting what people said, everything she did seemed to be what someone with dying disease would do. ¡°Maybe¡­¡± If anyone thought about it, now it was understandable the strangeness of Sigrid that night, breaking the curfew. It was like the kind of behavior of someone who was notified that they have a dying disease. And Sigrid Ankertna was a person after all. Alkerto squeezed his chin, his face became dark at the thought Sigrid¡¯s was dying. Morris pondered over for a while, then he said. ¡°Should we have a look?¡± ¡°What if she doesn¡¯t want us to know?¡± ¡°That is that, but still¡­¡± Morris grumbling at Alkerto¡¯s words. They didn¡¯t know how much they¡¯ve grown attached to each other as they always quarrel, but they were sure they¡¯ve been through thick and thin together¡­ ¡°Then, does she have a family?¡± ¡°There isn¡¯t.¡± ¡°She said she is an orphan.¡± Sarid, whose eyes were still on his sword, said the words that made Alkerto and Morris get more depressed. ¡°But, wouldn¡¯t having an invitation to tea time mean that you want to get acquainted with people? Who wants to go with me? I don¡¯t want to go there by myself.¡± Morris said. ¡°I refused.¡± Sarid answered firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Alkerto raised his hand. Sigrid and him were the only members of the Knight Orders from commorner. He couldn¡¯t help but care less. Furthermore, he was concerned about the conversation not long ago. Morris nodded. Of course, Sigrid, who had no idea that such a discussion happened in the Knight Order, walked lightly along the road. The public wagons that saw her outfit stopped and waited for her to pass first, which was a novel experience. She used to have to listen to the coachmen¡¯s interruption and thick swear words when she didn¡¯t wear a uniform. ¡®It¡¯s not a uniform, but wearing this kind of everyday wear is kind of good.¡¯ Sigrid returned home. After brushing echo thoroughly, and mixing hay and oats for him, Sigrid changed her clothes and came back to the under the tree in the garden to meditate. The amount of aura gathered increasingly. In the past, she became an aura user three years later, so it was a considerable achievement that she had moved up three years ahead in this lifetime. She was 20 year old now. In the past, she became the aura user at the age 23, and she was given the title of prodigy because of that. If the people were to know she was an aura user at the age 20, she would get a lot of attention. And Sigrid didn¡¯t want that. If someone was an aura user, there would be absolutely an offer to enlist from the Imperial Guard, and Sigrid has yet to make up her mind. For the time being, she decided to hide¡ªas long as she could. Tingling¡ª ¡®Aaack¡¯ Sigrid felt a small pain in her chest. The meditation was stopped. She then caressed her fingertips at her upper part of her solar plexus and between the breastbone. She felt something sharp and bold. ¡°Aura core.. It¡¯s already out.¡± Part of the aura core that is shaped solidly inside a body supposed to protrude from the body. It occurs somewhere in the body, usually on the back of the hand, forehead, solar plexus, and the back of the neck. It is also called sword jewel because it glistens like a jewel. Most people call it aura core. At first, it is small like a dot, but as you collect more and more aura, the core got bigger and the color got darker. Her core was scarlet, like her eyes. It was not visible now because it was like a dot, but if it continued to be grinded, it would become more and more like a diamond-shaped ruby. Sigrid smiled, feeling fortunate to be out of everyone¡¯s sight. She enjoyed swordsmanship. She couldn¡¯t throw it away. She could proudly say that she likes sword very much. There was unparalleled joy in her when her body became accustomed to the swordsmanship, when her body delivered the unprecedented movements of it, when her body became accustomed to deal with the aura. These were her own joys that she could not share with anyone. She put her hand on the core that was in her chest. The memories of the terrible pain and despair as her core was forcibly dug made Sigrid tremble as if she had a chill. She didn¡¯t want to go through it again. ¡®As expected, I¡¯d better avoid the guards.¡¯ It would be best to continue with the Second Knights Order. Or anywhere she could avoid the Imperial Guard. But she can¡¯t quit the Knight Order. She had nothing to do if she were to leave the Knight Order. Return to be the normal helpless girl? She never liked it. ¡®It¡¯s okay. As long as I don¡¯t get caught, it¡¯s fine.¡¯ Sigrid took a deep breath and thought, didn¡¯t she change all of her lifestyle, food, clothing, and shelter to change the direction of her life? So it was going to be fine. Sigrid went into the kitchen and put the kettle on the stove. After the kettle trembled, telling that the water was boiled, Sigrid poured it to the teapot that had a spoonful high-quality tea which actually just that one spoonful cost one can of cheap tea. She didn¡¯t know how to make delicious tea, and she didn¡¯t feel the worth to learn, but the tea leaves were expensive teas. Which it didn¡¯t matter how Sigrid made it, the aroma was still excellent and there was no bitter taste. Sigrid sipped her tea and enjoyed the taste of little pleasure. ¡®Shall I buy white sugar next time?¡¯ Sigrid always wanted to try white sugar, but white sugar was much more expensive than brown sugar. It was not because she couldn¡¯t afford it. White sugar was a luxury, and of course, as always, for a knight, brown sugar was enough. So she refused to eat it in the past, but now that the thought of herself wanted to buy it felt funny to her. ¡®I think my notion about money is getting a little weird.¡¯ ¡®Well, next time, buy white sugar.¡¯ Sigrid wrote it in his head. Sigrid looked at her kitchen and the tableware she used. The former owner of the house obviously quite well off, as the house was in Zone 2, so the tableware left was also high quality. However, while the plate or bowl remained, there was no silverware left in the house. Therefore, Sigrid opened her heart big, and ordered a set of silverware. The price made her hands shake. Still, considering she got free porcelain tableware, the money spent was fine. She was too lazy to manage the flatware and tableware. If she were to buy the cheaper price, she needed to polish and store it so that it wouldn¡¯t discolor. And for her, that activity was annoying. Also fortunately for her, the teacups and teapots that remained in this house were quite great items. The teacups had a thin gold frame that glistened, it felt luxurious for her. ¡®Somehow, it¡¯s like a doll¡¯s house.¡¯ When she was a child, she had seen a large doll house in a shopping street. It was a big, beautiful doll house she would never have. Of course, she also had never even had a doll. ¡®Come to think of it.¡¯ Sigrid suddenly thought of one corn cob. There was a dry corn cob she wrapped with an old handkerchief and carried it in her harms as a doll. She even gave it a name. It was quite dear to her, but she couldn¡¯t remember its name. But, she remembered that one time, she saw a doll¡¯s house on her way to an errand when she was in the orphanage. She was holding a corncob doll and walking through the streets of the shopping street when she saw a colorful doll house. Small, finely crafted furniture, wall decoration, the structure of the house, copper pots in the kitchen, shiny palm beds, carpets¡­ Sigrid¡¯s feet clung to the spot and did not even move. And a porcelain doll that fit perfectly into the doll¡¯s house, dressed in a fancy dress, sat on a chair in the parlor. Then, a girl of her age with a sable muff and burgundy dress came out of the store while holding the same beautiful porcelain doll that she saw. That girl then looked at Sigrid and laughed. Sigrid ran away from there. The ending of her corn cob doll was it was caught by the orphanage director and thrown into the fire. That day she bawled her eyes out on the ground. Sigrid smiled lightly. Looking at her house right now, it really looked like the dollhouse she saw that time. ¡®Sable muff, shall I go buy it?¡¯ Chapter 1.17 Chapter 17: Sigrid Ankertna Morris and Alkerto got off the wagon and their jaws dropped. Alkerto shook his head. ¡°Sigrid really lives here?¡± ¡°¡­.this is the address in the invitation letter.¡± It was a perfect middle-class mansion that looked perfect wherever it would be located. Of course, it was not enough to compare it to the nobles¡¯ mansion, but it was a very nice commoner¡¯s house. The two, who opened the iron gate gently, passed through a neat garden and headed to the front door, beat the knocker. After a while, the door opened wide. ¡°Welcome.¡± ¡°Hi.¡± ¡°Thank you for inviting me.¡± Sigrid smiled awkwardly and invited the two inside. At home, she still wore a shirt and pants, but she definitely looked better. Alkerto could even notice that her clothes had changed. Glittering trinkets in her neatly braided hair caught the attention of the two. Alkerto elbowed Morris lightly, and Morris responded Alkerto signed with nodd. When they had reached the living room, Sigrid opened the terrace door leading to the backyard. ¡°It¡¯s my first time having a tea party, so i don¡¯t know well, but thank you for coming.¡± The terrace table had a simple set of tea sets and napkins. It was not in a usual tea party atmosphere, but the two men were comfortable with it. Morris and Alkerto realized that there was no servant to accept their cloak or coats when they took off their outwear, so they looked around for a while and then found a hanger for hanging up the outwear near the front door. The two quickly hang their outwear. ¡°Does she live here alone?¡± Alkerto spoke in a low voice. ¡°I guess so?¡± Morris also answered in a low voice. ¡®Then who is going to do the housework?¡¯ The two men thought the same thing but did not spit out. Sigrid sat Morris and Alkerto and said, ¡°Thank you for coming. I¡¯ll get the tea quickly.¡± Uh-oh. Morris was flustered. Now he understood. After a while, the real homeowner, Sigrid, began working on pouring the tea. ¡°Hey, Sig.¡± Morris asked Sigrid as she got into her seat. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°So, maid.. Do you have one?¡± ¡°No.¡± Sigrid felt like it was too much to hire a maid. Though she had money, she didn¡¯t even know who to hire, how to hire, and what to do. ¡°How are you going to do all the housework on your own? The house here is also big.¡± Morris looked at Sigrid seriously. ¡°That¡¯s true, but¡­¡± Thinking about Sigrid being sick and managing her house by herself, Morris felt worried, but he swallowed his concern. ¡°If it¡¯s because of the cost of hiring¡­¡± Morris hesitated. Sigrid would be really angry if he tried to give her money. ¡°How about Morris lend you his maid?¡± Alkerto said while sipping his tea. ¡°Uh?¡± Sigrid was surprised and her eyes widened. Morris hit his knee, that was a great idea. ¡°That¡¯ll do. I could lend you them for a while during the day.¡± ¡°But, that means they have a double amount of work. No. If I want to have them, I have to hire them.¡± Sigrid seemed to hesitate to say something, but she then opened her mouth. ¡°But.. to be honest.. I don¡¯t know how to hire them.¡± Only then Morris realized and nodded his head. In fact, even among the aristocrats, it was tricky to find someone reliable. That was why it was hard for a person without a letter of recommendation to get a job. ¡°I¡¯ll send you two candidates. They could come and take care the housework during the day without you. What do you think? That wouldn¡¯t be that expensive.¡± ¡®Can i do well?¡¯ After contemplating for a while, Sigrid nodded her head. Morris and Alkerto sighed at her conviction. ¡°By the way Sig¡­.¡± Alkerto asked with a lively smile as usual. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°What a sudden change of mind? Buying clothes and even home.¡± ¡°Ah¡­.¡± Her mind was blank for a while. She didn¡¯t know what to say. Morris stared at her without wanting to let her pass. Normally, he would say ¡®if you don¡¯t want to say it, it¡¯s okay not to way it.¡¯ but this time, he thought, he should get an answer. ¡°That is .. a little.. Change of mind.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Alkerto looked at Sigrid quietly. Sigrid liften her sunset eyes to see Alkerto. ¡°I thought I hated dying while living that kind of life. So I decided to change it.¡± Sigrid laughed a little. ¡°Strange isn¡¯t it? I know, I felt a bit weird too¡­ I felt what is going on right now is like a dream .¡± Sigrid seemed to be staring at a distant place, but her focus was blurred. Her mind grappled with what happened in the past. The two guys in front of Sigrid had a party with her, but in the past Alkerto was dead and Morris wandered around. ¡®So, why did Morris leave the Second Knight Order?¡¯ Alkerto tilted his head looking at Sigrid, then he reached out and shook her hand. At Sigrid¡¯s surprised face, Alkerto looked at her with his serious face. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay.¡± At that, Sigrid laughed unconsciously. ¡°Yes.¡± She didn¡¯t know why he said those words, but somehow she could guess what he meant which made her laugh. While Alkerto and Morris¡­. ¡®As expected, she is dying.¡¯ They were convinced. Morris smiled as he looked at the garden. ¡°The garden is really good.¡± ¡°Right? I always.. Umm.. wanted to do something like this.¡± Said Sigrid with her face smiling. Then she looked serious at Morris and Alkerto. ¡°Thank you for coming. I¡­ I honestly feel a little out of place in the Knight Order, so I didn¡¯t expect you to come. Thank you.¡± Her face was blushing, her voice was a bit stuttered, but she looked straight to them and conveyed her heart. Morris kicked his tongue. ¡°We¡¯ve been together since our first year as a knight, obviously we should come.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. And first of all, we¡¯re a fellow, a fellow commoner.¡± Alkerto added while smiling. The three of them then talked about the Knight Order while drinking tea and cakes that lacked decoration. Before dinner time, the two got up from their seats and said goodbye. Sigrid saw them off, closed the door, stood for a while, and ran for a hooray. ¡®I did it!¡¯ She finally had a proper tea party. Of course, there were many awkward moments, but the two understood her well. She actually also wanted to do it with the ladies. But she felt a bit scared. Sigrid stopped breathing for a moment as she remembered Marischez¡¯s big eyes. ¡°But one day¡­¡± Sigrid was determined and then began to clean the dishes. Chapter 17 Chapter 17: Sigrid Ankertna Morris and Alkerto got off the wagon and their jaws dropped. Alkerto shook his head. ¡°Sigrid really lives here?¡± ¡°¡­.this is the address in the invitation letter.¡± It was a perfect middle-class mansion that looked perfect wherever it would be located. Of course, it was not enough to compare it to the nobles¡¯ mansion, but it was a very nice commoner¡¯s house. The two, who opened the iron gate gently, passed through a neat garden and headed to the front door, beat the knocker. After a while, the door opened wide. ¡°Welcome.¡± ¡°Hi.¡± ¡°Thank you for inviting me.¡± Sigrid smiled awkwardly and invited the two inside. At home, she still wore a shirt and pants, but she definitely looked better. Alkerto could even notice that her clothes had changed. Glittering trinkets in her neatly braided hair caught the attention of the two. Alkerto elbowed Morris lightly, and Morris responded Alkerto signed with nodd. When they had reached the living room, Sigrid opened the terrace door leading to the backyard. ¡°It¡¯s my first time having a tea party, so i don¡¯t know well, but thank you for coming.¡± The terrace table had a simple set of tea sets and napkins. It was not in a usual tea party atmosphere, but the two men were comfortable with it. Morris and Alkerto realized that there was no servant to accept their cloak or coats when they took off their outwear, so they looked around for a while and then found a hanger for hanging up the outwear near the front door. The two quickly hang their outwear. ¡°Does she live here alone?¡± Alkerto spoke in a low voice. ¡°I guess so?¡± Morris also answered in a low voice. ¡®Then who is going to do the housework?¡¯ The two men thought the same thing but did not spit out. Sigrid sat Morris and Alkerto and said, ¡°Thank you for coming. I¡¯ll get the tea quickly.¡± Uh-oh. Morris was flustered. Now he understood. After a while, the real homeowner, Sigrid, began working on pouring the tea. ¡°Hey, Sig.¡± Morris asked Sigrid as she got into her seat. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°So, maid.. Do you have one?¡± ¡°No.¡± Sigrid felt like it was too much to hire a maid. Though she had money, she didn¡¯t even know who to hire, how to hire, and what to do. ¡°How are you going to do all the housework on your own? The house here is also big.¡± Morris looked at Sigrid seriously. ¡°That¡¯s true, but¡­¡± Thinking about Sigrid being sick and managing her house by herself, Morris felt worried, but he swallowed his concern. ¡°If it¡¯s because of the cost of hiring¡­¡± Morris hesitated. Sigrid would be really angry if he tried to give her money. ¡°How about Morris lend you his maid?¡± Alkerto said while sipping his tea. ¡°Uh?¡± Sigrid was surprised and her eyes widened. Morris hit his knee, that was a great idea. ¡°That¡¯ll do. I could lend you them for a while during the day.¡± ¡°But, that means they have a double amount of work. No. If I want to have them, I have to hire them.¡± Sigrid seemed to hesitate to say something, but she then opened her mouth. ¡°But.. to be honest.. I don¡¯t know how to hire them.¡± Only then Morris realized and nodded his head. In fact, even among the aristocrats, it was tricky to find someone reliable. That was why it was hard for a person without a letter of recommendation to get a job. ¡°I¡¯ll send you two candidates. They could come and take care the housework during the day without you. What do you think? That wouldn¡¯t be that expensive.¡± ¡®Can i do well?¡¯ After contemplating for a while, Sigrid nodded her head. Morris and Alkerto sighed at her conviction. ¡°By the way Sig¡­.¡± Alkerto asked with a lively smile as usual. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°What a sudden change of mind? Buying clothes and even home.¡± ¡°Ah¡­.¡± Her mind was blank for a while. She didn¡¯t know what to say. Morris stared at her without wanting to let her pass. Normally, he would say ¡®if you don¡¯t want to say it, it¡¯s okay not to way it.¡¯ but this time, he thought, he should get an answer. ¡°That is .. a little.. Change of mind.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Alkerto looked at Sigrid quietly. Sigrid liften her sunset eyes to see Alkerto. ¡°I thought I hated dying while living that kind of life. So I decided to change it.¡± Sigrid laughed a little. ¡°Strange isn¡¯t it? I know, I felt a bit weird too¡­ I felt what is going on right now is like a dream .¡± Sigrid seemed to be staring at a distant place, but her focus was blurred. Her mind grappled with what happened in the past. The two guys in front of Sigrid had a party with her, but in the past Alkerto was dead and Morris wandered around. ¡®So, why did Morris leave the Second Knight Order?¡¯ Alkerto tilted his head looking at Sigrid, then he reached out and shook her hand. At Sigrid¡¯s surprised face, Alkerto looked at her with his serious face. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay.¡± At that, Sigrid laughed unconsciously. ¡°Yes.¡± She didn¡¯t know why he said those words, but somehow she could guess what he meant which made her laugh. While Alkerto and Morris¡­. ¡®As expected, she is dying.¡¯ They were convinced. Morris smiled as he looked at the garden. ¡°The garden is really good.¡± ¡°Right? I always.. Umm.. wanted to do something like this.¡± Said Sigrid with her face smiling. Then she looked serious at Morris and Alkerto. ¡°Thank you for coming. I¡­ I honestly feel a little out of place in the Knight Order, so I didn¡¯t expect you to come. Thank you.¡± Her face was blushing, her voice was a bit stuttered, but she looked straight to them and conveyed her heart. Morris kicked his tongue. ¡°We¡¯ve been together since our first year as a knight, obviously we should come.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. And first of all, we¡¯re a fellow, a fellow commoner.¡± Alkerto added while smiling. The three of them then talked about the Knight Order while drinking tea and cakes that lacked decoration. Before dinner time, the two got up from their seats and said goodbye. Sigrid saw them off, closed the door, stood for a while, and ran for a hooray. ¡®I did it!¡¯ She finally had a proper tea party. Of course, there were many awkward moments, but the two understood her well. She actually also wanted to do it with the ladies. But she felt a bit scared. Sigrid stopped breathing for a moment as she remembered Marischez¡¯s big eyes. ¡°But one day¡­¡± Sigrid was determined and then began to clean the dishes. Chapter 18 Chapter 18: Misunderstanding ¡°Tea party? She also buys a house?¡± Marisuez opened her mouth wide ridiculously. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± The rumors of Sigrid¡¯s strange behavior quickly spread within the Second Knight. Alkerto nodded. ¡°How many times I think about it, she was definitely somehow sick. She must have a deadly disease¡­.¡± In response to the melancholy, Marisuez said ¡®Ah.¡±, feeling kinda understand, and shut her mouth. ¡®Is that the reason she bought clothes and said something strange?¡¯ Suddenly, Marisuez felt guilty for being rude when they met at the boutique. ¡®Well, I¡¯ve been wondering why she suddenly changed her mind. So she¡¯s going to die?¡¯ Rowen Green, who was taking leisure time drinking her tea in the Second Knights Order¡¯s room, raised her head and looked at Alkerto. ¡°Then, should we also visit her? Have you reported to the manager?¡± ¡°No, I haven¡¯t. Sigrid herself doesn¡¯t, so i can¡¯t¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s true.¡± Rowen Green mumbled softly as she poured the tea. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we still visit her?¡± Marisuez said to Rowen Green with a troubled face. Rowen Green wanted to laugh at Marisuez¡¯s expression. Not long ago, Marisuez hated Sigrid so much that she didn¡¯t know how to respond to that angry Marisuez. Yet, right now, Marisuez was weakened by the word of death and felt troubled. Rowen Green found Marisuez was cute. Wouldn¡¯t usually if the person you hate was about to die, you clap your hand and say ¡®serve her right!¡¯, or maybe not? Rowen Green looked at the people in front of her while holding a teapot. ¡°Who wants to drink tea?¡± ¡°Me! The tea Rowen Green made is really good.¡± ¡°Then, shall I have a cup too?¡± At Marisuez and Alkerto¡¯s words, Rowen Green smiled and poured the tea into another cup. ¡°Should I send an invitation to Sir. Ankertna? Would she come to my tea party?¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a good idea.¡± Alkerto picked up the cup and then hit his knee. ¡°I think she¡¯s definitely never been to a tea party. If you¡¯ve been one at least once, there¡¯s no way her tea party would be like that.¡± Rowen Green nodded and looked at Marichez. ¡°Are you coming.¡± ¡°Yeah. But what if she refuses?¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s drink just us.¡± ¡°Great.¡± Marisuez clapped her hands with joy. Rowen Green was always amazed by Marisuez¡¯s energy. She was neither too happy nor too sad for Sigrid, but Marisuez reacted expressively. ¡®Would she be tired?¡¯ Pouring that much emotion was exhausting for Rowen Green. That was why she was amazed by Marisuez who could slander Sigrid almost every time because she herself felt it was too tiring and didn¡¯t want to use up her energy just to speak ill of Sigrid. ¡®But, that¡¯s a good thing.¡¯ It was a charm of Marisuez that Rowen Green felt that she did not have that. ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll prepare a delicious cake and tea. Well, based on her personality, it¡¯s better to keep it a small portion.¡± Alkerto nodded. At time like this, Rowen Green was a strong ally. ¡°Thank you, Rowen Green.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± While smiling gracefully, Rowen Green began to think the draft of the invitation in her head. ¡®It would be weird to approach her too friendly.¡¯ *** Exactly two days later, Sigrid received an invitation made of heavy, high-quality paper. ¡®Invitation? To me?¡¯ When she checked it out, she was surprised as it was an invitation from ¡®Rowen Green Alsekidna¡±. ¡®Sir. Alsekidna? To me?¡¯ Her mouth opened widely by itself. She quickly ripped the seal and opened the letter, and found that the sweet-smelling letter was an invitation a light tea party. ¡®Rowen Green.¡¯ Rowen Grees was the most well-disposed person to her as much as she remembered. When she spoke to her, she answered. She didn¡¯t swear when she passed by. ¡®How was she in the past? Was she married? Or maybe not?¡¯ Since she joined the Imperial Guard, she had no memory of Rowen green. ¡®Somehow, I felt that she was a difficult person to deal with.¡¯ Sigrid didn¡¯t even care about the people who gave scornful gaze or even intentionally swore at her. However, Rowen green was not like that, and somehow she found her difficult to deal with. And now, Rowen Green sent her a tea party invitation? It was weird. ¡®Why did she do it?¡¯ Sigrid felt frustrated as she didn¡¯t know what the other side was thinking. She was not used to thinking about what was inside others¡¯ minds, and it was difficult to do it now. She really wanted to not care about other people¡¯s thinking, just like before. Sigrid took a deep breath and decided to put her thought aside for a moment. ¡®I should go.¡¯ Although she was thinking what the other side¡¯s motive, she had in fact a little bit of a desire to go. However, she didn¡¯t know what to talk about when she was there. ¡®But I really want to go. Tea party¡­ it¡¯s been a while sincesomeone invited me.¡¯ Sigrid then made a reply that she would accept the invitation. ¡°Come to think of it¡­. I don¡¯t have a dress.¡± Sigrid wondered whether she should just wear her knight¡¯s uniform¡­ or maybe, this was an opportunity to tailor a dress? ¡®Let¡¯s buy it.¡± In honesty, she wanted to wear it. A dress. After writing the reply to the invitation and sent it, Sigrid headed to the boutique. Now that she was a regular customer, the boutique employees welcomed her with a smile. She was now quite used to the atmosphere of the boutique, so she talked comfortably. ¡°Are you going to fit a shirt today as well?¡± Etwaz asked with a smile. ¡°No.. but I¡¯m here to get a dress for tea party.¡± ¡°Oh my¡ª!¡± Etwatz smiled broadly while clapping her hands. How could she utter her feelings? It was really fun to see the development of Sigrid. ¡®It feels like I¡¯m watching a baby who¡¯s started to get up and walk.¡¯ With that though, Etwatz quickly put Sigrid on the chair. ¡°What kind of dress do you have in mind¡ªNo, I think it was hard to choose even if I asked. I¡¯ll show you a few designs. Also, how long do I have to make it?¡± ¡°I have to wear it next Tuesday.¡± ¡°Well, then we don¡¯t have much time.¡± As Etwatz was thinking, an idea came to her. She got up from her seat and rushed inside. Soon, she came out with a dress of cobalt blue. ¡°I think you¡¯ll look great in this.¡± The dress looked very neat but looked elegant. There was no decoration on the upper body side, but it had a bunch of pleats at the waist and a soft glowing silver thread at the bottom. ¡°Actually, this is someone¡¯s order, but the person who ordered it couldn¡¯t pay for it. So, I¡¯ll give you a cheap price. And we could fix it a bit before the tea party.¡± ¡°Okay, then I will take this.¡± Sigrid like the dress wasn¡¯t too much. Then she tried on the dress for mending. Etwatz diligently fixed it here and there with a clothespin. ¡°Do you have any corset you could wear inside?¡± Etwaz asked Sigrid after they were done mending the clothes. ¡°No, I don¡¯t have.¡± ¡°Then, would you like one?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± She needed a dress anyway. Etwatz nodded her head. ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to put on a corset and try the dress again.¡± Etwaz guided Sigrid inside and put on a corset on her. ¡°You have narrow waist, so it would not be too tight.¡± ¡°It seems to be tight though.¡± ¡°That because it was a corset. Well, good. I didn¡¯t tighten it much. And the circumference has been reduced by about 5cm.¡± Etwaz replied with a smile. ¡®Huh? Wait. but there is no one who can help me dress up with a corset. Could I ask the maid who comes during the day? Should I ask her and then give her more money?¡¯ Thanks to the maid that Morris have lent, everything was convenient and comfortable. She felt luxurious as she didn¡¯t have to make her own meals. It was an eye-opener to the new world for her. She didn¡¯t have to do the laundry and cleans which made the house was always pleasant. ¡®If Morris agree, she would hire the maid for herself.¡¯ Even though the maid and her were still in a relationship where she just saying hello to them awkwardly. Sigrid left the store after Etwatz reassure her that she did not have to pay the advance payment as she was a regular customer. ¡®Since I¡¯m out, should I stop by at Morris¡¯ house?¡± It was a sudden visit though, so Sigrid stopped by the store and bought luxury tea leaves as a gift for Morris. She only had been to Morris¡¯ house once, but it was enough for her to remember where it was. Chapter 19 Chapter 19: Misunderstanding As Sigrid arrived in front of Morris¡¯ house, without hesitation, she knocked on the knocker at Morris¡¯ door. Upon hearing Sigrid had come, Morris stopped reading and went down to the drawing-room. ¡°Sig?¡± ¡°Oh Morris.¡± Sigrid rose from the sofa in the drawing-room, put a hand on her chest, and greeted him lightly in a knightly manner, while Morris greeted her in confusion. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I came by because I had something to discuss. Sorry for the sudden visit. As a sign of apology¡­.¡± The servant, who was standing close to her, quickly accepted the box. ¡°What did you buy?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°Sit down. What do you want to drink? Tea or wine?¡± ¡°It should be tea.¡± At Sigrid¡¯s answer, Morris grinned and ordered her tea, and wine for himself. ¡°The sun hasn¡¯t set yet.¡± Sigrid frowned. ¡°Wine would not make someone drunk. It¡¯s just a water, water.¡± Sigrid managed to surpass her automatic nagging about the knight¡¯s principle. ¡®Hold it.¡¯ It was okay, he was Morris. He could do anything. ¡°Aren¡¯t you to do second battering?¡± Morris asked Sigrid in curious eyes as he was amazed by Sigrid who, although her eyes showed she complained, kept her mouth shut on something she usually commented on. Because she was usually not that patient. ¡°I wont, I wont. I decided not to do that anymore.¡± ¡°Then, why don¡¯t you just drink wine?¡± Sigrid hesitated for a moment, then shook her head and refused. She could tolerate other people¡¯s doings, but it was felt too much for her to do so. ¡°Morris.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I¡¯m grateful for your help. Thank you for sending the maid. I like her. And I want to hire her completely, but I don¡¯t know how to do it¡­.¡± Morris nodded his head. ¡°If you want her to move to your place¡­ I think she doesn¡¯t seem to hate it. Just talk to her. But you are not going to hire only one, aren¡¯t you? You have to hire both of them.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Of course. Working alone and working together are completely different, right?¡± Sigrid nodded in agreement with his words. ¡°Then, let¡¯s do that.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you also hire a separate kitchen-maid? The quality of food would go up as well.¡± ¡°Three maids¡­¡± Sigrid hesitated. She lived alone. Why did she need three maids? ¡°For reference, I am hiring four maids, four servants, and one butler, and I am living alone.¡± Morris added as if he had seen through Sigrid¡¯s mind. ¡°That is a little weird.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not weird at all you know, everyone lives like this.¡± When Morris said with a frown, Sigrid shocked her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not saying you are weird, but it¡¯s me who felt weird if I hire three maids. I dont have anything to do. I don¡¯t wash the clothes, clean the house, or wash the dishes. I felt weird because I feel I have too much time left.¡± ¡°Money is buying your time so you do what you like in your spare time.¡± ¡°Oh, come to think of it, that is true.¡± Sigrid nodded at his words. Certainly, as she had much time left, she could increase her sword training. Right now, the speed at which the aura core was accumulating has also increased, and now between her chest, a diamond-shaped core the size of a fingernail was clearly visible. She bought time. ¡®It¡¯s a concept that I¡¯ve never thought about.¡¯ Sigrid came to a realization that if she had money, she could spend all her time doing what she loved. Although she felt weird about the concept of her hiring three maids, she liked that she would have much more time to devote herself to train her swordsmanship. Even more, it was not that she hated cooking or doing chores, but she didn¡¯t really like it either. ¡®And sword training is also the basics of a knight. So this is okay.¡¯ Looking at Sigrid¡¯s hesitant face, Morris got an idea of how to encourage her. ¡°Building a body is also an important thing as a knight. Your diet is important.¡± ¡°That is definitely true.¡± Sigrid honestly felt her muscle strength has improved these days, even her speed. She had been wondering why. It seemed because she was eating well. ¡®My stamina has increased compared to before.¡¯ ¡°Should I hire them?¡± ¡°Do it, Sig.¡± Morris grinned as he encouraged Sigrid. Wasn¡¯t is pretty fun to watch other people spend money even if it was not your own? ¡°Oke, sure. Let¡¯s hire them.¡± When Sigrid spoke plainly, Morris was rather surprised, but he quickly his true feelings. ¡°Good job, good job. You have to eat well. No matter how frugal you are, how can you gain your strength only by eating watery oat porridge and plants. People should eat meat.¡± ¡°Surely.¡± Sigrid replied with a bitter smile. ¡°Health is something you should take care of when you are healthy,¡± Morris spoke seriously while looking at Sigrid¡¯s expression. He then carefully added, ¡°Even you don¡¯t feel well, you shouldn¡¯t give up right away. It is better to see several doctors. Don¡¯t just listen to only one person. If you really are not feeling well, I can introduce you to my family doctor. He¡¯s a pretty good guy.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Sigrid replied with a faint smile. She didn¡¯t know why Morris came back at that time, she also didn¡¯t know why he believed in her, but she was more than happy, even very grateful, to have a partner who showed her favor like this. ¡°Tell me you need anything too. Even though the only thing i¡¯m good at is swinging my sword.¡± ¡°What are you talking about, that is even more amazing.¡± Morris smiled brightly. There was no lie in his words. Sigrid was truly strong. Perhaps, Sigrid was the strongest knight except for the captain and vice-captain of the Second Knight Order. She did not like to show her training, so people could only know her skills during regular matches, and she was really strong. After discussing hiring the maid, Sigrid had a desire to talk about her aura core to Morris, but she just bit her inner mouth. Right now was not the right time. She might not be in the Second Knight Order forever, but she hasn¡¯t decided what to do with it yet. She wanted to keep a secret until she made up her mind. ¡°But, I don¡¯t think I should just swing a sword,¡± With a strange smile, Sigrid stood up, then added, ¡°Anyway, thank you Morris.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Morris got up from his seat and saw Sigrid off. I can¡¯t just swing a sword. Morris was tired of being constantly surprised by Sigrid. ¡®People are really changing.¡¯ One thing Morris regretted was he should push her harder to see his family doctor. Chapter 20 Chapter 2.20: Misunderstanding Sigrid got off the carriage with a nervous face. The her who dressed up well and also jumped off the carriage without an escort was full of incongruity, yet she did not even notice because of how nervous she was. ¡°Welcome.¡± The servant greeted Sigrid politely and guided her to the greenhouse. As soon as she entered the greenhouse, she immediately felt a warm atmosphere. ¡®It turned out I didn¡¯t need to bring shawl.¡¯ Inside the splendidly decorated greenhouse, there was also a splendidly decorated table. ¡°Sigrid.¡± The hostess, Rowen Green, rose from her seat to greet her. ¡°Thank you for inviting me.¡± Sigrid greeted Rowen Green in her knightly manner, and despite how unmatched Sigrid¡¯s appearance and what she just did, Rowen Green guided her to a seat with just the same smile. ¡°Welcome.¡± Marisuez had already arrived and was sitting down. Sigrid bowed her head to greet her in the same manner. ¡°That kind of greeting, we don¡¯t need it, don¡¯t we? Between us.¡± Marisuez then fluttered her fan a little quicker. That was a metaphor for ¡®Our relationship is so bad that we don¡¯t even need to say a greeting to each other, but Sigrid possibly couldn¡¯t understand such a sarcastic remark. ¡°Ah.. as expected. Should we be more casual since we are in the same age?¡± Sigrid smiled shyly. Hearing what Sigrid said, Marisuez opened her mouth shocked, looking a bit silly, and Rowen Green grinned. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re that kind of person. You.¡± Marisuez sighed lightly. ¡°Marie.¡± Rowen Green gave Marisuez a stare ¡®you¡¯re not here to fight, aren¡¯t you.¡¯ which made Marisuez restrain herself. ¡®She looks so energetic for someone who¡¯s about to die.¡¯ Marisuez sighed once again. ¡°Your dress, it¡¯s pretty.¡± Marisuez snorted while blatantly looking up and down at Sigrid. A dark blue dress with little embellishment that accentuated Sigrid¡¯s sleek body. It went well with her bright skin and silver hair. ¡°Really? That¡¯s a relief. I didn¡¯t know any style in clothes, so I just bought what the staff recommended.¡± ¡°Oh my, really? If it were me, I would not take those dresses that don¡¯t have my hands on them. You know, because they do not have some individual charms.1¡± ¡°Oh, I see. That¡¯s why the clothes that you wore is fit you well and they are very pretty.¡± Sigrid spoke frankly while awkwardly wiggling her fingers. Marisuez, who threw sarcasm, was caught off guard and lost her words, then she closed her fan in a loud sound. In the meantime, the maids set up cups and plates in front of Sigrid. Then Rowen Green asked Sigrid, ¡°I prepared two types of tea. Which one do you like, arsan or black walker?¡± Both names were unknown to Sigrid. ¡°Arisan is little light, and black walker is dark.¡± Rowen green kindly explained to Sigrid when she was unable to speak. ¡°Then, I¡¯d like to have arisan tea, please.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± After Rowan Green swung her fingers, the waiting-maid came to their table, and quietly filled Sigrid¡¯s glass, and then went back to her place. ¡°Tell me if you have any refreshments you would like to eat.¡± As Rowan Green pointed to her tiered tray and spoke, Sigrid was surprised to see so many sweets she had never seen before. Each of them was so beautiful as like a work of art and made Sigrid wonder if she could eat it. When Sigrid did not seem going to reply anytime soon while still looking at the tray, Rowen Green then initiated to help her. ¡°Could I recommend something?¡± ¡°Ah, okay.¡± Then Rowan Green chose a cake which then the waiting-maid took and put it on Sigrid plate. For a moment, Sigrid suddenly remembered her tea party. Her cheeks seemed to heat up. With what guts did she think she could call it a tea party? Sigrid then carefully took an expensive-looking teacup in front of her and glanced at it for a second before she drank the tea. It was so fragrant and delicious that even people who were not familiar with tea, like her, could know that it was a luxury tea. ¡°This is good.¡± When Sigrid said it with her eyes wide open, Rowen Green¡¯s eyes also opened widely, a bit shocked, and then she laughed. ¡°Thank you.¡± Marisuez thought ¡®so tacky¡¯, but she didn¡¯t say anything. Sigrid fiddled with the teacup. the -red colored tea water flutters. What should she talk about here? What kind of apology should she make? She practiced and pondered, but it was strangely difficult for her to speak. ¡°I heard you bought a new house?¡± When Rowen green asked a question, Sigrid then lifted her head. ¡°Yeah, I bought it in Zone 2. I¡¯m still wondering if it¡¯s good to live there since I live alone and the house is kind of big, but I like the garden.¡± ¡°It must have been quiet a price.¡± ¡°Oh, I saved up money. And I bought it cheap because it¡¯s a house where something bad happened. The price is similar to the country house outside the capital.¡± ¡°Oh my.. That is really good.¡± Rowen Green nodded. Sigren also nodded. Rowen Green then asked a question. ¡°Where are you going to go now you¡¯re on vacation?¡± ¡°vacation.. I¡¯ve never thought about going somewhere¡­¡± Sigrid was surprised by the question and answered slowly without realizing it. Marisuez couldn¡¯t stand it and said, ¡°Usually, if you take a long vacation, you make a plan to travel somewhere far first.¡± ¡°Is that so? I see.¡± Sigrid learned something new. ¡°Because you¡¯ve never had vacation before, you don¡¯t even know what to do.¡± Rowen Green said with a laugh. ¡°Really¡ª¡± Marisuez¡¯s navy blue eyes glared at Sigrid, ¡°What are you doing tomorrow?¡± ¡°Nothing really happens¡­¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go see an opera tomorrow with us.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know how to have your vacation, so I¡¯ll teach you.¡± ¡°That.. okay.. Thank you.¡± Watching Sigird wavering while saying thank you to her, Marisuez was in a really strange mood. She felt something indescribable when she saw her usually cheeky opponent suffering from a deadly disease and being so innocent. ¡°And¡­¡± Sigrid took turns looking at Rowen green and Marisuez and breathed heavily. Now it seemed appropriate for her to apologize that she had been preparing. ¡°I apologize for making insulting remarks. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Seeing Sigrid bowing deeply, Rowen Green was so curious. ¡°Why?¡¯ ¡°Huh?¡± [1] Here Marisuez implied that the dress that did not have her ideas on them did not have unique charms. Like she kinda mildly disdained Sigrid being not knowing about dress and ¡®basic¡¯. I don¡¯t know how to phrase this. Chapter 21 Chapter 21: Misunderstanding ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Why did you change your mind?¡± ¡°Rowen Green.¡± Hearing what Rowen Green said made Marisuez a bit dumbfounded. Weren¡¯t they supposed to pretend to not know Sigrid was ill? Sigrid looked at Rowen green and nodded her head. ¡°Rowen Green¡¯s question is understandable. For a long time, I¡¯ve always held on to the thought that a knight should act according to knightley principles. I mean, I still think that is the way we should do it. However, after some thought, because of that, I ignored the things I wanted to do. Because, I think, if I don¡¯t act according to those principles, it is a bad thing. And in those thoughts, it came to me a question ¡®why is it bad?¡¯. I asked myself ¡®why¡¯, and I could not answer my own question. I don¡¯t know why it¡¯s bad.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Rowen Green looked Sigrid interested. Sigrid sighed, and continued, ¡°So I thought about it and concluded that ¡®there is nothing bad¡¯. So I apologize for my previous remarks.¡± ¡°Interesting.¡± Rowen Green smiled. ¡°So, you followed the standardized conventional wisdom, but now after you thought about it, you¡¯re saying that the conventional wisdom is not correct? Well, it¡¯s funny that you¡¯ve just realized that the form of Knight in your head is pretty biased.¡± Marisuez once again came to think of Sigrid as a really strange person. So because she was going to die soon, she had a lot of thoughts which then changed her mind, then she spent her money and went wild. So she thought if she were not to change her mind, she would die while living as it was. ¡°It¡¯s really.. Sigird is Sigrid¡± ¡°I¡¯ll cooperate.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± At Rowen Green¡¯s words, Sigrid was a bit confused and tilted her head. ¡°I mean having fun. I¡¯m not interested in simply playing, but I think it¡¯s fun to have people change their thoughts.¡± ¡°I sometimes think the way Rowen Green sees life is too complicated.¡± Marisuez grumbled as she put sugar into her tea. Rowen Green laughed, ¡°Maybe.¡± ¡°All you have to do is enjoy your life, right? So what do you enjoy doing, Sigrid?¡± ¡°Sword training¡­.¡± Marisuez¡¯s forehead wrinkled hearing Sigrid¡¯s answer. ¡°Reject. Something else.¡± ¡°Something else¡­.¡± Sigrid was not sure if there was something else she enjoyed. While groaning, Sigrid said, ¡°uhmm.. Buying clothes is complicated and difficult, but wearing pretty clothes is fun. That and also having freshly cooked food, and cleaning up¡­¡± ¡°What kind of life have you been living?¡± Marisuez muttered in shock. Rowen Green tilted her head, and asked, ¡°What about in District 3? I heard that the security is not that good?¡± ¡°Well.. when they knew that I was a knight, no one try to attack me. The size of the house is.. How could I explain it? Hmm.. Just the size of that little carpet over there.¡± ¡°Are you living in a closet?¡± Sigrid laughed at Marisuez¡¯s murmur. ¡°Well, now that I think about it, it is really just that size.¡± ¡°I think I may have claustrophobia.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that bad. There are windows. But yeah, the security is not good. There are also a lot of things happening at night. Still, it¡¯s a normal place for people to live.¡± After saying that, Sigrid unconsciously grabbed the skirt above her thigh. It was a normal place for people to live, yet it was her who set the fire. At that time, in her mind, what her master said was absolute. If her master said it was a bug, it was a bug, not a human, but a pest. And she herself led that cruel operation, that burnt-down operation. Seeing Sigrid who suddenly turned palace, Marisuez was perplexed. ¡°Sigrid? Are you okay?¡± Marisuez looked at her and a bit panicked ¡®is she having a seizure?¡¯ Hearing Marisuez¡¯s concerned voice, Sigrid shook her head with difficulty. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine¡­.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t look okay at all. Bring some cold water over here.¡± At Marisuez¡¯s words, the maid quickly brought a cup of water. Sigrid took the glass and slowly drank the water. Her body trembled. Could her evil deeds she committed by orders be forgiven? She never thought what she did was a bad thing. Until today, at this moment. ¡®It¡¯s okay. Calm down, take it easy. It hasn¡¯t happened yet. No one is dead. it ¡®s okay Sigrid. Sigrid Ankertna.¡¯ Her trembling hands slowly calmed down and then she raised her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Suddenly my body did not feel good. I suddenly got a chill.¡± Marisuez and Rowen Green secretly exchanged glances. ¡°If you are not feeling well, would you like to rest for a while in the break room?¡± ¡°Right. You could take off your corset and rest.¡± ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯m fine now.