Chapter 37
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 37
“I apologize for troubling you.”
“Not at all. It is Felicia’s etiquette lesson right now anyway, so I had nothing else to do.”
Although the Sword Saint had recently taken on a disciple, it didn’t mean he couldn’t teach others. No matter how brilliant a pupil might be, they were still human and couldn't train twenty-four hours a day. This was especially true for Felicia, who also had to learn noble etiquette.
“I have plenty of free time, so how could I refuse to help the Third Young Master? If you truly need me, I would squeeze time out of a stone to be here.”
His tone wasn't sarcastic; it was filled with genuine sincerity. Ever since Lucian had introduced him to Felicia, Eisen had felt a deep sense of gratitude toward him. At times, he seemed to appreciate Lucian even more than a life-saver.
“I am grateful you feel that way. By the way, how has Felicia been lately?”
“Her passion for learning etiquette is no less than her passion for the sword. Though it is a bit heartbreaking, as her motivations seem to be different.”
When asked about Felicia’s progress, Eisen gave a bitter smile. He explained that unlike her swordsmanship, which she enjoyed purely for the craft, her fervor for etiquette felt more like a deep-seated resentment born from her years living as an illegitimate child.
“It can’t be helped. Just seeing how she used to wait on her brother made it obvious how she was treated at home. Her invisible scars must run quite deep.”
“Do not worry about that. I intend to make those who ignored the value of such a gem weep tears of blood. Seeing that with her own eyes should help soothe some of her resentment.”
“Hoho, I certainly look forward to that.”
At Lucian’s words, Eisen stroked his beard and let out a cold laugh. The Marquis had tried to bury a talent that would have left its mark on history rather than nurturing it. Both as a master and a father figure—and simply as a fellow swordsman—Eisen wanted to see that man get what he deserved.
“It seems our conversation has run long. Now, let us take a look at your sword. Show me the Lion Heart Sword techniques I taught you previously.”
“Yes, Master.”
Lucian performed every form of the Lion Heart Sword he had recently learned. In truth, he should have still been focusing on the basics, but Eisen decided to overlook that. Lucian’s fundamentals were already rock-solid, and even without being told, he trained them diligently on his own. Considering that half the power of a sword technique comes from the basics, one could say he was already halfway there.
The problem was the other half.
“I am finished.”
“Hmm.”
As the demonstration ended, a low groan escaped Eisen’s lips. After contemplating for a long moment, Eisen looked at Lucian with a serious expression.
“In my eyes, the Third Young Master’s body has been blessed by the heavens. Your mana is pure, and the destructive power resulting from it is peerlessly strong. Your basics are perfect, and your eye for observing the opponent is excellent.”
“Uh… thank you?”
“And the Lion Heart Sword suits your temperament well, as it is a style that emphasizes destructive power. While its finesse is no less than other styles, sometimes it is better to focus on what one does best.”
Lucian tilted his head at the sudden barrage of praise. He wondered what the man was getting at with such a long-winded explanation. After continuing his analysis for a while longer, Eisen finally smiled and pointed Lucian toward a path.
“Therefore, in my opinion, it would be best to focus on instantaneous destructive power rather than finesse, to fully utilize the advantages of your exceptional physique. With that alone, most knights will be swept away like autumn leaves.”
“…Sir Eisen. If I’m not mistaken, you seem to be saying that since my finesse is pathetic compared to my strength, I should just go around smashing everything with raw power.”
“Hahaha.”
“Don’t just laugh.”
“Hahaha.”
Eisen merely laughed and changed the subject, never actually denying it. However, he soon showed a sincere smile, moving past the deflection.
“But what I said is the truth. Most knights won’t be a match for you with that alone. Above all, there isn't just one way to reach the highest heights. Instead of finesse, there may be a path to becoming a Sword Saint through sheer destructive power.”
“A Sword Saint who is only strong but has no technique. That doesn't sound very cool.”
“You shouldn't look at it so negatively. If you reach the pinnacle of the sword with that body…”
“If I reach it?”
“You might be able to slay even the dragons of legend with a single strike.”
Lucian flinched and stared at Eisen, taken aback by the excessive praise. He expected the man to laugh it off again, but his expression was incredibly calm—as if he were simply stating a fact, regardless of whether Lucian believed it or not.
*
Lucian decided to follow the Sword Saint’s advice. Setting aside the mention of dragons, he couldn't deny that it was the best direction for him.
‘If you don’t have innate talent for finesse, it takes an eternity to master. It’s much better to focus on strength.’
And in reality, increasing the destructive power of a sword technique was nothing to scoff at. Being strong meant being fast, and it meant the enemy would find it difficult to block properly. If you thrust your sword through a clearly visible path and they still couldn't stop it, wasn't that the ultimate killing blow?
‘In my past life, I had several experiences where I almost died like that.’
Because the attacks were so simple, the Lucian of that time had no way to respond. You need at least a certain level of strength and speed to do anything. This time, Lucian thought it might be nice to make his opponents feel that way. With this blessed body, it wouldn't be difficult.
Two months passed.
“Whew.”
Having finished his mana circulation, Lucian let out a deep breath and looked around. There were empty medicine bottles and leftover ingredients from making the Diluted Nectar. Everything else was in abundance, but he was completely out of the most important ingredient: Moonlight Grass.
“Tsk. I can’t exactly tell them to bring more when they say they can’t find any.”
