Starting a Reversal in Life From the Time of Release

30 – Various Things in the Palace (3)

In the corners of the palace grounds, there were barracks used by the knight’s guard and various facilities that they needed.

Though they were considered simple, they were relatively better equipped and cleaner than ordinary homes.

“No matter how strong a man is, in the end, he’s still a man, right? Is it different for the immigrants?”

“I don’t know, but anyway, since His Majesty has acknowledged it, he can’t be just an ordinary guy.”

The lightly dressed female knights formed small groups, chatting among themselves. Most of the discussions today were about the upcoming duel.

All the knights were women, and not a single man among them. Most were skeptical about competing with men, but there were a few who were curious or genuinely interested.

Some wanted to straighten the men’s noses, while others had applied out of sheer curiosity.

Thud. The bustling training ground filled with loud chatter was suddenly silenced as the heavy footsteps echoed.

The knights who had been chatting stopped, and their eyes turned in the direction of the approaching footsteps.

Coming towards them was a female knight in a royal blue uniform, just like them.

She was the deputy commander leading the Galia Knight Order.

“It’s almost time for His Majesty to arrive. Have you completed the inspection of the training ground?”

“Yes!”

The knights quickly straightened their postures and responded.

They were well aware of how demanding this female knight was, and their military discipline was evident.

So, the individuals who were just chattering and making noise a moment ago now appeared remarkably disciplined.

“Very well. Then, stand your ground.”

As the deputy commander issued the order with a solemn tone, the knights dispersed in all directions, maintaining perfect order.

She even checked if there were any deficiencies. Some of the knights returned to their original positions, and some remained in place.

It was the difference between those who had tasks to perform and those who did not.

The ones left in the training ground stood around, waiting for the Emperor to arrive.

Soon, in the distance, the Emperor dressed in his regal attire walked slowly.

“Ah, that’s enough. Everyone, relax.”

“Yes!”

The deep voice rang out, echoing throughout the training ground.

She gestured for the knights to stop trying to bow formally.

Instead, they responded with a resounding affirmation.

Normally, the presence of the Emperor alone would have caused tension.

However, the knights lived alongside the nobles, high-ranking officials, including the Emperor, and frequently interacted with them.

So, while they remained solemn and composed, the air was less tense.

Behind the Emperor were his family, including Alberto, and Yu Sihu.

“Shall we sit over here?” The Emperor asked, looking at the long bench placed beside the training ground.

The Deputy Commander, who was holding the Emperor’s armor, stared back at him and replied, “Yes, you may sit comfortably.”

“Thank you.”

The Emperor took a seat in the center where he had the best view of the training ground.

Alberto sat right next to him, and the princess and the prince, starting with Charlotte, took their seats nearby.

“Sihu, step forward,” the Emperor instructed.

“…Yes.”

This position was quite uncomfortable and awkward for Yu Sihu.

However, he couldn’t refuse, and it was too late to do anything about it.

Yu Sihu thought so as he stepped up to the training ground.

The black vibrating needle in his hand gleamed sharply.

Warm or intense gazes were directed at Yu Sihu and the vibrating needle.

Mari, who was observing, was slightly displeased with this.

She maintained a composed expression, concealing her true feelings.

The Emperor scanned the knights surrounding him and then spoke.

“Very well. Who among you is willing to join hands with this man? Step forward and show yourself.”

One of the knights, urged by the Emperor’s intimidating presence, stepped forward onto the training ground.

He was the Deputy Commander who had been overseeing the knights a while ago.

“Oh… Are you going to step forward yourself?”

The emperor asked with a look of genuine surprise, raising his eyebrows.

It wasn’t typical for someone like him to step into such a position.

He was serious, and always serious.

The person the emperor had seen as the commander was such a character.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I thought it would be a valuable experience because the opponent possesses unexpected abilities. It seemed like it would be a great help if we were to face a similar situation.”

The commander answered respectfully, bowing slightly towards the emperor.

The sword at his waist made a faint clinking sound as he moved.

“Hmm… I see.”

In case the emperor had any curiosity about the man, it seemed that was not the case.

The emperor nodded quietly, realizing he had been mistaken.

The commander remained a highly knowledgeable figure.

“Well, then, let’s begin.”

When the emperor gave the command with an excited tone, the commander drew his sword quietly.

It was so quiet that not even the sound of the sword being drawn could be heard.

On the other hand, Yushihu stood still with his arm extended, holding a vibrating needle.

It seemed as if he might be underestimating his opponent.

The commander asked Yushihu while looking at him.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Still standing quietly in response, Yushihu’s eyes sparkled sharply, which made the commander slightly angry but also made him consider the possibility of deliberately showing an opening.

This was also why he was assessing the timing to carefully engage.

“Very well, I shall go first. Teach me a move.”

