“Mantrap is a monster that attacks humans with its sticky tendrils. Some of them can be poisonous, so if you don’t cut them off immediately, the poison can spread. Today, Rosebelia herself will demonstrate how to deal with a Mantrap.”

The practical lesson on dealing with Mantraps involved cutting off sticky ropes tied all around one’s body, except for one arm. Speed and precision were the key.

As soon as the instructor blew the horn, Rosebelia moved her arm holding the sword. She briefly closed her eyes as her sword cut through the air, then opened them again.

‘What just happened…’

A cheer erupted in the arena, enveloped in a momentary silence. The knights of the White Order cheered as if it were an everyday occurrence, but the knights of the Guardian Order were frozen in place.

“It’s not a rumor that she took down a monster by herself, then.”

Upon hearing a knight’s comment, Rinart barely nodded.

Her movements were flawlessly executed. With a mere flick of her sword, all the ropes restraining her disappeared in an instant.

She achieved perfection with minimal movement. What was more shocking was that all this happened in the blink of an eye.

No one could even dare to mimic her.

‘After seeing something like this…’

Laughter kept escaping in sequence.

Rosebelia Winters was a genius. Curiosity sparkled in Rinart’s eyes as he watched her.

“Rose, you don’t have to step up next time. I could have handled it.”

Since the practical lesson had just ended, there were many ears around. Gesturing toward the corner of the star building, Edwin obediently followed me.

“Are you planning to hide your condition until the end?”

“I told you, I’m fine with painkillers. See, I’m perfectly fine now.”

“What if you run out of painkillers while we’re out on a mission? Didn’t think of that, did you?”

“We could find medicine before that happens.”

“You think the Rylai family will prioritize such a request? Commander has to make an official request for them to even consider hurrying.”

Kicking a random pebble, Edwin knew better than anyone that he might become a burden in his current state.

Still, he didn’t want to give up. Stubbornness or not, he wanted to go.
Edwin took pride in participating in the subjugation more than anyone else.

“You better not act foolishly. This isn’t the only subjugation mission.”

“I know that…”

“Shouldn’t we at least inform the leader about your condition?”

I didn’t bother to mention that I had sent a letter to Dylan Riley. I didn’t want to see him get his hopes up only to be disappointed later.

“I suppose we should.”

“Will you go with me?”

Edwin, who usually had a hard time dealing with Gabriel, looked reluctant. He resembled his grandfather, who had been particularly strict with him.

“I’d appreciate it if you do.”

I led Edwin straight toward the main building. He seemed to follow me obediently, but suddenly stopped in his tracks as we were on our way to the main building.

“Rose, I think I left my cloak… stay here for a moment.”

Edwin, who told me to wait for a moment, didn’t show up even after a significant amount of time had passed.

Is he making a cloak? Surely he didn’t run away?

“…Senior?”

I heard a rustling noise and found Kline standing there.

“Ah, Kline.”

“Are you going to the main building?”

“Yes. I’m going to see the leader.”

Ian nodded slightly and showed a faint smile.

“I think that’s wise. In my opinion, you should also avoid participating in this subjugation…”

“What are you talking about?”

“Weren’t you going to discuss this with the leader?”

Ian raised an eyebrow. He looked at me with a somewhat confused expression.

I’m the one who should be confused here.

“I was on my way to discuss Edwin’s ankle condition with the leader. Do you think I should be excluded from this subjugation? Why?”

“…Are you really asking because you don’t know?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Why should I be excluded from the subjugation?”

“Can you really guarantee that you’re fine? If so, I’d recommend you get examined by the physician I trust. If it’s confirmed that you’re not injured…”

“Kline, about that day…”

“You said it was cherry pie. Since there’s no way to verify that, I’ve tried to believe you. But that doesn’t mean you didn’t cough up blood while fighting the monster before.”

“…”

Ian, seemingly frustrated, brushed his forehead. His face showed a determined look, different from before.

“If you prove it to me, that’s the end of it. If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to report what I’ve observed to the leader. The leader will make the judgment.”

“I’m really fine…”

“What are you two doing here? Are you fighting?”

A voice suddenly interrupted us, and I quickly turned around. Seeing the face in front of me, I involuntarily swallowed.

It was Leader Gabriel.

“Leader.”

“We greet the Leader.”

Even while greeting Gabriel, Ian’s eyes were fixed on me. I subtly gestured for him not to speak and softly grabbed the hem of his cloak.

“We’re not fighting, Leader.”

“…Then I’ll be on my way.”

“Don’t fight, get along.”

There was a hint of humor in his voice, but now wasn’t the time to ponder that. I quickly tugged on Ian’s cloak as we reached the outskirts and stopped walking.

“So…”

Taking a moment to catch my breath and collect my thoughts, Ian spoke.

“All you have to do is get your pulse checked by the physician. I just want to confirm that you’re fine.”

What if it’s concluded that I am injured?

Then I won’t have any reason to stop Ian from telling Gabriel.

I might even end up not being able to participate in the subjugation!

“Listen, Kline.”

“Speak.”

Should I say it or not?

After repeatedly biting and releasing my lower lip, I met Ian’s eyes. They were filled with unwavering determination.

Getting my pulse checked by the physician involved a risk I had to take. I had no other options.
“I don’t even know where to start or how to say this.”

There was no choice but to be frank.

“……Actually, I can manipulate aura.”