NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 17: Raffaello’s Observation! Trial of Knights!
"Well, it seems you managed to escape from the underground temple." Saint Raffaello, looking at the two disheveled female knights, quickly got up and dusted herself off, attempting to maintain her composure as a senior figure. However, her earlier slip-up had left her ears burning crimson.
Hearing her voice, the two knights, who had collapsed onto the muddy ground from exhaustion, turned their heads towards the approaching group. They were startled.
"Saint Raffaello. And Lord Kasugano, Lord Salvatore - please accept our apologies for the delayed greetings to both of you, as is befitting Campiones."
Erica bowed gracefully, not in submission, but with the elegance of a noblewoman.
It was a gesture that reflected the pride of the Blandelli family.
"While I believe the birth of a new God-Slayer is a joyous occasion, the formal greetings from the Grand Master of our Bronze Black Cross will be delivered at a later date. For now, please accept my humble respects."
Liliana executed a crisp knightly salute.
Her words were indeed befitting a knight.
Despite being caught in the crossfire of two Devil Kings' battle, nearly buried alive underground after Doni's intentional slash sent them plummeting into the depths, they had endured their ordeal without losing their composure or their impeccable manners. It was a testament to the awe they felt towards the God-Slayers. However, beneath their formal courtesy, their gazes towards Doni and Haru still held a flicker of resentment.
Haru's eyes lit up as he watched the valiant female knights offering their respects. *I've seen this pose in doujinshi before! I'm actually meeting real-life doujinshi heroines!*
Suddenly, a soft 'thump' echoed, and Haru's right leg twitched.
The silver-haired girl in his arms let out a little 'hmph,' her cheeks puffing out in annoyance as she slowly retracted her foot. It was a clear sign of her displeasure at Haru's unwavering gaze towards the other girls. The air around them turned sour; Haru had tipped over the metaphorical vinegar jar.
"Heehee~" Erica giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.
Liliana lowered her head, her face flushing crimson beneath the shadow of her hair.
"I'm talking to *you*, idiot." Saint Raffaello smacked Doni on the back of his head, which was already bruised and swollen.
"Huh? Why are you suddenly so polite? Oh, that's right, I remember you now. You're Erica Blandelli, and you're Liliana Kranjcar, right? I've just regained my memories. Thank you for your help!" Prompted by his teacher, the young Devil King spoke in a daze.
Erica's lips twitched. She swore to herself that she would steer clear of Doni from now on. She had initially assumed his foolish behavior was due to amnesia, but now, with his memories restored, the King of Swords was even more infuriating.
Liliana, head bowed, remained silent. The thought of Italy being ruled by Doni filled her with dread, and she lamented her bleak future. *If only there were another option...* She glanced up towards Haru, but her gaze was met with Sora's menacing expression.
She quickly lowered her head. *Never mind. I'd definitely be killed.* Her slender body trembled.
*Well, it's time to wrap this up.* Erica exchanged a glance with Liliana.
*Let's offer our farewells and get out of here as soon as possible!*
*Agreed!* Liliana replied with a nervous flicker in her eyes.
"What terrifying girls. To have evaded the ancient traps in the ruins in just half an hour, retrieved that book, and even managed to cast the 'Transcription' spell in such a short time."
Saint Raffaello's words caused both girls to stiffen.
*What incredible observation skills.* Saint Raffaello had discerned their actions and even identified the subtle magical fluctuations clinging to their bodies, a testament to her reputation as Europe's strongest knight. "Transcription" was an advanced spell that temporarily enhanced memory, allowing the caster to perfectly recall anything they had seen.
Erica and Liliana had divided the tasks, working together to memorize portions of *The Deeds of David* while simultaneously escaping from the underground temple. They had then stored the book in an alternate dimension and brought it to the surface.
"S-Saint Raffaello, please don't misunderstand! It wasn't out of disrespect for you, but… for a knight, such a temptation is simply irresistible!" Liliana hastily explained, her voice filled with panic.
"Well, it can't be helped. You earned it through your own efforts. Hand over the book, and take this."
Saint Raffaello smiled wryly and produced a set of iron keys from her pocket.
"These are the keys to the small chapel in Florence. There's a labyrinthine crypt beneath it, guarded by numerous traps. My armory is located within. This is the final stage of your knightly trial. Do you accept this challenge?" Saint Raffaello dangled the keys before the two female knights.
Without hesitation, Liliana summoned *The Deeds of David* and handed it to Saint Raffaello in exchange for the iron keys. She clutched them tightly, as if afraid she might lose them.
Erica smiled confidently, exuding an aura of unwavering self-assurance. She seemed utterly convinced that she could overcome any challenge that lay ahead. "to bestow the divine words and the magical sword upon her worthy successors...."
"Save the compliments until you've completed the trial." Saint Raffaello accepted the grimoire from Liliana and replied to Erica.
At that moment, Haru walked over, his gaze fixed on the grimoire in Saint Raffaello's hand.
"As I thought, you were after this book." Saint Raffaello smiled wryly and handed *The Deeds of David* to Haru.
Haru accepted the book and passed it to Amakasu Touma, who stood behind him. He then turned to Salvatore Doni. "Let's have a real fight next time. Use your Sword Authority!"
Doni grinned. "So you're eager for a fight too, huh? I'm really sorry about this time. Because of my amnesia, I couldn't control that power properly. Next time, we'll definitely have a good fight! And I hope I'll get to see your true Authority then."
Haru shrugged. "It seems I can't hide it from you."
Everyone present, except for the God-Slayers, shuddered as they looked at the surrounding scene of utter devastation, realizing: *He wasn't even using his full power?*
Haru turned to Erica and Liliana, who were supporting each other. A strange glint flickered in his eyes. *Well, see you at the ritual, silver-haired Hamster.* "Sora, let's go home."
"Okay, okay!" Sora, who had been staring at the catastrophic aftermath, responded immediately to Haru's call. She followed him into the waiting black car.