Chapter 19: Interlude.

The kingdom was buzzing after the incident of the after noon, a storm of activity as the royal airships soared, bringing with them the weight of justice.

I found myself caught up in that whirlwind of chaos, detained in the vessels, and escorted to an interrogation room of the army that felt more like a cage than a place for answers.

Sitting across me was a knight, his armor polished to a shine but his expression a mix of frustration and fatigue.

It was clear he had a lot on his mind, but still no reason to show me his attitude, especially since all I did was heroic.

Well, beside what I did to the villains.

Well, I am the hero, so I'd hope that nobody care what happens to them.

"So, you decided to play hero and tackle the sky pirates to save those girls?" he asked, his tone carrying the weight of disbelief.

I observed him blankly, letting the quiet atmosphere settle. "I didn't play 'Hero' Sir, I just did what was necessary to save them."

The knight shook his head, pinching his temples as if trying to ward off a gathering storm.

His gaze fell to the ground, heavy with concern, and he murmured, "I apologize, young man."

"I accept the apology."

—Sigh.

"You could have called for the royal court or gotten help from the academy before jumping into the fray. I admire your spirit, but this kind of recklessness can lead to disaster."

"By the time I involved the royal guard, the disaster would have already unfolded, wouldn't it?

I made it clear to the previous inspector that when I stepped in, the barbarians were already tearing off their clothes.... Haaa" I sigh, closing my eyes. "But I get what you are trying to say."

"There's a lot more I could say, but you did help bring the sky pirates to justice. I'll let it go for now, at least out of respect for that," he conceded, I could sense some grudge in his voice.

"Thank you."

The knight, again wiped his eyes. "The fact that sky pirates infiltrated the capital is a serious concern. It's going to stir up a lot of noise in the coming days," he warned before stepping out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

These pirates, if I recall correctly, were the ones holding the artifact for the saintess, right?

"And... I shouldn't give that artifact to Olivia."

A long silence... Then.

"Why did I say that?"

I glance around, but the room is empty—not even Luxion is here.

I tried to sense magic, but it wasn't there either.

Was that my inner voice slipping out? But why now? I slump back into my chair and let out a heavy sigh.

"I shouldn't used so much thelesma again," I mutter to myself. Anyway...

"What now?" I mused.

It would be easy to expose the perpetrator of the incident, but that would jeopardize the entire narrative of my plan...

"I really fucking hate it when people mess with my stuff though."

"Ha ha." I smiled bitterly.

"Come to think of it, I've been cursing a lot lately."

I remembered that bastard who always played games instead of training, calling me the "Patriarch" with sarcasm whenever he came over to the main house and saw me training.

Even though he was three years older, he was excruciatingly petty, possessive, jealous and sarcastic, so much that I hate to called him brother.

Though I hate to admit it, I picked up a lot of his traits.

"Kuku..." I wonder if that guy cried when I died, he was the guy who hold me then.

"Nah," I straightened up, "he probably just played his games and forget about me in a day, he he. No way he'd actually cry over the young master he always makes fun off."

Returning to the topic at hand, Stephanie is crucial to my plan. "Hmm... what to do, what to do, what to do."

Lost in thought, I was jolted back to reality by Luxion, my ever reliable subordinate, who appeared beside me, cutting through the silence like a sharp blade.

"Olivia suffered only a minor injury; her recovery magic worked wonders."

A small smile crept onto my face. "So, she's okay?"

"Yes, and the girls who bullied her received her treatment as well, though I fail to understand why she would show them kindness."

"Really, a girl born for sainthood... It must be pretty hilarious if I turned her into—" I chuckled softly, not finishing my word.

"...Really though, she's something else. If it were me, I'd have made those bullies wish they'd never crossed my path."

"I never expected you to be so petty, Master," Luxion noted dryly.

"Ku ku ku... Do me a favour..."

Author's Note: How was this Arc? Rate it out of 10.

The Next Arc would be Olivia's training arc... What would you guys prefer? Dark Route (blackmail, Coercion, R***, Brainwash etc.) or Psychological (Manipulation, seduction, gaslighting etc.) Vote for it.