Chapter 47: 47
Meeting Zion had taken Barhen nearly a month of intense dedication to reach his goal. He spent each day tirelessly practicing swordsmanship, refusing to leave the mansion. His sole focus was on mastering the art of swordsmanship, yet despite his relentless efforts, there was no tangible change. His body and spirit grew weary.
‘The answer was closer than I thought.’
It was about risking one’s life, reaching a sincere heart, and having the resolve to protect. Zion had fulfilled these conditions, enabling him to create swordsmanship in such a short time. Of course, without innate talent and sense, it might have been impossible.
‘I have to meet him.’
Barhen slowly got up, recalling the incident. He had confessed his inadequacies in teaching swordsmanship and had since abandoned his ambition to join the Royal Knights, focusing solely on his training. Zion, too, must have felt distant from him.
‘I can’t apologize, but I must thank him.’
Feeling his muscles ache, Barhen moved slowly. He wanted to visit Duke Adelaira’s mansion immediately but knew he needed rest first. Informing his family and taking a brief respite was the prudent course.
‘I should also meet his fiancée.’
Barhen had never met Hanette Adelaira, only hearing about her reputation as a Crazy Young Lady who behaved peculiarly. However, he knew that rumors often contained exaggerations and lies, and he needed to see the truth for himself.
‘How deeply must he have loved to manifest swordsmanship? What kind of woman could she be…’
—
At Duke Adelaira’s mansion, in Zion’s room, Zion read and reread Barhen’s letter, filled with curiosity and disbelief.
It was an improbable situation.
It should have taken more than a year to achieve what Barhen had accomplished in a month. Yet, Barhen had done it, and the letter detailed this unexpected result.
‘…Is this really possible?’
Zion put the letter back in its envelope and placed it in the drawer. This outcome was not something he had anticipated. However, it wasn’t a problem for him. In fact, he felt a bit relieved that things were returning to their original path.
‘Now he’ll likely join the Royal Knights.’
Barhen had abandoned his ambition to join the Royal Knights due to his sense of inadequacy, largely influenced by Zion. But having achieved what he had so desperately sought, he would inevitably follow the King’s orders.
‘Is this a good thing?’
Barhen’s newfound strength would benefit Marquis Laird’s family, placing them in a superior position over other noble families and facilitating advantageous political marriages. Consequently, Zion, as a member of Marquis Laird’s family, would also benefit indirectly.
‘But I should still meet him.’
Zion left his room and walked down the corridor. Barhen had stated in his letter that he would visit Duke Adelaira’s mansion to see Zion and his fiancée. Zion approached the neighboring room and knocked on the door. Hanette, sitting on the bed, looked up at him.
“Are they here already?”
“No, I just came by first.”
“Hmm… are you scared?”
“…Of what?”
“You’re nervous about meeting him again, aren’t you?”
“Phew… I’m not that timid.”
“If I were you, I’d be a little uneasy too. The swordsmanship thing complicated everything.”
“…Probably.”
“But it all worked out somehow, didn’t it?”
“Like you said, he mastered it in a month.”
Zion had to acknowledge Hanette’s prediction. Even with his knowledge of this world’s setting and future, he hadn’t anticipated this outcome. Hanette might have spoken casually, but it had inadvertently become reality.
“Aren’t you the expert? How did you learn swordsmanship?”
“You’re trying to show off now, aren’t you?”
“When else can I show off?”
“You always seem to be showing off.”
“That’s my line.”
Zion chuckled, letting his laughter answer for him. Hanette paused, then let out a sigh, turning her head.
“Why are you laughing?”
“It just happened?”
“You’re mocking me, aren’t you?”
“No, it’s just… things feel more relaxed now.”
“……”
Hanette agreed internally, glancing at Zion. The atmosphere seemed more relaxed than when they first met. It felt more like a normal conversation rather than a sarcastic exchange.
“We’re probably just getting to know each other better.”
“We’ve learned a lot about each other.”
“We’ve mellowed out after all those petty fights.”
“The tension has eased a bit.”
“We’ve come to understand each other more.”
“If only you would stop being stubborn.”
“When was I ever stubborn?”
“Often. When you drink, when you gamble… and…”
“How is that being stubborn? I wasn’t in my right mind when I drank. And you couldn’t answer about the debt.”
“You blamed me when you tripped, said I wasn’t acting like myself, and asked why I intervened…”
“Do you remember all that?”
