A Knight's Oath

Tatcheon smirked as he studied the map of Owen Royal Castle spread across the wooden table.

"A failure, then..."

He had even twisted the spatial coordinates to guarantee a complete wipeout, yet Chaos had never taken form. Not a single human had died, let alone Raon. It was a perfect failure — there was nothing more to say.

"A failure, you said?"

Jeokgwisa whipped around to stare at Tatcheon, eyes wide. He gripped the edge of the table as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Don't tell me Glenn Zieghart..."

"No. It was Raon Zieghart. He erased the yin and yang energies before Chaos could form."

Tatcheon lifted his hand with languid grace. Light and darkness writhed into being above his palm.

"He should have only seen it when I fought Glenn, and yet he grasped the flow of Chaos. As expected, he's no ordinary man."

"That's the most terrifying thing about him."

Jeokgwisa nodded heavily.

"Even when he came at me, his skill changed by the day. He doesn't possess threatening martial power yet, but it won't be long before he climbs even higher."

Before the branch had collapsed, Raon had come at him every single day with his sword flying, demanding a fight — and every time, he displayed martial power that seemed to belong to a different person entirely. Jeokgwisa had seen countless martial artists, but that kind of insane growth rate was a first.

"Growth rate..."

Tatcheon turned with a faint smile. The sun had sunk below the horizon, and darkness had settled over the sea.

Soul-Severing Sword stood gazing at the water, his posture unchanged from before in the slightest.

"What will you do? If you're going to eliminate him, sooner is better."

Jeokgwisa looked at Tatcheon with sunken eyes. Raon Zieghart's growth was unpredictable. If they meant to kill him, the decision had to be made without hesitation.

"Unfortunately, we don't have that kind of leeway. We've expended quite a bit recently."

Tatcheon slowly shook his head and lifted his gaze.

"Let's look just a little further ahead."

He regarded the moon-risen sky over the beach and gently closed his eyes. His fingers flicked as if savoring a piece of music. When they opened again, a gleam of a different color sparkled in each pupil.

"We'll have to change how we handle Raon."

"What do you mean..."

Tatcheon's lips ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠curled into a thin smile.

"It seems he'll help our cause after all."

The heat-edge of Red Flash shattered Borini Kitten's longsword like a pane of glass. The searing heat that followed turned the arena into a furnace.

Even with his blade broken, the light in Borini Kitten's eyes did not die. Clutching the halved longsword, he charged across the heat-shimmering arena.

From the broken blade erupted the most brilliant light yet. Ganggi burst forth like a flash of lightning, aiming straight for Raon's throat.

Raon did not let his momentum falter. He dropped his knees and waist like a swallow in flight, then swept the lowered Heavenly Sky Sword upward.

Unextinguished flames flowed along the crescent of the blade and tore apart, without mercy, the Ganggi Borini Kitten had poured out with the last of his strength.

Borini Kitten's sword crumbled to powder without even a hilt remaining, and the bright silver armor that had been his pride twisted and tore away.

Raon whirled the Heavenly Sky Sword to disperse the heat filling the arena, so that no further damage would be done.

"Hoo..."

Borini Kitten stripped off the shredded armor and let out a long breath.

"I lose."

He acknowledged his defeat and bowed at the waist.

"There's something rather satisfying about losing after giving everything you have."

True to his word, Borini Kitten's eyes were clear. It was the look of a man who had poured out every last drop and felt all the better for it.

"I learned a great deal."

Raon smiled and bowed in return.

"No. I was the one who learned more."

Borini Kitten shook his head. Not a trace of selfishness showed in his eyes.

"Q-Quarterfinals, Match One! The winner is the Frost-Flower Sword Hero, Raon Zieghart!"

The announcer, who had been waiting for his cue, climbed onto the arena and bellowed the result of the duel.

"Woooooooo!"

"Raon! Raon! Raon!"

"I believed in you, Frost-Flower Sword Hero!"

"That's what a real martial ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠artist looks like!"

"I'll support you for life! Raon Zieghart!"

The spectators roared Raon's name until the arena itself seemed to shake. Everyone raised their voices at once, loud enough that a ringing filled the ears.

Raon looked down at the leaders of the Six Kings seated below the arena.

"Mm."

Glenn gave him a small nod. For a man so sparing with expression, that was as good as saying he was satisfied.

"A magnificent duel."

