Lord of the Truth

Chapter 1931 Visitors chaos

Sacred Covenant Academy-

Bam

Morgana forcefully threw open the gate of her palace and stepped out, her eyes blazing with a violent storm of rage that seemed ready to burst at any moment. ”What in the hell is going on here?!”

Moments ago, she had been deep within the private cavern beneath the palace, personally instructing Adrian on the delicate method of compressing the First Royal Star. He had been on the verge of beginning the actual experiment when news reached her that a disturbance had broken out above. Annoyed but composed, she ordered her followers to deal with it-only to be told that the ones causing the trouble were the Shadow Swords, and that she would have to come out herself, immediately.

The Shadow Swords were an essential link in His Majestyʼs chain of assets. They were the executors, the ones who ensured that systems ran smoothly and efficiently. But even so, they did not possess enough authority to stir things up on this scale. Only His Highness Theo-or perhaps one of the Numbered

Swords-could exercise such power. Certainly not just anyone who happened to wear a black cloak.

And yet, when she emerged in fury, fully prepared to teach the Shadow Sword a harsh lesson, she was met with a sight so absurd that her anger stalled mid-breath. ”...?!”

The entire area surrounding the palace was under what could only be described as an invasion- by curious human children. ”Hahaha!” ”Sis, sis, look over here! A rabbit standing on two legs and wearing a tie!” ”Hmm, what a fascinating plant. Iʼve never seen anything like this on the island.” ”Antar! Do you think I could wrestle that statue and actually win?!” ”What the-?!” Morgana descended the palace stairs slowly, one step at a time. She had spent decades-no, centuries-working as an instructor, shaping minds and temperaments alike, and in all that time she had never witnessed a scene this chaotic, this surreal.

Her brows drew together sharply as she swept her gaze across the grounds. ”Shadow Sword! Where is the Shadow-?!”

Her eyes soon landed on a Sword standing not too far away. However, the cold, detached gaze and the overwhelmingly controlled aura surrounding him were unlike those of any Shadow Sword she had previously dealt with.

At that very moment, a small girl sat casually on his shoulder, carefully braiding his black hair. On his other shoulder, another girl leaned forward, cheerfully painting his face like a clown. A third girl sat on the ground at his feet, diligently coloring his fingernails, while a boy tugged and played with the black cloak draped over his back-nearly choking him with it.

The Shadow Sword turned his head toward Morgana, his expression oddly calm and confident despite his predicament. In a low, restrained voice, he said only one word: ”Help.” ”... What exactly is happening today?” Morgana muttered under her breath as she stared at the scene in disbelief. Regaining her composure, she clasped her hands behind her back, straightened her posture, and raised her voice sharply, projecting authority. ”Children, attention!” ”Hm?”

All 120 boys and girls turned to look at her at once. Striking beauty, a tall figure with curves excessive even by human standards, and a powerful, uncompromising aura-everything about Morgana commanded attention. Even small children instinctively felt it.

Maintaining the same commanding tone, Morgana pointed decisively toward an empty section of the grounds. ”I want ten rows immediately. Tall ones on the left, short ones on the right. MOVE!” ”Yes, maʼam!”

Rustle Clatter

The boys and girls scattered like startled rabbits, then hurriedly began forming lines with unexpected discipline. Even the older young ladies among them ran like children, their lack of real-life experience painfully obvious in their frantic movements. ”Hm.” Morgana nodded slowly as she observed the neat, evenly spaced rows forming exactly as she had ordered. ”Youʼre not a lost cause after all.” ”Ah~ your stern expression is amazing too, goodness gracious.”

At that moment, a strange, unfamiliar voice drifted in from the side, sending a shiver crawling up Morganaʼs spine.

Her expression darkened as she turned toward the source, her gaze filled with clear irritation- and a trace of unmistakable disgust.

There, seated calmly on one of the benches in the public garden, was a young human man. His black hair was swept upward, gathered neatly into a single pointed crest. He had a smooth, well-kept face, sharply defined jawbones, a prominent chin, and thick, expressive lips-and above all else, a pair of eyes that shimmered with an unnatural gleam as they followed Morganaʼs every movement.

Under the weight of that peculiar gaze, Morgana forced a polite smile onto her face. ”Lord Shadoy, why are you still here?” she asked evenly. ”Everyone else departed hours ago. Why donʼt you leave to rest, and I will return to you with the results later.” ”If I left,” Shadoy replied with a lazy grin, ”I would lose the chance to witness such beauty once again...” He winked exaggeratedly. ”But donʼt concern yourself-Iʼll depart when the regular time for the visit ends. That is, unless you wish to extend the deadline just for me. I would be exceedingly grateful, hmm~.”

A vein pulsed visibly on Morganaʼs forehead. Still, she chose not to answer him. She turned her gaze away, carefully maintaining her composed smile, though the irritation beneath it was obvious to anyone perceptive enough.

This man had recently inherited the largest commercial conglomerate in Mid Sector 99. Unofficially, he controlled nearly every other major merchant, his influence spreading like a web into the neighboring sectors. It was practically certain that the trade alliance currently opposing His Highness Caesar in Mid Sector 100 maintained deep and active ties with him.

His demeanor was odd, his intentions opaque... but one thing was clear- antagonizing him would bring more trouble than it was worth.

With a sharp turn, Morgana redirected her attention toward the Shadow Sword, her irritation now unmistakable. ”What exactly is happening here?” she demanded. ”Why did you drag me out of an important meeting just to welcome a handful of children? Are you seeking a commission for bringing them to the academy or something of that sort? I already oversee sixty thousand students here, as you very well know. I expect a proper explanation for forcing me to come out-or I assure you, your day will not end pleasantly.” ”I apologize, My Lady, for interrupting you,” the Shadow Sword said quickly. He swept his palms across his face, a thin veil of energy forming over his hands to wipe away paint and markings, before lifting his head to face her properly. ”This is a mission of the highest priority.” His expression then faltered, as though he were on the verge of tears. ”And to be honest... I could no longer control them. Nor could I bring myself to be harsh with them either.” ”You...?!”

Morgana recognized him instantly. Harper-Shadow Sword adjutant to His

Majesty himself, and the very man who had been responsible for collecting the borrowings from her for many long years. ”What exactly is going on?” she asked, her tone sharpening further as she gestured toward the gathered children. ”Who are these, that you would leave His Majesty behind and personally escort them here?” ”I believe His Majesty is the one best suited to explain,” Harper replied. ”He said he has already sent you a message in the Soul Society by now, so please proceed inside.” He gestured once more toward the palace gates. ”He already replied?!” Morganaʼs eyes widened in genuine surprise. Just as she turned to head back inside and locate a secure access point to enter the Soul Society, another voice called out sharply: ”My Lady!” ”Hm?” Morgana turned toward the new sound.

At that moment, several figures emerged from behind the dense trees. All of them wore black armor-except for one standing among them, clad in scattered fragments of crimson armor, his physique and structure clearly abnormal.

That one-eyed thing, with his pale skin and distorted presence... the sheer hostility of the aura he radiated was enough to make even Morgana knit her brows in caution.

The Shadow Sword leading that group met Morganaʼs gaze directly. ”We have an important package that must be delivered before we can depart,” he said firmly. ”We have already stayed longer than intended.” He cast a brief glance toward the smiling Lord Shadoy off to the side, then returned his focus to Morgana. ”It may be better we continue this discussion inside the palace.” ”...?!”