Journey to Become the Zenith-Chapter 13: Masks Beneath Silk and Steel

Masks Beneath Silk and Steel

Victor’s group introduced themselves to the wary knights they had just saved.

They kept their words simple.

They were travelers from Kanal Village, heading toward Fantom City. Videl was bound for the Knight Academy, while Victor and Lane planned to register as adventurers.

The silver-haired knight listened carefully, eyes never leaving Victor. The noble lady in the carriage studied him as well, her gaze thoughtful, almost too sharp for someone supposedly sheltered.

When Victor finished speaking, the noble lady opened her mouth to reply—

But Zavir spoke first.

"How dare you speak to my lady in such an informal tone!"

His voice cut through the clearing like a drawn blade.

The silver-haired knight immediately shot him a sharp glare.

Before Victor could even react, the noble lady’s gentle expression hardened.

"Enough, Zavir! Apologize to our saviors!"

The sudden authority in her voice stunned him.

"But my lady—"

She raised a single finger.

"I said enough. Apologize."

Zavir clenched his jaw, teeth grinding. His pride struggled visibly before he finally bowed stiffly.

"I am sorry for my rude behavior."

His fists trembled at his side.

Victor watched with disinterest.

"Hmph. Whatever. We’re done here. Let’s go."

He turned away. The delay had already irritated him.

"Wait, Sir Victor," the noble lady called. "Do you not wish to know who I am?"

The silver-haired knight subtly leaned forward, studying Victor even more closely now.

Victor glanced back with a faint sneer.

"That’s amusing. You won’t even show your true self, yet you want me to believe you’ll tell me who you are? We have no time for this."

The lady stiffened slightly.

"Then at least ride with us. Horses are faster."

"No need," Victor replied calmly. "We’re faster than horses."

He left without waiting for a response.

Lane followed instantly.

Videl bowed apologetically and hurried after them.

The three vanished down the road like shadows carried by the wind.

The noble lady and both knights stood frozen. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

They had meant it literally.

They truly were faster than horses.

—

Much later, when the carriage had traveled far from the battlefield, Zavir’s frustration finally erupted.

"That insolent boy! How dare he speak to you like that, my lady! Victor, was it? I swear he’ll regret this in Fantom City!"

From inside the carriage, a calm voice cut through his anger.

"You will do no such thing."

Zavir stiffened.

"But my lady—"

"Stop the carriage. I wish to rest."

The silver-haired knight nodded. "At once, my lady."

When the carriage halted, the lady leaned out slightly.

"Zavir, I am hungry. I heard you are an excellent hunter. Your stone rabbit soup is famous among the guards. I would like to taste it."

Zavir’s expression shifted instantly.

"It would be my honor."

Without delay, he rode off into the forest.

Once he was gone, the carriage fell silent.

Then—

The "noble lady" exhaled heavily and slumped against the seat.

"By the gods, that was exhausting. How long must I keep acting as you, Aura? We already know Zavir is the traitor. Why don’t we just kill him and be done with it?"

Across from her sat the silver-haired knight.

No.

The real noble.

Aura.

"We still don’t know who sent him. Killing him now would only silence the trail. For the moment, you must continue acting as me, Sana."

Sana groaned.

"It would’ve been over today if not for Victor’s group. Zavir was already preparing to stab me once his accomplice finished with you."

Aura’s crimson eyes darkened.

"Without proof, even I cannot move openly. A princess cannot execute a knight on suspicion alone."

Sana clicked her tongue.

"Still... wasn’t Victor incredible? The moment he appeared—my heart nearly stopped."

Her cheeks warmed slightly.

"He was so calm. So strong. So handsome."

Aura’s fingers tightened around her gauntlet.

"He saw through us."

Sana blinked. "You noticed too?"

"Yes. His eyes weren’t those of a village boy. They were... ancient. And his mana—"

Aura shivered faintly.

"It was like standing before a raging sun. Compared to him, even the Captain of the Royal Knights is a candle."

Sana stared.

"That strong?"

Aura nodded slowly.

"He was suppressing it. Barely."

Sana smiled dreamily.

"Then I really picked an amazing man to fall for at first sight."

Aura shot her a look.

"You said earlier you weren’t interested in villagers."

Sana waved it off.

"That was before I met Victor."

Aura opened her mouth—

Then realized her own heartbeat had not yet slowed.

"He didn’t care about status. He didn’t look at you with lust. He treated you as an equal."

Sana smirked.

"Oh? And here I thought the Steel Princess only loved swords."

Aura turned away, faint color touching her ears.

"I am not enamored."

"But you’re interested."

Aura didn’t deny it this time.

Sana laughed softly.

"Then we’re rivals."

Aura sighed.

"Zavir will return soon. Remember your role."

Sana straightened, putting on her composed mask once more.

"Fine. Acting like you is exhausting."

Aura smiled faintly.

"Soon. Then we’ll see what Victor truly is."