Chapter 119 – The People of the Sword Master’s Family (2)

The next morning, after arriving at Castle Sigurd, I was summoned through Karon.

‘What could it be?’

From Karon’s tone, it seemed like something quite serious.

Because of that, my hand, which was gripping the library door handle, tensed slightly without me realizing it.

Knock, knock.

“Master of the Sword, it’s Kang Geom-Ma.”

“Come in.”

Upon entering the library, I saw the Master of the Sword standing with his back to me, one hand behind him, staring intently at the spear. He was motionless, almost like a statue.

‘…What’s going on for him to have such a serious atmosphere?’

A little surprised, I let out a nervous cough. The Master of the Sword slowly turned his head and looked at me.

Calmly, I spoke.

“I heard you called me.”

“……”

The Master of the Sword’s eyes reflected a strange emotion. It wasn’t exactly hostility, but it was a cautious gaze.

A sense of familiarity emerged. The atmosphere in the library was the same as the first time we met.

“Haah.”

The Master of the Sword stared at me before sighing. There was a hint of detachment in his breath. He pulled out a chair and sat down before speaking.

“Sit down, I have a few things to talk about.”

“…Ah, yes.”

Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, I sat down. As soon as I did, the Master of the Sword spoke.

“Before we get to the main topic, what did you do with Abel yesterday?”

“Huh?”

The question seemed absurd given the serious atmosphere.

Without thinking, I responded. Why was he even asking about Abel?

But the Master of the Sword kept staring at me. Although he remained silent, his gaze urged me to answer.

I could see his eyebrow twitching slightly in impatience.

Scratching my neck, I replied.

“…Nothing important.”

“Nothing important?”

It was an inquisitive response, sharper than I had expected.

Even though the situation was strange, I tried not to show it and answered as calmly as possible.

“We just had dinner together and came back right after.”

“…Is that true?”

“Yes.”

I responded firmly.

I didn’t want to be swayed by that authoritative tone.

The Master of the Sword scrutinized me with a slightly doubtful expression. His gaze seemed to analyze the deeper meaning behind my words.

I knew his intuition was incredibly sharp, to the point where he was called the “keen-eyed master.” A mere glance from him was enough to assess whether my words were true or not.

Although I didn’t understand why he was questioning me, I figured he was just an overly protective grandfather.

“I see…”

The Master of the Sword repeated my words several times. Then, his eyebrows relaxed, and suddenly, he burst into laughter.

“You put me at ease, you put me at ease. Well, it’s normal for two friends to have a meal together. Hahaha!”

“……”

“But…”

Suddenly, the Master of the Sword stopped laughing and gave me a very serious look.

“Next time, if something like this happens, make sure to let me know.”

“…Understood.”

The Master of the Sword’s expression softened, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

‘This guy is complicated too.’

I decided to change the subject and asked directly.

“What’s the reason you called me?”

“Ah, right. I almost forgot the important part.”

Said the Master of the Sword, quickly pulling out a few papers.

“I’ll put it simply. Although it’s not fully confirmed, this could be a very serious matter.”

“What is it about?”

“Take a look at what’s written here.”

—〈Personal Information〉—

▷ Name: Kang Geom-Ma

▷ Date of Birth: July 7 (17 years old)

▶ Affiliation: First Year, Wolf Class, Joaquin Academy (currently a student)

▶ Student Number: G034666M431

▶ H.P.: Under estimation

–

It was extremely ordinary information. Only trivial details were recorded, as if it were just a basic background check.

Joaquin Academy students are treated as semi-heroes. Therefore, all student information is automatically registered in the Association’s system. Not just mine, but everyone’s.

However, in the Master of the Sword’s eyes, there was a slight sense of unease. He looked at me and asked in a low voice.

“Don’t you see anything strange?”

I shook my head.

“It just looks like basic data is written.”

“Ah, this kid has a good eye. Look at this.”

The Master of the Sword pointed to the bottom corner of the document.

『▶ H.P.: Under estimation』

A red line had appeared under that phrase. The Master of the Sword emphasized those words.

“This is the key point of the document. As you know, students are not subject to a Hero Point estimation. That’s an unspoken rule between the Hero Association and all academies.”

The Master of the Sword frowned as he explained.

