Chapter 127: Hidden Sincerity (1)

I have decided to seek advice from Cecily, but my investigation did not stop. Over the weekend, I consistently observed Nicole and Adelia's sparring at the public training ground. After the sparring sessions, we planned to have a meal together.

The combat scenes were accurately portrayed according to my imagination, and my father even praised the authenticity. However, it is still better to make them more explicit. It's good to know how they fight.

Especially for humans, unlike other races, the combat abilities vary greatly from individual to individual. Some people, like my father, have records of subduing dragons, while others, like me, are mere civilians.

Furthermore, most humans are civilians, and even the knights affiliated with the military have a wide range of disparities in their abilities. Therefore, in the Xenon Chronicles, balancing is not just a choice but a necessity, and it must have a certain degree of plausibility.

Above all, the most noticeable aspect among humans is what can be referred to as "talent." Having talent is not necessarily required to reach a certain level of skill, but it is essential to achieve a higher realm.

Elves, demons, and beastmen have many innate advantages, but humans do not. Perhaps that's why humans differentiate themselves based on their skills, unlike other races.

There was some discussion about Xenon's talent, but it was just a passing remark. Currently, the most significant concerns are how powerful Xenon is and how formidable the Seven Sins are.

'I wonder if the sky would split apart when they clash their weapons like in that pirate manga.'

While reading books related to the racial war, I immersed myself in my thoughts. The racial war was a massive conflict that erupted between the Elven Union and the Human Alliance, so there are numerous records documenting it.

For example, if a human mage unleashed mass destruction magic towards the elven stronghold, there are descriptions of the earth shaking, and flames raining down from the sky, while the elves were struck by thunder and lightning like pouring rain.

Anyway, the existence of a mage can be seen as an asymmetric power similar to a missile when considering my past life. Honestly, magic is something that I can describe in any way and move on without any problem.

The biggest issue is melee combat. In other words a fight with cold weapons between skilled individuals. In most historical records, it is recorded who fought against whom, but there is almost no information about the battle itself. As my father said, when powerful individuals clash, it takes days as a minimum, and the surrounding environment becomes chaotic.

Because of this, most of the time is spent waiting until one side overpowers the other, and there are no detailed records. Only the winner knows how the battle unfolded.

As the story progresses, I agonized over the balance issues that became more apparent. Xenon eventually defeats Jin, who absorbs the soul of a great devil, in a one-on-one battle, but the journey until then is far from easy.

How can I establish a balance that will be convincing to the readers? Since it's a growth story, it was extremely difficult.

'First of all, among the Seven Deadly Sins... APride and Gluttony should naturally be the strongest.'

A fallen elf is Pride, while Gluttony is Jin's father, who is also a demon. These two pose the greatest threat to Xenon and his companions. Until then, they will defeat the Seven Deadly Sins one by one.

By the way, the first of the Seven Deadly Sins to die is none other than Wrath.I have already devised all the situations which lead to Wrath's exit, but as I mentioned before, I need advice from a specialist.

There is no better specialist to consult other than Leona at the moment, but it is doubtful whether she will help. There may be unnecessary suspicions involved instead.

How can I receive help from her? If I ask for advice, would she give it? While reading a book, I pondered deeply.

"Cutie. What are you reading?"

"Huh?"

As I sat quietly, reading a book, someone called me in a friendly voice. It was a woman's voice, husky yet lively, just as I had anticipated.

As expected, it was Adelia, who had just finished her sparring practice. She looked at me with her sky-blue eyes sparkling, carrying a training wooden sword on her shoulder.

Slightly taken aback by the strong scent emanating from her sweat, I closed the book and replied quietly.

"I was just reading. Are you finished with the sparring?"

"I'm done. It's only Nicole left now. Phew."

Adelia exhaled heavily and plopped her bottom next to me. We sat so close that our arms were pressed together, but neither of us minded.

Besides her confident personality, Adelia gave off a feeling of being like a caring older sister, just like Nicole. If Nicole possessed calmness and strictness, Adelia could be described as a mischievous and innocent older sister.

Anyway, considering the way she visited our mansion during the exhibition without any hesitation, and judging by her relationship with Nicole, she was almost like family. A pitiful person seeking affection due to being abandoned by her real family.

Thinking that her energetic personality might be a mask to cover her own wounds made me feel even more sympathetic.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Is it because I'm pretty?"

"... ..."

I take back what I just said. I shook my head playfully, my clothes fluttering as I acted like a mischievous child, making Adelia chuckle and nod in amusement.

"You're beautiful, but saying things like that ruins it for me."

"Really? Am I pretty?"

"If you have a conscience, look in the mirror and say those words."

"Why do you always choose such pretty words?"

Adelia pinched my cheek lightly and spoke with delight. If she hadn't been sweating, she would have probably hugged me tightly or rubbed her face against mine.

Her unique and intense affectionate gestures had lost their charm for me. It wasn't just me, she treated Nicole the same way, so I didn't consider it anything special.

