I Became the Son of a Corrupt Lord, so I’ll Enjoy an Easy Life in Another World ~but Please Stop Revering Me as a “Saint”!~

Stage 3-9. The Ultimate Loyalist

Still, it does offer the advantage of blocking Alice’s attacks with less mana.

“I applied [Limit Transcendence] to only my arms and protected vital points on instinct. It was pure luck. Without reproducibility, it can’t be considered a success.”

“As expected of Ouga-sama. You never lose your high aspirations. Such a wonderful attitude.”

…Alice would make an excellent mentor someday.

Receiving praise for your achievements genuinely feels great.

It motivates you to keep pushing yourself.

“Now, my turn to ask a question. That last technique—how does it work?”

“[Sky Afterimage]? It’s a technique that exploits one’s bloodlust and the limits of human fear.”

“Bloodlust?”

“Yes. To be precise, it involves projecting bloodlust to induce hallucinations and rob the opponent of rational thought. Humans, when sensing imminent danger to their lives, vividly imagine the worst-case scenario. Fear then manifests those images into reality.”

“…So, what I saw earlier was…”

“Your worst-case scenario, Ouga-sama. In truth, only one person was attacking. By the way, what vision did you see?”

“…Alice attacking me simultaneously from four directions.”

“I aimed to show you five. Meaning, Ouga-sama, you’ve surpassed my expectations by one. You’ve grown considerably.”

“Not enough to beat even one real version of you, though.”

“As your sword, Ouga-sama, I cannot afford to let you surpass me just yet.”

In other words, the bloodlust directed at me in that [Sky Afterimage] wasn’t her full power.

If Alice had truly intended to kill me, I’m sure she could’ve multiplied herself far beyond four.

Because it was an illusion born of her restrained bloodlust, I judged that four were manageable.

“…The world is vast.”

“I believe you, Ouga-sama, are someone destined to conquer that vast world.”

“…Heh. You say flattering things, Alice. Do I appear to be that kind of man to you?”

“From the day we met, always. I believe you trust me because you’ve seen the path I’ve carved through my sword.”

…Indeed. At first, I chose her based on her accomplishments and position.

But after that, it was different. Witnessing Alice’s strength firsthand and experiencing her sword’s brilliance solidified my trust in her.

“…And yet, you’ve never once doubted me since that day, have you?”

“Precisely the same. Each day of training, I see the results of your efforts, the strength of your conviction, and the emotions you pour into your fists. That’s why I can declare with confidence that you, Ouga-sama, will save the world.”

…Perhaps it’s that trust that drives me to endure such grueling training.

I don’t want to betray her.

Somewhere deep down, that feeling fuels my motivation.

…How ridiculous. I thought I had embraced the darkness, but it seems human nature doesn’t change so easily.

“Watching you grow, Ouga-sama, is the greatest privilege I could ask for.”

“…Then, Alice. Stay by my side until the end. Witness just how far the man you believe in can go.”

“Yes, I promise.”

…Hah, her unwavering response feels satisfying.

“After breakfast today, I have a meeting with Father regarding Frone, along with Reina. Stay with Mashiro and Karen so they don’t feel lonely.”

“Understood.”

Without a single complaint, my loyal retainer bowed her head.