Chapter 15: Swordsman lessonship (1)

Let’s revisit Sion’s goals at this point.

She is fundamentally an ambitious person.

To be precise, she is not so much driven by a desire for wealth or power as she is focused on the act of “rising” itself.

She constantly seeks opportunities or methods to climb higher than her current position, and she derives immense satisfaction when she achieves something through her own devised means.

In a way, she is a workaholic.

This trait has been with her since her previous life.

Sien, who was merely a mid-level demon at best, was able to rise to the position of a ruler over an entire race because of this ambition.

He always strives to become a better version of himself than he is now, and he does not shy away from any effort or radical steps to achieve that.

It was this drive that allowed him to ascend to a position of supreme power.

For someone like Sion, if she were to summarize her current life at the academy in one phrase, it would be,

-“This is disgustingly boring.”

-“Is it really that bad? From what I hear, it sounds kind of interesting.”

-“That’s because you’re an empty-headed fool who doesn’t know anything.”

-“Watch your tone!!!”

Exia, who had once again transformed into a sword (during class, it was impossible to bring along a maid, so she had to be released unwillingly—Sion still didn’t want to let this ticking time bomb loose), squealed telepathically.

Slightly frowning at the voice, Sion continued speaking.

-“No, it’s seriously boring…

Everything they teach is stuff I already know, so staying awake without falling asleep was the hardest part.”

Anatolia’s mandatory classes consist of six subjects. Language, mathematics, history, ethics, magic studies, and swordsmanship.

Among them, it would be more surprising if Sion couldn’t keep up with language and mathematics, given her intellect.

Ethics is merely a course in common courtesy, so there was nothing to study in the first place.

As for magic studies, it was more like the professors here should be bowing and attending her lectures instead.

History was somewhat better, but since it was a subject for underclassmen, the depth was extremely shallow.

Just by skimming through the textbook during class, she had already grasped all the material that would be covered this semester.

-“Out of six subjects, five are duds. How could I not be disappointed?”

-“Well, the classes are meant for 15-year-olds, after all. It’s only natural that an adult like you would find them inadequate.”

-“That’s the problem.”

If Sion were the type with little ambition, she might have been flattered by being hailed as a genius with a mature mind.

But Sion wasn’t that kind of person.

She needed to be making progress every second, every minute, every hour to climb higher.

For someone like her, life here was nothing but a waste of time—nothing more, nothing less.

-“Why did Mana shove me into a place like this…?”

Sion rested her chin in her hand and drifted into thought.

Mana was wise.

Even in her previous life, she was the only one in their group who could converse with her on the same intellectual level, and their way of thinking and their wavelengths matched quite well.

She had confirmed during their last meeting that her intellect had not diminished even after 500 years.

It was she who had recommended Sion to enroll in the academy, assuring that it would greatly benefit her.

But no matter how much Sion pondered, she still couldn’t figure out the reason.

-“If you think about it normally, isn’t it just to build connections? This place is where the children of the world’s elite gather, after all.”

-“I suppose that’s what I think too…”

Sion glanced around.

One of the groups of students within her line of sight suddenly shuddered.

They began to glance nervously at her, and soon after, they shifted their positions to avoid her gaze.

Their actions resembled those of squirrels hiding upon spotting a predator.

-“As you can see, this is the kind of atmosphere I’m dealing with.”

“Well, you brought it upon yourself.”

Exia stated coldly.

Did she really expect to make friends after radiating an aura of intimidation ever since the entrance ceremony?

Sion crossed her arms and spoke.

“No, for the record, I didn’t exactly expect anything different. In fact, I anticipated this to some extent.”

“You anticipated it? Why?”

“The more people I associate with, the higher the chance that my secrets will be exposed.”

Sion never overestimates herself.

She strives to act rationally in all matters and usually succeeds, but that doesn’t mean she’s free from making mistakes.

There are times when she makes critical errors that lead to disastrous outcomes.

And given her preference for meticulously crafted plans, any deviation can have severe consequences.

Just like what happened in Krimvaltz long ago.

‘Thinking about it still makes me cringe. Better to push that memory aside.’

Sion let out a groan.

The point is, she’s not a perfect being.

No matter how much she minimizes the chances of her secrets being discovered, if you roll the dice enough times, eventually, you’ll roll a one.

To prevent such mishaps, the best strategy is to reduce the number of dice being rolled.

In other words, she’s a voluntary loner.

-“So, my lack of sociability is actually the optimal survival strategy, derived after thoroughly considering all the conditions. Got it?”

-“Ah, yes, yes. If you say so.”

Exia responded with a dismissive tone.

Well, whatever, if that’s what makes her happy. If she says so, then so be it.

