Chapter 245: The Sword Saint, Ha Yuri

“Um… Sword Saint, it’s time for you to go outside.”

“Understood.”

Kim Hyuncheol waited outside with an extremely tense expression, eagerly anticipating the emergence of Ha Yuri, the esteemed wielder of the sacred sword Aea. As his first time assisting Ha Yuri, nervousness was only natural. Hailing from a renowned clan with great promise, he had always aspired to climb higher, but he never imagined the opportunity would come so swiftly.

Observing the equally tense expressions of the senior members around him somewhat relieved him, yet he couldn’t quell the trembling in his legs.

Ha Yuri, the renowned figure who held immense influence in the western lands with a mere flick of her finger. For aspiring individuals like him, she was undoubtedly an unattainable dream.

Finally, the door to the room opened, and the Sword Saint, Ha Yuri, emerged gracefully.

A faint divine aura seemed to radiate from her, emphasizing her true strength. But more than that, she exuded an air of divinity. Her otherworldly beauty was complemented by her simple attire, revealing her modesty and frugality.

“Just follow what you’ve learned… Just follow…”

It was a simple task, being there to protect the Sword Saint in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Yet, as he gazed at her cheerful smile, his mind went blank. Finally, a soft voice came from the Sword Saint’s lips.

“It’s a face I haven’t seen before.”

“Yes. A new recruit. The guy who joined last time…”

“Ah, yes. I understand what you mean. Please give a brief introduction.”

“Sure. He’s a promising talent from the Cross Clan. His name is Kim Hyuncheol, and I heard he was summoned not long ago. He possesses exceptional talent and received a recommendation to join the Holy Knights. He may still have some shortcomings, but he is a talent with great potential for the future.”

“Hmm… Not a bad person, it seems.”

Though the voice sounded like a self-evaluation, there was no hint of dissatisfaction. Instead, Kim Hyuncheol subconsciously straightened his posture, putting strength in his back and legs, eager to leave a good impression.

Jeong Wiyeong, one of the top talents in the Holy Knights, the strongest in the western region, who always took down the Sword Saint’s enemies before others could, instilled an unfamiliar sense of nervousness in him. Seeing him and Ha Yuri in the same place intensified the feeling.

The Sword Saint approached him.

“Please take care of me from now on.”

“Uh… Yes! I-I will do my best!”

A resounding agreement was only natural. Kim Hyuncheol nodded, appreciating the honor of patrolling the city with the Sword Saint, even without heading out for battle.

As they walked outside, Jeong Wiyeong and Ha Yuri’s conversation could be overheard.

“By the way, what happened to the matter we entrusted?”

“Ah… You’re talking about the North and East, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It seemed like they ultimately decided to take a different path. Especially after the incident with the disappearances before, the Queen of the East seemed tight-lipped… And… It seems like preparations for a significant move are underway in the North.”

Kim Hyuncheol was also aware of the disappearance incident. A large number of officials from the South vanished in the marshes while negotiating an alliance. The truth remained elusive, and rumors of the Spider Clan’s involvement circulated, but nothing was confirmed.

As a result, the West lodged direct protests against the East, but the East’s decision to form an alliance with the North created considerable waves on the continent. The lawless slave trade in the East and the disorderly North were viewed as savagery by the perspectives of the West and the South. While the West aimed to avoid war, news of imminent military provocations made the atmosphere in Aia increasingly tense.

“There might be a war.”

Kim Hyuncheol wasn’t the only one harboring such thoughts, so it was natural for the atmosphere to grow more somber.

“So… North again…”

“Should we start moving too? We must clarify our position. This constant concession…”

“I feel the same as you, Jeong Wiyeong. However, it’s hard for me to make a firm decision when I think about the citizens who would suffer in a war.”

“We must also consider the summoners in the West, East, and North. They too need our help and protection. Especially the suffering slaves…”

Kim Hyuncheol agreed with Jeong Wiyeong’s words. Even now, people in the East and North could be suffering. From a macroscopic perspective, it seemed fitting for the Order of Holy Knights to take action. However, he had no choice in the matter. Observing the Sword Saint’s constant frown as she deliberated, Jeong Wiyeong couldn’t help but feel sympathetic.

Being the ruler of the entire West was a heavy burden for someone so young.

Naturally, she couldn’t help but carry such weight. Had she been born on Earth, she would have been an ordinary girl leading a normal life. Witnessing such a Sword Saint, Jeong Wiyeong’s heart began to ache with sympathy.

