*****
NOVELASIUS
- TL: the guild
- Discord: https://discord.gg/GBKEa55867
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/topasius
Thank you for your continued support of this series. As we’ve recently taken over the translation, there may be minor errors or inconsistencies in this chapter. We’re committed to delivering the best possible experience, so if you spot anything that doesn’t seem right, please let us know on our Discord server. Your feedback helps us improve and ensures the quality of future translations.
ENJOY~ PYUUN~
*****
Karma (3)
The recent excitement is palpable everywhere.
Take, for instance, a street food stall in town, where skewered fish cakes and soju make for the perfect late-night snack.
“They say the Saintess is participating this time!”
“I heard Marie Dunareff is in, too!”
“The lineup of participants this year is insane.”
The hot topic of conversation is undoubtedly one of the Harvest Festival’s most popular events.
The Lady of Autumn competition.
The finale of the Harvest Festival has been ignited by the participation of several dazzling contestants.
“Everyone’s talking about the Harvest Festival, Korin.”
“I wish they’d put that energy into their finals instead. That’s what students are supposed to do.”
It was a late Saturday evening, and Alicia and Korin had decided to grab a bite to eat.
“Four servings of tteokbokki, four servings of fish cake soup, and a set of tempura.”
“Also, some sundae, please.”
“Oh, would you like the intestines with that?”
“Alicia, do you eat intestines?”
“I’ll pass.”
“She’ll pass. Please give us the sundae without the liver and intestines.”
“Sure thing!”
As the food stall lady walked away, Korin glanced around before signaling with a subtle nod, mimicking the act of taking a drink.
“No drinking.”
“Just a sip? Come on.”
“I’m not going back to the dorm tonight. I’m staying with my sister… If I get caught drinking, I’ll be in big trouble. Besides, we’re still minors, remember?”
“Ugh~”
Korin sighed deeply at Alicia’s stern rebuke.
Technically, he was a minor, but in terms of life experience, he was easily twice Alicia’s age—a fact that made the drinking ban especially hard to bear.
“Fish cake soup without soju… this is torture.”
He stared mournfully at the simmering pot of fish cake soup on the table, steam wafting up from the pot in a comforting cloud.
The fish cake soup was the Japanese style, not Korean, but it was impressively well-made.
“You’ve been improving a lot lately—oh, I’m talking about your domain skills, by the way. I’m not really qualified to comment on the rest.”
“You’re too modest. These days, I can’t even beat you in training.”
Korin transferred some konjac noodles into his bowl, pouring broth over them with a ladle.
“But if it were a real fight, I’d lose for sure. No matter what, I just can’t imagine winning against you, Korin.”
“Well…”
Korin sipped his broth as he recalled their recent training sessions.
Alicia had been on a roll lately, her skills sharper than ever.
The turning point had been the battle with the Sword Ghost. The celestial sword technique she’d displayed then was something she still couldn’t fully replicate, but that life-and-death struggle had undeniably amplified her abilities.
“I should have trained more. I was too scared and avoided the sword, and now look at me.”
“It’s not about how much experience you have; it’s about the quality of that experience.”
He himself was proof of that.
Korin had only been wielding a spear for three years in his previous life and two years in this one.
Compared to other knights who had trained their whole lives, his experience was incredibly limited.
But the reason he could stand toe-to-toe with someone like Lunia, a swordmaster, was because the quality of his experience was unbelievably intense.
He had crossed countless lines of death, fought against the strongest beings in the world, and emerged victorious each time. His skills had already been perfected before his return to the past.
“Maybe I should go cut down my grandfather after all.”
Alicia said nonchalantly, chewing on a piece of fish cake, her expression entirely serious despite the shocking nature of her statement.
“Your grandpa doesn’t get much respect, does he?”
“Well, he deserves it.”
Garrand Arden, the Sword Emperor.
In the game’s story, he was an NPC who helped strengthen both Alicia and Lunia.
