Memoirs of Your Local Small-time Villainess-Chapter 354 - The princess and the knight

Leon’s voice barely left his throat.

“Your Highness—?”

The title snagged behind his teeth. For a moment, the world slowed. Not from fear, but disbelief.

She was standing there. Here. Inside Beld Thylelion, of all places. Poised in the open, face serious, stance firm. Her eyes locked on the alabaster construct at the chamber’s centre. Veins of dark magic curled around her arms like living shadows, feeding into the shimmering motes orbiting her. Each flicker channelled into the needlepoint of her sabre, now gleaming with a near hunger.

Was it truly her? Or was this place warping his senses?

Leon felt the edges of certainty fray.

No. Focus.

He cut off the doubt like a blade at his own throat, forcing his boots forward before hesitation could root. Duty came before sense.

His sword cleared its sheath in a single motion. Light flared down the steel, a radiant gleam blooming around him as his aura took form like a second skin.

Divided Blade’s Aspect.

By the time his foot struck stone again, he’d already crossed a quarter of the chamber.

Yet, in that same instant, a crimson rune seared into existence directly ahead. Leon pivoted, blade raised defensively.

Bulwark of the Egis.

A barrier of light erupted before him just as a blazing lance of magical energy slammed into it, detonating in a large blast.

Defensive wards were active here.

Ahead, the cerulean-cloaked knight cut upward in a sweeping arc, almost as fast as lightning. Her blade flared with azure light as it struck, discharging a wave of energy that curled into the construct’s joint. The impact staggered the massive thing, knocking one leg off balance with a shriek of stressed stone. But an instant later, a jagged rune burst to life behind her, too quick to counter. A lance of force slammed into her back, sending her stumbling.

Leon righted himself, aura tightening, breath hissing through his teeth. He pushed forward again, circling wide as the construct’s attention followed the other knight. The princess hadn’t moved yet, her spell deepening.

Sundering Cut.

His blade flashed. A crescent of golden-white light screamed from its edge, expanding in a swift trajectory. Even if the construct anticipated it, it couldn’t evade. The slash bit into its shoulder, scoring the marble-like armour and erupting in a plume of glimmering dust. Thin cracks laced across the stone, and within the fracture, Leon glimpsed the faint flicker of embedded runes pulsing like a heartbeat.

The creature didn’t turn, but one limb lashed sideways. Leon moved to dodge, but the blow clipped him. His armour rang with the impact as the force knocked him back, boots skidding across the glyph-scored floor. He twisted mid-motion, sword arcing upward in another slash, only to miss as the construct jerked away with startling speed for its size.

“Flank right,” the cerulean knight barked.

Leon obeyed without thought. Her tone slotted into his reflexes like a command from a long-forgotten formation.

They moved as one — Leon sweeping wide, the other knight advancing from the opposite end. Her sword glowed deep blue, as if the blade itself was nothing but light, her steps trailing traces of aura. She brought it down in a two-handed blow.

To Leon’s surprise, a shockwave of ice burst from the strike. Frost webbed over the construct’s limb, slowing it, and fractures splintered deeper into the stone. This likely wasn’t the first blow it had suffered from the woman.

Then, without warning, the construct lurched — not towards them, but away from something unseen.

The princess stepped forward, sabre raised. Her blade now pulsed with a deep black light, shadowy glyphs spiralling it. “Umbral Lattice,” she intoned. Her voice was quiet, but it carried.

A lattice of shadow bloomed beneath the construct, unfurling like the petals of a great dark flower. The creature was just a half-step from escaping the spell, but it stilled, limbs straining against invisible threads.

Leon felt the pressure shift. One second to act.

He locked eyes with the other knight.

Then they charged.

Leon struck first. His blade ignited like a falling star, cutting a burning trail straight down the construct’s chest where twin hourglass cores sat. The impact burst in a glare of searing gold, energy rippling through the embedded mechanism.

The other knight followed, her sword slicing across its flank. A wave of compressed azure aura surged outward from her strike, washing over the construct like a tide. Where their powers met, the stone groaned, fracturing completely.

Cracks spread like veins.

The princess lifted her sabre again.

“Umbral Siphon.”

Black tendrils snapped taut. The light bleeding from within the fractures dimmed—just slightly—but enough to feel. As if the construct exhaled.

Then several offensive runes around them exploded into life.

Leon reacted on instinct.