¡± Sigrid shook his head. Subsequently, the three of them had a normal conversation. Mostly, It was only Marisuez and Rowen green that were talking, and Sigrid was the one to listen. In particular, Sigrid was mesmerized by the story of clothes and accessories that Marisuez talked about. From the next day, Marisuez and Rowen Green dragged Sigrid around. Because of that, Sigrid found that she liked opera more than theatre and learned that she preferred duets to solos. She also knew that gray and yellow did not go well together and found that blue and pink go well together. She, too, found that she preferred tea to coffee, mousse to sponge cake, and silk to velvet. Taste expansion. Rowen Green called it that way. ¡°You would not know if something is good or bad if you don¡¯t try it. Not knowing what you like means you haven¡¯t tried anything you¡¯d like.¡± Rowen Green said so and handed her books, which now Sigrid also found that romance novels were fun. She liked riding a horse to the suburbs for a picnic and taking a boat ride, but she preferred the former more. ¡°It¡¯s good to follow trends, but the important thing is to choose the one that suits you. Clothes are about a lot of failing and then success. Well, if you have an advisor, the failing rate would decrease a little.¡± Marisuez flipped through some sample clothes. She found herself enjoying and having a lot of fun making someone spend money. The vacation was over when Sigrid finally filled up the closet in her house. Chapter 22 Chapter 22: Misunderstanding The vacation was over when Sigrid finally filled up the closet in her house. Revel, the commander of the Second Knight Order, almost did not recognize Sigrid when she entered the office to report after her vacation. ¡°Report, Sigrid Ankertna returned to the squad after the vacation.¡± Revel opened his mouth wide. He also heard the rumors. ¡°This is incredible.¡± If he were not to know Sigrid, he would believe right away if someone said the person in front of him was someone else. The clothes she wore did not inferior to any other nobles. ¡°Welcome back¡­. By the way¡­.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a rumor that you¡¯re not feeling well. Are you okay?¡± Sigrid tilted her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m perfectly fine.¡± Rather, she was so much better than usual as she ate well, slept well, and exercised. She even felt like she could fight Veramood well right now. But she remembered the Imperial Knights squad. If she did not join the squad, she won¡¯t be able to meet him. ¡°Then, that¡¯s a relief.¡± Revel nodded. He thought about the rumor and then looked at Sigrid, he understand why such a rumor had spread. Usually, when someone saw a dramatic change like this, they would think that way. ¡°Do you have any specific order?¡± To Sigrid¡¯s question, Revel answered, ¡°oh.¡± But he only opened his mouth, then shook his head. ¡°No, you¡¯re just returning, so take a break until today.¡± ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± Saying goodbye, Sigrid left the commander¡¯s office room. Then she went to the Second Knight Order quarters and was greeted by the members who were now accustomed to her appearance. ¡°There are few people today.¡± At Sigrid¡¯s words, Morris said, ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± Sigrid shrugged her shoulders. ¡°They said a monster appeared near the capital, so some of us go there to take care of it.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Well, it is impossible a monster appears near the capital, it must be something like a big wild boar. And because of that, there is no way for Imperial Knight to do such miscellaneous work, they leave it to us.¡± ¡°Al..kerto..?¡± ¡°He is also mobilized there.¡± Sigrid stood up and run out. ¡®Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!¡¯ BANG! The door of the commander¡¯s office room opened up, and Sigrid immediately asked, ¡°Which capital city area?¡± ¡°Sir Ankertna?¡± Revel who was drinking his tea, turned his head surprised. ¡°Where is the location the monster appears in capital?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not really a big deal. Just take a break today.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to return to my position right now. Please tell me.¡± Revel was perplexed by her strong voice, so he gently told her the place. Well, the chore was a job no matter who looked at it, and he knew that Sigrid was really into work and always wanted to go higher, so he just told her. When Sigrid ran out, Revel smacked his lips and saying ¡°Haha.. my..my¡± *** Sigrid spurred her horse fastly. ¡°Move! Move!¡± As Sigrid ran down the street screaming, people cursed at her, but she didn¡¯t care. Because it was today. Today was the day Alkerto died. Capital Guards reported they had found a monster near the capital. Judging that there was no way that a monster would appear in the capital, the superior sent out the Second Knight Order. However, it was actually a real monster. Half of the members who were mobilized there were killed and the other half could avoid death because Alkerto took the charge of the rear and fought until the end. Only then did the First Knight Order come out and catch the monster. No matter how mighty the Second Knight Order looked was, the squad was the lowest rank among the capital knights. That was why the commoners like Sigrid and Alkerto and the women like Rowen green and Marichez could easily enter. It was a place where people with moderate skill could enter. Sigrid clenched her teeth. To appease Echo who was sulking and spitting out foam, Sigrid got of him as soon as she arrived near the location, and run into the mountain, to the exact location. At the entrance of the mountain, Sigrid encountered some knights. ¡°Ah, Sir Ankertna!¡± ¡°Reinforments?¡± the faces of the knights carrying the injured were pale. ¡°What about Alkerto?!¡± Everyone shut their mouths at her question. ¡°Sir Ankertna. Stop.¡± Aninta, the vice commander of Second Knight Order, clenched her teeth then stopped Sigrid from climbing the mountain. Sigrid stopped. ¡°We need to go find Alkerto.¡± ¡°It¡¯s already late. It¡¯s faster to ask for reinforcement. Also, we need more fine hand to move the injured.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Sigrid looked up at the mountain. Anita then said, ¡°It¡¯s an order. Move the injured and go back to the palace and announce the appearance of the monster.¡± Anita ¡°Sigrid clenched her first. Kaul said, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll ride a horse instead and go to the guard station¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re tired. The person with the normal condition is Sir Ankertna. Go.¡± ¡°I apologize.¡± Aninta sighed in response to Sigrid¡¯s apology. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t understand your feelings. However¡ª¡± ¡°I would disobey the order!¡± After shouting, Sigrid run, up to the mountain. Aninta looked blankly at the back of the running Sigrid. Kaul chuckled. Disobey? That strict disciplined Ankertna? ¡°You..!¡± Aninta was also perplexed. She clicked her tongue. There was nothing she could do about the person who had already left. Aninta bit her lips, then she ordered her men to move quickly. Chapter 23 Chapter 23: Misunderstanding Alkerto¡¯s breathing became rough. He tried to swallow his breath but it was useless. His shoulder was up and down trying to take oxygen as much as he could. His hand holding his sword was torn and bleeding and trembling. ¡®I shouldn¡¯t have tried to be cool.¡¯ In fear of the opponent he couldn¡¯t possibly win, and the feeling his death was confirmed, Alkerto immediately turned back and suppressed his desire to run away. Each sword he brandished up was one chance for his colleagues to escape. ¡ªKiik, Kiiik, Kiiik. With a strange sound, the monster swung its front claws. The monster looked like a large praying mantis, except that it had four blade-like front claws. And it has a terrible human-like head. ¡°Ughh¡ª!¡± Alkerto tried to swing his sword but his grip was torn and the sword fell out of his hand. Whoosh! He desperately avoided the swaying black claws, but soon his back felt like a burning pain. ¡°Ughh.. ugh¡ª¡± Whether his back was cut or stabbed, he didn¡¯t know, but for sure his back hurt badly. ¡ªKeiik The monster made a sound like it was laughing. Alkerto closed his eyes. He only hopes it would kill him in one hit. ¡ªChaeng!! ¡ªKIIIEEKKK! Alkerto¡¯s eyes widened at the sound of the monster¡¯s scream. ¡°MOVE!¡± ¡°¡­Sigrid?¡± Alkerto felt like the Sigrid stood in front of him was his hallucination. A lie. So he blankly stared at her back. However, the monster backing out was only for a movement before it tried to swing its claws. Therefore, seeing Alkerto was unmoved, Sigrid clicked her tongue and then grabbed Alekrto quickly and rolled on the ground. She could kill the monster if she was alone, but if she had to fight it while protecting Alkerto¡ª ¡°Ughh.¡± Alkerto groaned in pain. ¡°Walk if you can walk. Try to go as far as you could If you don¡¯t want to die!¡± ¡°That.. the sword is not good..¡± As Alkerto tried to talk while gasping, Sigrid laughed. ¡°I know. Go quickly.¡± Sigrid then started running in the opposite direction. ¡ªKieeekk!! ¡°Yeah! Come here you bastard!¡± After shouting, Sigrid activated the aura core. The warm energy spread through her body. ¡®But it¡¯s not a lot. If it¡¯s like this.. So I only have one minute?¡¯ Sigrid then realized she had to finish the fight quickly. Alkerto went away so as to not bother Sigrid but he couldn¡¯t walk far. So he lay his face down in the grass and watch the fight. ¡®Aura?¡¯ A faintly red remnant wrapped around Sigrid¡¯s sword. The four-blade claws cleverly timed in from different directions and attacked Sigrid. But she cut one of them and danced away from the other three blade-claws. She then grabbed the cut claw and jumped up. The raised front claws as if it was in pain was the driving force for Sigrid to jump up higher. Since its elongated body took a while to turn back, Sigrid then steadily used the claw and stabbed it into its belly. ¡ªKyaakkk! A scream echoed through the forest. A thick green fluid splattered. Sigrid clicked her tongue as she jumped back down. Because the opponent was a large size, even if it was stabbed with a sword, it didn¡¯t get a huge blow to death. If only she were to have enough aura to fly. But the amount of aura to make it happen did not accumulate enough. Looking at the monster, Sigrid thought of an idea. The large scythe-like front claws were rather unfavorable to attacking opponents close to it. Well, of course, normally, people would be cut to death before going to the area close to that. She had to enter that area and fight the monster faster. When Sigrid cut off its second leg the amount of aura decreased rapidly. But it was equivalent to the strength of the blow. The amount of aura that went into each blow made about twice stronger as that of just swinging the sword. After cutting down the monster¡¯s leg, Sigrid¡¯s leg kicked the ground and run. ¡®Let¡¯s go in¡ª!¡¯ Sigrid¡¯s body moved faster than she thought. She then stretched out her arms as much as she could and stabbed the monster¡¯s neck with her sword, then twisted the sword¡¯s handle so it could go deeper. BLAM! The arms of the monster that had no claws struck Sigrid. She was then bounced off and rolled over. ¡°SIGRID!¡± Alkerto raised his body and unknowingly screamed. Sigrid, who rolled over on the ground, coughed violently, but soon she stood up and back away. ¡ªGRRRKK! The monster slowly collapsed after swinging its front declawed arms as if trying to attack several more times. It even kept moving its arms and legs even after it fell down for a moment. After watching the movement of the monster stopped, Sigrid sighed and sat down. As she rested her body, she felt a sense of emptiness in her aura core. She even felt a little pain. ¡®It hurts.¡¯ Sigrid was certain there was a crack on her core. ¡®This pain is fine, as long as Alkero is fine. Oh Alkerto!¡¯ Sigrid rushed to Alkerto. ¡°Show me your wound!¡± ¡°I think I got a cut¡­¡± Sigrid took of Alkerto¡¯s clothes and cursed. ¡°You should have used chain mail!¡± ¡°I thought a weapon would be enough¡­¡± Alkerto dais as an excuse. Sigrid saw the wound and clenched her teeth. The wound was cut deep and the bones were visible. How could he still talk to her?! ¡°So, it¡¯s severe¡­¡± Alkerto said when he saw Sigrid was silent. ¡°If I die, then I will die.¡± Sigrid placed a hand on his shoulder. From the place where her hand touched warm energy began to flow. Sigrid clenched her teeth. ¡®It¡¯s hurt. Hurt. hurt. Hurt.¡¯ When she tried to pull out more aura, the aura core complained of pain. ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°Sig!¡± Alkerto¡¯s pain was fading away. However, the noise from behind him was terrifying. ¡°Ughh.. huk!! Ugh!!¡± Sigrid lifted her hand from Alkerto¡¯s shoulder. Alkerto turned around and was startled to see that Sigrid was bleeding. ¡°Sig!¡± ¡°Move.. ha.. Don¡¯t move, the wound would torn again.¡± Sigrid laid down on the ground. Her stomach was in burning pain. Today was the first time she used her aura and it was a quiet amount of it. It was too harsh for a freshly formed core. Alkerto sat quietly at Sigrid¡¯s words. His back was still a bit hurt. ¡°Alkerto.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Alkerto.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Haha.¡± Sigrid laughed weakly. Alkerto was alive. He was alive. She changed the future with her own hand. Alkerto looked anxiously at Sigrid. She must have overworked herself while having a deadly disease. A weak aura user? It was like a joke. ¡°Sigrid.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± A drowsy voice answered him. It was noticeable that Sigrid was completely exhausted. ¡°Your aura core, when is it¡ª¡± Before he could finish his words¡­. ¡°Phewww~¡± A whistle was heard. ¡°Did the Second Order bast*rd knock this down?¡± Chapter 24 Chapter 24: Misunderstanding ¡°Pheeeww~¡± A whistle was heard. ¡°Did the second order bastard knock this down?¡± The footsteps were getting closer, but because Sigrid couldn¡¯t even lift her head, she could only check the person¡¯s feet. Black boots with shiny silver flames patterns were in her sight. ¡°Internal injury?¡± When the man sat on one knee, Sigrid finally identified the person. ¡®Veramood!¡¯ Sigrid heart began to beat loudly. ¡°I ran here because of the report, but when I arrived, everything was over. This is great.¡± Alkerto laughed lightly sarcastically to the smiling man, Veramood. ¡°Yeah, and Sir. Ankertna and I could not move.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Veramood looked at Alkerto¡¯s wound. Then he put his hand just a little above the wound. The next second, Alkerto felt a faint trace of aura, and his wound was sutured up. It was a little bit hurt, but it was bearable. ¡°You better lie down until the healer arrives. And this lady¡ª¡± Veramood reached out and opened the collar of Sigrid¡¯s shirt. ¡ªTuk tuk The button fell off, revealing her cleavage. ¡°Hey what are you doing!¡± In a quick, Veramood pressed Alkerto¡¯s head to the ground as he was about to get up and hit the nape of his neck. Then Alkerto lost consciousness because of the unexpected blow. ¡°A patient should stay calm.¡± Veramood then drew his attention on Alkerto and looked at Sigrid. He then touched Sigrid¡¯s aura core which had become completely transparent. Sigrid¡¯s scarlet eyes narrowed and glared at Veramood. ¡®Discomfort. Discomfort. Discomfort.¡¯ Aura core was one of the most sensitive areas for someone who has it. When others touched it, it was like touching the literal heart1 of someone. In other words, Veramood¡¯s action was very, very disrespectful, and in fact, if Sigrid were to raise her sword, no one could say what she did was wrong. ¡°You¡¯re crazy, you.¡± Veramood¡¯s odd eye stared at her while grinning, ¡°it¡¯s cracked, you know?¡± ¡°It¡¯s in my prediction.¡± Sigrid replied. Veramood smirked. ¡°Why is the aura core user in the second order?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see any obligation to answer.¡± ¡°Ah. Just for your information, I¡¯m the captain of Imperial Knight. Which could be said I have much, much higher position than you.¡± ¡°I still don¡¯t think there is any obligation to answer.¡± Sigrid answered again with her not-friendly expression. However, Veramood reached out his gloved hand and wiped Sigrid¡¯s mouth. ¡°There is blood.¡± Sigrid looked at him in a strange feeling. She and Veramood had a bad relationship. She hated Veramood as he seemed to be more favored by the King, and Veramood also looked down on her. He laughed at her for being a commoner and ridiculed her by calling her a dog. Yet, he was ¡®kind¡¯ now. Some might say this was kindness, but to Sigrid, she felt this Veramood ¡®kindness¡¯ was an act. Because normally, when they met, it was fortunate that they didn¡¯t draw their own swords. ¡°Oh, your core seems like it hasn¡¯t been long since it was formed. Would it be able to do recovery by itself?¡± ¡°If you touch it again, i would report you as sexual harassment.¡± ¡°Well, did you feel something?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a question that has no worth to be answered.¡± After talking, Sigrid tried to not throw out the blood that surged up and gulped it down. Veramood looked at her with interest. He then gently touch her aura core, thinking he had to throw away some of his prejudice against second order. ¡°Then, as an apology, shall I restore it?¡± ¡°What¡ª¡± The aura core began to fill up in an instant. ¡°Ugh¡ª!¡± Veramood looked at the diamond-shaped aura core that was slowly stained with black color, his own aura. ¡°It takes some times to repair the crack. I filled it out temporarily. No one can do this, you know right?¡± Moments later, Veramood lifted his hand. Sigrid felt her breathing become much easier. The pain disappeared and she was no longer as exhausted as before that she had barely could move, but the only uncomfortable feeling that was left was she had someone else¡¯s aura in her body. While slowly getting up, Sigrid frowned slightly. This also could not be missed by Veramood eyes. His hand pressed the wound precisely. ¡°Ugh¡ª!¡± Sigrid glared at him while crouching like a shrimp. ¡°It wasn¡¯t broken. However, it would need to be checked by the healers.¡± Veramood was smiling and stared at Sigrid eyes, then he continued, ¡°Come to the Imperial Knights.¡± ¡°I refuse.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Veramood¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re part of second knight order, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°But now you refused?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°For reference, the Imperial Knights¡¯ annual salary is about ten times higher than that of the second order, the welfare is far more excellent, your authority would be much bigger than now, more power, and there are also a lot of things you could get by joining it.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Sigrid looked down at her core. The core was black, like obsidian. And she felt unfamiliar seeing it. While trying to button up her shirt, Sigrid realized that the button had been ripped and looked around. ¡°What is missing?¡± ¡°There is no button.¡± ¡°It bounced off earlier ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to find it.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°That is a silver button. Expensive¡± ¡°¡­. Alright, I¡¯ll compensate it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Sigrid nodded at his words. ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯t come? You wouldn¡¯t get kind of opportunity often, you know.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Sigrid looked at Veramood. She wondered if she could talk to him about her problem. ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t decided my master yet.¡± At her words, Veramood opened his eyes widely, then began to laugh like crazy. ¡°HAHAHHAHAHA¡­what? Ahaha.. Master? AHAHAHa¡ª you¡¯re really¡­ ahahahaha.¡± After laughing until his tears out, Veramood managed to swallow his laughter. ¡°Are you from 200 years ago? Wow¡ª Master. WOW.¡± Sigrid¡¯s displeasure rose up to her throat. The only reason she was able to hold back was that he was her superior. ¡°You¡¯re really awesome.¡± Veramood touched his chin, thinking of the lady in front of him. To save her comrades, she endured her aura core breaking and refused to climb up because she couldn¡¯t decide on a master? What was with this fairy tale book chivalry mindset? Then, a loud noise was heard from the other side. Veramood stood up. ¡°Sir. Lunatil.¡± Veramood was startled by the voice and turned his head to Sigrid. Did she know him from the beginning and still choose to speak casually like that? ¡°Could we report that the monster is killed by you? I don¡¯t want to reveal that I have a core yet.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°You owed me one thing~¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Veramood grinned seeing Sigrid with a sour expression on her face. ¡°Hey! It¡¯s here!¡± Veramood shouted, waving his arm. People rushed in. After they looked at the dead monster, they looked at Veramood in awe. Even though Veramood did not say he killed it, the atmosphere was created like he was the one that did it. ¡°Hey, can¡¯t you keep a secret that I killed it?¡± Veramood raised his finger and smiled. ¡°I wish i could pass it on to the first knight order.¡± At those words, the knights of First Knight Order perplexed. ¡°Are you fine with that?¡± ¡°Of course, It has been a while since I¡¯m in the move, so I felt it would be weird if public know about it.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Sigrid slightly frowned as she watched the faces of the knights of the first knight order brighten. ¡®So that¡¯s what happened.¡¯ In the past, it was known that the First Knight Order slaughtered the monster. ¡°The wounded here¡ª!¡± Sigrid raised her head at the shouting. They put the unconscious Alkerto on a stretcher. They offered Sigrid, but she refused and chose to walk. She didn¡¯t want to show the wound on her ribs and expose her core. ¡°Would you like a ride?¡± Veramood asked Sigrid while grabbing his horse¡¯s bridle. ¡°No, thank you. It¡¯s fine.¡± As she refused the offer, Sigrid then got in the carriage. She was uncomfortable if she were together with him. Chapter 25 Chapter 25: Misunderstanding Upon returning to the headquarters in a carriage, Sigrid was given probation for three days on the charge of rebellion. It was a very light punishment. She was getting it light because of her circumstances extenuating it. This was the first time she was being punished. Apparently, it wasn¡¯t as heavy as she thought. Anyway, it didn¡¯t matter, she had prepared herself for punishment. When Sigrid left the commander¡¯s room, some of the members of the second knight order, who had been waiting for her, came running. ¡°What? How is it?¡± When Marisuez asked nervously, Sigrid answered with a smile. ¡°Three days of probation.¡± ¡°That¡¯s unfair!¡± ¡°She was just trying to save our comrades!¡± Kaul also voiced his protest. Morris shook his head. ¡°Still, it¡¯s light. They must have taken the situation into account.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Well, I think the vacation has been extended a bit more. Your wound takes time to heal anyway.¡± Rowen Green added. Sigrid nodded her head. ¡°What about Alkerto?¡± ¡°He was treated by the healers, and he went home.¡± Morris replied. ¡°I see. Do you know where his house is?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take you.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t ne¡ª¡± ¡°Let me do something for you.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± When Sigrid agreed, Rowen Green also wanted to do something. ¡°I¡¯ll lend you my carriage.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Later, Tell me what is happening, okay?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Sigrid smiled at Marisuez¡¯s words and nodded her head. * Rowen Green¡¯s carriage was large and comfortable. It was a new thing for Sigrid who only rode public carriages. Because the cushion was so soft, when this carriage traveled in the dirty road, her hips did not hurt. And Sigrid, who was amazed by it, shook her hips, checking the softness of the cushion and touching it while sighing. