The meeting ended with sharing the status of supplies. I was the first to leave the barracks.
As I walked along the stone path, step by step, I was lost in thought.
'The problem of the demons and nightmares should be considered separately. If it's the kind of energy that can turn you into a monster, it would be as dangerous as a thought poison. But still, it's a wonder the outpost has remained relatively intact until now.'
By that time, me and Michael's footsteps had strayed slightly from the main path.
Taking advantage of the quiet surroundings, Michael spoke comfortably.
“Eve.”
“Yeah, Michael.”
“It is fortunate that your magical realm is high. As your mental power is strong, I hope you don’t have any nightmares.”
The corners of my mouth curled at the words of affectionate concern. I smiled and then said a thought that had just occurred to me.
"I see."
It was at that time that I felt regret.
“Eve, if I have nightmares at night, I want you to hold my hand.”
Michael took the opportunity to pretend to be weak, and as usual, I accepted his prank.
“Then are you just going to sleep holding hands?”
“Why? Aren’t you confident?”
“What do you think?”
“That’s a difficult question. For now, I like to be polite only during the day.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
We smiled happily at each other.
Michael, with his face back serious, opened his mouth.
“I’m talking about Ambroxa’s dream. If it can drive people crazy, it probably isn’t just a simple dream.”
“Hmm, I suppose? I've heard that there is such a thing as illusion magic among the forbidden black magics, aimed at mental disintegration, and it's almost on that level, isn't it?”
As I walked along the stone path, step by step, I was lost in thought.
'The problem of the demons and nightmares should be considered separately. If it's the kind of energy that can turn you into a monster, it would be as dangerous as a thought poison. But still, it's a wonder the outpost has remained relatively intact until now.'
My heart was relieved, but my head was coldly skeptical. I'll have to check it out when we get to the base, I decided.
Taking advantage of the quiet surroundings, Michael spoke comfortably.
“Eve.”
“Yeah, Michael.”
“It is fortunate that your magical realm is high. As your mental power is strong, I hope you don’t have any nightmares.”
The corners of my mouth curled at the words of affectionate concern. I smiled and then said a thought that had just occurred to me.
“Hmm, so Homunculus is completely immune to nightmares since they start with the highest level of wizard? I hope Michael is safe as well.”
“I'm afraid not. Homunculus's powers were acquired without any magical training, and it's unlikely that they have a mental immunity commensurate with their level.”
It was at that time that I felt regret.
“Eve, if I have nightmares at night, I want you to hold my hand.”
Michael took the opportunity to pretend to be weak, and as usual, I accepted his prank.
“Then are you just going to sleep holding hands?”
“Why? Aren’t you confident?”
“What do you think?”
“That’s a difficult question. For now, I like to be polite only during the day.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
We smiled happily at each other.
Michael, with his face back serious, opened his mouth.
“I’m talking about Ambroxa’s dream. If it can drive people crazy, it probably isn’t just a simple dream.”
“Hmm, I suppose? I've heard that there is such a thing as illusion magic among the forbidden black magics, aimed at mental disintegration, and it's almost on that level, isn't it?”
“That seems just right.”
At this point, the two of us took the time to think of fantasies that would be nightmares to them. I spoke first.
“It would be hard if I had a dream about losing Michael.”
“Haha. What is Michael’s nightmare?”
Michael, who had been groaning a little while ago, eventually gave a similar answer.
“Will your love be rendered invalid?”
“I’ve felt this before, but you really hate the word invalid.”
“Because if it happens again, I can’t complain or despair.”
He said it with dark, sunken eyes as if he had experienced it himself.
"Michael..."
A strange light appeared in Eve's eyes. Michael pretended not to see and continued speaking.
The first thing that came to my mind was myself and Michael from my past life.
My amber eyes shook violently. However, Michael's eyes, which met mine closely, did not tremble at all.
At that moment, Michael lightened the mood with a laugh.
“Even so, a dream is just a dream. It might have been different in the past, but now it’s not like that at all. I don’t think there will be any impact from the nightmare.”
“Yes, that’s right. Dreams are meant to be woken up anyway.”
“If you don’t wake up, I’ll use the traditional method.”
