Although they were called the Royal Guards, there wasn't any special training ground dedicated to them.
Most knights stationed in Evergard usually used the Knight Academy's training grounds.
Not because the Royal Guards lacked support, but simply because the academy's facilities were outstanding.
So, under Captain Veros's orders, all guards except those on duty gathered at the training grounds.
As Isaac entered the grounds, he immediately sensed that the gazes of the guards were not particularly welcoming.
"Weren't they informed beforehand?"
He asked Veros, who was walking beside him. Veros answered calmly.
"No, I didn't tell them. I'm merely following Her Highness's orders, but I thought the guards would prefer to be convinced by witnessing Baron Logan's skills firsthand."
"Hm, I see."
Isaac wasn't particularly offended.
He believed that proving oneself with the sword was natural, and was confident that they would understand once they saw his abilities.
Isaac stood before the lined-up guards.
Veros began a brief explanation.
"Today, Baron Logan has come to personally instruct you on improvements to the Royal Guard Swordsmanship."
"He has taken time out of his busy schedule, so I hope you will receive his teachings with courtesy and gratitude."
With the Guard Captain speaking so respectfully, the atmosphere settled somewhat.
Moreover, since Isaac had managed to stop Liana—whom they themselves couldn't—it was hard to dismiss his skill.
In fact, a few of the guards even seemed a little excited at the thought of learning from him.
When Veros subtly stepped aside, Isaac cleared his throat.
"Yes, I am Baron Logan. Not just today, but for as long as I'm staying in Evergard, I will be visiting regularly to train with you."
"I will be leading these sessions, so if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak up."
Isaac's statement—welcoming objections or disagreements—evoked various emotions among the knights.
His confidence in the direction of his improvements was reassuring, and the way he invited discussion made them approach his teaching with a critical, inquisitive mindset rather than just blind acceptance.
With that, Isaac began the lesson.
"The essence of the Royal Guard Swordsmanship is clear. It is both the sword and shield protecting the royal palace. However, because of its deep-rooted traditions, it has become somewhat rigid and unadaptable."
Isaac assumed a stance.
"In this position, it's traditionally recommended to keep the shield covering the center of the body. However, if you slightly shift it from the center, your field of vision improves and your defensive range increases."
"The defining trait of the Royal Gaurd swordsmanship is the sturdiness that comes from its static defense. But when facing an unpredictable opponent or one with overwhelming power, such a defense can become a liability."
Isaac's lecture continued.
He deliberately used his previous encounter with Liana as an example to support his explanation.
Thanks to the synergy between a passionate instructor and curious students, Isaac taught nonstop for three hours.
"That's all for today."
As he lowered his sword, the eyes of the guards—so skeptical at first—were now filled with interest and respect.
"Applause!"
Captain Veros also expressed sincere admiration and clapped.
Though the lecture had started with doubtful eyes, Isaac's deep knowledge of swordsmanship and the improvements he suggested to the Royal Gaurd swordsmanship had been more than enough to win them over.
"It's a bit late, but shall we go get lunch? It's my treat."
Seeing Veros now treating him with greater courtesy and warmth was proof that he wasn't just helpful—but now acknowledged as one of their own.
They went to eat in the city.
It was a restaurant the guards often visited, and some knights looked at the two of them with curiosity.
"Is the food to your taste, Baron Logan?"
"It's excellent. I've never been here before, but I can see why so many knights come."
"The portions are large, perfect before afternoon training."
As the meal proceeded naturally, Isaac suddenly brought something up.
"By the way, my maid is getting married in three days, and I wanted to ask for some advice."
"A wedding? You're keeping track of that even with your busy schedule."
"She's helped me a lot."
Veros gave a small smile.
"They say you're thoughtful, and it seems the rumors weren't exaggerated. So, how can I help?"
"I'd like to give her a wedding gift, but I'm not sure what would be appropriate."
"Hm…"
Veros popped a piece of bacon into his mouth as he pondered.
Marriage?
When he remembered something related to the Blood Demon, Veros's expression suddenly darkened.
The image of someone demanding his daughter's hand in marriage still lingered vividly in his mind.
"…Sir Veros?"
Isaac looked confused at the sudden shift in Veros's expression. He wondered if he'd touched a sensitive topic.
"Ahem… I apologize. I suddenly thought of my daughter."
"Your daughter…?"
With a bitter expression, Veros continued talking about her almost involuntarily.
It may have been because he'd opened up to Isaac—or perhaps he simply needed someone to confide in.
"She just turned fifteen. A truly beautiful and smart girl… but right now, she's been ill for a long time."