Meanwhile, as Sion exuded an aura so formidable that no one dared to approach her, there was one person who remained completely unaffected by it.

“Sionnnnn~~~ Did you enjoy the class? How was it??”

“Ah, Princess.”

Isabella, who clung to her like glue during every break, was probably another reason why others found it difficult to approach Sion.

After all, she made her claim on Sion quite clear in front of everyone.

Isabella crossed her arms behind her head and said, “Honestly, I found it boring. It was all stuff I learned at home from my tutor anyway. Didn’t you feel the same?”

“Well… A little, I suppose?”

In truth, it was more than just a little, but she decided to feign modesty for now, so sshe agreed half-heartedly.

Isabella nodded and smiled, as if to say, “Right?”

“What’s the next class?”

“According to the schedule, it’s swordsmanship.”

Sion replied after checking the schedule she had tucked into the first page of her notebook.

Swordsmanship had been considered an essential noble art and a mandatory form of self-defense even during her lifetime.

Judging by its inclusion in the core curriculum, it seemed that 500 years later, not much had changed.

“Swordsmanship, huh… If it’s something physical, it might be a bit less boring.”

“I hope so. But then again, it could just be something basic, like swinging a wooden sword 100 times.”

But even in that case, at least it would be some form of training.

It would certainly pass the time better than sitting idly in class.

Sion genuinely hoped to escape from the stifling classroom and head to the training grounds.

And then, the much-anticipated swordsmanship class arrived.

“Pair up in two.”

The swordsmanship instructor, Brad Alger, chanted the command like a spell of doom.

A ripple of anxiety quickly spread among the students.

It was only natural, considering they had just entered the school that morning.

Unless they had enrolled with a friend of the same age or were among the rare few who were naturally outgoing, it was unlikely that anyone had already formed close bonds.

However, Brad, showing no concern for these circumstances, urged the students forward.

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up and pair off.”

His gaze, which was quite intimidating, compelled the students to reluctantly pair up with whoever was nearby, though the atmosphere remained awkward.

Meanwhile, in Sion’s case…

“Sister~ You’re going to pair with me, right?”

Before anyone else could make a move, Isabella quickly intervened, grabbing her hand without hesitation.

A few boys who had been lingering nearby flinched at the sight and turned their heads away.

Most of them had been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to partner with Sion.

In the classroom, it was hard to approach her without a good reason, but this was different.

But it was too late.

Isabella smirked at them, and in the next moment, her expression returned to one of cheerful enthusiasm as she spoke again.

“Now then, let’s enjoy another lovely date together-“

“Hold on a second!”

At that moment, a voice interrupted from the side.

Isabella frowned and turned her head.

Who dared to interfere with the First Princess of Salem’s intentions? Did they really want to taste the wrath of her power?

However, upon seeing who had spoken, Isabella’s expression immediately became complicated.

“L-Lancia…?”

“It’s been a while, Princess.”

The voice’s owner bowed politely.

Her first impression was one of discipline.

Her long black hair, which reached down to her waist, flowed smoothly, her attire was impeccably neat, and her red eyes, which stared directly at Isabella, were unwavering.

She was like a perfectly sharpened blade.

“I apologize, but may I have the honor of receiving instruction from this person today? Please, I ask for your permission.”

“Uh, uh… sure…”

For some reason, Isabella stammered and took a step back, looking flustered.

Sion tilted her head in confusion at her unusual reaction.

The Isabella she knew was the type who was bold, possessive, and full of arrogance. She wasn’t someone who would easily yield to others…

Sion turned her gaze toward Lancia.

Who was this girl, to make a princess of an entire nation back down?

“Are you the one they call the new master of the famed Holy Sword Exia, Sion?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Upon hearing Sion’s reply, Lancia’s eyes burned even more intensely.

With unmistakable hostility.

“My name is Lancia de Granfil. I humbly request to learn from the esteemed Hero.”

With that declaration, Lancia swiftly drew her wooden sword.

Granfil? Granfil… where have I heard that name before…?

As Sion stood there, not responding, Isabella hurriedly leaned in and whispered to her.

“She’s your brother’s fiancée. The eldest daughter of the Duke of Granfil.”

“Ah…”

At last, Sion understood the situation, including why the girl before her was brimming with resolve.

The fact that Martin had a crush on the Hero was no secret within the royal palace.

He would avert his gaze in embarrassment whenever they crossed paths, and despite having known Sion for over seven years, he was still too shy to talk to her properly.

Of course, rumors had long since spread throughout high society as well.

How would the original fiancée feel, being forced to endure such rumors?

“Now I understand why the princess couldn’t speak up forcefully.”

Sion thought as she watched Isabella, who had taken a step back and was now whistling innocently as if nothing were happening.