"Okay. Today, I'll give you the privilege of going on a date with me. How about that? Isn't it amazing?"

"You know I have a girlfriend, too."

"Oh, come on, just once. I'll treat you well."

"Don't mess around with me."

Sometimes she would jokingly ask me out on a date, which would leave me in an awkward situation. She knew that I was dating Marie, so she usually suggested it playfully.

Adelia had a mischievous nature and acted younger than her age, so sometimes it was difficult to tell if she was being sincere or not. However, judging by her tone and expression, it seemed like a joke, so I could respond with a wry smile.

"Is it because of your girlfriend? Don't worry. If she finds out, I'll confidently say that I'm going to be a mistress."

"Why are you suddenly talking about that? I haven't even gotten married yet."

"If you don't like me being a mistress, can I become your bodyguard instead?"

"Let's talk about it after you graduate."

Actually, graduation is already a given for Adelia. Her skills are exceptional enough to be scouted by the Knights, to the extent that she could become an assistant instructor at the Martial Arts Department.

However, considering her status, it can be somewhat ambiguous for her to join the Knights. Whether she will return to the Ters Kingdom or continue as she is, remains uncertain.

It was such a sensitive question that I couldn't ask it recklessly.

"Graduation... I wish it could be delayed if possible."

Instead, Adelia also seemed to have thought of that point, as she murmured with a bitter smile. However, her hand was still pinching my cheek.

Recalling her unhappy family history, I cautiously spoke up.

"...Is it because of your family?"

"That's one of the reasons, but..."

Adelia lifted her gaze from the ground and stared at me, subtly. I, too, looked at her face with its striking high nose bridge.

Then suddenly, she smirked and pulled me into a tight embrace. Startled by the unexpected gesture, all I could do was be taken aback.

"Of course, the biggest thing is that I can't see our little cutie! It's been only a few months, and I can see how much more you have grown!"

"Ah, well..."

Sweat is sweat, but the embarrassment of burying my face in someone else's chest surpasses it. Although born as an illegitimate child, thanks to the good lifestyle in the palace, Adelia also boasted a remarkable presence.

Furthermore, her scent emanated like a fragrant flower. Even when Marie sweats, a pleasant fragrance wafts, making me wonder if all women are like this.

"Back off! Please! I can't breathe!"

"Just stay like this for a little longer. It's your Noona's wish."

"What wish...!"

Anyway, Adelia tightly embraced me for a while and fulfilled her own wish. As an ordinary person, I had no choice but to do as she wished, as I couldn't resist her overwhelming strength.

Oh, of course.

"Do you have any thoughts or not?! I told you last time! Marie is no longer just a girlfriend, practically speaking, she's my fiancée! And we even spent the night together!"

"I-I'm sorry... Isaac is just so cute..."

"I agree that he's cute, but some things are not allowed. If you keep doing this, I'll have to prohibit you from approaching Isaac, so understand that. Got it?"

"N-No, I can't be prohibited from approaching him! He's the only healing in my life!"

She got caught red-handed by Nicole. I knelt down, alternately looking at Adelia, who was lamenting, and Nicole, who was glaring fiercely.

Perhaps because Adelia held me so tightly, her scent was all over the place. After the meal, I had to go on a date with Marie, but I was worried that I might get yelled at.

"Then why don't you stop playing such pranks on Isaac? What if it leads to a rumor? What would you do then?"

"Well... shouldn't I take responsibility? Should I be Isaac's wife and leave Marie as the mistress?"

"That's nonsense... and the responsibility should fall on Isaac, not you. Why should you take it? Don't place the blame in the wrong direction."

"... ..."

Nicole meticulously picked apart Adelia's excuses. Adelia herself seemed to think they didn't make sense, awkwardly smiling as she spoke.

"R-right? It doesn't make sense... right? Haha..."

"... ..."

I couldn't help but feel a hint of discomfort as I watched Adelia's laughter. It was close to a forced, artificial smile.

Even the corners of her mouth were trembling, as if trying to hide her emotions.

"...Come to think of it, you were really happy when he said you didn't have to return the handkerchief, weren't you?"

Was it a sincere remark, or just a probing question? Given her usually lively personality, it was extremely rare to see her wearing such an expression.

"Yeah. And you came here to become a knight, right? You should start looking into the knight corps you'll be working with after graduation. Got it?"

"...Nicole."

"Yes?"

"By any chance..."

Adelia knelt down and smirked at me, tightly biting her lips. Then, she forced a smile again and spoke to Nicole.

"Ah, it's nothing. Keep talking."

"... ..."

Did Nicole sense something too? She shifted her gaze to me, hardened her expression, and said to Adelia.

"Follow me for a moment."

After that, they left me behind in the training ground and moved to another place. I watched their receding figures in silence, scratching my head.

'This feels strange...'

I had a premonition that the situation was about to become complicated.

Translators note:

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