Chapter 65
Nl1B2It wasn’t an incorrect statement. Someone who knows they’re a talent never sells themselves cheaply.5u1
NoZIB3In fact, one of the reasons Lucian had been pursuing the nectar so eagerly was precisely that.hwwdnL
vSnrIt was a means capable of instantly attracting any talent—and even more so, a knight.igDV3U
JWjE“That’s true. Unless you owe someone your life, that’s normally how it would be.”8Vab
pPkd9U“I’m glad you understand. Then wouldn’t it be better for you to just step aside this time and let the other brothers try?”7LzC
vra“Who knows.”miB
GiXqvoXLucian gave a faint smile and shrugged.QjyY
RuLyf“Maybe, without realizing it, I already made the Swordmaster’s disciple owe me a life debt.”SGq
Mksv4“What are you talk—!”JonAkvm
UNE“Just kidding. Don’t get so tense. If you manage to recruit her, I won’t even get a chance anyway.”wKuJiKO
OW2“Hah.”UfGby
wMICVlJoshua stared blankly at Lucian and let out a hollow laugh.lCgF6
FXkHe seemed to have a lot he wanted to say, but held back, since there were more important things at hand.EYp
6VIMkK“I said something unnecessary. The investiture ceremony is about to begin, so I’ll go on ahead.”MFT
6kyCM“We’re heading the same way—how about we go together? We could chat a bit as brothers.”48DG1J
q5VGgM“No thanks!”3CB2
brYAt Lucian’s suggestion, Joshua frowned and quickly walked off.Qx5YLoB
eDL4Watching his retreating back, Lucian let out a quiet chuckle.kt3
wZIL3o“He really is an interesting guy.”B3nHLb
X6bOldUnlike Tristan or Jordi, who had already weathered several of life’s storms, Joshua was so naive that it was especially fun to tease him.ZiCv
EZXIf possible, Lucian would’ve preferred he stayed that way, but unfortunately, today would be the moment Joshua had to grow up.Rydl6nX
nIfq0‘I hope the blow isn’t so harsh that he ends up becoming someone like Jordi.’rfnQb
lXWUIf Joshua ended up turning into someone like that, Lucian would have no choice but to crush him without hesitation.wy7RHyF
nBYyBdHe’d rather Joshua remain the little brother he could still poke fun at.ZqDXt
ogQDU6***X9v91u
UB1nAAs expected, the investiture ceremony was splendid.EQ3K
ExuRA stage had been erected in a spot visible to all outside the inner wall, the path was covered with a red carpet, and knights were lined up on both sides.o3Tdao
A3RPOTgConsidering that an investiture was normally a simple event lasting just a few minutes, all of this was a clear display of respect and consideration toward Swordmaster Eisen.UeW0q
mB3dvHW‘Alright, no need to stand somewhere flashy. If I stand out too much, I’ll attract unwanted attention when I act.’O1fZ6
uO2mkQaThe star of the day was Felicia, so no one else should steal the spotlight.Lzj5
ZrevTzHAlthough they were the duke’s sons, no special seats had been reserved for them, so they could blend in behind the other knights.j9a
sn0gWhile waiting for the ceremony to begin, another person approached the spot where Lucian stood and widened his eyes in surprise.dn8
a7pjh“You… you bastard!”jnIxbJ9
BzhYtw“Long time no see, brother.”cHn
iZuvaHearing the strained voice trying to suppress his emotions, Lucian greeted him with a smile and a wave.oWZ
xQGOUJordi, unable to hide his confusion, asked automatically.ZbhFFa
EIbZ“When did you get here? I heard you planned to stay in the capital for a while.”8y3G
l1S2k“Not long ago. Just a few hours, at most. Normally I would’ve received a report already, but I suppose you were too busy with the investiture ceremony.”Pwmo
B3yw2t0At Lucian’s teasing, Jordi didn’t explode with anger. On the contrary, his discomfort and confusion were plain to see.2OslQsb
87thHNL‘Seems like he already has a rough idea about my connection with Felicia.’WcG0YW
jLyCsQWhen Felicia was brought in, Tristan was stationed in Bornholm, and Joshua had just entered the succession race as a rookie.1XzbC
Z7QQThe only one in the family with a solid information network at the time was Jordi, so it wasn’t strange that he had a general grasp of the situation.dV3x
wnC“No wonder it seemed odd to me. I wondered why the investiture was suddenly organized. So it was you pulling strings behind the scenes, brother?”t5sLLxR