“But look, even though a score hasn’t been assigned yet, your points are being estimated. This is clearly a violation of the ‘rules.’”

“…Would that break any laws?”

“No, it’s not illegal. But it’s definitely unprecedented. As you know, a student’s primary role is to study. They already receive evaluations within the academy.”

“Then…”

The Master of the Sword paused before continuing.

“This means the Association doesn’t see you as just a student.”

“…?”

“Since the foundation of the Association 40 years ago, even the most outstanding students have never gone through something like this. But those who initiated this… we can make some guesses.”

“‘They’? You mean multiple people?”

“That’s right. Although it may seem trivial, the department in charge of HP is the largest within the Association. To exert pressure there, it must be members of the top leadership.”

The Master of the Sword lowered his voice and added:

“It’s highly likely that the President of the Hero Association and his deputy, Richard de Mura, are behind this.”

The names he mentioned belonged to some of the most influential figures in this world.

‘The President of the Hero Association is watching me?’

The fact that these world giants, who had absolutely nothing to do with me, were observing me was simply terrifying.

It was so sudden and confusing.

…Was it because of the articles that had been coming out lately?

Headlines like “Allmute Na-Wa” or “The Saint of Sashimi Attacks a Reporter.” Just thinking about it made the veins on my skin pop.

“Sorry, I called you so suddenly that I ended up talking about things too seriously.”

The Master of the Sword handed me a cup of tea after seeing my stiff expression. The steaming tea released a gentle aroma.

Then, he tried to smile gently.

“Don’t take it too seriously. It’s true that the Association estimating your Hero Points is suspicious… but I have a feeling this is all connected to the major event that happened on your birthday.”

“Ah, you mean Mao Lang.”

The Master of the Sword let out a small laugh upon hearing that.

“Haha, maybe I should have handled it more carefully. In the end, you were the only one affected by all of it.”

“I’m sorry…”

“You don’t need to apologize. If any problem arises, we just have to deal with it. And as your guardian, I’ll make sure everything is fine.”

My eyes widened in surprise. The Master of the Sword looked at me with a warm expression.

‘Guardian.’

Those three words echoed in my heart.

Even though it was a strange word for an outsider like me in this world, for some reason, I longed for it intensely.

At a time when the existence of my parents had faded away, the Master of the Sword was offering himself as my guardian.

Just as my first master had done for me.

Even if it was just a casual phrase.

It was a word that accepted me as a member of this lonely world.

It was difficult to express my feelings. My throat felt tight, and the tip of my nose grew numb.

Silence stretched for a moment. I brought the cup I had been given close to my lips. I felt the warmth.

“I heard from Karon that in two days, you’ll be going with Abel and Shail to the Dungeon of the Undead. Is that true?”

The Master of the Sword’s tone softened. I nodded slightly.

“That’s right.”

He responded more calmly than I expected.

Moreover, yesterday he had been so insistent on interrogating me about going out with Abel.

However, the Sword Master said nothing more, merely swirling the cup in the air without any further reaction.

…Shortly after, the Sword Master quickly added.

“Be careful. There’s no better experience than real combat. Well, you can go now. If anything happens, I’ll call for you again.”

“Yes.”

I got up and headed toward the door. Before turning the handle, I glanced back.

The old man was silently staring at the sky. I closed the door without making a sound.

***

Creeeek.

As the library door opened again, the butler Karon entered.

The Master of the Sword was still gazing at the clouds with melancholic eyes.

Karon approached and carefully spoke.

“Are you all right, Master of the Sword?”

“What could possibly be wrong?”

The Master of the Sword gave a faint smile. A sad melancholy was reflected on his lips.

“Why don’t you stop her? It’s the Undead Dungeon, isn’t it? Leaving aside the danger, Abel could be deeply affected.”

Karon spoke in an unusually strong tone, contrary to his usual calm demeanor.

“I think it would have been better if you had gone instead of her…”

“Karon.”

The Master of the Sword interrupted with a stern voice. Karon flinched and quickly apologized, bowing his head.

“My apologies. I got carried away without realizing it.”

“I know you’re worried about Abel.”

Tap—

He tapped the table with his cup. Sitting down, he continued speaking.

“But that’s exactly why we must respect Abel’s decision. She’s no longer a child.”

“…”

“She can’t keep being bound by her past. I can help her, but that would only delay her growth.”

