>25< The King Understands the Human Heart

Chapter 25: The King Understands the Human Heart

On the streets of Rome, a specially customized luxury car moved slowly.

Paolo Blandelli, the Grandmaster of the Copper Black Cross, sat beside Erica, his refined and gentle face tinged with a hint of complexity.

In a low voice, he asked, "…Have you truly made up your mind, Erica? This new king is unlike Lord Salvatore. He is more similar to Marquis Voban and the Ruler of the Martial Realm. Serving by his side is no simple task."

Erica was the only daughter of Paolo's elder brother and the last blood relative of the Blandelli family.

Given his niece's extraordinary talent and sharp mind, Paolo had always done his utmost to protect her.

However, Paolo also knew that someone as strong-willed and independent as Erica would never be content to follow the path he had laid out for her.

When the time came, she would leave his protection and embark on her own journey into the unknown. And now, that time had come.

"This is an order personally issued by the new king. Even if I were unwilling, what choice do I have?"

Erica's tone made it seem as though she were being forced into this by Roy, but her expression betrayed her excitement.

Her eyes gleamed with a competitive spirit, as though she were facing a challenging puzzle she couldn't wait to solve.

It was clear that Erica Blandelli intended to be the victor in this endeavor.

"Rest assured, Uncle. With my abilities, even if the new king is as ruthless and unpredictable as Marquis Voban or the Ruler of the Martial Realm, I'm confident that I can earn his trust and favor. As long as I tread carefully in my actions, I'll be fine."

Paolo couldn't help but sigh at his niece's bold determination.

He knew that once Erica set her mind on something, there was no turning back.

"…This is our best opportunity, Uncle! The new King has just ascended to the throne, and he is in need of trusted, direct subordinates."

"Becoming his right hand at this moment is not only a great chance for me but also for the Copper Black Cross. Our centuries-long struggle with the Bronze Black Cross can finally come to an end. Victory will surely be ours!"

Erica's vibrant and beautiful face radiated youthful confidence.

Her determination filled Paolo with a quiet sense of pride.

Inwardly, he felt as if he could comfort his late brother's spirit—his daughter had grown into someone capable of standing on her own.

Seeing that Erica had already made up her mind, Paolo no longer pressed the issue. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, as if testing her, "…What are your thoughts on the new King and Lord Salvatore?"

"Lord Salvatore is not a suitable leader. His mind is solely focused on 'the sword' and 'combat.' Two years ago, I met him right after he slew a heretic god. As disrespectful as this may sound, there's no denying it—he's not entirely right in the head."

Erica paused, hesitating briefly before using such a blunt description of the King of Swords.

"Precisely because Lord Salvatore only cares about battle and swords, he is actually easier to deal with. He won't care about our 'betrayal.' At most, he'll challenge the new King to a duel. And given his nature, even if we were his subordinates, we wouldn't gain much from it, not even proper protection."

"…But the new King is different. From the information we have and from my brief interactions with him, it's clear that the new King possesses strong 'desires.' Therefore, as long as we can win his favor, we will undoubtedly receive his protection. He might even use his influence to expand the reach of the Copper Black Cross."

"Lord Salvatore does not understand people, but the new King understands what we need!"

Her analysis was spot on.

Though Godslayers are invincible to mere mortals, they remain human.

And as long as they are human, they have their own interests and hobbies.

If you can find what those are, it becomes much easier to get along with them.

...

On the western coast of Italy, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, an ultra-luxurious yacht sailed smoothly over the water.

Fish darted beneath the surface, and seabirds cried out overhead.

Roy sat in a spacious, opulent observation lounge, enjoying his lunch while gazing out at the beautiful seascape through the transparent glass walls.

The observation lounge had all the modern amenities, resembling more of a five-star hotel suite than a traditional yacht room.

There was a mahogany desk for work, an incredibly soft circular sofa, and even a large bed.

The bar was stocked with bottles of fine wine, and a massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall played various programs.

Roy sat at the dining table, using a knife and fork to savor a tender, premium steak, garnished with Italian Alba white truffles. He indulged in the exquisite flavors with every bite.

He was someone who knew how to enjoy life to the fullest.

When circumstances allowed, he would never deny himself the best.

Now that he was a Godslayer, money had become a trivial matter. Roy naturally sought out the finest, most luxurious things the world had to offer.

In his previous life, for over twenty years, Roy came from an ordinary family.

Occasional indulgences were possible, but daily feasts of exotic delicacies were out of reach.

After being transported to the Toaru Majutsu no Index world, his life over the next sixteen years could only be described as poor.

Simply having enough to eat each day was enough to satisfy him, let alone hoping for anything extravagant.

Now, with the opportunity in hand, Roy was determined to treat his taste buds and palate to the joys they had been denied for sixteen long years.

He was no monk, abstaining from worldly pleasures like fine food and beautiful women.

Knock, knock, knock—

A knock echoed from the door of the observation lounge. Roy already knew who it was. Setting down his knife and fork, he wiped his mouth with a napkin before speaking, "…Come in."

The door opened, and in stepped a girl dressed in a striking red gown, exuding the pride and elegance of a phoenix.

She wore matching red heels, and her slender legs, wrapped in white silk stockings, peeked out just enough to spark the desire to hold them.

While an outfit in such vivid red might easily come across as gaudy on someone else, on Erica, it was different. Her natural air of nobility made the attire appear nothing short of refined.

"Forgive me for interrupting your meal, my King," Erica said with a slight bow.

Despite his previous life spanning over two decades, Roy was still a young man in the present world, and his gaze instinctively fell on the neckline of her dress—an instinct inherent to human nature.

However, Roy was far from losing his composure over a bit of exposed skin. Pulling his gaze back, he smiled and asked, "…Is there something you need, Erica?"

"We'll soon arrive at Ponza Island. Based on the investigations of the Seven Sisters, Metatron is currently on that island. I came to remind you, in the hopes that you will be in your best condition before the battle," Erica responded in a serious tone, like a dutiful attendant reminding her lord.

"Thank you for the reminder, Erica... It's always been tradition to have a hearty meal before a battle. Care to join me?" Roy nodded, accepting her advice as he extended an invitation.

"I'm honored by the offer, but as your personal knight, it would be improper for me to dine at the same table as my lord," Erica maintained her graceful demeanor, her lips curling into a brilliant smile as she said.

"A knight? Haha, Erica, I don't recall bestowing upon you the title of personal knight."

Roy chuckled softly, rising from his chair and stepping toward Erica.

He stood before her, meeting her sapphire-like eyes with his own gaze.