Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Only then did I realize why Duke Thermion had said what he had about Leila seeming to be upset whenever I was brought up.

Writing a letter.

I forgot.

I said I would reply, but I was so busy practicing magic with Cidrane that it completely slipped my mind.

“You should have at least told me in advance that you were coming!”

Leila seemed quite upset.

“Oh, sorry.”

“Is that all?”

“That’s why I’m here. I wanted to write you a letter, but I was so busy preparing that I didn’t have much time on my hands.”

Leila pouted in disdain.

“…Ugh, it’s not like I can stay mad at you.”

She must have waited a long time.

Feeling a bit of guilt, I made a slight suggestion.

“Well, is there anything I can do?”

“What?”

“I feel really bad about it.” I hesitated for a moment and then said, “For example, a light sparring match?”

At those words, a corner of Leila’s lips went up.

“Are you sure you won’t regret it?”

“Regret?”

“Even though I look like this, I can’t compare to how I was before. I’m not the same as back when I was struggling to learn how to release magical power from you.”

Judging from her confident expression, she seemed to have grown a lot over the past seven years. Yes, what was it that I read in a letter back then?

“You know, right? I won the Dantère Cup hosted by the Imperial Family?”

Yeah, I remembered her saying she had won the Dantère Cup. It was a type of tournament in which boys and girls under the age of fifteen from the empire competed. It was a competition created by Dantère I, who founded the current Altheon Empire, to commemorate the establishment of the empire.

“Yeah, I remember.”

“I wish you had come, too.”

I didn’t go because I didn’t want to bother with the roundtrip journey. Now that I was in the capital, I considered going next time.

Anyway, Leila certainly seemed to have great talent. They said that the winner would be personally congratulated by the emperor and given a reward and a cash prize. It was likely that all of the talented children from all over the country had gathered there, but Leila had won the competition.

“If you had come, I would have definitely fought you in the finals.”

Leila then asked, “You’re participating in the next one, right?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Tsk. Even if you say so, it’s fine. So, let’s spar. Is that okay? We have to take the entrance exam, what if you get hurt?”

I barely managed to hold back my laughter. I wasn’t mocking her. It was just cute.

Instead of the caution I had seen seven years ago, confidence seemed to have taken its place.

I smiled at those words and said, “You don’t have to worry.”

“Okay. Then shall we go right now?”

“Alright.”

There was nothing better than a good spar to relax after a trip. Well, it wasn’t much of a trip as it was almost instantaneous.

Still, I had a feeling I knew why the Duke told me to take it easy.

* * *

Leila Thermion.

A girl who was considered stronger than anyone her age. The winner of the 299th Dantère Cup, she also possessed beauty that any heir to a prestigious family would treasure in their hearts.

The daughter of Duke Thermion, you could say that she was a being who truly had everything.

Because of this, the nobles all agreed that she would soon catch up with her two older brothers, who were already active as knights, and that she might even become the first female head of the House Thermion.

It might have been because it made for a better topic of conversation, but it was also proof of Leila’s great talent.

Truthfully, even Leila didn’t think she would grow so much. But seven years ago, her world changed when she met Dane at Count Sogres’s house while following her father on his southern inspection tour.

Mana Release.

She had learned the basics of handling magical power much faster than her peers, and as a result, her growth began to accelerate as she created a mana core a year later.

‘After that… even I couldn’t believe how fast I was growing.’

And now, she had created two mana cores. Perhaps within two years, her mana cores would increase to three.

Of course, that kind of growth would not have been possible without existing talent. However, the secret of mana release that Dane had taught her brought about great growth for Leila, and as a result, she had won the Dantère Cup.

Now, it was time to show off those skills to the person who taught her.

‘If I win, will Dane be depressed? Should I take it easy?’

Leila was worried that Dane might become depressed after losing to her.

“This is the training ground.”

“It’s big.”

“It really is, right? But I always use it by myself, so it’s boring. Sometimes my brothers come and use it, but it’s basically a place only for members of the Thermion family.”

Leila looked proud.

“How should we spar?”

Dane, on the other hand, didn’t seem particularly interested.

“Do you have any practice weapons?”

Practice weapons? It had been over two years since she had used one.

“Are you still using a bladeless weapon?”

At those words, Dane shook his head and stated, “I said it was light sparring. The principle is to use weapons for practice.”

Dane continued firmly, “No matter how skilled a warrior is, he can’t handle every situation. If you or I get hurt, what will we do then?”

“Our family also has the best healer in the empire.”

“What if an accident happens before the healer can do anything?”

“…”

Dane’s past life began on the battlefield and ended on the battlefield. Because of this, he knew very well how quickly people could get injured and die. Above all, sparring had to be sparring.

“If you are going to wield a weapon, you should have the right mindset.”

A fear that came from such seriousness filled the training ground.

Leila reluctantly asked, “…Why are you so serious about sparring?”

“You have to be serious whenever you draw your weapon. Even your practice weapon.”

That was Arken Sogres, his father’s teachings.

Leila eventually gave in to the pressure of the situation. However, it didn’t seem like she was completely convinced.

