Chapter 61: Traffic Control
Thud-
The bespectacled man who got slapped fell limply.
Just one slap and his legs gave out? Were all the mages here like this?
You, you brat!
Why, you bastard.
Shirons gaze fell to where the sound came from. The man who lost his glasses due to the slap was glaring at Shiron. His bulging and bloodshot eyes were so intense he almost flinched.
How, how did you break through my mana barrier?
Mana barrier? Whats that.
What?
The man with dislodged glasses opened his eyes wide. The fact that the kid in front of him didnt know about the mana barrier shocked him more than the slap. How could one not know such a fundamental spell? But looking at his shimmering face, he didnt seem to be lying.
The man spoke as he staggered to his feet.
What an ignorant fool. How can you not know such a basic thing?
Dont know, punk. Why should I know that.
[Mana Barrier]
When choosing the magic-specialized route, you first learned [Mana Barrier] and [Ignition]. Shiron knew them well since he played Reincarnation of the Sword Saint many times, but he pretended not to know to irritate him more.
Thwack-!
Shiron slapped the mans face again. His face hit the ground. He fell too easily. Whether it was a mana barrier or something else, Shiron only felt the touch of skin on his palm.
Mana barrier my ass. I dont feel anything.
What, what did you say!
Look at this.
Every time the bespectacled man tried to get up with his hands on the ground, Shiron kicked his wrist softly, making him kiss the ground again.
Thunk- Thud-
Really,
Thunk- Thud-
You magic nerds are just useless.
Thunk- Thud-
Always reading magic books in a corner. Thats why you are so weak.
Shiron whispered, looking at the man on the ground. The man, who was constantly kissing the ground, shivered as if he was humiliated.
However, the fact that the man was weak was true.
Neither [Ill-tempered Jackson] nor [Drunkard Charlie] would fall with just one slap. Only this bespectacled gentleman kneeled with one slap.
Go outside and exercise a bit from now on.
Swoosh- Thump-
Shiron grabbed the man by the collar and threw him back.
The palace mages, under the second princes faction, tasted his hand, and the one who just received it seemed to be the least capable among them.
Shiron chuckled amusingly.
The first prince, Victor, had been lent some elite forces to defeat him, but the second prince sent this worthless and overly prideful weakling with him.
As expected, the second prince is somewhat underhanded. So, do peoples nature hardly change? Even 10 years in the future, his disposition remains the same.
Taking a deep breath, Shiron looked straight ahead.
No interference came while he was dealing with the magic nerd.
Shiron dusted off his hands and gave a sarcastic laugh.
For some reason, the people with staves were all lying down in front of him. It didnt seem like it was Encias doing.
Encia.
Yes, My Lord.
How many did you kill?
Im sorry. I couldnt kill a single one.
Encia replied with a slightly sullen expression.
It was a rare chance to showcase her skills, but there was no opportunity to act.
No one, absolutely no one, even reached for the swords on their hips, let alone drew them. This was true for the mages as well.
We stopped them on our line.
Igor, who was standing behind Victor, spoke up.
When Shiron slapped the bespectacled man, the mages werent just standing by.
Given the place, they didnt just raise their staves and chant spells, but they did try to intervene.
However
The knights brought by Igor suppressed them first.
Injecting their inner strength, the knights hit the mages in their flanks and vital points. Even though the mages had mana barriers, they were ambushed by those they thought were allies and were quickly subdued without a proper response.
Igor felt sweat pooling in his fists but, at the same time, a sense of relief.
This was Hugo Prients territory. Compared to discreetly threatening a greenhorn, laying hands on him was a different matter.
I did well to arrange this beforehand.
Igor recalled the past when he had strictly ordered his subordinates not to act impulsively.
Sometimes, there were fools among the young who would act impulsively due to overflowing zeal. But fortunately, there were no such fools among those Igor had chosen.
You have good judgment. I like that.
Shiron, back in his seat, looked at Victor.
Different from before, the child had a bit of a withered appearance. It was really a good sight. Shiron propped his feet up on the battered table. It was at a convenient height to prop his legs up due to being partly broken.