The Master of the Sword paused, then spoke with certainty. Karon was startled.

“Besides, isn’t Kang Geom-Ma going with them? No enemy will be a threat to that boy.”

“What?!”

Karon swallowed hard, shocked.

“Society calls him an unmatched genius, but no… there’s no way. That boy doesn’t fit within such a simple framework. Sometimes, he doesn’t even seem human…”

The Master of the Sword’s eyebrows twitched. He suddenly stopped.

The Master of the Sword was the only person who truly knew Kang Geom-Ma’s power.

The strength Kang Geom-Ma had displayed on Avalon Island. The sword that had annihilated the 5th Corps Commander, Agor, in a single strike. A power that went beyond any blessing or realm, something almost mystical.

‘That is something that cannot be explained to anyone, and it must never be spoken of.’

If the demons were to hear of it, they would surely attempt to eliminate Kang Geom-Ma.

The Master of the Sword calmly changed the subject.

“By the way, I don’t know who his parents are, but they gave him a good name.”

Karon tilted his head, confused.

“…Forgive me, Master, this may be disrespectful, but the name is a bit peculiar.”

“Haha, ‘a worthy name.’ It’s a perfect name for that young man. Ah, of course, I say this with good intentions.”

The Master of the Sword’s laughter filled the air as Karon slowly repeated the name.

“…Geom…Ma.”

Suddenly, Karon recalled his first meeting with Kang Geom-Ma.

Ink-black eyes, filled with hollow indifference. Coal-black hair, unlike anything he had seen before.

At that moment, Karon had felt a chill down his spine. However, he could not afford to disrespect the guest he was meant to serve.

Karon erased his surprised expression, replacing it with a mask of composure.

Even so, if he were to meet him on a dark path, it would be enough to strike terror—like encountering “the personification of darkness itself.” Every time his gaze met Kang Geom-Ma’s, Karon found himself instinctively falling silent.

If they were to meet on a dimly lit road, he would probably be frozen in place.

This young man emanated an extraordinary presence.

And the fact that he had chosen a knife as his weapon…

‘Does he see his opponents as something as insignificant as fish?’

An article he had read a few days ago suddenly came to mind, one that said, “I’m so bored I could die.”

At the time, Karon had laughed it off, but if the Master of the Sword was saying it… it was highly likely to be true.

A shiver ran down his spine, and at the same time, Karon let out a sigh of relief.

Everything was starting to make sense. Normally, the Master of the Sword would never have allowed the lady and a strange man to go out together.

Karon, waiting outside, had expected a severe reprimand from the Master of the Sword.

But in the end, everything had been resolved with a simple inquiry.

Despite the fact that the situation could have easily provoked an outburst of fury from the Master of the Sword.

That’s why Karon interpreted it this way.
The favorable attitude the Master of the Sword showed toward Kang Geom-Ma.

The fact that he even allowed the outing with the lady.

The more he thought about it, the more everything boiled down to a single possibility.

“The Master of the Sword wants Kang Geom-Ma to stay by the lady’s side permanently.”

The Master of the Sword’s intuition was almost supernatural.
If it had only been about strength, he wouldn’t be in the position he was in.

Karon knew this. His master’s greatness wasn’t solely due to his physical power but also his ability to see through people.

Could he be making an incorrect judgment? As a butler who had served the Master of the Sword for nearly 30 years, that was absurd.

Relieved by his own thoughts, Karon sighed once again.

He didn’t know if he should be happy or not, but he felt reassured.

“Kang Geom-Ma…”

As long as that young man was near, the lady would be safe.

That certainty settled within Karon’s heart.

On the other hand, there was a bitter taste.

She was like a daughter to him, so his emotions were complicated.

He had been prepared for this ever since the lady entered the academy.
Finding a partner at the academy was a natural process for nobility.

But now that it was actually happening, Karon felt uneasy.

Was this what a father felt when his daughter brought home a potential husband?

Especially if that husband was exceptionally remarkable.

“Suddenly, the lady has become a young woman.”

Karon smiled bitterly and then tilted the teapot to refill the Master of the Sword’s empty cup.

“…If you need more, just let me know, Master of the Sword.”

“Heh, thank you. As always, you’re the only one who remains by my side.”

Karon responded with a quiet chuckle.