Chapter 82. Incorrect answers that outperform correct answers (1)
“I regret it.”
“hmm? what?”
It was a clear mid-winter day, about ten days after leaving the barony.
Everyone in the party stopped and enjoyed their meal.
Xaviel, who was teasing the spoon, suddenly said something like that.
Lloyd tilted his head.
“You regret it?”
“It is as you say.”
“why? Do you regret being born?”
“….”
“Are you worried about something?”
“No worries. Just-”
“Just?”
“Last year, I felt that I had been too lazy.”
“Is it laziness?”
“I neglected swordsmanship training too much.”
Xaviel gripped the spoon tightly.
He said, fixing his eyes on the soup that was cooling in the bowl.
“To be honest, I want to start by saying sorry to Lloyd. I mean the work in Cremo.”
“In Cremo?”
“yes. That night when I faced Giga Titan.”
Xaviel raised his head.
I looked at Lloyd.
“I went out like that to fight against Giga Titan. But it was not enough. I didn’t have enough strength. As a result, Lloyd had to step in himself. He was in great danger and had to face a real risk of death.”
“aha. So are you reflecting?”
“yes.”
Xaviel nodded.
he was sincere
“If I had been a little stronger, if I had been able to take down Giga Titan alone, everything would have been different. Of course, Lord Lloyd wouldn’t be in any danger. That’s why.”
The silver-haired knight’s eyes sparkled with determination.
“So I set a new goal for this year.”
“Goal for this year?”
“That’s right.”
“Oh, that’s great. So, what is your new goal for this year?”
“I am the Sword Master.”
“Pook-up.”
Lloyd almost spit out the soup he was drinking.
Xaviel looked at me and spoke with a serious look.
Because the goal of such a guy is ridiculous?
It never was.
Rather, it was the opposite.
‘To think that this year’s goal is to become a sword master. It would be almost impossible for other people to do even if they cling to it for the rest of their lives, but since he says that, it seems like something will become real.’
I actually felt that way.
It seemed like this guy could really do it.
Because it was actually like that in the novel.
‘That’s the scary thing about Xaviel.’
How many knights in history have devoted themselves to training?
How many people wanted to become a sword master?
He would have risked his life in a fight and sweated again to make the sense he had learned in the real battle his own. Literally, he must have polished his swordsmanship all his life.
How many people have hung on to the sword like that throughout history?
‘Probably hundreds of thousands would be enough. Maybe even more.’
On the other hand, who among them has reached the level of a sword master?
‘There are less than 200 people.’
It really was.
Based on the number of names officially recorded in Laurasia’s history books, there are exactly 179 people. It was an established theory in the academic world that there would be no more than 300 cases even if the record was ambiguous or the authenticity was unclear because they were really well looked after.
Even if you put together historical estimates, there are less than 300 people.
179 people if you only hit the proven numbers.
‘It can be said that it is similar to the total number of all the kings of Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, Goryeo and Joseon based on the Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms.’
The number of kings of major countries in the history of Korea, excluding Gojoseon, Samhan Gaya, and Buyeo, for which historical records are relatively scarce.
That number was pretty much the same.
‘It must be proof that becoming a sword master is inexhaustibly difficult.’
However, to set that incredibly difficult task as a ‘goal for the year’ and then work hard.
If anyone else had said that, it would have sounded like crazy.
But what does that guy say?
It never sounded like a joke.
‘Anyway, he’s like a monster.’
It was when Lloyd thought so.
Xaviel’s still serious voice pierced my ear.
“I intend to work hard for my goal. Even in order not to catch up with Lloyd-sama.”
“uh? me?”
“yes.”
“why me?”
Lloyd was puzzled.
Xaviel replied calmly.
“You have already made a triple circle. Haven’t you reached the level of a user with Mana Hearts?”
“Oh, it was.”
“So I thought. Maybe Lloyd-sama was actually a genius in swordsmanship, unlike the sluggish, clumsy, and lethargic appearance he only showed on the outside.”
“what? Slow and stupid?”
Lloyd’s eyebrows twitched.
Xaviel said as if it were natural.
“In terms of swordsmanship, it certainly was. It wasn’t that he picked up the teachings quickly, and he wasn’t particularly strong or agile. To be more precise, it must have been below average.”
“Isn’t that the standard for you?”
“Anyway, that’s how it seemed to me.”
“…You’re being reckless.”
“Anyway, I think it was a misunderstanding. To be honest, I really didn’t expect Lloyd-sama to create such a Mana Heart in less than a year.”
