Summoning the Holy Sword

“Hi there, Miss Gaya. Long time no see.”

Rhode let out an inward bitter smile after witnessing Gaya’s resentful eyes. He knew what she was discontent with him about. During the Paphield battle, Rhode made her help them through Lydia in order to ensure that Lize could accomplish her mission smoothly. Thereafter, Gaya had been dissatisfied with him, but since he didn’t have much interaction with her, he wasn’t too worried about it.

But honestly speaking, Rhode was actually rather fearful of Gaya.

The reason was simple. Gaya was a native born in the Eastern Plain and she knew the place like it was her own backyard. The Eastern Plain had been relatively sealed off from the outside world. Rhode was able to fool outsiders with the identity that he was born in the Eastern Plain, where even Marlene and Lize had never suspected him.

On the contrary, it was due to this enclosed region that the people inside it were extremely familiar with one another. The outsiders might not know anything about the people of the Eastern Plain, but the people of the Eastern Plain knew even the gender of their neighbor’s newborn puppy. Under such an environment, it was tough for Rhode to fabricate anything before Gaya.

This problem had given Rhode a headache. The reason why he was able to put up a strong front before others was that they misunderstood that he had a mysterious and massive family backing. Anyone would think twice before getting into a conflict with him, who had such a ‘fictional’ background as his backing. Besides, Rhode indeed had the capital to fabricate this feint with his current strength and companions. But the situation was different with Gaya around.

Gaya was stronger than him and Lydia trusted her much more. Rhode knew that Lydia had perhaps guessed that he wasn’t from the Eastern Plain (although Rhode didn’t mention it before), but even so, she was still willing to entrust him with important duties. Even though Rhode didn’t know what Lydia had up her sleeves, it wouldn’t be a problem if he dominated the forces under him well no matter if she was making use of him or cultivating him.

But Rhode wasn’t afraid of Lydia because he knew that she was a smart person who knew what she should or shouldn’t speak about and she wouldn’t publicize her doubts about Rhode’s identity. However, Gaya was different. She had firmly called Rhode out as a ‘liar’ the first time they had met and this went to show how unfavorable her impression was of him. Besides, compared to Lydia, Gaya had much lesser scruples. It would surely cause a huge headache for Rhode if she were to speak out about her doubts on his identity and background because he couldn’t possibly come up with the name of a mysterious and powerful family in the Eastern Plain to be his shield. Besides, he had no other way around her if she were to expose his secret. Without discussing if he was capable of defeating her, she, as Lydia’s trusted aide and the identity of the Court Musician—he wouldn’t be able to do anything to her. Therefore, Rhode had always been basically avoiding Gaya in order to avoid trouble. But he didn’t expect to meet her here.

“…”

Lydia’s crisp voice rang and pulled everyone back to reality. Rhode turned around and spotted the Archangel in her unfitting outfit for this harsh season. Winter in the Munn Kingdom was extremely cold and due to this, everyone was donned in their winter clothes for this trip. Rhode and Lize wore a thick fur coat to resist the cold. Marlene wore an elegant fur robe to keep herself warm. As for Anne, she had also obediently clad on a thick armor and cloak to keep out the cold.

On the contrary, Lydia wore a skin-tight, snowy, thin long dress made from top quality silk, which accentuated her slender curves. The dress stitched with golden lace draped to the ground and surprisingly, it wasn’t stained with any filthy dust. Flawlessly white elbow gloves wrapped her lustrous arms and her attire was one that would instantly attract everyone’s attention in a ball or banquet. Not only that, but the pair of wings emanating golden radiance behind her back was majestically compelling. In addition to her unmatched beauty, she was the perfect masterpiece of glamor to all living things.

But… considering the countless fluttering snow behind her and the bone-piercing chill striking their skin, this gorgeous view looked more like the best portrayal of ‘torturous elegance’.

Your Highness… Do you really love to show off this much?

Rhode rolled his eyes. Of course. He knew that Lydia, as an Archangel, wouldn’t fall sick to the cold. But she must also be considerate of the mortals, right? Even Anne, who has the warm blood of a Demonic Beast flowing in her, has wrapped herself up, so could you please not brag to us as though you’re saying “Look at me. I’m not afraid of cold at all. Are you green with envy?” — Forget it. She’s like this, to begin with.

But Rhode only cursed inwardly. He stepped forth hurriedly and bowed to Lydia.

“Sir Rhode, you’re finally here. I was still worried that you were gonna arrive too late. The snowstorm out there is huge. If you came any later, you would miss the amazing show.”

The snowstorm out there is huge?

Rhode lifted his head and gazed at the whizzing snowstorm on the other side. He knew that he would surely lose if he roasted her for it, so he let out a cough and ignored her words before shifting the topic.

“Your Highness. If I recall correctly, we should be participating in the Dragon Soul Ceremony, right?”

“That’s right, Sir Rhode.”

Lydia winked wittily and said with a smile.

“I’ve invited everyone here because we’ll be heading into the Country of Light from here. I guess you are prepared for the journey, right?”

“From here?”

Rhode gazed at Lydia with a curious glint. He recalled that there were only two routes that led from the Munn Kingdom to the Country of Light. One of the routes was through the Southern Port by sea, leading into the Country of Light’s port. They would need to board a chariot thereafter in order to reach the capital. The other route was through the Northern Sacred Dragon Path, where they had to board a chariot that headed to the Country of Light’s border and enter the capital. But now, they were in neither of them. It would still be possible if they gathered at Golden City and headed out from there. However, Lydia had gotten them to come all the way to Purple Lily City… She was always acting unexpectedly.

“That’s right. From here.”

After answering Rhode’s question, Lydia tilted her head slightly as though she had heard something. Then, she revealed a delightful smile.

“It seems that the time is just right.”

Ssss…!

Suddenly, everyone heard a deep horn that sounded from the snowstorm.

“…!”

Another deep, loud horn sounded. But, this time, a massive figure slowly emerged from the snowstorm… An enormous magic warship appeared before their eyes!

The magic warship sailed forth silently and steadily slid through the from between the mountains before coming to a halt. The berserk storm did no damage to the massive metallic warship at all, not even to the five highly erected masts with the spotlessly white sails. The flowing magical radiance resonated with the metallic luster. Magic crystals were arranged irregularly with charming effect, emanating brilliant rays continuously. The sculpture on the ship’s bow was a beautiful Angel young lady with her arms crossed on her chest, praying devoutly to the heavens. A glorious pair of wings expanded grandly behind her.

Rhode widened his eyes in astonishment. He knew what it was, but he didn’t expect to see it at this moment.

Heavenly Class Magic Warship—Saint Lady Vessel.