6n9I“What nonsense are you spouting now? What would I have to do with the ceremony?”TnClEh
NtEVCPJordi tried to brush it off, but couldn’t hide his slight flinch. Lucian’s suspicion turned into certainty, and he gave a cold smile.1QBayDz
eRjroD“Still no hesitation when it comes to using underhanded tricks. Go ahead, try it. If you end up losing after flailing around so miserably, all that will remain is your disgrace.”vJdwLI
pef03E“Don’t get cocky. No matter how capable or well-known you are, without power backing you, you’re just a pawn. You’re nothing but a shooting star that shines for a moment.”VX7
TL67E“Saying that while I’m still shining just sounds like the loser’s lament.”xQPu
Wt9vQAt Lucian’s taunt, Jordi’s eyes flared with fury—but that was as far as it went.Sm5Ix
LB5Perhaps he didn’t want to cause a scene before the ceremony, because he finally backed off without further comment.WMH194X
HORShortly after, Tristan arrived as well, clicked his tongue upon seeing his brothers, and positioned himself a bit farther away.vKIIM
e3fOQMMAmid that subtle tension, the four brothers remained silent.NUMfHv
3aRClack!pr0
XhOzAlA moment later, when the star of the investiture ceremony finally appeared, the spectators opened their eyes wide in astonishment.tpYUZsm
c0z***DI5G
R2r8aFc“A helmet?”LsZo5q
vtE“A helmet at an investiture ceremony?!”QeK
0YwxB“What disrespect!”6dgcQ3v
Xu1RFssThe knights became agitated, frowning, and the citizens watching nearby began to murmur.3VlG
kHIOutside of service or the battlefield, covering one’s face with a helmet was considered disrespectful anywhere.kIEos
54XcHowever, the Swordmaster’s disciple completely ignored the looks and walked down the red carpet until she stood before Duke Sigmund.w4kl
Thl“Remove your helmet.”DPuce
4MKZX0lDuke Sigmund gave the order in a solemn voice, loud enough for all to hear.ldwHSFP
28srThe knight obeyed without protest and revealed her face.Jgl1ta
WlAPAR“A woman?!”f6g
8FiKA2“The Swordmaster’s successor is a woman?”74pqW
asO“This makes no sense…!”fFiAuYt
L84When Felicia shook out her tousled hair, gasps of astonishment burst from all directions.moU1
BIo6It wasn’t that female knights didn’t exist, but they belonged more in fairy tales.iyc
l1IuoDIn reality, aside from honorary political titles, there were no true female knights who wielded a sword.3ZHXO9U
RmMAnd yet, the heir of the Swordmaster was a woman.d1mz2eP
hD4E“Disciple of the great Swordmaster, Eisen Brightner. State your name.”OHF8CbP
eSG“I am Felicia Brightner, adoptive daughter of Eisen Brightner.”ytjpd
Npm“Felicia, I ask you. What will you pursue as a knight?”SeNK
hCKB“Loyalty. Absolute loyalty.”jExP
tJEoasGThe excessively concise answer startled several knights.sdaq
8BrAIt was common to swear to justice or the defense of good, but to speak only of loyalty was unusual.QNsi6L
03QThe duke looked at her with a sharp gaze.74Cv
Kf57w“Even if your lord falls into evil, will you still remain loyal?”5xXzr
rxVRPaBIt was a question that precisely pointed out the contradiction in the oath, but Felicia answered without blinking.9dEV6Eq
3CMhK“If my lord chooses to become evil, then I will become evil with him, and even if we must wallow in the mud, I will remain by his side. If the Eight Gods cast my lord into hell, I will take on his sins alone and burn in hell with him for eternity.”AQN
Q0hYwj2Faced with such an extreme answer, Duke Sigmund fell silent.AQMcFx
B6m8QdHe hadn’t expected something like this in such a simple rite.aqeUKz
46o“…Then may your lord always make righteous decisions. May they have the wisdom needed to guide a great knight down a great path.”fcbY
qWLKGvSWith that, the duke softened the atmosphere and raised his sword.590
3W8Felicia knelt, and the blade touched both her shoulders and the back of her neck.u1mNYJ9
QirT“In the name of Sigmund Valdeck, I guarantee your honor. Felicia Brightner, from this moment on, you are a knight. I hope that both you and I may feel pride in that name.”FQwmP
d4yKThe investiture concluded and Felicia stood, but unlike other ceremonies, there were no cheers.4Ka4S
