I Can See the Sword’s Memories

Chapter 29: Sun Tail Mission(1)

The White Dragon’s Core had made me acutely sensitive to the surrounding energy. 

I could feel the flow of an opponent’s presence and even anticipate mana movements through their breathing.

Ever since acquiring the White Dragon Sword, every sparring session felt like an epiphany. 

I was growing stronger at a rapid pace. But it wasn’t enough. If I had more time, I might have been able to join the mission to hunt my enemy.

Yet, such thoughts were pointless. I pushed aside my turbulent emotions.

Two days had passed since the tournament concluded. Injured knights were now recovering, while teams of those fit to move were being assembled for dispatch missions.

As a junior knight, I hadn’t yet received an assignment. Neither had Theo or Flora.

The three of us wandered the training grounds, letting time slip by.

That afternoon, during lunch, Kanok came to find us.

“You’re eating, I see. Don’t get up. Stay seated,” he said as he casually joined us at the table.

“You have a new mission,” he announced.

“A new mission…?”

I straightened in my seat. Two days ago, the team tasked with eliminating my nemesis had already departed. Was this a follow-up? Had a request for reinforcements come in? A faint sense of hope stirred within me.

“In three days, you’ll be coming with me to Sun Tail.”

“Sun Tail? The country with the desert?”

“Yes. Due to diplomatic issues, our nation is sending a delegation there. You, Theo, and Flora will be part of it, along with me. That’s all for now. Prepare yourselves.”

Kanok finished speaking and promptly left.

As he walked away, I tilted my head in curiosity and asked, “Flora, where is Sun Tail? Is it a place where reincarnators live?”

“Ah… Sun Tail is a small nation at the southernmost edge of the continent. It’s possible there are reincarnators there, but…”

Flora began explaining what she knew about Sun Tail.

The country, named after the appearance of its sunsets resembling a “tail of the sun,” was located in a vast desert region. 

Despite its small size, Sun Tail was incredibly wealthy due to its abundant deposits of mana stones.

“Be sure to bring thick clothing,” Flora advised. “The sun there can be harsh on your skin.”

“Harsh on the skin…”

I took Flora’s warning seriously. My sister’s body was precious, and I couldn’t afford to neglect its care. One day, when she awoke, I wanted her to find it in perfect condition.

I ran my hand gently across my cheek.

***

The appointed time came quickly. Dressed in Azure Wings uniforms, we met Kanok and headed to the imperial palace.

In front of the palace, knights from various orders were gathered. Flags representing Wind, Claw, Heart, Mane, Shadow, and Azure Wings fluttered atop large carriages.

I recognized some of the knights from the tournament. We exchanged subtle nods and glances as we passed by.

I’d heard that many people had visited the Azure Wings headquarters after the tournament, especially male knights from other orders. Turning my gaze away, I brushed my hair back.

‘Foolish dreams…’

Ignoring the lingering stares, I focused on the task ahead.

The knights didn’t board the carriages. As both members of the delegation and its escort, they formed the protective force around it.

After the delegation boarded the carriages, we mounted our horses. Following a few formal procedures, the procession began to move.

The carriages rolled forward, and the knights rode alongside them, flanking the convoy.

***

The blazing sun bore down mercilessly, and the heat rising from the ground felt like it could sear flesh. 

Following Flora’s advice, I pulled the hood over my Azure Wings uniform to shield myself from the relentless rays.

After traveling far beyond the direct territories of the Karma Empire, the delegation finally reached the border of Sun Tail.

The heat was unfamiliar to me. I had spent my life in snowfields, where the cold was second nature. 

Here, my innate resistance to the cold was useless; the heat affected me just as it did anyone else.

“Phew…”

“Saeorin, are you alright? Do you need water?” Flora asked, concern evident in her voice.

“I’m fine.”

I shook my head, having already emptied my water flask. I couldn’t bring myself to take from my companions’ reserves. 

The sweltering desert quickly taught me the value of water—an indispensable resource for survival.

‘Next time, I’ll carry more water…’

Seeing my discomfort, some knights from other orders approached, offering water in an attempt to curry favor.

I declined their gestures coldly. Thanks to Flora’s meticulous preparation, we had plenty of spare water.

“If you need more, just ask me. I’ll give you some,” Flora reassured me.

“Thank you,” I replied with a nod of gratitude.

The desert was a volatile environment. The days were unbearably hot, but as evening fell, the cold winds picked up. Surprisingly, I thrived at night, finding energy in the brisk air.

However, the weather wasn’t the only threat in the Sun Tail Desert. 

