Chapter 14: Dance (1)

Time passed.

As usual, Yuri was slumped in front of Bernard.

His whole body ached after taking another beating. He wanted to defeat the guy at least once, to look down on him just once—but that day still seemed far off.

“Bernard.”

He couldn’t bring himself to speak with honorifics anymore, so the agreement to talk formally had been dropped.

“Yes.”

“Did you know?”

“Know what?”

“You’re pretty popular.”

“Excuse me?”

Instead of replying, Yuri nodded toward the edge of the training field.
When Bernard turned, he saw a group of maids giggling among themselves while pushing a clothing cart. When they noticed they were being watched, they ran off.

“They’re always spying on you.”

Yuri waved at them.

“You too. Wave.”

“No need.”

“You’re so difficult.”

Yuri stood up.

“What do you think of my swordsmanship?”

“His Highness was correct.”

Bernard evaluated him.

“That style has no defined form.”

“Exactly. I just go with the flow.”

Yuri could feel the manamethod flowing through his body.

The mana spread through all his meridians in sync with his will, and that flow manifested into a new form in the world.

That’s why he simply expressed it through his sword.

“Manamethod as swordsmanship…”

Bernard showed a slight sign of frustration.

“I couldn’t learn it. To study it, I’d have to constantly watch you…”

“Not bad, right?”

“That’s exactly why I’m worried.”

Erich Briol’s mental attack had only been inherited by Yuri. The only way to study it was to follow him.

“By the way…”

Bernard raised his sword and thrust at the air. It was the same move that had knocked Yuri down moments earlier.

“You’re progressing fast.”

“Of course.”

Yuri shrugged.

It was natural. Inevitable. Because this time, he was serious.

“He certainly has exceptional talent for mana.”

“Oh?”

Bernard almost never praised anyone.

This comment, by his standards, was practically a compliment.

“Yes. It’s surprising. He already controls it to this level…”

Yuri felt a twinge of guilt. The reason he adapted so quickly to mana was because of his experience as a mercenary.

He had studied deeply to erase any trace of Briol’s method, which had sharpened his senses toward mana.

“You should take it easy. I’m worried.”

It was the first time Bernard had used that word: worry.

“Worried?”

“Yes. His Highness is advancing too quickly. For your age, you’ve already achieved a lot.”

“But I’m just getting started.”

“You started early.”

“You said I had to learn.”

“I didn’t expect it to be this fast. Your body’s not fully developed yet.”

“I’ve already started growing a beard.”

“That’s not true.”

“It’s coming.”

Usually, manamethod training began after puberty. In Yuri’s case, those signs were only just starting to show. Considering the development of his manamethod, Bernard was right—it was far too soon.

But Yuri wasn’t worried.

Thanks to the memories of his past life, he understood well the synchronization between body and mana.

“Don’t worry. I’ll manage it well.”

“Always watch within.”

“Understood.”

Yuri stood.

“Let’s go again.”

“Will you be alright?”

“Of course.”

Yuri was training so intensely that even Bernard was starting to worry.

He had a reason to grow strong as soon as possible.

Before reaching adulthood, a major incident would erupt across the continent. Only much later would he understand that it had been the beginning of the storm.

By then, he had to be ready.

“Let’s use real swords.”

“Understood.”

He swapped his wooden sword for Guilty, which he’d grown accustomed to. Then Yuri suddenly asked,

“Are you going to the ball?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“No reason to go.”

“Wanna bet?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you never keep your bets.”

“When have I not?”

“The formal speech.”

“You said it felt weird yourself.”

“I said it was weird, not that I didn’t like it.”

“Whatever, let’s bet. If I land a single hit, you go to the ball.”

“Incredible…”

“So?”

“I’ll win anyway.”

“We’ll see.”

Yuri didn’t manage to land a single hit.

***

Every year, Briol held a spring ball, inviting influential nobles and foreign delegations.

It was an event of great importance to the royal family of Briol.

As he made his way to the ballroom, Yuri kept fidgeting with his clothes.

“What’s wrong?”

“I said I didn’t like this or that.”

“If we take away everything, what’s left? Do you want me to bring the outfit you wear for fencing practice?”

“That’d be better.”

“Ugh. Why do boys have such weird tastes?”

“What did you just say?”

“Huh?”

“You said I’m a boy…”

“You must’ve misheard.”

“……”

Lately, Ena had been getting bolder, but since she was adorable, he decided to let it go.

Considering his past life, Yuri was much older than Ena.

“I’ll bring lots of what you like, Prince. You go find yourself a pretty lady.”

“Not interested, just bring me lots of meat.”

Ena had been assigned to help with preparations for the ball. It wasn’t part of her usual duties, but due to the lack of staff, she volunteered.

As they neared the hall, servants were carrying food.

“Ah, good morning, Your Highness!”

Even while lugging heavy boxes, they all bowed respectfully.

Yuri waved them off.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Carry on.”

“Thank you!”

Ena rolled up her sleeves.

“Looks like everyone’s busy. I’ll go ahead.”

“Sure. Good work.”

“Don’t cause any trouble at the ball.”

“Don’t worry.”

She ran off after the other servants.

Yuri watched her go, then clasped his hands behind his back and looked up at the sky. White clouds drifted slowly by.

“Hmm…”

He tried to recall what the ball had been like in his past life. He remembered nothing, so probably nothing noteworthy had happened.

“I don’t have time for this…”

Clicking his tongue, he continued toward the hall. Rosso, whom he already knew, was guarding the entrance.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Good work, Sir Rosso.”

“Thank you for remembering me.”

“How could I forget a loyal royal guard like you?”

“It’s an honor.”

“Knowing you’re guarding the hall puts my mind at ease.”

“Haha, thank you very much.”