"You're properly insane too. A handsome lunatic!"

"Both of you had the bearing of true martial artists."

King Lecross applauded. Chamber cackled. Ogram wore a broad, pleased smile.

"I feel as though I've been treated to a feast for the eyes."

Derus was smiling as well. To anyone else it would have looked like genuine enjoyment. In truth, it was nothing but a mask. Right now the man was too busy swallowing the rage boiling up inside him.

Damn Robert...

Memories of his previous life rose unbidden.

While Raon had stained both hands with blood and filth in the dark, Derus had basked in the people's cheers in the light. While Raon had killed those who defied House Robert from the shadows, Derus had saved people and earned the epithet Heavenly Sword Saint. While Raon had raided magnates to raise funds, stealing money and information, Derus had released grain and been praised as a benevolent ruler.

While Raon and the Shadows had worked themselves to death, Derus had grown his power, piled up his fame — and then boiled the hunting dog that had made those achievements possible in a cauldron.

Trash that could not be forgiven, not in death, and not in a second life.

The power and fame you gained because of me. I'll take every last bit of it.

Raon looked at Derus's smile and bit down hard on the inside of his cheek.

This is only the beginning.

The real revenge hadn't even started. Tomorrow he would smash the man's son Cadis to pieces, and only then would he be standing at the starting line.

"You have my thanks."

Raon wrapped his true thoughts tight and bowed to the leaders of the Six Kings, Derus included.

"Sir Raon."

Just as he was about to leave the arena, Borini Kitten called out to him. He had attached not only "swordsman" but the honorific as well.

"Yes?"

"Would you wait a moment?"

As a man with a liege, he could not decide such things on his own. He approached King Lecross, spoke with him briefly, then returned to the arena.

"Sir Raon."

Borini Kitten came forward, dropped to one knee, and bowed his head.

"Pardon?"

Raon's eyes went round at the unexpected turn.

"What are you saying right now..."

"In dueling you, Sir Raon, I came to understand three things. In return for awakening this unworthy man, I will stake my life to grant your requests."

Borini Kitten lifted his face. His expression was as bright as if the sun had risen again.

"Three things?"

"The first — that saving people is never a matter of timing. The second — that you showed me what a true martial artist is. And the last — that even encouraging an enemy can be of help."

He smiled as he unfolded his fingers one by one.

"In truth, setting all of that aside, the fact that you saved my life and the lives of everyone here would be reason enough to follow you for the rest of my days. But I already have a liege to whom I have pledged my life, so I ask your understanding."

"Mm..."

Raon narrowed his eyes. Borini Kitten was a knight whose future was even more promising than his present. Being able to call on him three times was a gain no treasure could replace.

"His Majesty has already given his permission. Please accept it."

Borini Kitten bowed his head again. The conversation he had just had with King Lecross must have been about this very oath.

He actually allowed this...

King Lecross, it seemed, had taken a considerable liking to him.

What are you doing?

Wrath popped out of the ice-flower bracelet, scowling.

That's free labor! Accept it this instant!

True to his nature as a cotton-candy with no head for anything but a bargain, the creature loved anything that came free.

Hold on.

Raon shook his head, stepped forward, and met Borini Kitten's eyes.

"May I ask you one thing?"

"Anything."

"What if I asked you for something that violates a knight's honor — no, something a human being in human skin could not do? Why would you swear an oath like that?"

He was genuinely curious. He had only been trying to get under Derus's skin, and receiving Borini Kitten's oath felt like more than he had bargained for.

"Because you just said that."

"Pardon?"

"This may sound arrogant, but if I swore to grant someone's requests, most people would be too busy accepting the oath to think of anything else. They could decide what to ask later. The first priority would be taking it."

Borini Kitten lifted his head with a gentle smile.

"But you didn't take the oath. You worried about a knight's honor first. That is exactly why I decided I could trust you."

He struck his own chest with his right fist.

"I ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠believe that you would never ask me to abandon my humanity, or the path of a knight. Please accept my oath."

Raon let out a thin breath and closed his eyes.

He's saying all that, so take it already! When This King was in the Demon Realm, brutes like him came running in droves, but your popularity is garbage...

Go away.

It was going to turn into a lecture, so Raon shoved Wrath back.

I still don't know about this.

He had never intended to move Borini Kitten. He had only provoked the man in order to grow stronger, and this was where it had led.

