Chapter 79
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: Dance with Me. (6)
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A sword that is a sword yet not a sword, not a sword yet a sword.
This was what the inaugural Sword Saint had said about auras, a phrase that even now, ages later, was constantly bandied about among knights.
The inaugural Sword Saint had been a noble, so he'd phrased it quite elaborately, but the meaning was simple enough. If you could wield aura proficiently, anything could become a sword. A fallen twig on the ground or even the softest leaf were no exceptions.
What Shabel had demonstrated was an extension of that theory. Beyond the realm of turning non-swords into swords, she had condensed her aura to create a blade from nothing.
In short, it was the advanced application of aura.
'Yeah, I get the theory and all...'
The problem was that I was a total novice who'd only started handling aura a few months ago.
Just because you show a toddler taking its first steps how to run doesn't mean it'll start sprinting right away. Even a horse galloping across the plains couldn't manage that.
If I had to compare it to magic, it was like sensing mana for the first time just a few months ago and then trying to wield advanced spells.
What kind of insane talent would that require? If such a person existed, they wouldn't be human...
'No, maybe someone like that does exist. Assuming they don't would just be prejudice.'
I had to correct my thinking. Elena's past suddenly came to mind. She was a walking bundle of talent.
Her mentor, Cecily Gardner, had begged her to become a disciple, so no further explanation was needed.
Unfortunately, unlike her, I wasn't this world's protagonist.
"Do you really believe I can do it, Professor?"
"Logically speaking, it's impossible. The break isn't several years long, after all. But for some reason, I have a feeling you might pull it off."
"...That's far too generous."
"Don't worry about it. This isn't just for tempering yourself. The key is taking one step further in the right direction than yesterday."
"Understood."
In essence, don't obsess over results—focus on the process.
Her words eased my burden so much that I felt even more determined to give it my all. At the very least, I wanted to repay those who believed in me.
In the end, all I could do was my best.
"Could I see the sword-creation process one more time?"
"Of course, as many times as needed."
Aura rippled and rose around Shabel's body, extending from her fingertips to form the shape of a sword. Soon, a blade made purely of aura was in her hand.
Since I could use aura too, the requirements weren't hard to grasp. A strong will and imagery to reshape it, plus a substantial total amount of aura—it all played a part.
I couldn't replicate it yet, but the path forward was clear.
I bowed my head.
"Thank you."
"If you need anything, feel free to come by."
"I will. I'll head out now."
I bowed again and turned to leave the office.
Just as I reached for the doorknob, a voice called from behind.
"Luke, I almost forgot—before the break, I want to do that thing again."
"That thing...?"
"You helped with my aura circulation before, remember? That's what I mean."
She must have been referring to when we sat facing each other, hands clasped.
It worried me a bit, recalling Shabel drenched in sweat and panting, but there was no reason to refuse. Turning it down might even be rude.
"Got it."
I started to turn, then remembered something and looked back at her.
"I almost forgot to say—the dress you wore yesterday suited you perfectly."
"I see. Thank you."
Shabel replied nonchalantly, but her ears peeking through her hair betrayed her—they were flushed bright red, as if about to burst.
She probably wasn't used to compliments.
I brushed it off and left the office.
Time passed, and soon it was after classes.
As usual, I entered the gardening club room, where Erje—rarely—wore a dissatisfied expression. It was especially odd since she never lost her smile.
Who could've guessed I was the cause?
"Luke, where did you go during the banquet yesterday?"
"Sorry. I was tired and went back to my room early."
"No need to apologize. Our tea house took first place, but I was disappointed you weren't there."
Erje glanced at Elena as she spoke.
Maybe she'd vaguely read my mind. She had said I wasn't entirely invisible, after all.
Erje turned back to me.
"Why don't you sit? I'll make the tea today."
"Sure."
I sat in my usual spot. Since she'd offered first, refusing would only make things awkward, even if my heart wasn't in it.
The club room had somehow returned to normal already. I had to respect her escort knights for handling the cleanup. Tough job, and they worked hard.
We enjoyed the tea Erje brewed and the prepared snacks.
Including festival prep, it had been a while since we'd had this time, so the peaceful vibe felt fresh.
As casual chatter flowed among the club members, Cain suddenly spoke up.
"By the way, what are your break plans?"
"I'll probably head home. There are people I miss after so long, and things to do."
Erje answered first, sipping her tea with elegant poise.
"Same as big sis."
"Me too, probably back home."
The others weren't much different.
It made sense. No classes meant no reason to stay at the Academy. They'd want out as soon as possible.
Elena was no exception. She quietly set down her teacup.
"I'm going home too."
"Same here."
I replied right after. Her going home meant my destination was the Frozenheart Ducal Family too. Servants had no choices.
'The North will still be pretty cold...'
Just imagining it made me shiver.
How much time passed in conversation? Soon, the sun hung precariously on the mountain ridge.
Time to go, so we all tidied up and stood. As we filed out, something was suddenly pressed into my hand.
'Paper...?'
Curious, I turned and locked eyes with Erje behind me.
Her meaningful smile told me she'd given it.
What prank was this now?
I arrived at the dorm with those thoughts and unfolded the paper.
『Come to the banquet hall at midnight.』
Telling me to go to the banquet hall out of nowhere—what was this...?
No explanation made it all the more baffling. Midnight was when most people, including me, were asleep. My questions only grew.
But what could I do? Even if I hated it, when the princess summoned, I went. That's life for a lowborn.
I left the dorm much later, when the world was shrouded in darkness.
Walking through the mildly warm night air, the large banquet hall soon came into view.
And a familiar figure stood in front.
I'd come thirty minutes early, yet she was already waiting. When superiors did this, they clearly didn't grasp how it fatigued their inferiors.
I sighed silently and hurried over, soon facing Erje.
"Sorry for being late, Your Highness."
"Late? Doesn't seem so."
"I wasn't late by the appointment, but keeping you waiting makes it late."
"Don't sweat it. I just got here too."
"Thank you for your leniency. So, why did you summon me here?"
Erje tapped her lips thoughtfully, then flashed a mischievous smile.
"Well, shall we go in?"
"Pardon? Where...?"
I couldn't finish the question—or rather, there was no need.
Erje's footsteps led straight to the darkened banquet hall.