Chapter 17: The Blue Knight (1)

Chapter 17: The Blue Knight (1)

Translated by Mara Sov

Civil War Period The Blue Knight (1)

Memores sumus vestri me-

This serene song echoed around the usually silent mansion of the Marquisate.

Ostende mihi faciem sol luceat-

Eris continued to sing with her eyes closed in joy as Jessie brushed her snow-white hair while humming along to this unknown song.

Having gotten used to caring for myself while on the battlefields, I didnt need a helping servant.

Therefore, Jessie, who was my personal servant, hardly had anything to do, but when I brought Eris here, they seemed to have become close friends.

Smiling at this sight, I looked at Christine who had left the room and was waiting for me outside.

Ah, I apologize.

Its fine. She seems quite aLively person.

Right?

I walked through the hallways of the mansion with Christine.

As our rhythmic footsteps echoed down the hallways, Christine opened her mouth.

So, this was the child youve been talking about?

Thats correct, my Countess.

A child, huh? Well, Eris was only sixteen.

Although Christine and I were only 3 years older than her, I had the memories of my past life, and Christine has such an imposing aura that I often forget her real age.

When Eris introduced herself with the full brunt of her charm and friendliness, Christine had a very awkward posture.

The contrast between the two couldnt be more striking since Christine always wears a black dress, has deep black eyes and hair, while Eris is entirely white aside from her eyes.

Her charm must be truly captivating since you risked your life to fetch her. I truly hope that she proves to be worth it.

Well

While I felt somewhat confused by her statement, Christine quickened her steps in silence.

As soon as we entered the reception room, Christine gestured to the maid following her.

Lina.

Yes, My Lady.

The maid handed Christine a scroll before leaving the room. With the scroll in hand, Christine turned towards me with a harsh glare as she began to speak.

When you said you were going to look for her, I imagined that youd send someone to bring her. Now, imagine my surprise when I heard that you went gallivanting around the lands where a deadly plague was at its strongest?

Im sorry, Christine.

If you consider me your partner, then I want you to take care of yourself, Pierre. Ive invested a lot in you, and it would be troublesome for me if something were to happen to you.

Dont worry, Ill be more cautious in the future. But didnt you also risk your life entering an enemy territory fully aware of the assassination attempts? The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

I managed to maintain my smile even when Christines glare turned frosty.

It was a necessary risk, and besides I had Sir Gaston with me. I assure you, I didnt make a reckless decision. Besides, I made you a promise, one I intend to keep.

With that, I extended my hand to her as she looked at me blankly. After a couple of seconds, she smiled wryly and placed her hand in mine.

If only promises could prevent harm

Escorting her towards a nearby table, I heated the water and made us coffee, before joking.

My Countess, your words wound me, didnt you know that demons are supposed to honor their pacts?

A demon who houses a Saint, thats something you dont see every day.

Christine finally smiled as she watched me prepare the coffee, and when I handed her a mug, she unfurled the scroll shed received from the maid.

This is the list of items you requested, as well as the report of the troops commissioned.

I took the scroll from Christine and read through it. As expected from the Aquitaine company, nearly all the items requested had been procured.

And then, the army.

I have invested my private funds, accrued from selling raw materials to Abyss Corporation into Christines management and the army creation.

I see, so you managed about 1000 men.

Yes. Ill expand further in the future, but that would be somewhat difficult since Aquitaine is not a martial house.

Your familys origins dont matter that much since handling firearms is something most independent cities are known for, not martial families. Please continue with this project

Im happy to continue as long as Im being paid.

If I tried to muster this army within Lafayette, I would be under strict vigilance.

However, in Aquitaine, a neutral territory in the Civil War that was mainly focused on trading, it was much easier to recruit the necessary manpower, compared to Lafayette.

Above all, the army trained and equipped by Christine would be just a third party employed by me.

Although small, this army would not be known as a part of Lafayette, nor would they be influenced by the Marquis. As of now, they would become a vital asset.

While I examined the scroll, Christine took a sip of her coffee and then said.

Ive also been keeping an eye on the connections to the independent cities as you requested, but the response to this endeavor has been lacking.

Is that so? Well, theres no need to rush this. Just focus on making a good impression for now.

Christine shrugged before adding.

Among the influential figures in the cities, a famous liberal writer showed some interest. His name is Nicolau Brissau. He also studied the law and even worked as a Jury, do you recognize him?

Narrowing my eyes in thought, I was able to recall his name.

Yes, I think I know who youre talking about.

He must have been one of the moderates in the Revolutionary Army.

