Chapter 148

“Not bad.”

“Of course, who do you think picked them out?”

Bella shrugged.

Luina, Aint, Jace, and even Verian, who usually dressed well.

All four wore rather elegant outfits.

Even with masks, everyone would know who they were. After all, a masquerade ball was nothing more than a game of appearances.

Unless someone was completely unknown, everyone already knew who was part of the Masked Club. How could they not recognize them just because they wore a mask?

“Alright, everyone get in the carriage. Let’s go. Ah, Aint, you wait a moment. I have something to tell you.”

As the others headed for the carriage, Fernan stopped Aint.

“What’s up?”

“This Masked Club gathering will be more special than the previous ones. Not that you didn’t already know.”

“I can imagine, more or less.”

“The entire continent trembles at the appearance of demons. And since demons and the corrupted are enemies of another level, your presence will shine even brighter.”

That’s why he had to start by winning over the students of the Academy.

“They’ll be your base.”

“Yes.”

“And to do that, you need to stand out. Tell me, what’s the most important thing when selling a product?”

“A solid quality?”

“Wrong. The quality should be decent, but not too good. If it’s too durable, new products won’t sell… bah, forget I said that.”

Fernan grimaced—he’d just revealed a trade secret.

— Wow, now that’s a new perspective.

— Come to think of it, it makes sense. If you use something for thirty or forty years, you don’t buy another one.

— So that’s why swords break after five years?

Fernan quickly got back on track.

“What’s important is making it known.”

“Making it known?”

“Yes. Showing it exists. Explaining what it’s for. Convincing everyone how great it is.”

At first, it’s just promotion. But with time, if it gains fame and trust, it becomes a brand.

“If you really want to be a hero, you have to turn the name Aint Armian into a brand.”

“…Uh-huh.”

Aint paused for a moment, then nodded.

“…So, in short, I have to make sure people remember my name, right?”

“Exactly. As clearly as possible.”

“And how? I can’t just walk in with a sword and show off my aura.”

He could carry it transformed into a pendant, but couldn’t swing it around in the middle of a ball.

“You could also issue a formal duel and show your strength in front of everyone. But that’d be boring.”

Fernan smiled.

“There’s a much better method. Tell me, what comes to mind when you hear Armian?”

“The Armian Empire.”

“And what else?”

“The secret swordsmanship of Armian, the First Emperor.”

“And its symbol?”

“The Saintbird… ah. Don’t tell me—”

“Exactly.”

Fernan nodded.

“Armian and Saintbird are words that fit perfectly. Everyone in that hall will see the same thing—the heir of Armian, accompanied by the Saintbird, a thousand years later.”

That would be the beginning of a new legend.

‘And at the same time, no one will suspect the real owner of the Saintbird is me.’

Sooner or later, carrying the bird around would give him away. If it became known that Fernan had the Saintbird, dangerous rumors would arise:

— Even the Saintbird has abandoned Armian!

or

— The true hero chosen by the Saintbird isn’t Armian.

And he knew Schwaben would take advantage of that.

That’s why it needed to be clear from the start: the Saintbird belonged to Aint.

Also, that way, he diverted any unnecessary attention from himself.

‘In the end, Aint coming to see me every day did make sense. The Saintbird grew attached to him, their auras match well.’

Though deep down, Silver still prioritized Fernan.

‘Maybe I should start charging rent later.’

The thought made him smile.

***

Everyone present focused on Aint.

On his steps, his gestures, his every expression.

Or rather, on the white bird chirping on his shoulder.

“Is that really a Saintbird?”

“Look, it has two pairs of wings. Is there any other species like that?”

“How did he manage to tame it? They say only the First Emperor ever did.”

Whispers spread among the masked students.

The gazes that had been focused on the prince now shifted to Aint without hesitation.

He walked down the aisle the crowd opened for him, took a glass from a servant’s tray, and sat with Aria, his companion.

“…Now what? It’s my first time at a social gathering.”

“Didn’t you go to the Yacht Club?”

“Yes, but…”

This was different. Back then, the students had ignored him by Ludger’s orders, and he hadn’t tried to socialize either.

His goal had been to head to sea and search for the First Emperor’s legacies, not mingle.

“Fernan said you don’t have to force yourself to do anything.”

And he was right—just entering and sitting down was enough for all eyes to remain fixed on him.

“Ah, he also told me to play with Silver as much as possible.”

The more affectionate he seemed with the Saintbird, the better the reaction.

“But first…”

Aria held out her hand.

“In a ball, dancing is the norm. Shall we dance?”

“I’ve never danced before.”

“Then follow my lead.”

“…Alright, I’ll give it a try.”

“My lady, may I have this dance?”

Aint formally asked Aria for a dance.

The two of them walked hand in hand to the center of the floor.

Fiiiu—

As they moved, Silver spread its wings and flapped in rhythm.