Packs of wild beasts and monsters occasionally ambushed the delegation.

These attacks posed little challenge. The knights swiftly drew their swords, painting the sand with streaks of red as they cut down their enemies. 

The delegation continued through the desert, carving a blood-stained path to their destination.

After roughly two weeks, the delegation reached the heart of Sun Tail.

Covered in dust from the arduous journey, we arrived at the city gates. 

Despite our appearance, the soldiers of Sun Tail recognized the imperial insignia immediately. 

The carriages bearing the Karma Empire’s banners were welcomed without hesitation.

As we passed through the grand gates, a magnificent city unfolded before us. 

The sunlight filtered through awnings stretched between the buildings, creating dazzling patterns of light and shadow.

What caught my attention, however, were the half-clothed women. Draped in sheer veils, their attire was akin to undergarments, leaving little to the imagination.

This was no ordinary dress. Few women were dressed like this—it was likely an occupational uniform of some kind.

I quickly averted my gaze.

The imperial delegation was promptly escorted to the royal palace. Upon arrival, we were divided into two groups.

The nobles handling diplomatic matters proceeded to the reception hall, while the knights, including myself, were directed to a guest annex for rest.

The annex provided for us was a grand estate. It featured a vast courtyard with a swimming pool, and twenty servants stood ready to attend to our needs.

Approaching Kanok, I found him lounging comfortably in light clothing, sipping a cool drink. He seemed to be fully embracing Sun Tail’s hospitality.

“Vice-Captain… what are we supposed to do here?” I asked.

“Huh? Nothing really,” Kanok replied casually. “We’re just here to wait until the nobles finish their business. Occasionally, knights from Sun Tail might visit—just mingle with them a bit when they do.”

Scanning the area, I noticed that most of the senior knights had already adapted to the leisurely pace. They were either swimming or napping in the shade.

It seemed only the junior knights, including Theo, Flora, and myself, found the situation strange.

Returning to my companions, I remarked, “I think we’ve been tricked.”

“Tricked? How so?” Flora asked, puzzled.

“When I heard it was a diplomatic mission to a neighboring country, I thought it might involve collaborating on matters related to reincarnators… but apparently, it’s not.”

Flora chuckled awkwardly at my response. “Why don’t you take a break, Saeorin?”

“Ha…”

I couldn’t. Somewhere out there, my enemy—the one who slaughtered my tribe—was still alive. The thought of him breathing while I stood idle was unbearable.

Turning away, I began walking. Theo and Flora naturally followed, trailing behind me. We eventually arrived at a training ground, a short distance from the guest annex.

This place was far more comfortable. I drew the White Dragon Sword.

Shrrk—

“You’re going to train here, too?” Flora asked.

I didn’t answer, focusing instead on the blade as it sliced through the air.

***

Night had fallen, and with the sun’s departure and the moon’s ascent, the temperature dropped significantly. 

Feeling revitalized, I found a faint smile creeping onto my face. My movements gained strength as the oppressive heat gave way to the cool night.

It was then that a group of five—three men and two women—appeared from beyond the wall. Their bronzed skin, black hair, and golden eyes marked them as natives of Sun Tail.

Their sudden arrival put the three of us on guard. We instinctively drew our weapons, aiming them at the newcomers.

“Ah, here they are,” one of them said.

“It’s them, right?”

“Pretty sure it is…”

The group descended from the wall, raising their hands in a gesture meant to show they had no hostile intentions. While their hands were empty, short swords hung at their waists.

“You’re with the Azure Wing, aren’t you?”

The leader of the group, a man who seemed to be in charge, stepped forward and addressed us. Watching him cautiously, I sheathed my sword and nodded.

“That’s correct. Who are you?”

“I’m Jiure—Tail Jiure. And these are my siblings.”

“Tail…? Tail Jiure?”

It was Flora who reacted to the name. Tilting my head in confusion, I glanced at her. She leaned closer and whispered in a low voice.

“Tail is the surname of this country’s royal family… Jiure is the name of the First Prince.”

Tail Jiure. The First Prince of Sun Tail had sought us out, apparently curious about something.

Jiure spoke again. “Could I borrow a moment of your time?”

My gaze swept over his face. His bronzed skin was complemented by a breezy, confident smile. For some reason, I found it irritating.

“No.”

Jiure’s smile instantly vanished, his expression crumpling into a scowl. Amused by his reaction, I let a smirk tug at the corners of my mouth.

“I’m joking. If it’s just for a moment, I can spare the time.”

A soft chuckle escaped Jiure’s lips at my words.