Chapter 50
After returning to my family estate,
The first thing I did was assign Seron a position.
He was made Leonhardt’s squire.
Since I had discussed this with him beforehand, the appointment went smoothly.
“A squire… What exactly would my duties be?”
“Just attend to him and handle whatever tasks he assigns you. Think of it like being a servant, but one who learns swordsmanship too.”
While technically higher in rank than a simple servant, the responsibilities were somewhat similar.
At my explanation, Seron nodded.
“Understood.”
“You’ll receive about an hour of training each day. I’ll also get you some manuals on breathing techniques and sword forms soon.”
“No, that won’t be necessary. Just having a place to stay here is more than enough…”
What do you mean, unnecessary?
If this guy doesn’t improve his skills, it’s no different from carrying a bomb around.
To properly utilize him, I needed to provide him with high-quality aura techniques and swordsmanship manuals.
Not just any kind, but the best ones available.
Breathing techniques and sword forms?
The two were closely related.
The sword forms one could execute depended on the breathing technique they mastered.
And once someone started learning a specific breathing technique, switching to another one was extremely difficult. Therefore, choosing the best one from the start was critical.
That’s why so many aspiring knights sought entry into prestigious swordsmanship families like the Seltarion family.
Starting as apprentice knights, they received solid foundational training, progressing to intermediate and advanced levels, setting them on the path to mastery.
In contrast, knights sworn to a lesser barony might barely reach the lower ranks of experts. Here, however, those with talent could quickly climb to the intermediate or even advanced ranks.
Of course, this was under the condition that they pledged unwavering loyalty to the family.
‘If only Leonhardt could teach him what he knows.’
However, my bodyguard wouldn’t disclose the family’s breathing techniques or swordsmanship without explicit permission from the Marquis. These were core secrets of the family, and leaking them carried severe penalties.
At minimum, it was a death sentence, with the offender’s entire lineage eradicated.
A truly terrifying punishment.
‘I’ll have to get permission.’
Seron was a valuable companion even in the later stages. Naturally, I had no intention of giving him some mediocre technique.
The best option available was the aura techniques and swordsmanship taught within the Marquisate. Even by the game’s standards, these were considered advanced-level techniques.
I figured the Marquis would approve the foundational levels without much hesitation.
If he granted permission for more, that would be even better.
Since I also needed to discuss using the teleportation gate, I might as well visit the inner castle for both matters.
“Let’s go to the inner castle.”
Together with Seron and Leonhardt, we made our way there.
“Seron, follow me. I need to meet my father.”
“…Your father… Do you mean the Lord?”
“Who else would I mean? Don’t be scared, just follow me. This is for your benefit.”
“…”
Perhaps because he was timid, Seron hesitated, fidgeting awkwardly in place.
“You said you wanted to become a knight. To do that, you need to meet him.”
“…Understood.”
Reluctantly, he trailed behind me.
After reaching the office,
I knocked on the door before stepping inside.
“What brings you here today? And who is that boy?”
The Marquis’s eyes lit up with curiosity as he looked at Seron.
“He’s the one who became Leonhardt’s squire. Introduce yourself.”
“L-Lord Marquis… I… I am Seron.”
“What kind of man lacks so much spirit?”
The Marquis frowned at Seron’s timid greeting.
It seemed he wasn’t impressed with Seron’s demeanor.
Well, that would change the moment Seron held a sword.
“Father, I have two matters to discuss today.”
“Two, you say? Speak.”
“The first is to request permission to teach this boy the family’s breathing techniques and swordsmanship.”
“The family’s breathing techniques and swordsmanship, you say?”
“Yes. Just the foundational levels for now.”
At my words, the Marquis stared at me intently.
“Kyle.”
“Yes.”
“While those are what apprentice knights typically learn, they are not something just anyone can be taught.”
“I understand.”
“Since you understand, I’ll make it simple. No. Those are reserved for the elite who pass the family’s trials. They are not for someone as feeble as that boy.”
We’ll see if he still says that after witnessing Seron’s talent.
Smiling slightly, I looked at the Marquis.
“Father.”
“What is it?”
“May I ask him to draw his sword?”
Drawing a sword in front of a noble without permission was considered a threat.
Naturally, I had to obtain approval first.
At my request, the Marquis smiled, intrigued.
“Do you believe my decision will change if he draws his sword?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. Let him draw it.”
Now, with his permission secured…
It was time to reveal Seron’s true nature as a Sword Demon.
“Seron, you heard him. Draw your sword.”
“…Understood.”
With trembling hands, Seron reached for the sword’s hilt.
He seemed extremely nervous.
The Marquis smirked, his face practically screaming how little he expected from this.
Well, that made sense.
