Sword Emperor, Becoming the Young Lady of a Viscount House

Chapter 39: Hunting Magical Beasts (2)

“Your Highness, there is an urgent matter.”

“What is it?”

“…Magical beasts have invaded a nearby village from the Alps.”

The Alps were a mountain range not far from the capital of Krapos.

It was known for its vast area and for being home to numerous magical beasts.

“That shouldn't be possible. Aren’t the magical beasts in the Alps generally quiet?”

“According to scholars, it’s a phenomenon caused by their overpopulation. They’ve been pushed out due to a lack of space.”

It was said that the magical beasts, having no place to live due to continuous breeding, were charging into villages.

However, something about it didn’t sit right.

“I’ve never heard of magical beasts descending from the Alps in hundreds of years. Their ecosystem is meticulous. It should be self-regulating.”

An ecosystem where they kill or are killed.

The Alps had a well-established ecosystem.

As proof, there had been no recorded descent of magical beasts for centuries.

“It seems something has gone wrong, but as you know, it’s an inherently dangerous place. It’s vast, making it difficult to dispatch an investigative team. Moreover, with the upcoming war…”

“You mean we need to address the urgent matters first.”

“Precisely.”

It wasn’t entirely unusual.

Even in mountain ranges with less defined ecosystems, magical beasts periodically launched invasions.

For now, since there were victims, they had to handle the situation to some extent.

Luel issued an order.

“The magical beasts in the Alps are of high caliber. Sending the Royal Knights would be the best way to minimize casualties.”

“Your Highness, if I may, I have a suggestion.”

Luel, curious about the remark concerning an obvious matter, nodded. Sebastian wasn’t one to make unnecessary comments.

“Go on. What is it?”

“Would it not be beneficial to send the cadets as well?”

“Cadets?”

“Yes. There is already a plan in the curriculum for them to handle magical beasts.”

What was essential for war was real combat experience.

The atmosphere of a battlefield, teetering on the brink of life and death, made a world of difference whether one had experienced it or not.

Of course, they couldn’t have cadets killing actual people. Even those discarded by the Aristocratic Faction were precious individuals in the current Krapos.

Hence, magical beast hunting was devised.

It wasn’t exactly the same, but it was the closest alternative.

The final stage of the Torze Officer Academy’s training involved hunting magical beasts.

Sebastian wanted to implement it a bit earlier.

“That’s a good idea. But casualties are inevitable. The Alps are not forgiving.”

This was why the magical beasts in the forest near the capital had never been eradicated.

They rarely caused damage.

Moreover, the magical beasts in the Alps were far too strong and numerous to deal with easily.

Sending inexperienced cadets to such a mountain range would put many lives at risk.

“Then we should send the Royal Knights with them. It would serve as a kind of field trip. The higher the risk, the greater the experience they’ll gain.”

“Oh, so you’re suggesting we make the most of the resources we’re already deploying.”

“Yes.”

“As expected, my aide is brilliant.”

“You flatter me.”

“But do you think they’ll be able to endure it?”

Luel chuckled.

“The Royal Knights are pretty harsh. Especially in real combat, they show no mercy. I still remember being scolded severely when I was young.”

Krapos placed a strong emphasis on practical experience.

As the crown prince, Luel had accompanied the Royal Knights on-site once.

Naturally, being his first time, he was unprepared and failed to perform well.

But the knights didn’t hold back.

“They called me an idiot, didn’t they? Oh, and a brat as well.”

“Yet you seem to like such knights.”

“Haha! If I didn’t, I would’ve replaced them all. But their skills are exceptional. For a knight, competence matters more than flattery.”

“Wise as always. Your judgment has saved Krapos.”

Knights were extremely sensitive in the field.

Even a minor mistake could lead to death, so it was understandable.

Especially in cases of magical beast hunting, a single error could result in significant casualties.

Of course, swearing at the crown prince was excessive, but that was just how rough the Royal Knights were.

They were selected purely based on skill.

Luel appreciated that.

“I wonder if the cadets will hold up. If they’re from the Aristocratic Faction, their pride must be considerable.”

“Well…”

Sebastian gave a subtle smile.

“They’ll handle it themselves, won’t they?”

“Hahaha, true. There’s no need for us to coddle them. Very well, I approve the joint deployment of the Royal Knights and the Torze Academy cadets.”

“Your orders will be carried out.”

**

Beatrice lined up with a bright expression.

Her mana reserves were full, so her mood was excellent.

“Argos. Good morning.”

“……”

‘Sulking like a child.’

It seemed Argos was still reeling from the previous game.

He looked visibly downcast and, contrary to his usual self, ignored her and avoided starting a conversation.

“Losing must have hit him hard.”

“…!”

“Don’t take it too seriously. Your opponent was me, after all.”

[How ruthless, young Beatrice. You shouldn’t say that to a loser.]

‘But it’s fun.’

[Truly, you’re no different from a demon.]

“I-I didn’t lose.”

Beatrice clenched her fist in mock encouragement.

“Sure, keep it up.”

His face turned bright red. But he couldn’t argue much, as every word she said was true.

The other day, his poor skills and lackluster leadership were apparent.

At least, that’s what Argos thought.

In reality, it was simply because Beatrice was overwhelmingly skilled.

“Cadets, please focus on my words. Something important has come up today.”