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Morris sharply said. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Why are you going there alone?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­.¡± ¡°Even if yo udie soon, you should cherish your life!¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡®I¡¯m sorry, Morris.¡¯ Sigrid bowed her head, feeling guilty because of not telling Morris about the aura core. Because of that, she couldn¡¯t catch Morris¡¯ sentence ¡®even if you die soon.¡¯ ¡°I was really shocked. You¡¯re supposed to be off duty, suddenly you just asked to be on duty when you heard the report about the monster and went there in panic, you even argued vice commander, and said you want to rescue Alkerto.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Sigrid bowed her head. Morris sighed and crossed his legs. ¡°Moreover, you argued.¡± Sigrid knew there was no excuse. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Why do you apologize about that?¡± Morris crossed his arms and stared at her. ¡°Huh?¡± When Sigrid raised her head, she saw Morris¡¯s smile. ¡°I¡¯m actually a little happy, but I¡¯m also still not happy, so it¡¯s double.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°If it were you in the past, you would never have protested.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Sigrid had nothing to say about it. Because it was obviously a fact. Morris then continued. ¡°You did that to save Alkerto, I¡¯m glad you did that. But, I¡¯m not happy because I see that you do not value your life.¡± ¡°But I¡¯m confident that I will live.¡± Slowly, Sigrid made an excuse. Morris squinted his eyes. ¡°Even in front of the monster?¡± ¡°Well.. firstly, I¡¯m confident in my skill¡­¡± ¡°I know, but what if the rescuers did not arrive soone, what would you have done? Haah.. Although those fellows were annoying, their skill are real.¡± ¡°Yeah, they are really annoying.¡± Sigrid nodded and seemed to parrot what Morris said. However, what she meant was not the First Knight Order people, but Veramood. For her, Veramood was the most irritating person. However, she acknowledged that his skill was excellent. Still, he was so irritating. The most annoying thing was when she was called a dog, he was a popular black knight. Thinking about this, Sigrid strangely felt very annoyed. ¡®Come to think of it, I think he came once to see me in prison?¡¯ She couldn¡¯t remember clearly because, at that time, she was so distracted by the torture. ¡ª..¡¯i didn¡¯t mean to¡¯ He just said something, but she couldn¡¯t remember it. ¡°Sigrid?¡± ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Sigrid, who was dazed in her thought, raised her head after Morris called out her name. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much.¡± Morris sighed and laughed at her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Sigrid answered while feeling ticklish inside. Worry. It was the first time she had been worried about someone. Then, the rumbling of the carriage stopped. They arrived. Sigrid opened the door, but Morris got off the carriage first. He then held out his hand, which Sigrid awkwardly grabbed and stepped out of the carriage. ¡°Thanks¡± After she got off, she realized that it was definitely easier to get off while holding someone¡¯s hand, also her wound hurt a lot less. Morris grinned hearing Sigrid¡¯s words. The carriage arrived in the area between the second and third district, where the majority of ordinary people live. It was an ambiguous area. It was not so poor looking to be called District 3, but it was definitely a shabby area to call it District 2. Morris took the lead and Sigrid followed him. After entering one of the buildings and going straight to the second floor, and passing through an old but clean hallway, Morris knocked one of the blue front doors. The door was opened shortly after. Alkerto, with his pale face, opened his eyes roundly in shock when he saw Morris in front of the door. ¡°Morris?¡± ¡°Hi!¡± Sigrid sneaked out from behind Morris and greeted him. ¡°Sigrid.¡± Alkerto opened the door wide and let them in. The living space was just one room, but it was spacious in its own way, and the light from the window was good. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Sigrid asked. ¡°I was treated by a healer. That¡¯s why I¡¯m like this.¡± Sigrid was about to say something, but she just nodded when seeing his face was still pale. It would be nice to heal all the wounds, but the healing power of a healer was not free. She knew he had no choice but to heal some wounds, and leave the rest with natural healing. Of course, even healing those few wounds cost a lot of money, so using a healer was not something that ordinary people could enjoy. Alkerto, sitting on the bed, rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°It would have been better if that bastard hadn¡¯t hit the back of my head.¡± Sigrid laughed bitterly at those words. Alkerto raised his head and looked at Sigrid. When he woke up after being healed by a healer, the news he heard was that it was the first knight order that had killed the monster. He was taken aback by that, but he chose to keep his mouth shut. He just thought, maybe Sigrid had other ideas. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Sigrid nodded, hearing Alkerto¡¯s words. Alkerto examined Sigrid¡¯s complexion. ¡°I should get you some tea but¡­¡± ¡°Where is the logic that a person receives hospitality when visiting a sick friend? Just lay down.¡± have you told your family?¡± Morris cut Alkerto¡¯s word, refusing Alkerto¡¯s offer. ¡°No, I havent. They would be worry.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s better to go and let them take care of you?¡± Hearing what Morris said, Sigrid asked, ¡°Does your family live nearby?¡± ¡°They live outside the capital, but in the suburbs. If I were to go there, instead of being taken care of, I¡¯ll have to do a lot of work.¡± Alkerto replied with a smile. ¡°Why?¡± Sigrid was puzzled. But Alkerto replied with a serene tone, ¡°Oh.. did i not tell you? My father was gone. So I¡¯m the head of the family. I have four younger siblings under my care. The money I earned goes there.¡± ¡°¡­. I never knew.¡± Sigrid only thought that he was a playboy without a single worry. ¡°It seemed so.¡± Alkerto smiled and ruffled his golden hair. A guilt pierced Sigrid¡¯s heart. Chapter 26 Chapter 26: Misunderstanding A pang of guilt pierced at Sigrid¡¯s heart. Especially, when she thought about the insults she had said in the past. She thought he was a guy who was flirting around with women and trying to attach himself to nobles. She never thought he would have a family. And on top of that, he was a head of a family? ¡°Is there anything I could do to help?¡± Alkerto and Morris looked at her astonished. Alkerto blinked his turquoise eyes a few times and then shook his head with a smile. ¡°Thank you, but it¡¯s okay. The wound would heal after I have a rest for a few days. You, too, are not free enough to take care of others.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± It would take some time to fill her aura core. ¡°But it would over soon, so if there is anything I could help you with, I¡¯d like to help.¡± Morris frowned hearing Sigrid¡¯s words. ¡°What do you mean ¡®it¡¯s over soon¡¯? You should not say like that.¡± ¡°Huh? No.. uh¡­ it will be over soon.¡± ¡°Hey.¡± ¡°Morris.¡± The flustered Alkerto tried to stop Morris, but Morris shook his head. He had waited long enough. ¡°No, I had to say this. Sigrid, you should think about trying to live little longer.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Unable to comprehend Morris words, Sigrid blinked. ¡°You¡¯ve been sick right? A deadly disease. I know everything.¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even think about hiding it. ¡°I¡¯ll send you to the healer, so make sure you get treated.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s it. No refusal.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Morris is right. Even if it costs some money, the money is spent well for good healer¡± Even Alkerto spoke with a serious face. Sigrid fell into confusion. A deadly disease? Her? Did they say that she fell ill without realizing it? Wasn¡¯t that a bit odd? After fumbling in her head awhile, Sigrid then said, ¡°I don;t have a deadly disease.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What are you talking about now?¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious. I¡¯m fine.¡± Morris and Alkerto looked at her, feeling suspicious. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for digging into your life without notice, but.. But aren¡¯t we friends now?¡± Alkerto looked at Sigrid with a sympathetic expression on his face. Sigrid, although still in bewilderment, swung her hards around. ¡°No! I¡¯m not sick. I¡¯m totally energetic. Why? Why did you think I¡¯m going to die?¡± It wasn¡¯t until Sigrid showed a desperate move of swinging both arms, and spinning and jumping, ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The two men lost their words. A moment later, Sigrid covered her face and let out a groan. ¡°Was there a rumor like that spread around?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°That¡­umm.. If it¡¯s not that, well..what type of rumor would be possible ¡­¡± ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Hearing Sigrid groaned, Morris felt a bit guilty. ¡°I¡¯ll clear it up for you, okay?¡± ¡°Yes, we also have a responsibility in that.¡± ¡°As long as you keep calm, you would be fine.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Morris nodded his head when Sigrid was peeking through her fingers and asked with her scarlet eyes looked at him. He was scared of what Marisuez and Rowen Green would say, but he was the one who made the false rumor¡­. ¡°So that¡¯s why¡­ for some reason, I felt that Marisuez was strangely kind.¡± Now that Sigrid thought about it, it seemed that Marisuez thought she had a deadly disease and gave a sympathy. Sigrid took a deep breath. She felt she had to write a letter to Marisuez and Rowen Green. However, there was an anxious feeling in her mind. She worried that they would feel they were deceived by her, and she would lose the joy of having female friends that she just got. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, those two, it would be me that they would hunt down.¡± Morris spoke in a grave tone, and Alkerto for a moment thought ¡®i¡¯m glad I got injured.¡¯ After talking for a while, Morris decided that it was to go. ¡°It¡¯s not good to stay too long, so we¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°Wai, can I talk to Sigrid? Just two of us?¡± At Alkerto request, Sigrid nodded her head. There was a frown on Morris¡¯ forehead. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait outside.¡± Then Morris went out of the room. ¡ªClick As soon as the door closed, Alkerto opened his mouth. ¡°You¡ª¡± ¡°I know. Are you talking about the first knight order?¡± ¡°Yeah. Why did they say it was killed by those kids?¡± ¡°Well.. I asked Veramood to claim it for himself. But he then asked the first knights order.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Why did you pass the ball? Did Veramood make any threats? Didn¡¯t that bastard take off your clothes? DId he do something after that?!¡± Alkerto¡¯s voice gradually started to rise up. Sigrid shook her head. ¡°No. he didn¡¯t. I just didn;t want to announce that I had an aura core.¡± At that, Alkerto bit his mouth. Sigrid looked at him. ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone know for the time being. I hope you could keep a secret about it.¡± ¡°If that what you want, then I would do it. But why? It¡¯s a good thing, you could go up.¡± ¡°I need time to really think more about it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a little weird these days. Though, it¡¯s weird in a good way. But, if it¡¯s not a deadly disease, that what is the reason?¡± ¡°Well.. it just happens.¡± It was an inexplicable phenomenon, so Sigrid just shrugged. Alkerto sighed. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Nahh.. it should be me. Thanks for saving me. I would have died if you hadn¡¯t come.¡± ¡°Thank you too. For living.¡± With this, she knew she could change the future, one less thing she regretted. Alkerto smiled and held out his hand. ¡°Let¡¯s do well, fellow commoners.¡± Sigrid smiled and clapped his hands. ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Rest well.¡± ¡°Yes. You go home safely.¡± After waving her hand, Sigrid left Alkerto¡¯s house. She thought Morris would ask, but he did not. ¡°Sig.. ribs..you have to see a healer.¡± ¡°How do you know?¡± ¡°How could I not?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Sigrid nodded her head obediently, and Morris smiled, then closed the carriage door. Chapter 27 Chapter 27: Arcana Veramood was reading a personnel report. ¡®Why are you doing something you haven¡¯t been doing?¡¯ was the thought of Nas, the vice commander of the squad. Veramood did not say anything, so he did not ask anything. He just handed out the letter he brought to Veramood. ¡°The bill for the loss of clothes, please send it to your house, not here.¡± ¡°Huh? Bill? Where?¡± ¡°This, the violet boutique.¡± ¡°Huh? We don¡¯t use that place?¡± Confused, Veramood ripped open the envelope and took the bill out. [Silver Button: 4] ¡°Ah.¡± He didn¡¯t think she really wouldn¡¯t let it go. ¡°Stingy.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± Veramood then roughly shoved the bill into his pocket. ¡°How many aura users are there who are coming to our squad?¡± ¡°Other than Captain and I, there are four people in total. The two of them lived close was nearby. How can you not know this?¡± ¡°I know, I¡¯m just asking to confirm.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s say that you are.¡± ¡°I found an aura user.¡± Nas face showed he was interested. ¡°Have you recruited him?¡± ¡°Yeah, i have, but i got rejected.¡± ¡°the other recruitted him first?¡± ¡°No, I was the first. But, the reason for rejection is a bit funny¡­. She¡¯s young and pretty, but the way she¡¯s thinking is like someone living 200 years ago.¡± ¡°It might felt discriminatory that I constantly use different word, but is that person a woman?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s a female aura core user, she¡¯s the first one.¡± ¡°Yeah, and, just turned twenty.¡± Nas couldn¡¯t help but be surprised hearing that. It was because that fell within the scope of genius. ¡°I want to recruit her in before the 2nd and 3rd squads¡¯ fight.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a fight, it is a battle increasing the friendship.¡± ¡°That or that.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s right.¡± Nas meekly admitted. The Imperial Knight was divided into eight squads, each squad had its own command system. However, they still had their own ranks. The 1st squad was the strongest, and it was a de facto unit under the emperor¡¯s side. In fact, in case of an emergency, the 1st squad leader has the authority to give orders to all squad leaders. And 2nd and 3rd squad were the ones who hated seeing this the most. As a result, they were not on good terms. In the regular sparring held once a month, they always did their best to somehow try to beat the 1st squad. Which of course, 1st squad was also doing everything they could to win. This kind of bad rivalry was not uncommon between them. It was long-established since Imperial Knight was created. ¡°I¡¯d like to bring her here before the other squads take her.¡± ¡°Then why did she reject you?¡± ¡°She hasn¡¯t decided yet who she would serve as her master.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a novel answer.¡± ¡°Right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡®That¡¯s a good rejection phrase,¡¯ was what was repeated in Nas¡¯ head. It was a hassle to refuse to be scouted without hurting the other¡¯s pride, but saying that phrase, there would be no problem. ¡°I have to say that the interesting part of it is that it is sincere.¡± Veramood murmured while closing the report. ¡®So square.¡¯ ¡°There isn¡¯t a tree that doesnt¡¯ fall after being tried to hew down ten times, right?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure that would be annoying. Cheer up, captain.¡± Nas replied with a smile in his eyes. *** Bang bang¡ª The maid named Mary ran down to the front door after hearing the sound of knocking on the knocker. The young lady newly introduced by Master Morris was gentle, she did not talk too much, no wage arrears. Basically, she was the best lady for an employer. So, of course, Mary also opened the door with the attitude of the best employee. ¡°Welcome.¡± ¡°Is this the house of Sir Ankertna?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Lunatil, Imperial Knight¡¯s Captain.¡± ¡°Please come in this way.¡± Mary guided Veramood to the drawing-room with her best posture she could think of. Although maybe she dressed a bit colorful to mimic the behavior of a knight, she thought at least her walk should be a bit similar to it. There was no other sound besides their walking in the house. The house that used to be so simple was now decorated well. It was obviously thanks to the help of Marisuez and Rowen Green that Sigrid finally thought of the interior of her house. After looking around the house, Veramood sat down on the sofa. After a while, Sigrid walked into the drawing-room with a dissatisfied face at a glance. ¡°I came here without an invitation, sorry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s an apology that doesn¡¯t even feel like you¡¯re sorry, but I accept it.¡± ¡°Then, let¡¯s get to the point, I¡¯ve read your personal report and evaluation.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± ¡°Can you not not see me with that kind of look? as if I committed an illegal activity? Hey, I have the authority.¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t like that, but¡­ would you like some tea first?¡± Just because the other person was not polite, it didn¡¯t mean she should be unpolite too. ¡°Great.¡± ¡°Mary, please give us some tea.¡± ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± As Mary retreated, Sigrid took a seat across from him. ¡°How are the wounds?¡± ¡°The cracks were treated by the healer. Bruising takes time.¡± ¡°No, the core.¡± Oh, then Sigrid nodded her head. ¡°The core is fine too.¡± ¡°Is it still?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Is it still in my color?¡± Was this person like this? The Veramood Sigrid knew was not like this. He was an incisive, ferocious, violent, genius, and unusually sarcastic person. This kind of ¡®sexual harassment¡¯ was out of the ordinary. ¡°Yes, it is still there.¡± Why did he even ask even though he knew? Sigrid was a bit annoyed. She knew Veramood had good ¡°eyes¡±. There was a saying that his eyes were strange. He could see or read the flow of someone¡¯s aura. That was why the position of her aura core was easily identified by him. ¡°It would be rude if I ask you to show me.¡± ¡°If you know, don¡¯t say it out loud.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ Sigrid is a bit difficult.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even call me by my name.¡± Veramood smiled while leaning his upper body on the sofa. His red and blue eyes were full of playfulness. He was wearing a black slim-fit suit. But it was a very ambiguous outfit to even call it a formal suit. His outfit was mixed between leather and fabric. From his neck to his hand, except his head, there was nowhere to see his bare skin, but somehow he was more like a gangster. On the contrary, although Sigrid wore a baggy shirt and a trouser, and with only wearing slippers at that, she exuded the atmosphere of being a ¡®knight¡¯. And Veramood was curious about that. ¡®Is it because she has an upright posture?¡¯ ¡°So the thing is¡­.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You said you haven¡¯t decided your master yet.¡± ¡°Right.¡± ¡°Then, why don¡¯t you join the Imperial Knight?¡± ¡°Why is it connected like that?¡± ¡°Because the Imperial Knight is in the center of the imperial palace.¡± Veramood smiled vigorously. ¡°You could see and check all the people who could be your master.¡± Sigrid took a deep breath. What he said was right. The 2nd knight order could only enter the second area of the imperial palace. If she wanted to know more about the key figures of this country, at least, the easiest way was to have a position that gave her access to be closer to those people. As Sigrid was thinking, Mary and another maid came with a tray. They put down the teacups and napkins, poured tea, and then backed off. Veramood slowly drank the tea while Sigrid thought silently ¡°I think I need more time to think about this.¡± Sigrid held up a cup of tea, waking up from her thoughts. There were things that she hadn¡¯t finished yet. Besides, joining Imperial Knight made her uncomfortable, since it was the same step like she did in the past. ¡°As you please.¡± Veramood replied lightly. ¡®I didn¡¯t think you would decide it right away anyway.¡¯ Veramood got up from his seat after having finished the cup of tea. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll get going.¡± ¡°Yes, take care of yourself.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you usually hold the guest on?¡± ¡°Do you want to be held on?¡± ¡°No¡­, I mean, how could you say that so frankly? My my..¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one who asked such a blatant question first.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be like this, too tiring, enjoy your life.¡± Veramood slightly waved his hand and left the front door. Sigrid sighed deeply. Chapter 28 Chapter 28: Arcana Sigrid sighed deeply. ¡®Recruited by Veramood himself.¡¯ Imperial Knight 1st squad. In the past, Sigrid was a member of the 6th squad. So, she knew how annoying Veramood was. And the fact that he was the commander of the 1st squad made him more irritating for her. He was someone who has something that she could never have. Sigrid pressed her lips tightly. She remembered Veramood was pissed off when she set the slum on fire. He rushed in almost half¡ªno, definitely full of intention to kill her. But he didn¡¯t kill her. Just after that, he completely treated her as if she was trash or dirt. Yet, he now came to her to recruit her. What a weird feeling. Sigrid stood for a while in a strange mood. A feeling that she could neither laugh nor be angry. Then she went to the study room after telling Mary to clean the drawing-room. While sitting at the desk, Sigrid looked at the view outside her study room. A small smile appeared on her face. She was glad she took this house. This side view was good. Sigrid looked around for a moment. After she was sure she sensed no one around, she straightened her posture and took a paper out of the drawer. It was a document containing simple personal information about Arcana and his address. Sometimes ago, Sigrid had asked a guild to find out about Arcana. She planned to meet him while she was on vacation¡­. But she had too much fun playing Sigrid covered her face with both hands. Being a late bloomer was scary. Because she now knew the joy in ¡®entertainment¡¯ through the door Marisuez opened, she kept wanting to do it even though she knew there was a more important thing to do. She couldn¡¯t help it. It was so much fun. Going out, laughing, and chatting with other people. ¡®Pathetic. Wake up Sigrid Ankertna.¡± SLAP¡ª Sigrid pat both her cheeks aloud, then looked at the address in the document. Arcana¡¯s house was in a small village outside the capital. ¡®Let¡¯s find him today.