Lucy walked slowly behind the row of high chairs where the Pro Darkside Knights sat, her footsteps deliberate, echoing faintly in the tense chamber. Her gaze swept over them, unwavering, as she finally spoke.
"The assassins were clearly after me and my students," she said, her voice steady. "But even I don't fully know why. Still… you can't expect me to accept this. You can't just throw me and my students out of your kingdom because some assassin family is hunting us. What reputation are you trying to build for your precious Ashura?"
The room stiffened at her words.
"Mind your words, woman!" one of the pro darkside knights snapped from the far right side of the table, standing in anger. His tone boomed across the chamber. "We won't tolerate any insults here."
"Calm down," Memphis said from his seat, his hand rising slightly to ease the tension. "There's no need to escalate. Let her finish. Allow her to speak."
The pro darkside knight who had risen glared, but reluctantly sat back down.
Lucy gave a faint smirk. "I have nothing more to say—just a single question for all of you."
Raizer, seated near the center, leaned forward. His voice was sharp. "Skip your questions, woman. Speak your true intentions. That will make things easier."
The silence that followed was heavy. All the pro darkside knights turned their eyes toward Raizer, waiting, as though none of them dared to move until he gave his word.
At last, Raizer broke the stillness. "Here's what will happen, my fellow Pro Darkside Knights. I know this isn't easy to accept. But after this incident… the Silent Eliminator will not give up. They'll keep appearing until they get what they want. We can't pretend otherwise." His tone dropped, serious and weighted. "So think carefully. What would happen to our reputation if this news spread outside the kingdom? The noble and fierce Ashura—reduced to shame. Our face would be lost before the entire country."
The oldest pro darkside knight at the far end of the table stroked his beard. "So what's it going to be now, Special Darkside Knight? Just say the word. We'll either agree—or disagree."
"There's no point dragging this out," another pro darkside knight added firmly. "Raizer, speak, and we will act."
Lucy stepped closer, her expression unreadable. Then she spoke quietly, but with a confidence that shook the room.
"I will never forget your warm hospitality Raizer."
The chamber froze. Every pro darkside knight turned toward her in shock. The audacity of the woman before them—to call the Special Darkside Knight by name after hearing it only once. The silence became sharp enough to cut.
Lucy's thoughts burned within her. There's no easier way to turn this around. If I play this card, this will be my successful comeback.
Memphis narrowed his eyes. "Do you mind explaining, Special Darkside Knight? How does this woman know your name? Has she met you before—or is she simply mocking us with her insolence?"
Raizer leaned back, a tired but knowing look crossing his face. "Turns out she and I met years ago. This will be easier to settle than I thought." He exhaled. "She saved me once, during a mission when my boys were still young,I mean younger than now they are obviously still kids. I never expected the gallant 'man' I met back then to actually be a young woman, after all this time."
The hall erupted in murmurs.
Memphis's chair scraped against the floor as he stood again, anger flashing in his eyes. "This isn't right. Raizer, don't let yourself be deceived! There's no way such a young woman could be the same one from back then. And don't forget—back then, she was a man. I was there with you!"
Lucy tilted her head and chuckled softly. "What the… you got old quicker than I thought. No wonder I didn't recognize you at first."
Memphis's face darkened. "Repeat that and I'll rip out your tongue!" He stepped forward, his body trembling with rage. "I won't tolerate this blasphemy. How dare you impersonate Marco in our presence!"
With a sudden movement, Memphis blurred forward, standing face to face with Lucy.
"Enough, Memphis!" Raizer's voice thundered, commanding the entire room. "She's no imposter. Back off!"
Lucy smiled calmly. Her body shimmered, her features twisting—and in an instant, Marco stood in her place, smirking directly at Memphis.
The pro darkside knight's face went pale. "This… this is impossible. How can you be a woman?" His voice shook despite his efforts.
With another shimmer, Lucy returned to her original self. "Relax, Memphis. I don't plan on cutting off your head today."
Memphis staggered back, his anger evaporating into disbelief. His voice cracked. "It's… truly you, Mr. Marco." He bent his head low in reverence. "Forgive me."
"There's no need for all this," Lucy said, her tone turning softer. "I just can't be kicked out yet. I need at least two months to finish somethings important."
"You don't need to beg," Memphis said firmly. "Stay as long as you want."
He turned toward the other pro darkside knights, his voice filled with conviction. "Listen carefully. This woman—is one of our kingdom's heroes. If not for her, none of us would be here today. We owe her more than gratitude. We must repay that debt. From this day forward, she deserves our finest hospitality."
"Hold on," the oldest pro darkside knight countered. "Don't get swept away so quickly. There's still no clear proof she is who she claims. Be cautious."
"Proof" another pro knight snapped from the right side of the table. "You told the special darkside knight not to be fooled I guess You're the fool here Memphis.
The room once again buzzed with heavy arguments, the power balance shifting—but this time, Lucy stood calmly at the center, her presence unshaken.