I Have No Intention Of Training The Male Leads - Chapter 19 Part 4

“Are you…?” 

The magician hesitated, her expression doubtful as she asked, “Are you sure this place actually exists?” Eve could only let out an awkward “Ahahaha” and reply with a vague, “Probably.” 

‘I must look insane. Well, this is a normal reaction. That’s why I was searching alone, without contacting anyone.’

A luminous aura gathered at the magician’s feet as she opened a path for mana and began chanting in a language incomprehensible to ordinary people. The invisible mist of natural mana resonated with her voice, causing the air to shimmer.

Several strands of intangible energy intertwined like threads, then branched out in all directions, like the roots of a growing tree. The magician’s extending mana scattered fine, sparkling red particles, marking its path.

A considerable amount of time passed, with clear clouds now visibly drifting across the clear sky. The light emanating from beneath Cecil’s feet gradually subsided. She opened her eyes and pointed to one of the trails of red, shimmering particles that stretched endlessly.

“This way. There’s something at the end of this trail. It seems to be an artifact of some sort, although I can’t be certain.”

Calling her a human compass wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Eve, unable to contain her excitement, clapped her hands, startling Cecil, who blushed slightly and raised her voice, urging them to move. “Let’s go…!”

The knights split into two groups, taking positions at the front and rear. As Eve set off, walking in the middle of the group, she was reminded of her early days, when she was a newbie adventurer, venturing into dungeons for the first time.

Of course, the atmosphere was much more relaxed compared to those days, with the group showing little to no signs of nervousness. However, this was probably the first time since becoming Eve that she was traveling with a group of people.

The journey was longer than expected. They set off early in the morning, took a short break around midday to eat, and continued walking. Eventually, the magician, whose calf muscles had cramped up from the long walk, had to be carried on the back of the youngest knight.

“I told you to exercise more, didn’t I? You’re going to be responsible if you break the youngest one’s back.”

“Be quiet, Sir Volta.”

“Ahaha! Calling me “Sir” in front of a guest, eh?”

“I can’t call you ‘brat’ in front of His Highness’ guest, can I?”

“I’m… huff, huff… I’m fine… huff, huff…”

“Don’t pretend to be struggling, Sir Peter. You’re the worst.”

“If Sir Peter’s back gives out, we’ll have no choice but to have you wield a sword, Cecil.”

“Your Highness, you too?” 

The atmosphere was surprisingly lighthearted. The knights and the magician, accustomed to working together, bickered and chatted amongst themselves. William even joined in on their conversation, cracking jokes. Eve chuckled, amused by their friendly banter.

The sky was painted with the hues of the setting sun. As the once blue sky transformed into a canvas of blended yellow, red, and pink, a dilapidated, crumbling structure appeared before them.

“Oh my, it actually exists.”

Although they didn’t voice their agreement, everyone shared Cecil’s sentiment. Even Eve couldn’t help but nod in disbelief.

The temple, presumably built from white stone, was now covered in dust and grime, its surface a dull gray. Cracks and crumbling sections were visible everywhere, and patches of black soot on the interior of the roof suggested that it had been set ablaze at some point.

Two of the eight original pillars had crumbled, leaving behind only remnants. The remaining pillars barely supported the triangular pediment above. The massive dome behind the protruding cornice, resembling a coach, was equally weathered and dilapidated.

“…Pantheon?”

“Well, it’s a temple, either way.”

Eve muttered in response to William, who had mentioned the name of a famous tourist attraction. She strode past the pillars and entered the main hall. William, following close behind, ordered the knights to secure the entrance before approaching Eve and scanning the interior for any potential dangers.

The main hall was vast. Seven arched alcoves lined the walls, presumably designed to hold statues or sacred objects, but now only fragments remained.

The ceiling was incredibly high, adorned with reliefs depicting scenes of divine worship. It was so high that it was difficult to imagine how it was constructed. A large circular opening was located at the very center of the ceiling, with a dust-covered, cracked altar directly beneath it.

