“I’ve been suspicious since earlier. If it weren’t for the captain of the guard, I would have approached her.”

“With such a face, she could live comfortably even without a significant background.”

Countless words about me reached my ears.

When Helsion raised his hand quietly, the murmurs among the nobles gradually subsided.

“Lady Brellof, who responded to my call and came all the way to the Kahlua Empire, I want to give you the honor of drawing Excalibur.”

I didn’t decline and slightly bent my knees, offering a gesture of respect.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

It was an unexpected twist.

With confident steps, I walked towards the location of Excalibur.

As I approached, which wasn’t visible from afar, I noticed magical engineering formulas written in ancient languages that I couldn’t interpret.

It was undoubtedly an ancient weapon. I felt curiosity because Excalibur contained content even I couldn’t understand.

Upon closer inspection, Excalibur was also a magical engineering weapon. It was quite an enticing sword for me, a genius in that field.

‘This is the legendary sword from the novel.’

Without realizing it, I grabbed Excalibur with trembling hands. And when I carefully drew the sword from its sheath, a distinct sound of metal-on-metal echoed.

Swoosh—

Even though I didn’t exert much force, the sword was drawn as if it had been waiting.
As I was mesmerized by the radiance pouring from the sharp blade, cheers erupted from the people gathered in the banquet hall.

“So impressive!”

“I wonder if it will really spit out flames as rumored.”

Near the handle of Excalibur that I was holding, there were ancient magic stones embedded. Like all magical engineering weapons, the precise engraving required the owner to understand it, but its tremendous power was undeniable.

I deliberately put on a delighted expression, studying the magic formulas appearing on Excalibur as if deeply moved.

Excalibur, managed under the strict security of the Kahlua Palace, could be touched today, and who knew when it would be possible again.

While my primary goal was pure research, the thought that knowing about Excalibur might be useful in the future lingered in my mind.

‘If Askan and Excalibur are related as in the novel… Just in case.’

Thus, unnoticed, I secretly lit up my eyes and swiftly examined Excalibur.

Suddenly, a soft female voice came from behind.

“You are Lady Brellof, right? I’ve heard a lot about you, but it’s my first time seeing you in person.”

Turning reflexively, I saw Seruna, the Empress of the Kahlua Empire.

Even from a distance, I had felt it, but up close, she was a delicate beauty, enough to trigger protective instincts.

In a short time, I memorized more than half of the numerous magic formulas inscribed on Excalibur. It was possible due to my age, but I regretted not having more time.

I had no choice but to put Excalibur back into its sheath and return it to its original place.

It didn’t seem like Seruna intentionally interfered, but I couldn’t continue examining Excalibur, ignoring her greeting.

“Greetings to the Empress of the Kahlua Empire.”

I greeted her with a harmless smile, as if unaware that she had sent an assassin to kill me.

“No need for such formality. Somehow, I feel like we’ll be seeing each other often in the future.”

Her words were strangely meaningful, but I pretended to know nothing and just smiled.