The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 26

Chapter 26: Abandoned Past

Together with Aria, we entered the room. Along the way, I felt intense stares, but I knelt down about ten steps away and lowered my head. A commanding voice spoke, and we raised our faces in response, locking eyes with Emperor Victoria, who sat on the throne before us.

Her appearance resembled Aria’s with her golden hair and sharp features, but her piercing gaze and mask-like expression gave her an especially cold demeanor. Her toned body hinted at her exceptional skill as a warrior.

(And that sword beside Victoria…)

I glanced at the massive sword leaning next to her, its hilt adorned with a lion motif. The blade was a blood-like crimson, with only the edge gleaming white.

(There’s no doubt; it rivals my Chaos Crusader.)

I suppressed the urge to swallow hard. I couldn’t be sure if I could win in a fight. The Emperor in front of me exuded an aura of strength that was palpable.

“You’ve returned safely, Arseria.”

“Yes, I apologize for causing you worry.”

“Hmm… First, tell me the story of how you obtained the rare drop. We’ll discuss the rest afterward.”

Aria signaled to me, and she began recounting the events, deciding in advance how much to reveal.

“This is the rare drop I acquired, Ruskdite.”

After finishing her story, Aria held up Ruskdite in front of the Emperor. Its beauty and shimmering magical power left many in the room breathless.

“I see. So, you had assistance not only from your own strength but also from that entity to obtain this sword.”

“Yes, he saved my life and provided assistance.”

“Hmm…”

The Emperor’s gaze turned toward me, unsettling me slightly with her eyes that seemed to see everything.

“Berg, was it? First, I want to express my gratitude for helping Arseria. As for a token of my appreciation, I promise to provide something within my authority later.”

“I am honored.”

“Now, it seems you also possess a rare drop, correct? Show it to us.”

Her sudden request made me wary, but her expressionless face revealed nothing. After a brief hesitation, I pulled out my Chaos Crusader, which had transformed into its sword form, from my belt and raised it.

The jet-black sword garnered various reactions from those in the room. The knights with titles remained motionless, but the knights and officials in the background displayed a mix of suspicion and curiosity in their gazes.

“―――Your Majesty! There is no need to waste any more time on such an individual!”

A voice suddenly erupted from behind a knight clad in azure armor. I saw a blond man, dressed in fine clothes but with a sword at his waist, pointing at me in clear anger.

“There’s no way someone like this could obtain something comparable to the Imperial Regalia! Most likely, he’s trying to ingratiate himself with our country using false accomplishments!”

The Emperor’s face showed a momentary weariness, but she quickly returned to her impassive state and turned her gaze to the blond man.

“…Vice Commander Fulde of the Second Knight Order, is there a reason for such an assertion?”

Fulde, as the man was called, continued to glare at me while stating his case.

“The reason is simple, Your Majesty. This man is Serk-Grantos! He abandoned his own country and fled, causing unnecessary trouble here! There’s no reason to trust someone like that!”

It was an intrusive reference to a past I had left behind…