Eve surveyed her surroundings and retrieved the crystal from Octavia from her pocket. She could sense the climax approaching.

At that moment, she felt a shift in the air around her. She turned her head, and William, who seemed to have sensed something as well, was staring intently at the entrance they had come through.

Voices could be heard murmuring outside. It was clear that the presence she felt outside the temple belonged to a larger group than the one they had arrived with.

“Cecil, go back and call for reinforcements.”

“But, Your Highness…”

“It’s for the best. There are too many of them.”

“…Yes. I’ll return as quickly as possible.”

Having determined that the people emerging from the teleportation circle outside were hostile, William, realizing they were outnumbered, issued an order to the magician. Cecil, after a moment of hesitation, quickly opened a magic circle and recited the coordinates. The magician swiftly left to call for backup, and the knights drew their swords, pointing them towards the entrance of the main hall.

The group that revealed themselves before the temple was none other than Crown Prince Edward, accompanied by Archmage Callisto and his knights. At least twenty pairs of footsteps were approaching. The knights tightened their grips on their swords, their knuckles turning white.

Eve tucked the crystal back into her pocket, suppressing her presence, and focused her attention on the hallway beneath the roof. Spotting Edward, Castel, and Callisto through the passage, she clicked her tongue and drew the machete from her belt.

Edward, who seemed to have also spotted her through the hallway, greeted her with a charming smile.

“I knew you’d be here, Lady Evelyn.”

“Ugh, that persistent bastard.” 

“While I failed to track you directly, following this man was a simple matter.”

Keeping tabs on William was part of Callisto’s duties. As soon as they received a report that William, who had been confined to the mansion, had suddenly entered the western forest of his territory, Edward, convinced that Eve would be there, had prepared the teleportation circle. It was truly an animalistic instinct.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize we were being followed.”

“Forget it. There’s no way we could have known with Callisto on our tail.”

Dismissing William’s apology, Eve stretched, loosening her muscles. Observing her, William also drew his weapon, swinging it through the air. 

Eve gasped softly as the weapon, which was initially compact, unfolded rapidly with a whooshing sound, extending to the length of his height.

“That’s like a game item.”

Despite the tense situation, William chuckled internally at her lighthearted remark, then planted the end of his long spear on the ground.

Armed knights swarmed into the main hall, splitting into two groups and forming ranks on either side, their swords pointed towards Eve and William, their sharp glares radiating hostility. Edward, Callisto, and Castel stepped forward, entering the main hall.

Callisto spoke in a low voice as they walked.

“There are traces of teleportation magic. I don’t see any other magicians present, so they must have left to call for reinforcements.”

“…Take measures to prevent them from entering from the outside.”

Callisto nodded in response to Edward’s order. He suppressed his presence and began casting spells, one to disrupt location tracking, the other to create a barrier to block entry from the outside.

To draw their attention towards him, Edward deliberately addressed Eve with a smile.

“Did you enjoy your little outing?”

“Well, it was alright.”

“I see you’ve found something.”

“Well, yes. I suppose I have.”

“It’s all futile. Now, come back to where you belong.”

“Haha, what nonsense are you spouting now?”

“It seems you didn’t need such a grand location before. Does this place hold some other secret?”

“I wonder.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter if you answer or not. ?Next time?, I’ll eliminate you the moment you open your eyes.” 

Eve shrugged. William, who understood the underlying threat in Edward’s words even without fully comprehending them, growled menacingly.

“You think I’ll let you do that?”

“…We’ll have to get rid of the noisy dog first, then.”

Edward’s face twisted with a hint of irritation, but he quickly masked it with his usual charming smile.

“You may kill the Grand Duke. The charge… let’s say, treason. As for the woman, as long as she’s alive, a broken limb or two won’t matter.”

Edward’s clear voice echoed through the hall, signaling the start of the battle. The knights on both sides charged at each other, their swords clashing.