The Sword Demon side of Seron was deeply buried within him, so much so that even a Sword Master couldn’t detect it unless it actively surfaced.
Without the trust I’d built with the Marquis over time, Seron’s hesitance might have caused him to lose patience.
His timid demeanor was undoubtedly frustrating.
That’s why maintaining one’s reputation was so important.
The moment Seron’s sword emerged from its sheath, the Marquis’s expression hardened instantly.
“…”
“What do you think?”
“It’s as if his soul has completely transformed—into something sharp and honed, like a finely forged blade. The timid boy… seems to retain only his consciousness, while the one controlling the body is this newly emerged persona.”
As expected.
Being a Sword Master, the Marquis had quickly discerned Seron’s condition.
“Exactly.”
“I can see now why you brought up the matter of the breathing technique.”
“Yes. Without reaching a certain level of mastery, he risks being consumed by the sword.”
“What a peculiar case. Would he transform like this even if you handed him another sword?”
“Yes. As long as it’s a sword, this transformation will occur. Fascinating, isn’t it?”
It was almost like something out of an occult movie.
The Marquis was clearly intrigued.
If not for the game’s unique traits, such phenomena would never occur.
This was one of those astonishing moments born from the blend of the game and reality.
The Marquis nodded at my explanation.
“You said he’s Leonhardt’s squire?”
“That’s correct.”
“Then he’s under your command.”
“Yes, I plan to train him well.”
“Indeed… How fascinating.”
The Marquis fixed his gaze on me.
“What is it?”
“Every person you bring under your wing seems to possess monstrous talent. Your maid, Erciel, and now this boy possessed by the sword.”
“I guess I have a good eye for talent.”
“Indeed. Wait here for a moment.”
The Marquis drew the sword from his belt.
Without another word, he lunged directly at Seron.
The blade descended toward Seron’s head in a swift, chilling strike.
Clang!
In an instant, Seron raised his sword to block the attack.
Locking eyes with the Marquis, he calmly asked,
“Is this a test?”
“It is.”
“Have I passed?”
At that, the Marquis smiled faintly.
“You have.”
“…Thank you.”
“If I weren’t so busy, I’d want to teach you myself. It’s a shame.”
Clicking his tongue in regret, the Marquis returned to his seat.
“Tell Leonhardt he has my permission to train him.”
“To what extent?”
The family’s techniques were divided into foundational, intermediate, advanced, and pinnacle levels.
The pinnacle level was reserved for the head of the family and their successor, but I was aiming for the advanced level.
Judging by the Marquis’s reaction, it seemed likely he’d grant permission for a higher level.
And as expected…
“Both the breathing techniques and swordsmanship—up to the advanced level—are permitted. Whether or not to teach them is up to your discretion. Tell Leonhardt that.”
Bullseye.
As expected from a passionate man, his decision was bold and decisive.
“Thank you.”
“No, I should thank you. That was an entertaining spectacle. But…”
Leaning in close, the Marquis whispered softly into my ear.
“That timid boy might not pose much concern, but be cautious. His condition could be dangerous.”
I immediately understood the Marquis’s implication.
He was advising me to keep a tight leash on Seron.
While Leonhardt’s loyalty was unquestionable, Seron was still a newcomer.
Not that I needed the reminder—I had every intention of doing so.
“Of course, Father. Seron, wait outside with your sword sheathed.”
“…Yes.”
With that, Seron carefully returned his sword to its sheath and left the office.
The first matter had been resolved successfully.
Now, it was time to address the second.
“Father.”
“Yes? What’s your next request?”
“I’d like to use the teleportation gate.”
“…The gate?”
The Marquis’s expression instantly hardened.
“That’s not something I can easily grant.”
“I understand.”
“Good. Then convince me.”
“I intend to go to Helena.”
“Helena, you say…”
The Marquis paused, seeming to realize something, before looking me in the eye.
“Are you planning to participate in the magic tournament?”
“Yes.”
“And? Simply declaring your intent to participate isn’t enough to gain permission.”
That was only natural.
But I wasn’t asking to use the gate just to participate.
“I plan to compete in the theoretical division.”
“The theoretical division… Does that mean the competition where you present new magic?”
Exactly.
And that division offered far greater rewards than the combat division. Winning in the theoretical division granted the right to establish a magic tower.
The reason the theoretical division offered a better reward was simple.
Magic presented in the finals would be compiled into magic tomes and made publicly available to all mages.
Because of this, the rewards were much grander.
Looking at the Marquis, I replied,
“Yes. And I intend to win. As compensation for using the gate, would that suffice?”
Under the assumption that I’d win, it was an irresistible offer.
Hearing this, a glint of intrigue appeared in the Marquis’s eyes.
He seemed genuinely curious about what I was relying on to make such a confident declaration of victory.
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