‘Is it because you lack confidence? Hmph.’

Leila asked immediately, “Okay, so are you using a spear?”

“Yeah.”

Within a few minutes, a practice sword and spear were brought in.

“The center of gravity is completely off. I used this two years ago.”

While Leila grumbled, Dane swung his spear a few times without a second thought.

As a spear with no blade or any special features, Dane’s weapon wasn’t very balanced either. The short spear that his father gave him as a gift had been lengthened a year ago when he replaced the shaft and had become a long spear.

The spear was a masterpiece made of maple and godrick steel with an optimal center of gravity. Because of this, Dane felt a more acute sense of alienation.

However, Dane didn’t show it.

After all, he still vividly remembered the battlefield where he would pick up any weapon he could and use it whenever his weapon broke.

Dane turned to Leila and said, “The rule is that if your feet leave the ground, the spar begins, and if your arms or your butt touch the ground, or you drop your weapon, you lose. How about that?”

“Sounds good.”

Leila returned to her confident expression. The two distanced themselves and pointed their weapons at each other.

Leila learned the basic stance of the Thermion swordsmanship, and Dane the basic stance of the Sogres spearmanship. Leila, as always, had imagined the duel in her head. Fortunately, she had faced spearmen during the Dantère Cup, so it wasn’t difficult.

‘Spears have a long range, but their destructive power drops sharply at close range. So…’

Leila finally took a step forward, making her own plan. It was a movement that signaled the start of the duel.

However, Leila’s thoughts could not continue any longer.

Thunk!

At the same time, Dane seemed to kick off from the ground, and then he suddenly rushed forward.

“Ugh.”

He was within striking distance of Leila. She felt a cool feeling on her neck.

Dane’s spear blade, which had rushed in like lightning, stopped right in front of her neck.

Leila froze in place and Dane spoke.

“If my skills had been just a little weaker while holding a real weapon, or if you had moved clumsily, you would have been stabbed in the neck.”

Leila couldn’t nod because she couldn’t believe what had just happened. Dane’s spear had stopped too close to her for her to nod, anyway.

“How…?”

Dane put away his spear and answered, “Shall we go again?”

A drop of cold sweat ran down Leila’s spine.

No, she had just let her guard down.

Leila raised her sword, trying to rationalize what had happened.

That was when一

‘Father.’

She saw her father looking down at the training grounds from a terrace not that far away.

Leila tightened her grip on her sword.

“Let’s go.”

Looking at Leila…

There wasn’t even a hint of laughter to be found on Dane’s face.

It was as if he were going to war.

The third time

The fourth.

And the fifth.

“What do you think?” Duke Thermion asked Asmar while watching the two sparring.

“I mean, Leila being subdued five times,” Asmar answered after trying to figure out the intention of Duke Thermion’s question. “It seems that Lord Dane is very skilled.”

“Haha, that’s not what I asked. That’s a fact that anyone watching the duel can see.”

As he spoke, Leila was defeated for the sixth time. Not only was her newly launched sword aura easily blocked, but she was also hit five times on the shoulder.

They were weak blows, of course, but it would have been more painful than any attack she had received in recent years.

“I won’t lose!”

Duke Thermion continued speaking while watching Leila, who was rushing at Dane again.

“Do you think this will ease Leila’s temper a little?”

“…You knew about it.”

“Of course. I knew it better than anyone. I saw the signs before the Dantère Cup, but after winning, she had completely changed.”

Duke Thermion recalled Leila’s appearance, which went beyond confidence and into being prideful. He had wanted to scold her but thought she should figure it out on her own, so he didn’t say anything.

“Doesn’t Leila have two mana cores?”

“Yes.”

“In your opinion, how many mana cores does that boy have?”

“…” Asmar answered after much thought, “At least three.”

“Truly? I think differently. I believe he has two, three at most.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Do you see that?”

Duke Thermion pointed at Dane’s attack.

“What is overwhelming Leila is not his spearmanship or faster movements, but his tactics, which Leila has never experienced.”

As the duke had said, Dane’s current speed was not much different from Leila’s. However, Leila was consistently pushed back throughout the spar.

‘I am the winner of the Dantère Cup!’

This fact was a source of great pride for Leila, but that pride could no longer be displayed. The swift swordsmanship that Leila was proud of was always blocked, and the delicate swordsmanship unique to House Thermion was all parried away.

Their speed was clearly the same.

But why—

“How are you blocking everything?”

“Because I can see everything.”

Leila burst out in anger at the simple answer.

“Don’t make me laugh!”

Dane was being honest. He could see everything.

Dane had gained experience on the battlefield by facing all kinds of enemies and being several times faster than them. From that perspective, Leila’s attacks were inferior to those of a seasoned soldier.

Their speed was similar.

At least, the speed Dane was ‘regulating’ right now.

Though Dane might be a bit at an advantage when it came to physical strength, winning a spar did not solely rely on that alone.

Of course, House Thermion’s swordsmanship and the body movements enhanced by the mana core were dangerous… But that too was when both opponents were of the same ‘class’.