“The traditional way?”
“Didn’t the fairy tales teach you that a person in a deep sleep can be woken up with a kiss?”
“Oh, right. Just trust me.”
After exchanging sweet promises, we headed back to the barracks.
The night sky, seen through the long, narrow gap, was beautifully sprinkled with stardust.
The Knights of Punishment were sipping water from their empty cups, lamenting the empty pot.
At that time, the olive-eyed homunculus Sabina went around the knights distributing blister ointment.
“Her Highness the 7th Princess ordered me to apply it to the blisters.”
A dry message was sent. The homunculus looked down at the green jam-like substance stuck to the back of their hand. It smelled like a pleasant grassy scent, like the tea they used to drink sparingly.
One of the Homunculus muttered without realizing it.
“Do all the things made by Her Highness the Seventh Princess smell this good?”
It was when he realized that he had inadvertently spoken his thoughts out loud that he closed his mouth in a sigh.
“That’s right. It’s medicine, but it smells as good as tea.”
“It is made through alchemy, so it resembles the Creator.”
Unexpectedly, there was applause from all over the place. There were quite a few people who nodded quietly.
After a while, the homunculus became twice as awkward as usual.
This is because the experience of forming a consensus with the majority was unfamiliar.
The first time was difficult, but the second time was easy. Someone else spoke with regret at the empty glass, without even a trace of fragrance left.
“Her Highness was practicing alchemy before she made the tea. Then, no matter how much I learn to brew tea, I don’t think I’ll be able to brew tea like this.”
“Our leader... Sir Agnito is always by the side of the 7th Princess. Does he smell this kind of tea every day?”
“I saw it last time when I went to change guards at the villa. It seemed like Her Highness the 7th Princess often had tea time with her family.”
“So he's not just smelling it, he's tasting it too.”
These homunculuss seemed to really like the first food they had ever encountered since they were born.
The homunculus, who had given up on the empty teacup, began to apply green ointment to the blisters on their feet.
The watery mess subsided quickly thanks to the aphrodisiac mixed with the highest quality healing potion.
Since combat training is a daily routine, many homunculus have also used alchemy remedies.
The effect itself was not that surprising, but it was fragrant.
They really liked the smell, so they used the remaining medicine.
Some people secretly spread it on the back of their hands and let the scent permeate them.
“It is the order of the Third Princess. Let the division prepare for bed.”
Elijah walked around the barracks, giving orders.
Since the name of the royal family was mentioned, the Punishment had to follow the order. They entered the barracks and slowly began to unpack their gear.
The most popular weapon in the capital these days is the weapon from the Reblo Blacksmith Shop.
They put it down and took out some rather cumbersome artifacts like rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Homunculus have been using the artifacts they have been given since long ago.
They had many questions about the matter. They talked to each other again to share their thoughts.
“Other royal families gave precious magic stones to the knights. They give you dozens of them, but Her Highness the 7th Princess only gives you low-level artifacts like accessories.”
“Could it be that the 3rd Princess has stolen all the magic stones, so the 7th Princess can’t get them?”
“It may be a budget shortfall. The third Princess has a huge amount of money for the Marquis. Even though she is providing funds, doesn’t Her Highness the 7th Princess have no notable support base among the nobles?”
“That makes more sense. It must be financially difficult to afford just one knight of Punishment.”
It was a very desirable activity to exchange opinions and come to a conclusion together, but the reasoning was not very good.
Besides, it wasn't like they didn't give out magic stones at all. The weapons of the Knights of Punishment have a large, insulating magic stone embedded in it, similar to the one given to Michael.
Homunculus is trained mainly in combat magic, so if he had been skilled in life magic, how valuable and practical it would be.
You would have recognized it immediately.
However, it was difficult for the homunculus, who was illiterate and had childish political and economic senses, to see through the truth.
“I see. So the only proper gift was a black handle.”
“The Punishment was the poorest knighthood.”
It was a huge misunderstanding. However, hardship has the effect of increasing internal unity.
“Still, I don’t think it’s bad to be under the command of the 7th Princess. After all, she doesn’t seem like a cruel person.”