Speaking in a whispering, sibilant voice, the commander stepped forward on the training ground.

Unnoticed, a blue aura had started to emanate from the sword she held, much like the aura Mari had displayed before.

“Ugh?!”

In an instant, as the aura was about to reach Yushihu’s nose.

The commander quickly moved back and groaned.

It started to shake before taking another step.

An earthquake, perhaps.

If it was an earthquake, they would have to evacuate the palace.

Such a thought briefly crossed the Vice-Marshal’s mind, but he soon realized it was a misconception.

Her eyes were fixed on the approaching sharp tip of the vibration without missing a moment.

“Ugh…!”

Before the sharp tip could pierce through his neck with a sharp thud, the Vice-Marshal quickly raised his hand to block it.

As he blocked the tip, it slid sideways, causing the sound of scraping metal to echo all around.

For those involved in battle, it was a familiar sound, but it seemed difficult for Clover, who had been watching, to listen to.

A young boy who grew up delicately in the palace, that’s why.

The Vice-Marshal frowned but calmly slid the tip of the blade.

Even though it was a powerful blow, he hadn’t lost his grip on the handle.

Therefore, the only explanation was that she had performed some kind of trick.

“This… is what Her Highness mentioned as the unique point, isn’t it?”

The Vice-Marshal muttered, putting strength into his trembling hand.

Although it was a powerful strike, his hand was not weak.

So, the only conclusion was that she had performed some kind of trick.

“Shall I show you?”

Instead of answering, Yoo Si-hu brought the trembling tip of the blade closer to his eyes.

The Vice-Marshal carefully examined the tip and nodded, then stepped back a few paces.

If it had been a real battle, he would have immediately taken advantage of the opening, but this was just a demonstration.

So, there was nothing strange about showing this kind of performance.

“It’s fascinating. Your hand doesn’t seem to tremble at all. Is it magic?”

“It’s not magic.”

Yoo Si-hu hesitated to explain the difference between his awakening ability and magic and gave a vague answer.

In a way, it could be seen as avoiding the question.

The Vice-Marshal realized that, but he couldn’t press further.

Pushing a man too hard was not ladylike, and there was no intention to answer even if he pushed.

“Whew…”

The Vice-Marshal took a deep breath and tried to calm the trembling of his hand.

At the same time, he concluded that there was no need to know the principles or origins of Yoo Si-hu’s ability.

The important thing is that the needle vibrates.

Swoosh. She grasped the sword with one hand, slowly assuming a stance.

She extended her left foot, bending her knee.

Yoo Sihu firmly gripped the vibrating needle, sensing that the Vice General would soon charge at him.

In an instant, the Vice General’s figure disappeared from sight, leaving only a lingering presence.

Startled, Yoo Sihu suppressed a gasp and lightly tapped the ground with his toes.

The vibrations radiated in all directions, just as when he had located the gate, and they reflected back.

Thanks to this, he realized that the Vice General, who had disappeared too quickly, was right beneath his lower ribs, approaching as if leaping towards him, a precarious situation.

The Vice General swiftly slashed his sword, feeling a terrifying vibration that momentarily ran through his body.

Normally, he would have struck after a deeper penetration, but he hastily swung the sword upon realizing that the opponent had detected him.

The sinister tip of the blade, carrying an aura of rage, struck Yoo Sihu’s side with a powerful blow.

The speed and momentum were so overwhelming that it felt like his side was about to be brutally cut in an instant.

“Ugh…!”

Yoo Sihu used the vibrating needle in reverse, planting it on the ground to block the blade.

It could be considered fortunate, but his face contorted in pain.

Blocking it was one thing, but the force and speed of the sword’s swing remained unrelenting.

Yoo Sihu hesitated for a moment, pondering whether he could continue like this, but he ultimately made up his mind.

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He channeled a stronger vibration into the needle to attack the blade touching it.

Not only that, but he also created vibrations on the ground, targeting the Vice General’s knees.

With the ongoing power struggle, it seemed like both sides could end up severely injured.

“Ugh?!”

The ground and the needle.

As the vibrations flowed from both sides into his hand and knees, the Vice General was greatly perplexed.

He tried to pull his foot back quickly.

Both the blade and the uncuttable needle were too risky. The situation was extremely dangerous.

However,

“Ugh…!”

Due to the decreasing strength of the vibrations, his leg wouldn’t move backward.

Even stepping back was difficult, and his grip was gradually weakening.

He hurriedly tried to gather his mana to withstand it, but it was already too late.

“Hmm….”

In the end, the sword that had slipped out of his weakening grip fell to the floor of the training grounds.

As the blade fell, a considerable clatter rang out in all directions.

Is it over now?

A deep sigh escaped the lips of Yu Si-hoo, and the trembling vibrations quietly subsided.