Just like the ones who competed in the Dantère Cup.

“Ah…”

“Doesn’t he seem like a seasoned swordsman?”

Asmar was impressed by Dane’s movements, which reacted in accordance with Leila’s movements.

Who would have thought someone of that age would be able to make those kinds of moves?

Had he already had a lot of practical experience?

No, that didn’t make sense.

However, could this be explained only with the word ‘talent’?

“Sir Asmar”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“There was a time when Leila changed. Do you know when that was?”

“I think it was about seven years ago. It was after you returned from your inspection tour in the South.”

“Yes, to be exact, it was after she met a boy named Dane.” Duke Thermion smiled. “It’ll probably be the same this time too.”

Perhaps, this time too, Leila would grow because of Dane.

Dane was thoroughly blocking Leila’s attacks, clearly showing the difference in their skill.

“Still, he seems incredible. The young lady is the winner of the Dantère Cup, and it seems that Count Sogres trained him very harshly.”

Duke Thermion shook his head at those words and replied, “No, he’s strict, but he’s not the type who’ll train you harshly. He’s different from me. And training doesn’t always have to be harsh.”

“Then…”

“Natural talent, the so-called genius. A genius greater than those we usually refer to as geniuses.”

Genius.

It was a commonly used word, but this case was a little different.

“It’s likely that he didn’t participate in the Dantère Cup because he wasn’t very interested in it.”

Asmar was dumbfounded. Not interested in the Dantère Cup? The Dantère Cup was and always had been the most coveted prize for boys and girls.

“That boy’s skills… In my opinion, they are incomparable to those who participated in the Dantère Cup.”

Basics that were so solid that they were overflowing.

Fast and intense speed

Good sense of mana usage.

And what made all of this possible…

Was the expertise that came from his experience in his past life.

‘If someone who didn’t know watched this, they would think a warrior from the past was fighting.’

From using dirt and dust and actively using the spear’s shaft instead of just the blade, to irregular attacks following honest attacks.

Did he learn it from Count Sogres?

Instead of flashy spearmanship, the unique spearmanship of Count Sogres, who stabbed and swung at the right place at the right time, seemed to have evolved under Dane’s touch.

“Truly great spearmanship, Your Grace.”

“Hmm. I agree.”

What was certain was that there was no boy or girl who could oppose such great skills.

“Interesting, very interesting.”

Duke Thermion hoped that in this duel, Leila would realize her own shortcomings. He also hoped that she would let go of her pride and become more skilled at swordsmanship.

Then she would be able to completely surpass her brothers.

“Haha, I told him to take it easy.”

Duke Thermion smiled happily as he looked forward to his daughter’s growth.

* * *

Seven years ago, Dane, who she had met in the garden of the count’s castle, was an object of admiration for Leila.

He acted more mature than her.

Had the skills to teach her how to release mana.

And his meticulousness.

And not only in words but also in the strength he displayed when subduing the Tyren brothers.

So, he was an object of admiration for Leila. At the same time, he was someone she wanted to surpass.

To be more exact一

‘I wanted to prove myself.’

She wanted to prove that she wasn’t just a child who waited to be taught. So, she continued to train and tried to prove herself.

Seven years later, she met Dane again.

She had been waiting for this day.

But in the process, as she won the Dantère Cup, Leila found herself more intoxicated with herself than with her goal of surpassing Dane.

You are the best.

No one your age can beat you.

As expected of a child of House Thermion.

With so many words surrounding her, her confidence soon turned into arrogance.

She knew it.

Still, intoxicated by the joy of being recognized, she tried to ignore it and even thought that she could easily defeat Dane.

“What the hell… are you?”

But that wasn’t true.

So far, she had launched over a hundred attacks without a single successful attack. If this were real combat, Leila would have needed at least a hundred lives.

That was because every time an attack was blocked, Dane’s spear would rush in without fail, stopping exactly in front of her neck, heart, head, arms, and legs.

‘Why does it feel like we’re getting further apart?’

Dane was barely panting when she could hardly breathe. If you looked closely, he moved twice as much as Leila did because as he was attacking and defending at the same time…

“How can it be like this?”

Dane didn’t answer.

“Eiiik!”

Instead, he knocked Leila’s sword away as she rushed at him.

Clang!

She watched the sword fall to the floor.

It was Leila’s defeat.

“You lost”

“Don’t rub it in,” Leila grumbled and sighed. “Yeah, I lost.”

The winner of the Dantère Cup.

It was the moment when Leila’s defeat in the duel was confirmed.

“You… how on earth did you cultivate yourself?”

“Diligently.”

“…is there anyone who doesn’t train diligently?”

“You just have to work harder.”

Could she punch this guy?

No. She couldn’t even cut him with her sword, never mind a fist.

“…tsk.”

Leila turned her head away because she hated that smile. It was an absurd smile that made all her complaints and anger disappear when she saw it.

Was it because he was handsome?

“I’ll try again next time.”

Anyway, Leila made up her mind. Now that it had come to this, she was going to keep challenging him until she won.