“Oops. Is the story like that?”
“yes. So these days, I feel a sense of crisis that I will catch up with Lloyd-sama if I leave my hands alone.”
“omg.”
Hey, iron-blooded knight.
Because that’s never going to happen?
Lloyd wanted to say that.
He was never a genius.
It’s just that he’s developing his shady mental methods into skills and investing RP to grow faster than others.
That’s why no matter how hard this side tried, there would never be a chance to catch up with Xaviel.
It is the same now.
Even if you have the same triple circle.
Even though he can use triple blast, which is stronger than Xaviel’s, the same is true.
‘It’s just counting the output on the spec. I don’t think Xaviel would dare to ask for the ability to use it.’
Actually it was.
Comprehensive physical abilities such as basic stamina and physical strength Mana management ability reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix’s brilliant guitar solo Reflexes Ability to use the power possessed Sense of balance Sense of balance Applicability Combat sense Experience Fighting spirit Even a different level of skills that cover all of them.
Comparisons were pointless in all areas.
How about an analogy with a car?
Xaviel could be said to be a super-high-performance, cutting-edge future super formula machine in the 31st century.
On the other hand, what about you?
‘It’s a 20th century Tico with a fighter engine but no steering wheel.’
A lotto shot with triple circle and triple blast, but uncontrollable. That was the sober assessment Lloyd made for himself.
‘So don’t worry man.’
Of course, Lloyd didn’t bother to say that.
There is no need to inform the existence of RP.
Rather, he decided to let Xaviel alone feel the sense of crisis he was feeling by misunderstanding.
‘If I become a sword master early because of my hard work, I’ll benefit.’
Xaviel burns the will to improve his skills.
Seeing Xaviel like that, Lloyd secretly smiled.
The journey to the royal capital was continuing between the midday snowflakes that had begun to scatter.
♣
The journey was quick.
There were no incidents or accidents.
At least, the only case was that the chronic insomnia of one of the entourage of the Imperial Order was completely cured. Of course, it was thanks to Lloyd’s lullaby service over his shoulder that he was reciting to Xaviel.
Anyway, another ten days passed like that.
Finally, the party arrived at Magenta, the royal capital.
“You will have an audience with His Highness the King right away. Do you remember the precautions during the audience?”
“of course.”
Lloyd and Xaviel followed the envoy.
The royal capital was a white and red city.
The walls of almost all the buildings were warm beige tones of white.
On the other hand, all the roofs were covered with red-brown tile panels.
The road leading to the capital from the outskirts of the capital was also wide and neat.
‘But the shape of the palace is a bit peculiar.’
Following the imperial envoy through the main road, Lloyd cast his gaze toward the distant castle.
The shape of the castle was unusual.
I had roughly guessed it from reading the description in the novel Iron Blooded Knight, but actually seeing the visuals felt much more unique than what I had read as a novel.
‘It looks like a hard-boiled egg half buried in the ground. Or a bunker from Sutacraft.’
It was round.
It was smooth and flat.
At the same time, it seemed heavy as a rock.
It was as if a round, flat bunker had been enlarged hundreds of times.
It looked tens of light years away from the universal (?) shape that anyone would normally think of in a medieval royal castle.
By the way, did you notice the interest of this side?
The voice of the envoy who had gone ahead came.
“Did you think that our castle was unique?”
“Ah yes. That’s right.”
“No way.”
The envoy laughed softly.
“Everyone has that thought when they see our castle for the first time. Weird and peculiar. I don’t think it’s royal. Did you think so too?”
“Not quite like that. I’ve heard rumors about it.”
“Then, have you ever heard why they are dressed like that?”
“yes.”
Lloyd nodded.
I remembered what was briefly mentioned in the novel Iron Blooded Knight.
“I heard that it was built hundreds of years ago. Was it when this city was called ‘Taliano’? It is said that during that time, there was an incident in which an unlucky and stupid king was twice chosen by the same dragon.”
“Right. It is said in the history books that it was a very shocking event. That’s why most of the castles built at that time came to look like that.”
“Is it to avoid ‘getting out’ even if the dragon comes?”
“That’s how it is. flat and round. so that there is nowhere to catch. They say that style was popular back then.”
“And now, that king of ours is the last remaining egg-shaped king. Is that correct?”
“haha. A friend who studied a lot. Do you like it the more you see it?”
“It’s an overstatement.”
Lloyd shuddered.
As I was talking with the envoy, the royal castle was right in front of me before I knew it.
After going through complicated procedures, the party entered the royal castle.