¡¯ Sigrid folded the paper, put it in her pocket, then got up from her seat. There was no word in the document indicating Arcana was a mage. So there was a possibility the person in the document was not the Arcana she knew. But, she still had to go. Because the chance was 50/50. Sigrid took out her outing clothes and put them on. She now had so many clothes that she was even confused about which ones were which. She admired Marisuez even more now. How could she remember all these clothes? Most of them looked similar to her, but Marisuez could know the different detail of them. Like the different colors of the collar, the design of each of those clothes. Marisuez knew it. Recalling how Marisuez nagged at her, Sigrid laughed a bit then reflexively shrugged her shoulders. CLICK¡ª the metallic sound connecting the cape was heard. As Sigrid went downstairs, the maid asked. ¡°My lady, are you going out?¡± ¡°Yes, i¡¯ll go to do some work.¡± ¡°Shall we prepare dinner?¡± ¡°Yes, please.¡± ¡®I would go back before dinner, would I?¡¯ was what Sigrid thought before she left the house. Sigrid rode her horse leisurely. After she moved, she always took a carriage to go everywhere. So, it felt it had been a long time she could enjoy horseriding. AS she made her way into a small town near the capital, she heard people shouting. ¡®Hmm?¡¯ Sigrid turned her head toward where the fuss was. A frown appeared on her face. A group of men surrounded one girl. Sigrid quickly got off Echo and approached them at a quick pace. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± The men turned their heads and flinched hearing her voice. Sigrid looked at them, then looked at the woman covered with tears. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Just go on on your way.¡± Before Sigrid could answer, a man waved his hand toward her. But of course, Sigrid paid no attention to it. She moved closer to them. ¡°I don¡¯t think I could just go away.¡± ¡°It seemes like you¡¯re a knight, just for you know, this woman is a commoner who refused to do her duty that is given by our Count. So outsider could not interfere in this.¡± After hearing one of the men¡¯s words, Sigrid gently raised her head and looked at a nobleman in colorful clothes standing not far from where they stood. Sigrid turned her head to the woman. ¡°Are you that Count¡¯s people?¡± The woman shook her head. Sigrid frowned slightly. Then she approached the woman¡¯s side and grabbed one of the men¡¯s arms who grabbed her. ¡°If she¡¯s not your count¡¯s people, then the duty is not justified.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Where do you belong to?¡± ¡°I¡¯m part of the 2nd knight order of the Imperial Palace.¡± The men¡¯s faces relaxed hearing those words. They thought she was a knight with a great background, but she was just the second order. ¡°Just go on on your way, Sir. Knight.¡± ¡°Haha, just a female knight, but she dared to step in and gave orders.¡¯ ¡°Just a knight from the 2nd order¡­ and even in front of our Count.¡± The men¡¯s attitude changed like a palm flip but Sigrid did not stop her doings and had any intention to stop. Because legally, she was right. ¡°This is Emperor¡¯s land, and she is the subject of of Emperor, so whatever the Count¡¯s order, we couldn¡¯t go too far and tarnished the Emperor¡¯s face, could we?¡± The men were amazed. Since the commotion continued, the count approached. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°This knight tried to interfere my Lord¡¯s order¡­¡± The Count glanced at Sigrid. ¡°I¡¯m Count Oren. Who are you?¡± ¡°My name is Sigrid Ankertna, a member of the 2nd Knights Order. I¡¯m here to stop these people dragged this woman unfairly.¡± Count Oren thought for a moment. Memorizing nobles¡¯ genealogy was the basic thing that a noble should do. So, when Count Oren tried to recall the name of nobles, he could not find a surname Ankerna in his memory. In an instant, the count¡¯s face was distorted, ¡°How dare a knight of the second order block my order?!¡± ¡°Count Oren, this place is ruled by the Emperor himself. The imperial law is above your orders.¡± ¡°Oh yeah? Then I¡¯ll show you somehting closer than the law.¡± Sigrid tilted her head after hearing the count¡¯s words. The woman¡¯s face turned pale. She quickly realized the situation. The status of the female knight in front of her was far lower. Chapter 29 Chapter 29: Arcana The woman¡¯s face turned pale. She quickly realized the situation. The status of the female knight in front of her was far lower. ¡°Guys!¡± At the Count¡¯s shouting, some knights drew their swords. Sigrid frowned. ¡°Do you know the consequences draw your sword to the Emperor¡¯s knight? It¡¯s treason¡ª¡± Before her words could be finished, the knights rushed in under the Count¡¯s glance. Sigrid pulled out her sword while avoiding their attack. ¡°Then, I don¡¯t have to cut you some slack either.¡± Count Oren¡¯s face was stained red with shame. Because less than ten minutes later, the fight was decided. Sigrid didn¡¯t even need to use her aura, The Count¡¯s knights from the countryside were no match to Sigrid¡¯s sword skill. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll call the guard and arrest them.¡± Sigrid put her sword into her sheath. ¡°You, Bitch!¡± On Sigrid, the insulting word just went in one ear and out the other. She then looked at the woman. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Yes, yes¡ª¡± The woman¡¯s face turned red as she answered. At the same time, the capital guards who were patrolling the road heard the commotion and ran to the scene, but they arrived, they looked embarrassed. Of course, Sigrid was right. She was right¡ªbut none of the guards had the guts to arrest the Count. The Count groaned, ¡°You just wait!¡± Then together with the guards, the Count and his knight headed to the capital. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Sigrid tilted her head when she heard the woman¡¯s question. What was that question? She didn¡¯t do anything wrong. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°My name is Seria.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Sigrid Ankertna. Then, I¡¯ll take you home.¡± ¡°Yes? No, you don¡¯t need to. I¡¯m fine¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. And I have a question¡­¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± ¡°Do you know a person named Arcana? He lives in this town.¡± Seria opened her eyes widely, ¡°hm, he¡¯s my older brother.¡± Sigrid was surprised, then smiled, ¡°That¡¯s great. Could I get your guidance?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Seria answered in a firm tone, then took the lead and started walking. ¡°What was with Count Oren?¡± Sigrid asked. ¡°That, that¡­. While I was walking down the street, he stopped me and said he liked me.¡± ¡°Aaaahh¡­¡± Sigrid nodded. It seemed that the Count brought his habit of living when he was in his own estate to the emperor¡¯s land. It didn¡¯t matter if what he did was against his serfe¡¯s wishes¡ª ¡®Does serfe¡¯s whishes matter?¡± There was something that come up to her mind and slightly bothered her. ¡®Still, isn¡¯t anything forced bad? But serfs also are posession.. So they¡¯re not breaking any laws either. but..Hmm..¡¯ ¡°Oh right!¡± Suddenly Seria raised her voice, waking Sigrid up from her thoughts. ¡°Thank you for saving me!¡± Seria said with a smile. ¡°I just did what I had to do.¡± ¡°No! I survived thanks to you!¡± Seria looked at the woman in front of her with her ecstatic eyes. She was like a person who came out from a heroic story. A dignified female warrior with silver hair that looked like a halo wrapped around her. How could such a person look for her brother? ¡°So..¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Why are you looking for Arcana?¡± ¡°That¡ª I want to ask him something.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I want to talk about it just with him.¡± ¡°Oh, right. Sorry.¡± Seria kept twisting her red hair with her fingers. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Seria, who had copper hair, a slightly tanned face, and green eyes, was a healthy and cheerful-looking beautiful girl. But one thing that concerned her the most was the freckles on her skin. ¡°Do you know how to ride a horse?¡± Seria answered Sigrid by shaking her head. Sigrid walk away for a moment, then came back with Echo with her. ¡°Then, it would be better to ride it together.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°May I go up first? there, put your foot on the stirrup and take my hand.¡± Seria thought today was the most memorable day of her life. As soon as they entered the small village, they drew people¡¯s attention all at once. Seria guided the way while working hard to calm her blushing face. Then they arrived in front of the house on the outskirts of town. Bang, bang!¡ª Soon after Seria knocked the door strongly, the door swung open, and a man then came out. ¡°Seria? Why are you so late¡­¡± The man¡¯s voice, who was about to ask, gradually slowed down as he saw Sigrid standing behind Seria. No matter how much he looked at it, the clothes the person wear were not something the villagers would wear. ¡°This person saved me.¡± When Seria turned around, Sigrid greeted him in a knight manner. ¡°My name is Sigrid Ankertna. May I call you Lord Arcana?¡± LORD¡ª?! Arcana was shocked hearing the ridiculous title. ¡°I, I think Arcana is fine, that¡¯s, uh¡ª¡± ¡®Oh, that¡¯s right. Not yet.¡¯ Red hair, green eyes. The appearance of him overlapped with the face she had seen in the past. ¡°Are you the magician, Sir. Arcana?¡± After hearing those words, the puzzled expression on Arcana¡¯s face completely disappeared. Cautious, suspicious, distrustful. ¡®I came to the right place.¡¯ ¡°Could I have a conversation with you for a moment?¡± Sigrid spoke politely again. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. But I think you¡¯re looking for the wrong person. Seria, come in.¡± When Arcana beckoned to Seria, the girl hesitated between the two of them, but then quickly approached Arcana. ¡°Arcana, this is the one who saved me today.¡± ¡°It could be on purpose.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± Seria raised her voice. ¡°Go in.¡± Arcana pushed Seria inside. ¡°Listen to what she sadi first.¡± ¡°I said go inside.¡± As Arcana¡¯s voice lowered, Seria entered their house hurriedly after greeting Sigrid, which was replied with a nod. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you tempted my younger sister, but I have nothing to say, so just go back, Knight.¡± ¡°I wish I could just go back, but it¡¯s a serious problem for me too. Could I just listen to me for a moment?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not magician, or whatever it is.¡± After speaking firmly, Arcana closed the door without hesitation. ¡®What should I do?¡¯ Sigrid didn¡¯t expect it would be like this¡­ While hesitating, Sigrid knocked on the door again. ¡°Lord Arcana¡ªNo¡­, Sir. Arcana. Please listen to me for a second. Sir. Arcana.¡± Sigrid tried to knock on the door couple of times, but there was no sound from inside the house as if they were heading from the debtor. ¡°I¡¯ll come back again, Sir.¡± Sigrid sighed while looking at the house. She then left and returned to her home. When she arrived, there were two soldiers waiting for her. ¡°Are you Sir. Sigrid ANkertna?¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right.¡± ¡°I¡¯m arresting you on charges of assault and intimadation.¡± ¡°Assault and intimidation?¡± ¡°There is a complaint from Count Oren.¡± ¡°But he was the first one who¡ª¡± ¡°Please go the guard station first.¡± Sigrid frowned, then nodded. She then told Mary, her maid. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you¡¯ve prepared dinner, but I have to go. I would come home and eat later.¡± ¡°Yes, yes.. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Mary looked at her employer leaving with the guard with a worried face. The three maids put their heads together trying to find a solution, then they¡¯ve decided one of them should go to their old employer¡¯s house. Chapter 30 Chapter 30: Arcana Sigrid had no worries even though she went with the guards. Because she used her power justly. However, when she arrived at the guard station, the story had changed. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Sigrid frowned. ¡°I¡¯m talking about how dare you to assault and threaten my party in the middle of the road. You even beat down on my knight who couldn¡¯t even pick a weapon!¡± Count Orange said with a rather stern face. Next to him stood the knights with their harsh faces who were beaten by Sigrd earlier. ¡°You drew your weapon first, so I picked mine too.¡± ¡°Nonsense! The knights attacked first? If the weapon was drawn from our side first, why didn¡¯t you get hurt?¡± ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m strong.¡± ¡°No matter how strong you are, it is nonsense to be able to beat four men by yourself, just apologize and compensate!¡± Sigrid was shocked. ¡°What are you talking about now?¡± ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m lying?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°This bitch! Guard Captain! What do you think!¡± Count Oren quickly turned his head to Ammu, the guard captain, who now made a troubled face. ¡°Well, there¡¯s no evidence on either side¡­.¡± ¡°Of course there is evidence.¡± Count Oren grinned. ¡®Evidence?¡¯ Sigrid frowned slightly, then said, ¡°oh.¡± ¡°I also have a witness. Please call the woman whom Count Oren harassed of at that time.¡± Someone nodded. Count Oren smiled more deeptly after he heard what SIgrid said. As one of the guards went out to the address Sigrid said, Morris came in as if switching with the guard. ¡°Sigrid, what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Morris? How did you know?¡± Sigrid¡¯s eyes were opened wide, surprised. Morris scratched his cheek. ¡°Somehow, I found out. Anway, assault crime?¡± Count Oren¡¯s eyes narrowed. Guard Captain Ammu coughed and explained the situation. ¡°According to Count Oren, he said that Sir. Ankertna blocked Count Oren¡¯s carriage that was going to the capital this afternoon, and quarreled. Count Oren¡¯s knights tried to appease Sir. Ankertna, but she pulled out her sword, and injured three people. He also claimed that Sir. Ankertna disappeared after intimidating the count and extoring his money.¡± ¡°What?¡± Morrias asked spontaneously. He couldn¡¯t believe what he heard. Because there was no way Sigrid would do that. Sigrid then said in a cold voice. ¡°I¡¯ve never done that. While i was walking down the street, I saw Count Oren harassing a woman and trying to kidnap her. But when I tried to stop them, those knights pulled out their sword, so I responded to it. Then I handed over Count Oren¡¯s knights to the capital guards who came over.¡± ¡°Handed over? They¡¯ve protected me from you! Just call the guards and listen to their story!¡± ¡°When they arrived to the scene, the situation was over.. That¡¯s the testimony of the guards¡­.¡± Ammu quickly spoked up for his guards. ¡°Then, let me present my witness.¡± Count Oren nodded to one of his knights. The knight went out for a moment, then came in with a man in shabby clothes. The man looked very nervous when he saw people in the room. ¡°Now, tell us the truth. At the words of Count Oren, the man groaned. ¡°Yes, yes.¡± ¡°At that time, this peasant was picking weeds out of field, then suddenly this peasant heard loud noise, so I thought what is it? Then when I looked at it, that woman blocking the carriage.¡± ¡°What?¡± Sigrid¡¯s voice lowered hearing the man¡¯s statements. ¡°Ehm!¡± Count Oren glared at Sigrid. ¡°Don¡¯t try to intimidate the witness, Sir. Ankertna. You, keep talking.¡± Sigrid furrowed her eyebrows hearing the unfounded facts in the man¡¯s story. But the man did not stop talking. ¡°I, I was just there watching because I was shocked. The Count spoke nicely from inside the carriage, the male drivers approached to the women, but suddenly she pulled out her sword!¡± Sigrid clenched her teeth. ¡°The knights were bewildered! This person swung her sword when they didn¡¯t even drew their swords. Then she asked the count some money! When they Count handed over the money bag, that woman disappeared. Yes, yes.¡± SIgrid remained silent. The scene in front of her right at that moment was very similar to what happened to her in the past. A stranger testified that he saw her, and knew her well. A lier. A man she¡¯d never seen before, telling his own story, lying, and unseen shreds of evidence pouring out from her room¡ªher breath suffocating. It felt like her eyes were going blackout. At that time, here and there¡ªthe voice of the slanders, the evidence that refuted her desperate claim. She told the truth, but everyone said it was a lie. ¡°¡­.lease..¡± Morris turned to Sigrid after he heard Sigrid¡¯s little whisper, and he was startled seeing her palce face. Sigrid reached out and grabbed the hem of Morris sleeve. ¡°No.. I didn¡¯t.. No¡± Hearing Sigrid¡¯s desperate words, Morris took her hand and smiled. ¡°I know.¡± Know. Sigrid felt the heavy load on her shoulders was draining her, her strength rushing out from her body hearing that word. She felt like crying. Morris wondered why SIgrid was so anxious, so he tightened her grip on her hand. Ammu coughed and said. ¡°The witness of Sir. Ankertna hasn¡¯t arrived yet, so let¡¯s wait a moment.¡± After a while, the guards arrived and salute, but his face was like he was in trouble. ¡°Sir. Ankertna, I¡¯m sorry, but I couldn¡¯t find that person.¡± ¡°What?¡± SIgrid asked in surprise. Ammu and Morris¡¯ face darkened at the same time. ¡°I went to the house you mentioned, but no ona was there. When I asked the villagers, the people living in that house had disappeared two or three days ago¡­.¡± ¡°No way!¡± She¡¯s just talked to them today. ¡°Oh my, oh my¡­ Beside committed false perjury, now you tried to stage a false witness? Buying time is ended. Should I take this case to His Majesty the Great Emperor?¡± Count Oren said sarcastically. ¡°What do you actually want?¡± Morris asked. ¡°Compensate with money, and since she has been given a special wealth as a knight of the Emperor, she should quit Knight Order. And in order to resolve the misunderstanding, it would be nice talk to Sir. Ankertna separately.¡± Morris sneered. A bitter laugh blew out. He looked at Count Oren, then looked at the man who claimed to be a witness. ¡°You.¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°My name is Shamu.¡± ¡°There is no lie in your statement, right? Because people who gave false testimony would have their tongue plucked out.¡± ¡°Oh my, oh my, certainly! How could this peasant dare to lie!¡± Shamu¡¯s face turned pale while he fell on the floor. Count Oren looked at Morris for a second. ¡°Hey! Stop threatening witnesses! What are you doing? Shamu, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll protect you.¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Count Oren coughed heavily, and then asked, ¡°So, who are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Morris D¡¯Forest. I¡¯m Sir. Ankertna colleague.¡± ¡°D¡¯Forest? Oh, you¡¯re the second son of the D¡¯forest family.¡± A mean smile spreaad across Count Oren¡¯s face. ¡°Is your brother doing well? ¡°Yes, he¡¯s doing well.¡± Morris¡¯ face hardened, but th answer flowed smoothly from his mouth. Count Oren smirked. ¡°It¡¯s hard, it¡¯s hard indeed to be the capable second son. And Sir. D¡¯Forst, you must be careful in choosing your friends. It¡¯s funny that commoner could become imperial knight. Do you see how daring they are to raise their swords towards nobles?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think I need your advice on my friendship. As Morris cut him off, Count Oren snorted. ¡°So, what are you going to do huh, SIr. Ankertna? Shouldn¡¯t you get down on your knees and offer a sincere apology now?¡± Sigird¡¯s shoulders trembled slightly. Anger and despair swirled in her chest. ¡®Why do I have to suffer like this when I haven¡¯t done anything wrong?¡¯ Suddenly, a bright voice was heard. ¡°Oh, Count Oren, I heard you have something to do with my friend?¡± Chapter 31 Chapter 31: Arcana ¡°Oh, Count Oren, I heard you have business with my friend?¡± It was Rowe??n Green, dressed lavishly from head to toe. Morris looked relieved, and Sigird opened her mouth. ¡°Rowen Green?¡± ¡°Siri.¡± Rowen Green Smiled, calling a nickname that Sigrid never heard of her saying it. Count Oren was embarrassed and kissed on the back of Rowen Green¡¯s hand. ¡°Do you know that young woman, Marquis Alsekidna?¡± ¡°I do, she¡¯s a friend of mine of the same Knight Order.¡± ¡°You do¡­¡± Count Oren face hardened strangely. Rowen Green fluttered her fan. ¡°So what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that a big of deal, it¡¯s just that there was a bit og an argument.¡± Count Oren stepped back a little bit, pretended nothing happened. Rowen Green tilted her head and looked at Morris. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­.¡± After Morris finished the story, ROwen Green closed her fan loudly and looked at Shamu. ¡°Where did you see my friend?¡± ¡°That, that, in the field¡­¡± ¡°Where do you mean in the field? Was it close?¡± Shamu glanced at Count Oren. ¡°It¡¯s about a hundred meters.¡± ¡°It¡¯s about a hundred meters. Sig, have you seen this person?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen him.¡± ¡°If you were within a hundred meters, there was no way the guard could not have seen it. I can¡¯t believe you witnessed something like carriage robbery without doing anything.¡± ¡°It must have been because I stooped down on the field. No, I think it was more than a hundred meters away.¡± ¡°Really? Then how did you hear what they said?¡± ¡°What? Because that woman yelled¡­¡± ¡°So, you heard her conversation with count? Did Count Oren also scream?¡± ¡°I guess he was¡­¡± ¡°And the three knights here were beaten and suffered?¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Hearing that, Rowen Green opened her eyes wide and looked back at Morris. ¡°Morris, you say, if Sigrid drew her sword and there are three of you, do you just receive the beating?¡± ¡°No way. I¡¯ll overpower her, of course.¡± Morris responded with a deliberate strengthening of his voice. Sigrid frowned slightly and mentally calculated whether he could win or not. Rowen Green nodded her head. ¡°I think so too, right? So, Count Oren, are your knights reliable?¡± When Rowen Green suddenly lowered her voice, Count Oren panicked. ¡°They are my old vasals¡­¡± ¡°If Sigrid really attacked Count Oren, those knights! There¡¯s no way three men, a knight, could just be beaten straight away right?¡± ¡°The opponent used sword¡­¡± ¡°Even if one holds a sword, just one Sigrid? Oh my.. Oh my¡­¡± Rowen Green flapped her fan quickly with an expression as if she was disgusted. She looked like she wanted to spread this story to society right away. The faces of the knights and Count Oren were distorted. Rowen Green shook her head. ¡°Perhaps there is some misunderstanding? I think you dirty Sigrid¡¯s clothes while passing by in your carriage. You know, women are sensitive to that.¡± ¡°Yea, yeah it could be.¡± Count Oren nodded in agreement. Rowen Green smiled and said. ¡°Right? So maybe that¡¯t why Sig asked for laundry. As you know, the knight¡¯s salaries are a bit low.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°Then, it must be the witness who messed up Count Oren¡¯s eyes and ears with an unclear story. Amplified the misunderstanding.¡± Shamu¡¯s face turned pale when Rowen Green¡¯s tongue pointed an arrow at the witness sweetly like a snake. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t! My Lord! I will never! You know right?!¡± ¡°What do I know? How dare you drive a wedge between me and Sir. Ankertna!¡± Sigrid frowned. ¡®Wait, I¡¯ve never stopped the carriage and picked a fight, nor have my clothes got dirtied.¡¯ As Sigrid wanted to interfere, Morris quickly grabbed her arm and shook his head. Sigrid bit her mouth, stopping herself to say something. Count Oren swallowed his dissatisfaction. He didn¡¯t want to bump into Rowen Green just for a mere low-ranking knight. The reason was that Marquess of Aleskidna was a well-known noble. And It was also known that the Marquis loved his eldest daughter, Rowen Green Alsekidna, dearly. ¡®If you¡¯re a woman, you should just take care of children at home.