While Isabella’s social rank might be higher, this was a matter of love and jealousy. Intervening clumsily could result in being badly burned by the flames of a lover’s quarrel.

Isabella must have instinctively sensed this danger and retreated.

Moreover, it seemed that the other girl had come fully prepared, with her proverbial sword sharpened.

“You’re not going to dodge, are you, Hero?”

Sion stared at the girl provoking her.

So, what exactly did she want? Was this just a simple tantrum over her lover’s affections being directed elsewhere?

No, she didn’t seem like the type for petty outbursts…

“Well, when in doubt, it’s best to look into it directly.”

Sion secretly chanted a spell in her mind.

Detect Thoughts.

-Pop!

A thin thread of magic, visible only to Sion, formed between her and Lancia, resembling the transparent strand seen when connecting telepathically.

Through this thread, Lancia’s thoughts began to flow into Sion’s mind.

“Hero Sion. The one Lord Martin fell for at first sight, the hope of this generation…”

Her intense gaze remained fixed on Sion as she thought.

“Let me pit everything I’ve built up against her. If I lose, I’ll give up cleanly.”

Ah, so that’s what it was.

Sion nodded internally.

So, she was indeed as straightforward as she appeared.

She still had lingering feelings for her betrothed, who had fallen for someone else, but she didn’t want to keep him trapped.

Instead, she wanted to face a worthy defeat, to accept it gracefully and let go.

This was a typical mindset for a knight or a warrior—something Sion, as a demon, couldn’t quite understand.

“Why give up? If you want something, just take it by force if necessary.”

Sion thought, shaking her head slightly.

If it were her, she wouldn’t do that. She would find a way to obtain what she desired, even if it meant resorting to force. That was how demons lived.

Humans, however, were weak.

“No response? Are you refusing?”

 Lancia asked.

“Of course not.”

Having finished her thoughts, Sion quietly shook her head and picked up a wooden training sword.

“Well, there’s no reason to lose on purpose, so I’ll just fight and win.”

It didn’t seem like she was the type to hold a grudge over losing. On the contrary, she might be more offended if he went easy on her.

So, there was no reason to hold back.

“….!”

As she prepared to draw her sword, a sudden realization struck Sion like a jolt of electricity.

Wait. Is this really the best choice?

Is it really in my best interest to win against this girl right now?

“Hold on a second. Didn’t she say that if she loses, she’ll ‘give up’ on the prince? What does that mean?”

There was no need to overthink it. Since they were engaged, giving up could only mean one thing.

A broken engagement. Or something equivalent to it.

Sion couldn’t predict how Lancia planned to achieve this, but she must have some idea, given that she had prepared herself for this confrontation.

But that outcome would be highly problematic for Sion.

“No, it’s better if those two stay together.”

Although Sion found amusement in seeing Martin flustered, if asked whether she genuinely wanted to end up with Martin, the answer would be a resounding no.

Absolutely not, even if the sky were to fall.

As previously mentioned, Sion’s mind and spirit were male, and she was a heterosexual. Marriage was something she had no intention of considering, ever.

That was the reason she had put on that performance in front of Gasantius seven years ago.

But what if Lancia and Martin’s engagement were to be broken?

Things would become slightly more complicated for her. While the prophecy provided some defense, there was no telling how things might unfold.

The more Martin’s feelings leaned in one direction, the harder it would be to find another suitable match.

If their engagement were to break off and people started pressuring Sion with something like, “Now there’s no other option, so you should accept him…”

‘Disaster!’

Sion broke out in a cold sweat. It wasn’t time to relax at all! She had unknowingly stumbled into a major crisis!

Now is not the time to worry about pride.

In this battle, she must lose. That is the most rational choice to minimize risk. By any measure, that is the case.

However…

‘The problem is, I also can’t tarnish the title of “Hero” at the same time!’

She had already projected an image of an untouchable existence during the entrance ceremony.

But if Sion were to lose in swordsmanship to a noble lady, even if she came from a reputable family, the prestige would immediately be shattered.

The carefully crafted image of a hero being a figure beyond the clouds would collapse, and the value of the “Hero” brand would plummet.

That cannot be allowed to happen.

Otherwise, it would be like allowing the cockroaches, which had been carefully suppressed, to start crawling back out.

Given that thought, she couldn’t afford to lose or even tie. She had to win decisively and overwhelmingly.

Of course, this conclusion was entirely at odds with the condition of “must not win.”

‘Damn it.’

If she won, Lancia would give up on the prince. But if she failed to win, everything she had built so far would be in vain.

A perfect dilemma with no choice to be made. Either way would result in a major loss.

‘Think, Sien Lenos! Isn’t there something? A third way to overcome this predicament…?’

Her mind began to spin rapidly.