Infernal Blade – Part 07
Simple tents were set up on both sides and behind the stage, where city officials were busy verifying and organizing auction items, calling sellers. These tents also served as the temporary office of the fair’s executive committee.
The Knight Guard had been deployed throughout the square for security, keeping a vigilant watch both in and around the tents. Little was known about the mysterious Merchant, and neither the organizing committee nor the citizens had been informed of his existence. The Knight Guard had conducted their own background checks on the merchants and citizens participating in the auction, but they came up empty-handed.
For now, they were stuck in a defensive position, watching anxiously as the festivities continued, while the rest of the city enjoyed the fair.
“Ngh… hmm…”
A restless knight was pacing back and forth. Cecily Campbell.
Tasked with watching the fair like the other knights, Cecily was nervous for reasons that differed from her colleagues. She had another job besides security.
“Don’t be so tense. You’ll be fine,” Aria said, patting Cecily on the shoulder.
Cecily turned to face her, looking pale. “But I’ve never done something like this in front of so many people.”
“It’s no big deal. Just think of it as the same training you always do. Besides, you already agreed to it, so don’t start worrying now—that’s not like you.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
Still, Cecily couldn’t help but wonder—why her?
Aria, the Infernal Blade, was supposedly owned by a distant relative of Mayor Hugo Housman. Normally, that person would have introduced Aria, but somehow, no thanks to Aria’s insistence, the task had fallen to Cecily. This was the “great idea” Aria had referred to earlier.
“I want you to use me, Cecily—just once. Is that okay?”
Cecily couldn’t refuse after hearing those words. Still, this was her first time doing something like this, and she couldn’t shake her nerves.
“Cecily! It’s almost your turn!”
A sudden slap on the back nearly made her choke. Her spine felt like it had creaked. With teary eyes, she turned to see Hannibal Quasar, the hard-faced, towering captain of the Third District Knight Guard, grinning at her.
He was overseeing the fair’s security from the makeshift headquarters, making sure everything ran smoothly in case the Merchant made a move. Extra guards had been brought in from other districts, with their captains in charge of their respective sectors.
“H-Hello there, Captain.”
“Hello. How’re you holding up? It’s the grand debut of House Campbell!”
“There won’t be any self-introductions.”
“What a shame. You’ve got a nice pair, too.”
“M-My chest has nothing to do with this!”
“Your mother did a fine job. Yes, indeed.”
“Stop saying that!”
When Cecily heard her name called, she turned to see Mayor Housman standing beside Hannibal. She quickly straightened up.
Unlike Hannibal, Housman extended his hand in a gentlemanly manner. “Please, take good care of Aria.”
“Y-You can count on me, sir,” she replied instinctively, shaking his hand. She hadn’t intended to, but it now felt like there was truly no going back.
Sensing her nerves, Aria gently placed a hand on Cecily’s shoulder. “You’ll be fine. Luke’s probably here, too. Let’s show him how cool you are—both your skills and tits.”
“My chest or Luke has nothing to do with this! Mayor, my eyes are up here!”
“I-I-I know that, of course.”
Men, they’re all the same! Cecily fumed.
Flustered, Housman quickly shifted the conversation. “By Luke, did you mean Luke Ainsworth?”
“You know him?” Cecily asked, surprised. Luke was a humble swordsmith running a small shop in the Seventh District. She didn’t expect the mayor to know his name.
“His father was an old friend of mine. I’ve met him before, though it was quite some time ago. So, you’re acquainted with him.”
“Interesting,” Hannibal chimed in, nodding. “And how’s young Luke doing these days?”
“You too, Captain? Well, if ‘alive and well’ counts, he’s fine. Still as stubborn and grouchy as ever, as I’m sure you remember.”
Hannibal burst into laughter, while Housman smiled and said, “He hasn’t changed, I see.” Cecily realized that Luke’s workshop, Atelier Liza, was more well-known than she had thought.
“Anyway,” Cecily turned the conversation back, “do you think the enemy will show up?”
“They will. We’re dealing with someone who uses Demon Pacts. In a crowd like this, anything’s possible.”