Although he played a significant role in the final battle, it was still just one part of the bigger picture.
“Wouldn’t it be interesting to have him fight that terrifying man, Tates? That guy is insanely strong, but my grandpa isn’t exactly a pushover.”
“It would be a good match.”
It was a situation that hadn’t happened in the game. He had tried to arrange it in the previous timeline, but…
“Your grandpa has his own role to play.”
The reason why the Sword Emperor didn’t appear in the final chapter was well-explained in the story.
“Is that so?”
Alicia didn’t press further, accepting Korin’s explanation without complaint. Unlike Marie or Estelle, Alicia didn’t interfere with the bigger picture. She only focused on what was necessary.
“Korin.”
She blew on a piece of fish cake to cool it down before offering it to Korin with a mischievous grin.
“Say ‘ah~’”
“…Uh, this is a bit…”
“Hurry up. My arm’s getting tired.”
“Ahem…”
It was the kind of cutesy act you’d expect from a couple who had just started dating, but Korin had no choice but to accept it.
“The ribbon…”
“…Hmm…”
He almost choked. Was she really bringing this up now?
“What are you going to do? There are five people, including the Headmistress, you know.”
“Cough!”
Alicia’s face was expressionless, but Korin knew she was enjoying this. While everyone else wanted to be chosen, Alicia’s thoughts were slightly different. She had realized something after submitting her entry.
“Sigh…”
“Alicia?”
She fidgeted with her fingers, looking up at Korin. A wry smile crossed her face as she confessed her feelings again.
It was a playful, almost teasing confession.
“You know I like you, right?”
“Uh, uh… yeah, I know.”
Korin didn’t pick up on Alicia’s teasing tone. With his mind preoccupied, he couldn’t fully grasp the nuances of the conversation, which only amused Alicia more.
“I like you. I really do. I really like you, Korin.”
“Th-thanks.”
“So…”
Please choose me. Only me.
But she didn’t say that. She didn’t want to make things harder for him. She didn’t think she had the right to say it.
“You don’t have to give me the ribbon.”
“What?”
Alicia forced a bitter smile, her words contradicting her true feelings.
She liked him.
She was certain of that emotion.
But she was also afraid of not being chosen.
So she decided to give up from the start.
Instead of competing, she chose to show grace, even if it was a blow to her pride.
She wanted to step back from the competition and be content with the result of having gracefully stepped aside.
“…No.”
Korin’s voice was firm.
“I’ll give you a golden ribbon too.”
“Huh…?”
“It’s unfair and cowardly, but… I’m going to give everyone a golden ribbon.”
“B-but…! That means you’d have to win five different competitions!”
“If I’m going to be an indecisive jerk trying to keep everyone happy, then I’ll have to put in the work.”
“I-it’s okay. I’m okay with not getting one—”
“Enough.”
Korin’s tone left no room for argument. When Alicia met his sincere gaze, she felt a warmth fill her heart.
“You deserve it.”
“Hngh…”
Alicia couldn’t bring herself to respond.
After their late-night meal, the two returned to the Guardians’ office.
The massive estate Marie had acquired spanned 3,000 pyeong and was equipped with every convenience imaginable.
For example, there were accommodations. With the Warsky Mercenaries and the Arden Sword Sect numbering in the hundreds, and the wyvern and Hresvelgr trainers also employed, the office housed a staff that rivaled a large corporation.
“Welcome back, Boss.”
“Did you enjoy your meal, Fifth Sword?”
Even at the entrance, they were greeted by the mercenaries of the Warsky Mercenaries and the swordsmen of the Arden Sword Sect.
Being the best soldiers money could buy, the security of the office was impeccable as long as they were there.
“Oh, right, Boss. You have a visitor.”
“A visitor? Who?”
“They wanted it to be a surprise, so I can’t say.”
“…”
“…”
Korin and Alicia exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing.
“What could this be about?”
“Lunia… well, she goes to bed early.”