Solar Ward.

A radiant disc expanded above, intercepting a sizzling beam of mana just before it struck. The blast shattered against the shield, spraying molten threads across the floor. Leon grimaced, jaw clenched. That spell wasn’t easily blocked.

The knight stepped in, murmuring something beneath her breath. A dome of frost layered the stone under the princess’ feet just as another set of runes flared around them. The spells burst against the icy shield, steam billowing outward in white clouds, but it barely held.

Leon dropped his technique, panting slightly. His sword still glowed faintly with afterlight.

Now, they stood in a rough triangle, flanking the wounded construct. One of its hourglass cores had split, sand spilling from it like blood.

Leon moved again.

Divided Blade’s Lance.

Light condensed around his blade again before erupting forward. To his surprise, the piercing thrust struck true, tearing through the fractured core.

The cerulean knight followed his attack. Her blade was already sweeping in low — not cold this time, but burning bright, scorching a path across its rear leg, anchoring it in place as her aura blazed.

Then the princess cast another spell.

“Umbral Spiral.”

A column of shadow broke off from her sabre, drilling through the construct’s chest, piercing the second core clean through.

For a breathless moment, nothing moved.

Then, the construct buckled. Limbs collapsed. The golden threads that intermittently flickered around its frame unravelled into the air. Its body folded inward, stone crumbling into itself, and sand scattered onto the floor.

Silence settled over the chamber.

Leon kept his blade raised a moment longer. No more runes appeared.

Finally, he turned — to the young woman he still couldn’t believe he’d encountered here.

The First Star of the Empire. Her Imperial Highness, Princess Regina Altheria Verddun Teronia.

She met his gaze, expression cool, but not unreadable. A flicker of caution lingered behind her eyes.

“…Your Highness,” Leon began, but he didn’t get further.

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“Sir Leon,” she said, voice crisp. “Did you know I would be here?”

He paused. “…I didn’t, Your Highness.”

For the briefest moment, something like relief passed over her face, confusing him slightly.

Very few knew the full details of the princess’ disappearance — or even that she was missing. Leon hadn’t been told everything, but he’d seen the chaos around the palace when she vanished. If not for the other crises plaguing the empire, her absence would likely have been a national emergency.

Some rumours had gone around, ranging from an abduction, a fanciful flight, and something more dire. But reliable information could be scarce when the imperial family was involved. And the matter had never fallen under Leon’s direct responsibilities.

Which made finding her here, in this place all the more bewildering.

What was he even to make of this?

Before he could fully gather his thoughts, the princess spoke again.

“What are you doing here, Sir Leon?” she asked, gaze sharp. “I would appreciate an honest answer. That is an imperial command.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Leon noticed the other knight’s blade suddenly vanish. Only the hilt remained — pale blue metal etched with delicate, understated patterns. The strange design caught his attention, but he refocused immediately.

He pressed his fist to his chest in salute and bowed his head.

“I am not entirely sure myself, Your Highness,” he admitted. “May I ask first… Do you know where we are?”

A light frown touched her brow. “A Zuverian ruin. Beld Thylelion.”

Leon met her gaze.

…He could consider precisely how the princess knew about that later.

“I don’t know how I ended up here,” he said. “I was assigned to secure the site when it appeared in Lake Rellaria. We were preparing for an expedition when it opened, but then…the ruins simply lit up. Next thing I knew, I was inside.”

“You as well…?” she muttered.

Leon hesitated before asking. “Your Highness…how are you here? They have been searching for you. Dame Leandra has crossed half the empire following leads.”

Something like guilt flickered in her expression. She looked away.

“It’s…a long and complicated story,” she said quietly. “Not one I can explain here.”

Her eyes swept the room, pausing on the fallen construct before shifting to the other woman present. “Are you injured?”

The knight shook her head. “Nothing serious.”

Leon studied that woman again more closely — and her ‘sword’. It was…unusual. So was she. She fought well, but he didn’t recognise her or her style. Many of his own knights would have struggled in that battle. That both she and the princess held their own was unexpected. And impressive.

He glanced between them, inclining his head slightly towards the knight. “May I ask…who she is?”

The princess turned. “This is Dame Smythe. She’s a companion of mine. Briana, this is Sir Leon of the Imperial Solar Knights.”

Dame Smythe gave a small nod. “I’ve heard of you.”

Leon returned it, appraising her. “You fight well. Which order are you with?”