Hanette glared at Zion, feeling irritated. She had her reasons for saying those things. But he was bringing them up without understanding her feelings, which was frustrating.
“I remember because it happened to me.”
“Do you think you did everything right? You got us summoned to the palace with your nonsense. When Shchedrin came, you should have stayed quiet instead of escalating things.”
“I told you about the palace in advance. I intervened because I had to.”
“You were wrong! You made the family head draw his sword! Do you enjoy making things worse? I find no fun in it!”
“So we settled the debt…”
“You’re changing the story. I was supposed to receive it anyway, and now you’re making it sound like a favor?”
“You should have taken it then.”
“How could I take it when it was obviously from Marquis Laird? What am I supposed to do?”
Zion shook his head silently. It would have been easier if she had accepted it then. But she didn’t, and he had to get funds from Robbenz to repay her.
“Do you know how I feel?”
“Do you know how I feel?”
“Phew…”
“Sigh…”
Both felt a distance between them and avoided each other’s gaze. They both had reasons for their actions, but the other didn’t seem to understand. It would take more time to understand each other.
The sound of knocking broke the silence. A maid entered and bowed lightly.
“Barhen Laird has arrived at the mansion and is on his way to the reception room.”
Zion and Hanette exchanged glances and simultaneously moved towards the door. The guest had come to see them, undoubtedly with something important to discuss.
‘I can’t predict what he’ll say.’
‘It must be about swordsmanship.’
—
In the reception room at Duke Adelaira’s mansion, Zion and Hanette entered and saw Barhen. Barhen rose from his seat immediately upon seeing them.
“It’s been a while, Zion.”
“Yes, brother.”
Zion replied cautiously, looking at Barhen. They hadn’t met since Zion had asked for swordsmanship lessons. They both knew their situations well and had avoided each other.
“Hello, I’m Hanette Adelaira.”
Hanette stepped forward, introducing herself without hesitation. Barhen recognized her quickly and responded respectfully.
“Ah, you must be Zion’s fiancée.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Barhen Laird. My brother owes you a lot.”
“No, I’m the one indebted to him.”
Barhen subtly observed Hanette and quickly formed an opinion. Her fresh voice and elegant appearance seemed to contradict the rumors of her being a Crazy Young Lady.
“I won’t keep you long. Please listen to me for a moment.”
“Of course.”
Hanette smiled and moved to the opposite side, followed by Zion, who sat beside her.
“Zion, how have you been?”
“I’ve been well, sir.”
“I’m not sure where to start… First, I must apologize. I’m sorry.”
Barhen expressed his heartfelt feelings. His pride and greed had caused him to resent and ignore Zion. Zion’s talent had been extraordinary, yet Barhen’s ego couldn’t accept it.
“Brother, you don’t have to…”
“I couldn’t accept it. You achieved in an instant what I couldn’t reach despite my efforts. Although I acknowledged your superior skill, my pride made me reject your request. I’m truly sorry.”
“……”
Zion bowed his head in silence. There was no way to refute Barhen’s honest admission. Zion had manifested swordsmanship through a Magic Sword, while Barhen had achieved it through relentless effort.
“And thank you. I was able to manifest swordsmanship thanks to you. Without you, I wouldn’t have learned it so quickly.”
“…If you’re satisfied, that’s enough for me.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Barhen felt slightly relieved and turned to Hanette. Hanette watched him, waiting for him to speak first.
“I am also grateful to you, Hanette. Without you, I wouldn’t have realized the secret.”
“Me? I didn’t do anything.”
“That’s not true. Without you, I wouldn’t have understood the secret. Thank you.”
“Hmm…”
Hanette looked troubled, turning her gaze to Zion. Zion, equally puzzled, looked back at her.
“Are you getting along well with Zion?”
“Huh? Yes, we’ve grown closer since the engagement.”
“Zion might have his shortcomings. Sometimes you’ll disagree and argue or spend time apart. But please take good care of him. This is not just because he’s my brother, but because I hope you see him as a man.”
“Huh? Oh, of course.”
Hanette replied absentmindedly, caught off guard by the sudden focus on Zion. She didn’t fully understand the reason, but she couldn’t outright refuse, so she nodded in agreement.
“I’m now going to join the Royal Knights. I may be busy, but if you ever need me, I’ll do my best to help both of you.”