¡¯ Count Oren could not comprehend the thoughts of Marquis Alsekidna in letting a woman be outside. ¡®Well, at least that girl is in my hand.¡¯ Tonight, he could take his anger out with that girl. ¡°Sir. Ankertna, I apologized that I misunderstood you. I¡¯d like to pay you for the laundry cost if I dirtied your clothes. Since it would be hard for a commoner to buy a pair of expensive clothes.¡± Count Oren laughed out loud and took some money out of his money bag. ¡°I refused.¡± Sigrid said coldly. Which triggered Count Oren¡¯s anger. But Morris intercepted quickly. ¡°It¡¯s caused by mutual misunderstanding, so there is no need for an apology, Count Oren.¡± ¡°Ah, is that so? Well then, let¡¯s go back.¡± Count Oren coughed loudly, then talked to Rowen Green. ¡°Please, tell your father the story well.¡± Then he left the guard¡¯s office. Morris sighed as if he escaped something bad. ¡°Thank you Rowen Green, I¡¯m saved.¡± Morris stroked his chest while saying it was a good thing he contacted her before he went to the guard station. Because he was weak in this kind of fight. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Rowen Green grabbed the hem of her dress and greeted him lightly. ¡°Why did you lie?¡± Sigrid looked at Rowen green. Rowen Green tilted her head and looked at Sigrid. Sigrid took a step closer. ¡°I didn¡¯t attack the carriage, I didn¡¯t even take any money. He didn¡¯t even dirty my clothes! That person harassed a woman and tried to kidnap her!¡± ¡°I know, but can you prove it?¡± Rowen Green¡¯s clear brown eyes looked directly at Sigrid. Sigrid was about to jump. What did she mean? Her own words are true! Ammu saw a strange atmosphere so he beckoned Shamu. ¡°You, you should hurry up and go too. Don¡¯t involve in this again.¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± A light flashed in Sigrid¡¯s scarlet eyes as she saw Shamu who greeted and was about to leave. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°Sig?¡± Morris grabbed Sigrid¡¯s hand. Sigrid groaned. ¡°Since you dare lying, your tongue should be pulled out.¡± ¡°Sig¡ª¡± ¡°WHAT!¡± ¡°Hurry up and go.¡± A second Morris motioned Shamu, he ran out of the guard¡¯s office like a dog running with its tail down. Sigrid who was about to chase Shamu was caught by Morris. ¡°Let me go!¡± ¡°Nope!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pull that bastard¡¯s tongue out! He framed me! He lied!¡± He lied. They all lied and trapped her¡ª Dug her aura core¡­. Cut her tongue¡­. ¡°That motherfucker framed me!!!¡± Morris was flustered when he saw Sigrid struggling. He then gave more strength to the hands that held her. ¡°Sigrid! Calm down!¡± Feeling like catching a raging wild cat, Morris was restless, then hugged Sigrid tightly from behind. Sigrid kicked the air with her feet and screamed. Everyone in the room was embarrassed because she seemed to have lost her reason. Except for one person. Rowen green lightly approached. SLAP!¡ª A crips-slapping sound was heard. Sigrid looked at Rowen green with blank eyes. Her cheek was burning hot. Rowen Green lowered her hand. ¡°Have your head cooled down?¡± Sigrid bowed her head deeply. When Sigrid¡¯s strength was drained, then Morris let go of Sigrid¡¯s arms. He said ¡°uhh¡­¡± with a face that he didn¡¯t know what to say. Sigrid looked at Rowen Green with the face of someone who had been treated unfairly. ¡°Rowen Green, do you believe what he said?¡± ¡°No. it¡¯s true that person is lying. And you¡¯re right that he framed you. But why?¡± Hearing those words, Sigrid looked blankly at Rowen Green. ¡°If you think about it, did that person decide to do that by his own choice? In the end, everything is not as simple as it¡¯s seen. The world did not work like that.¡± Rowen Green sigh, then she looked at Morris. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Sigrid.¡± ¡°Oh, yeah. Thank you, Rowen Green.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Also, I just wanna tell you that Marisuez is very angry.¡± Morris then sarcastically said, ¡°ugh..¡± then shrugged his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll have to apologize to her later.¡± Morris then looked at Sigrid with a worried expression on his face. He patted her shoulder lightly as if comforting her. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go..¡± SNAP¡ª As Morris lifted his hand, his sleeve was caught, and he panicked. Sigrid looked at him. ¡°What did I do wrong? I, I¡­¡± Morris laughed. ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. But the world doesn¡¯t always run according to the rules. Talk to Rowen Green and rest well today.¡± Sigrid quietly nodded her head. ¡°Let¡¯s go, the carriage waits outside.¡± ¡°Oh, hmm.¡± Sigrid followed Rowen Green¡¯s footsteps. After Sigrid left the guard¡¯s office, Morris looked at Ammu, the guard chief. ¡°So, what is the address of the person Sigrid rescued earlier? I¡¯d love to hear more about the missing situation.¡± Chapter 32 Chapter 33: Arcana Sigrid sat in the carriage and looked down at her knees without saying a word for a while. Rowen Green also didn¡¯t say anything. After a while, Sigrid raised her head hesitantly. ¡°Rowen Green.¡± ¡°Are you in the mood to talk?¡± ¡°Yeah.. your clothes are pretty today.¡± Rowen Green raised her eyebrows, then burst into laughter hearing Sigrid saying those words without energy. ¡°You really, that¡¯s right. Yeah, this is good. A conversation that starts with compliments is not bad.¡± ¡°It¡¯s really pretty.¡± Sigrid was bewildered seeing Rowen Green laugh. She really meant it. It was the first time she saw Rowen Green in such a gorgeous dress. She should have said it earlier, but the timing was not great. ¡°Sigrid.¡± Rowen Green put her arm on the window of the carriage while smiling at Sigrid. ¡°I won¡¯t apologize for hitting you earlier.¡± ¡°Huh? Ah. No, It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve also completely lost my mind¡­.¡± if no one stopped her, she would have hit Morris. Besides, it was definitely better to be awoken than to lose her sanity and be vicious in front of other low-ranking people. Rowen Green smiled bitterly and gently stroked Sigrid¡¯s cheek with her gloved hand. Sigrid shook her head. ¡°This is nothing. I¡¯m okay.¡± It was not uncommon for Sigrid to get hit by a wooden sword when she exercised her fighting skill, so the slap wasn¡¯t enough to say that she was hit. But Sigrid also had something to protest. ¡°Why did you stop me?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Pulling out that damn¡¯s tongue.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t stop you. Morris did.¡± ¡°Rowen Green.¡± Rowen Green leaned her upper body in the carriage chair when she see Sigrid¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°I¡¯m also like that, went to bat for someone. Count Oren¡¯s personality is inherently bad¡­, but neither Morris and I are serf liberators¡­¡± Rowen Green was mumbling, then she asked, ¡°If I were to hold Morris hostage then I asked you to frame Marisuez, what would you do?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t¡± ¡°You don¡¯t want to? What if Morris died?¡± Rowen Green¡¯s face became serious. Sigrid shook her head after thinking for a while. ¡°No, no. it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to do it, I can¡¯t do it. False testimony, framing, lying, is not something that a knight should do.¡± ¡°Is being a knight more precious than Morris¡¯ life?¡± Sigrid opened her mouth. Her face was distorted. ¡°It¡¯s important, but¡ª¡± while muttering for a second, Sigrid then replied. ¡°Then, I¡¯d rather die.¡± Rowen Green smiled seeing Sigrid¡¯s brightened face. ¡°That¡¯s right. But Sigrid, not everyone is like you.¡± Rowen green sighed softly. ¡°Not everyone is as strong as you. Sigrid you have to know that, not everyone lives by law, and many clearly avoid the law. Think about what happened today.¡± Sigrid blinked. ¡°Why did that happen?¡± Rowen Green asked. ¡°Because he gave false testimony?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s a secondary problem. Why did he gove false testimony?¡± Sigrid groaned. ¡°Did Count Oren order him?¡± ¡°Yeah. that¡¯s it. Count Oren prepared false testimony to frame you. Then, how did Count Oren make the person willing to testify falsely?¡± Recalling Rowen green¡¯s example earlier, the answer came easily in Sigrid¡¯s head. ¡°He was threatened huh?¡± ¡°Count Oren may have threatened, and maybe even offered money. Being a count is a high position that commoner would not even think of. There are a lot of people who have no choice but to put up with injustice.¡± ¡°So, what should I do to not be framed?¡± Sigrid didn¡¯t want something like that to happen again. She thought all she had to do was to change her life. A surge of fear slammed into Sigrid¡¯s chest. Rowen green rubbed her chin and sighed. ¡°Now you¡¯re still on the step one in human relationship. So, let¡¯s think. What should you do to prevent something like today from happening?¡± Rowen Green smiled. The first thing first was reviewing the basics. Sigrid grumbled and wrapped her hands around his head. She didn¡¯t know. She didn¡¯t do anything wrong. What should she fix? With barely an answer, Sigrid opened her mouth. ¡°That.. don¡¯t save the girl?¡± ¡°Pretend to not know is one of the way. But can you do it?¡± ¡°But I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°What else can you do?¡± ¡°Well¡­.¡± Sigrid felt like her head was about to explode. Rowen Green waited for a while, then said, ¡°You can end it with a grentle conversation with Count Oren.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°You must be pushed the law and said ¡®it¡¯s your fault¡¯ then left, right? Use your tongue to speak gently, that way the knife won¡¯t go inside.¡± Rowen Green said, ¡°ah.¡± then nodded her head, seeing Sigrid staring blankly at her. ¡°It may be a difficult skill for you.¡± Rowen Green pondered. ¡°Or having a power may be a way.¡± ¡°power?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you wonder the reason Count Oren turned away as soon as he saw me today?¡± ¡°He did back away¡± ¡°Why did he do that?¡± ¡°Because Rowen Green is the Marquis¡¯ daughter?¡± When Sigrid has an answer in relation to the word ¡°status¡±, Rowen Green smiled. ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s why I came out dressed up like this. He who used his power to oppress the weak is weak to the people stronger than him.¡± The words Rowen Green said, ¡®weak to the strong, strong to the weak¡¯, was ringing in Sigrid¡¯s head. ¡®Power.¡¯ Sigrid tilted her head while thinking. ¡®But before I died, I was quiet powerful. My backer was the Emperor. But in the end I¡­ah¡ª I see. That backer betrayed me.¡¯ Sigrid¡¯s head began to work hard. ¡®Come to think of it, when I was working under His Majesty in the past, even if I did somethin glike that, I¡¯ve never had someone trip over me like this.. I thought it was because I did the right thing¡ª¡¯ So, was it because she had the power? A disappointing realization came. Rowen Green looked at Sigrid who suddenly became silent. ¡°Another way is having me as a friend.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you think everything is solved because of me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Thank you. But¡­¡± ¡°Because I lied?¡± ¡°Umm..¡± ¡°That¡¯s just one of many other ways. Sigrid, I like that you do the right thing. But don¡¯t forget what you¡¯re doing it for. I¡¯m not trying to be a teleogist who would do anything for the sake of the outcome. But we need a little more flexibility.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Sigrid replied with a firm tone. Rowen Green looked at Sigrid. ¡°But I don¡¯t want you to be like that.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°This may be a wish of a rather crooked person like me, but I hope you would continue to be upright like the way you are. Sigrid Ankertna. And I want you to go up, higher. Because, I hope you could save many people, just like you saved the commoner lady. But to do that, you need more power. To do that, you need to be strong.¡± Rowen Green knew that was a high hope, but didn¡¯t everyone want it? Someone good and powerful. And Sigrid was that person. If she could go up, it would be a good thing, especially if her inflexibility was fixed. ¡°It takes strength to do the right thing.¡± As Sigrid spoke as if enlightened, Rowen Green laughed. ¡°Rather than that, we need power. Because good people are more likely to be culled than bad people.¡± So if the person in power is good, the more good people that are eliminated could exist. ¡°Of course, this doesn¡¯t apply to the conversation whether good people truly exist or not. Well, let¡¯s leave that argument to the philosophers. Because I even felt doing good thing was too much for my hand.¡± Rowen green waved her hand. Sigrid tilted her head, then nodded. There were times when she couldn¡¯t follow Rowen Green¡¯s talk well, but Sigrid knew that Rowen Green¡¯s words were not without purpose. Marisuez even teased by saying ¡°Rowen Green reads so much that it¡¯s hard to get married.¡± ¡°Do you want to sleep at my house tonight?¡± Rowen Green asked. ¡®Pajama Party!¡¯ Sigrid¡¯s eyes sparkled. When she recalled the night when the three of them, Marisuez, Rowen Green, and her, chatter together, her anticipation rose in an instant. But soon Sigrid shook her head. ¡°No, I would go home today.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I told the maids I would come home and asked them to set up dinner.¡± then Sigrid added, ¡°It¡¯s hard to prepare food, so it¡¯s kind of bad if I don¡¯t eat it when I told them to cook.¡± Rowen Green smirked. Should she say Sigrid was the strange one? Caring that much about her subordinate? But Rowen Green kept it to herself. She then dropped Sigrid in front of her house. Sigrid said ¡°Please contact to me later.¡± several times, which was replied by Rowen Green nodding her head. After the carriage moved away, Sigrid pushed through the gate a few times as her shoulders seemed to be tightening. ¡®It was a really tiring day.¡¯ After dinner, soaking in warm water and rest were the only thing in Sigrid¡¯s head. Chapter 33 Chapter 33: Arcana ¡°Sir. Ankertna!¡± Sigrid turned around in surprise hearing the shout. Seeing a man she knew hanging from the gate, Sigrid approached and opened the gate. ¡°Sir. Arcana? How?¡± Arcana¡¯s appearance was not normal. Anyone who saw him would know right away that he had been beaten. As soon as the gate opened, Arcana grabbed Sigrid¡¯s arm. ¡°Please save my sister, I¡¯ll di whatever you want, so¡ª¡± Sigrid heard Arcana¡¯s words and remembered that the guard said the house was empty. ¡°Calm down. What happened?¡± ¡°That motherfucker kidnapped my sister.¡± Arcana¡¯s face was swollen and his pronunciation was not clear. Sigrid frowned. ¡°You mean Count Oren?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± His eyes glared at Sigrid¡¯s scarlet eyes with a burning hatred. ¡°Please save my sister, Sir. Knight. Then, I¡¯ll give you my sould.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need a soul.¡± When Sigrid gave a straight answer, Arcana made a bewildered face for a moment. Sigrid looked around. ¡°Come in, let¡¯s hear the story.¡± ¡°I have to find her as soon as possible!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but I¡¯m not a fool. I don¡¯t start battles without proper information or plans.¡± Sigrid explained her view. And she literally did what she stood for. Even in a battle, if a chaotic battle occurred, Sigrid would have had a plan for it, and it was terribly good. In the military sense, she had a strong determination to carry out operations almost perfectly. Sigrid could be said to be a perfect soldier if her political sense excluded. Arcana nodded his head. When Sigrid entered the mansion, the maids who had gathered to welcome the owner¡¯s unharmed return were startled to see the wounded person behind her. ¡°My lady?¡± ¡°This person is¡ª?¡± ¡°Aaakk¡ª¡± ¡°Please bring me warm water and some towel. Also, some medicine.¡ªSir Arcana, this way.¡± Sigrid led him to the drawing-room. While the maids were boiling water, Arcana told a brief story. ¡°Not long after Sir. Ankertna left, someone knocked on the door. I opened it and found an unknown man standing in front of the door. And as soon I opened it, I was beated in the head.¡± Arcana lightly touched his own head. His blood was still oozing out. Sigrid rose from her seat and examined the wound in his head. ¡°I have to sew this.¡± ¡°I¡¯m okay Sir. Ankertna. Then, I fell. When I sobered, someone put a sack over my head and kept hitting me. And then I heard Seria¡¯s scream. And that¡¯s it. Then black out again. When I woke up, I was tied up and left in the woods.¡± Sigrid looked at his left shoulder. He said he was fine, but it seemed even his shoulder have been dislocated. Being beaten up to this point and still alive was a fortune. ¡°Master, this maid bring the water and towels.¡± ¡°Put it there. ¡ª your shoulder, I¡¯ll fix it.¡± Arcana nodded his head. Sigrid felt his shoulder and arm with her fingers, looked at them, and gave a bit of pressure at once. ¡°ACK!!¡± Arcana curled up in pain. The quick-witted maid quickly handed Sigrid a cold towel. Sigrid took off Arcana¡¯s coat and put a cold towel on his shoulder. And when she handed the warm towel to Arcana, he began to wipe his face carefully. ¡°What about magic?¡± ¡°It¡¯s sealed.¡± ¡°Sealed?¡± ¡°This is the last test to become a mage. We¡¯ll have to seal our ability for a year.¡± Arcana chuckled. ¡°I learned magic to protect my sister, but look. Now I¡¯m like this.¡± Tears flowed down at Arcana¡¯s cheeks. Sigrid looked at him with a little pity. She then lifted her head. ¡°Alright. Are you saying that Seria is being held captive?¡± ¡°We have to go save her right away. What that bastard would do to her¡­!¡± ¡°Alright. Have a rest.¡± When Sigrid said that, Arcana stood up from his seat. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Sigrid looked at him with a troubled face. ¡°If you couldn¡¯t use magic, you¡¯ll just get in the way.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do something. Drawing attention or shouting¡­¡± ¡°No.¡± Sigrid squinted her eyes. ¡°If you get arrested, it would be a problem. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± If it had been this morning, Sigrid would have come Count Oren¡¯s mansion head-on and entered to check on the kidnapped girl. But with what happened today, Sigrid learned that it would not work. ¡®Well then.¡¯ Sigrid had no choice but to save Seria in another way. With Arcana, who had been asking to follow her stuck at her house, Sigrid left her mansion. After a while, she arrived at the capital guard¡¯s office. ¡°Sir. Ankertna?¡± Armu stood up in surprise. Why did the person who just left come again? ¡°I¡¯m going to check the a blueprint of a mansion.¡± Hearing Sigrid¡¯s answer, Armu asked, ¡°Do you mean the drawing?¡± ¡°Yes, show me the drawings of Count Oren. The Imperial Order has the right to read, right?¡± ¡°Yes. that¡¯s right.¡± Armu was surprised. The Capital guard kept the blueprints of all the mansions in the capital. However, not many people knew that fact, and no one ever demanded the right to read. It was one of the numerous rights that had already accumulated dust. Until today. Armu guided Sigrid to the storage inside the capital guard¡¯s office. Cold air lew out as soon as the door opened. The smell of dust from old paper filled the room. Armu found the blueprint of Count Oren¡¯s mansion and presented it to Sigrid. He didn¡¯t ask why. He didn¡¯t even want to ask. Sigrid scanned the drawings of the three-story mansion and put them in her head. Basement, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors. ¡®This dotted line in the basement¡­ is it a ventilation window?¡¯ After drawing the blueprint inside her head, Sigrid took her eyes off. ¡°Thank you, Sir. Armu.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing Sir.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t divulge that I¡¯ve read a blueprint here.¡± ¡°I will.¡± Hearing Armu¡¯s words, Sigrid smiled and left the capital guard¡¯s office. Sigrid looked at the sky. It was time when other people finish their dinner. Sigrid used to eat dinner early so she could have a bit of training, but for ordinary nobles, this time around would be the time to finish their lavish dinner. ¡®Let¡¯s hurry.¡¯ Sigrid got on her horse and spurred it. She arrived in second place. It was Lunatil¡¯s mansion. Chapter 34 Chapter 34: Arcana (Trigger warning! Rape and sexual assault) Veramood headed to the drawing-room without changing his clothes due to the unexpected guests. ¡°Sigrid?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me that friendly.¡± ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°Is what you said before still valid?¡± Veramood opened his eyes widely and then took off his leather gloves. His forehead was still sweating as he was in the middle of training when Sigrid came. ¡°recruitment? Of course. Why? Why did you suddenly change your mind?¡± Sigrid breathed in and out heavily. ¡°Before that i want to ask you something.¡± ¡°Wow, aren¡¯t you completely ignoring me? But what is it?¡± ¡°Why did you become the captain of the 1st squad Imperial Knight?¡± ¡®What kind of question is this?¡¯ Veramood tilted his head. But he saw Sigrid¡¯s eyes. She was serious. So he answered lightly. ¡°Because it¡¯s something i could do. And¡­¡± He shrugged his shoulder. ¡°Those guys wanted it no matter what. 1st squad kids.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Sigrid nodded. She then convinced. ¡°Then it¡¯s okay if it¡¯s temporary.¡ªplease appoint me as a member of the 1st squad Imperial Knight from now on.¡± The words thinned Veramood¡¯s eyes. He looked at Sigird as if his eyes were examining, then he said, ¡°Okay, I, Veramood Lunatil, appoint Sigrid Ankertna as a member of the 1st squad Imperial Knight temporarily from now on. Done?¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Veramood grabbed Sigrid¡¯s arm as she was going to go out. He whispered in her ear. ¡°If there¡¯s anyone you want to kill, tell me.¡± ¡°I do what I can do.¡± Veramood smiled hearing Sigrid¡¯s answer. He then let go of her arm. ¡°It means you have someone to kill.¡± Sigrid did not answer. She then greeted him in a knight manner and left his mansion. Her horse would catch eyes, so she gave money to a nearby coachman to guard her horse, and walked on foot. Count Oren¡¯s mansion was not that big. Even though he was a count and lived in a rural area in District 1, his money could not live up in District 1. It was District 1. Even its rural area was not an area that many people could not save money. Sigrid glanced at the Count¡¯s house and found a familiar silhouette. ¡°Morris?¡± Morris jumped up as someone whispered from behind him. ¡°Si, Sig!¡± ¡°What is going on here?¡± ¡°It is you.¡± The two looked at each other blankly. Sigrid raised an eyebrow. ¡°Seria?¡± ¡°You too?¡± ¡°Uh-huh.¡± ¡°What are you going to do?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go into the Count¡¯s mansion and find Seria, then I¡¯m going to watch.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°And when I found those guys attacking Seria, I would promptly dispose them.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s temporary, but I have two privileges because I¡¯m part of imperial knight.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°The right to investigate a mansion without notice and the right to dispose anyone on the spot.¡± ¡°¡­.¡± Sigrid shrugged, looking at how wide Morris opened his mouth. ¡°Both are legitimate rights. It¡¯s the right given to the imperial knight.¡± ¡°And what are you going to do?¡± ¡°And¡­¡± Sigrid recalled what she heard from Rowen green earlier. ¡°I¡¯m going to make you lie.¡± ¡°Can you tell me something properly?