Chapter 549: The Princess's Invitation
While everyone was still stunned, the horde of monsters that had troubled them for so long had already been effortlessly eliminated by Eiji.
His demeanor was utterly casual, as if slaying dozens of monsters was merely a warm-up. His robe fluttered in the wind with an air of effortless grace, inspiring admiration in all who saw him.
"That guy really knows how to show off!"
The boy in samurai garb glanced at his own tattered clothes, rubbed the stubble he hadn't trimmed in who-knows-how-long, and fell into deep contemplation.
"I used to think this outfit was super cool, but for some reason, I can't get any girls... Maybe I should change my image?"
He'd dress like a mage!
Scanning his surroundings, his eyes landed on three girls standing on a nearby hill.
Each of them looked dazed, completely overwhelmed by what they'd witnessed.
Hmm, definitely worth a try!
The silence stretched across the snowy plains for a long while.
After the white wolf pack and kobolds were all slain, no new monsters appeared.
"The Demon Lord Army hasn't shown up either. Have they given up?"
The knight captain sighed in relief, and the knights behind him visibly relaxed.
"...Claire."
Princess Iris sheathed her holy sword, her clear eyes brimming with curiosity.
"Yes, Your Highness. What are your orders?"
Claire quickly averted her gaze from the snowy plains and bowed her head respectfully.
The golden-haired girl leaned close to Claire and whispered a few words in her ear.
"Understood. Leave it to me!"
Claire nodded in comprehension.
On the snowy plains.
Eiji's piercing gaze seemed capable of seeing through the very fabric of space itself.
He faintly sensed being watched—whether through some magic or a special magical artifact, he couldn't tell.
"They're not sending more troops. Have they retreated?"
That was only natural.
With their superior appearing on the opposing side, who would dare continue sending soldiers? Did they have a death wish?
"Hey, you over there, Mr. Cool Guy!"
A voice called out.
The three reincarnators who'd been watching from the sidelines approached together.
"You're way too strong! What kind of cheat are you using?"
"I think it's charm magic!"
"Are you stupid? How would that kill so many monsters?"
"I was just joking!"
Laughing and chatting, the trio stopped before Eiji.
"And you are?"
Eiji looked them up and down, his face the picture of clueless innocence.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Senji Muramasa!"
The boy in samurai garb jumped forward first, cradling a blood-red demon blade with a solemn expression.
"Trying to look cool?"
Eiji studied him for a moment before tentatively asking.
"You didn't have to say it out loud!"
The samurai-clad boy immediately broke character, his solemn facade crumbling instantly.
"Don't mind him. Showing off is just his thing. He calls himself Muramasa because he got the demon blade Muramasa from the goddess! By the way, I'm Kishibe!"
"I'm Watanabe. Oh, and this guy's Yamada."
The other two pulled the samurai boy back, grinning.
"I've abandoned the name Yamada. From now on, I'm Senji Muramasa!"
Yamada showed no sign of remorse, merely lowering his head with an air of aloofness, playing the part of a cool swordsman.
"Demon Blade Muramasa?"
Eiji's gaze immediately fell upon the cursed sword cradled in Yamada's arms.
"Is this also a divine artifact?"
"Yep! This is the cheat I got from the goddess!"
Hearing this, Yamada proudly unsheathed the demon blade, and a crimson glow instantly spilled forth.
It didn't seem like a proper divine artifact—the stench of curses was overwhelming.
"Wounds inflicted by this blade cannot heal. Moreover, it continuously absorbs the enemy's stamina, energy, and mana through the wounds to replenish its wielder. It excels in prolonged battles, growing stronger the longer the fight goes on! And don't you think this sword suits me perfectly?"
Hugging the demon blade, he tugged at the hem of his samurai attire, pretending it was fluttering in the wind.
"The sword is nice, but I suggest you shave and change your clothes."
Eiji offered his advice earnestly.
As he spoke, he casually adjusted his obviously expensive mage robes.
Yamada: "..."
"I told you not to go with this look, but you wouldn't listen!"
"Who even thinks samurai are cool these days? It's so outdated!"
Kishibe and Watanabe nodded emphatically from the side.
"Shut up!"
Yamada wiped his tears and slunk away, nursing his wounded pride.
Guess I really need to change my approach, huh?
These reincarnators don't seem particularly cunning.
Eiji pondered silently.
Probably because they got cheats and sailed through life smoothly. Reincarnators like these are usually popular, with nobles scrambling to curry favor—schemes and plots rarely touch them.
If it were Kazuma Satou here, he'd probably scam them out of their underwear. That's how it is for those without cheats.
Gotta find a way to get my hands on that Demon Blade Muramasa!
"Honorable adventurers!"
Just as Eiji was scheming, a voice reached their ears.
Turning, they saw a young girl in a white suit approaching from the direction of the hill.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Claire Symphonia, eldest daughter of the Symphonia family, currently serving as Princess Iris's education officer and bodyguard."
The girl had her snow-white hair cut into a neat bob, her demeanor exuding nobility. Her manners were impeccable, yet she carried an undeniable presence.
"Later this evening, Her Highness will host a banquet at the palace to celebrate the repulsion of the Demon Lord Army's attack. We would be honored by your attendance."
"Absolutely!"
"Miss Claire, you're too kind!"
Yamada and the others readily agreed.
"And how should I address you?"
Claire's gaze shifted, landing on Eiji.
"Just call me Nangou."
"Mr. Nangou, please do us the honor as well. Her Highness eagerly anticipates your presence!"
Claire stared at him intently.
Seems like she's targeting me.
Was my performance too eye-catching earlier?
And somehow... Eiji detected a faint but unmistakable hostility emanating from this girl named Claire.
"Sure thing."
Eiji replied with unshakable composure.
"I'll convey your acceptance to Her Highness, then."
Claire raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by his poise.
With a slight nod to the group, she then retreated back up the hill.
Following the direction she had gone, Eiji spotted Princess Iris standing on the hillside.
Their eyes met, and the little princess was startled.
Her gaze darted left and right, clearly flustered. After a moment of awkward fidgeting, she blushed and gave Eiji a slight nod before vanishing from the hilltop.
It seemed she had jumped down to hide.
Hmph, what an adorable little thing!