Chapter 21: The Successor’s Resolve
After a moment of serious discussion, Shika decided what she would do with the Nora Clan.
Yuukimura stood with the guards standing behind him. He looked composed. His expression remained calm as he listened to everything Shika had suggested—and occasionally pointed out a few minor mistakes as if he were a consultant giving out alternatives that sounded reasonably fair.
On the contrary, he didn’t seem resented any longer. He looked much happier—though seemingly—that I had defeated his warrior.
Could it be that he’s plotting something behind that smirk again? I wondered as I stared at him suspiciously.
If he were indeed plotting something, he wouldn’t consult with Shika about the welfare of both clans and how they would conduct it from now on.
Then there was another thought that surfaced in my mind.
... did he lose on purpose?
That couldn’t possibly be it, but the probability wasn’t undeniable.
There was no point in thinking how I defeated the Mutated Iceborn, yet I still considered the facts. Thinking back about the fight, it wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible at all. It felt like I was defending myself against a mindless monster who just used brute force.
I mean, yeah, the Iceborns guarding the Shrine looked way tougher and they seemed to have high intelligence as well. Not to mention the leader himself. The faint yellowish aura coated around his body looked weak—but not like he was one.
It’s like he’s suppressing it. Then was he deliberately trying to lose? But what for?