Chapter 123: New Meetings (3)
AdE“Ah… the report card? Reina has it.”bJIoDV
qMB“Reina? Why? Bring it here.”AW7s81
M9HH“I don’t know. She snatched it away, saying she’d show it to Grandfather. How would I know what that witch is thinking? Just give me the sword already. I’ve wanted it since I was a kid and worked so hard for it.”C1kB
eZlV0kbThe sword Rian desperately wanted was a straight sword specialized for the Ogent family’s swordsmanship. It was a greatsword, twice as heavy as ordinary longswords, and its blade was so long that it couldn’t be wielded properly without a considerable height.CwIpLI
VDgfXRian had set his sights on the Ogent family’s straight sword since he began learning swordsmanship. The particular sword he had marked as his own was one that Grandfather Klumph Ogent had used personally.ZOeRKw
PBeGUf0Klumph had always wanted to pass the sword on to Rian. Reina and Rian inherited the Azure Hair among his grandchildren, but since Reina was female, Klumph believed Rian was the only one fit to wield his sword.zAmh
zgGvUI“The sword is in Grandfather’s room. But why are you looking for a sword all of a sudden if you’re going on a trip? Tess might have her reasons for coming from afar, but still.”ekZC9
QJEq“I have my reasons. Anyway, I’ll go get it now.”6TEwBy
8rKNuRian sprinted up to his grandfather’s room. The sword was more than Rian could handle without mastering Schema, but he was determined to take it on this trip.Tyos1
HTzjShirone was clearly intent on exploring the ruins. If Shirone were to rush into danger, wouldn’t it be Rian’s duty to protect him?L933EQh
XExm‘This is the Great Straight Sword of the Ogent family.’12Zad0
3lqR0Rian gazed in awe at the greatsword hanging in his grandfather’s room. The very essence of the Ogent spirit was contained in this form, said to be too challenging to wield without unlocking Schema.rK1UloD
4UaOf course, Schema was still out of reach for him now. Yet, Rian managed to lift the sword with one hand and brought it in front of him.ViGriDZ
DUyx‘It’s heavy, but not so much that I can’t swing it.’52usbYR
shf0wq3Rian felt a sting when he was diagnosed with a so-called “Imaginary Schema.” But true to his never-give-up nature, he took it positively.fZSkfj
xxPlkWhether he had Schema or not, he had passed the physical strength test. He might need to unlock Schema eventually, but for now, he could manage.OT7G
bD1The sword was too heavy to carry in a metal scabbard, so Rian used a net-like scabbard made of cowhide and slung it on his back.16ty
BaNThis attire would surely attract attention, but carrying a sword wasn’t illegal, so it didn’t matter.Vo7nO
oex0jExcept for specific zones designated by the city, anyone could carry a sword as long as they adhered to certain rules: commoners in Sector Level C, nobles in Sector Level B, and royalty in Sector Level A.4Fu
ZGXCiRian proudly descended the stairs with the Great Straight Sword on his back. However, he didn’t get the chance to draw attention to himself.wCoMZ
AMcqAoButler Louis opened the door and announced, “Lord, Master Shirone has arrived.”QogB3K
hcTShirone, who entered the hall with Amy, first greeted Bischoff.LzL
b4YMmTLDespite his stern and reticent exterior, Bischoff was a family man who had even taken leave from work to be home when his son was visiting.CjPh
9bclltuShirone also respected him as a guardian who had helped him attend the magic academy, ensuring that not only his school life but also his parents’ livelihood was well taken care of.aS1w
fErOgu“Hello. I hope you’ve been well.”brk
alIT“Yes, I’ve heard you’re doing well.”fgU3FeN
Fn2F“I’ve been promoted to Class Four recently. It’s all thanks to your help. Thank you.”2qwq
EYtBischoff smiled wryly, recalling Rian’s past. Class Four, huh? How immense must one’s talent be to enter Class Four within half a year of enrolling in the magic academy?SBHJdmu
jNfevZOf course, he wasn’t the type of parent to compare his children. He was just concerned that as a knight and a swordsman, Rian might not live up to Shirone’s standards.Rb4PY
