Chapter 16
“Ah.”
So, marrying the prince is supposed to strengthen the bond.
‘Not that I have the slightest intention of that.’
“In that case, I’ll assign memorizing the royal family tree as homework. The social season is approaching soon, so it would be good to know at least that much.”
“Social season?”
“Nobles engage in various exchanges in the capital, and September, when the founding festival is held, is a typical social season. The royal family also hosts parties during this time.”
September would be just after the heir issue had been settled.
“Then will I be participating too?”
“The royal family will send an invitation. Whether the Duke accepts it or not is another matter.”
“You can refuse an invitation from the royal family?”
“If it’s Ashinov, yes.”
A simple, straightforward answer.
“Then that concludes today’s lesson. Don’t forget your homework.”
The royal family tree was simpler than expected, so Jeddin’s homework was easily completed.
The emperor had two sons and one daughter: first Prince Dilton, second Prince Roaz, and Princess Iela.
Officially, all were children of the empress, but it seemed to be a public secret that the second prince was illegitimate, born to a common dancer.
The “boy of the same age” Jeddin mentioned was probably this second prince.
Prince Roaz was fifteen, two years older than me.
‘The age fits perfectly.’
Furthermore, he had been pushed aside early on due to his elder brother being the crown prince. His best future prospects were probably being given a modest title and sent to the countryside, or becoming a son-in-law of a respectable family.
And if the family he married into was someone like Ashinov, that would be a huge advantage.
‘The social season is in September, right?’
Curious if the Duke would accept the emperor’s invitation, I asked Marina, but she said the servants hadn’t received word yet.
‘Then I’ll just ask myself.’
I set down the royal family tree I had been studying and headed toward the Duke’s office.
On the way, there was a training ground where the Mist Knights practiced. Usually empty, it was unusually noisy today.
Peeking in out of curiosity, Hedin explained.
“They’re having a duel, it seems.”
“A duel?”
“Yes. During the social season, a tournament is held in the capital. Knights from various houses compete to determine superiority.”
“But we don’t even know if we’re going to the capital yet.”
“True. But regardless of the Duke’s decision, the knight order participates in the tournament. Since the Mist Knights first joined, they’ve never lost the championship.”
Listening to Hedin proudly, I quietly moved closer to the training ground. Since Hedin didn’t stop me, it seemed harmless to watch.
As I approached, the commotion grew louder. Knights were seated on both sides, whistling or cheering for their favored participants.
‘But the result seems obvious.’
Previously, it would have been difficult to predict, but now, having recovered some strength from the elixir, I could easily tell.
The brown-haired knight on the left seemed superior—faster movements and sharper observation.
“Ugh!”
Just as I expected. The brown-haired knight parried his opponent’s sword and pointed his blade at his neck, prompting surrender. Cheers erupted from his supporters.
“Well done!”
“Keep that momentum!”
However, the brown-haired knight’s next opponent was no pushover.
“Oh? That’s Theon?”
“Yes. The captain can participate in the duel too.”
“…Captain?”
I hadn’t heard that before. My confused expression caused Hedin to widen his eyes in surprise.
“Didn’t you know? The young master is the captain of the Mist Knights.”
“I had no idea…”
“Then what did you think he did?”
“A pleasure-seeking aristocrat?”
“…On the surface, yes.”
Hedin nodded with a look that admitted he couldn’t argue, so I turned back to the training ground.
“But Theon is a Sword Master. Isn’t it unfair for him to participate?”
“In the tournament, they cannot use aura. To prevent injuries, victories are determined purely by physical skill and swordsmanship. So it’s not a violation.”
Even without using aura, though, isn’t he a Sword Master? The outcome was predictable—it would be Barateon’s victory.
“But Hedin isn’t participating?”
I looked at Hedin. Not a Sword Master, but from what I observed, he was strong enough.
‘Just barely at the threshold of a Sword Master?’
The stage right before becoming a Sword Master—this was the hardest part. Once that hurdle is crossed, one can grow immensely, but it’s no easy feat. Most people give up before reaching it.
‘If someone could just give him the right insight, he could easily become a Sword Master.’
But everyone faces different challenges, so a Sword Master cannot easily give that insight to someone else.
“I think Hedin could face Theon,” I said.
Based on the no-aura rule, he could try.
“That’s too much praise. Besides, I am your guard. If we go to the capital, I must stay by your side.”
“What? You’re giving up just because of me?”
I exclaimed in surprise. To not even participate for that reason!
Hedin awkwardly smiled at my reproachful tone.
“Well…”
“Hmm?”
It wasn’t just Hedin who reacted—my voice had drawn the attention of the knights as well. Feeling awkward under their collective gaze, I waved sheepishly.
“Ah, hello…”
“You little one!”
Theon, preparing for the duel, dropped his practice sword and approached me.
“What brings you here?”
“I was on my way to see my grandfather, but the training ground was noisy. I didn’t mean to disturb the duel.”
“Disturb? Nonsense.”
Theon smiled but paused, frowning when he noticed dirt on my clothes.
“Can’t let your clothes get dirty.”
“Wow, Theon. When did you become so considerate?”
“I know enough about that!”
Behind Theon, the knights’ gazes were intense. All eyes sparkled as they looked at me.
‘S-so much pressure!’
Avoiding their eyes, I met Hedin’s gaze and remembered something.
“That’s right, Theon!”
“Hm?”
“Let Hedin participate in the duel too!”
“But Hedin said he couldn’t because he’s your guard.”
“I’m here, so it doesn’t matter. If Hedin is selected, someone else can guard me only in the capital.”
“That’s true…”
Barateon glanced at Hedin, as if asking his consent. Hedin looked at me, hesitant. I glared and sent a clear signal: Participate!
“…If the lady says so.”
Hedin entered the training ground with a slightly heavy expression and picked up the practice sword Theon had tossed aside.
“The winner between the two of you will face me,” Barateon explained. Clearly, he was the strongest in the knight order, and no one disputed it.
“Shall we begin?”
The brown-haired knight nodded, and Hedin assumed his stance.
Thus began the duel…
‘What is this?’
I was astonished. Hedin’s skill was remarkable—balance, speed, strength, and flexibility were all excellent.
‘Yes, he’s great…’
Yet his movements felt textbook-like, predictable.
‘I can anticipate his moves.’
He won against the brown-haired knight, but even Hedin himself didn’t look satisfied.
“Is it my turn now?”
Seeing the result, Barateon stepped into the training ground.
“Watch closely, little one!”
Barateon, exuding confidence, easily overpowered Hedin in under five minutes.
“I yield,” Hedin said with a smile.
Barateon shot me a See that? glance, but my attention was on Hedin.
‘I think I know the problem.’
He couldn’t break free from the mold. He had set limits for himself.
For such a person, if someone could break the mold for them, they could grow far beyond what they believed was their limit.
‘But breaking it isn’t easy.’
It was hard to advise directly, as it involved a knight’s pride.
‘Hmmm…’
“Facing the young master is tough, even without aura, I see,” Hedin said with a smile.
It would be difficult to beat Barateon, but he could perform better in duels.
‘I want to help.’
Hedin saved me from the water—he’s my benefactor. If I just nudged him a bit, he could surpass his limits.
‘But how should I help?’
After a moment, I thought of a good approach.
‘This method might work!’
For it, I would need the Duke’s help.
‘Perfect timing, since I’m on my way to see him.’
“Let’s go, Hedin,” I said, smiling, as I grabbed his arm and pulled him along.
