Chapter 38: 38

“…”

Zion lowered his teacup, lost for words. It was a request he couldn’t fulfill. He couldn’t help in any way, nor could he reveal the truth.

“Uh… That’s a bit of a difficult request for me.”

“Of course it is. I know it’s easier for me to teach you swordsmanship. That’s why I’m asking.”

Halfnon’s eyes were earnest, and Kaltz nodded as if he had somewhat anticipated this. Zion, still troubled, tried to find a way to explain.

“Well… uh… I don’t really know how to use sword energy myself. So, helping you would be quite difficult.”

“I understand. Sword energy isn’t something you learn; it’s something you realize.”

“So, I can’t help you realize it. I don’t exactly know how I use it myself.”

“Every swordsman who uses sword energy says that. They say it’s about following a sense, but I just don’t understand.”

Even Zion didn’t know much about the specifics of sword energy. It was described as something that would eventually manifest after a swordsman reached a certain point in their training and managed to push past their limits. In essence, it was about persistent effort, with no clear timeline for success.

“Then wouldn’t it be better to learn from those swordsmen? They have more experience than I do.”

“… I’ve tried several times, but they never make time for me. They always give excuses about being busy with knightly duties or their own training.”

“You should have extensive connections as a Marquis. Is that not enough?”

“Even if a Duke asked, they’d refuse. They say that while they can teach swordsmanship, sword energy must be learned independently.”

This was partly true, but it also concealed a deeper truth. Swordsmen who had achieved sword energy were unlikely to freely share their hard-earned knowledge. They were likely trying to preserve the rarity and value of their skill, possibly even colluding among themselves to keep it exclusive.

“So that’s why you’re asking me.”

“We have many connections. You’re my friend’s younger brother and Lady Hanette’s fiancé.”

“… But I really can’t help you. I have nothing to teach.”

“I don’t need much. Could you just share the feeling or habits associated with using sword energy?”

“That’s not too difficult, but…”

“Thank you. I will treat you with the utmost respect during your stay here.”

“…”

Zion glanced at Kaltz, who simply gave a reassuring nod and smiled, urging him to go along with it.

“Is the discussion over now?”

“Thanks to you, it was quick.”

“I didn’t say much. Just mentioned my sword-wielding friend.”

“Thank you. When else will I get a chance to meet a swordsman who uses sword energy?”

“That’s why I can drink expensive alcohol.”

Kaltz laughed heartily, patting Zion on the shoulder. If Barhen had helped, they wouldn’t have needed to go through this.

But Barhen had refused to join the Royal Knights and was focused solely on his own swordsmanship training. Knowing that Zion would be troubled by this, Kaltz had taken it upon himself to find a suitable teacher.

“Your brother being busy was fortunate for me. I wouldn’t have this opportunity otherwise.”

“Uh… right.”

Kaltz answered awkwardly, aware that only he and Freed knew about Barhen’s decision. While other nobles would find out soon enough, it was unfortunate that Zion had to be kept in the dark.

“Don’t misunderstand. Being busy means he’s capable.”

“I didn’t misunderstand. I was just surprised by how happy you were.”

“Of course I’m happy. Sword-wielding knights often act arrogant and stubborn… compared to them, your brother is very kind.”

“Zion is kind. Please treat him well. I don’t want to be blamed for a poor introduction.”

“Of course. I’ll treat him with the utmost respect.”

Halfnon answered with anticipation, having never expected to meet a swordsman using sword energy so easily. Usually, they were either arrogant or suspicious. Fortunately, this time, it was his friend’s younger brother, making things much easier.

‘Even if I don’t understand, it will be helpful…’

Any swordsman dreams of wielding sword energy. Knights with other weapons similarly strive to reach a peak form of their own. It’s a technique reserved for the strongest and a step towards becoming a Setinos Quasar.

‘Nineteen years old… he’s bound to become a Setinos Quasar. Better make a good impression.’

* * *

Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, Garden.

Gardens varied in size and appearance depending on the wealth and resources of each family. The land for the garden, the flowers and trees within, the costs and the gardener’s skill, and the decorations scattered throughout were all part of it. A garden was essentially an extension of the mansion, and any noble with a sense of decorum would invest heavily in it.

The Adelaira family’s garden was always well-maintained by skilled gardeners to ensure it looked magnificent at all times.