tCY“It’s all because of your hard work. Anyway, it seems worthwhile to have supported you. I heard Rian is going on a trip with a beautiful lady without knowing the first thing about it. Are you going too?”tIb4Cf1
oTk5xWn“Yes, we’ve decided to go together.”xuHLF
b03cout“And the lady beside you, is she your partner?”cx0Cll
w53Bischoff’s gaze shifted to the red-haired girl. She seemed familiar but he couldn’t quite place her.XVCUJBw
I2W“Hello. I’m Amy Karmis.”hx04
MvK4jSJBischoff’s eyes lit up. Rian, Tess, and even Butler Louis looked at Amy with curiosity.d883jV
MlRkPxJThe Karmis family, though not the most authoritative in the kingdom, was a first-class noble family known for its liberal nature and the talent of the Red-Eyes, which was recognized not just in the kingdom but across the continent.oFiCsi
o4axjTheir achievements, not limited to any one nation, were what truly defined them.G3uu
5qznNBischoff also did not believe that the nobility hierarchy necessarily reflected a family’s power. There were plenty of nobles who climbed to high ranks through all sorts of flattery and underhanded methods.55NTi
qnsSuch individuals disregard authenticity and even change their family traditions for the sake of advancement. However, families like the Elzains and Karmises were of a different class altogether.l4w
rmvsstAuthenticity is established only through conviction. Their pride, having chosen a single path since the kingdom’s foundation, could not be bought with money or power.3WY
Srb4S“Alright, alright. Let’s save the talk for later and head out. We need to leave now to catch the boat on time!”5QCc9b
o0UgSrRian lightened the mood. Although he had received Bischoff’s permission, his anxiety hadn’t eased.ab9rmQL
LHW0W7OBy now, an express post sent by Reina would be flying toward them like an arrow.XFLEw8m
0QA4A0aThe moment the report card was revealed, heaven would turn into hell, which was a certainty.Q4pEIFc
aikOc1“Dad, I’ll be off then. It’ll take about ten days.”PQ2
5KfWc“Alright. You’ve worked hard in your training, so have fun. Oh, and use this for your expenses.”14O7
Gr61LGFBischoff tossed a heavy pouch of gold coins. Rian was shocked upon looking inside. It was the first time he had received so much money from his father.eoGTiLl
1PiSIn fact, Bischoff was pleased. He thought he had failed his son when he took the knight’s oath, but Rian had not only unlocked Schema but also made good friends.sPq
AIhMoreover, Shirone, who would become Rian’s master, was growing steadily based on his remarkable talent.HWXDPsY
gNPjIf training is considered an investment for real battles, isn’t it only right to pay half a year’s wages?Yna34aj
tZOLRKRian felt guilty, but even such feelings were a luxury at the moment. The only thought filling his mind was to escape the house alive.M08tJt
zo7DIkl“Got it. I’ll be back with my friends. Oh, Temuran, could you have a carriage ready to take us to the harbor?”ZZtfb
ZHlw“Understood. Have a pleasant trip.”UbHc
bTwpHiTemuran bid Rian farewell with a sympathetic look. The mere act of fleeing, drenched in cold sweat, was enough to guess the situation.iwQj12
5YYJ4F‘I can only hold on for 10 minutes. Good luck, young master.’IptTm3D
AnP0OTemuran focused on the envelope in his pocket. It was the express post from Reina that had just arrived from the capital.xUX
FOEDue to the busyness of the household staff, there wasn’t a single leisure carriage available. There was a private carriage, but it would take an hour just to fit the saddle and prepare it.vXhRbzl
NB24dRian insisted that they didn’t need to bother with such preparations, but he had to agree to at least check the tightening of the carriage wheels. If there were an accident, the carriage manager would bear all the blame.LXh
lH5GThe four waited near the stables for the carriage to arrive.9bZHL
Fd5z9QPFor a while, there was no conversation. It was a common occurrence when people meet for the first time. However, inside, numerous analyses were taking place.IXB4UsC
PDcgTess first scrutinized Shirone. Knowing he was a mage aspirant, she had imagined a hot-blooded young man because of Rian’s knightly oath. But upon meeting him, he was surprisingly tender and composed.16CNg