¡± Sigrid nodded her head hearing Morris words. * Sigrid changed into black clothes inside the garden. Morris was blushing and desperately told her not to change her clothes in the garden but to no avail. ¡°It¡¯s okay, you can¡¯t see me,¡± she dismissed Morris request, changed her clothes quickly, and slid into Count Oren¡¯s mansion. ¡®It¡¯s not an illegal house break. Because members of Imperial Knight have the power to expedite investigations.¡¯ She had the right to enter any mansion at will. While recalling the rights she could use, Sigrid climbed up the wall and shoved her body into an open window. Everything was a piece of cake. Recalling the blueprint of the mansion she had seen earlier, Sigrid found an underground vent window. ¡°Is the girl okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. But no, I don¡¯t know if she would be okay today. The Count will taste her soon.¡± ¡°He likes to have sex and beat those girls. Did you see the previous slave girls? Their faces was hard to recognizes because all the facial bones were dented.¡± ¡°Shhh, be quiet.¡± After getting a bit of information from the vent, Sigrid went further inside. ¡®Usually criminal facilities are in underground. For soundproofing. And the nobles like luxurious things, so they won¡¯t like their rooms to have smell stale. Then, a room with a large vent hose in the basement would be a suitable place for that kind of activity.¡± That was Sigrid¡¯s thought. And that thought was right. Through the gap in the vent, Sigrid was able to find a luxurious room that she couldn¡¯t believe, it was an underground type of room. Except for the tiled floors and strange tools. And Seria was tied to the bed in the middle. Sigrid held her breath and watched the situation. ¡®Enemy.¡¯ She waited until he came. ¡®Enemy.¡¯ Recalling those words, Sigrid had a strange feeling. She has never had an enemy. And in fact, neither enemy nor ally needed her. She lived according to her master¡¯s wishes. If her master told her to cut, she cut it, and if her master told her to fight, she would fight. It wasn¡¯t that she had any bad feelings towards anyone. It was just an order, so she followed it. ¡®So I didn¡¯t have any friends. But¡ª¡¯ Friend¡ª Friend¡ª ¡®I see.¡¯ Sigrid in that kind of situation¡ªcrouching in a vent, waiting for the enemy to come in¡ªfelt her heart pounding because of a realization. Her cheeks flared up. ¡®Morris, Alkerto, Rowen green, and Marisuez, are also friends.¡¯ They run to her because they were worried. They saved her. She never realized it before because she was crazy. Now upon realizing it, Sigrid suddenly felt like she was about to cry, ¡®There are people who she could help and ask for help.¡¯ Sigrid smiled happily for a moment, then hardened her face quickly as she heard the door open. Seria, lying stiff on the bed, began to struggle like crazy. Sigrid slowly began to push open the vent. The detachable vent cover for smooth cleaning made her work easier. Count Oren smiled and approached Seria. ¡°Your guardian is dead. There is no one to protext you. You can¡¯t escape my hand.¡± ¡°Uhhhhhhhhh! Eum! Eum!¡± A suppressed scream escaped from between Seria¡¯s gags. Count Oren reached out and unlocked Seria¡¯s bridle. ¡°Well.. if you don¡¯t scream, it¡¯ll lose the excitement.¡± He loved giving women some love with his fists. He liked their face full of pain and fear and exhausted because of crying and resisting in a situation where they could not rebel against him and was unable to move. ¡°Because hitting over clothes is boring.¡± Count Oren reached out his hand and began to tear Seria¡¯s clothes. ¡°NO!! ARCANA!! ARCANA!! HELP ME!! HELP ME!!¡± Seria cried and yell at the top of one¡¯s lungs. The sound of clothes ripping, and her scream further boosted Count Oren¡¯s excitement. ¡°Make more noise, scream more! Make more noi¡ª?¡± The last word did not come out of his mouth. Count Oren had no idea what had happened. Seria widened her eyes and looked at Count Oren¡¯s neck. Blood dripped from the pure white blade that pierced his neck. Count Oren lowered his eyes and could see the blade of a sword through his neck. When he opened his mouth, blood came out. That was it. Sigrid pulled her sword out of his neck. And before Count Oren¡¯s body fell to Seria, she caught him and pushed him to the side. Seria opened her mouth, but Sigrid covered her mouth with her hand and then lowered her mask. Seeing Sigrid¡¯s face, Seria felt the tension in her body released and her strength draining from her body. Feeling Seria was calmed, Sigrid slowly lifted her hand away from Seria¡¯s mouth. ¡°With the power of summary judgement given to me by the Emperor as a member of the Imperial Knight, Count Oren, who kidnapped, imprison, and rape free citizens, was caught and executed properly at the scene.¡± Chapter 35 Chapter 35: Arcana Sigrid looked at Seria. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Tears welled up from Seria¡¯s eyes. ¡°Oh, uh¡ª¡± ¡°Shh.. But I¡¯m sorry, Miss Seria. I can¡¯t get you out of here now. Instead, I want to make a request. Please you hear it? Do you think you could also do my request?¡± Seria¡¯s body was still shaking, but when she looked at the corpse of Count Oren, she then nodded her head. But Sigrid couldn¡¯t tell if she nodded or shook her head. ¡°Sir. Arcana is safe.¡± Tears flowed from Seria¡¯s eyes after hearing those words. Sigrid could tell that she was barely holding back her wailing. ¡°Now, all you have to do is scream so that the whole mansion knows that Count Oren had been murdered. Get as high as you could on the ground. Up, to the first floor. Then someone would come to help. He would call you Lady. Do you understand?¡± Seria nodded her head again and again. ¡°And you didn¡¯t see the killer, or you could say you did. You could say whatever Seria wants me to look like.¡± ¡ªA lie. Sigrid took out the third card. ¡®It¡¯s a lie that doesn¡¯t harm anyone.¡¯ Seria paused for a moment and nodded her head eagerly. Sigrid said, ¡°Good,¡± then cut off the string tied to Seria¡¯s hands and feet and took the ropes. ¡°Then count to a hundred then shout.¡± ¡°Yes¡ª¡± Seria could barely answer with her trembling lips. Sigrid jumped back to the vent and carefully closed the vent. Seria stared blankly at the vent. She couldn¡¯t believe a human could do that. Click¡ª After the vent door closed completely, Seria staggered out of bed. There was no strength in her legs. But she must do it. She stood in the corner, avoiding the corpse of the fat Count, then began to count. ¡°One, two, three, four, five¡ª¡± After she counted until one hundred, Seria screamed. ¡°MURDER! SAVE ME! COUNTESS! THE COUNT!!¡± When Seria opened the door and went out, surprisingly, there was no one in the aisle. Well, the Count was worried about the sound of screams being heard by his servants, so he asked no one close to the underground. But right now, it was a fortune for her. Seria staggered up in the aisle while screaming with a burst of voice. Soon after, people flocked. ¡°The count is dead!¡± Hearing Seria¡¯s words, everyone ran downstairs without thinking about trying to hold her. ¡°Count!¡± ¡°Oh my go!¡± Seria continued to scream and went up to the first floor. As the mansion was surrounded by screams, the sound of knocking on the door was heard a moment later. ¡°What happened?!¡± It was Morris and some of the capital guards who opened the door of the chaotic mansion. Seria gasped, ¡°The Count has been murdered! Un, unidentified assailant!!¡± ¡°Come this way, Lady.¡± As Morris reached out Seria hand, she grabbed his hand tightly. Then, she fainted. *** Provocative stories spread quickly. So the story of Count Oren spread through society at an incredible speed. The fans fluttering fast and red lips were constantly spreading rumors. ¡°I heard he tried to rape free citizens?¡± ¡°Oh my gosh¨C¡± ¡°By the way, do you know? In the basement of that mansion, they said there are all kinds of perverted gadgets.¡± ¡°Oh my, oh my, my.¡± ¡°I think the young lady is in a big shock.¡± ¡°She would be. Oh so pitiful.¡± As the champagne and wine were consumed, the rumors intensified. The next Count and the countess of Oren could not bear it and decided to leave the capital and go down to the estate for the funeral. And the gentle hands of the ladies poured out on Seria. Some even said that Marquis Alsekidna would hire her as a maid. Employees of nobles must have a letter of recommendation. The noble ladies praised the marquis for his kindness and wondered if they could hear the story of that time at least a little. Well, the crimes committed by others were the most exciting gossip anyway. In addition, the name of Sir Morris De Forrest was also floating around. ¡°So, you¡¯re on vacation?¡± Alkerto asked with a chuckle and clasped his chin. Morris sighed and nodded his head. He poured the wine he brought into a glass. ¡°Everyone asked the same question over and over again. Also, everyone is so excited to make me a hero. The knight who ran into the mansion after hearing the sound of screams and saved a Lady.¡± After pouring the wine into Alkerto and his glass, Morris raised her glass. ¡°That¡¯s why Captain Revel gave me a reward vacation. Thankfully.¡± ¡°Cheers to our leader.¡± Morris drank her wine. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s all Sigrid¡¯s doing.¡± ¡°But you definitely helped too, right? The knight who kicked into the mansion and came out holding the young lady.¡± Morris said with a teasing smile. ¡°Stop it.¡± Morris sighed heavily. ¡°Because of this, it¡¯s noisy at home.¡± ¡°At home? Isn¡¯t that what your parents like?¡± Morris shrugged his shoulders. ¡°There are also several problems.¡± ¡°What?¡± Alkerto looked at Morris for a moment. Morris then continued. ¡°Count Oren treated the life of a commoner like a worthless straw. He sacrificed commoner life as if nothing¡± ¡°Oh right. That¡¯s a problem.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you let her have his tongue cut off?¡± Morris furrowed his eyebrows for a moment and looked Alkerto with the expression ¡°what are you talking about,¡±, then realized what Alkerto talked about. ¡°Alkerto!¡± When Morris looked at Alkerto with a face ¡®how could you do that¡¯, Alkerto just looked at him with a ¡°why¡± face. ¡°He is the victim. He was oppressed by the Count.¡± ¡°But Sigrid would have been suspended if he had stayed the same.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been solved.¡± ¡°It¡¯s too consequential. After all, it is true that he committed a crime.¡± Hearing those words, Morris raised his eyebrows. Alkerto said with a smirk. ¡°Neither you or Rowen green¡ªis Rowen green even better? You guys seemed to think that the weak are unconditionally victims¡­. Both the weak and the victim can be prepetators. The strong are not the only perpetrators.¡± Morris was silent for a moment, he hesitated. ¡°But cutting off his tongue is too much.¡± ¡°It is.¡± Alkerto laughed again. Morris let out a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s difficult.¡± ¡°It¡¯s difficult.¡± Alkerto raised his glass. He was still wearing shoulder blade bandages, so he was still uncomfortable moving around. After sipping the wine, Alkerto widened his eyes. ¡°Isn¡¯t this expensive?¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s expensive.¡± ¡°What a good son you are.¡± Not knowing whether it was teasing or sarcasm, Morris laughed bitterly. The only thing that was good for him was nothing. ¡°Nah, not that good either. This was given by a kind lady in honor of my heroism.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Alkerto reached out his hand towards the bottle of wine. After filling his glass, he asked. ¡°So what happened to her?¡± ¡°First, Marquis Alsekidna entrusted the recruitment to me, when the situation subsides, I think they would decided on what to do next.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great. By the way, the right to dispose of someone on the spot.. I didn¡¯t even know it exists.¡± Morris nodded. ¡°I didn¡¯t know either. According to Rowen green, ¡®how do you know so well about such a privatized provision?¡¯? The last time that right was used was 100 years ago.¡± ¡°How the hell did Sigrid know about the rights of the Imperial Knight? Well, wait, then is she going to move to the Imperial Knight now?¡± That¡¯s a bummer. Alkerto thought as he turned the glass around. The red wine fluttered in the glass. Of course, Since Sigrid was an aura user, having her in the second knight order was a waste of talent. Still, it was a pity. ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡± Morris shrugged his shoulders. Chapter 36 Chapter 36: Arcana Sigrid came downstairs. ¡°Sir. Sigrid.¡± When Arcana got up from his seat, Sigrid shook her hand. ¡°Sigrid is enough.¡± ¡°Then please call me Arcana, too.¡± ¡°Shall we?¡± Sigrid nodded her head. As she sat down at her seat, Arcana sat across from her. The bruises on his face haven¡¯t gone away yet, but he¡¯s in much better condition than before. It was because marquis Alsekidna had sent a healer. ¡°I couldn¡¯t come to say hello because I¡¯ve been busy with the aftermath. Sorry.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. You just did what you had to do.¡± ¡°No, I know how difficult it is to help us. Thank you for your help.¡± Arcana bent deeply and Sigrid was embarrassed. ¡°No, it¡¯s not. I just did what I had to do.¡± Protecting the free people was also a knight¡¯s job. So she just did what she had to do. Rather, it was strange that she receive gratitude. Seeing Sigrid¡¯s puzzled face, Arcana raised his head and smiled faintly. The green eyes that were like Seria softened. ¡°Sir Sigrid¡ª No, I understand that Sigrid is a unique person.¡± ¡°Is that so? Well, I seemed to be hearing things like that.¡± She had no idea if that was a good thing or a bad thing. ¡°If there is anything I could do, I¡¯ll do it. It doesn¡¯t matter if you make me your servant.¡± ¡°Ah¡ª I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t earn enough to pay a mage.¡± When Sigrid spoke with a troubled face, Arcana stared blankly at her face, then he laughed. ¡°Now that I think about it, you also don¡¯t have a butler.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no place that needs a butlert even if I get one. Also, you don¡¯t have to pay me for the thing I should do as a knight.¡± When Sigrid replied seriously, Arcana looked at his hands. He clenched his fists lightly and then straightened his back, looked at Sigrid. ¡°Still, is there anything I can do for you? You must have come to me for a reason, right?¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to as you one thing.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Is there a magic to turn back time?¡± ¡°No.¡± Arcana answered quickly. As he lowered his eyes slightly,, his red eyes glistened in the sunlight. ¡°Magic is often considered to be all-purpose. But magic isn¡¯t perfect. There are surprisingly many things that magic cannot do. Among them, if i had to pick oned, turning back time and raising the dead were absolutely impossible. I think these two thing? It¡¯s not that there wasn¡¯t no attempt, but everyone failed and ended horribly.¡± ¡°Horrible?¡± ¡°Like a rotting corpse, walking without will.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Sigrid frowned her eyebrows. So what should she say about what happened to her? She thought she had turned back time. Didn¡¯t she? ¡°Is there something you want to turn back time?¡± ¡°No, not really.¡± Sigrid met Arcana¡¯s eyes. ¡°Well, I just thought there¡¯s no one who has no regrets.¡± ¡°Even if you regret it, you¡¯re the one who chose that path.¡± Arcana nodded his head after hearing Sigrid words. Sigrid pondered for a moment, then said. ¡°Actually, it feels like I¡¯m back in the past.¡± ¡°To the past?¡± Arcana frowned, and Sigrid told her story. She didn¡¯t go into detail, but it was enough for Arcana to understand. When she was done talking, she looked at Arcana who was immersed in his thoughts. ¡°And now, Sigrid is changing the future.¡± ¡°Yes, as expected, I can¡¯t do that, right?¡± If the world was twisted or had a problem, Sigrid had to take the same path as in the past. How can she destroy the world just because of herself? ¡°I don¡¯t think there is anything wrong with it. Also, rather than turning back time, it could be said that your soul has undergone a dimension shift.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a multidimensional theory. Every time we make a choice at a junction, there would be two results in two differents place. But it hasn¡¯t been proven. However, there is a principle of uncertainty that cannot be completely denied, i think that the etheric particles of the world have two forms: waves and straight lines¡ª¡± Arcana closed his mouth when he saw Sigrid¡¯s blank face. Then he briefly talked about the conclusion. ¡°It won¡¯t be a problem to change the future. And thank you for the change. Thank you for saving my sister.¡± ¡°Huh? No. That is..¡± ¡°And I don¡¯t know why it happened to you.¡± ¡°Oh, I see.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Just hearing that I could change the future makes me feel relief.¡± Sigrid shook her head. Arcana let out a sigh of relief. He didn¡¯t feel like he was of any help at all to the benefactor. ¡®Np, it¡¯s not a felt, it¡¯s actually really no help at all.¡¯ ¡°Is there anything else I could do to help you?¡± Arcana asked carefully, and Sigrid shook hear head. ¡°No, that¡¯s enough. Thank you.¡± ¡°Is that so,¡± Arcana¡¯s heart became heavy, then he opened his lips, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but may i ask you a favor?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you use Seria in this mansion?¡± ¡°You mean Miss Seria?¡± Sigrid opened her eyes widely. ¡°But isn¡¯t she working for Marquis Alsekidna? I think Rowen green is treating her well. If there is something problematic, i can¡ª¡± ¡°No, there are no difficulties or problems. Also, it¡¯s not because I want Seria to repay you. It¡¯s just, I¡¯d rather have Seria not to be closely tied up with the nobles in a big mansion like that¡­ It¡¯s only until I find a place to live in the capital. I don¡¯t thik we could go back to the village and live in that house again.¡± ¡°Is that so? That, um¡­ I can¡¯t give her wages as much as Marquis Alsekidna,¡± ¡°No salary required.¡± Sigrid frowned. ¡°What are you talking about? You have to get a fair amount of money for labor.¡± ¡°If so, you can give her as much as you want.¡± Arcana took a step back. ¡°Come to think of it,¡± Sigrid said, ¡°Where are you staying, Arcana?¡± ¡°I¡¯m staying at an inn in the capital.¡± ¡°At the inn? Then how about staying at my house instead?¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Seria would also come to my house, so wouldn¡¯t it be better for her siblings to be in the same house?¡± Sigrid said in a bright voice. She remembered what Marisuez not a long ago¡ª¡¯you have no empathy! No consideration!¡¯¡ª so she tried to considerate in her own way because right now. ¡°You mean me, who is single and a man, live in the Sigrid¡¯s mansion, who is a single woman?¡± ¡°What does it matter? We¡¯re not alone.¡± Sigrid was puzzled. Arcana thought for a moment before nodding his head. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Oh, just please pay the accommodation fee instead.¡± When Sigrid said that, Arcana laughed lightly, then nodded again. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll make it cheaper than the inn.¡± ¡°Thank you for that.¡± Arcana stood up from his seat and asked once again, ¡°is there really nothing I could help you with? Of course, I can¡¯t use magic yet¡ªbut if it¡¯s anything else¡­.¡± ¡°Ah¡ª¡± Sigrid made a sound as if she had remembered something. Arcana reacted immediately. ¡°Do you have something? Tell me.¡± ¡°Well, you know¡ª¡± ¡°Yes,¡± ¡°It may be a little strange.¡± Sigrid crossed her fingers of both hands, fidgeting. ¡°It¡¯s alright, just tell me.¡± Arcana asked lightly. ¡°Why don¡¯t we become friends?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s strange, isn¡¯t it? Well, I know it might be strange. But I made friends a while ago. And i felt it was great to have friends. So, I¡¯m thinking of making more friends. So that..¡ªnp. Well, this is weird. Please pretend you didn¡¯t hear it.¡± Sigrid¡¯s cheeks flushed. It was a little too much to force someone to be her friend when they¡¯ve just met a few times. Friends were very important and precious, she realized it was unreasonable to say this. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± ¡°What?¡± Sigrid looked up in amazement hearing his reply. Acana smiled while looking at the wide sun-set eyes. ¡°I want it, be your friend.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Wow, wow, yes! Yes! Then we¡¯re friends!¡± Sigrid smiled broadly. She wanted to go right away and brag to Marisuez and Rowe green that she had a new friend. After being excited, SIgrid then continued, ¡°Then you don¡¯t have to pay for the accommodation. We¡¯re friend! You could come to my house whenever you want!¡± ¡°Because we are friend, I have to calculate more.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. We¡¯re friends.¡± Arcana realized that Sigrid¡¯s word ¡°friend¡± had a significant weight. ¡®Okay, that would be good too.¡¯ ¡°But if we¡¯re friends, would you like to talk comfortably?¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Then, it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve made a friend.¡± ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t usually happen like this.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Sigrid nodded her head. As expected, a deep relationship like a friendship was not going to happen by just saying like ¡®wow, let¡¯s do it!¡¯ ¡°there¡ªArcana¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Thank you, for being my friend.¡± With a blush on her cheeks, Sigrid eagerly expressed her sincerity. ¡°No, it¡¯s should be me saying that, thank you.¡± In fact, Arcana thought she would say goodbye after all the things were over. So it actually didn¡¯t make sense that he¡¯d been helped so much. Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t help but felt lucky that he made a string, though it seemed that the ¡®friend¡¯ string was much thinker than he thought. Sigrid smiled shyly hearing arcana words. She was happy to have another friend.¡± Chapter 37 Chapter 37: Veramood Lunatil Marisuez looked at the butter with her eyes squinted. In her hand was a beautiful silver butter knife. ¡®I had alight breakfast this morning, so i think it would be okay to spread some butter for lunch. Nice.¡¯ Then Marisuez stared at Sigrid while scooping freshly made soft butter with the knife butter and spreading it on the scones. Sigrid, without any hesitation, stuffed the scones that coated with butted and ham into her mouth. ¡°Siri.¡± Sigrid quickly swallowed the scones after hearing Marisuez¡¯s call. ¡°Yes? Why?¡± She always got nervous when Marisuez called her. ¡°Do you know how worried I was?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°You secretly infiltrated the Count¡¯s house, no¡ªyou¡¯ve also killed the Count¡ªwait, np, you¡¯re also a temporary member of the Imperial Knight?!!¡± Marisuez¡¯s voice grew sharper the more she spoke. Even though Sigrid had already been scolded once, she quickly made a gesture of smalling herself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Why¡ªbefore you do such a thing, you should get some advices!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And¡ª¡± Marisuez thought that girl was going to die, but she wasn¡¯t. And also because of this, Marisuez felt she was wronged and had been deceived. Though, she wasn¡¯t that cruel to say, ¡®Sigird, I don¡¯t to know you again.¡¯ then, in the end, she had no choice but to murmur and grumble only to Morris and Alkerto. ¡°That¡¯s right. I wish you could ask for help? To even visit Sir. Lunatil before us,¡± Rowen Green drank tea leisurely next to Sigrid. ¡°That.., I.., there.., so..,¡ª i didn¡¯t really think we¡¯re friend, so¡ª¡± Sigird said timidly. But before Marisuez continued to scold, Sigrid quickly said, ¡°But now I understand. Marisuez and Rowen Green are friends.¡± ¡°You really!