Even so, the words I trust you had warmed something in his chest. It was the first time he had been given that kind of faith by someone he had only just met.

Raon settled his heart and opened his eyes.

"I accept."

He met Borini Kitten's gaze.

"I'll swear as well. I will never ask anything that would stain your honor. Sir Borini Kitten."

"I will trust you. Sir Raon."

Raon held out his hand. He took Borini Kitten's and drew him to his feet.

"Wooooooo!"

"That's a martial artist's fight, and that's a martial artist's friendship!"

"Magnificent!"

"Spear-Point Sword! Spear-Point Sword!"

"Frost-Flower Sword Hero!"

The crowd erupted once more, roaring the names of Raon and Borini Kitten.

Raon raised a hand in answer to their cheers and left the arena. He looked in turn at Derus, who was forcing a smile, and at Borini Kitten, who was smiling from the heart, and clicked his tongue.

I still don't know people, or the world.

Correct. Your mockery is at Demon King level, but your humanity is worse than This King's...

You be quiet.

Even after all the quarterfinals had concluded, the only names on people's lips were Raon and Borini Kitten. It was as if that Master-level duel had turned the entire tournament into a stage for the two of them alone.

Glenn smiled at the clamor filling the training grounds. His beloved grandson's name was being spoken everywhere — and only in the best possible terms. His mood lifted of its own accord.

I'll have to restrain myself.

He had been about to have Roen assassinate the spectators who'd been talking nonsense about Raon, but he was in too good a mood, so he decided to let it go.

"Let us return..."

"I'm coming too!"

Just as Glenn was about to take Sheryl and Roen to the infirmary where Raon would be, Rimer leapt down from the spectator seats.

"Where the hell have you been this whole time?"

Sheryl shot Rimer a sidelong glare. She looked ready to hit him if he didn't answer properly.

"Heheh. Surely you weren't gambling again..."

Roen laughed softly, but a sharp glint flashed through his eyes.

"Come on, no way."

Rimer shook his head fast.

"Everyone might not know this, but the number one contributor to spreading Raon's name right now is me."

He grinned and raised a finger.

"If I hadn't pushed Raon, the Chaos Tatcheon unleashed would've wiped this whole place out, you know?"

"......"

Glenn stared at Rimer for a long moment, then turned and headed toward the infirmary.

"What a load of crap."

Sheryl clicked her tongue at Rimer. Her expression was pity itself.

"That's it. From now on you're getting beaten by me until you fly."

"I'm serious! Lord Roen! You believe me, right, Lord Roen?"

"Heheh. I must follow the Patriarch."

Roen bowed politely and followed after Glenn.

"Help my ass! You were obviously off gambling! If I searched your pockets I'd find dozens of betting slips. You're not getting off easy today..."

"Heavenly Sword Squad Leader."

Just as Sheryl was about to clobber Rimer, Glenn turned back.

"Let us be going."

"Yes? Yes!"

Sheryl tilted her head and fell in behind Glenn. She narrowed her eyes, as if the order had caught her off guard.

"Hoo..."

Once everyone had gone, Rimer let out a sigh.

"That was close."

He grinned down at the betting slips stuffed in his coat.

"Almost had them all confiscated."

After having his waist treated in the infirmary, Raon headed for the training ground. The empty yard was steeped in darkness, but the moonlight was bright enough that moving was no trouble.

He walked to the center of the training ground and drew the Heavenly Sky Sword with a quiet schring.

Don't tell me...

Wrath swallowed dryly and lifted his head.

You're going to train again?

Why ask the obvious.

Raon nodded at once.

If you've learned, you have to review.

Facing Martis and Borini Kitten today had raised not only his Mad Fang Sword and Snow Wind Sword Art, but even his achievements in the Artful Sword and the Orthodox Sword. If he went to sleep without confirming that growth, the skill he had so painstakingly built would slip away.

It's gone past tedious. This King is sick of you now...

Wrath shook his head and sighed.

Doing the tedious things well is how you become an outstanding martial artist.

That's not the point, you insufferable brat!

He bellowed, then scowled and settled onto Raon's shoulder, wearing the look of someone too tired even to talk.

I'll only go until Dorian brings them.

Them?

Raon didn't answer. He brought the Heavenly Sky Sword down. The savage yet keen forms of the Mad Fang Sword split the night air.

Good.