The Cobalt Knights from Chillburg wore blue cloaks, but she didn’t match their bearing or their forms. Her techniques were different.

“I’m not part of any order,” she said. “And I am no true knight.”

Leon’s brow knit slightly. His eyes dropped to the hilt once more.

What manner of sword manifested only in battle? He was deeply curious, but held the question for the time being.

He turned back to the princess.

What now?

He had found her. His Majesty would expect the princess returned safely. It wasn’t Leon’s official charge, but as a Solar Knight, the protection of the imperial line fell within his oath. In a situation like this, her safety became a priority.

And yet…it wasn’t that simple.

Could he simply leave? The Tribute of Dominion was said to be in this place. Both the Cabal and Council were said to be after it. Letting it fall into either’s hands would still be catastrophic. His duties might also include preventing that.

Whatever his mission, abandoning the princess here was not an option. Not in a place this dangerous. Could he afford to focus elsewhere?

He was still weighing his options when Dame Smythe broke the silence.

“We shouldn’t waste time,” she said rather bluntly, looking at the princess. “We need to move.”

The princess blinked, then nodded slowly. “You’re right.”

She turned back to Leon, pausing. “…Would you join us, Sir Leon? We’ve been separated from our other companions and must find them. Your help would be valuable.”

Leon looked at her, surprised. But he didn’t need time to think.

“Of course, Your Highness,” he said. “If you’ll allow me.”

He was aware the princess might not want to return to the palace. He didn’t know why, but that only made the situation more delicate. Was it his duty to force the issue? Or respect her judgement?

Dame Leandra might have had the authority to compel her return.

Leon did not.

His gaze drifted over both the princess and Dame Smythe.

…Even if he did, he wasn’t entirely convinced he could manage it. Not without someone getting hurt. Dame Smythe alone seemed like she would pose a challenge, but even the princess had proven herself far more capable in combat than he’d expected.

Besides, he still didn’t know whether he was deeper within Beld Thylelion or near its surface. Even if he tried to leave with her, there was no guarantee he could.

For now, it was best to simply stay close. Learn what he could. Make sense of the situation. There might still be others from the expedition force here.

“Let’s move,” Dame Smythe said, already heading towards the far side of the chamber where several passageways were. Leon recognised one as the route he’d entered through, but she veered into a different, unlit corridor.

Leon and the princess followed, stepping into the dark.

The knight pulled a small crystal from her belt. It shimmered, casting a steady, soft glow as they walked.

For a time, none of them spoke.

Leon kept his expression composed and neutral. His instincts as a Solar Knight—drilled into him from years of imperial service, from standing still throughout numerous ceremonies and councils—urged him to stay quiet. Even as questions churned through his mind.

To his left, he could sense the tension in the princess’ bearing. She wasn’t entirely at ease with his presence. Dame Smythe, on the other hand, remained utterly unfazed, moving ahead with calm purpose.

It unsettled Leon, knowing he made Her Highness uncomfortable. But here, in these circumstances, there was little he could do to change that.

Eventually, the silence did break, though.

“You said Leandra has been looking for me,” the princess said, glancing sideways at him. Her gaze lingered for a moment. “…Is she well?”

Leon nodded. “She was, last I saw her.”

“I’m glad.” The young woman turned her eyes forward again. “…And Hilde? My father?”

“As far as I know, both are healthy.”

A flicker of relief softened her features, but it vanished quickly, and she fell silent once more.

Leon’s gaze stayed on her for a while longer before shifting, drifting to the lines etched into the corridor walls and floor. His eyes briefly settled on the gentle sway of Dame Smythe’s cerulean cape as she led the way.

“…Dame Smythe,” he began at last, “do you know where you’re leading us?”

The woman looked back over her shoulder, then shook her head. “No.”

“Then how—?”

“I don’t know where we are,” she cut him off. “But I know where we need to be.”

Leon frowned. What did that mean?

He glanced at Princess Regina. She met his look. “She’s leading us to one of our companions. She has a way of finding them, no matter where they are.”

Leon’s brows rose slightly. That was…a unique skill. He studied the swordswoman’s back again, eyes narrowing.

A sword that only appeared in battle. Aura techniques he didn’t recognise. A woman who bore all the marks of a knight, yet claimed she wasn’t one. And now this.

“She’s an Oathbound,” Princess Regina said quietly at his side.