With no reinforcements in sight, Korin resigned himself to following the staff’s lead to the reception room. As they walked, a soft pair of hands suddenly covered his eyes from behind.
“Guess who?”
The cheerful voice and silky hair brushing his neck were unmistakable.
“Es…?”
“Correct! It’s the world’s most beautiful Estelle!”
“You’re really creative with these surprises, huh?”
Korin shook his head, half in disbelief. Meanwhile, Alicia composed herself and offered a polite bow.
“I-it’s an honor to meet you, Your Holiness…”
“Arisha, you’re always so stiff. I told you, you can relax.”
“Y-your kind words are… deeply moving, but… please forgive my formality…”
“You’re mixing things up, aren’t you? Just relax.”
“Ugh…”
Alicia muttered under her breath that it was easy for Korin to be so casual with her.
After all, this was a country with a hierarchical society, and Estelle was arguably even more important than the king.
Alicia wasn’t religious, and after learning the truth about Danaan, she was even less inclined to be. But still, it was hard to shake the reverence she’d been taught to feel toward the royal family since childhood.
“Come on, you don’t have to force yourself. As long as I’m close with Korin, that’s enough for me~”
Estelle cheerfully hugged Korin, despite his clear discomfort. She grinned, leaning in as close as possible.
“Come on…”
“What’s the big deal? No need to be shy. We’re close, aren’t we?”
“…”
Alicia watched Estelle’s playful antics with discomfort.
‘My Korin.’
That phrase stuck with her.
How had the Crown Princess ended up so close to Korin?
“She’s a returning student…”
She muttered under her breath.
“…”
“…”
Her comment landed like a bombshell, leaving both Korin and Estelle in stunned silence.
“D-did you just call me old?!”
“Huh? Wh-what? No, I didn’t mean it like that!”
Only then did Alicia realize what she had said, her face turning pale with horror.
“Four years isn’t even an age gap worth mentioning! I’m still in my prime, you know!”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant! It’s totally fine! My sister is ten years older than Korin, too!”
“Oh? So you think your sister’s old and desperate?”
“…!”
Alicia froze, her vision filling with the sight of Lunia Arden, her 28-year-old sister.
“Uh, sis… That’s not what I meant at all.”
“It’s fine. By the way, I hear you’re entering the tournament? I’ll make sure you’re specially trained.”
Lunia turned sharply, heading off. Alicia, on the verge of tears, trailed after her, calling out, “No, sis, that’s not what I meant!”
“…”
Meanwhile, Estelle still seemed shaken from the age-related jab, her shoulders trembling.
“Ugh…”
She glanced up at Korin, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.
“K-Korin… do you think older women are… unattractive?”
“Uh… not really? I tend to care more about how someone looks than their age.”
Given that he was technically in his forties if you counted his past life, he wasn’t one to judge anyone’s age.
“Could you please be a little more… reserved? It’s kind of overwhelming when you’re always so close.”
“What’s wrong with showing affection to someone I like? And it’s not like you dislike it, right?”
She was confident, self-assured, and completely unafraid to speak her mind.
“Would any guy really mind if a beauty like me got close?”
To be fair, she was right. Even Korin didn’t really mind.
“Yeah, but… Could you at least tone it down in public? Do you know what kind of rumors are going around?”
“I’ve seen the papers.”
“The papers?!”
Korin was stunned. He hadn’t realized the rumors had spread beyond just campus gossip!
“Well, it’s simple. If I’m being gossiped about, you’ll just have to take responsibility for me~”
Estelle chuckled, her smile as radiant as ever.
Anyone would be tempted by her charm.
“Ahem… Anyway, why are you here?”
“I’ve got news about Mir.”
“…Go on.”
“Well, the official statement is that she’s a victim, so she’s been testifying in court about Kushe. It looks like she’ll be spending the Harvest Festival at the palace.”
“So, basically, she’s on a break from school.”
“Yeah… She seems to have a lot on her mind, so we’re giving her some space. In the meantime, things with the Mound are moving along smoothly.”