“That’s right. And anyway, the magic stone is just for show, and it doesn’t have much meaning to us who know how to use magic.”
It seemed like a bit of a mental victory, but the Knights of Punishment quickly came to an understanding as they talked amongst themselves.
That was when.
“Is that so? I heard that when you examine a gold coin if you bite it with your teeth and it comes out clean, it’s pure gold.”
“Look at this. It transforms easily.”
This contradicts the original claim that they were buying cheap things because they were short on funds.
The evidence was found. The homunculus, whose doubts were raised, put their heads together again like children who had been given homework.
“Isn’t it just for show, but something special?
“Is it for this purpose that you gave me pure gold?”
“What did you give me the pure gold for?”
“I used the gold coin identification method earlier. I know that pure gold itself has the same value as gold coins.”
“Money? I don’t really need it since I only live in the palace..."
Someone was about to blurt out a sarcastic remark when it was cut off mid-sentence.
Silence flowed. Not only the homunculus that had been speaking but also the homunculus around it all opened their eyes wide as if they had gained enlightenment.
It was only then that they all remembered that they had to go outside the palace.
Someone muttered as if possessed.
Only then did the Punishing Knights understand Eve's intentions.
They were thrilled by the situation that had been arranged for them. They realized it themself.
The shock was even greater.
The expressions of the Homunculus belonging to the Knights of Punishment became serious.
“I feel fortunate to have become a knight of Her Highness the 7th Princess.”
“That’s right. I’m really glad I got lucky with the lottery.”
Everyone nodded heavily, recalling the lottery they had drawn on the day they were chosen to be knights.
At this point, the two of us took the time to think of fantasies that would be nightmares to them. I spoke first.
“It would be hard if I had a dream about losing Michael.”
“You clasp and release my heart so casually.”
Michael, who had been groaning a little while ago, eventually gave a similar answer.
“Will your love be rendered invalid?”
“I’ve felt this before, but you really hate the word invalid.”
“Because if it happens again, I can’t complain or despair.”
He said it with dark, sunken eyes as if he had experienced it himself.
"Michael..."
A strange light appeared in Eve's eyes. Michael pretended not to see and continued speaking.
“So if I have nightmares, they are of what it would be like to have everything you have given me taken away from me, such as not even being your direct knight but watching you from a distance.”
My amber eyes shook violently. However, Michael's eyes, which met mine closely, did not tremble at all.
At that moment, Michael lightened the mood with a laugh.
“Even so, a dream is just a dream. It might have been different in the past, but now it’s not like that at all. I don’t think there will be any impact from the nightmare.”
“Yes, that’s right. Dreams are meant to be woken up anyway.”
“If you don’t wake up, I’ll use the traditional method.”
“The traditional way?”
“Didn’t the fairy tales teach you that a person in a deep sleep can be woken up with a kiss?”
“Oh, right. Just trust me.”
After exchanging sweet promises, we headed back to the barracks.
The night sky, seen through the long, narrow gap, was beautifully sprinkled with stardust.
The Knights of Punishment were sipping water from their empty cups, lamenting the empty pot.
At that time, the olive-eyed homunculus Sabina went around the knights distributing blister ointment.
“Her Highness the 7th Princess ordered me to apply it to the blisters.”
A dry message was sent. The homunculus looked down at the green jam-like substance stuck to the back of their hand. It smelled like a pleasant grassy scent, like the tea they used to drink sparingly.
One of the Homunculus muttered without realizing it.
“Do all the things made by Her Highness the Seventh Princess smell this good?”
It was when he realized that he had inadvertently spoken his thoughts out loud that he closed his mouth in a sigh.
“That’s right. It’s medicine, but it smells as good as tea.”
“It is made through alchemy, so it resembles the Creator.”
Unexpectedly, there was applause from all over the place. There were quite a few people who nodded quietly.
After a while, the homunculus became twice as awkward as usual.
This is because the experience of forming a consensus with the majority was unfamiliar.
The first time was difficult, but the second time was easy. Someone else spoke with regret at the empty glass, without even a trace of fragrance left.
“Her Highness was practicing alchemy before she made the tea. Then, no matter how much I learn to brew tea, I don’t think I’ll be able to brew tea like this.”
