Chapter 29: 29

Gloné immediately understood the implications behind the king’s words. Normally, the induction into the Royal Knights required consultations with high-ranking officials, but there was also a method for the king to proceed unilaterally. Once the royal seal was stamped on the induction permit, the process would start, leaving little room for swift intervention. High-ranking officials would then be thrown into confusion, hurriedly verifying the situation and reluctantly passing the agenda.

“…Your Majesty, wouldn’t it be better to discuss this matter with the officials?”

“There is no need for discussion. If he can use sword aura at 19, he is more than suitable for the Royal Knights.”

“Your Majesty is the ruler of this kingdom and oversees the laws and procedures of the palace. If Your Majesty sets an example, the officials will not take this matter lightly.”

Gloné fully expressed her point of view and bowed her head. While the authority and orders of the king were crucial, it was necessary to go through the proper processes to uphold the king’s dignity. Although officials could not easily defy royal orders, Alain Kingdom could not function without them. Therefore, they should not be ignored, and decisions should be ratified through the established procedures.

“Huh… Is the Royal Knights Commander trying to teach me?”

“If I have overstepped, I apologize. I will accept any punishment, but please heed my advice.”

“Haha! Can’t you take a joke? How could I punish the commander of the Royal Knights?”

Brandish had anticipated Gloné’s response. Although she was serious about using the royal seal, if the report was accurate, the agenda had to proceed even if the officials opposed it.

“I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”

“Royal Knights Commander, obey the royal command.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Gloné slowly bowed her head in a solemn posture. Brandish found her consistent demeanor somewhat regrettable but had no choice but to accept it as king. Had they met as comrades, they might have fought side by side on the battlefield.

“Verify the authenticity of the report. The youngest son of Marquis Laird’s family… What is his name?”

“…Zion Laird.”

“Hmhm… Seek cooperation from Marquis Laird and personally test Zion Laird. Just ascertain the truth.”

“I will uphold your grand command.”

Gloné straightened up and left the royal office. Brandish thought for a moment before flipping through the document folder again. Even with something interesting happening, the given tasks did not disappear.

“The eldest son’s induction is already under discussion, and now the youngest is a candidate?”

The command of other knight orders and military units was delegated to the supreme commander, but the Royal Knights were directly managed by Brandish. They were the knights protecting her and the forces safeguarding the palace and the royal family. Thus, the induction process of the Royal Knights was essentially determined by Brandish and Gloné.

“…Has there been a precedent where nobles from the same family were inducted simultaneously?”

Brandish felt a headache at the thought of having to review past precedents again. Whatever decision was made, it needed to have historical precedent, justification, and legitimacy. This was the foundation of Alain Kingdom and a strategy to counter the nobles.

“It’s difficult. Sacrificing one is too much of a waste.”

The Royal Knights symbolized the king’s authority and military power. Only with a well-equipped Royal Knights could the kingdom’s forces be expanded securely. Even with numerous troops, if the king couldn’t be adequately protected, the nation’s foundation would be shaken.

“Would Marquis Laird give both?”

From Marquis Laird’s perspective, having even one child in the Royal Knights was advantageous. Having more would reduce the number of people working for the family. It would be better to take a broader view for the prosperity of the family.

“If I have to give up one…”

Brandish had already met the eldest son of Marquis Laird. While Gloné could verify his skills, only a direct meeting could reveal his character and demeanor. Thus, she thought of meeting the other son as well.

“A rare talent. If nurtured well, he could become a Setinos Quasar.”

* *

Marquis Laird’s Estate, Indoor Training Ground

If a noble estate was large enough, it would certainly have a training ground. Usually, they were built in spaces in the front or back yards, and their size varied depending on the family’s wealth. Those who desired more sometimes even had indoor training grounds, often used to showcase their wealth.

“I can teach you swordsmanship, but you must fit it into my schedule. I can’t always be at the estate because of you.”

Barhen Laird brought a wooden sword, speaking with a detached tone. He already knew about his younger brother and fiancée’s incident and what had happened. Hence, he understood the reason behind this request.

“Yes, I understand. You are busy, brother.”

Zion handled the wooden sword, getting accustomed to its unfamiliar texture. He had often used kitchen knives but rarely a wooden sword. Zion Laird, as an extra, likely never practiced or had any interest in swordsmanship.

“… I have a question for you. Why do you want to learn swordsmanship from me?”

“Uh… There’s no one else around me to ask for such a favor. And… you’re very skilled with the sword.”

“Is that the only reason?”

“Um… I thought I should become stronger. I had that thought.”