Victor.
Uh. Huh? Why, why are you doing this?
Sigh.
Shiron, looking at Victor, let out a deep sigh. His head throbbed due to the terrible, dog-like tone.
Hey, arent you going to speak properly? You think I cant hit you because Im of royal blood? You can get hit, too.
I, Ill correct my tone!
As Shiron raised his fist in warning, Victor quickly changed his tone.
Hey. Who told you to speak formally. Didnt you want to be friends with me?
Victor wore a dumbfounded expression.
Despite causing all that commotion, he wondered what kind of friend Shiron was, but instead of answering, Victor just nodded his head, fearing that otherwise, the fists of that madman would end up in his face.
Shiron wiped his hands with the handkerchief handed over by Ophilia.
Between friends! You dont have to use formal language.
Uh, yes
Reluctantly responding, Victor sent a distress signal to Igor behind him. However, Igor could not help him.
Shiron had not yet laid a hand on Victor, and even if Shiron were to raise his hand against Victor, he didnt think he could resolve the situation.
Demonkind
Why did he realize it only now? Igor perceived the demon energy subtly emanating from behind Shiron. Every hair on his body stood on end, and cold sweat ran down his spine.
He instinctively realized that he couldnt match the opponent.
Igor had spent half his life working in the Castle of Blessings. It was natural for him, with his limited experience, never to have faced demons.
And Igor didnt forget Shirons words, telling one of the maids that killing anyone who drew a sword was alright. Like stating an obvious fact, Shirons voice was equally tranquil.
Ultimately, there was nothing Igor could do. He could have drawn his sword to prove his loyalty to the royal family, but his sworn loyalty was not towards Victor.
Youre finally in a position to talk now.
Shiron, brushing back his slightly messed-up hair, chuckled lightly.
Igor no longer acted arrogantly, and Victor, too, stopped using that irritating tone.
I am someone who can have a conversation. Dont misunderstand, and just answer my questions.
Yes.
Shiron stared at Victor with an utterly serious face. From now on, there was a fact that needed to be checked meticulously. Depending on the answer, he might have to kill Victor.
But Victor was still one of the princes. Killing the prince here would be a huge nuisance to Hugo, and Shiron wouldnt be safe either.
Shiron opened his mouth with a firm resolve.
Are you? Gay?
Huh?
In other words, do you like, men?
Shiron looked at the boy in front of him while pressing his temples.
Victor had a bewildered expression, and Igor, standing behind him, also didnt have a good expression.
What, what nonsense!
With a bit of delay, Victor sprung up from his seat in indignation.
I, I have! A fiance whom I promised to marry! Such a horrific!
Then why did you approach me, of all people? Also, arent you going to fix that tone?
Sorry.
As sharp eyes pierced through him, Victors momentum quickly subdued. Victor brushed aside his slightly embarrassed feeling from hearing effeminate words.
You because you were the weakest yes.
Dont hesitate and go on.
In that report, it was full of praise for your siblings, and you seemed insignificant. So, I thought youd be jealous and envious of your siblings.
As Victor spoke, he kept sneaking glances at Shirons face. Even though he was pouring out explicit criticism, Shirons face remained impassive.
Victor smacked his lips and let out a deep sigh.
So, I thought it would be easy to persuade you if I offered good conditions.
He finally said it. Victor swept over his somewhat lightened chest. At that, Shiron crossed his arms and closed his eyes.
Hmm as expected, I cant stand it.
What, what do you mean?!
As Shiron rose from his seat, Victor flinched. His face was turning pale. In contrast, Shirons face, which was gradually getting closer, was still indifferent.
Lets just take one hit. Listening and listening, its quite irritating.
Why, why! You told me to keep talking!
Thats that. Anyway, the fact that you saw me as a complete fool hasnt changed, has it?
As Shiron smirked, Igor and the other knights clenched their eyes tight.
So, you should be hit.
Smack!
A sharp noise rang through the garden.
I have to report this to His Majesty.
Igor, who couldnt dare to stop Shirons actions, could only think.
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