At that moment, Reiser appeared and drew everyone's attention.

The cadets, who had been chatting amongst themselves, fell silent in an instant.

Though only a few days had passed, they had already grown accustomed to this routine.

“By order of His Highness, the Crown Prince, you are to hunt the magical beasts of the ‘Alps.’”

“…!”

There was no cadet here who didn’t know that name.

The place was infamous.

Of course, Beatrice didn’t understand a thing.

“W-wait. With our skills...?”

Even Argos, rarely fazed, spoke with visible unease.

“‘Don’t even relieve yourself near the Alps.’”

It was an old saying in Krapos, born from rumors that no one who entered the mountain range ever returned alive.

The saying was often used to signify bad luck.

Some even rumored that dragons resided there.

“Of course, you won’t be sent alone.”

The cadets let out a collective sigh of relief.

“You will be going with the Royal Knights. Consider this a kind of field trip; your lives will be ‘somewhat’ protected.”

“…Somewhat?”

“With the war looming, you can’t just sit idle doing nothing. And as you know, the Alps are no easy place. If you let your guard down, you might die.”

Despite the ominous words, Reiser spoke with a remarkably calm tone.

However.

Gulp.

The gravity of the danger was etched into everyone’s minds.

Well, except for Beatrice.

“Magical beasts? Ridiculous. I've never even gotten a scratch from one.”

Though she had been killed before.

[Have you ever fought magical beasts? That's odd. There shouldn’t be any near the Cenci Family estate.]

“It’s just a figure of speech. Of course, I’ve never faced the magical beasts here.”

She spoke without hesitation. After all, while she hadn’t fought magical beasts in this body, in her past life, she had slain them countless times.

[…I see.]

“You’re not going to nag me this time?”

[There’s no need.]

Because if you let your guard down and find yourself in danger, I’ll have a chance to secure a contract—.

Solid swallowed his last thought. Instead, he smirked inwardly.

The Alps were a place that had existed since the Age of Magic. Even during that powerful era, no one dared attempt to conquer the Alps.

That’s how dangerous it was.

Perhaps, this time, he could secure the contract he so desperately desired.

“Question.”

Beatrice raised her hand high.

Reiser nodded.

“What is it, Cadet Cenci?”

“Will we get that again?”

“That?”

She smiled wordlessly.

“…The mana heart?”

“Yep.”

Her expectations were palpable.

Reiser chuckled lightly and responded.

“Yes. Once again, teams will be formed, and the cadets with the best results will receive rewards.”

Bright grin.

Beatrice beamed.

“They’re giving out that delicious thing again. You’re all so lucky.”

Naturally, the mana heart would end up in Beatrice’s hands once more.

This time, it was even better since they would face magical beasts, her area of expertise.

With her mana reserves full, she considered it as good as hers already.

“Now, let’s form the teams. Scores will be judged by the number of magical beast corpses. As before, Cadet Beatrice, you will choose first since you won the previous game.”

With her hands stuffed into her uniform pockets, she sauntered forward.

Sweeping her hand through her hair, she tilted her head slightly.

Her graceful movements mesmerized the cadets, who watched her with dazed expressions.

Without hesitation, Beatrice pointed at someone.

“Argos. Come out.”

“…Me? Why?”

Even Beatrice had a conscience.

In truth, if she hadn’t been there, the mana heart would have gone to Argos.

And more importantly...

“Monopolizing everything isn’t good.”

Except for herself, she couldn’t tolerate anyone else benefiting unfairly.

Thinking back, those who got the mana heart in the previous game had done nothing.

It was practically a free ride.

Thus, to maintain balance, she decided to choose cadets who hadn’t received the mana heart.

“You, you, and you.”

Beatrice made her selections.

Each of them had been losers in the last game.

By now, the cadets had figured out her criteria for choosing teammates, and their reactions were starkly divided.

Those who had been on her team last time looked gloomy.

Those who had been her opponents seemed relieved.

Unbeknownst to her, the chosen cadets silently expressed immense gratitude toward her.

They had realized it in the previous game.

Among all the cadets, who was the best? Who was the strongest?

The cadets all came to one conclusion in their minds.

‘Beatrice is fair.’

It was clear she cared for those who hadn’t won a mana heart.

Of course, the truth was simply that she couldn’t stand freeloaders.

…Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

“And the last one…”

Finally, there was only one slot left.

The number of defeated cadets totaled 15.

With Beatrice included, one had to be excluded.

Gulp.

This left two remaining cadets.

Gareth and Tar.

“W-wait!”

Just as she was about to make her choice.

Gareth raised his hand.

“Oh? Are you trying to appeal to me?”

Beatrice’s eyes widened with interest.

“B-Beatrice, I trust you remember the last time. I believed in you and betrayed others. But you didn’t keep your promise. I hope you’ll consider that.”

Gareth spoke urgently.

That’s because Beatrice’s gaze had shifted...

Toward Tar, not him.

“Oh, right, that did happen.”

Beatrice nodded thoughtfully.

“Don’t worry. I have a conscience.”

Gareth’s expression brightened.

Meanwhile, Tar’s face darkened.

With a refreshing smile, Beatrice pointed at someone.

The person she chose was…

“W-why me?”

It was Tar.

“I don’t share meals with backstabbers like you.”

Indeed.

Beatrice hated conniving people like Gareth the most in the world.