Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Before Departure
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I turned 13.
I've gradually gotten used to swordsmanship infused with aura.
The Azure Dragon Soaring Sword, the first technique I learned, now has a pretty high proficiency level.
The next sword art I picked up was the Fierce Tiger Strike Sword.
A sword where the aura charges like a tiger.
If the Azure Dragon Soaring Sword is specialized in defense, then the Fierce Tiger Strike Sword is specialized in offense.
'Though honestly, I don't really feel it when I use it.'
I didn't get the impression that it provides any massive boost to offense.
I figure the reason is that the aura charges like a tiger, but it doesn't actually turn into one.
Damn. It's called the Fierce Tiger Strike Sword, but it can't become a tiger? Then why bother naming it after one?
Setting aside my personal disappointment, there were no major issues learning the Fierce Tiger Strike Sword either.
My body's talent is just that exceptional, I guess. Whenever I ask, thinking it's normal, they always tell me I'm the amazing one.
Somehow, this Kline Leonhart guy—doesn't just being alive feel like a cheat?
Honestly, if he hadn't felt that jealousy toward Ariel, maybe he'd have played a better role in the original story.
Time flowed on, and finally, the Cluster of Stars social gathering arrived.
"Young Master. Time to take a break now."
It was one of those days I'd been training since morning.
At the words of Alfred, my sparring partner, I finally relaxed.
"Whew. Yeah, maybe."
I grabbed a water bottle and chugged it down.
Lately, I'd been ramping up the intensity of my training.
There was always this nagging unease deep in my heart.
The final boss, the Blood Demon. And the horde of vampires following him, the Crimson Blood Cult.
I didn't know when they'd show up, so I wanted to build up as much strength as possible beforehand.
"Ever since you returned from Freod, your training volume has shot up. Is there a reason?"
"Dunno. I just feel like I need to get stronger."
"Indeed. That's the foundation of any warrior. I'm learning from you yet again, Young Master."
"Hey, no matter how much you butter me up, I can't raise your pay."
There's something odd about our family's knights lately.
No matter what I say, they hype it up.
At first, I thought it was because I'm the eldest son who'll inherit the dukedom.
But that wasn't it.
-My goodness! You're the first to master the Fierce Tiger Strike Sword this quickly, Young Master!
-Impressive. At this rate, you might surpass the Family Head.
-Whoa, we'll get left in the dust at this rate. Guess we need to train harder.
It's like some national pride TV show—every time I train, they shower me with praise.
I let it slide since it's nice and all, but it's starting to feel burdensome.
I like praise as much as the next guy, but this is overkill.
I decided to change the subject.
"How was the Freod dispatch? They pulled knights from our family and others without discrimination. Doesn't that mean war with Freod?"
"Hoho. No, Young Master. Quite the opposite—they brought that many to warn others not to mess with us. It was to avoid war."
"Hmm. If you say so."
Freod is a confederation of northern tribes.
Barbarians who've clashed with the Empire multiple times in the past.
The Empire's national power is overwhelmingly superior, of course.
But Freod's harsh terrain and the sheer effort required for conquest mean relations have been lukewarm lately.
And now they've expanded territory there?
"The locals won't be happy about that."
"Seems so, but surprisingly, they didn't pay much attention to our side."
"Really? That's unexpected."
"Word is, strange beasts have been rampaging in Freod. Not your typical northern beasts—something fiercer. That's why their forces were stretched thin."
"......"
I frowned slightly at that.
There are no magical beasts in this world.
So if something different from normal beasts shows up, it's probably tied to vampires.
'Wonder if I'll end up going there someday.'
This might mean a trip to Freod eventually.
"Got it. Ready for another round, then?"
"Yes. Let's."
I gripped my sword again and faced Alfred.
Lately, I've been practicing two sword arts.
Azure Dragon Soaring Sword and Fierce Tiger Strike Sword.
I planned to max out their proficiency before heading to the capital.
"An invitation arrived from the Cluster of Stars."
After finishing training with Alfred, I headed to the Family Head's office.
Father handed me a letter.
Fine parchment sealed with wax.
An invitation straight from the imperial palace.
"I'm sure you know this already, but the Cluster of Stars is a social gathering for the Empire's teenage nobility, ages 10 to 19. Now that you've decided to attend, you should come back with some connections."
"I know."
As Father said, the purpose of this gathering is networking.
Empire nobles from 10 to 19 years old.
Normally, forging ties with other nobles requires formal occasions.
It's not easy to meet privately—they're nobles, after all.
But the Cluster of Stars brings all these teens together in one place.
So everyone's goal is to build connections.
'Not really my thing, though.'
