The Knight Commander of the Second Male Lead [Novel] Chapter 67

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 67

Chapter Title: Black Sheep

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The carriage of the ducal family bore a large shield emblazoned with a black hawk emblem, and the ornament atop the roof was one that only dukes or higher could display. Thus, anyone could tell at a glance that it belonged to the ducal house or the imperial family.

Whether for good or ill, the news that the infamous Rubaenu Duke had arrived halted in their tracks those who were rushing into the palace.

The rumor that he had arrived riding a One-Horned Horse spread just as quickly.

Everyone stopped and stared openly in their direction, but no one dared approach.

It was because Nina was radiating an aura that screamed, Don't talk to me.

A cold, sharp energy emanated from her like the edge of a blade—even Jin felt a chill down his spine.

Nina dismounted the One-Horned Horse, opened the carriage door, and bowed deeply at the waist in greeting.

As Adrian stepped out from inside, everyone let out small gasps of admiration.

Thanks to the rumors calling him a monster or an ugly man, his striking appearance shone even brighter by contrast.

Kel felt goosebumps rise as he quickly bowed his head.

There was none of the youthful vigor or playfulness one might expect from a young duke.

Instead, he exuded the sharp aura of a seasoned strategist or a sage.

It blended so perfectly with the surrounding shadows that it felt as if they existed solely for him.

When he smiled elegantly, those shadows seemed to melt away into the background.

As Adrian began ascending the steps leading to the entrance, his entourage swiftly followed behind.

Jin muttered lowly.

"They're avoiding us like we're plague victims."

"Aren't we just like the black sheep that wandered into the sheep pen?"

Nina replied cheerfully with a laugh.

Isn't that cool?

Her tone carried that implication, making Jin chuckle unwittingly. Shallo straightened her hunched shoulders.

A place teeming with so many people was a challenge for her in itself.

The summer balls rotated among the halls of the imperial palace, with the final night held in the grandest, the Golden Crown Hall. Tonight's ball was in the Green Hall.

The Green Hall was the smallest, but it featured a spacious terrace.

In the dark night, vibrant wisteria flowers dangled from the arches framing the terrace, and candles flickered in glass lanterns hung intermittently.

Small lanterns dotted the floor as well.

Since the layout allowed one to exit directly from the hall onto the terrace, the hall itself wasn't crowded.

It was practically an outdoor ball.

The moment the group passed through the hall and stepped onto the terrace, gazes pierced them like arrows.

It was the kind of stare that made goosebumps erupt all along one's arms. With everyone turning to look at once, it felt like a scene from a silent film.

Nina barely suppressed the urge to whistle like Jin.

A brief silence passed, quickly filled by murmurs spreading across the wide terrace.

"My goodness, is that really the Rubaenu Duke?"

"Then that black uniform..."

"They called him a monster, but he doesn't look it."

"Heavens..."

Whispers drifted from behind fans and champagne flutes, all reaching Nina's ears. She scanned the room deliberately, as if appraising the entire venue.

Some averted their eyes upon meeting hers.

Can't even look me in the eye.

Nina flashed a grin before reverting to her expressionless face.

At that moment, a man pushed through the crowd from the other side.

"Rubaenu Duke."

Adrian smiled and responded to the man who approached waddling with a champagne glass in hand and arms akimbo.

"Count Hasha, it's been a while."

The count widened his eyes in surprise before smiling back.

"I didn't expect you to remember."

"You were the only one I met in the audience chamber."

At Adrian's reply, Count Hasha continued with an awkward expression.

"I never imagined I'd see you at the summer ball. What brought on this change of heart?"

"I figured it was about time to show my face. If I let it go on much longer, rumors might start that I'm a fallen spirit lord."

Adrian shrugged lightly as he spoke, prompting Count Hasha to burst into laughter.

Nina felt a strange sensation.

Adrian was a tone brighter than when he was with her.

