23. Sword Saint Ludwig (Phase Two)

The sprite maid, more like a berserker than an assassin; a complete attack plan already prepared, even down to the final scapegoat; and the goal was to make me die for the “Great Yng Empire.”

Though I still felt something was off, this was already the limit. As for this sprite lady wanting to kill me? It wouldn’t be that simple. Unlike me, who was “backline buffing,” Kephiel wouldn’t be intimidated just because your weapon is particularly large.

I saw a layer of cold air spreading frost rapidly around me. In the distance, Kephiel’s figure remained still, but unlike me, the sprite Ludwig seemed to have sensed the “danger to her life”!

“!”

For a moment, I thought I saw a beast-like hunger in her lazy gaze, but in the next instant, she swung her giant sword backward! Accompanied by the spread of frost, Kephiel’s figure arrived. Even facing this heavy strike, she showed no fear; when the blades clashed, sparks flew, and the magic sword Alsace erupted with frost. With her agile form, Kephiel completely evaded the sharp edge of the opponent’s weapon and kicked toward Ludwig from behind!

This kick was completely different from the usual one I received at night when Ke Fei’er would steal my blanket and kick me.

Ludwig, reacting immediately, grabbed the broad blade of his giant sword as a “shield.” Even so, he was still knocked off balance by Ke Fei’er’s kick, stumbling backward while dragging the giant sword, nearly falling over. And this… was just the beginning!

【Ludwig attacked Ke Fei’er!】

“She has a follow-up move!”

“Mm!”

Ke Fei’er’s response to me held no trace of the distance from tonight; she immediately stepped back, dodging Ludwig’s giant sword that swung toward her despite his staggering retreat. This kind of weapon, which would never normally appear, was something Ke Fei’er had never encountered before. If it weren’t for my warning, she would have been at a disadvantage!

After the missed strike, the elf dragged her giant sword behind her, a hint of confusion appearing in her lazy expression.

“You two… aren’t arguing anymore?”

“When did we ever argue?”

I quietly wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, making sure Ke Fei’er didn’t see, and forced myself to stand up with a cold smile. “After all, if we weren’t arguing… would you show up? Miss Ludwig.”

Although I had unexpectedly judged this “assassin,” the rest of the events were still unfolding according to my script. For instance… my “argument” with Ke Fei’er was all an act.

After I rejected her “active seduction,” the queen, acting out of character, urged us to hurry back. At that moment, I had already noticed the queen’s abnormality in the script, as well as… Ke Fei’er’s danger. So, I had a little discussion with Ke Fei’er.

My death script had always existed, and Ke Fei’er was likely in danger due to some special attack aimed at us both. Therefore, I just needed to find an excuse to separate me and Ke Fei’er in a very “normal” way. Staying close to the queen herself, Ke Fei’er would definitely be safe, while I, as the “target,” was responsible for luring out the “danger.” If I could resolve it myself according to the script, that would be best. But if the threat was not an ordinary “enemy,” then… the use of the Thunder Fairy’s power would serve as a “signal” for Ke Fe’er.

The reasonable way I discussed to separate from Ke Fe’er was: to argue.

A real argument? How could that be possible! A good man like me would never argue with his wife! After all, in the end, I wouldn’t be able to win. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Ke Fei’er’s “argument” in the evening had a hint of genuine conflict…

Ke Fei’er’s presence naturally indicated that this elf maid’s plan to kill me had failed. Sure enough, the next moment, not only did my death script temporarily disappear, but new content also appeared!

【Ludwig plans to escape!】

Although I wanted to be cautious, at this point, the elf who originally served the queen had suddenly transformed into an assassin attacking me, involving too many hidden truths that I needed to uncover. It was clear that I couldn’t simply let her escape. And Ke Fei’er wasn’t a fool; given what had happened, she didn’t seem ready to let the elf in front of us go, so what we should do was obvious.

“She’s going to escape, Ke Fei’er.”

“I won’t give her the chance!”

Ke Fei’er swiped at the blade of the magic sword Alsas, and the magic sword, which had just lost its icy sheen from clashing with the opponent’s blade, regained its cold glimmer. For Ludwig, trying to escape while dragging such a heavy weapon was utterly impossible, so she scratched her head in frustration.

“Ugh, this is getting troublesome…”

Ke Fei’er wouldn’t pay any mind to Ludwig’s silence. To me, the heavy giant sword felt like a nightmare, but for Ke Fei’er, it was merely a cumbersome decoration! Ludwig, who could only hop on her toes, couldn’t keep up with Ke Fei’er’s speed, and every time she tried to chase, Ke Fei’er would easily evade using her advantages.

So… did we win!?

Although it seemed like a one-sided suppression by Ke Fei’er, I still felt a lingering unease. Looking back at the script for confirmation, I found even stranger content!

【Ludwig looks forward to a duel with Ke Fei’er!】

What the hell is “looking forward”!? Isn’t this elf’s goal to eliminate me!?

I had no time to think further because… the script regarding Ke Fei’er had emerged once again, and this scene finally matched the cause and effect!

【Ke Fei’er is injured in battle with Ludwig!】

“!”

I absolutely cannot ignore such content; fortunately, Kefir is different now! With her new fairy powers, she can definitely change the script with her stronger abilities!

“Kefir! Don’t hold back, give it your all!”

Kefir, who was entangled with Ludwig, immediately followed my instructions and unleashed her “trump card”—the power of the Thunder Fairy, Zousi, manifested, merging with the magic sword, Alsas!

In an instant, the claws of lightning tore through the elf’s defense, which was using a sword as a shield. The impact from Alsas sent even the heavily armed and aggressive Ludwig flying with a single blow from Kefir. The heavy greatsword dragged deep grooves into the ground, and the immense inertia made it impossible for Ludwig to stop or steady himself, as he fell amidst a cloud of dust into the distant woods.

Dangerous individuals can always be caught given the opportunity, but I couldn’t let Kefir be careless just for the sake of “capturing” him; after all, Kefir’s safety is only guaranteed once. As everything gradually calmed down, it seemed that Kefir had finally triumphed over Ludwig, and I let out a long sigh of relief, looking at the script.

[Kefir has the upper hand!]

But… the joy was fleeting.

[The Sword Saint Ludwig looks forward to the duel with Kefir.]

Because the next parts of the script regarding Ludwig were glaringly evident.

Sword Saint? Just this? I definitely can’t think like that! Because I remember very clearly that in the Great Ying Empire’s standards for evaluating strength, only those who reach the “Ninth Stage,” with extraordinary power in one aspect, can possibly be bestowed the title of “Saint.”

And now the script says that this Ludwig…

Is a Sword Saint!?

[Ludwig is slightly serious!]

[Ludwig feels excited!]

[Ludwig…]

What’s there to see now!

“Kefir, be careful, it’s not over yet!”

——

To all the Europeans who won the monthly ticket draw in May, the fire rolls have all been distributed, remember to check!

Let’s make sure to keep up the excitement this month.

By the way, Nilu’s body pillow is ready.

That’s all for now; next month, you can choose Nilu’s body pillow when you win!

Eight-volume color insert