5q289The crowd was still stunned by the revelation that the Swordmaster’s disciple was a woman.UsW
NsfThe silence was just about to shift into murmurs when—NfPhb
Vo4Ggs“Your Excellency, Duke! Knowing it is disrespectful, I dare make a request!”btMH
nl9FA knight with a stern expression burst forward and knelt.86kvB
a3TKMDespite the interruption, the duke nodded calmly.cuZfm
arb“Speak.”n4Ml
jn6qyf“A knight speaks through the sword! Allow me to test whether she is worthy of the title of knight!”0M6c2Vt
7YF3s“Hmm.”vaIM
cYrKThe duke looked at Felicia. It was a silent question—would she accept the challenge?z5mDdr
oWu2ziiFelicia nodded without the slightest hesitation.J5CVeFU
0ryw“That’s right. A knight speaks with the sword. If you doubt me so much, see with your own eyes.”IPmYhy
lYMBs“Thank you!”6Bl
LPf9v9The audience murmured at the sudden duel, but at the same time, a peculiar excitement began to rise.ovl9H
1bxrHIt wasn’t every day one witnessed the Swordmaster’s disciple in combat—let alone a knight worthy of legend.wTahR
SYG9baRLucian watched the circle being prepared for the duel with a bitter smile.BTj
UznwoE‘Looks like Father and Lord Eisen set this stage together.’zb3hL2V
LqCQBThe figure of a female knight was far too unusual for society.KnD
Zb9vaPCBefore rumors could spread, showing her skill in front of everyone was the most effective way to silence them.ezp
29nOGVDOtherwise, no one would have dared to interrupt an investiture approved by both the duke and the Swordmaster.CQ7k1wb
GH9It was all clearly arranged beforehand.R9g5f
A80906‘Now that I think about it, even I don’t know how strong Felicia has become after training with Eisen. With a true master, she must’ve far surpassed what she was in my past life.’QD6
xwTWhen Lucian snapped out of his thoughts, the two knights were already facing off in the ring, swords in hand.EBiTC
smWgTxX“Let this duel be fair and honorable, one we need not be ashamed of before the Eight Gods.”0e5RdN
Z93pfgAfter completing the arbiter’s rite, the duke stepped back.GFWgpl9
D9h71sAnd then, the swords clashed in midair, scattering sparks.R7L
OLfAvc***fLB
O4oApClang! Crack! Kiiing!46mh
9NaGTen minutes into the duel, everyone present was holding their breath, unable to look away.sQcnC4
FMDaooLucian was one of them.pV6
moY‘It’s beautiful.’O14Ydj
JfFiIn a typical duel, one would expect blood and brute force.a64rW
2J4GOxxBut Felicia moved with the grace of a dance, deflecting every strike.XCMF2lG
zVsggUwHer opponent struck with nearly invisible speed, and yet Felicia blocked them all with movements clearly visible to the eye.VCcY
Mk8NKwz“…Is that really possible for a human being?”ZN1
dBq9BKA knight near Lucian murmured in disbelief, and several others nodded without realizing.bcRJ
GOWBlocking impossible attacks with a sword moving so slowly it could be tracked by the eye—it was inconceivable.UCOGt
KxxHw6zWhile all were in shock, Lucian could clearly see the flow of the battle.7HUkyjG
PmllIi‘I can see it.’FCH45
yqSFYpThanks to the effects of the nectar he’d taken earlier, his vision revealed Felicia’s intentions.MQND
kMwKcEach of her dancing movements landed exactly where her opponent would strike.Ryrd31
bVTMore than a swordswoman, she looked like a prophet reading the blade.vD9ZyD
i9nMBut most impressive was her ability to read the flow and react instantly, without the slightest hesitation.3fu98
WHt‘This is what they call a true genius.’wwzQ
GE4VvzYA chill ran down Lucian’s spine.21J
KTFGVKEven if he saw what she saw, he knew he couldn’t move the same way.HuL
VWqT2I7Reading mana, near-instinctive reflexes, flawless decisions made in the blink of an eye, and a temperament wholly devoted to the sword.fDjvK
ROnA2‘She looks like someone born solely to master the sword.’nyoL
eFN6vWith a loud crash, a sword was flung into the air.yED8
fgUwThe knight who had issued the challenge stopped his offense and stepped back, soaked in sweat, while Felicia calmly lowered her sword as though she didn’t even need to catch her breath.CTs6q2f
6tOrxZ“Do you wish to continue?”PoGB3
4pC“…No. That’s enough.”rUrHJH
y0NZThe knight backed away with a bitter expression, as if he had just encountered a genius unreachable despite a lifetime of effort.YieCD