“Our leader... Sir Agnito is always by the side of the 7th Princess. Does he smell this kind of tea every day?”
“I saw it last time when I went to change guards at the villa. It seemed like Her Highness the 7th Princess often had tea time with her family.”
“So he's not just smelling it, he's tasting it too.”
These homunculuss seemed to really like the first food they had ever encountered since they were born.
The homunculus, who had given up on the empty teacup, began to apply green ointment to the blisters on their feet.
The watery mess subsided quickly thanks to the aphrodisiac mixed with the highest quality healing potion.
Since combat training is a daily routine, many homunculus have also used alchemy remedies.
The effect itself was not that surprising, but it was fragrant.
They really liked the smell, so they used the remaining medicine.
Some people secretly spread it on the back of their hands and let the scent permeate them.
“It is the order of the Third Princess. Let the division prepare for bed.”
Elijah walked around the barracks, giving orders.
Since the name of the royal family was mentioned, the Punishment had to follow the order. They entered the barracks and slowly began to unpack their gear.
The most popular weapon in the capital these days is the weapon from the Reblo Blacksmith Shop.
They put it down and took out some rather cumbersome artifacts like rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Homunculus have been using the artifacts they have been given since long ago.
They had many questions about the matter. They talked to each other again to share their thoughts.
“Other royal families gave precious magic stones to the knights. They give you dozens of them, but Her Highness the 7th Princess only gives you low-level artifacts like accessories.”
“Could it be that the 3rd Princess has stolen all the magic stones, so the 7th Princess can’t get them?”
“It may be a budget shortfall. The third Princess has a huge amount of money for the Marquis. Even though she is providing funds, doesn’t Her Highness the 7th Princess have no notable support base among the nobles?”
“That makes more sense. It must be financially difficult to afford just one knight of Punishment.”
It was a very desirable activity to exchange opinions and come to a conclusion together, but the reasoning was not very good.
Of the current princesses and princes, Eve was the one with the deepest pockets. The weapons of the Balbo Rivello alone, once customized for the Punisher Knights as a group, were astronomical in price, each one a masterpiece.
Homunculus is trained mainly in combat magic, so if he had been skilled in life magic, how valuable and practical it would be.
You would have recognized it immediately.
However, it was difficult for the homunculus, who was illiterate and had childish political and economic senses, to see through the truth.
“I see. So the only proper gift was a black handle.”
“The Punishment was the poorest knighthood.”
It was a huge misunderstanding. However, hardship has the effect of increasing internal unity.
“Still, I don’t think it’s bad to be under the command of the 7th Princess. After all, she doesn’t seem like a cruel person.”
“That’s right. And anyway, the magic stone is just for show, and it doesn’t have much meaning to us who know how to use magic.”
It seemed like a bit of a mental victory, but the Knights of Punishment quickly came to an understanding as they talked amongst themselves.
That was when.
“But these jewelry-like artifacts, they all seem to be solid gold, don't they?”
“Look at this. It transforms easily.”
This contradicts the original claim that they were buying cheap things because they were short on funds.
The evidence was found. The homunculus, whose doubts were raised, put their heads together again like children who had been given homework.
“Isn’t it just for show, but something special?
“Is it for this purpose that you gave me pure gold?”
“What did you give me the pure gold for?”
“I used the gold coin identification method earlier. I know that pure gold itself has the same value as gold coins.”
“Money? I don’t really need it since I only live in the palace..."
Someone was about to blurt out a sarcastic remark when it was cut off mid-sentence.
Silence flowed. Not only the homunculus that had been speaking but also the homunculus around it all opened their eyes wide as if they had gained enlightenment.
It was only then that they all remembered that they had to go outside the palace.
Someone muttered as if possessed.
“Frontier District..."
They were thrilled by the situation that had been arranged for them. They realized it themself.
The shock was even greater.
The expressions of the Homunculus belonging to the Knights of Punishment became serious.
“I feel fortunate to have become a knight of Her Highness the 7th Princess.”
“That’s right. I’m really glad I got lucky with the lottery.”
Everyone nodded heavily, recalling the lottery they had drawn on the day they were chosen to be knights.
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