Chapter 261: Blessing (4)
7tv5e“Knox.”ij2
gRPWhen I called out to him, Knox barely turned his head while remaining crouched on the windowsill. With the black mask covering up to the bridge of his nose, he replied.XUx
CneXlL“Yes, Heavenly Sword.”brzJBRJ
BfFzsHis voice sounded altered right away. Apparently, voice distortion was one of the functions of that black outfit that made him look like a thief.U7o
LpUVT6e‘Could that also be a type of weapon?’Qj9
c07I scratched my forehead and asked.TW9cs
KTqiB0“You said earlier that there’s no humanity left in you. That’s a result of the training assassins from Auditore receive, right?”Z7SVS
DUmDPa“Yes.”Gzi
flY2fFKnox nodded even with the mask on. I asked another question.nbrLjfo
aKzT“Don’t you think that’s unfair?”ix1nd
UfV“What do you mean?”OyVm
g27H8Knox tilted his head, confused. I ran my hand through my hair.0lD
zkb0KlK‘Ah, damn. I shouldn’t have said anything.’oqw
WvcTEfIn all my lives, I’d never opened up to someone before. I felt awkward, out of place. Plus, digging into someone’s personal past made me hesitate.Tse
Nm8cBut since I’d already spoken, I had to see it through. Once you draw your sword, you should at least slice a radish, as any good swordsman knows.Rimuo
9z3Pr“If you hadn’t been born an assassin, you could be making friends, living like a regular guy your age. Dating someone, I don’t know… Doesn’t it seem unfair not to be able to do any of that?”3qAJ
Eh0JnZ“Hmm.”lcLU
1NP6Knox crossed his arms for a moment in the same posture, then responded.TliAF
feulz“Since you’re asking seriously, I’ll answer honestly. Sometimes, I’m curious about what guys my age think.”lbFnBc
h2WHe looked up and stared straight into my eyes.lzJBUU
ts4aWLF“But I don’t feel envy, nor do I think my situation is unfair.”0w0Ef
ccJs“Why not?”IBDTt
Y7If“To do my job well, feelings are an obstacle. Even if the target were someone close to me, I must stab without hesitation. To achieve that, in Auditore, we train all our lives to strip away emotion. It’s all for humanity, to leave a better present for future generations.”TZhn0TK
uuGlAt that moment, I saw it. A faint spark lit in his eyes, which until now had only reflected the sharpness of blood.IMjd
ekCuo“That gives me pride. So even if I lack emotion, I don’t feel less human. On the contrary, I believe this state is the most optimal for me.”FPzTT3
RfucYqIn short, his pride as an assassin had replaced the absence of emotions. That’s why he felt neither sorrow nor regret.WzVZW
jqCbBY‘Pride.’1wXE
fCZji7nI repeated the word in my mind and couldn’t help but smile. It was for that same pride that, in my previous life, I never let go of the sashimi knife, no matter what.yoT
RVm87tPCome to think of it, my past life was also a constant sacrifice, just like his.0HoFYhG
ZxuVgBNo friends, no free time, no partner or marriage. Everything that defines a normal human life, I set aside and lived only for sashimi, ever since I was seventeen.xUJGx
HPJuGd6And yet, I swear by the god of sashimi, I never felt unhappy. Every day that I improved brought me satisfaction, drawing me deeper into the art of slicing.LOg
KUbwI wanted to be the best. That desire, over time, turned into pride and etched itself into my heart.a5kG
vWr5mThe achievement that comes in exchange for giving up ordinary things is both sweet and immense.gEvp1XR
xhR83D‘The best knife in the country.’uD1X6
6sJbA nobody who used to wander the streets ended up being called that. If I had enjoyed everything else, I never would’ve reached that level.RUUtPY
a9vB“Heavenly Sword…?”TzA
e9H4VSince I wasn’t saying anything, Knox looked at me cautiously. He took off his mask and stepped down from the windowsill.LD1sIv
Hqq‘They say a superior’s silence is torture for a subordinate.’UIJ
T1bESeeing him swallow hard, I looked at him with a slight smile.Rklc
d5A“Thanks. Talking to you made me feel like something inside was released.”Pt3A
371Maybe it was too sudden a phrase. His red eyes widened twice as much.AE2
CEUohwh“…I’m glad I could help.”hySy
p3XoqKnox didn’t ask further. Even if he didn’t understand what I meant, it was enough for him to see that the Heavenly Sword’s face had softened.gHF
r1DThinking that, he put his mask back on and walked again toward the windowsill.g1wU
rHYY8W“Heavenly Sword.”BXK
uqdoh0He stood with his back to me, hesitating a moment before speaking.X7EVrLY
J5S“I thank you as well. For risking your life to face humanity’s great evils. And also…”1sXyhM
E9QfqoFor giving me the chance to work at a sushi restaurant, and above all, for teaching my sister what it means to be human.FsSvpd
UVGVwrKnox swallowed the words that had already reached his throat.aB3