I went straight to the throne room.
When I put on the new clothes for the audience, I finally felt that I had arrived at the royal castle.
‘Whoa.’
We will meet the king soon.
If the Earl of Cremo, whom I met before, was just a top, the king I will meet from now on is truly a super top of the top.
In short, the biggest hands in the country.
In other words, it means that you are the biggest customer with the biggest money bag.
‘Let’s try our best.’
Lloyd repeated the king’s personality and characteristics that he had read and learned through the iron-blooded knight. Until I came here, I drew a scenario that I had been spinning in my head countless times. I finally checked the big picture that I decided to realize from now on.
Soon after, the king entered the audience room.
“His Highness the King is entering.”
He quickly got down on one knee.
He bowed his head.
the sound of a door opening.
The sound of confident footsteps.
I heard the presence of sitting on the throne.
Soon, a clear and powerful voice came knocking in my ear.
“Lloyd Frontera and Javiel Asrahan, raise your heads.”
I raised my head.
Beyond the red carpet on the floor.
Black leather boots were visible.
There were also brown leather pants with a rough texture.
Wearing a sturdy and sleek waist was a long sword stained with hand stains. On top of that, a strong upper body in plain clothes and a neckline with no extraneous shoulders were visible one after another.
The last thing that came into view was the face of a woman in her late thirties.
Her wavy red hair, as if she had carried the flames as they were. Her confident and stern blue-green eyes shined brightly in it.
The moment their eyes met, Lloyd almost spit out an exclamation without even realizing it.
‘stylish.’
The king of this country and the only sword master.
Alicia Termina Magentano, the indomitable lord.
It was much more dignified and dignified than I imagined through the description in the novel Iron Blooded Knight.
The voice was even more so.
“Are you Lloyd Frontier?”
The king asked, looking down at Xaviel.
Lloyd shrugged.
“Long live His Highness the King. Lloyd Frontera welcomes His Highness the King, the rightful owner of this land.”
“…you?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Lloyd Frontera?”
“It is.”
“Hmm. What a nerd. Judging from their appearance, they look like nobles over there.”
“….”
“Besides, judging by the momentum you feel, you seem qualified to mix Jim and the sword.”
Startle.
This time, Xaviel, who was bowing side by side, shrugged.
The king had roughly understood Xaviel’s realm with just a quick glimpse.
Indeed, it was a sharp eye worthy of the reputation of a sword master.
King Alicia raised her red eyebrows.
“Anyway, through the sincere advice of the Earl of Cremo, I was able to hear about your achievements. Therefore, I commend you for the courage and spirit of sacrifice you showed in the city of Cremo. Just-”
A meaningful light shone in the king’s blue-green eyes.
“Jim blindly listens to someone’s recommendation and doesn’t hastily evaluate a person. Only trust Jim’s eyes. Therefore, Jim has a desire to check your abilities for himself. Especially from your abilities, Lloyd Frontera.”
“If you say ability, what do you want to confirm….”
“Simple. Jim has heard that your ability to carry out civil works is great. Honey Lloyd Frontera, you’ll just have to give your wise answer to Jim’s question.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Excuse me.”
The king laughed.
Her question fell.
“Lloyd Frontera. What do you think is the most urgent construction project in Magenta, the royal capital, in the current situation?”
The king’s smile changed significantly.
In fact, she already had her eyes on Lloyd. It was also she who became very interested in Lloyd’s ability from the moment she heard the report from Count Cremo.
So it was.
‘Prove it. If you do, I will personally try to use you with great care.’
King Alicia looks at Lloyd while thinking of the answer she had in mind.
Her eyes flashed with longing for young talent.
So at this moment, she didn’t even know.
Lloyd bowed politely at his feet. That there is a smile of repentance on his lips.
‘come.’
It’s exactly as expected.
He was the one who repeatedly analyzed throughout the journey to this place.
I searched through the memories of the novel Iron Blooded Knight. I checked the rumors and records about the royal capital obtained here. That’s how I kept in mind what the king wanted the most and what the capital would need the most.
However, the king was asking exactly what he had expected and prepared.
It was as if the contents of the day’s cramming came out on the final exam.
‘So from now on, it’s my turn to grill and boil it.’
Lloyd’s slightly curled up corners of his mouth.
He wet his lips. He put a powerful gear on his tongue.
“If we dare to answer Your Highness’ question….”
A sly voice came from him.
The king, the biggest jackpot customer in the country.
Lloyd’s game was thrown to win the construction order by properly scratching the king’s itch.