His smile seemed even more perfectly sculpted, his gestures more refined. His imperial accent was crisp, his tone aristocratic—bright yet biting.

"I see. Well, it seems worth the effort to venture out."

"As long as the hyenas don't pounce first."

"Ah, the parents with daughters? Or the ladies themselves?"

Count Hasha chuckled.

When Adrian asked, "Marriage is a first for me, so should I brace myself?" the count laughed again.

He was eager to introduce Adrian to his acquaintances, and Adrian readily agreed.

With his mouth agape in delight, Count Hasha turned his gaze to the next target.

"And this is...?"

As Count Hasha glanced at Nina, Adrian answered.

"Nina la Delne, Captain of the Ebony Knight Order."

"Ah, the spirit swordsman!"

Count Hasha exclaimed, and small gasps echoed from those nearby, like fans spotting their idol in person.

I'm actually famous, huh.

Nina felt an odd mix of emotions but placed one hand over her chest in greeting.

"Viscountess Nina la Delne, Your Excellency Count Hasha."

"I didn't expect someone so young. So, is it true you beat out all the Ebony Knight Order applicants?"

"It wasn't about beating them out—I simply confirmed they had the skills befitting the order. If they couldn't even block a single strike from me, they couldn't survive as knights in the Ebony Knight Order."

At Nina's nonchalant words, Jin inwardly screamed, Where's the rookie who could block your strike? but kept a calm facade.

His face said, Oh, of course, as if it were the most natural thing.

Count Hasha nodded with a hearty laugh.

"Right, and you took down the Eagle Knight Order with just two people...?"

"It just happened that way."

Nina shrugged, gesturing as if it were no big deal.

"Indeed, indeed. I've heard plenty about the Ebony Knight Order's reputation. And you periodically hunt Belak, right?"

"Yes. The Rubaenu territory borders the Violet Forest, after all."

As Nina replied calmly, Count Hasha showered her with exaggerated exclamations. He continued.

"Not long ago, a Belak appeared in the capital too. Folks here had never seen one before and were terrified."

He shook his head and lowered his voice.

"I thought the Lily Knight Order would handle it, but the Temple Knight Order arrived first."

The Lily Knight Order was the imperial family's knight order. Nina pondered.

The capital folk expected the Lily Knight Order to protect them, but the Temple Knight Order stepped in first?

That must feel like a betrayal, she thought, nodding inwardly.

In short, a Belak had appeared in Rubaenu territory, yet the Ebony Knight Order was nowhere to be seen, and instead, the Temple Knight Order showed up.

Moreover, the grand temple wasn't even in the capital but another city, so the Temple Knights there weren't their elite members.

All eyes naturally turned to the Lily Knight Order.

Why were they late to deploy?

"This has soured public opinion on the Lily Knight Order a bit. They were the pride of the capital, after all..."

Count Hasha shook his head. He seemed to love gossip.

Approaching Adrian was probably to fish for more tidbits. Nina found it amusing.

Still, he didn't seem malicious, and someone so well-connected was perfect as a stepping stone into high society.

He clearly enjoyed playing that role.

"Everyone has their circumstances."

Adrian replied dismissively.

As Count Hasha lit up to elaborate—"No, it's not that..."—a loud voice rang out, clearly meant to be heard.

"Wearing her hair like that to an imperial ball? How tacky!"

Huh?

Nina started to look up but held back. Count Hasha openly turned instead.

"The knights from the front lines bragging about their skills. What does a little girl like that know?"

Seeing Nina's grinning face, Jin felt cold sweat trickle down his back. Kel and Shallo's expressions hardened instantly.

Shallo especially tensed up, as if ready to lunge and bite.

"And the Rubaenu Duke—"

As he began speaking about Adrian, Nina raised her voice.

"Your Excellency Count Hasha, may I share an obvious fact with you?"

"What might that be?"

Count Hasha raised his voice as well. Nina placed her hand on her chest and declared.

"That I am the empire's greatest sword."