The thought of a demon appearing in the midst of the crowd gathered for the auction, the highlight of the fair, sent a chill down Cecily’s spine. Preparations had been made, but if something happened, chaos would be unavoidable. She could feel cold sweat forming on her back.
Her eyes drifted to Aria. She had been left out of the conversation and was idly playing the hem of her clothes, looking bored. Could the Merchant be after Aria? At the very least, it seemed possible.
Could Cecily protect her? Could she protect Aria, the citizens, the visitors? Would she have the strength to fight if a demon appeared?
Canceling the fair had been discussed, but the city, as an independent trading hub, couldn’t afford that. The fair was a crucial source of revenue, and any disruption would be disastrous.
“Don’t stress too much, Cecily,” Hannibal said, ruffling her hair hard enough to make her stumble. “Like your father, you take things a bit too seriously. Each of us just needs to do what we can. Focus on what you’re capable of.”
“Do you really think that’ll be enough?” she asked quietly.
“Of course. Don’t overthink it. It’s simple—if the enemy shows up, we evacuate the civilians and take them down. Problem solved.”
“That’s too simple, Captain.”
“Simple problems require simple solutions. Look, I think you’re up.”
Cecily turned to see an official waiting for her.
Aria held out her hand. “Let’s go.”
Cecily, still feeling stiff but managing a small smile, took it.
“Wish me luck.”
Hannibal crossed his arms and nodded, but Housman stopped her.
“What is it, sir?” Cecily asked.
“Just one thing—what’s the name of Luke’s workshop?”
“It’s Liza.”
“I see.” Housman nodded, waving his hand. “Thanks. Sorry to keep you. I look forward to your performance.”
The official gestured for them to move along. Cecily gave a quick bow and tugged at Aria’s hand.
“He really hasn’t changed,” Housman murmured as he watched them walk away.
She didn’t hear him.
“Still nervous?” Aria asked.
“Yeah.”
“I see. I’m not nervous at all.”
“You’re used to this sort of thing, huh?”
“That’s part of it, but there’s more. Honestly, I’m just happy.”
“…”
“I’ve always wanted someone like you, Cecily, to wield me,” Aria said, giving Cecily’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I know it’s just for a little while, but do use me well.”
Cecily nodded, more determined than ever. “I’ll make sure it’s unforgettable.”
“And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for!” the announcer’s voice boomed. “The Infernal Blade!”
With that cue, Cecily and Aria stepped onto the stage.
Wow.
The makeshift stage was far from impressive. A weathered wooden structure draped in plain linen. It was only as tall as the average person but was high enough to overlook the square and be visible from the distance. Cecily froze, holding her breath.
Countless eyes bore down on them, thousands of gazes scrutinizing the two women. People from all over, with different skin tones, hair colors, and clothing styles, stared intently at them. For Cecily, unaccustomed to such attention, the sight was so unsettling she shuddered in fear.
Her mind went blank. What was she supposed to do next? She turned to Aria for reassurance.
Then, in the sea of faces, she spotted him.
Why? she wondered.
Amidst this massive crowd, she easily spotted him. Cecily’s gaze was drawn to his mocking smile. She didn’t know why she found him so quickly, but one thing was certain—that smug grin lit a slow fire of anger inside her. If she fumbled now, he’d never let her hear the end of it.
No way.
She refused to let Luke Ainsworth call her a wimpy knight.
Sticking to the plan, Cecily drew the saber at her waist. To dispel any misunderstandings that this was the Infernal Blade, she stabbed the blade into the stage. Thud.
The announcer continued, gesturing to Aria, presenting her as the true centerpiece of the auction—the mysterious Infernal Blade. Aria responded with a graceful bow to the audience.
The crowd buzzed, murmurs of disbelief and curiosity rippling through the square. Could this girl truly be the Infernal Blade? The announcer gave Aria a glance, and she returned a slight nod.
“Unshackle from slumber. Seize the truth. The wind, in my hand. Slay God.”
As she recited the incantation, a whirlwind rose, and the audience gasped in awe.
The silvery wind coiled around Aria, nearly engulfing her. Just before it did, Cecily heard her whisper.
“I leave the rest to you.”
Comment (0)