¡± Marisuez could not get angry at the face who looked at her with wide eye and bizarre expressions. She just roughly lifted her glass and gulped her iced tea. With a ground, she put her glass down, and the maid who was standing by her side, came quickly and refill her tea. ¡°But how do you know that?¡± Rowengreen smiled and asked Sigrid. ¡°What?¡± ¡°That, the imperial knight rights. Truthfully, although the imperial knight has the right to dispose of someone immediately, no one uses it. The reason that particular clause is left alone was that the body of that law included out predecessor, the Ahtschwietz¡ªthe eight swords.¡± Ahtschwietz¡ªcommonly called the Eight Swords, referring to the eight warriors of Bahanat, the founder of the empire. The reason why they were called warriors was, those eight people were not only swordsmen but also magicians, and archers. They helped Bahanat to get rid of Masu Khallad and established the Bahanat Empire. The first king of Bahanat called them the eight swords, and they wielded unprecedented power. The power of summary judgment was also one of Ahtschwietz¡¯s authorities. And as the empire was established, Ahtschwietz was renamed under the imperial family, that was, the Imperial Knights, and then it became what it was today, and inherited most of Ahtschwietz¡¯s authorities. However, that also was in the early days of the empire. As the emperor¡¯s rights gradually weakened and aristocratic power greatly emerged, most of these rights were now obsolete. ¡°I¡¯m a knight, so I have to know everything about my rights.¡± said SIgird while blinking her eyes. ¡°But, isn¡¯t that the right of the imperial knight?¡± ¡°I know all of knight¡¯s right.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t everyone know?¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t know.¡± Sigird was bewildered by Marisuez¡¯s quick answer. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Marisuez answered in a strong tone. ¡°Which party has the right to drink alcohol in front of the emperor, and shout Long Live His Majesty?¡± Rowen Green asked, wondering if Sigrid really knew. ¡°The First Knight of the Imperial Knight.¡± Sigrid answered without hesitation. Marisuez looked at Rowen Green, and then Sigrid, then looked at Rowen green again, and cried out, ¡°How could there be such a stupid right?!?!¡± ¡°The rule was made one hundred and fifty years ago.¡± ¡°What a stupid rule.¡± ¡°There are many other silly provision besides this. But¡­, You¡¯ve really memorized it all¡­.¡± Rowen green shook her head in admiration. Marisuez looked back at Sigrid. ¡°You even wear sling bag and mules! Why are you memorizing those stupid law!?¡± ¡°That, um. I¡¯ll try my best for fashion.¡± Sigrid said softly. She was not sure about shoes. No, actually, she didn¡¯t know much about anything else. Even so, she was going to make an effort. At least, she didn¡¯t want to face angry Marisuez. Marisuez sighed. ¡°Anyway, okay. Alright. I¡¯ll tell you in the future.¡± ¡°Yes, tell me everything from now on.¡± ¡°No, not everything.¡±Marisuez said flatlu. ¡°But, then, is Sigrid going to the first squad imperial knight now?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­?¡± Both Marisuez and Rowen Green tilted their head. It was a lukewarm answer that was not like the usual Sigrid. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± Marisuez asked. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡± It was understandable that everyone guessed like that. After all, the imperial knight was like that. It was Sigrid, who was a little troubled. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go, don¡¯t go. If you become one of them, it¡¯ll be hard to get married. Men don¡¯t like women who are too strong.¡± Marisuez said while blinking her eyes. Sigrid shook her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Well, I have no intention of getting married.¡± ¡°The girl who said that was the first to get married.¡± Saying so, Marisuez looked at the sweets with sad feelings. She wanted to eat one more, but her waist, which she measured while she tightened with her corset every morning, had stretched about 5mm. Sweets were prohibited until her waist returned to its original state. ¡°So, you don¡¯t want to get married?¡± Rowen Green asked. ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to give birth. After giving birth, a woman¡¯s stamina would be low, so low that it is difficult to maintain her knighthood.¡± Marisuez opened her mouth hearing that, ¡°are you really not going to marry?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You want to be a knight?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Marisuez opened her mouth, and closed it. ¡°Because Marie becomes a knight in order to get married.¡± Rowen Green made fun of Marisuez. ¡°Is that so?¡± this time, it was Sigrid who was surprised. Marisued answered, ¡°hmm,¡± then she continued, ¡°otherwise? Why would you do this hard job? I could just sit down and marry the man my parents choose, but I still wanted to get married for love. And this is the only way to do that.¡± ¡°Then, have you found a good man?¡± When Rowen green asked, Marisuez sighed and shook her head. ¡°No, not yet.¡ªanyway, so, how is Sir. Lunatil?¡± ¡°Sir. Lunatil?¡± ¡°Yes. the captain of 1st squad imperial knight. That person¡¯s family is fine. It¡¯s Duke Lunatil. Of course, he¡¯s not the duke himself. Also, his cousin is also crown princess.¡± Sigrid muttered, ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± and then thought for a moment, ¡°A sexual harraser¡­?¡± At that moment, Rowen Green made a strange sound, ¡°oh?¡±, and Marisuez said, ¡°What?!¡±. She then shouted, ¡°Did you get hit? Did that person sexually harass you?!¡± ¡°Umm, forcing shirt open¡­ touch¡­¡± ¡°WHAT?!?!¡± Marisuez shouted in anger. ¡°It¡¯s not sexual harassment, it¡¯s sexual assault! Did you just leave it alone?!¡± ¡°Well, he is a boss¡­¡± ¡°Even if he is your boss, he can¡¯t do that! The next time something like that happens, you said, ¡®No way! Don¡¯t touch me!¡¯ and say it firmly, understand?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Sigrid nodded quietly. Rowen Green also seriously said, ¡°the next time something like that happens, please tell me.¡± Marisuez fluttered her fan angrily, ¡°Honestly, we could not deny that such people exist. Whenever you live, if you really try to look at it, they could be seen.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Sir. Lunatil to be such a man.¡± Rowen Green shook her head. Veramood¡¯s reputation fell in her heart. ¡°But, is Sigrid coming to the ball next week?¡± Rowen green asked. ¡°May I go?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Rowen green smiled. It was a ball held at Marquis of Alsekidna for the first time in a long time. And because of it, people were interested more than usual even though it was an off-season ball. Marisuez narrowed her eyes, ¡°But that dress was dismissed.¡± Sigrid looked down at her dress, bewildered. ¡°Is it strange?¡± ¡°No, but you only have that dress, don¡¯t you? How old is it?¡± ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t wear a dress very often.¡± Sigrid only wore the blue dress that she first matched. ¡°It¡¯s too simple.¡± Marisuez said sharply. ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Simple and elegant? That¡¯s a good thing to say. But to be simple and elegant, it should be expensive, which comes from the finer details. And if there is such a difference in detail..,.¡± Marisuez made a small gap between her index finger and her thumb. ¡°The price is about ten times different.¡± Sigrid gasped. The dress she was wearing now was already expensive! And there is a dress ten times more expensive than this!? No matter how much she thought about it, it was too much of a luxury for her. Rowen green nodded her head in sympathy for Marisuez. ¡°Another thing, a simple design is based on the material itself, the fabric alone is expensive. Even for patter, the incision line has to be perfect. The difference seemed just that, but the price difference is huge. And if the fabric is embroidered, it would be done beautifully and properly which would cost a good deal of money.¡± ¡°If you want to go to the ball, get a new dress.¡± Marisuez simply ordered Sigrid let out a groan. ¡®Ball, I want to go. But the dress is too expensive. Besides, I¡¯ve employed maids lately¡­ i can¡¯t increase my spending too much.¡¯ Hearing Sigrid groaning, Rowen Green said, ¡°by the way, you said you¡¯ve decided to live with Sir. Arcana? I heard from Seria.¡± Hearing those words, Sigrid¡¯s face brightened. ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve made friend!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Marisued then continued, ¡°If we become friends, will we live together?¡± ¡°He has no good place to stay. Besides, it would be nice for him to live with siblings¡± ¡°Are you getting the payment?¡± Sigrid made a puzzled face, ¡°What kind of payment do you ask from friend?¡± Marisuez rubbed her forehead. Rowen Green laughed. Marisuez pointed her finger at Sigrid. ¡°That¡¯s not a friend, it¡¯s called a pushover!¡± Chapter 38 Chapter 38: Veramood Lunatil ¡®I¡¯ve gotten scolded again.¡¯ Why did she get scolded every day by Marisuez? Sigrid got out of the carriage with her shoulders drooping. She stood in front of the violet boutique, but did not have the courage to go inside. ¡®Expensive dress.¡¯ Sigrid had also found a pretty dress before. But looking at the price tag, she quietly put down the dress. It was only recently that she¡¯d learned that the dresses Marisuez and Rowen green wore were at least five times more expensive then hers. ¡®But dress is needed.¡¯ Sigrid didn¡¯t wear dress unless it was time to meet Marisuez or Rowen Green¡ªlike a tea time today. As a knight, this was enough. ¡®Can¡¯t I just go there in the knight¡¯s uniform?¡¯ Was Marisuez going to be mad again? After looking at the mannequid with worries and hesitation, Sigrid turned around and left the boutique. She didn;t have the courage to spend that much money. ¡®Come to think of it, it¡¯s the day after tomorrow, isn¡¯t it? Should I tell him beforehand?¡¯ Sigrid walked to the common carriage. She owed Veramood two debts, and she was thinking of repaying them. She had little interest in external affairs and could not remember most of the major events, especially after she joined the imperial knight. However, a big event that she remembered would happen the day after tomorrow. The death of the Crown Princess. Sigrid remembered it because there was state funeral and the flags in the entire empire were at half-mast. At that time, the crown prince and the crown princess were attacked by a mysterious gang. In the process, Veramood Lunatil, who was with them, was seriously injured. Then the crown princess died, and the crown prince suffered minor injuries. Later, she remembered that the bandit was caught and the case was closed. ¡®I was really questioned back then.¡¯ Accusation for failing to protect the crown princess and the crown prince were pouring down on the sick bed Veramood as he was the commander of the Imperial Knight. She herself was one of those who critized him. ¡®But didn¡¯t the prince defend him? Ah, i really can¡¯t remember.¡¯ It seemed that he was demoted to an imperial knight member, but soon he came back again to the captain of imperial knight. Anyway, Sigrid was going to save them. First of all, it was the duty of the imperial knight¡ªalthough she was temporary member¡ªand she wanted to pay her debts to Veramood. ¡®And let¡¯s return that position.¡¯ She didn¡¯t want to leave her friends yet. *** Veramood examined the surroundings carefully. He was not dressed as the captain of the imperial kight, but in his usual clothes. The carriage he was guarding was also an ordinary carriage with no special decorations. Truthfully, on the contrary, that ordinary carriage looked more suspicious if someone looked thoroughly. This was because there was no decoration to tell which family carriage it was. Some of the knights guarding the carriage were also in plain clothes. ¡°Do I have to be like this?¡± Veramood grumbled as she spoke towards the carriage window. Then a laughter erupted from the carriage. It was a low, resonant voice. ¡°Isn¡¯t this a unique opportunity?¡± ¡°But i don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary to be so considerate of others.¡± ¡°Veramood, Serios, both of you, keep your poise.¡± There was a woman¡¯s voice inside the carriage. The person seemed exhausted but could not stop nagging, hearing from the tone of her voice. ¡°Well, what do you mean? We¡¯re out in disguise.¡± Serios, the crown prince of the empire rested his chin on his palm inside the carriage, he grinned at his wife. Ariel, the crown princess and Veramood¡¯s cousin, frowned. Serios then reached out her hand and touched his wife¡¯s forehead. ¡°You¡¯re going to get wrinkles.¡± ¡°Serios!¡± ¡°But, you can¡¯t ask Veramood to use the highest honorifc title and call me Crown Prince, right? Wouldn¡¯t the meaning of disguise disappear then?¡± ¡°But, you always talk like that.¡± Ariel sighed. She then buried herself deeply in the seat. ¡°By the way, i didn¡¯t expect Marquis Piensha, the head of the Western Noble Union, would really invite us to meet.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you send the letter?¡± ¡°I thought I¡¯d be rejected as usual. But truthfully, I don¡¯t want to have a private meeting in a place like this,¡± ¡°You¡¯re not alone.¡± ¡°Why do you also want me present?¡± ¡°Since the Marquis Piensha want to meet, i¡¯m trying to show that this meeting isn¡¯t a conspiracy?¡± It was a meeting for men, and usually the atmosphere could become hars, but if a wife joined in, the probability of being killed would decrease. Western Noble Union. The western part of the empire was a land bordered by barbarians. If someone were to asked which land is the roughest, people would chose the northern land where the Esalt Mountains were located, but if they asked a place with the most battles going on, people would pick the western land. At one time, a lot of blood was shed from the western nobles due to the imperial¡¯s subjugation of the barbarians. Because of that, the western nobles did not believe in the imperial family very much. Then, because the Ministry of Internal Affairs tired of the endless war, he proposed a peaceful relationship with barbarians, and what came out was a marriage policy. A marriage between the people who just yesterday still cut each other¡¯s throat. It seemed like a wonderful thing. A peaceful marriage. But the western nobles knew. The empire women were treated unfairly. Many of them were taken as the second wife. And the barbarians, who was entitled to have two wives, took the empire women as their concubine. Western noble could only take the bitter pills since in the end it was the empire¡¯s policy. And they couldn¡¯t deny that in that way, a peace was restored in the West, as the barbarians blood flowed through the bodies of the western nobles. Which of course, the central nobles were not pleased with it. They looked down upon the western nobles because the mixed blood of the barbarians. However, because they were alienated by the central nobles, their solidarity grew stronger, and eventually, an organization called Western Union was established to fight their rights and carry out their interest. Serious wanted to end the long feud with the western nobles. So, as the crown prince, he willingly accepted this secret meeting. Because if the feud was intensified, it would never help the empire. Knowing Serios¡¯ intentions, Ariel, the crown princess, also continued to write greeting letters to the western nobles¡¯ wives. She didn¡¯t know if the letter touched their heart or not, but apparently they finally could have a talk with the Marquis of Piensha, the head of the Western Noble Union. However, Vermood thought differently about this meeting. A secret meeting in a place like this without escorts? Veramood would have grabbed Serios by the neck and stopped him, if he could. ¡°There are times when you have to be brave. I think now is the time to show your sincerity, Veramood.¡± Veramood couldn¡¯t help but raised his hands, giving up, after hearing his cousin-brother-in-law. He then followed the crown prince with several reliable guards. In fact, Veramood wanted to take some knights, but it could not be done due to Serios¡¯ opposition. ¡°I can see the meeting place.¡± veramood raised his hand to stop the carriage. Then he ran first and approached the meeting place. ¡®A meeting in a place like this.¡¯ Marquis Piensha was the one who decided the location of the meeting, It was the imperial hunting ground outside the capital. There are three hunting ground near the capital. The hunting ground where the meeting would take a place was not used for hunting this year because there is a rotation every year. Deep in this hunting groung, there was a beautiful glass greenhouse that no one knew about. ¡®I must say, it ¡®was¡¯ beautiful.¡¯ There were two possibilities. It was either the caretakers were unaware of the existence of this greenhouse, or they were just lazy and neglected this greenhouse. Because right there, all the glass of that greenhouse were gone, broken down, and the plantes inside were growing at will. Originally, even just by looking at the frame, it used to show off a bit of elegance, but now,it gave a creepy feeling. ¡®Has he not arrived yet?¡¯ Vermood didn¡¯t feel ay movement. He got off his house, glanced around and gave a signal to the carriage to wait, then approached the greenhouse and shouted. ¡°Are you there?¡± But still no answer. Only the sound of the plants that stretched out freely through the rusty frame rustling in the wind was heard. ¡®Do we come early?¡¯ Veramood turned around thinking that way, and suddenly he felt all of his nape hair was standing up. It was the kind of feeling when someone put a lump of snow on the back of next in the middle of winter. Reflectively, Veramood flattened his body, and a swish came by and something large flew over his head. HIHING! When Veramood raised his head, a huge beast was swallowing his horse. The four legs of the horse were in the air struggled and drooped with a thud. The beast was like a big monkey. Or alligator? Blood ran down its chin as it shoved the droopy horse into its crocodile-like mouth with both hands. The rumbling sound was clear. After the moment of silence, the horses tethered to the carriage began to go wild. Two of them tried to run in different directions, but eventually they started running in one direction. The beast stood up on its hind legs, and looked at the carriage. Chapter 39 Chapter 39: Veramood Lunatil ¡°Separate the carriage and horses!¡± Veramood exclaimed. Even for a well-maintained hunting ground, this place was quite rough. If the horses run like that, their legs would be broken, and the carriage would be overturned. And the people inside the carriage won¡¯t be safe. The coachmen soldier was quite a veteran, so when he heard Veramood¡¯s orders, he reacted immediately. In an emergency, training always shines in a chaotic situation. The soldier pulled the reins with one hand and tried to calm down the horses. On his other hand, he pulled out his sword and struck the joint of the mandrel connecting the carriage and the horses at once. KANG! With a loud sound, the two horses sprinted with joy, they run in different directions, and the carriage that was driven further due to acceleration slowly came to stop. Veramood drew out his sword and rushed to the huge monster after confirming the carriage situation. He had his black aura wrapped around his sword in an instant. The monster raised its hand and tried to block Veramood¡¯s attack, but its hand was cut in an instant. It shouted, exposing its teeth. While Veramood faced the monster, the soldiers drew their swords and surrounded the carriage. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m okay, Your Highness?¡± Ariel looked eagerly at Serios. Serious sighed, ¡°I¡¯m okay, except for the fact that my heart almost fell.¡± ¡°A monster in the royal hunting ground¡­.¡± Ariel¡¯s whole body was shaking. She couldn¡¯t even look at her cousin fighting the monster outside the carriage window. The monster looked too big and bizarre. It was not something a lady¡¯s heart could handle. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be Marquis Piensha¡­.¡± Serious murmured. But he wasn¡¯t too worried. Because Veramood will soon end such a level of monster with his power. However, he worried that if the Marquis Piensha had been attacked, that was the real problem¡ª BOOM! KYAAKK! ¡°What?¡± Something hit the carriage. It would never be a small thing. The wheel of the carriage was lifted, but then returned to its original position. ¡°MONSTER!¡± ¡°Guard the carriage!!¡± Hearing the commotion, in hurry, Serious opened the other window. Suddenly an enormous forefoot slipped through the window, leaving Ariel stunned and then fainted, but Serios pulled out a dagger and then stabbed the front paw with it. KIEEKK!! Serios closed the window as the paws slipped out with a scream. ¡°Your Highnes!!¡± Veramood was stunned for a moment, but the small gap of time brought more chaos and injuries. Veramood¡¯s body, which had been beaten by the monster¡¯s hand, flew for about five meters and fell to the ground. ¡°Khek, heck.¡± Veramood got up while coughing. If he hadn¡¯t been protecting his body with his aura, his intestines would have burst out and he would die right away. Veramood glared at the smiling monster. He looked at the carriage with a sideways glance. The second monster that appeared there now was fighting with the soldiers. No, it couldn¡¯t even say it was a fight. The soldiers rather than run away in fear, they were beating the body of the monster, which the sword couldn¡¯t penetrate. However, they still did it, and somehow they got the monster got away from the carriage. And because of that, instantly, they became the prey of the monster, and unilaterally were killed one by one, The second beast also looked like a monkey. It was a little over two-meter tall and had four arms. Veramood ignored his own safety and started running towards the carriage. And the first monster couldn¡¯t miss it. Yellow eyes like crocodiles flashed. The enemy was showing his back. Because of its size, it only took two or three steps for the monster to catch up with Veramoods back. Gotcha! Excitedly, it reached out its hand, but.., its hand did not touch the prey¡¯s back. soon, a tremendous pain swept away through the monster¡¯s body. Kyaaakkk!!! The monster, whose wrist was cut off, grabbed its hand and cried out. ¡°Go.¡± A clear and resolute voice. ¡°Sigrid?¡± Veramood muttered in a confused voice without realizing it. Sigrid glanced back at Veramood. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Veramood run again. The second beast attached to the carriage did not become Veramood¡¯s long-time opponent. Avatar blowing off its head, Veramood hurriedly opened the carriage door. ¡°Your Highness, are you okay?!?!¡± Serious put down his sword and relaxed after seeing it was Veramood who opened the carriage door. He then sat on the carriage seat. ¡°Except for Ariel fainting, we¡¯re fine.¡± The words made Veramood feel as if he had lost all of his strength. Kieekk~! Veramood turned his head at the screaming. Slowly, he could see the huge monster falling down. Sigrid approached the fallen monster and delivered the final blow. ¡®I took too long.¡¯ Sigrid frowned. She came into the hunting ground with only the geographical information of ¡°the royal hunting grounds outside the capital, but the hunting grounds were vastly larger than she expected. Sigrid, who had no interest in hunting, was bewildered because she had to search the whole hunting ground desperately, but fortunately, she came early. ¡®Good, i¡¯m not too late.¡¯ Sigrid felt relieved, then she approached the carriage. In front of the carriage, stood Veramood and Srios. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Veramood looked at Sigrid with a doubtful look.