“The Saintbird spread its wings!”

“Never thought I’d see one in my lifetime…”

“So adorable!”

“And it seems completely tamed by Aint Armian.”

The reaction was explosive.

Fernan watched the scene with a satisfied smile.

“Just as you planned, huh?”

Even if no one paid attention to him when he entered with Luina, it didn’t matter.

“Of course. It’s not just a Saintbird—it’s the Saintbird with Armian. And even more, in the middle of the demonic threat. That symbolism is overwhelming.”

Only a fool wouldn’t understand it. And there were no fools of that level at the Academy.

“Look, Luina.”

Fernan pointed toward the prince.

The young noble’s pupils trembled, his eyes wide, and his face grew increasingly tense.

“See? That’s the clearest proof of what Aint is doing.”

“Such bad taste.”

“Not bad taste, it’s necessary. For Aint to rise, Schwaben must fall back. And they will never do so willingly.”

Those who had stolen Armian’s secret swordsmanship and tried to assassinate Aint would never step aside of their own accord.

So they had to be forced.

“The more they feel threatened, the more desperate they’ll become. And in desperation, they’ll do anything.”

That was the moment Fernan was waiting for.

“This time, we won’t yield.”

No one would be able to stop Armian from defeating the demons and protecting the continent.
Because Fernan would make sure of it.

***

Fernan’s plan had worked perfectly.

None of the students could resist the combination of Aint Armian and the Saintbird, and they all crowded around him.

Abandoned in an instant, Ludger stepped out onto the balcony with a stiff expression. Fernan followed him.

“Are you here to provoke me?”

“It’s hot. I just stepped out for some air.”

“Was this your doing?”

“Do you really think I could have obtained the Saintbird?”

Ludger shook his head.

“I’m asking if you were the one who planned for Aint to reveal the Saintbird here.”

“Is that a question?”

“No, it’s a confirmation. That was a perfect blow.”

Ludger let out a bitter laugh. It could be said that such an impact had snuffed out his fighting spirit at once.

No matter how much he thought, he couldn’t come up with a way to overturn the situation at this ball.

“What the hell is going on? I don’t get it. Do you really think Armian can reclaim the imperial throne?”

“I’ve said it before—I’m not on anyone’s side. I’m just a merchant.”

“Cut the crap no one believes that.”

Ludger growled. Their gazes clashed, and Fernan didn’t look away.

“I only invest in the one I believe can best stop the demons.”

“That’s a bit much to call it just an investment, isn’t it?”

“Do you think a merchant would sit idly by while someone destroys his product?”

In that sense, I could invest in you, too.

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

“Pellenberg’s doors are always open. If you ever need support or investment for something, I’ll provide it. Whatever it is, as long as you guarantee a proper return.”

“What the hell are you talking about…?”

Fernan placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Whatever it is, I won’t ask questions or raise objections. After all, we’re friends.”

“What the hell are you saying…!”

“Let me explain. It’s how you secure an investment client.”

With those words, Fernan waved and calmly returned to the hall. Ludger couldn’t follow.

“No questions, no objections? That we’re friends?”

That was a phrase Ludger had used several times with Fernan. But today, for some reason, it sounded strange, out of place.

“Is he probing me? Does he already suspect that Schwaben tried to kill Aint?”

Fernan always mixed truths with lies, and lies with truths.

If that was the case, this had to be a warning.

“He doesn’t want his product, Aint, to go to waste…”

Fernan had truly bet on Aint as the real enemy of the demons. He was convinced he was the only one.

“…You’re wrong, Fernan.”

Aint, Armian, were no longer unique.

“You’re investing in the wrong side.”

And Ludger was curious to see what kind of expression Fernan would make when he realized that.

Leaning against the railing, Ludger gazed through the window at Aint, who was cheerfully chatting with people while stroking the legendary four-winged Saintbird on his shoulder.

“Enjoy it while you can, Aint Armian.”

Because when the time comes, you won’t even have time for that.

***

In a dense forest.

A man who had been swinging his sword against the wind wiped away his sweat and unfolded the newspaper his assistant had brought.

【The tragedy that struck Bercheff—The wall still stands, but for how long?】

【If not for Bercheff, the North would have fallen a hundred times over…】

【The corrupted grow restless; a continental response is needed】

【The demons’ natural enemy takes top spot at the Academy】

Crumple—

The paper crumpled in his rough hands.

“Damn bastards.”

A growl of anger escaped his lips.

“Some remain outsiders even after ten years, while others, after a hundred years of isolation, are hailed as heroes.”

A cold laugh, full of contempt, mocked the Empire.

“I knew it…”

Joining the Empire had been a mistake from the beginning.

He had always opposed it—why should a great elf mix with a human empire?

“The Empire is rotten.”

Fwoosh—

A flame ignited and reduced the remnants of the newspaper to ashes.