Korin was relieved to hear that Miryam had been lying low since the Mound incident.
If she had made any political moves, the Mound-related issues could have become a major headache for at least another year.
“What about the beastfolk? They’re not exactly innocent, so what’s happening with them?”
Even though Kushe had taken the fall, the beastfolk were still far from innocent.
“There hasn’t been much movement yet. But there’s a lot of talk about how using them as private soldiers might be problematic. It seems like some people are concerned about the ‘military power’ you’ve accumulated.”
Korin understood the implications. This was about security and politics.
Korin already had over 400 mages from the Mage Tower under his command. With the Mound having declared him as their Fairy King, Finnebhar, they, too, were seen as part of his forces.
It was dangerous.
People were starting to think that too much military power was being concentrated in one person’s hands.
And given that Korin Locke had already defied the royal family’s will once, committing what was essentially treason…
“This is going to be tricky. I mean, I expected this, but still…”
“Hehe… What’s so tricky about it?”
Estelle gently cupped Korin’s chin with her fingers, her emerald-green eyes sparkling as she gave him a mischievous smile.
“I’m the Saintess, your sister, and I’m on your side.”
Her bewitching smile could easily captivate anyone. Korin, trying to hide his embarrassment, cleared his throat, but Estelle simply looked at him with adoration.
“I am the Church, and the Church is always on your side. You should take advantage of that.”
“Let’s call it cooperation.”
“Hehe, so make sure you let me know if I’m causing any trouble. If you don’t look out for me, I might just get upset.”
“Ahem! Still… could you please tone it down a bit in public?”
“There’s a reason I’m marking my territory! Besides, it’s not just me; I can tell even that Alicia girl is no pushover.”
“…”
“You noticed, right? She likes you.”
“Sigh… I’m getting more attention than I deserve.”
Estelle, still smiling, spoke with a hint of steel in her voice.
“By the way, she’s entering the tournament, right?”
“Yeah… I asked her to. I need her to win the prize for me.”
“Really? I’ll take care of that.”
“What?”
“I’m entering the tournament.”
“You don’t have to… Are you even allowed to enter?”
Korin estimated Estelle’s power to be at least on par with a quasi-Special Grade. Although she was more of an external supporter in the game, rather than a party member, her abilities were nothing to scoff at.
He knew firsthand the reality-warping power of her prayers.
“I’ve never had an official or unofficial ranking. My enrollment in the Guardian Academy was mostly for political reasons.”
She had only attended for two years before effectively dropping out. No one at the academy had expected the busy Saintess to graduate.
Her time at the academy had been more about awarding an honorary diploma to a high-ranking member of society.
“I’ll win it for you. You don’t need Alicia.”
Estelle’s serious expression made Korin eye her suspiciously.
“Is this because of the age comment? You’re not being mature about this.”
“That’s not it…!”
Estelle snapped, playfully punching Korin’s chest. Her gentle taps made it hard to imagine her true power, but Korin knew better.
“This is bad…”
Korin, who knew better than anyone the extent of Estelle’s power, looked uneasy.
“How are you planning to get back and forth during the festival?”
“I’ll ask Professor Clara for help! I’ll just have her make a bunch of markers in advance!”
She was planning to return after every match. Even for someone like Professor Josephine, repeatedly crossing long distances would be a challenge, but…
“It’s possible if Estelle blesses Professor Josephine directly.”
It seemed the tournament was going to be more complicated than expected.
“Sigh…”
With so much on his plate, he didn’t have time to worry about that right now.
With the finals over, the Harvest Festival was only a month away. To win more than five golden ribbons during the five-day event, he needed to start preparing now.
“I can do this. I have to do this… I will do this…!”
He had no choice.
He had to accomplish this, at the very least, to bear the burden of his karma.
*****
NOVELASIUS
- TL: the guild
- Discord: https://discord.gg/GBKEa55867
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/topasius
*****
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