Chapter 121
Chapter 121
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 121
Chapter Title: 52. Heredity (1)
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Yuri left the imperial palace as soon as the sun rose.
Since he hadn't announced the time of their departure, no one knew they were leaving.
The only ones who spotted Yuri at the checkpoint were the palace guards, who were yawning lazily in the morning sunlight. They jumped to attention and saluted in surprise.
A few birds flapped their wings, trailing after him.
Gatencha lay a bit off the main road to Adelvine, but since Hose had fled there despite Jonathan's attempts to stop him, they had no choice but to stop by and pick him up.
Yuri said,
"Gatencha... Doesn't feel like a good vibe."
"Why's that?"
Cory, walking beside him, tilted his head.
He now looked every bit the warrior, his body transformed. Even his limp carried a sense of power.
It was thanks to Hernando's prescription.
As the saying goes, a sound mind in a sound body—and for mages who manifested their mental images into reality, building a healthy physique was just as crucial as learning magic itself.
Watching the now lively Cory, Yuri couldn't help but think there was truth to it.
"Nah, probably just needless worry. But Cory, how the hell did you train to get this buff in such a short time?"
"Druid..."
"What? Steroid?"
Yuri flinched back.
It was the name of a forbidden elixir that traded precious vitality for muscle growth. Strictly banned in every nation.
"No! Druid."
"Steroid?"
"Huh? No, no. Just druid."
"What druid?"
"The friend of nature, druid."
"Oh..."
"Sir Hernando said druids have a way to bulk up by communing with bears, and he taught it straight to me."
"Ah, so that's it."
"Feels great being healthy."
Simon and Guinness trailed behind, looking worn out, but Cory carried a hefty pack without a hint of strain.
"Hernando didn't teach you any magic?"
"Magic? No..."
"Just bulked you up?"
"Yes."
"Hmm..."
They were heading to face no one less than Death Knight Gert.
Yet Hernando had split off, citing other business. Cory was their only mage now.
Yuri started to worry.
"Whatever. With Hose here, we'll manage somehow."
They soon arrived at Gatencha.
Smaller than the capital, but sturdy walls flew red banners. A compact, solid town.
The guards recognized Yuri and his group.
"Welcome to Gatencha. We've heard much of your fame, Prince. Sir Rolang, congratulations on your tournament victory. How long do you plan to stay?"
"Won't take long. Might leave today."
"Understood."
Yuri's group entered Gatencha.
He immediately asked after Hose.
The moment he inquired about the hulking knight, locals pointed out his location.
He was at the town's largest tavern.
Hose sat dead center, downing drinks nonstop.
A server grunted, hauling away stacks of empty glasses.
"Hose."
"Oh, Prince?"
Hose spotted Yuri and stood. Despite the booze, his face was clear.
"You're earlier than expected."
"You came here just to drink?"
"Hahaha..."
He scratched his head sheepishly.
"Everyone needs alone time with a drink sometimes. After traveling together nonstop, I craved this."
"Fair enough. Want me to give you space?"
"No need. Since you're here, join m—"
That's when it happened.
The rest of Yuri's group waited outside, where a commotion erupted. A squad of imperial knights was accosting them.
Hose chuckled.
"Oops, guess no choice. Handle your business, Prince. I'll enjoy my alone time a bit longer."
"You're extra annoying today, Sir Hose."
"Hahaha, bear with me."
Yuri clapped his shoulder and headed to the entrance. Their conversation drifted in.
"This an invitation? Looks more like an arrest."
"Don't misunderstand. It's just the lord's invitation."
"You invite with swords now?"
"Not drawn yet. Still sheathed."
"Same difference. Full armor too."
"If we meant to draw, would we just talk?"
"Wanna try?"
Jared stepped forward, bickering with the knight.
Jared spread his arms as Yuri appeared.
"Prince, these guys are ordering us around."
"Prince. Lord of Gatencha invites you. Come respectfully."
"That's how you invite?"
Not just Simon and Guinness—even unflappable Rolang raised an eyebrow.
"Rude. Did the lord really send you?"
The knights' momentum faltered as Rolang advanced. His tournament win carried weight.
"Yes."
Rolang glanced at Yuri, deferring the call.
Yuri said,
"Nah."
His group and the knights alike stared in shock.
"Not going."
"Prince, refusing an invitation is..."
"What, drag me by force?"
Yuri brushed his sword hilt and stepped forward. The knights retreated.
"Right, what was the name..."
He tapped the pommel.
"Jair Enekin. Gatencha's lord now, Jair Enekin. Acting this rude, seems he can't wait to see me."
"Just orders to escort politely."
"Settling scores over my father's deeds?"
The knights' faces hardened at Yuri's words.
"That's too much."
"You're the ones overdoing it. Showing up in full armor like a mob, demanding I come? Thought I'd just go?"