The raw emotions weighed heavily on her delicate shoulders, so unimaginable that the burden seemed insurmountable.

“But still…”

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“Make a decision,” she said firmly.

“Please, just give me a little more time. I believe we can resolve this through dialogue. If there’s any way we can handle this matter without involving innocent people, I’d like to handle it ourselves. Forcing innocent people into this situation is not right…”

“I understand your point.”

“Also, let’s refrain from discussing this outside the guild house. We need to be careful about what we say, as many ears are listening. We don’t want to cause unnecessary anxiety among the citizens.”

“You’re right. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Patrolling the grand city beyond the guild house was one of the Sword Saint’s daily tasks. Despite the challenging circumstances in the city, it was both a support for the poor and an effort to enhance the city’s security.

As they stepped outside, they could already see summoners looking their way. It was only natural; the Sword Saint always drew attention as they led their procession. The thoughts of many of the summoners looking at them were likely the same.

‘I want to become like them.’

That thought undoubtedly crossed their minds.

Greeting everyone they passed with eye contact and a nod, Kim Hyuncheol couldn’t help but sigh inwardly as they observed the Sword Saint, leading them gracefully. She was like a divine blessing from the heavens; Aya was not a prosperous place. This continent was not a safe haven. While the city was not completely bereft of income, the tremendous cost of maintaining the military left many starving sailors.

The damages caused by the provocation in the north were also borne by the western region’s finances, not just the second-class monsters.

The support from the south had its limits too, and soon, experts predicted that the west would face a major upheaval.

As they continued walking, various scenes caught their eyes. The bustling main streets crowded with large guilds, small clans, and adventurers preparing for hunts together, as well as the destitute commoners and the prostitutes selling their bodies to survive.

Slowly, the Sword Saint Ha Yuri began to move forward.

Kim Hyuncheol felt a sudden tension. Naturally, the Sword Saint was powerful, but their compassionate nature might prevent them from using force in certain situations. Kim Hyuncheol discreetly released a little magic power as they followed the Sword Saint, and soon, someone came into view.

It was a man lying on the ground nearby, apparently asleep.

The Sword Saint quietly handed him a gold coin and spoke. The scene of them calmly holding the filthy merchant’s hand was quite surprising to Kim Hyuncheol.

“Someday, you will create a better world. Please work hard. I’m nothing special, but…”

“Th-thank you.”

“No, if you need help, feel free to come to the guild house anytime. Our Holy Knights will always support you. I apologize that we can only offer help in this manner.”

“Th-thank you, S-Sword Saint.”

Kim Hyuncheol breathed a sigh of relief at the man’s trembling expression, holding the gold coin with a shaky hand. He probably thought he’d squander the gold on gambling or alcohol.

Though his heart understood, such help was meaningless.

Moreover…

“These trash-like scumbags…”

Their surroundings filled with covetous gazes. If one could quantify emotions, the area would be overflowing with the greed of prostitutes and merchants. Perhaps the man might even end up dead. He seemed too innocent, smiling so happily while handing out gold.

Among all the smiles Kim Hyuncheol had seen, this one could be called the most genuine. It was almost unbelievable that there could be such an innocent person who could smile while giving to others.

Still, he was young, fragile enough to navigate this harsh world. That’s why he needed help.

Unknowingly, Kim Hyuncheol tightened their grip on their sword.

“I want to help.”

Such feelings arose. As the beggars and scoundrels began to stealthily gather around the Sword Saint, Kim Hyuncheol released more magical power. They meant it as a warning not to come any closer.

Of course, it was only natural that the paupers couldn’t take a single step from where they stood. This was not only a warning to stay away but also a command to forget what they had just witnessed.

This was to ensure that the pure virtue of the Sword Saint remained untainted by greed. Though he wanted to say something, speaking to himself was still not permitted.

“Now, you should start heading back.”

“Ah… Yes. I understand. Please always stay strong. I will also stay strong in the same position as you all.”

Seeing the queen bow her head towards the commoners until the very end was an astonishing sight. No other queen would do so.

Perhaps war might break out soon. Kim Hyuncheol made a silent promise, even without realizing it.

He wasn’t fighting for the city. He thought he might have come here to protect this delicate girl.

Gradually, the Sword Saint turned its head again, beginning to move towards a different area. Kim Hyuncheol warned the men who had received gold coins as they watched him and slowly took his steps forward.

He was fortunate to have joined the Order of Holy Knights. He wanted to stand proudly by her side and protect her. With such thoughts in mind, Kim Hyuncheol nodded his head.

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