Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 292

A system message appeared stating that Hex had been defeated.

But contrary to the notification, Hex didn’t fall.

With an impassive expression, he stared at the blood sword impaled in his chest.

He blankly looked at it for a moment, then released the sword he had been holding.

The blade fell to the ground— or more precisely, it began to vanish before it even touched down, dissolving into teal-colored smoke, just like the blood sword.

Then he spoke.

— You truly are an extraordinary knight. Far superior to me.

“Thank you. Then... does that mean you acknowledge me now?”

— Of course I do. You defeated me—the greatest knight of the kingdom. Granted, had I been at full strength, the outcome might’ve been different... But as promised, I shall now pass on the power of the moon, which has only ever been inherited by members of the royal family. Before that, though... may I ask one favor?

“A favor?”

— The power of the moon must only be passed down to those of royal blood. So... will you become a member of our royal family?

“...Excuse me?”

— I’m quite serious.

He truly was.

Hex was absolutely sincere.

Because he wanted to preserve the legitimacy of the power his bloodline held.

Su-ho was thrown off, but he composed himself and asked calmly.

“What exactly does it mean to become a member of the royal family?”

— Exactly what it sounds like. Become one of us and continue the royal line.

“How would I do that?”

— Are you married?

“No.”

— Then how about marrying the princess?

“...What?”

— By blood. That’s the surest way.

“Wait—what about the princess’s opinion?”

— Royal marriages are always decided by elders.

“You’re the elder in this case?”

— Of course. I’m the founder. Naturally, I outrank her.

“You’re the founder?”

— Indeed. I am the one who founded this nation—and the very first Knight of the Moon.

“...You’re not just a knight?”

— Nope.

“...”

Su-ho was stunned.

He hadn’t expected that kind of secret to be hidden within the Full Moon Gate.

But... now he was being told to get married?

Am I really supposed to accept this?

This was a linked quest.

One that had unfolded over three entire phases.

And this latest one clearly promised a trait as a reward.

But the condition for receiving it... was marriage?

I’ve conquered countless gates, but this is a first...

He was conflicted.

Should he marry a woman whose name he didn’t even know just for a trait?

Of ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) course, this was still a gate—an artificial world—so marriage probably held no real meaning.

Still—

No. I don’t like it.

He didn’t want to.

He had never even been in a real relationship, and now he was supposed to marry someone he didn’t know?

Even if this was a simulated world, and even if he had regressed to put an end to all gates—

Marriage? No thanks.

I might be obsessed with power, but even I have my limits. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

After wrestling with the idea, Su-ho finally decided to refuse.

Even if she was royalty, marrying someone he’d never met—who might not even exist outside this gate—felt no different from some creepy spiritual wedding.

As much as he wanted the unknown trait, this wasn’t it.

It just wasn’t.

But just as he was about to refuse, a thought occurred to him.

Wait a second. I beat this guy, and I’m still getting treated like this?

The quest had never mentioned anything about marriage.

Now all of a sudden, marriage?

This felt like a scam.

Then again, not exactly—Hex had clearly said it was a request.

After thinking it over, Su-ho replied.

“That won’t do.”

— Yes, I knew you’d— Wait, what?!

“I said I’m not accepting. I understand that royalty often marry for political reasons. But I’m not royalty, and I have no intention of being part of a political marriage.”

— What are you saying?! Then what about the power of the moon, which is only passed down to royalty?!

“You still have to give it to me.”

— Excuse me?

“The condition was to be acknowledged by you. Marriage was never part of the deal. If you truly understand the value of honor, then please fulfill your original promise without adding extra conditions.”

— ...

Hex fell silent.

As he should.

Su-ho had spoken only the truth.

Still, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

After all, the rewards were still in Hex’s hands.

So he silently hoped that his argument would go through.

That unknown trait—he wanted it badly.

So he even made sure to speak politely.

If he acted like he’d never considered accepting to begin with, Hex might take offense.

I haven’t even gotten the reward yet—no need to stir things up.

Instead, he appealed to honor.

Knights lived and died by their honor, after all.

Hex looked at Su-ho with a stunned expression.

Then, after a long pause, he opened his mouth.

— ...Then how about this?

“No.”

— I haven’t even said anything yet!

“A promise is a promise. Don’t try to tack on extras. You of all people should know better—what kind of knight does that?”

— ...

“Sir Hex, the kingdom stands on the brink of ruin. In such times, is the legitimacy of moon power truly more important? Just earlier, you said that if I couldn’t be acknowledged, the royal line would end—without even blinking.”

— ...

Hex said nothing.

Huh. Didn’t think he was like this... turns out he’s a bit much.

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