‘… I haven’t been here since then.’

Hanette sat at a table in the garden. Although she was often outside the mansion, whenever she mentioned wanting to have tea in the garden, the servants would quickly prepare the place for her. Usually, when she wasn’t going out, she stayed inside the mansion, but today, for some reason, she wanted to walk around the garden.

‘Why am I doing this?’

Hanette stared at the teacup, lost in thought. Back then, she walked through the garden having trivial conversations. Who was better, whose fault it was, how ridiculous things were, and so on. A hollow feeling seemed to rise from deep inside her.

‘Should have gone out alone.’

Of course, there were only a few places to go. She could go alone, as always, and pretend to spend money. But every time she thought about going out, someone’s words echoed in her mind.

‘Ridiculous. Why am I even listening to that?’

Despite her thoughts, her body didn’t move. “Don’t go out until I return.” That one sentence seemed to bind her in place.

‘Since when did I become so obedient?’

Hanette scoffed at herself, reaching for the teacup. If her fear stemmed from the encounter with the bandits, it would be somewhat understandable. They might not have been ordinary bandits but those harboring a grudge against the Adelaira family. Yet, any other reason would raise suspicion.

‘I decided to trust him a little.’

But somehow, she had come to fully trust those words. If he was by her side, he would protect her; if he left, there was nothing she could do. It felt as if he knew she would try to escape.

‘… Shouldn’t he promise to protect me to the end?’

Hanette lifted the teacup, only to set it down again. It was a selfish and complacent thought. How could she expect him to chase after her if she ran away? If she truly trusted Zion, she shouldn’t think about escaping.

‘What am I thinking…’

Hanette picked up the teacup again and took a sip. Love should be mutual, not one-sided. It was a unilateral emotion and an insult to the other person.

‘Am I hoping to be loved by that kid? No way…’

Hanette frowned, tilting her head. She couldn’t have such feelings for someone she was forced to be with. No matter how well he treated her, it would all seem like a lie.

‘I need to get a grip. I can’t always rely on that kid…’

A carriage was entering from the front gate. Hanette instinctively recognized it as the one Zion had left in.

‘He came back quickly. Where should I suggest we go? Maybe somewhere different this time…’

“What are you doing out here instead of staying in your room?”

A voice she didn’t want to hear intruded on her thoughts. Hanette sighed and turned her head slightly. She didn’t want to fight and preferred to ignore him as usual.

“Get lost. If you have nothing to do, go outside.”

“I’ll leave when I want.”

“Then get lost. Do I need to know what you want?”

“I was just getting some fresh air before leaving, but guess what? Someone annoying is in front of me. So, I had to say something.”

Shchedrin Adelaira, the youngest son of the Adelaira family, sauntered over with an arrogant air. The half-brother of Thena Adelaira and Hanette, he often picked fights with Hanette.

“I don’t know why you’re so alike. Why don’t you go whine to your sister?”

“You speak well. I don’t know how you held back until now.”

“I don’t see the point in talking to you. Your face is disgusting, so just get lost.”

“You know, I’m better off outside than you, right?”

“…”

Hanette remained silent. As she had said before, there was no reason to continue the conversation. They might share blood, but he was only a half-sibling, and she never considered him family.

“Ignoring me again? Well… shouldn’t you finish what you started?”

“…”

“Annoying brat.”

Shchedrin shrugged, stopping in front of Hanette. She didn’t even glance at him, instead lifting her teacup. At the same time, the table shook with a loud thud.

“Just because you’re legitimate, doesn’t mean you can ignore me.”

“… You’re the one who shouldn’t speak, being born to a concubine.”

“Did you just insult my mother?”

“Did you just insult my mother?”

“Do you think we’re the same? You, a brat…”

“If you don’t have the confidence to beat me, keep your eyes down. Should I crush your ugly face to make you satisfied?”

“You brat…”

“Don’t be rude. You’re a bastard.”

A cold voice swept through the garden. Hanette recognized it immediately and turned her gaze. Shchedrin, enraged, was about to raise his voice but hesitated, startled.

“This is your only warning. Don’t call her a brat. If you insult or try to harm her, I won’t stand by.”

Zion approached with cold eyes. Hanette, unable to intervene, watched quietly.

“What gives you the right to command me…”

“This is your only… warning. If it happens again, I’ll kill you.”