Absolutely Do Not Touch ELdmia Egga – Chapter 165

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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Even with Aura, the advantages of reach and height were undeniable.

Similar skill levels aside, the presence of spears and bows drastically altered the difficulty of a fight.

But even those advantages became meaningless when the skill disparity was overwhelming.

It doesn’t matter what they were holding; if I could get close enough to crush their skulls, it was over.

That’s what skill is all about, isn’t it?

When the difference in proficiency and skill reaches that level, fighting with swords of equal length, like now, becomes more troublesome.

Especially when they’re so blinded by the prospect of reward that they’d stab me in the back given the chance, forgetting all about camaraderie.

But against opponents who haven’t even awakened their Aura?

It becomes utterly trivial.

Normally, I’d have to be mindful of my weapon’s condition, but I have the power to grind through people and equipment like a supercharged chainsaw, so that’s not a concern.

And just like in the alleyway, the first strike proved undeniably effective.

Three men, armor and all, were sliced through like tofu.

Their reactions were predictable.

“Uwaaagh?!”

“Shit, shit! Move! Get out of the way!”

That single strike threw the soldiers’ initially spirited charge into disarray, turning the chaotic scene into absolute pandemonium.

Some immediately fled after witnessing the carnage.

Others, thinking a gap had opened, tried to stab me.

Some, still oblivious, charged blindly.

And some hesitated, trying to comprehend the situation.

The sheer absurdity of their reactions momentarily drained me of my fighting spirit.

“But I am Eldmia, a man who never procrastinates.”

Just because my motivation had waned didn’t mean I’d go easy on them.

I dodged a clueless attacker’s sword and kicked him in the gut, sending him flying into the chaotic mass of soldiers.

Seeing a man propelled through the air by a single kick, others finally realized something was amiss and began looking for escape routes, further amplifying the chaos.

The difference in strength was stark.

Just wielding my twin swords and swinging left and right cleared a path through them.

I almost laughed at the absurdity of it all, but I managed to restrain myself.

Even I had to draw the line at laughing while slaughtering people.

My reputation as a psychopath was already precarious enough.

My attempt to break through the center and reach the nobles was ridiculously easy.

I hadn’t even reached the halfway point, and I’d already cut down twenty men.

The nobles, witnessing my approach, paled and began shouting.

“Stop him! Stop him now!”

“Don’t run! Kill that traitor!”

Was their refusal to flee based on some delusional belief that their orders could still salvage the situation?

Or was it some misplaced sense of aristocratic pride?

Either way, it didn’t matter.

I accelerated, closing the distance and swiftly decapitated them.

“Having a sword in each hand makes beheading these incompetent fools quite convenient.”

Groshan’s soldiers had already scattered the moment I’d started my charge.

The few remaining guards, after witnessing their masters’ demise, immediately dropped their weapons and fled.

My objective was complete.

With a sense of accomplishment, I blocked the only exit from the mansion and surveyed the scene.

The chaos had subsided, replaced by a stunned silence, and the gazes of the survivors were fixed on me.

“Either drop your weapons, or try to kill me and escape. Those are your choices.”

Unless they could pole vault over the walls, they had no other options.

Fortunately, the soldiers, having lost the one who could offer them rewards, dropped their weapons without hesitation.

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While I was channeling Zhang Fei at Changbanpo, blocking the mansion entrance, I noticed a crowd gathering. And to my surprise, emerging from the distance was Duke Lesrom.

“…Late to the party, aren’t you?”

I couldn’t fathom why he was here, but I wasn’t in a position to question him. I simply stared, waiting for an explanation. Duke Lesrom dismounted, his face etched with fatigue, and gestured for his guards to approach.

“Ensure no one else comes near.”

They formed a protective semicircle around us, and he finally spoke.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been at a loss for words.”

“We have plenty of time. Tell me what’s on your mind. But first, how did you get here before anyone else?”

“A Dreamer informed me. They said you’d stormed Envelde’s mansion.”

I’d assumed he’d go to the Ogatorf estate or something. Mongsoon’s judgment and adaptability were even better than I’d thought.

While I was internally praising Mongsoon, Duke Lesrom calmly surveyed me.

“More importantly, how did you manage to… no, that’s a question for later. How much of this did you anticipate?”

“What do you mean?”