hX8M‘The duel may have been staged, but that feeling was real. I’ve felt it before too.’gKGv
tfoAfter composing himself, the knight bowed his head to Felicia.cDo
49W“A knight speaks through the sword. You’ve proven yourself. Perhaps I wasn’t worthy to test you.”lcqqA
1YS“The weight you’ve accumulated in your blade—I know it better than anyone, for it was my sword that met it. To be tested by you is an honor.”etbz
BMw“…That’s excessive praise.”4tAU
I9TThough he rejected the compliment modestly, his face was filled with emotion.upoN2I
vNHGIIt wasn’t respect toward a “female knight,” but to the future Swordmaster.c1hr7c
7HHIEDuWhen the knight stepped back, the duke looked around.loWC6R
fSpKymF“Felicia has proven her worth. If anyone else wishes to test her, step forward now.”36eKP
gVPQvGNo one moved.7RO
nZHSThe stares had already changed long ago.vIrOwWY
NKeRtxShe wasn’t a strange female knight—she was the reincarnation of a legendary heroine.jb7
TOW9pi9Just as the duke was about to speak again—4sa
8z8yYoR“Tristan Valdeck wishes to ask Knight Felicia a question!”d7ucTN
dk10DTristan stood up at once.qKTo
miAaWith all eyes on him, he extended a hand toward Felicia.0Bq9zs
puxzt0X“Will you not serve me as my knight?!”mPmWTo
HnuXIt was a proposal so bold it bordered on insolence, but Tristan continued.E1j
vh8“If you enter my service, you will always ride at my side, share my table, and when I draw my last breath, I’ll entrust you with my will. You, heir to the Swordmaster’s name! I await your answer!”sAz7L
eufgTo share his ride and table meant treating her as an equal.SWIb
egmTo entrust her with his will was to give her the greatest trust.Xfy0e4
2dr8iFaced with Tristan’s passionate proposal, Felicia bowed her head.BwtT5A
ast“I appreciate the offer, but I must decline.”V5j0P8
0q3bkv“Wha…?!”YNC
Ll2Before Tristan could ask why, Joshua stepped forward urgently.B0vDKW
JjTuCzK“Then come with me! No knight will ever stand above you, and all will honor you! I swear to uphold this promise until my dying breath!”hz3G8p
mllThough exaggerated, the offer meant making her his second-in-command for life.uNNcWYB
m7IRaEven so, Felicia shook her head again.yAkqHrZ
UYVTR“I appreciate such a high evaluation, but I must refuse.”zxwdQ
CZPAfter turning down two sons of Valdeck blood, the murmurs grew louder.xeP4
HdWDid she accept the duke’s investiture only to reject all vows of loyalty?dUr
L4NCThen, Jordi stood with a confident smile.X81F4S
41xPj“Felicia, future Swordmaster! Will you not offer me your sword? If you swear loyalty to me, I’ll grant any wish within my power. Eight Gods of the Sky, bear witness to my vow!”SXsN
4GaJikj“What?!”oY0UW
cAe7dX“The Pantheon Oath!”t52X
WzxyCXThe crowd was shaken.TKJeG
NkXONhIt was an oath that, once spoken, could never be taken back.Yxq6R
uDrHDWhile everyone held their breath, Felicia responded calmly.CJvK0JY
nLy“I appreciate such a generous offer, but forgive my discourtesy—I must refuse.”Uuf
7lPtyd3“…?!”aUFhXJ
g2R“My sword already has a master. No matter what offer I receive, I will never swear loyalty to anyone else.”lKuT
I2XQJordi’s face twisted with rage.ZfR
HN61rHe had even made the Pantheon Oath and was still rejected—publicly.0e7
18Z6JIn the heavy silence that followed, Lucian stepped forward.d1jXXO
lwR9cST“Lucian Valdeck makes you a proposal. As you can see, I have nothing but this wretched body, and I can promise you nothing.”JSxu
f4JCQS“…”J1M
I6u5“The future is uncertain, the rewards are scarce, and the dangers are constant. But if you stay with me until the end, we will carve our names into history. Will you come with me?”nnKpix
lTe5vNgHis brothers and the spectators looked at him as if he had lost his mind.tW44NKc
ONTdeIt seemed like a proposal made to be rejected.HehK
Es6LCANAs everyone braced themselves to hear “I appreciate the offer, but…,” Felicia smiled and knelt before Lucian.GYx4K
eo7I5vu“You made a mistake in your proposal. I don’t care if it’s in the very center of hell—just allow me to stay by your side.”fIU
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