5KVEw“Auditore will support Heavenly Sword with body and soul.”5NY5
ErsInstead, he voiced another sincere sentiment and leapt gracefully from the windowsill. In an instant, the assassin melded with the night’s darkness and vanished completely.NLAP9a
BQyLESFI stared in the direction he had gone. I heard some dry branches crunch in the distance. Maybe he was leaping from branch to branch.5X9f
DJ9Isj“…I appreciate it, but could you at least close the window?”DdIk
fzkNeUvShaking my head, I closed it. I figured I should reinforce the latch with two or three extra layers.Ctti
n11mA7***5Yek
VMESA December day, gripped by a cold wave.eECQ
NEm9BPcDespite the freezing winter, Joaquin Academy buzzed with activity thanks to its cadets. Across every corner of campus, bright multicolored lights adorned the youthful scenes.AMP2OYW
cbG10The Festival of the Seven.CUzT
B1uJsYThe grandest event marking the year’s end. It was like Christmas on Earth. They only changed the name, but it was still very much a Christmas celebration.W52c32
j2Rq9wIn the dressing room.pU5X
6xYTH“Oh, Heavenly Sword! It fits you perfectttt!”79T
3kZnzAjThe stylist, precise and efficient in appearance, licked her lips in admiration. Her crimson red lipstick made her enthusiasm even more vivid.o1QLa0O
fHz“Your height and proportions bring out the suit perfectly! And since you’re slim, it looks even better on you!”31kO4
upbm“…”Tn8r2cA
UXDWhile her words went in one ear and out the other, I stared at the full-length mirror in front of me.Btr8
077WBbfThere I was, blank-faced, wearing a tuxedo. The bow tie around my neck felt like a noose strangling me.9ko
TrBg9Maybe that’s why my face looked so flushed, as if blood had stopped circulating. Honestly, it was sheer embarrassment.ZOz
JJY“I’m fine with the tuxedo, but can’t it be a normal tie?”HV2
ZUHGwk“No way.”xN8j0l
nFF77WA firm reply. The stylist pushed up her glasses haughtily.iFZzp
X2Sd5“You are the most influential hero today, Heavenly Sword. You must maintain composure and dignity.”ZyMeLmr
WRfZ6G7“What does that have to do with a bowtie?”uePDk
3xLLdv1“Each occasion demands appropriate attire.”qIuHXMX
nYSlHAs she adjusted the tie, she retorted,cn23X
cpGgk“A regular tie is for the office. At a formal event like this year-end celebration, a bowtie is mandatory. Many distinguished guests will be present! What impression would it give if you, the Heavenly Sword, were improperly dressed? You’d be a laughingstock!”JEN
I24n1“It’s not like I care.”AwRedr
Ov4Y“Well, I do. I, Han Hye-Shin, will never let a client as valuable as you become a joke. Never.”ikTLKu
Haovtcj“…Fine. But loosen it a little. If I suffocate, that’ll be a reason to laugh too.”ONs
NIKNK“Oh, sorry! It’s just been so long since I dressed someone with such a perfect figure.”9zvvEY
FLhLetting out an emotional sigh, she stepped back to admire me. I, resigned, sighed again and again.CX1
TicPCreak.XSb2YJ
b35oJust then, Director Media and her sister Meain entered the dressing room. The twins wore matching dresses in inverse colors—white for the younger, black for the elder. Like in Go, black goes first.CtsuZGU
mUds2My“Are you ready?”l9L
XQ9iZIt was the stylist who replied.lYfkt8s
8pBRtW“Yes, Director.”uEo
ljRMedia approached with firm steps and looked me over from head to toe. Meain, a step behind, joined her side.1q36y
xkH‘Please, someone say this bowtie doesn’t fit!’72J3fCx
KEoiiQDeep down, I hoped at least one of them would say it while scanning me.3PwBnn7
7aLi8But that hope vanished with Media’s words.IQlnm
VCgb“Wow, our Heavenly Sword looks amazing dressed like that!”eIVPCw
ilSBoth gave a thumbs up to the stylist.Odfpnm
gxSbIsi“Great job, Miss Hye-Shin. You can tell the difference with an S-tier stylist used to working with celebrities.”0GVC
pzYmKMeain added.AM39gL
WMR“That bowtie—excellent choice.”x18n5
EWb“Thank you very much.”P9SS0TH
fOGjQe4The stylist replied with a modest smile. Amid the cheerful gossip of the three women, I was the only one left stranded, like a piece of furniture.QQv7BIK
4Phl‘Yeah. Perfect. Just standing here like I’m part of the décor.’MxagWo
5Rl0q9Surrounded by that well-synced camaraderie, I felt a small sting of exclusion.dy2qh4
z9ZVjWClicking my tongue and licking my lips, I suddenly remembered something I had to say.YyaEy
V5p“Director, a moment.”Oyd
pnJHkDAs I interrupted, the gazes turned to me. Since I’d broken the mood, I continued.tqVXx
czLv“I need to speak with you privately.”z9XO
1Wyh“Oh, yes.”OwrV
39PhWith an awkward expression, she nodded.GtKONA
eVQz“Then, I’ll step out to prepare Heavenly Sword’s makeup. Please speak freely.”lXZUu