Leon’s head snapped toward her. He stared, first at the princess, then at the woman ahead, who gave no sign she’d heard.

An Oathbound?

He had only heard tales of their existence. He wasn’t even sure they were real. But this woman was one…?

Then the person they were heading towards — was that who she’d sworn to?

“…Who exactly are these companions you’re searching for?” he asked.

“They’re…good people,” the princess replied. “People who wish the empire well, Sir Leon.”

“Your Highness, I wasn’t implying—”

She raised a hand, gently silencing him. “Never mind. This isn’t the time to…” She paused for a moment. “…You’ll meet them when the moment comes.”

Leon considered her, then nodded. “As you say, Your Highness. That said, I am…curious. I’ve never met an Oathbound. I wonder what kind of person would earn such a vow.”

“My liege is an admirable one,” Dame Smythe said suddenly, not slowing or turning. “I hope you won’t become a problem for her, Sir Leon.”

“I have no intention of doing so.”

“Nor for any of our other companions.”

Leon’s voice remained calm. “So long as none pose a threat to Her Highness, they are not my enemies.”

“Good.”

The ‘Oathbound’ said no more. Her cape shifted lightly, the crystal in her hand casting its flickering light ahead.

They walked in silence, their footsteps echoing faintly. It might have been Leon’s imagination, but the air felt denser than where he’d first woken. What that meant, he wasn’t sure.

“Sir Leon,” the princess eventually spoke again.

He turned to her.

A faint line showed between her brows as she looked ahead. “Are there no questions you wish to ask me?”

“…There are many, Your Highness,” he admitted.

“Then why remain silent?”

“Would you answer them if I asked?”

She didn’t respond immediately. A deeper furrow formed on her brow as she seemed to weigh her reply with care.

“At court, you were always known as a man of principle,” she eventually said.

“Coming from you, that is a humbling compliment, Your Highness.”

“Then I hope I can have your word.”

“…My word on what?”

“That you will aid us. Here, in Beld Thylelion.” Her voice took on a firmer edge, one Leon hadn’t heard from her before. “There are forces moving here that far exceed our understanding, Sir Leon. Forces that may endanger not just the empire, but the continent — and beyond.” She was quiet for a couple of seconds, then added, “If even you were drawn into this place…I fear what else might be here. It’s possible that our only hope is that my companions can stop what’s coming.”

Leon’s jaw tensed. “…Your Highness, are you familiar with the Tribute of Dominion?”

The princess’ head turned to him. “You know of it?”

He nodded. “I’m not the only one.”

She simply stared at him. “How…?”

“The force I was assigned to included imperial troops, the mage towers, the Shields Guild, the Followers of Ittar, and even the Rising Isle,” Leon explained. “I don’t know what the Tribute is exactly, but I know we are all working to keep it from the Hallowed Cabal and the Undead Council.”

Princess Regina watched him closely, her expression becoming harder to read. “That’s…encouraging. I sent a warning to my father, but I didn’t think it would be taken this seriously. How did the Rising Isle, of all groups, get involved?”

“I’m not sure, frankly. But Arch Wizard Newbury was among the contingent sent to investigate when the ruin surfaced.”

“I’ve heard of him,” the princess murmured, pensive. She was silent for a few seconds. “How many were in this force?”

“Roughly two hundred and fifty,” Leon said. “Three arch wizards, eighty mages and wizards, one deacon and thirty clerics from the Followers, twenty-four Solar Knights, and a few dozen others from affiliated orders. Thirteen A-rank Shielders and two S-ranks were held in reserve at Elystead.” He paused. “…But I don’t know how many—if any—might be within Beld Thylelion at the moment.”

The princess frowned. “And you truly don’t know why you ended up here?”

Leon shook his head. “No. Do you?”

She didn’t reply at first. Her steps slowed. “May I ask for your word first, Sir Leon? That you will help?”

He watched her, considering it carefully. Eventually, he gave a small nod. “You have it, Your Highness.”

She locked eyes with him, gaze hardening slightly. “That truly means that you can’t show any hostility towards our companions.”

He frowned slightly. “Would I have reason to be hostile towards them?” he asked.

“…Simply give me your word, Sir Leon,” she answered.

He wasn’t sure he liked that answer.

“…Very well, Your Highness. You have my word.”

She visibly relaxed. “Good. Thank you. Then perhaps I can tell you a bit more.”

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