"She's ill?"
"Yes. We've consulted both doctors and mages, but no one can identify the cause. Her Highness is also deeply concerned and has offered much help… but there's been no improvement yet."
Seeing the once-reliable and sturdy Captain of the Guard looking so worn down left Isaac with a heavy heart.
'His daughter…'
For a time, he had once longed for a daughter.
His late wife was such a beauty that he was certain a lovely child, resembling her, would be born.
He had even mischievously hoped that the child's personality would take after his own, being sociable and charming.
'What a heartrending story.'
Even as Isaac looked at him with mixed pity, he couldn't help but feel an odd sense of discomfort.
***
Duke Gelamius, a close friend of Veros and renowned as one of Princess Adeline's trusted men, had not been able to wipe a smile from his lips lately.
Despite his age, new love had found him.
"How is it that you are so exquisite?"
Gelamius said honestly to the Blood Demon, who was gracefully enjoying tea.
The Blood Demon, unsurprisingly, did not share in the delight—indeed, she seemed almost weary of the statement, as if it were too obvious.
"It's simply because I pursue beauty."
"Ha… Not all of the Transcendents are like you, I presume? I've never seen one so close up."
"If there were anyone lovelier than me, I'd have killed them long ago."
"You are cheeky. And dangerous—precisely because that makes you lethal."
At Gelamius's words, the Blood Demon inwardly chuckled. The sight of him persistently toiling away at his own endeavors was almost pitiful.
"Ah, a guest has arrived."
The Blood Demon set down her teacup and, legs crossed, headed toward the entrance. The door to the study opened, and in rushed Baron Castien—also one of Princess Adeline's close aides and an attendee of the banquet.
"D-Duke Gelamius!"
Baron Castien's face was ashen with urgency, but Gelamius erupted with indignation at having his time with the Blood Demon interrupted.
"Humph! Even though we serve the same ruler as comrades, there is a clear difference between us! How dare you barge in so rudely!"
"I'm terribly sorry! Truly, my apologies!"
Baron Castien fell prostrate in submission.
"Get out immediately! My current business is of utmost importance—"
"Please, allow me to speak, my lord."
"…What?"
"He seems desperate. Surely, it must be a matter of life and death."
Gelamius's gaze shifted to the Blood Demon. He had no desire to tolerate such discourtesy.
"Understood?"
But when the Blood Demon smiled, Gelamius felt his tension ease, and he nodded as though spellbound.
"Ha, then speak."
"I—I require reinforcements!"
The Blood Demon beamed at the Baron's tearful plea.
'Vixel.'
"V-Vixel Village! My hometown in the south!"
'A Plague.'
"They say an outbreak of white-sickness is ravaging that area!"
'No Reinforcements.'
"I-I begged Princess Adeline for aid, but she said it was impossible right now due to the supply lines for the northern front!"
'Well done, Baron.'
As if the problem had been guessed correctly, the Blood Demon broke into a broad smile. In fact, one might say the baron had answered correctly.
After all, he had reached precisely the intended destination.
"Of course it is! You must surely know how fierce the conflict in the North is at this moment! Even if it is your home village, some delay is inevitable!"
Princess Adeline's judgment had been sound. The plague itself had not yet spread extensively, and the white-sickness was not an incurable disease.
"The Transcendents might claim that they deliberately caused the plague to create chaos—"
"Stop the nonsense, Baron! Why on earth would the Transcendents spread a plague in such a small village?"
The Blood Demon rested her chin on her hand and looked down at the Baron.
'Sharp intuition, hmm?'
Wasn't he exactly right? Yet, it was never about causing disorder on the front lines. The Blood Demon truly had no interest in any supposed victory of the Transcendents.
'I only wished to see you grovel at my feet, Baron.'
"Be gone! I, too, have been ordered by the princess to strengthen the security of the Northern supply routes and escort units! There are—"
"Allow me to assist you."
The Blood Demon extended her hand, and the Baron, weeping, grasped it. A ray of light had broken through the darkness of despair.
From start to finish, it had all been planned. In retrospect, wasn't it akin to a staged play?
For the Blood Demon's objectives to succeed, Princess Adeline's influence needed to diminish. Although the nobles of the banquet, under her leadership, possessed noble and unwavering loyalty, there were still gaps.
'Gaps that one might exploit…'
For some, he could become a benefactor who saved their homeland.
For others, he might become a destined love.
For yet others, he could be the savior who cures their daughter's illness.
The Blood Demon moved very slowly and quietly indeed.
Before long, a pool of blood would have gathered beneath the banquet table.