As his achievements in the Artful Sword and Orthodox Sword had risen, sharpness and precision had settled into the Mad Fang Sword, which had once been a beast with its leash thrown off. A ghastly killing edge surged from every stroke of the blade.

The bigger change is in the Snow Wind Sword Art.

The Snow Wind Sword Art, which he had trained alone and which had lacked real combat, had sprouted ghastly fangs of its own. A keen blade that would bite into an enemy's flow and sever it carved itself deep into the training ground.

And this isn't the end. I can still go further.

Raon unfolded the Mad Fang Sword and the Snow Wind Sword Art in succession, then lowered his blade. He was smiling with satisfaction when a small sparrow flew down from a tree and landed on the spine of his sword.

"This little..."

He remembered hearing that wild animals approached the sword of a swordsman who had reached a high realm, because a naturalness clung to the blade.

Have I reached that realm?

He should still have been a long way off. He didn't even know what a natural sword was, so the thought felt strange — and yet it pleased him a little.

"So training at this hour was worth..."

"Well done."

Just as a faint smile touched his lips, the sparrow cocked its head and opened its beak, and a human voice came out.

"Ah..."

Raon's mouth fell open. That way of speaking told him who it was in an instant. He threw up an energy barrier at once so that no sound would leak out.

"M-Merlin?"

"You recognize me so well now."

Merlin laughed, bright and bubbling, through the sparrow's beak.

"Didn't you leave?"

"You're in danger. Where exactly did you think I would go?"

She turned her head the other way, as if asking why he would pose such an obvious question.

Haaahk!

Wrath flinched at the sight of Merlin, his whole body trembling.

The m-madwoman! A genuine madwoman! The blade of obsession is stuck in her skull!

He swallowed dryly and hid himself inside the ice-flower bracelet.

"Shaving away the mana before Chaos could complete — a perfect response. It was beautiful."

"Ha..."

His head started to hurt. He had thought that after a greeting like that she would be gone for a while. Instead she had shown up immediately — and as a sparrow, no less. It was absurd.

She really was a woman beyond all understanding.

"You even earned the trust of Borini Kitten and King Lecross. I'd call that the best possible outcome."

Merlin grinned and grinned in the sparrow's body. That it could be cute and bone-chilling at the same time was a truly remarkable experience.

"Tatcheon won't be able to move recklessly now. You really worked hard."

"How long have you been watching?"

"From beginning to end. I'm always watching over you."

"Ugh..."

Goosebumps rose along his forearms at her gentle voice.

"Watching your fight through this child, I can't last much longer."

The wings of the sparrow that held Merlin trembled.

"I'll be looking forward to watching you soar even higher."

She lifted a shaking wing in a final farewell. Even so, he had the uneasy feeling she would be back again before long.

"Oh, share some grain with this child. That was the promise, after all."

"Why do you keep making me keep your promises..."

Chirp.

He had been about to argue, but the soul had already been swapped back. The sparrow looked up at him with dark little eyes, bounced up onto the spine of the sword, and cocked its head. The look on its face said, Hand over the grain already.

"Haa..."

He sighed and dropped his head — and that was when the training ground door opened and Dorian came in.

"Vice Squad Leader. You called. They'll be here soon."

"Perfect timing."

Raon put on an awkward smile and gestured Dorian over.

"You wouldn't happen to have any grain, would you?"

"Grain? Of course I do!"

Dorian beamed and pulled ten cylinders from his belly pouch.

"What'll it be? Barley, rice, millet, beans, sorghum, wheat, corn? I've got more, just say the word!"

"I'm exhausted..."

Raon let out a short breath. Between Merlin appearing whenever she pleased and Dorian carrying every object in existence, he was starting to feel worn out by both of them.

"This little one needs to eat, so could you pick some out?"

Raon pointed at the sparrow. He had heard before that birds liked feed made of millet and sorghum, but he had no idea what this particular sparrow preferred, so he had asked for everything.

"You're going to feed this little guy!"

Dorian looked at the sparrow, which had already hopped up onto Raon's hand, opened the cylinders, and took out all the grain. He spread it in a row across a table and built a buffet.

Chirp!

The sparrow fluttered ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠its wings and happily sampled the grains it wanted from the buffet.

"Hehehe. This little guy's adorable, isn't he?"

Dorian was giggling at the sparrow, which had flopped over with a round, full belly, when the training ground door opened without a sound.

Raon looked back and smiled a cold smile.

"You've come."