Chapter 258

Daniela was the winner. And so the tournament ended with me as the runner-up. I was fine with this conclusion and had no regrets. I felt great as I stood on the stage during the ending ceremony.

“It was a glorious battle that will go down in history. I am greatly pleased.”

The Emperor said as he held the trophy. His voice was surprisingly soft when he talked. I had imagined him to be a more hot-blooded military-type after hearing his roar echo across the arena earlier. And as insolent as it may sound, it made me like him a little more. Perhaps it was this discrepancy that made him loved by the people.

Emperor Veldrid handed Daniela the trophy and shook her hand. Then the crowd erupted into applause and cheering. Suddenly, the air was filled with a storm of confetti. It was beautiful and grand. It reminded me of how great and historical this event was for them.

“This trophy is like a title bestowed on the victor. But there are other prizes as well. I could give them to you here, but I would prefer it if you came to the castle. As the gates of the city are open wide, we do not know who may be here and what they are thinking.”

He said in a whisper. In spite of strict security measures, such things still happened.

“I understand. We will visit the castle tomorrow.”

“Hmm. Well, now that I think about it, I doubt there are any enemies here that can match you.”

The Emperor said with a chuckle.

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Once the tournament was over, all of the participants were invited to a sort of night festival.

It was held within a corner of land near the imperial castle. There was a huge mansion there, but I wasn’t sure who lived in it.

People from the castle also attended, and it was a grandiose affair. That being said, Daniela and I were in no mood for that. We had talked about it in advance and decided on just sipping some tea and then leaving. It was while we were attempting to do just that, that someone stopped us by the gate.

“You’re leaving so soon?”

I turned around to see Adlus standing there. He had collapsed from a rapid magic deficiency, but had recovered and was standing on his own two feet now. There were a few other light elves with him, but they stayed silent.

“We’re practically falling apart… But they didn’t want any more delays, so here we are. But we’re heading back now to get some rest.”

In spite of everything that had happened, I was able to talk very calmly. Perhaps it was because there was something about Adlus that seemed different. His eyes weren’t glaring menacingly and he was composed.

“I see… I watched your fight. It was wonderful.”

“Thank you.”

It was a short reply, but Daniela actually looked at him for once.

“Such power would not be possible without much training. No…you two traveled together. You must have gone far as a team. I didn’t know that and was insolent. I apologize…”

Very slowly, he bowed his head. I couldn’t help but glance towards Daniela.

“I apologize to you as well, Asagi. Of course, I don’t expect to be forgiven.”

He continued. As for me, it was in the past and didn’t matter at all anymore.

“I won’t ask for forgiveness, but if my life will make up for, I will gladly offer it.”

“Wait-wait. I don’t think that anyone cares about…”

“No, Asagi. I actually do care. Besides, he dug up your past and insulted you.”

“I don’t care about that. I really don’t, Daniela.”

“Hmm…”

It was nice that she was angry on my behalf, but I wanted to leave it in the past.

“Adlus, raise your head. Your companions seem to be a little flustered by all of this.”

“But…”

“It is fine. Raise your head.”

Adlus looked at her carefully and slowly raised his head. The other elves moved closer to him. In spite of appearances, perhaps he was rather nice to his close friends. Or else I’m not sure why they’d care.

“Daniela and I are two parts of a whole. Just as your companions are important to you, she is important to me. Just remember that and we can leave this all behind us. Fair?”

“…Yes… But, are you certain? You will forgive me?”

He now looked a little like a scolded child. I couldn’t help but chuckle. So did Daniela.

“That is what he is saying. Now, let us forget it.”

“I see…”

Daniela dragged her wounded leg as she moved forward to pat him on the shoulder. Adlus whispered through gritted teeth. But I could hear him clearly.

“Thank you… I was so wrong.”

And so everything ended. The auction and the Imperial Sword Tournament.

The next day, we went to the castle in order to accept the prize. As the Emperor had a tight schedule, it was done quickly.