No matter how much he pressured the herbalist, the man only wailed that it was impossible to get more. Moonlight Grass was expensive and had few buyers compared to how difficult it was to obtain, so once a shop had it in stock, it usually lasted a long time. But now that the stock in the surrounding territories had been depleted, finding more wouldn't be easy.
‘If I had the recipe for the pure Nectar, I wouldn't have to make up for it with quantity like this.’
Lucian felt a fresh wave of regret. Of course, the elixir he was taking now was good, but it was heavily diluted compared to the original. After using it all to increase his own strength, there was nothing left over.
‘It’s a shame. If possible, I wanted to give the leftovers to the others, but there isn't enough for that…’
“Young Master.”
Hans’s voice broke Lucian’s train of thought. After quickly getting dressed, Lucian pushed the bottles and ingredients into a corner and went out.
“What is it?”
“The, uh, Grand Duke has summoned you. He says there is an important matter and is holding a family meeting.”
“A family meeting? Does that mean the other ladies are attending as well?”
“It appears so.”
Lucian’s expression turned serious. Unlike the previous time when it was framed as a breakfast, the Grand Duke was explicitly using the term "family meeting." That meant it was a matter of great importance to Grand Duke Sigmund and the House of Valdek—something that could potentially involve every member of the family.
‘Could it be?’
A single hypothesis surfaced in Lucian’s mind. It was the closest historical turning point and the event Lucian had been preparing to participate in. While there was still some time before the event actually occurred, it was the perfect time for high-ranking nobles to begin their preparations.
“I’ll get ready and head there immediately.”
Having finished his preparations, Lucian headed toward the Lord’s Manor. For the first time since learning the Lion Heart Sword, his heart was pounding. If his guess was correct, whether or not he got involved in this incident would be the watershed moment that determined his future.
*
Lucian wasn't the only one who reacted to the summons for a family meeting. The others arrived at the manor at almost the same time.
The three brothers and their mothers, the three wives. And Lucian, the only one whose biological mother had passed away. The gazes of the seven people collided in mid-air, and a strange tension settled over the room.
“Now that everyone is here, sit. You as well, ladies.”
Fortunately, the tension dissipated before it could escalate, thanks to the Grand Duke’s entrance. At Grand Duke Sigmund’s heavy voice, the gathered family members quietly took their seats. Perhaps feeling there was no point in dragging it out, the Grand Duke got straight to the point.
“A rebellion has broken out in Krepelt.”
“What?! Surely you don't mean…!”
“Yes, the very same Krepelt that holds the greatest power in the East. Their military strength is the most formidable among the vassal states.”
As his prediction hit the mark, Lucian unconsciously clenched his fists. The Krepelt Rebellion. While it wasn't the start of the chaotic era itself, it was the signal flare that heralded its coming. The event that contributed most significantly to the downfall of the Imperial Family had finally begun.
“To be precise, war hasn't broken out yet. But it will soon. They have refused the Imperial tax collection and have even issued a conscription order.”
“It’s practically a declaration of war. It seems unlikely the Imperial Family can suppress Krepelt on their own. Will you be stepping in, Father?”
Jordi seemed to take it for granted as he asked the question. When a rebellion reached a national scale, a coalition of lords was naturally formed. In such cases, the commander-in-chief of the coalition had to possess authority befitting the Emperor or his proxy. Unless the Emperor led the campaign himself, there was no one more qualified than Grand Duke Sigmund. He was the only one who possessed the Emperor’s trust, extensive war experience, and the necessary authority.
“No. It is not me.”
However, the Grand Duke shook his head and named someone entirely unexpected.
“The one who will lead the suppression of this rebellion is His Highness the First Prince.”
“What?!”
The brothers, and even the wives, widened their eyes at the Grand Duke’s words. While the First Prince certainly didn't lack authority, he had almost zero battlefield experience. To place such a person as the commander of a large-scale rebellion suppression was unheard of.
“Then… surely you aren't saying you will be assisting His Highness…?”
“Not that either. His Majesty desires for one of you to go.”
A heavy silence fell over the room. Instead of the Emperor, the First Prince; instead of Grand Duke Sigmund, one of his sons. This was an incredibly blatant political maneuver.
‘He wants to give the First Prince authority while simultaneously forcing us to support him.’
‘Damn it, isn't this too much? Why drag us into this instead of Father?’
The Emperor’s intention was clear. While the loyal Grand Duke was a known quantity, his children were wild cards. The Emperor intended to forcibly link them to the First Prince during this opportunity. Regardless of their actual intentions, once they were linked, the public would view them as part of his support base.
The problem was that none of the Grand Duke’s sons currently wanted that.
‘It’s common knowledge in social circles that the First Prince lacks talent. Getting tied to him now will be a shackle for years to come.’
‘I might catch the Emperor’s eye, sure. But what matters to me right now is the position of the next Family Head, not the Emperor’s trust.’
‘Once I become the next Family Head, he’ll be the one begging me to be his supporter. Why should I bow down now?’
Seeing the reactions of his three sons, the Grand Duke let out a sigh as if he had expected this.
“I’ll ask, just in case. Is there anyone among you who wishes to volunteer?”
“Is there a need to look for a volunteer? It seems we already have the perfect candidate.”
As soon as the Grand Duke finished his question, one of the wives who had been silent spoke up. It was Lady Veronica, a beautiful woman with the distinctive red hair of the South and the mother of Tristan. At the Grand Duke’s questioning gaze, Veronica looked at Lucian and spoke.
“Send the third son.”