Chapter 119: White Star Radiance and the Hidden Merit of a Princess
"M-M-My name is Helga V. Helmsley, daughter of Prince Hamlet Helmsley and niece of Prince Hunter Helmsley of the Brawlmanica Kingdom! It's a pleasure to meet you, oh great one!" Helga stammered, blushing furiously as she nearly dropped into a kneel.
"Ehh?! Settle down, Princess Helga!! Ahem... Well then, my name is Elton Solman of the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect, and also the leader of our group, White Star Radiance. It's an honor to meet you," Elton replied, offering a polite nod and trying to ease Helga's anxiety.
"Kukufufu... So, another Princess joins our ranks? Then allow me to introduce my royal self to you, oh Princess of Brawlmanica! As you can see, we are—"
Before Amberleaf could finish, she was cut off by Shayleaf.
"She's Amberleaf. I'm Shayleaf, and this is my older sister, Shirleaf. It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Helga!" Shayleaf said brightly, flashing a sincere, graceful smile.
"You!! How dare you steal my introduction! Now lo—" Amberleaf started to protest, but was immediately interrupted again.
"My name is Erica Soloman, of the Soloman Clan. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Princess Helga," Erica said with a small courteous bow.
"And I'm Christy Hucklebare of the Aka Boshi no Tengan Clan. Nice to meet you." Christy smiled warmly—though her eyes glowed faintly red, subtly scanning Helga and her guards.
The rest of the group, including Joe-Pine, Kageha, Kuroha, and several others introduced themselves in turn. And then, there was Zoro.
"...Greetings, Princess Helga. Just to be clear, this group is not an exclusive entity under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Brawlmanica, nor of the Helmsley royal family. I assume you understand that," Zoro said sharply, his eyes focused not only on her but also—65% of his attention—on the two Phantom Guards beside her.
"N-No, I—" Helga's expression paled as Zoro's intensity pressed down on her.
The Phantom Guards quietly stepped in front of her, their auras surging as they met Zoro's presence head-on. A silent standoff formed between them. Weapons were nearly drawn. Those from the Black Reaper Corps began to emanate a chilling intent, hands drifting toward their blades. Kageha and Kuroha stood expressionless, watching everything.
Many among White Star Radiance looked uncertain about what to do. Those unaffiliated with Brawlmanica adopted a cautious "wait and see" stance. However, individuals tied to the royal family subtly moved to prepare for conflict, hoping to de-escalate if needed.
That's when Ramiro stepped forward, standing protectively in front of Helga as he snarled at Zoro.
"Oi, what the hell do you think you're doing, you two-knifed bastard? How about me and you settle this outside, just the two of us?"
Ramiro's challenge thickened the air... yet oddly, it also defused the tension for some watching.
"Haah... Gege, let's end this show already. They're clean, so far," said Christy, glancing once more at the Phantom Guards, then offering Helga an apologetic smile.
"Yes, you're right, Chris." Elton stepped between Zoro and Ramiro, his calm presence stabilizing the situation. He then turned to Helga. "My sincerest apologies for everyone's behavior, Princess. It's truly an honor to meet you officially."
"Y-Yes! Likewise, Sir Margrave Solman!" Helga replied, her voice still trembling, her body tense from the confrontation.
"Ah, you can simply call me—"
"Daoist Blue Sword is fine. Remember your current status, Gege," Christy cut in, her tone crisp.
"Ehhh... I mean..." Elton was about to respond when Helga spoke again.
"Lady Christy is right. It's an honor to refer to you all by your titled Daoist names. I look forward to seeing you all achieve it and I hope to earn one of my own someday," Helga said with a shy but sincere nod, gradually calming down.
The atmosphere shifted. Zoro finally gave a slight nod, then offered a subtle smile—an unspoken sign of acceptance. It was soon decided that Princess Helga and her two Phantom Shadow Guards would be placed under Ramiro's unit for the foreseeable future.
White Star Radiance resumed their journey, heading to a new region to continue their missions. Ironically, they now faced more resistance. Other armies were not always as welcoming—often outright hostile.
Roaming bands of demonic cultivators, stray beasts, and remnant enemy factions outside the central war front caused endless disruptions. Yet somehow, White Star Radiance pressed forward.
And quietly, it was Princess Helga's presence—still unknown to the general public—that allowed them access through certain territories. Her unseen influence had become a silent passport through dangerous lands.
"Hehehe, this sweet princess is certainly reliable! Great work again, Helga!" laughed Ramiro with his usual heroic grin.
"Y-Your words are too much, huehehe... This was nothing at all, oh great and strong Hero Ramiro..!" Helga replied bashfully, covering her face in embarrassment.
Everyone nearby just watched them like they were observing a strange drama unfold.
Time passed, with little room for rest. But for White Star Radiance, this journey also became an opportunity—to learn.
Elton and the others began to better understand the structure of power in Brawlmanica and even the worlds power structure itself. The Sects, Kingdoms, Clans, and Noble Houses were not as clearly ranked as many outsiders assumed.
Sects are often seen as supreme, with immense resources and powerful techniques. Only the Royal Capital and its Royal Families rival them.
Bloodline Clans—with innate abilities—stand just below.
Noble Clans are peerage families, often rewarded by the royal house.
However, the structure is not rigid.
There are smaller sects weaker than the lowest-ranked barons. Likewise, some clans or knighted families outshine lesser sects entirely. And while sects typically hold more might, even that balance is fragile.
For example, the Brawlmanica Kingdom and the Fighting Brawlman Sect clashed in a war that devastated both sides. The sect had outside support that tipped the balance, placing the Kingdom at a steep disadvantage. In theory, no sect would openly challenge a Kingdom... but power doesn't always follow theory.
Some kingdoms and sects have fused into one. In other cases, tribes—like the feared Fanged Elf Tribe—rule territories as one unified, sovereign power, even rivaling sects like Bright Brilliant Blade.
Currently, many outside forces believe that the Kingdom of Brawlmanica is in decline. Its recent instability has made even its allies cautious. Whispers of mutiny have begun to circulate—some even from distant relatives of the Helmsley Clan, long exiled.
However, the strategic brilliance of Fourth Prince Hunter has shifted the tides. His victories, political maneuvering, and recruitment of talented individuals have stalled many threats. Neutral factions have started backing him—reluctantly pulled into the chaos once more.
But then...
The appearance of the thought-to-be-dead Third Prince Hamlet, now allied with the Great Brawlman Sect, further complicated everything.
Whispers began circulating across the lands:
"There's an allied group of forces that started from Bright Brilliant Blade... a task force called White Star Radiance... They're eliminating enemies hidden and exposed... and a princess travels among them…"
No solid proof exists. Only vague sightings. But the rumor won't die. They say it's Princess Helga, quietly earning merit and recognition through righteous action. Whether true or not, the tale spreads.
And because of that...
More forces have begun moving in the shadows.
Some to ally.
Others to strike.
The undercurrents continue to stir once again.
And time... continues to pass.