A Knight Who Eternally Regresses

Esther noticed Enkrid’s gaze briefly sweep over Kaisella’s figure. Having observed Enkrid closely for some time, she didn’t miss that glance. Kaisella wore clothing that left little to the imagination, her body fully on display. Her face wasn’t unattractive, but that was all there was to her. Perhaps she was appealing in Frokk’s eyes, but not to Esther. In her view, Kaisella fell short of any notable standard.@@novelbin@@

“No, it’s just that Frokk, or rather Meelun as he’s also called, had terribly low standards,” Esther thought, recalling what Enkrid had casually shared during their journey. She also understood the nature of this village—and its secrets.

That was why Esther had already prepared herself, both mentally and magically. Her indifferent gaze locked onto Kaisella. Physical appearance aside, what kind of person resorts to ominous spells for something as petty as this? Kaisella’s intent had been clear—to use a lightning spell to singe even a single strand of Enkrid’s hair.

However, such spells posed no real threat to Enkrid. Though prepared, the magic would have no effect on his now-hardened body. Esther herself had ensured additional protection on his newly acquired armor. But forgiveness for such an act? That was not in her nature.

Esther was a stranger to the concept of “forgiveness.” No matter what spells Kaisella cast, Esther dismantled and neutralized them one by one, interfering with the very structure of the magic. Mana gathered and dispersed in vain. Using the “Mirror of Bannas,” she reversed the spell, leaving Kaisella doubled over, her insides writhing in agony.

As Kaisella’s spells failed repeatedly, her face turned pale. When Esther closed the gap between them, Kaisella, in desperation, pulled out a dagger concealed at her waist and lunged, screaming, “Shoot her!”

The crossbowman, hesitating until that moment, reacted. But Esther, unbothered, struck Kaisella’s wrist with a precise, leopard-like strength. It was one of the most practical gifts she’d gained from her curse. The crisp sound of breaking bones echoed as Kaisella’s wrist bent unnaturally, her hand rendered useless.

“Ack!” Kaisella’s scream pierced the air, a stark contrast to the control she’d tried to maintain over the village through fear. The crossbow bolts fired, but Enkrid intercepted them with ease, deflecting two with his blade and catching the third mid-flight. Witnessing this, the nearby bandits turned pale. Their confidence shattered, they realized they faced an opponent entirely out of their league.

“You’d best stay still while I’m offering mercy,” Enkrid said coldly, his calm demeanor more intimidating than any shout. The bandits trembled, dropping their weapons. Some, quicker on the uptake, attempted to flee, but their numbers made pursuit unnecessary.