“…”

Barhen remained silent, staring at Zion. The Zion he knew was a presence-less younger brother who didn’t cause trouble. He often spent time alone and was kind to maids and servants. How had this Zion come to use sword aura and set a goal to become stronger?

“What has happened all this time?”

“Yes? Nothing special happened. Oh, the ambush on our way back was a bit unpleasant.”

“… I see.”

Barhen immediately understood Zion’s reason for wanting to become stronger. Having been ambushed by bandits and nearly having his fiancée hurt must have strengthened his resolve. Even though it was a marriage of convenience, he had to protect the lady of Duke Adelaira’s family.

“You had no mana when you were here. When did you awaken it?”

“Oh, that? I awakened it while I was there…”

“Awakened it in that short time?”

“Yes. It cost quite a bit.”

“How much did you spend?”

“Around 200 gold coins, I think.”

“200? You spent that much?”

The amount of pocket money given to noble offspring varied depending on their family’s financial status. Common baronies fixed it in silver coins, while counts and viscounts received between 1 to 3 gold coins. Dukes and marquises’ children received a maximum of 10 gold coins. Given this, Zion had spent about two years’ worth of pocket money.

‘It was more…’

Zion kept silent, cautiously gauging the reaction. Buying Limpi Machina cost 150 gold coins, and the beast gloves cost over 320 gold coins. Although he was lucky enough to get the holy water for free, it was originally worth around 100 gold coins. In total, awakening mana had cost him 570 gold coins.

“Sigh… Alright. Did the head of the family approve this? How did you learn sword aura?”

“That’s hard to explain. I used it by coincidence…”

“It can’t be mere coincidence. It’s your talent.”

Barhen sighed, accepting the harsh reality. He had spent a long time training to use sword aura. Yet Zion, who had barely held a sword, had manifested it in less than a month. This showed a stark difference in innate talent, rendering efforts futile.

“Brother, please don’t misunderstand. I can only use sword aura. That’s all.”

“Zion, do you know what sword aura means to a swordsman?”

“I’ve heard it’s called a swordsman’s pride.”

“Sword aura isn’t just something you learn once. If you keep training, you can elevate it, and its power doesn’t diminish with age. That’s why it’s a swordsman’s pride.”

Barhen, though emotional, slowly calmed down and emptied his mind. Saying he wasn’t jealous would be a lie. The difference in innate talent had made efforts meaningless. But he couldn’t show all this to his younger brother.

“There’s nothing more I can teach you. Haven’t you surpassed me?”

“Brother, I can only use sword aura. I have nothing else…”

“Even so, it changes nothing. How can I teach you if I can’t use sword aura?”

Zion fell silent, lowering his head. He understood the emotions behind Barhen’s words. But there was no way he could help.

‘There’s no benefit in revealing Magic Sword.’

Unless proven worthy, no one could use Magic Sword. Its secrecy had to be maintained due to previous conflicts over it. Exceed Rain, without two specific immunities, would dominate and destroy everything around the user.

“… I understand. Let’s forget the request. I think I’ve caused trouble for you.”

Zion placed the wooden sword back and quietly left. No more words could change Barhen’s mind.

“…”

Barhen watched Zion leave, then slowly turned away. The passion he held seemed to dwindle. Though he had no intention of giving up swordsmanship, he felt he needed to calm his mind for a while.

‘I still have much to learn.’

Among young swordsmen, few had as much potential as him. It was just that Zion had reached a higher level. To avoid falling behind, he had to keep working harder.

‘I’ll give up on the Royal Knights. Now isn’t the time to chase honor.’

* *

Duke Adelaira’s Estate, Zion’s Room

Zion tried to erase the memory of the previous day. Reflecting on it, he realized Barhen might feel demoralized. Barhen had trained since childhood, while Zion had achieved sword aura with Exceed Rain’s abilities. It effectively denied Barhen’s talent and efforts.

‘But I couldn’t have not used it.’

Not using Exceed Rain in that situation would have led to injuries or deaths. Either he or Hanette could have been harmed. He had no choice.

‘I’ll have to be careful when visiting home now…’

There was a knock on the door. As it opened, a man in a red uniform stepped in, with Yenid and maids watching from outside.

“Are you Zion Laird, the son of Marquis Laird’s family?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“I have a message from the palace.”

“…?”

Zion gave a puzzled look and then recognized the man’s identity. The neatly trimmed red uniform, the white thread embroidery on the cuffs and collar, the silver chain on the shoulder—he was a direct messenger from the palace.

‘Could it be…’

Zion respectfully accepted the letter, bowing his head. He could roughly guess what it contained. It must be about his use of sword aura and the corresponding measures.

‘Are they trying to induct me into the Royal Knights? Barhen should join to connect with the 3rd Princess…’