"Prince. This is the Empire."
"So?"
"Better not make trouble. For your safe return..."
Before the knight finished, Yuri kicked his gut. Armor crumpled; he flew back, tangling with others in a heap.
"What manners..."
"Guhk..."
"That jerk sent you well. Meant to get smacked, right?"
Yuri had anticipated this the moment he saw the knights.
Instead of half-assed sparring, he sent one flying clean.
"More coming now, huh?"
The knight couldn't speak, clutching his dented armor, gasping and spitting blood.
As Yuri predicted, reinforcements poured from behind the building.
Yuri's group drew swords.
Townsfolk fled; the street emptied. Peaceful Gatencha tensed in seconds.
"Wow..."
Hose inside lifted his glass.
"Need help?"
"Nah."
Yuri chin-nodded at the lead knight.
"Wanna watch? Tell him to come himself."
"Prince, escalating won't end well."
"Why think that?"
Yuri smirked.
"I don't care. Blowing it up sounds fun. Like my father did."
"What?!"
The air turned hostile at Yuri's words.
Over twenty knights radiated killing intent, but Yuri's group stood firm.
Jared whispered to Rolang,
"What's the situation?"
"Old grudge."
"Grudge?"
"His Majesty killed a Gatencha knight long ago."
"And?"
"That knight was the lord's son."
"What?"
"Current lord's the dead knight's son."
"Oh, so..."
An inherited grudge.
Fiore had beheaded a Gatencha knight years back. The emperor let it slide; Fiore returned to Brioll unscathed.
Georg had leveraged it to pressure Fiore six years ago.
Either way, it shamed House Enekin.
Now, Jair Enekin—grandson of that lord, son of the slain knight—ruled Gatencha. He dispatched knights the instant Yuri entered.
The reason was obvious.
Humiliate him somehow.
"His Majesty wouldn't kill just anyone."
"Said it was human trash."
"Figures..."
Their voices were low, but nearby knights heard. Faces twisted.
Knights pointed, cursing Rolang and Jared.
Yuri blocked them.
"I'm in charge. Talk to me."
"You'll regret this."
"Who?"
Yuri shrugged.
"If you're confident, fight. Otherwise, shut up and scram. Embarrassing for knights."
"..."
"I said it. Want to see me? Jair Enekin comes himself."
"You're asking for anger."
"Shut up, asshole."
The knight flinched as Yuri advanced.
"Scared? Then don't act cocky."
His face flushed. Yuri's earlier kick on his comrade had him tense.
Rumors of Yuri's Allied Forces exploits weren't entirely false.
"Got it."
He signaled back; one knight peeled off—likely reporting to Jair.
Yuri muttered,
"Everyone knows why my father did it."
Gatencha knights fell silent.
The lord's father got what he deserved.
Drunk, he'd challenged famed swordsman Fiore to a duel. Fiore refused; he switched targets, harassing Yuri's now-deceased mother.
Provoking even-tempered Fiore took skill.
Fiore showed mercy: sober up, return tomorrow for the duel.
Sober and terrified, he still believed Fiore wouldn't kill an imperial noble.
His own sword skill gave confidence.
They dueled as planned.
Fiore severed his head.
"You all ashamed too, right?"
"..."
"But the son's out here shaming the family again. Heredity, huh..."
"I'll relay that to the lord."
"Tattle all you want."
As Yuri mocked, the mounted lord arrived.
Jair looked just over thirty.
House Enekin bred sword talent. Jair was built sturdy, aura sharp.
He dismounted, arms crossed, eyeing Yuri up and down.
Like appraising meat.
Ill intent blatant.
"What're you staring at?"
"Little prince has guts."
"Little?"
"Sorry. You reek of green."
Jair smiled leisurely.
"If offended, I apologize. Since you're in my domain, join me at the castle for a meal..."
"Cut the crap. You're here to fight, right?"
"Do I look it? I..."
"Wasting my time. Perfect timing—I just learned something new. Needed a punching bag like you."
"Mind your words. No manners."
"Says you?"
Yuri strode up. Jair held ground, meeting eyes.
Yuri muttered,
"Got places to be..."
Irritation rose.
His ploy to force a duel was transparent.
Just say avenge your father—why the petty games?
Yuri's hand swung.
Slap.
Jair panicked.
Everyone did.
Yuri slapped his cheek.
"Gave you your excuse. Grateful?"
"Y-You just..."
"Duel me."
"My cheek..."
"Your fault for not dodging. Can't block that? How'll you handle my sword later?"
Jair flushed. His facade cracked—lips twitching, brow furrowed.
Yuri pressed,
"Fight clean. Why yap? Too embarrassing to challenge a 'kid' at your age?"
"You'll regret it, little prince."
"Regret..."
Yuri burst laughing.
"Can't regret without a head."