“And who’s he?”

“Ah! Your Highness, I’m Huddleston.”

Rosso added, “He’s new. Even greener than Jared.”

“I see.”

Yuri suddenly extended his hand.

Huddleston didn’t get it at first, but at Rosso’s nudge, he quickly shook it.

“Thank you for joining the royal guard. Young men like you are Briol’s future.”

“Th-thank you…”

For the harmony of Briol, he could afford such gestures. Yuri patted his shoulder, praising his work.

“Keep up the good work.”

“Yes, sir!”

As he walked away, he heard whispers behind him.

“The Third Prince is really kind. Nothing like the rumors.”

“Well… I can see why people say that.”

“I feel incredibly loyal right now.”

“Calm down, man.”

They thought he wouldn’t hear, but with manamethod, Yuri missed not even the faintest praise.

“Hehehe…”

Even the strongest liquor gets diluted in water. He would also dilute his bad reputation.

“I’m here.”

“Ah, Your Highness!”

“Announce me with style.”

“Yes, sir!”

Upon his arrival, the hall’s herald blew the ceremonial horn. The nobles already present stood and showed him respect.

Yuri glanced around the hall and made his way to the royal family’s section.

Cedric welcomed him.

“You’re here.”

“Brother.”

Yuri blinked. The chandelier light reflected off Cedric’s eyes, making them sparkle. His ceremonial uniform made him look even more impressive.

“You look great.”

“Thanks. You look good too.”

He was the same older brother, but on days like this, he truly looked imposing.

Cedric, whose eyesight had started to fail recently, had a pair of glasses tucked in his chest pocket. Even those looked elegant on him.

Impressed anew, Yuri sat beside him.

“Have you seen Joshua?”

“Yes.”

Yuri shrugged.

“He’ll show up eventually.”

The horn kept sounding, and soon the hall filled with nobles. Even someone unexpected appeared.

“Sir Heime has come. I don’t recall hearing he would.”

Yuri frowned.

Another event that hadn’t occurred in his previous life. He thought that after returning to the past, he hadn’t changed too much.

But by altering one thing, others shifted, and things he never imagined began happening.

A chill ran down his spine thinking of how many things were unknowingly connected.

“Joshua. Why are you late?”

“I overslept.”

Joshua flopped into his seat with sluggish steps. His eyes were sunken, as if he had done something wrong the night before.

Sinking into his chair, he muttered,

“Dad’s on his way. I saw him.”

Fiore’s arrival marked the start of the ball. Most of the nobles were already seated, waiting for him.

“What’s wrong, Yuri?”

“Nothing.”

Yuri shrugged. He felt as if Heime Theodore was watching him, but dismissed it as just a feeling.

Joshua murmured,

“I heard there’s an unexpected guest coming today…”

“He’s right there.”

“Who?”

“Count Saidore.”

“That’s the unexpected guest?”

“That guy never shows up at these events.”

“Don’t care.”

“Then who is it?”

Before Joshua could answer, the curtains behind them were drawn. Fiore had arrived.

As soon as he appeared, the orchestra stopped playing. The seated nobles rose and paid homage.

Yuri bowed his head along with his two brothers.

Fiore spoke briefly.

“Everyone, enjoy yourselves.”

With those words, the orchestra resumed its lively music. The ball had begun.

Some nobles queued to greet Fiore, while others jumped straight into dancing.

The more cunning ones moved to greet Cedric afterward.

“We greet His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

“Thank you.”

“We’re truly grateful for the invitation…”

But both Joshua and Yuri received little attention.

“They’re ignoring us?”

Joshua grumbled.

In the past, Yuri would have joined him in causing trouble. But now he was an adult.

“That’s a good thing. What’s the point of standing out?”

“What’s with you? What did you eat today?”

“Hehe…”

Joshua’s mental reeducation would come slowly—there was no need to rush.

While eating, Yuri watched the ball unfold. Nobles without major agendas drank and chatted or hit the dance floor.

The politicians gathered and whispered schemes. Then, an entirely unexpected guest arrived.

The horn sounded.

The nobles stirred.

By etiquette, everyone should be seated before the king’s arrival. But the person arriving now broke that rule by coming after. Who could it be?

A completely red silhouette appeared at the entrance.

The hall fell silent. Yuri was left speechless.

Over his white suit, a red cloak fluttered.

Shining blond hair and emerald green eyes—symbols of the noblest bloodline on the continent.

Imperial blood.

The Second Prince of the Empire, Georg.

Why was he here?

In the silence, Fiore spoke,

“You arrived earlier than expected.”

Georg smiled and gave a slight bow.

“I hurried. I was nearby and heard good news.”

“Thank you for visiting this humble place.”

“Calling humble the place where the Swordmaster of Briol resides is quite the exaggeration.”

Fiore rose and walked toward him.

He was king, but Georg had imperial blood. The two shook hands as equals, looking directly at one another.

“Forgive me for arriving unannounced.”

“You’re always welcome.”

“Thank you for the hospitality.”

“Please enjoy the ball.”

“With pleasure.”

The red cloak—worn only by those of imperial blood—fluttered as he moved.

Yuri watched the meeting with a furrowed brow. Joshua whispered beside him.

“He’s not alone.”

As he said, Georg hadn’t come alone. Several attendants followed him, and among them Yuri saw a face he never wanted to see again.

Joshua, excited, said,

“Did you see her? She’s stunning. Who is she?”

He pointed to a girl.

Yuri murmured her name,

“Yekaterina.”

“Yekaterina?”

As Joshua tilted his head, Yuri finished,

“Ivarna Granzayen.”

Yekaterina Ivarna Granzayen.

Sister of Georg Ivarna Granzayen and imperial princess.

And Yuri’s greatest sin.