I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 263
“Probably not. I only just recently learned there’s a way I could die other than being captured and abused by the Southern Emperor. That guy is probably in the same position.”
The contract with the devil and the blessing of Lux, are like two sides of the same coin, right?
“But Tess, doesn’t that mean you don’t age?”
“I age. My case is about naturally growing older and dying, but if I wished for immortality, I wouldn’t die. I can also control how my appearance ages. If I don’t want to show signs of aging, I can stop it.”
“Hmm.”
The power of the devil really is incredible.
“By the way, that sword, it’s strange.”
For once, Tess didn’t move closer and kept his distance.
“No… It’s actually quite unsettling.”
“This sword is said to be able to harm even those blessed by the God of Light. So it might not just be unpleasant for you.”
“That’s not what I mean. How should I put it…”
Tess furrowed his brow unlike himself.
“It’s more of a physical discomfort, like facing an enemy. It’s not just that the sword has the properties of light that make it unpleasant.”
Even with the overcast sky, the sword gleamed bright white, as if it wouldn’t forgive even a speck of dust. The decorated hilt was also white, making it look sacred.
“It feels like I’m facing a hated enemy.”
“Hmm, I guess it’s better to keep my distance.”
I threw the still sheathed sword into the air.
As expected, the sword didn’t rise very high. It was heavier than the one I usually used.
“I think I’ll need to swing it a lot. It’s long and heavy.”
When a weapon is long, it gives a greater range, but it also becomes harder to wield quickly.
I’d be facing the Southern Emperor, and I couldn’t afford to make mistakes. I couldn’t let Tess get injured, so I’d need to keep him from getting involved.
“Tess, do you know an angel named Haniel?”
“The angel who fell in love with a woodcutter?”
“Oh, you know her.”
“The devil hasn’t met her personally, it’s just some information that was passed down.”
“I met her in the fairy realm. She told me where this sword is.”
Tess looked intrigued.
“The love angel, Haniel… I’ve heard she was cast out of heaven for committing a sin, so it must be true.”
“Did she fall in love with a human and get cast out?”
I swung the sword horizontally, and it made a loud swishing sound.
Ugh, it’s definitely heavier than the one I used at County Daidi.
“As far as I know, that’s not it. Angels are supposed to protect humans, so she probably got cast out for another reason.”
What kind of mistake did the cute angel make to get banished from her home?
I was a little curious.
“Ugh.”
For a moment, as I thought about something else, the sword moved on its own.
“It’s really tricky to handle.”
The sword seemed to hum as if it understood. The snow-like white blade flickered between dark and light.
“They said it’s an amazing sword, but it seems like it understands me, too.”
“Euseniel, you’re amazing. Communicating with a sword like that.”
“This sword is special.”
Tess didn’t express his displeasure, but I felt an unusual familiarity with the sword. It felt like meeting an old friend I had known for a long time.
It almost seemed like the sword was asking me to recognize it, as if it was pleading with me. Was that just an illusion?
“Alright, let’s do this. We can do it.”
I spoke gently to the sword, then moved it again in both horizontal and vertical motions as I walked.
“You might not like it, but I have to kill him.”
The sword grew quiet.
I spent most of my time getting accustomed to the new weapon, and every time I did, Tess was either by my side or checking around the barracks.
There was no news from Alin, and the repairs to the castle continued.
“Whoo…”
The war that had started with the spring carried on into the fall. It was already autumn, and it had only been summer when I was captured by the Emperor of the Southern Empire.
Even in Hollen, the warmest part of the Northern Empire, the cold was starting to settle in.
“Euseniel, snow.”
Looking up, I saw small but distinct snowflakes falling from the sky. I spread my palm, and the tiny object that landed on it melted smoothly and disappeared without a trace.
“It’s falling earlier than usual.”
General Panet, who had come to speak with Tess and me, looked troubled.
“If this continues, the north and the capital…”
“It’ll get colder.”
Tess’s voice was similarly grim.
Cold weather brings numerous hardships. Not only will we need heavier clothing and thicker barracks, but we’ll also need fuel for fires. We’ll likely see soldiers suffering from conditions like frostbite as well.
Bwooooo.
The sound of a trumpet echoed, signaling an enemy’s advance, accompanied by the falling snow.
“This time, the Southern Emperor isn’t here.”
“I guess the beating I gave him had some effect.”
Tess sounded lighter than the serious situation, though he quickly assessed the situation.
“You should keep that sword hidden, Euseniel.”
“Yes.”
Indeed, the trump card should only be revealed in the final moments.
“Not long ago, the Southern Empire’s army tried to invade Duchy Flora. They were planning to go around and attack us from there.”
“The Southern Emperor must be getting anxious now that the war is dragging on.”
“Maybe?”
Tess nodded.
“Still, most of the forces are gathered here, and any movement would be easily noticeable, so they can’t afford to make reckless moves.”
“That’s a relief, but…”
I voiced the concern I had been carrying since discovering the mirror’s existence.
“What if they have the same plan as us?”
They could be using the mirror to directly strike at the capital.
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