“Even if he was plotting treason, Envelde was still a nobleman, and technically innocent until proven guilty. Storming his mansion, killing his soldiers, and then killing him wasn’t a wise move… conventionally speaking.”

Duke Lesrom’s eyes narrowed. There was no animosity in his gaze, just a keen focus, as if trying to decipher my intentions.

“However, you never make a move unless you’re in a favorable position. I… believe this was a protest against the royal family.”

“That’s an interesting perspective. Why do you think so?”

“Regardless of your intentions or the process, the royal family endangered you and Margrave Levien by allowing Envelde to remain free. Saying ‘it all worked out in the end’ is a result-oriented argument. If someone hadn’t been capable, there would have been several dangerous situations. If it hadn’t been for ‘someone,’ that is.”

“That ‘someone’ must be quite displeased. I’d be angry too, in that situation.”

I responded playfully, but Duke Lesrom simply sighed, looking weary.

“Furthermore, the royal family intended to use you and Margrave Levien for their own gain after dealing with Envelde. While I doubt they intended to leave you unrewarded, I don’t think you would have been satisfied with their approach. At least, the you I’ve come to understand wouldn’t accept such logic and simply ‘forgive and forget’ after receiving compensation.”

He’d only spoken to me a few times, but Duke Lesrom was sharp. This was why dealing with politicians was dangerous.

“That’s why I believe you made your move first, before the royal family could dispose of Envelde and manipulate you to their advantage.”

In other words, I’d screwed them over.

The royal family couldn’t afford to dismiss me now.

They couldn’t even dismiss Lagnis.

Setting aside their initial intentions, they couldn’t dismiss her even if they wanted to.

They’d orchestrated that dramatic scene in Ogwen, bringing her to the capital to portray her as a tragic figure, justifying the reclamation of her territory and inspiring the younger generation.

And what about me, the unexpected bonus?

I was now connected to the Empire, a renowned talent who’d defeated both the Hero and Rudra’s young lion, and the personal messenger of the Iron-Blooded Princess.

Even if they couldn’t guess the nature of my relationship with Esmee, the fact that they’d used me to deliver an imperial missive meant they had to appease me until they understood its significance.

In short, no matter how much I acted out, the royal family had to cover for me. And the fact that my “acting out” involved eliminating a traitor meant they had no grounds to criticize me.

Some nobles might object to my disregard for aristocratic authority and due process, but even that worked in my favor.

It would prevent them from openly exploiting my achievements.

I’d essentially crashed their carefully prepared party and started my own.

There was no better way to describe it.

“‘By demonstrating how effectively I can manipulate my environment while benefiting rather than harming you, you should leave me alone.’ Isn’t that the message you were sending with this attack?”

“Perhaps…?”

“I haven’t shown any hostility towards you, have I? At least acknowledge my efforts in riding all the way here, old as I am.”

Damn it, he was playing the sympathy card. And I couldn’t just brush him off.

It wasn’t every day you met a Duke who’d set aside his status and played along, genuinely concerned for the well-being of the kingdom.

He was unlike Envelde, who would have flown into a rage at my actions.

It was easy to be an asshole to an asshole, but being an asshole to someone who respected you was difficult.

“Your assessment was so accurate that I felt compelled to feign ignorance. I have nothing to add.”

I bowed my head respectfully, and Duke Lesrom, unlike before, sighed in relief.

“Then can I assume your actions will become more amicable if the royal family accepts this protest?”

“If they address this with understanding and generosity, I’d be happy to consider the matter settled.”

“Excellent.”

As if the matter was resolved, Duke Lesrom patted my shoulder.

“I hope we can maintain a good relationship from now on, without any further misunderstandings.”

His tone was noticeably brighter, and I looked up, half-expecting to see fatigue, but instead, he was smiling.

“…Don’t tell me…?”

“Indeed. I’d already informed them before I left. They were a bit taken aback, but they understood.”

That sly old fox, he’d pretended to be concerned about further outbursts!

“A mutually beneficial agreement reached through understanding and compromise. How wonderful. Don’t worry about today’s events. I’ll take care of everything.”

He chuckled, dismissing his men and ordering his soldiers into the mansion. Watching him go, I couldn’t help but be impressed.

He’d likely suffered significant setbacks due to my actions, yet he was prioritizing damage control.

Duke Lesrom was a true master manipulator.

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