Putting on a mask, laughing and chatting to expand my network at the gathering.
Not my cup of tea, but since I'm going anyway, Father's right—better make some ties.
"Anyone in mind?"
"Not really."
"Hm. Good attitude to judge on the spot, but I recommend researching ahead. It'll shorten the process of sizing people up."
"I prefer natural encounters."
"That'd get you beaten if you said it to the other young nobles. They're all dead serious about finding fiancées."
"Kidding. I don't hate matchmaking either. But are people really attending just to find fiancées?"
Feels like going to church to pick up girls.
These nobles are eager, huh?
"Didn't you know? Most nobles at the Cluster of Stars are there to find partners. You'll be a target for the young ladies too. Even if you are my son, your looks appeal to women."
"Whoa. I really don't want that. What a hassle."
"......Talking like a spoiled brat."
It's not like that. I like dating apps too, but I prefer chance encounters.
Father shook his head and turned back to his documents.
"Good luck, then. Swing by when you return."
I bowed to Father and left the office.
We leave for the Cluster of Stars the day after tomorrow.
So I've got time until tomorrow.
What should I do?
'Obvious.'
Spend more time playing with my little sister before I go.
-♬♪
Ariel was playing her ocarina alone.
She's gotten pretty good—sounds nice now.
At first, her clumsy playing was so cute it made me laugh.
But she's practiced so hard that soon she might play as well as me.
"Ariel."
*knock knock*
"Yeah, come in."
She gave permission right after I knocked.
She's so sharp. Ariel doesn't mind me entering her room at all.
It's amazing. Aren't little sisters supposed to yell 'Don't just barge in!' when male family members enter?
My sister's the best.
As I entered, Ariel sat demurely on her bed as usual.
"What're you up to?"
"Ocarina."
"Sometimes I regret giving you that ocarina."
"Why? Why say something so scary?"
"Nah, it's just... you seem like you don't have anything else to play with."
I shrugged and sat beside her.
My sister clutched her ocarina protectively, like something was wrong with me.
Subtly guarding it from me.
That was a joke. She's not great at picking up on these things yet.
But it's cute.
"Remember that schedule I mentioned? The Cluster of Stars. Time to head out soon."
"What? ...When?"
"Day after tomorrow?"
"What? Then I'm going too."
Ariel immediately grabbed my sleeve and tugged.
Throwing a tantrum. Don't leave me behind.
But I couldn't allow it this time.
"No, Ariel."
"Why?"
"This gathering starts at age 10 minimum. You're 8, so no."
"Just let me come along."
"Ariel. I want you to stay home."
I placed my hand on her head.
Soft, fluffy hair. I stroked it back.
This is my little trick. It helps her relax.
"I'm going somewhere you can't come."
"Somewhere weird? To meet girls?"
"What kind of talk is that?"
Where'd she pick up that nonsense?
'I need to meet the prophet.'
The prophet's in the capital. The rumors about Ariel started there, after all.
Obviously.
But I had a feeling I should go alone.
'If I bring Ariel, they won't meet me.'
Just a hunch.
They singled her out as a disaster, after all.
No way they'd want to see her.
"......No matter what, you won't take me?"
"Yeah."
I kept petting her head and affirmed it.
I couldn't compromise this time.
For Ariel's sake, especially.
"......"
My sister fell silent.
A short but heavy silence.
Finally, her lips moved.
"What'll you do there?"
"Huh?"
"What's the Cluster of Stars? Explain properly."
Why's she giving off vibes like a wife monitoring her husband's affair, sis?
"It's for building connections with other nobles. I'll meet lots of young lords and ladies my age."
"Young ladies? Meeting girls?"
"Well...... can't avoid it, right? Father said it's basically for finding fiancées."
"Fiancée."
Why'd the temperature just drop like that, little sis?
Ariel shot up from her seat the moment she heard.
She turned to me, huffed, and puffed out her chest.
"Then I need to toughen you up, big bro."
"What?"
"Can't have you going somewhere weird and getting beat up."
"Hey, I don't have time to go getting beat up anywhere."
"And to make sure other girls don't toy with you, I'll help. Okay?"
"You've grown up, Ariel. Already worrying about a new sister-in-law."
I tried joking, but it didn't land.
Ariel was possessed by something the moment she heard "young ladies" and "fiancée."
She was dead set on this.
"Big bro. Spar with me tomorrow. I'll teach you. How to get strong. How not to fall for girls' tricks. You're too naive, so your sister will help."
"No need for th—"
"Got it?"
Sometimes Ariel shows mental maturity beyond her years.
Like right now.
"Huh?"
Her eyes sparkled.
As if she'd been injected with knowledge from another world that she didn't know she had.