This is good. If possible, try to establish a connection with him.

If you say so, Pierre. He must be someone worth meeting.

I bowed even lower so he wouldnt be able to see my sneer.

Im honored by your praise, Your Excellency. Please let us proceed.

Yes.

With a nod, the Marquis headed towards the mansion, his gaze fixed towards the back of the group.

Where Eris was clad in both robe and veil.

I felt every muscle in my body tense, but the Marquis simply watched her for a moment before stepping inside the mansion as if nothing had happened.

With a relieved sigh, I followed after him.

However,

No sooner had the soldiers and the lower servants of the mansion been dismissed and the doors closing behind us, that the Marquis stopped in his tracks.

Your Excellency?

Without looking at me, the Marquis stomped towards Eris.

Who are you, to be veiled in my presence?

Before Eris could respond, I intervened between her and the Marquis.

Your Grace, she is an artist under my patronage. She is sensitive to sunlight, so I allowed her to use the veil. My apologies for not informing you sooner.

Then she can remove it now, cant she?

Yes. I apologize for my rudeness, Your Excellency. Im Eris, invited by the Young Master to take residence at this manor.

Immediately after the Marquis spoke, Eris took off her veil and curtsied to him.

Her snow-white hair cascaded down, as her deep purple eyes and pale face were revealed.

The Marquis appraised Eris for a moment, before turning to me with a particular smile.

Hmm, not bad. She may be young now, but theres promise for the future. A man should be able to recognize a good woman.

After saying this, the Marquis turned his gaze towards Francois, who was standing close to Eris.

As he looked at him for a moment, he turned his back.

Although I felt sorry for Eris, this misunderstanding was not a bad outcome.

Sending an apologetic look towards her, I prepared to follow the Marquis once more.

However, the Marquis paused once more before returning his gaze, not to Eris, but to Francois.

And who might you be?

This one is but a humble man who is honored to meet the great Blue Knight, His Excellency, Hubert De Lafayette. This ones name is Francois. I am Eris guardian, invited by the Young Master to take residence in this manor.

The Marquis gestured towards Eris with his chin.

Shes your daughter then?

No, Your Excellency. She is the child of a benefactor whom I am protecting.

Protecting you say

What? Why is he taking such an interest in Francois?!

While I was trying to understand his thought process, the Marquis drew his sword.

As everyone gasped and froze, the Marquis addressed Francois with his sword drawn.

Draw your sword.

Y-Your Excellency?

The Marquis didnt repeat himself. With a slow, yet powerful movement, he swung his sword towards Francois.

With astonishing speed, Francois drew his sword and blocked the Marquiss blow as the steel screeched through the mansion.

This cursed madman was actually trying to kill him!

Uncle Francois!

Amid Eriss cry of horror,

The Marquis raised his trembling sword arm, and looked at Francois who managed to block his blow, and then

Ha Ha, Hahahaha! Hahahahahahaha!

Burst into laughter.

The Marquiss lips twisted into a hungry smile to everyones shock and bewilderment.

Its been a long time, Sir Frederick De Beaumont. To hear that a Knight who once guarded the beloved concubine of the late King, calling himself a humble man is a good joke, isnt it?

Francois, no, Sir Frederick De Beaumonts eyes widened as the Marquiss smile only widened.

You may not remember me. However, I had the opportunity to witness your deeds as a mere KnightThat was a beautiful swordsmanship. Though your appearance has changed, the swords do not lie or hide!

In the tense silence, the Marquis turned his head towards me.

Pierre, many times I believed that you were hopeless. But it seems I was wrong. To think you managed to pick such a gem in my absence

No, it cant be

The Knight who threw away his title to remain loyal to the dead king, the one who rescued the Kings beloved concubine and her daughter from the palace on the brink of Civil War. If a man such as you is guarding a young girl, then

As soon as he finished speaking, the Marquis knelt before Eris, took her hand, and kissed the back of it.

Looking at her, the Marquiss eyes now had an intense and swirling emotion I couldnt even begin to describe.

Before the pale and shocked Eris could respond, the Marquis spoke with a twisted smile.

The Missing Princess Erisliste Lilianne De FranciaThats is you, is it not, Your Highness?

TL Note: I tried to translate the Latim, but the sentence seemed incomplete I couldnt be sure of the meaning but its something like this:

We are mindful of you, my/me and Show me your face, may the sun shine

Again Mama is not a Latim nutjob, so if any Latim master here can make a more accurate translation please do,

Also also, shit hit the fun lads! Daddy Marquis is not stupid!

/genesisforsaken