CgNBOY0Amy of the Karmis family also intrigued her. The Karmises, known as the stars of the continent, made her wonder about their personalities.9UJNst
AfwOqtrEventually, Tess broke the silence, thinking that there should be no awkwardness at least inside the carriage.fQq9l
Eg0P61“Shall we introduce ourselves? I’m Tess Elzain.”bsk6MP
54rH“I’m Amy Karmis. Nice to meet you.”vgHq
0qaD“Ah, I’m Shirone Arian.”ZNUiw
skCsCv6Tess exchanged handshakes with Shirone too. But upon hearing his surname, she tilted her head in confusion.xKMTAyy
msCCTLGBeing from the Elzain family, which specialized in diplomacy, she knew nearly all the noble families. However, she had never even heard of the Arian family.ssitl
mDbltv“Ah, Arian, huh? Um… is your family based in Creas?”0Wimp54
EVl0Tess asked circumspectly, trying not to offend. Shirone openly shared his background.UkYMV17
pPJLCcb“Ah, I don’t have a family estate. I’m a commoner.”wigT
KI1wSf“A commoner?”040
H8o4XjtTess’s eyes widened in shock. Initially, she thought he might be joking out of nervousness. Otherwise, why would Rian make a knightly oath to a commoner?l3TGD
cd0NsrTess turned to Amy. The lack of reaction indicated she was aware of this, too.z2p3G
CTeXU‘What’s going on? What is Rian thinking? And why Amy? How could someone from the Karmis family accompany a commoner as a partner? Isn’t this a couple’s trip?’8n1KM
fjcUnfamiliar with Shirone, Tess was understandably confused. Rian’s decision struck her even more strongly.raa
NCT0Even if Shirone possessed great abilities, it’s not easy to disregard social status.h71w0
HnDh1Especially not just any friend, but a knightly oath requiring lifelong service to the master.vViO
oph‘In a way… it’s very like Rian.’yvgdo7
k2d9hWlAs Tess struggled to find a response, Shirone spoke up first.ZXLdOd7
pDd6QLj“Sorry. If it’s uncomfortable, maybe…”7VTg
dusfM“No, no, it’s my fault for being rude. I was just so surprised I didn’t know what to say. But… am I the weird one here? Everyone’s so calm, making me feel like the bad one, haha!”K9N
KF1uERTess quickly defused the situation. Whether commoner or noble, Shirone was Rian’s lord. She felt she couldn’t afford to treat him lightly.3QCfiMV
BA0u‘Tess, you’re a person of integrity.’JLsy
y7aNb1BShirone could sense what kind of person Tess was. It was indeed like someone Rian would choose.P6J0ew
5i39Making others laugh at her own expense required genuine kindness.iCQQ9
4lw9“Thanks for saying that. I’ve heard a lot about you. Rian’s girlfriend, they say.”mnaxdAD
2hzlthu“What, me? Really? Do we look like a couple? Do we match that well? Haha!”g8G8EU
hkvqTess began to like Shirone. Meanwhile, Rian’s face flushed red. It was a misunderstanding he had to clear up, but he kept quiet because he liked that Tess was being nice to Shirone.c5dwrD
PTGV7eAmy looked at Rian in surprise. Initially, she wondered what kind of schemer had planned this trip, but he turned out to be more straightforward and considerate than expected.DSruZfT
ioj2c‘The Ogent family, known for establishing themselves solely through swordsmanship. I heard there’s a genius among the black-haired ones, but this one has azure hair.’txLiJVL
Qg2UAThe nobility rank was second-class, not royal, but that was due to their stubborn and uncompromising nature.xhUl
WlxGHSuch families are called ‘pure’ in political circles.A0dj
eOCrNKA term denoting neutrality, it doesn’t significantly impact politics in peacetime.dJc45
9LN7xHowever, in times of national crisis, where the pure’s allegiance lies can change the political landscape, making them a force that cannot be underestimated.XlPvlW
b1cmQAs Amy pondered this, Tess observed Shirone and Amy.MEqm3
Id32kDBoth had charming appearances and a spark of intelligence in their eyes. Even without knowing their real characters, they seemed to share a similar stubbornness.gjS74
iV3xGiw“So, what’s the relationship between you two? You really do seem to match. Are you a couple?”mV9oA8Y
rkDGTess pointed back and forth between the two, prompting Amy to bristle slightly. It felt as if they were being matched up like small kids of similar stature.WDXt
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