H8jkSensing the tension, the stylist bowed and left without further words. A true professional—she immediately knew she was no longer needed.c7XpI
wwbDwClearly, she had sharp intuition from working with stars.W6Q4
J8GQ“Shall I step out as well?”kO5
2PkcOMeain smiled as she spoke. I shook my head.DvZBL
nx3u“I’d prefer you hear it too.”yg9
P9f“Understood. But just a second.”mxeNBDU
iLoSMeain approached the door, shut it firmly, and muttered something in a low voice.7wyxt
aYwM6l“I cast a silence spell so no sound escapes.”1CrTK
PkMQcMedia made a strange gesture and explained to me,y8fK2ae
GedW“I mentioned it before, remember? My sister wandered the Demon Territory for decades.”eeh69
jo8SLG“Yes.”uxaCsSp
pYinkL“During that time, she developed a special condition. Her body accumulated a minimal amount of magical energy, so she can use simple spells.”ec6
wj0XAP“Ah…”osS
AfSA“I don’t like using these terms, but… in a way, my sister isn’t very different from a villain. Though there’s a huge difference between her and those who can’t use blessings.”Ykz
MsTUThough I didn’t show it, her words were shocking. Blessings and magic are naturally opposed. They can never coexist in the same vessel. That’s a fundamental principle. But what Media said went against that principle.9A4jcX
3LhFMS‘Then… Meain can use both blessings and basic magic?’miNcjQ1
vDEmHbVI glanced sideways at her dark cotton dress.NW61
yJ9Meain Poison.UnqLDGX
zS5S6k‘I knew she was full of secrets.’rABAZ
cShmFasBut she’s like an onion—peel off one layer, and there’s always another.sfcQ
R0VquMedia continued calmly about her sister.JnsA
RIGMQw“But she’s convinced she’s been blessed. Says she’s the only person capable of using both a blessing and magic.”MVxsuQ
TGOJ“Don’t say it like that!”rIYqxsn
dQ3PczgMeain interrupted with a mischievous smile. Media snorted and teased her.JptE
1WOpIVU“We were badmouthing you, sister, with the Heavenly Sword.”gdrwpR2
dL3G“I heard everything, you know?”HK87L
kzngmMeain glared at her sister before turning to me. Her eyes sparkled playfully.n4yR1cV
CCmax7R“If you want, I can teach you. It’s not professional, but I can cast simple spells.”jueG
HwN“No need. I don’t have mana anyway, even if I learned, I couldn’t use it.”Kt6fPwL
KMcV“True, hehe. Anyway, what was that serious thing you wanted to say?”tPFhM
Zw9snZIt had only been a day since Knox gave me his report, so I hadn’t had a chance to tell them.pTK
H0dAlso, the Poison twins had been swamped with preparations for the Festival of the Seven, so neither had had any free time. That’s why I hadn’t been able to inform them about the villain infiltration.OonFZC
p5U‘I’ve already planned out a security measure anyway.’8Lc
SYVbfbIf I spoke too early, I might blow my cover and let the villains scatter like cockroaches.04F
JSJOh‘All things considered, and with only an hour left until the ball, this is the best time.’UBSW
PaREven so, I’d already taken precautions. I personally selected heroes from the Association’s staff to act as guards, with express orders to prioritize student safety.Lyu
Zf8AMedia, as another of the Seven Stars, had delegated part of the Academy’s management to me. Since she’d been so busy, I’d been handling the arrangements on my own for some time.P6wtNR
n3VThe only regret was that, after the conflict on Hawaii Island, a large part of our forces had been lost, so the available personnel was limited.HU5
aO9vBut if I, the Director, and the Senior were together, there was nothing we couldn’t handle.M8y
JY7ohVq‘As long as it’s not someone on the level of a Corps Commander.’LE4
KXqKYfUSo, this was more of a routine report. At the end of the day, Media was still the Academy’s director and needed to be informed.7WLKD8h
VEIC7Just as I took a deep breath to speak—6Ujh
qiAjxBang, bang, bang!TtHoOZB
mAlnSomeone banged on the dressing room door forcefully. All three of us flinched in unison and turned our gaze.HfujPM
hxXgFuy“H-Heavenly Sword! Miss Media, Miss Meain!”EuS
2LqtIt was the stylist from before. She was shouting desperately on the other side. Since the door was locked, she couldn’t get in.TbrsYN5
fvNxwN6“E-E-enemies! They’ve shown up—!”KRwOQG
qR5Bang!9Ae
zyNFFhA sharp sound cut her off before she could finish.Rlcw
87jP“……”K6hZsm
CukThe door, which had been shaking violently, fell into utter silence. Only a trickle of blood began to seep in beneath it, sliding into the dressing room.mphOeT
D9nBang!gYuBRuf
hLiuTWithout even coordinating, the three of us lunged forward, kicking off the stone floor at the same time.a2qtY6F
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Haimiya_cutie.
MahayanaWhat now?