“There you are. Now, here it is. As the winner, you will be awarded three thousand pieces of gold and this bracelet. This is a ‘Hollow Bracelet.’ It can store almost anything that is not a living human. Like this.”

The Emperor put the bracelet on his wrist and stored the three thousand pieces of gold inside.

“It is very valuable. So use it well.”

“Thank you.”

Daniela accepted it and put it on immediately. Yes, it looked good on her. I already had the hollow bag, but it was sure to be useful on our journey.

“And one more. I believe you have the wind attribute. This is a cape made from the materials of a green dragon that a previous emperor killed. The person who wears this will be loved by the wind and should be able to withstand anything. You will even be able to soar through the sky. As it used the power within the cape, your own energy will not be depleted.”

Green dragons were supposed to be the strongest type of wind dragon. I remember hearing something about the ones with color in their names being the strongest. Daniela had received such a wonderful gift…I was incredibly jealous.

While the cape was made of green dragon, the color was pure white. On top of that, it had an intricate green pattern on it that was elegant and subtle. It wasn’t something you wore to show off, but it also didn’t look cheap. It was the perfect cape for someone as beautiful as Daniela.

“This…”

Daniela put it on and looked at it with surprise. I could smell the green energy in the air. It was the moment that the cape recognized Daniela as its owner.

“Hmm. It suits you. In fact, it was the Empress Velgrys that slew the green dragon. She used wind magic just like you. Even a green dragon could not match her.”

The strongest monster with the wind attribute was no match…

“As for you, Asagi…”

“Uh, yes.”

The Emperor called my name while I stared at Daniela dazedly. It would not be long before I was executed for being disrespectful…!

“Haha. I can see why you would be stunned. But please accept this first. One thousand and five-hundred in gold for being the runner-up. And this sword.”

The shiny coins were brought in on a tray with a single sword. It was a one-handed sword in a black sheath.

“The Black Empire Blade, Velnoir. This was also from a previous emperor.”

“Uh, oh, Your Majesty. Surely I couldn’t…”

I could understand bestowing such gifts to the winner or their tournament. But I hadn’t won. I couldn’t help but hesitate.

“It is fine. Besides, you did well in the fight. You might have won had the spirits not been called in at the end. And so I think you deserve something for that.”

Well, I couldn’t argue against him. He had recognized what been happening at the end. I hesitantly reached out for the sword.

“Uhh… Woah…”

The texture seemed to suck at your skin. It wasn’t just bound in leather. The handguard was clearly designed with practicality in mind. With the exception of one black gem-like stone, it was very simple.

“It is the sword of Emperor Kisaragi. The Black Emperor. He is mostly known for being the sole emperor who was not of the royal line, but he was also the strongest up until then.”

“Emperor…Kisaragi…?”

Kisaragi…? Could that mean…

“Try unsheathing it.”

“Certainly…”

The Emperor said as I was musing on the name. And so I did as he said. A blade that was as black as the sheath now appeared. It was a two-edged blade. However, one side had comb-like teeth near the base. The words ‘sword breaker’ flashed in my mind.

“It is said that he used this sword long ago, during a great war. And it is said that as he rushed through the battlefield, he left a trail of broken blades behind him.”

So, you could break swords with that part of the blade.

“It’s made of an ore known as Black Star ore. It is found deep within the earth. Kisaragi called this ore the Star Core.”

Who knew how he got his hands on such a thing… In any case, I understood that it was a great sword. I sheathed it and strapped it on the opposite side of the armor demon sword.

“Thank you. I’m honored to be able to accept it.”

“Hmm. And now, it is finished. The festivities will continue for one more week. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in the city.”

He said with a smile and then got up from his seat.

“I would have liked to talk with you some more, but there is no time, unfortunately.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Well, until we meet again.”

And then he quickly left the room. We were then led out of the castle and back into the city. As I couldn’t carry it, Daniela stored my gold with her own.

And like that, our business in the imperial capital came to an end.